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Episode 41: Pandora's Gearbox - History of Gearbox, Borderlands, and Randy Pitchford Part 1

Borderlands 3 is out today! And what better way is there to celebrate its launch than to dig into the history behind the franchise as well as the man most credited in bringing it to the world. This week returning guest Melanie Grear joins us in chronicling the life and times of eccentric game developer Randy Pitchford and how his studio Gearbox put themselves on the map, for better and for worse.

Episode 40: Microtransactions #1

This week we are launching a new series! One that will host collections of shorter more bite-sized stories out there in the world of games. For our first batch of topics, we get into some noted crazy uses for the Playstation 3’s Cell Processor, talk about Australia’s cracking down on video game weed, and even cover what is universally called the biggest comeback in all of professional esports!

Episode 39: Play [Space] Station - Development of the Playstation Part 2

With Nintendo's ultimate backstab out of the way, Sony makes it move into the games industry. And we make our move into the final part of our Playstation series! Join us as we look into how that hot little gray box from the Walkman guys would be a vital tool for developers to help create games that’d shape the world for years to come. All while simply dominating the 5th generation of consoles in the process. Also, stay tuned at the end for a surprising update on the fate of the once thought abandoned Nintendo Play Station!

Episode 38: Play [Space] Station - Development of the Playstation Part 1

It's hard to imagine the video games industry without Sony in it. But why did they join the console war in the first place? On part one of our two part episode on the Playstation, we cover Sony's deal with Nintendo to help them in the fight against Sega, and how that plan (with a little backstabbing) led to to the creation of Nintendo's biggest rival, as well as the creation of one of the best selling consoles of all time.

Episode 37: Never Sell Me The Odds - Battlefront 2 Loot Boxes

"It is a dark time for gamers. Although EA's reputation has been destroyed, executive troops have driven the gamer forces from their hidden base and pursued them across the internet...". Today we take a look at EA's Star Wars Battlefront II, and how a complete disconnect with their fan base and predatory business practices divided players and developers once again.

Episode 36: The Tale of Drain Man - Super Mario Bros. Movie Part 2

It’s time to dive back into the world of Dinohatten in Part II of our analysis of the Super Mario Bros. movie. This week we cover the film’s messy production, failed release, and renowned cult legacy! It’s a twisted story of booze filled accidents and last minute budget cuts. You’ll definitely want to hear just how these shenanigans concluded. And be sure to stick around for a little bonus at the end as well. Trust us, trust the fungus.

Episode 35: The Tale of Drain Man - Super Mario Bros. Movie Part 1

You’ve heard us react to it, now listen to us talk about it! On part 1 of our plumber’s journey, we explore just how this mess of a project got started. Just who are our directors? Our writers? Where did the cast come from? And how did the producer even get this thing pitched and funded to begin with? It’s Nintendo meets Hollywood madness all wrapped up in a wacky early 90s package!

Hot Button Movie Commentary: Super Mario Bros.

This week we’re gonna try something truly special. The HB crew is joined by guests Chelsie Romano, Mel Grear, and our one-of-a-kind audio wizard Jason Domenico in a screening of the Super Mario Bros. film... and we’re inviting you to sit down and watch with us!! That’s right. Play our audio commentary track alongside viewing this 1993 cyberpunk ‘classic’ and it’ll be like we’re right there with ya, riffing on everything you see, from the film’s ominous use of 9/11 foreshadowing as well as it’s gratuitous cleavage shots. Then after you have had time to really let this masterpiece sink in, we will return next week with a full breakdown of how in the world all that bullshit came to be! If you do not already own a copy of the Super Mario Bros. film, you can find the movie through the Amazon link on our website. Than once things are properly set up, just listen for our instructions on how to sync and enjoy.