Armor Goes Clank!

Friday, May 29, 2009

AGCExtra 29 May 29th 2009 (UCon Part 2 and Gaming News) (27:52)

Ben Balestra interviews a representative of Ye Olde Gaming Companye about their new RPG, Wayfarers, and the regular gang gives us gaming news cut from the upcoming episode!

Download 64kbps mp3 (12.7 MB)

Show links
UCon
Wayfarer (Ye Olde Gaming Companye)
Evil Hat Productions (Penny For My Thoughts)
Catalyst Game Labs
Looney Labs
Out of the Box
Atlas Games
Chill 3rd Edition Fund Raiser
Upper Deck
GenCon
Wizards of the Coast Customer Service (D&D Insider Questions)
Magic: The Gathering Planechaser (Wizards of the Coast)
Free RPG Day
Amethyst: Hearts of Chaos (Goodman Games)
Hero's Handbook: Immortal Heroes (Goodman Games)
Ludically (What's Missing, Dungeon Twister: Prison)
Triple Ace Games Savage Worlds Writing Competition
Tell WotC About Your Character (UK only)

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

AGC 103 May 16 2009 (4 Years and Over The Edge) (2:09:16)

With Mark Kinney, Carol Mags, and Ben Balestra. 4 years of AGC! Champaign Mishaps and Caviar... no, I'm not going to belabor the parody any more than that. Spoiler Free Star Trek thoughts, from those who had seen it at recording time. Mark's Birthday haul, including Swashbucklers of the 7 Skies. Origins Award nominees announced, as well as the Mensa Mind Game winners. Bioware and Green Ronin team up to bring us the Dragon Age RPG. Free Obsidian Twilight PDFs for giving blood? Supplements coming for Apocalypse Prevention Inc! Zero Fortitude needs reviews! Call for Origins coverage. Fringeworthy is back, in d20 Modern form! Interview with Bruce Sheffer about Fringeworthy. Mark talks Over The Edge! Convention Gaming Part III (and officially kicking off the Mags-The-Axe School of Game Mastering segment)! Origins Picks, a little feedback, and a new community!

Download 64kbps mp3 (59.1 MB)

Show links
Swashbucklers of the 7 Skies (Atomic Sock Monkey Press/Evil Hat)
2009 Origins Award Nominees
Mensa Mind Games Award Winners
Dragon Age: Origins (Bioware/Green Ronin) Go to "Game Info/Pen and Paper
Give Blood for Obsidian Twilight
Demon Codex: Lochs (Third Eye Games)
Zero Fortitude
Fringeworthy (Tri Tac Games)
Tri Tac Games Forums
Over The Edge (Atlas Games)
On The Edge (Atlas Games)
D-Total (Gamescience)
D-Total (Gamestation.net)
NachtMedia's Ning Site

Promos
The Game Master Show
Podictionary
The Canon Puncture Show

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)
Mark's Twitter
Carol's Twitter
Mags' Twitter
NachtMedia Twitter
Community

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

AGCExtra 28 May 11th 2009 (BashCon Junior and UCon Part 1) (23:42)

With Ben Balestra. Interviewing Ashley Ransberg about BASHCon Junior. Talking to Joe Saul about UCon (and a number of other topics).

Download 64kbps mp3 (10.8 MB)

Show links
BASHCon and BashCon Junior
UCon

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)

Saturday, May 02, 2009

AGC 102 May 2 2009 (A Little Spring Cleaning) (1:19:54)

With Mark Kinney, Carol and Mags. It's a little bit of make-up as the crew takes a break for a fortnight and Mark brings you selections from the backlog. Mark also (finally, very belatedly) mentions Monte Cook's return to RPGs with Dungeon-A-Day, as well as UK Games Expo and HyperiCon. The RPG Buffet tries out Scion: Demigod. Carol presents Wisdom of the Gamers: player absence. Mags presents part two of her convention GMing series. Some feedback cut from episode 100.

RPG Buffet Recipes:
CAJUN PORK CHOPS

Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 (1/2 inch thick) boneless pork chops
2 teaspoons olive oil

Directions

Place flour, paprika, sage, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large, resealable plastic bag. Place pork chops in the bag, seal, and shake to coat chops.
In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat for about 1 minute. Arrange chops in pan, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until pork chops are dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes per side

Download 64kbps mp3 (36.5 MB)

Show links
Monte Cook's Dungeon-a-Day
UK Games Expo
HyperiCon
Scion: Demigod (White Wolf Game Studio)
Gamemaster Hold Music
"I Was A Teenage Gamemaster" by Chris Pramas
Mr. Gone's White Wolf Character Sheets
S. John Ross's Big List of RPG Plots
The Net Book of Plots (various contributors)
Expeditious Retreat Press's 'Seeds' series of PDFs (DriveThruRPG.com)

Take the Gaming Podcast Listener Survey!

Promos
Podictionary
Return to Northmoor
Lovecratiana
RPGPodcasts.com
Nuketown Radio Active
Jack Wakes Up in stores soon!

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)
Mark's Twitter
Carol's Twitter
Mags' Twitter
NachtMedia Twitter

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

AGC 101 April 21 2009 (What Would Gamers Do?) (1:17:08)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, Mags, David Mattingly, and Chris from the Jesus Geeks podcast. Remembering Dave Arneson. The US Monopoly Championships. What the heck is a speed die? Oh, yeah, apparently there was some kind of minor news about pdfs as well. A glance through Goodman Games' Level Up. A look at Christian objections towards gaming, and religious games and themes in games. A little feedback, chatter on upcoming episodes, and Mark's talking about forum alternatives again. What are your favorite episode from the last year, because we might do this Ennies thing...

Download 64kbps mp3 (35.3 MB)

Show links
Wizards of the coast Dave Arneson statement
Pioneer Press article on Dave Arneson
Wall Street Journal coverage of Dave Arneson
Wizards Sues Pirates press release
ENWorld Interview with Wizards President Greg Leeds
Level Up (Goodman Games)
Cactus Game Design (Settles of Caanan, Redemption)
Dragonraid (Adventures For Christ)
Testament (Green Ronin)
Claymore
Sorcerer
Hero Games (Post-Apocalyptic Hero)
In Nomine
Scion (White Wolf)
Nobilis (Wikipedia)
Kill Puppies For Satan (Lumpley Games)
The Jesus Geeks Podcast
The Christian Gamers Guild
GenCon Christianity and Gaming Panel: Mike Stackpole explaining the history of the gaming stigma
GenCon Christianity and Gaming Panel: Gary Gygax explaining the Christian roots of D&D
Fans For Christ
Hollywood Jesus
GeekPreacher
The Dice Tower
NachtMedia Twitter
Blackwyrm Games
GenCon Twitter
IPR Twitter
DriveThruRPG Twitter
NachtMedia Twitter

Take the Gaming Podcast Listener Survey!

Promos
Jack Wakes Up, coming soon from Random House
The GutterSkypes
The Adventures of Indiana Jim

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)
Mark's Twitter
Carol's Twitter
Mags' Twitter
NachtMedia Twitter

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

RPG Podcast Survey

There is a big, massive survey in the works, with a bunch of gaming podcasters trying to learn a bit about our audience.

We encourage our listeners to go to http://spookyouthouse.com/survey and take the survey there.

Thanks!

Thursday, April 09, 2009

AGC 100 April 9 2009 (Bride of the Big Damn Review Show) (1:27:03)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, and Ben Balestra. Mags was taking some personal time this episode, look for her return and that of her series of Convention Gaming. Mark went to YottaQuest while in Cincinnati for Worldwide D&D Game Day and he reviews one of his purchases from there. Carol shares that "Secret Life of Girl Gamers" is coming back this month. In News, Geek Chic Roadshow and news about the uber game-table, the Sultan, as well as other goodies that don't require a second mortgage. Explanations about the odd blog posting and why listeners got an unexpected PDF with the 'Gestalt' review. Carol talks about 'Gestalt: The Hero Within'. Mark gives more Superhero goodness (or badness) with a review of 'Necessary Evil', a supplement for the Savage Worlds Explorers Edition system. Carol gives her two-bits on 'PC Pearls' from Goodman Games, and the importance of flour in your party (mmm, pancakes!). Mark gets to review 'Old Frontiers', published by Frontier Games and one he's been itching to review for awhile now. Ben Balestra talks about Metamorphosis Alpha. A salute to Andy Hallet. Feedback cut, and will go into an Extra. Mark's trip to YottaQuest after the end theme.

Download 64kbps mp3 (39.8 MB)

Show links
YottaQuest Fantasy Gaming, Cincinnati, Ohio
Geek Chic
BlackWyrm Games - Gestalt The Hero Within Check out their online store as 'Gestalt' is still 25% off!
Pinnacle Entertainment Group - Necessary Evil
Goodman Games - PC Pearls
Frontier Games - Old Frontiers
White Wolf, Changeling: The Lost, 'Dancers in the Dusk'
Game Cryer
Metamorphosis Alpha Home Page
Metamorphosis Alpha (Wikipedia)
NachtMedia Twitter

Promos
Kore RPG
This Modern Death
Weather Child

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Gestalt: The Hero Within

Author: Scott Bennie, Publisher: Black Wyrm Games (www.blackwyrm.com)

400 pages, retail price, HERO system: $49.95 – print, $24.95 – PDF.

400 pages, retail price, Mutants & Masterminds system: $39.95 – print, $19.95 – PDF.

Currently on sale for 25% off at Black Wyrm Games

Full Disclaimer: Members of the All Games Considered podcast know, and have gamed with, some of the staff of Black Wyrm Games.

Note: Blogger is blocked at my Day-Job, so I'm posting this via email. Any formatting issues I will fix as soon as I get a chance - Carol.

Archetypes are such because they have a collective resonance with us. As the gamer-geek era has evolved, more of those archetypes are getting expressed through the Superhero genre. Our books are graphic novels; our movies are CGI spectaculars of the four-color tales brought to life and our games: video-, online, and tabletops, have gamemasters and players saving the world: tights and capes are optional.

"Gestalt" overall is a superbly designed book. The fiction at the front of the book is hauntingly beautiful, drawing you right in. It then goes into world theme, mechanics for character creation, world history, example characters, common archetypes, the alien angle, the rest of the world, campaign meta-events, running a campaign, a starting adventure, and finally – every GM's friend – the plot seeds. Though, I have to say there are enough seeds in each of the preceding chapters that this last chapter is pure icing.

This setting shows that we're not just playing a four-color, two-dimensional expression of an emotion or an aspect. We're playing a character with human responsibilities and desires, fighting against the drive of an archetype that needs and demands expression.

Chapter 1 outlines the chapters and then goes into what separates this world from ours, and ultimately, from other superhero settings. The Gestalt Dimension is where the elements of the collective unconscious reside, making nothing irrelevant. Every concept has a meaning and possibly a champion out in the world. There are three basic types of Gestalts (with rarer ones explained in the next chapter): Pure, Bonded and Chain. More than one person can represent a concept (there are several "Strongmen" and "Weather" gestalts for example).

All Gestalts get an emotional rush when using their powers to champion their archetype, are drawn to situations where they can accomplish that, and should the GM include it – have dire results to the collective unconscious should something happen to the character.

Chapter 2 goes into character creation and suggests that while your PCs aren't uber – they can be mythic – with room for growth. There is an entire section about power levels and what is appropriate for the game and the players, and includes the "Beyond" characters that are only meant to be NPCs. Mechanically, there are limits on key statistics, defenses, and the amount of damage one can deal. There are also limits on what powers and disadvantages fit with the archetype, including psychological, social, vulnerabilities and dependencies. Goals are stressed as very important. They should be varied, personal, and should help guide the plot. Brainstorming sessions between the GM and players are encouraged.

In this chapter you also get more of an idea of just how many layers this setting has, just considering the characters. A Gestalt who embodies an Archetype because as a human their intensity and probable obsession drew it to them, probably wasn't the most stable block in the Jenga game to start with. The theme bounces between the PCs working together for a common goal, but whose egos and individual goals often clash. Then there are the Gestalts who are their enemies, and the human organizations that fear and want to control them. Later on we're introduced to Aliens, Metagestalts, Leviathans, and other beings who can all be potential allies and/or enemies, with the PCs and with each other. It advises GMs not to forget there's a world outside of your players' general vicinity, and that the NPCs aren't always sitting by the phone waiting for the PCs to call.

The layers continue in Chapter 3's world history, which covers all five Gestalt Events and the major battles and events that shaped the better-known teams and Heroes/Villains. The history plays out as the evolution of our comics have in the real world – only on hyper fast-forward. Since comics were an understood and familiar medium, the first Gestalts adopted many of its trappings. There are historical divergences as well, which are explained here, and based on the years of gameplay in the development of this world.

There is no lack of plots in this setting, or of plot/character enhancing points. Examples include you're a former follower of the Big Bad (also known as the Blood Red King). Why do Gestalt-powered inventors and scientists keep dying? Are their deaths being faked? Are untrusting governments racing to develop ways to contain/control/condemn them holding them?

In Chapter 4 we're introduced to literally dozens of heroes and villains of varying levels. Chapter 3's meta-plot megamart continues here as you're given backstories, conflicts, and lots of possibilities. It's also made clear that there is no living in the world and not being of it. The cleverer characters are using everyday world resources and events to obtain their goals. That could mean using the Media to smear an enemy's reputation, suing them, and trying to influence the law, and so on.

One of the aspects I really like about this book is that there is an expansive coverage of not only American Supers, but also those worldwide. There are reflections of cultural archetypes in all the listings. Also, despite the stark lines of good and evil that define some of the characters and their actions, the individual supers don't always act in a clearly moral/immoral manner.

In Chapter 5 if you can't find an archetype in the list of almost 50 main archetypes and the dozens of related/similar archetypes, then there's just no pleasing you. Each archetype is well formatted, with a quote, description, related Gestalts, Subtypes, and Character examples. Also listed are system specifics – abilities, costs, disadvantages, and so on. Each main Archetype also has a sidebar hook that goes with it.

Chapter 6 introduces the Extraterrestrials – here we learn about the Probability Lords, the Ar' races and the Eiko. The Probability Lords went around seeding and tweaking planets in their giant lab experiment. Even going so far as to take a section of Caucasians from the earliest days and transplanting them to somewhere with fewer challenges to survival and a more cohesive culture. This didn't last as their wars with the Eiko – religious beings who worship the Probability Lords and don't believe any other sentience is deserving of their technology – brought factions to the Ar, and more possibilities for us.

Chapter 7 outlines the Gestalt Dimension, the outer void where the thoughts and images of humans can be seen – a place where protogestalts seek bondable hosts and prime them until a Gestalt Wave completes the process. Battle rules differ here as well, and are explained. Changelings and Metagestalts are explained here. Changelings are humans who were just swept away in Gestalt Waves, and changed irrevocably. Metagestalts are True Archetype, who do not bond with humans, nor do they appear on Gestalt-Earth, but they control the pressure valves of the Gestalt Dimension and plan the Gestalt Waves, either because they like humanity, or hate it. Powerful as they are, even they could be the products of the Probability Lords.

Chapter 8 describes what the rest of the world thinks of Gestalts and how it functions. The humans and their organizations haven't caught up to creating technology that can match what the Gestalts can do. This makes them nervous. Humans, as a whole, hate feeling underclassed. This chapter details what the public, media, governments think. Also, stats are given for various weapons and places. Gestalt-slang is introduced here, as are the effects of Gestalts to entertainment, media (including comic books), government and law.

Chapter 9 gives us detailed character write-ups of groups and individuals we met in Chapter 4. Layout starts with Name, type of Gestalt, demographics, stats and powers, background, powers and tactics, personality, suggestions on how to use them in the campaign, and appearance. This goes for over 100 pages. No GM can say they don't have enough material to work with here.

Chapter 10 – Campaign Secrets – GM's eyes-only – sneaky players should stay out. These are possibilities for your campaign that haven't occurred in the existing metaplot, as well as explanations to lingering questions that appear throughout the rest of the book. Where the players get theory, the GM gets what is "really" going on. Of course, your milage may vary. As in the other chapters, it covers what other Gestalts are doing, as well as the governments, the aliens, and so on.

Chapter 11 – Campaigning. More GM-specific advice available here, this time on structuring the campaign, no matter what the specifics are. This section includes the usual Care and Feeding of NPCs, establishing scenes, spotlighting characters (useful in a game of strong characters and probably strong-willed PCs). Pacing and managing scenarios, introducing sub-plots, and player-driven plots are also covered.

Chapter 12 – Adventure! "A Muse Box Melody" is a complete scenario in six parts, with multiple locations, including stats and layout maps. Props located in the various places and their stats are also included. It's always good to know what kind of damage the Beer Mug will do…

Chapter 13 – as I said earlier – this is the icing on a very thick and rich cake. The Scenario Seeds chapter brings more of the same with 10 setups for Gestalt Campaigns, 20 for odd Gestalts, 10 reasons for Gestalts to fight (they need help with this??), 5 to help reconcile inter-Gestalt conflicts between PCs (handy, especially if it may be bleeding over into real life), and 4 to help introduce a new PC.

There's a good, thorough index as well, which makes this particularly hearty offering easier to navigate.

The book isn't perfect however; there are the usual typos. Not many that will really get you, but one on p. 19 threw me. It says Bonded Gestalts have to answer some questions – but doesn't lay them out.

The intended audience is for the book, per the author, is more experienced players who "understand every nuance of their rules system" (p. 18 HERO). Personally, I do not believe that they are the only ones who will get value out of this book. Even though the setting is declared for a specific set of players, it succeeds in giving the right tools to the GMs to tinker it into something else. Nowhere in the book does it say what you must do, just how the book was intended, and full acknowledgement that there will be those who take it and make it more their own.

The reason for it being aimed at more experienced players? I'm unsure, however, "Gestalt" evolved from years and years of actual gameplay, in a very detailed system, as it started as a game of Champions in 1989. This is made obvious by the uniqueness of the characters presented, and the interconnectedness and depth they have with their Archetypes, each other, and the world/galaxy at large. However some may chafe at the implied restrictions. My suggestion is to get beyond it, because you'd be turning your back on some very rich material if you let that get in the way.

This is a campaign setting, and as such probably isn't the easiest to build a one-shot or a pick-up-game from, unless you're playing with your regular group, and even then you will just be skimming the surface. However, sometimes that's what you and your group need, and this setting can provide it with some tweaking and use of the Player's Guide (system neutral, available at http://www.blackwyrm.com/Extras.htm).

Overall I recommend this book. This robust setting was created in one system, and was successfully adapted for another. I am thoroughly convinced that this setting can stand on its own merits, no matter what system it is in.

Want to learn more about Gestalt? Read on...

Atomic Array: Episode 019: Gestalt
Game Cryer: Gestalt Review
Mad Brew Labs: Super Human Roleplaying in the World of Heroes, Archetypes and Modern Myths
Uncle Bear: Gestalt: A Mythic Supers Setting
All Games Considered: The Hero Within
A Butterfly Dreaming: The Pieces of Gestalt
The Bone Scroll: 'G' is for Gestalt

Drop by Black Wyrm Games today!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

AGC 99 March 24 2009 (Conventions and Bounty Head Bebop) (1:06:45)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, and Mags. Show notes forthcoming; we're rushing to get the episode out in a timely manner.

Download 64kbps mp3 (30.5 MB)

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Additional Notes for Episode 98

At the time I didn't have information for Ethan and his looking for someone, so I've got some information here.

Ethan's Facebook Profile
Ethan's Blog
Email Ethan

And sorry about taking so long posting this additional info; Ethan gave it to me at least a week ago. Yeah, I need to be a little less busy...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

AGC 98 March 10 2009 (Parental Discretion Is Advised) (1:19:25)

With Mark Kinney and Mags. Mags tried out Scion: Demigod, and Mark picked up Chaosium's Basic Roleplaying. 4th Edition GSL revision is live! World Wide Dungeons and Dragons Game Day in the UK! Changes to Magic's core set program! Fight Klub! I Am Mongoose And So Can You! Getting into gaming controversy. What makes for controversy? Violence, and pyschology. The Eggbert case. Rod Ferrell and the Vampire Cult. Misunderstanding what the game is, and the Steve Jackson Secret Service raid and GURPS Cyberpunk. (And by the way, support the EFF!) Touching on religion (but coming back to that in a later episode) and a few other notable events. Game content, and cover content, like the early Avalanche Press line and the Book of Erotic Fantasy. Is controversy bad, and can it have a point? Pimp: The Backhanding, Violence, Power Kill, and War on Terror. Looks at Blasphemy and the Suicide Bomber Card Game. Goodman Games needs GMs for it's GenCon 2009 Dungeon Crawl Classics Tournament, and Keith Baker will game for sleeping space. A pointer to a geek dating site, and can we help a fellow podcaster?

Download 64kbps mp3 (36.3 MB)

Show links
Scion (White Wolf)
Basic Roleplaying (Chaosium)
4th Edition GSL
D&D Game Day
Magic: The Gathering Set Changes
More Magic Information
Decipher (Fight Klub)
I Am Mongoose, And So Can You
The Dungeon Master (AddAll.com)
Places to Go, People to Be Summary of the Eggbert Case
Court TV Rod Ferrell Archive
GURPS Cyberpunk (Steve Jackson Games)
Hacker (Steve Jackson Games)
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Pimp: The Backhanding (White Wolf/Arthaus)
Violence The RPG (Scroll down to August 20th)
Power Kill
War on Terror (Terror Bull Games)
Blasphemy (Pinstripe Publishing)
Bucephalus Games (Suicide Bomber)
Guillotine (Wikipedia)
Nuclear War (Flying Buffalo)
Goodman Games Dungeon Crawl Classics Tournament GMs
Keith Baker's Travel of Adventure
SoulGeek
Gamer's Haven

Promos
Podictionary
The Podgecast
Commit Yourself to the Brink! (JC Hutchins' Personal Effects: Dark Art)
Gamer's Haven

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

AGC 97 February 24 2009 (As You Wish, Happily Ever After) (1:02:32)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, Mags, Sean Patrick Fannon and Carinn Seabolt. Checking in after all the fun weather. Carol met Carinn and Sean at ChattaCon. Scrye going away, and Goodman Levelling Up. Upper Deck cancels Yu-Gi-Oh! organized play in North America. GenCon registration is open with a shiny new system! The inevitable AGC/TWiT comparison. GMs Day Sale at RPGNow and DriveThruRPG! When Carinn met Sean. WeddingCon 2009! Carol's experience with Shaintar, and MACS. The romance in gaming topic gets delayed.

Download 64kbps mp3 (28.6 MB)

Show links
Scrye Magazine Closure Letter
Level Up (Goodman Games)
Upper Deck (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
GenCon Registration
Sean's First AGC Appearance
WeddingCon 2009
The Game's The Thing
Pinnacle Entertainment Group (Savage Worlds)
Talisman Studios (Shaintar: Immortal Legends)

Promos
Weather Child
Hidden Grid
The GutterSkypes

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Sunday, February 08, 2009

AGC 96 February 8 2009 (Snow Delay) (46:30)

Apologies on some audio quality issues with this one. You will also find references to a bit Carol was going to send in. It's not there, and it's not a mistake; it's technical difficulties at her end. Look for all to be back in place next episode.

With Mark Kinney. Big snow disruption in the area led to a lean show this week. Mark's gaming, and upcoming actual play podcasting of his Byzantine D&d Game. Bounty Head Bebop in print! Pelgrane's Mutant City Blues contest. Palladium's Rifts movie letter campaign. Storn Cook and a webcomic. Mark briefly talks about Bucephalus Games' Rorshach. RPG Buffet's 2008 Year In Review, with a question about Marvel Universe.

Download 64kbps mp3 (21.3 MB)

Show links
The Byzantine Game
Heroic Journey Publishing (Bounty Head Bebop)
Mutant City Blues Contest (Pelgrane Press)
Rifts Movie Letter Campaign (Forums of the Megaverse)
Catspaw
Rorshach (Bucephalus Games)
Talisman Studios (Shaintar: Immortal Legends)

Promos
Zero2Novel.com
Save Against Frostbite
The GutterSkypes

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Show Delays

The snowstorms of last week forced a delay in the episode this week (yes, that's right -- a lot of the snow and ice and stuff only melted in the last few days, and although the roads had been clear for a bit longer, the prior mess had screwed up schedules making things entertaining, to say the least).

As such, it's going to be not so polished as normal, but I'll have an episode out, hopefully by Sunday night (tonight). It will feature the long-awaited RPG Buffet Year In Review for 2008, and I have some news items to pass along. Hopefully Carol will have a thing or two for me as well.

Thanks for your patience, everyone!

Friday, January 23, 2009

AGC 95 January 24 2009 (Revenge of Big Damn Review Show) (1:04:12)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, and Mags. This show was recorded on Inauguration Day. Holiday gaming and acquisitions. Mark and Mags both ended up purchasing Formula D. Carol's gaming, and iPod Touch dice roller. Mark wants to know what's good to buy with Wii points (and he already knows about Jungle Speed). New GAMA officers. Gamer Girls wanted for a survey for a book. Carol's going to ChattaCon, and will hopefully stalk Steve Jackson and get an interview. Upper Deck Day tournament events! Mags takes a look at Scions of Punjar (and Mark throws her more stuff to review, and Carol mentions foreign language support coming). Mark looks at Bucephalus Games' Toboggans of Doom (the MSRP of which, pursuant to the question in the show, is $19.99). Cubicle 7's Starblazer Adventures is up next, with an unexpected primer on the FATE system. Jonny Nexus brings you a Game Night prequel novella, Saving Stone.

Download 64kbps mp3 (29.4 MB)

Show links
Formula D (Asmodee Editions)
Geek's Dream Girl Survey
Huntik Site (with CCG Demo)
Upper Deck Day
DiceCast New Announcement
Scions of Punjar (Goodman Games)
TOboggans of Doom (Bucephalus Games)
Starblazer Adventures (Cubicle 7)
Saving Stone (Jonny Nexus)

Promos
DiceCast (New Announcement)
WIP
3.5 Private Sanctuary

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Monday, January 19, 2009

REPOST: AGCExtra 27 January 15th 2009 (New Years Feedback) (22:28)

A little news, and the feedback section (with Mark, Carol, Mags, and Chris) cut from the New Years Show, along with some talk of upcoming show topics, and a press release for Cartoon Action Hour.

Download 64kbps mp3 (10.3 MB)

Show links
Spectrum Games (Cartoon Action Hour)

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Apologies for the Audio Issues

Apparently twice in the last few weeks I've managed to forget to set the files I've been uploading to mono sound, and thus had a file active only in the left audio channel. The most recent one to fall victim to this was the most recent Extra, with the New Years Show feedback.

Tomorrow, after work, I'll get that episode re-encoded and put back up, and try to be extra vigilant from now on.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

AGC 94 December 30 2008 (Happy New Year IV) (2:11:22)

With Mark Kinney, Carol, Mags, and (surprise surprise) Chris Heim. What Chris has been doing. The GutterSkypes are live! Uber-geek Christmas gifts. West End Games news and an Open d6? GenCon registration is coming soon! ConGlomeration news (still need a venue, folks!). 2008 in review. Mark found a lost contest prize from the move ages ago! A Christmas movie aside. A skipped review, and an interview with the crew at Polymancer Studios. Games You May Never Have Heard Of: Reponse to the Redneck controversy and GAMERS magazine. Happy New Year! "Unstructured Time" begins with some GenCon talk. So you want to do a podcast? "Unstructured Unstructured Time" starts with 2009 gaming plans. Parcelling out the review queue. Oh, wait, Mark never got around to his 2009 gaming! Mark reveals the book he'd planned to review for this episode, but for time. Feedback got cut -- look for an Extra. Looking forward to 2009 -- see you there!

Download 64kbps mp3 (60.1 MB)

Show links
The Gutter Skypes
West End Games Update
Polymancer Studios
GAMERS Magazine (Currently a wiki page...)

*Podcasting*

Software
JazlerShow! Version 1.5.1 : This version is freeware.
Audacity(R) is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

Hardware, via Radio Shack:
Mixing Board: 4 Channel Stereo Microphone Mixer (catalog# 32-2056). Supports up to four microphones. Requires 9-volt battery (available anywhere) or AC adapter (ask at your local Radio Shack) to operate

Adapter to connect the board to your laptop or desktop's microphone jack: 6-Ft. Y-Adapter, 1/8" Right-Angle to Two RCA
Plugs<(catalog# 42-2483)

Mikes: Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone (catalog# 33-3038) Decide how many you need. As host, you'll have to have one for yourself. Mark and Mags use four--one for the host, and three four guests.

Mike Stand: Desk Mic
Stand (catalog# 33-370). You need one for each mike.

Mike Filter: Large Acoustic Foam Microphone Windscreen(catalog# 33-4001). You need one for each mike.

Headphones: the ones we use aren't on their web site, but you want something comfortable and noise-cancelling, like these or these.

3-way adapter to hook up headphones to your headphone jack: 6-Inch 3-Way Headphone Y-Adapter, 1/8" Plug to 1/8" Jacks (catalog# 42-2458)

Please note that the above represents a beginner's-level equipment, and while there are other podcast starter kits out there for beginners, this is the only way we're aware of to have this many microphones for this little amount.

Resources on Learning to Podcast:
Podcast Academy
School of Podcasting Morning Announcements
About.com: How to Create Your Own Podcast - A Step-by-Step Tutorial
How Stuff Works: How To Create Your Own Podcast
Podcasting For Dummies (book)

Other Podcast-Relevant Materials:
Creative Commons
Podsafe Music Network
Podsafe Audio
Podcast Alley's list of podsafe music
sites
Freesound.org and
Soundsnap.org (for podsafe sound f/x)
The Internet Archive (for public domain material)
Gear Bag (to haul your podcasting hardware in)

Promos
International Detective Dragons From Outer Space
DiceCast
The Game Master Show
Hamishakia
Podictionary

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)

Saturday, December 27, 2008

REPOST: AGC 93 December 26 2008 (Playing Catch-Up) (51:21)

With Mark Kinney. News about the New Year Show. Interview with Mark Hooper of Frontier Games about Old Frontiers. RPG Buffet's October selection, Hellsing. An interview with Chad Ellis from Your Move Games and James Bell of Fiery Dragon Games. RPG Buffet's November selection, Dark Ages Vampire. An interview with Chris Engle of Hamster Press.

I didn't find the Chili recipe Mags mentions in that RPG Buffet, but I imagine it will wind up either in a comment here, or over in the forums.

RPG Buffet Spaghetti Sauce:
Sautee' thinly sliced yellow onions (and garlic cloves if you want) until they turn caramel colored (which brings out their sugars), then add tomato paste; cook

Add meat (I prefer a mix of pork and beef ground meat)

Add chopped zucchini, carotts, fresh tomatoes (preferably peeled, but not necessary), red and green pepper, eggplant, and sliced mushrooms.

Add in maybe 1/2 cup of red wine and fresh herbs: thyme, basic, rosemary and bay leaves. Let everything simmer for a while.

Throw in a little more tomato paste until you get the consistency you like. Let simmer for a little while.

Remove leaves, add salt and pepper.

Download 64kbps mp3 (23.5 MB)

Show links
Frontier Games (Old Frontiers)
Hellsing (Pen and Paper RPG)
Your Move Games (Battleground and the Battle for Hill 218)
Fiery Dragon Productions (Counterstrike Minigames)
Dark Ages: Vampire downloads (White Wolf Game Studio)
Hamster Press (Engle Matrix Games)

Promos
Contagious
Yog Radio
The Gutter Skypes
Arcadian Gate

Contact Us!
allgamesconsidered@gmail.com
gamesyounever@yahoo.com (Ben Balestra)
carolatagc@gmail.com (Carol)
agcmags@gmail.com (Mags)
agcprize@yahoo.com (Contest Address)