PPR 135

’all remember that scene from Grosse Pointe Blank where the Convenience store Clerk plays an Arcade port of Doom II throughout the film despite the fact that there is no such thing as a Doom II Arcade—isn’t it weird just how bad Hollywood is with Video games?

Like forget Video Game Adaptions for a second, when was the last time you saw an accurate depiction of a Video Game in a TV Show or Movie where it didn’t have the wrong controller or music used, or the character playing it swaying back and forth like a palm tree smacked with a dab of Ecstasy? It’s pretty hard right—why is that? The medium of Video Games is over forty years old and yet contemporary media still seems to have a flimsy grasp on even the most basic of elements to one of the most popular forms of entertainment, and we here to discuss why that is, and whether or not this shit has gotten any better in current media.

Before we has all that out though, we also get into our impressions of the latest PlayStation State of Play Direct, and our thoughts on the conclusion of Epic’s Legal Suit against Apple. Get ready to lounge with George, Ed, Andrew, and Sean as they get into the weird history of Video Game representation in TV Programs and Film in Episode 135 of Press Pause Radio! Also, before any of you get on your high horse to tell us we’re being a bunch of “Gatekeepy-Nerds” to record on such a topic, ask yourself one question: When’s the last time you saw a character read a book upside down in a TV Programs and Film without it being some intentional plot point?

Mail us at our new email Mailbag@presspauseradio.com, leave a voicemail at 469-PPR-TALK, and be sure to stop by at our Forums if you haven’t already registered and post your thoughts about the show. Finally, make sure to rate and subscribe to us on iTunes and YouTube, follow us on Twitch page and Twitter, and finally take part in our Facebook and Steam group!

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Bullet Heaven, Episode M1 - Vritra

ini. Mobile. Shmups.

Welcome to Bullet Heaven M, the mini, snack-sized, on-the-go Bullet Heaven looking at Mobile and Handheld shooters for your phones, tablets and portable gaming systems. This Season 4 series will examine games that we just can't directly record for Bullet Heaven (PSP notwithstanding) in a shorter, concise format.

Didn't like it? Let me know where to improve, and Bullet Heaven M will evolve in turn!

In Episode M-1, we take a look at the 2012 iOS and Android release, Vritra, a side-scrolling shmup with dragons. Worth the $2? Watch to find out!

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Press Pause Radio Remembers Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, Apple Founder and Chairman (1955-2011)

Steve Jobs will be missed. Though his vision will live on through Apple, the world already feels like a darker place without him.

Jobs had many talents, including his charisma when pitching a product and his constant drive to redefine the meaning of "innovation" in our modern society. Without his confidence and determination to "wow" us all, MacBooks and iPods wouldn't have gone as far. Though Steve Wozniak played a giant roll in engineering the first Apple computers, it was Jobs who marketed the products with so much support and energy. Even Hewlett-Packard refused the original Apple, but Jobs found a way to make it work for his own new company; he simply knew how to speak to both the customers and shareholders alike.

Jobs redefined the way we view both computers and other consumer electronics. Portable gaming also underwent a major transformation, and Jobs' former roll at Apple played a hefty part in it all. For instance, many consumers are currently debating whether it's greater to go with dedicated handheld gaming devices (PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS) or simply play games on a single device like an iPhone. It was Jobs' leadership and management of the Apple empire that lead us to these debates, which only make us better by allowing us to move forward in the end. His attitude became that of society's, which continues to move at a faster pace during this digital era. Smartphones, tablets, and personal computers are just a few of the items revolutionized under Jobs' period at Apple.

He created products consumers loved, and never stopped changing how they enjoy them. It's uncertain what the future will hold for Apple and their influence in the world of gaming, but we can only hope for the best if the organization -- now under the guidance of former Apple COO Tim Cook -- continues to follow the same paths they did when under the guidance of Jobs.

So between loyal Apple followers and PC fans who thought your ideals were sometimes a tad wacky, you'll be missed. The world is now without one of the most innovative minds of its time, and we were lucky enough to have experienced your vision for a brighter tomorrow.

Rest in peace.

- Sean Bassinger, Managing Editor
  Press Pause Radio