Hot Button

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.

Episode 34: Currently Undergoing Maintenance - 2011 PSN Security Breach

Have you ever gone to play an online game only to find out that a service like Xbox Live or PSN was down. This effects people all the time. Sometimes they are down for a few hours, or even a day. But what if they were down for an entire month? In 2011, that is exactly what went down with PSN, and we have all the information on when it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, who caused it and why.

Episode 33: Destiny - From Beginning to Endgram Part 2

How does the most expensive video game ever made release to lukewarm reviews? In Part 2 of our series on Bungie's epic space MMO Destiny, we cover more of the troubled development, and take a deeper dive into what went wrong in our own little post-mortem. What was cut last minute, what was shifted around, and how did most of the story and lore end up on a website instead of in the game?

Episode 32: Destiny - From Beginning to Endgram Part 1

Only a few times in a generation does a title change the way we play games, redefine a genre, and cements itself as one of the most groundbreaking and entertaining games of all time. That game of course is Halo, but those guys made another game called Destiny. In part 1 of our series on Bungie's new loot-driven massively multiplayer epic, we discuss the development, and the lead up to it's release. What went right? What went wrong? Why was there a Beatle involved? Follow us as we piece together a story from bits of information, just like they did!

Episode 31: Skyrim's Paid Mods

Despite being released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is still one of the most played video games on many platforms to this day. How is that possible? One word, Mods. Join us for the story of what happens when Skyrim developer Bethesda decides it’s time for them to profit off of the beloved free feature that has been keeping their game on top for so long.

Hot Button E3 2019 Special

It’s that time of the year again y’all! And no, I’m not talking about the Cricket World Cup. It’s E3 time! Join us today from a living room sofa as we break down each conference and game announcement day by day, along with all your favorite Twitch chat stirring moments. Everything from breathtaking Keanu to plucky Japanese presenters to doggies out on stage. We cover it all off script and unrehearsed!

Episode 30: Occupy Eorzea - The Final Fantasy XIV Housing Crisis

This week we talk about everyone’s favorite Final Fantasy XIV feature, gentrification! That’s right, not even in video games can you escape the housing crisis. Special guest (and now ex-criminal land owner) Chelsie Romano runs us through the events of when one of the world’s most massive online RPG’s suddenly became a property rush hellfest. We got the inside scoop right here. Please look forward to it!