Neo Kobe Pizza

On the eleventh episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we discuss Day One Patches, using No Man's Sky as a jumping off point to discuss the practice and its ramifications. We also discuss Rami Ismail's "Patch the Process" article, the difference between patching for value and pushing broken games out the door on purpose, and why the process is broken and might stay that way. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring The Gamer Keith. (Originally recorded 08/24/16)

On the tenth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we jump into the second part of a two-part discussion on the science of Mass Effect. The second part deals with the negative aspects of how Mass Effect handles its science, including its discussions on biotics, viral mutations and some aspects of the Mass Effect Drive itself. There are also some additional positive highlights to discuss, conversations on how to fix some of the more concerning aspects of the science, and ruminations on Zack Ryder. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Zeke R. (Originally recorded 08/26/16)

On the ninth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we jump into the first part of a two-part discussion on the science of Mass Effect. The first part deals with the positive aspects of how Mass Effect handles its science, including its discussions on FTL travel and physics in general. We also discuss the general plot framework of Mass Effect, some aspects of the upcoming Mass Effect Andromeda, and how Spaceballs got sudden stops in FTL travel horribly wrong. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Zeke R. (Originally recorded 08/26/16)

On the eighth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about the recent expansion of competitive online, E-Sports ready games in the PC and console marketplaces, and whether the current expansion of such games is ultimately sustainable or if the flood may damage the market long-term. We also touch on a good amount of Blizzard's business history, MOBA and Overwatch structures, and why the host is occasionally an idiot. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Greg Johnson. (Originally recorded 08/19/16)

On the seventh episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about the history of Sega JRPGs, from Phantasy Star to Valkyria Chronicles and most everything in between, as well as Sega's failings to convince the Western marketplace to invest in their games to the extent of Square or Enix's endeavors. We also go through events during the various console generations, corporate issues behind the scenes, and rival games on rival consoles that drew more attention. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Robert Hubbs. (Originally recorded 08/17/16)

On the sixth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about the idea of taking the framework of Pokemon GO and applying the Ghostbusters franchise to the game. This includes discussions on the franchises and our exposure to them, the core and expanded ideas of how to handle such a game, and a WHOLE LOT of digression into related topics. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring ML Kennedy. (Originally recorded 08/08/16)

On the fifth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about Ludonarrative Dissonance, and whether it's something that developers are largely failing at or making great strides to improve. We also touch on discussions surrounding known "offenders" in the genre, including Bioshock and most Ubisoft and Naughty Dog games, as well as those who succeed at the attempt, including Undertale and Spec Ops: The Line. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Matt Yaeger. (Originally recorded 08/05/16)

On the fourth episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about DLC and Microtransactions, specifically their perception in the marketplace, cases where they're successful and fail, and games that base their business model on releasing a limited client with offers of consistent support via long-term free (or paid) DLC packages, in an attempt to figure out what the best and worst possible practices are and what, if anything, is permissible. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring J. Widro. (Originally recorded 07/24/16)

On the third episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about what it's like to grow up as a Francophone (French Speaking) gamer in a country (Canada) where games were, until recently, mostly released in English. We also discuss Canadian and US cultures, experience differences, and whose fault Nickleback really is. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Guy Desmarais. (Originally recorded 7/18/16)

On the second episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk about the Souls Series, discussing the entries in the franchise, our impressions of the best and worst entries, and what makes the games unique, for better or worse. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring J. Rose. NOTE: There are audio volume issues with this track, due to experimenting with tone and format; please be advised. (Originally recorded 7/7/16)

On the first episode of Neo Kobe Pizza, we talk Persona 5, from information gleaned through magazine translations and E3 presentations to speculation on likely and possible developments. Hosted by Mark B Writing, featuring Aaron Sirois. (Originally recorded 6/ 30/16)