11/18/1981 – 3/25/2012

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Jeremy.

We may or may not start releasing our “Pre-Show” conversations on a regular basis. This maybe something NO ONE likes or wants to hear. But that’s exactly why this feed exists. For random fun stuff. So enjoy!

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Jeremy.

In this weeks adventure the gang is down one member (she was on the proverbial assignment) but that doesn’t stop us from kicking ass and chewing bubble gum! This week a member of our team gets hacked, the Kinect sells like a beast, Blizzard makes a surprise announcement, On-Live is getting Googlefied and some strange PS4 news as well! Enjoy!

There was supposed to be a Paperweights episode this week. However due to a recording issue that didn’t happen. There is a chance that we will get it next week and theres even a smaller chance of a new Pop Culture & Pilates happening as well. Could be a ton of great shows coming at you all in one week!

This Sunday we are pleased to welcome an indie developer from Krang Games. If you have any questions you want us to ask let us know!

Read more articles from Lance

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

This week the International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2012 took place in Las Vegas. This is the place where all the manufacturers unveil the cool new products for the world to see. There certainly is no shortage of smartphones, tablets and accessories to talk about and we give you the low down on as many of them as we can. Find out about an iPad case that can protect a fall from space, quad core tablets, and loads of dual core and 4G smartphones from all the carriers. Listen in for a quick mobile recap of all the highlights from CES 2012. It may just give you the inspiration you need to start saving for your next device.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Gloria and Jeremy.

The gang is back and better than ever! After our winter break we all were chomping at the bit to get some netcasting on. This week we discuss the lackluster sales of the PS Vita and what it means. The holiday explosion of Angry Birds. The blockbuster sales of a certain iOS game. We talk about some Next Gen Rumors and end the show on how racist Kotaku is. Enjoy!

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

We start the year off with some enthusiasm and “fair and balanced” coverage of the weeks mobile tech news. We discuss RIM’s latest attempt to sell more Playbooks, a new patent that can help you avoid sketchy neighborhoods, LeBron James and a special hiker who got lost in the woods. For our Apple fanboys out there we discuss the Steve Jobs action figure in the prominent return of the Hipster Hardware segment. With CES 2012 happening next week we also talk about some of the rumors and devices we can expect to see. All this and more on the best episode of 2012 yet.

Have you ever played an Indie game?

They’re often worked on by a small team but more often than not a single person. Their budget is limited if not non-existent. Most of all, they offer something different from the mainstream of gaming. Indie Devs often have to experiment more in order to get noticed. Well in light of this and the release of umpteenth Indie Bundle for charity collection, I decided to pick up the 99% Bundle. A collaboration of thirteen Indie Developers.

First of all, the majority of the 99% Bundle I found unplayable and just not very fun. Perhaps I don’t have the right mindset to play some of these games. I found them to be just slapped together and seemingly lazy. I’m not here to bash some indie developers so I won’t go any further. I’m in fact here to praise two games for their change of pace and level of polish that was missing from the remaining bundle. Prior and Lone Boss and Cub both provided two very different types of game play.

Lone Boss and Cub was created by Laurent Goethals using RPG maker and all within four days. A quick and fun romp wherein you control a giant dungeon boss protecting your egg from adventurous heroes. Your arsenal consists of making fire sprout from the ground, raising a wall of electricity and summoning two types of enemy types to take out your enemies (the good guys). Your stationary the entire game and must use a small bit of logic to know when to launch certain attack as they are all set to a timer. The game is broken into 20 days that last between 30 to 90 seconds, with extra harder difficulties post game ending. A neat fun little game that is great if you want to kill 15 minutes out of your day.

Prior created by Krang Games is a change of pace. It’s has a hyper minimalist design with a haunting atmosphere. You’re a square that awakens in a facility. You learn the platforming basics – wall slides, gravity jumps and double jumps. The story is told in notes you find on the floor. On return playthroughs I found there to be three different endings. All varying degrees of depressing but well crafted endings. Prior’s biggest strength is that it is easy to pick up play and has a great ambient atmosphere. I was able to play and get all three endings within 9 minutes and it was most assuredly worth it.

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Hosts: Chris, Gloria and “Ray”.

Typically we take the holiday’s off. There is barely any news out there so doing a show would even be more masturbatory than normal. But the thing about doing the show is that you start to miss it when it’s gone. This led to an email exchange between Gloria and myself asking to do a show this Sunday. I said sure but I wouldn’t be able to participate because of scheduling. I gave her and Chris a bunch of random topics. This is the result. Listen at your own risk.

Last Friday of the year so I figured I HAD to do a wallpaper post for everyone! Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this year at Bonus Level because we have. Also check out our Game of the Year post from yesterday, there were some bonus hidden wallpapers there. And while reading it let us know if we’re wrong about our choices or right!

Read more articles from Lance

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

So 2011 comes to a close with the final Saved By The Cell episode of the year. Fear not though because that just means the first episode of 2012 is coming next week. This week we discuss Verizon charging people $2 for certain online payments, Sprint testing its LTE network, what kids are saying on Twitter about their parents and we talk about a pending case that could change the dynamic of business personalities and social media forever! In honor of Peter getting an iPod Touch for Xmas we also talk about pod2g’s 5.0.1 jailbreak and chpwn’s Spire application to get Siri on your non-iPhone 4S devices. Listen in and enjoy the best end of the year episode we’ve ever released.

Welcome to our annual Game of The Year awards! (click here to see last years results) First up is Jeremy!

My selection is a victory for science: Portal 2. It’s a simple game, well-executed, with some of the best writing and voice acting this year. If you come to this site, I’m assuming you know of Portal, at least. The mechanics are the same but with a few great liquid enhancements to make it a little bit more difficult.

What made it my choice? I loved the writing and the voice acting. Ellen McLain returns as GLaDOS, Stephen Merchant is your new assistant Wheatley, and J.K. Simmons almost steals the show as Aperture founder Cave Johnson. It’s a solid cast and solid performances. There’s a reason why Ellen McLain and Stephen Merchant won VGAs not too long ago. J.K. Simmons was also nominated.

The voice-acting was only part of the reason. It has a solid single-player story and crazy mechanics but it was the Co-op that made it great. In co-op, you play as one of two bots that have to work together to solve the test chambers and acquire something for GLaDOS. I just started playing this the other day with my girlfriend over Steam and had so much fun. You can do so much more with four portals instead of just 2.

So if you haven’t played it, play it for science. It’s on PS3, 360, PC, and Mac. I recommend getting the PS3 version as it comes with a Steam copy to play on your Mac or PC.

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – Mass Effect 3

This game took a very simple idea, and made it one of the best games i have played in a long time. The story is great, the visuals are beautiful, the characters keep you interested, and the puzzles actually make you think. Speaking of characters, they brought two characters that I have come to love, Wheatley and Cave Johnson. These two are the backbone of this game, and they don’t disappoint one bit! They are both incredibly funny, and both have awesome voice actors, Stephen Merchant and J.K. Simmons, respectively. As for the story, here it comes. You are Chell, who has woken up after an unknown amount of years by a computer core named Wheatley (I’ve told you enough about him!) He then tries to help you escape while you solve old puzzles with the portal gun. Then, as you’re almost free, you pass through the chamber of a dead GLaDOS. When Wheatley presses a button that he thinks will help you escape, he accidentally turns her back on. I’ll leave the rest of it for you to figure out!

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – BioShock Infinite

So it falls to me to share my choice for game of the year. This year has been pretty good to me in games, from the awesomeness of new MMOs geared directly towards my interests (DC Universe Online, Star Wars the Old Republic), to AAA console games also geared directly to my interests (Arkham City), as well as new handheld devices (yes the 3ds came out last year, but I didn’t get one till this year, so I’m counting it for 2011) there has been a lot of games demanding my time this year. That is really what I’m deciding to base my decision on, what game has engaged me to the point I spent the most time on it? In previous years I would have said one of the various Pokemon titles or maybe WoW, heck one year (2006 I believe) I spent an ungodly amount of time trying to complete every detail of Final Fantasy 9, but for this year, the title I spent the most amount of time with is a good old PC game (suck it PC haters). My game of the year for 2011 is none other than Minecraft, the indie game with a heart of gold, proof that PC gaming is not dead, and that creativity still has a place in modern gaming (land of the brown shaded FPS’s) and proof that you don’t need cutting edge graphics to be the number one thing games are supposed to be, fun. Minecraft with its creativity and originality is above all just that, fun, and that is why I have spent countless hours just digging and building, and why when I was asked about Game of the Year, the only game that entered my mind at the time was Minecraft, my 2011 Game of the Year.

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – Borderlands 2

Game of the year? That’s an easy one considering my lack of a real console (I only had a Wii until a week ago). It’s definitely Portal 2.

So why Portal 2 as opposed to the few other real games I played this year? After all, I did get to play LA Noir, Pokémon White, Skyward Sword and a bunch of iOS games… What made Portal the obvious choice above the others? I think for me it all came down to pacing.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about by pacing I mean the timing of the story in each game, and how fast or slow it progresses. For Pokémon White the pacing was waaaay too slow. I was bored most of the time. For LA Noir the pacing was a bit too fast. I felt like there was too much going on, and because of that I stopped caring about the characters and plot. As for the newest addition to the Zelda series, the timing was just plain fucked. Sometimes there would be so much going on that I’d need to stop and take a break. At other times I’d be infuriated that I was going to have to repeat the same boring boss fight, and completely lose interest.

As for Portal? The pacing was perfect. Just as the puzzles were becoming a bit too routine something would happen and I’d be in a completely different place. The comic pacing was right on as well. Wheatley is my fucking favourite… Seriously Stephen Merchant voiced him fucking perfectly. And don’t even get me started on Cave Johnson… But I digress! The game was super long (at least compared to the first Portal) and at no point was I bored, rushed or anything except perfectly content to keep playing it. Pacing = Perfect!

Obviously there were other things about Portal 2 besides pacing that made it awesome. The co-op was soooo much fun. Not only that, but it showed people that you didn’t have to be good at games where you are a space marine with a big gun in order to play with your friends. At least that’s what it showed me. I’ve never had much interest in playing video games with others until this game came about.

This is also a game that showed the industry that PC isn’t dead quite yet. Most people (myself included… or maybe it’s just me. Who knows?) really only pay attention to console releases. Portal 2, although released for PC, X-Box and PS3, sold the most on the computer. I’m fairly certain that is a first in the gaming world. Especially with such a popular game.

The game also somehow managed to live up to the original Portal. I personally thought that this was impossible. Portal 2 expanded on the things I liked, added new stuff to keep it fresh, made it longer (thank god!) and still retained the spirit behind Portal without relying on jokes about cake. For me, this game trumps its predecessor. I know that not everyone feels that way, but whichever you liked best, I’m sure that you enjoyed both of them.

The final reason that Portal 2 was my GOTY (which is purely subjective) is ALL OF THOSE CUTE FUCKING ROBOTS!!!! Oh my god, this game was not good for my robo-obsession. I want my very own Wheatley. Someone give me one!

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – The Last of Us

My GOTY is Gears of War 3.

I like my games on rails, and that is what this one does. It is an easy shooter to pick up, and tweaks a great formula to perfection. And the homoeroticism is dialed up to 11. “DOM, DOM!!!! NOOOOO!!!!”

You get some new great weapons and it is a decent end to the series. And how much fun is finding great new ways to slaughter Locust? Plus, you get to see an emo-bitch die.

To be fair, Batman: Arkham City SHOULD be GOTY, but I have not played it all that much, as I am slogging through Halo: Reach (which bores me to tears).

As for the future? I sure as hell hope the Mechwarrior game that has been in production for umpteen years gets released. Check this sweet ass trailer out:

Since Gears of War 3 came out I didn’t have a compelling urge to purchase any other games (even though the Battlefield 3 demo was amazing) and played nothing else for 3 months. For those people that like the Gears of War series the game probably resonates very well. For those that don’t there probably isn’t anything that will convert you. As a fan of co-op, being able to play with 3 other friends throughout the entire campaign (not just some missions like COD:WAW) this is hugely awesome. A lot of people feel the campaign is more of the same from previous games and while they are not wrong it still is a ton of fun especially when playing with your buddies.

The new arcade mode is a game style where players compete to earn the most points. While mainly for bragging rights it changes how you play that particular mode. Instead of trying to stay alive in half-wall cover all the time you race around trying to kill the baddies before everyone else. The online verses mode really doesn’t change that much from previous games other than the addition of new weapons and new maps. What really has held my attention has been the new improved Horde mode. The surviving 50 waves remain the same from GOW2 however now you can build bases, turrets, purchase weapons and fortify. You get to level up weapons and defenses and it gives the Horde mode more depth. If you love the GOW series you will have to agree this is the best game this year.

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – Transformers: The Fall of Cybertron

My GOTY is Bastion the XBLA release from the summer. This game is one of the few that didn’t all together strike me as my GOTY, maybe it was because it’s an XBLA game or maybe because that the end of the year held so many amazing games for me but after much mental deliberation, it was obvious.

Bastion for all of you that don’t know was created by Super Giant Games a small studio that put their heart and souls into making this game. For a more in-depth look at that, take a look at Giant Bombs build up to Bastions launch with Building the Bastion.

At first glance Bastion is reminiscent of a very high quality super Nintendo game, comparable to a Secrets of Mana with its isometric view. You play as the Kid who awakes to his entire world literally collapsing around him. But before you even move your silent protagonist a deep, honey tongued voice narrates the scene. As you start to move around you realize the narrator is giving lines on exactly what you are moving and tackling environments. It’s a neat trick that you will assume will begin to taper out or wear thin within minutes. 5-7 hours later after completing the game that voice is still with you giving of 100′s if not 1000’s of unique lines of dialogue some of which only pertain to a very specific instances.

Aside from the generally stupendous story telling and world building the game does outstandingly. The combat is easy enough to pick with light and heavy moves out of any brawler while having the depth and intuitiveness of a first class fighting game. The weapons though only limited to 11 in total carry a variety of tactics and combinations that are all viable and opened up enough for anyone to try.

Bastion without a doubt is my game of the year. Even though it doesn’t have the highest graphical quality or huge sprawling worlds and even a somewhat linear path of progression none of that mattered because it provided a fun, compelling world that appreciated my time.

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – BioShock Infinite

Frankly I am having the hardest time deciding. On any given day I could say my game of the year was Portal 2 or MineCraft or LA Noire. Well not LA Noire. We may have talked about it a lot but it isn’t my game of the year at all. When it comes down to my final decision it can only be one game. Skyrim. And you want to know something?

I haven’t played it yet.

Here’s the thing. We got the game for my fiance. She loved Oblivion and was dying for Skyrim. I’m not big into fantasy games or the fantasy genre itself (outside of my need to play Dungeons & Dragons with people. Offer is still open btw). The Hobbit trailer made me go meh. In fact it looks terrible. Lord of the Rings itself are one great movie, one mediocre and one terrible. In that order. Fantasy just doesn’t appeal to me.

When we first started Skyrim and I saw the detail put into the game I was blown away. The voice acting is top notch, the story compelling. The amount of choices available to the player is overwhelming. Want to play as a foot soldier (tank) for a few dozen hours? Sure. Get bored of hack and slash and want to be a powerful mage after that? Go right ahead. You can literally do whatever the hell you want.

Since the games release I’ve come home most nights and been able to watch Jena play. I’ve watched the story unfold and felt like I was watching a movie. I was that girl. I’ve seen the world and seen how she plays it and I can’t wait to do it myself. I can’t wait to climb mountains or assassinate elves or slay dragons or be benevolent or malevolent. All as a giant walking talking Cat. The game is that amazing.

The game may not appeal to everyone. You may not feel like you have the time to delve into it. But make time. Stop playing all the other games listed above and play this. It maybe the only game you need for a long, long time.

Most Anticipated Game for 2012 – Mass Effect 3

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

Our Christmas present to all of our listeners is a fun episode filled with a ton of interesting news. Usually holidays make for slow news weeks but not this one. We discuss Light Squared’s ultimatum to the FCC, AT&T giving up on acquiring T-Mobile, a conspiracy over Verizon’s LTE issues that was uncovered by Android Police and much, much more. Listen in while you are driving or flying to your holiday destination. Be safe and enjoy your Xmas!

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Gloria.

This week we wrap up what turned out to be a great year in gaming! We discuss a higher up at MicroSoft leaving the division he helped start and what that may mean for the future of the XBox. Skyrim is a grander success than anyone ever thought. We also discuss what we’ve learned from the past 12 months of gaming. It’s a great episode so I hope you enjoy it! See you next year!

Wallpapers! Yeah! I know not everyone loves them but they make me happy. To make up their absence enjoy the largest collection we’ve ever posted! At least I think it is the largest.

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Hosts: Peter, Cassdroid and Socom.

Lots of rum and an awesome guest make for a great listening experience. Find out about the Saved By The Cell Android rivalry that began as one host buys a Galaxy Nexus and the other a white Droid RAZR. Socom joins the show to help us discuss WebOS going open source, the secret SMS message that will reboot Windows Phone 7 devices and much more. You don’t want to miss the most intense episode ever.

Hosts: Chris, Matt and Gloria.

Hey everybody so this week Chris, Gloria and Matt discuss Ernest Clines first book Ready Player One. Wherein we each explain the tepid response majority of us gave the book. come on in and give it a listen and let me know if were wrong about the book, discussion is mandatory.

Our next book was chosen by Matt! Here it is, Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak so were back on are old school foreign book stint.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Gloria, and Jeremy.

On this weeks adventure the gang discusses the “retirement” of Miyamoto. We breakdown the VGA’s and the new XBox UI. We also discuss how the Red Cross wants to change First Person Shooters as well as what is and should be considered the most anticipated games for next year. All that and much more on another exciting episode of Bonus Level Radio!

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

Well the week wasn’t a complete bust, but it did have a lot more low points than usual. We didn’t get the Galaxy Nexus, Verizon had a nationwide 3G/4G outage, and AT&T was ranked last place in customer service for the second year in a row. There was a bit of stuff to celebrate though. The Android Market hit its 10 billion app downloads and launched a huge promotion where you can pick up 10 apps a day for 10 cents each. Who had the latest victory in the Apple/Samsung war? All this and more is covered this week.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Gloria, and Barnaby.

This week the gang welcomes a first timer to the show, Barnaby! He helps us out in discussing the end of GamePro, Rovio turning down a couple billion, Battlefield selling like crazy, some next gen rumors and much much more!

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

What happens when you decide to take the alternate route suggested by Google Maps? You get a great show title. This week we talk some more about Android security vulnerabilities and try to provide a little more clarity on the Carrier IQ debacle. Did you hear about the latest flame war between Apple and Samsung, if not we’ve got you covered. As always we bring you some off beat stories about texts and tweets you can really get in trouble over and we deliver on our promise to add a little humor to it. Listen in every Friday to catch up on the latest mobile news.

Hosts: Matt, Pete and Scott.

Been a bit but an old friend and talented writer /artist wanted to join us, so here we are! Enjoy my extra nasally voice as I lose a fight with a cold, and Pete’s continued lack of life as we welcome Scott Reed as Retcon Radio has it’s first guest EVER! Scott has written for Image and Marvel (Overman and Incredible Hulks, among other things), and has a great new miniseries out. We also discuss Fear Itself (again), the New 52, and I may rant a bit about Pop Culture and Pilates. And you know when we are ending the show, as I announce it!

Hosts: Chris, Gloria, and Jeremy.

This week we’re down an Italian and up a honey voiced dude as Lance is out celebrating “real” Thanksgiving and Jeremy joins Gloria and Chris for another highly offensive episode of Bonus Level Radio.

Also here is the link that Lance asked us to promote!

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

Not to be outdone by Walmart, Target or Best Buy this week we bring you the Black Friday episode on Thanksgiving morning, hours ahead of the competition. So while you are giving thanks for all that you have, you can listen to us get into a heated discussion about ESRB rating on apps, Chinese mobile handsets in the US and the latest blow to the AT&T / T-Mobile merger. Do you text and drive? If so the stats we reveal this week may change your mind about it and may make your holiday travels a whole lot safer. Are there any new phones you should buy? Did someone really make an Android powered bartender? The answers to these and many more questions on this weeks episode.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Gloria, Justin and Jeremy.

On another classic episode of Bonus Level Radio the gang discusses a new campaign by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). A new study showing that women who play online games get their freak on more than their non-gaming counterparts. We finally find out why doubting someone always made Cole Phelps go psycho. We do a rumor roundup on the new XBox and we discuss the anniversaries of all three consoles. Enjoy!

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

This week the big stories surround the release of source code from Google and Amazon and the software that is on over 140 million devices and is probably tracking everything you do. Another week passes us by and we still have no Galaxy Nexus release date for the U.S. However, Google Music was launched out of beta so we at least have something to listen to while we wait. We also discuss a scenario of when not to call 911 and why a porn company is mad at HTC. All this and more on this week’s episode.

The only game that has kept me engaged these past few weeks has been Jetpack Joyride. Aa fun, engaging and surprisingly deep iOS game by Halfbrick studios, the creators of fruit ninja. On the outset the game looks like any other two minute iPhone game.

Like Canabalt, it’s a run to right and avoid any obstacles. The only way to survive the myriad of zappers and missiles is to tap on the screen which activates your jetpack, allowing you to fly over and under obstacles. Along the way you pick up these rainbow tinted squares that let you take control of a vehicle. Each one is unique in control and design without being overly complicated to use. The vehicles are great because they provide you with a buffer to take an extra hit of damage before you lose your run. Some of the eclectic vehicles are the Profit Bird which purges dollar bills from its rear as you pick up altitude, to a suit that allows you to mess with your own gravity.

You also pick up spin tokens and coins. Coins allow you to purchase clothes for your character as well as different jetpacks and even one time use items. Tokens collected allow you to use a slot machine that has a variety of different effects. From blasting your beaten corpse further down the course, to reviving you from the dead or awarding you more coins. All these features keep you in the game a bit longer then you would normally expect.

Jetpack Joyride does open up, mostly in thanks to modern achievements. You see, the main objective of the game is not to go as far as possible (like Canabalt and robot unicorn) though those are ancillary goals. The main goal is the achievements you are given to acquire badges. You’re allotted three achievements at a time (go 500m without grabbing coins, nearly avoid 10 zappers, etc). This constantly changing goal keeps you in tuned with gameplay and gives you those small victories toward the eventual “prestige” mode of Jetpack Joyride.

This constant feedback loop of success makes Jetpack Joyride deep enough and variety fulled to keep someone engaged for weeks on end. It did it for me.

Currently only availible on the Apple App Store for a dollar you can quickly download it below.

Host: Justin and Lance.

On this episode, Lance tries to acquire a credible witness to corroborate testimony that the little known Garbage Wars of New Jersey was a historical event. A Guyanese woman flees a South Korean beauty pageant after sexual harassment and a borderline James Cameron film hostage type situation occurs. Jeff Goldblum is mentioned. Lance and Justin discuss acquiring their very own stat boy for the show. Did we mention Jeff Goldblum was brought up on the show? Well, he is.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Pete and Jeremy.

This week we discuss Skyrim and how amazing it is. Also Lance goes off on a certain game he isn’t enjoying as much as he thought. We also talk about how much the mobile gaming space has changed (this time with figures!). Who McNamara is now blaming for Team Bondi’s demise (spoiler it isn’t himself). We play TAPS for mobile flash and discuss some surprising figures regarding a certain fledging handheld. All that and we discuss our scariest gaming moments on this weeks Bonus Level Radio!

Someone ran their car into a power pole and knocked out power to my apartment. This wouldn’t be a big deal but I live on the tenth floor. And the emergency lights don’t work in my building (we contacted the fire department). We were able to get out and go about our day but man I hope the power is on when we get back. I don’t want to walk up all of those stairs.

Oh and Skyrim was supposed to be delivered to our house today. Frankly it maybe the last time I do the release date delivery from Amazon. I don’t see the point if the game doesn’t arrive until 7 or 8 pm.

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Hosts: Peter, Cassdroid and Jolly.

This week Android developer Jolly joins us as we discuss Adobe dropping Flash for mobile devices, a few rumors about the Galaxy Nexus and HTC Edge (first quad-core phone), and the voice behind Apple’s Siri in the UK. We also talk about launch of www.droidrzr.com a website dedicated to Motorola’s latest device that was released today on 11/11/11. Evidence is presented that may change the way you feel about having Artificial Intelligenct (AI) on your phone as Cassy brings you a report from the front lines of the war against the machines. All this and more on an all new episode of Saved By The Cell.

Hosts: Lance, Chris, Gloria and Jeremy.

This week we discuss the successfulness of Battlefield 3 and whether or not it was as successful as it needed to be. Whether or not it’s ok to ban a player for playing a game early. Sony’s financial woes and what that could mean for the gaming business in the future. We discuss the unveiling of GTAV and how the series has evolved. All that and much more on this weeks Bonus Level Radio!

Today is my Moms birthday! Woot!

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Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

Cassdroid joins the show again this week to round out her turkey. Listen in as we celebrate Angry Bird’s 0.5 billion downloads with a live run through of the game by someone who has NEVER played before. We also debut the first Weekly HUH?! segment, discuss wireless taxes, Android hardware failures, Google+, and much more. Also be sure to listen in to the next episode of The Technothusiasts Show where Peter will be a guest host.

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Gloria.

This week we break down the Nintendo Earnings report and I try to find bright spots in it. Origin grows, the Klobb returns and an announcement to an announcement is announced. We also discuss why video game remakes work while movie ones dont. All that and much more on this weeks Bonus Level Radio!

[Ed. Note - The title of the show is oddly missing. But the show itself is there. Download and enjoy]

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid.

This week Cassdroid returns to the show to talk about what went down at Nokia World 2011. We also discuss a man with a smartphone arm, Sprint’s future network plans, a new trend in apps and more bad news from our friends at RIM. Listen in for another great episode and find out what has us donning tinfoil hats.

Host: Justin and Lance.

On this episode of Pop Culture and Pilates the two giants of podcasting discuss a man drinking only breast milk, Billy Corgan launching a Pro Wrestling company, and a park in South Korea that needs to be seen to be believed. Lance also reveals he believes in a war that most likely never took place.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/26/pop-culture-and-pilates-04-garbage-wars/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/24/bonus-level-radio-102-play-as-a-panda/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/24/bonus-level-radio-102-play-as-a-panda/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:41:12 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7373

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Jeremy.

This week Jeremy makes his triumphant return to the show, we read some listener mail, I continue being right and we discuss the weeks biggest news stories. What are those you ask? Well how about Battlefield 3 news regarding HD or SD depending on your 360 sku or being able to rent it for a few weeks and being able to trade it in to buy a new copy of Modern Warfare 3 for almost nothing? Also some 3DS news for ya. All that plus we discuss the best boss battle of all time. Enjoy!

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/24/bonus-level-radio-102-play-as-a-panda/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/wallpapers-102111/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/wallpapers-102111/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:03:01 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7368

I am still right about what I believe will be the NeXBox. Also the Star Fox wallpaper is one of my all time favorites.

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/wallpapers-102111/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/saved-by-the-cell-30-nexus-prime-galaxy-sandwich/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/saved-by-the-cell-30-nexus-prime-galaxy-sandwich/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:29:34 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7351

Hosts: Peter and Cassdroid

This week Cassdroid joins the show to talk about all the delicious Ice Cream Sandwich goodness. There was a lot of chatter on the internet about the latest version of Android and Samsung’s new Galaxy Nexus device and we break it all down for you. We also discuss using location tracking services for good and evil, what to do with your passwords when you pass and ton of other great stories.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/21/saved-by-the-cell-30-nexus-prime-galaxy-sandwich/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/19/paperweights-07-slaughterhouse-five/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/19/paperweights-07-slaughterhouse-five/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:26:09 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7346

Hosts: Chris, Matt and Gloria.

Hey everybody I know its been awhile, but Paperweights is back with a brand new episode! This month we discuss Kurt Vonnegut’s classic Slaughterhouse five. A tale about World War 2, getting unstuck in time and one of histories most horrific events. Click and give it a listen and hopefully you’ll enjoy.

Our next book was chosen by Chris! Here it is, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/19/paperweights-07-slaughterhouse-five/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/18/my-nerdy-stuff/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/18/my-nerdy-stuff/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:10:16 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7307

Hello and welcome to another block of text by me, Chris. This past week I’ve been very busy in the being Adult way and not much in the nerdy way. Work has taken over chunks of my free time, I’ve been condo shopping, putting my fiances in order and also been looking at some course for going back to school.

All in all its been a really busy week and the only gaming I got in was a little WarioWare Smooth moves while visiting my “buddy” Gloria in my nations capital.

So since my nerdiness of the week has been minimized by other stuff I decided this post will just be a bunch of pictures from my nerdy collection.

Paul and Jess, friends of the site, have put together a little business of drawing awesome stuff which I bought. Check out more over at www.etsy.com/shop/octopustreehouse

Part of my Link costume that i built out of scrap wood and the elegant use of spraypaint.

My plushie Boo along with my Mario baseball hat that I had a friend sew for me for a Halloween three years back

And lastly my own giant heavy ass all metal buster sword that is unwieldy as hell. it's 4ft plus long and completely bad ass

[Ed. Note - I may or may not have added quotes somewhere in this article]

Read more articles from Chris

• TOjam 7: The Sevening- The Seventh Seal/ The Seven Samurai. Seven, Seven Pounds; The Magnificent Seven
• A Game To Try: The Fourth Wall
• Dustforce Review
• Two Games From 2011 That Are Pretty "Dope"

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/18/my-nerdy-stuff/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/17/bonus-level-radio-101-more-relevant-than-canada/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/17/bonus-level-radio-101-more-relevant-than-canada/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:12:57 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7337

Hosts: Lance, Chris Gloria and Ivan.

This week we welcome one of our favorite guests, Ivan from the Dimension N podcasting network to give us his unique opinion on things and boy is this weeks episode full of opinions! We discuss Mass Effect 3′s multiplayer, Taxes, Gamestop hitting developers where it hurts and I look into my crystal ball to predict the true meaning of why Microsoft bought Twisted Pixel. Plus I may or may not have said something evil to my financé during our discussion on Cosplay and what I should go as.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/17/bonus-level-radio-101-more-relevant-than-canada/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/14/saved-by-the-cell-29-negative-happy-time/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/14/saved-by-the-cell-29-negative-happy-time/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:31:17 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7323

Hosts: Peter and Brad.

We hope that you were able to survive the intergalactic Blackberry outage that affected nearly every planet. What did you do in your Blackberry downtime? We cover the Alpha release of CyanogenMod for the HP Touchpad, a great deal over at Amazon Wireless, why you should “Like” Facebook status updates, a reason you should jump on command and a ton of other great news stories.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/14/saved-by-the-cell-29-negative-happy-time/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/13/i-hate-comcast/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/13/i-hate-comcast/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:59:27 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7319

Three years ago this month Comcast instituted bandwidth caps for all of their consumer customers. They did this because we uppity consumers got mad over their apparent throttling of speeds and the median use was 4-6 gigs a month. They still claim that to be true but is it?

Since then we do more HD video calls. More Netflix streaming. More Hulu Plus. More cloud storage for backup. More internet everything. But yet, our caps are still 250 gigs a month. It seems a lot but it isn’t at all.

One hour of video Skype equals 1GB. One two hour HD movie on Netflix is 3.6GB. One hour of Hulu Plus is about 500MBs. If you do those things in one night they you’ve already hit Comcast’s so called typical usage.

I don’t know about you but I do most of those things daily and it sucks. They said they would increase it over time but I’ve seen no movement on that front. The caps are in place for anti–completive reason and they know it. It isn’t about network management as the typical cost to the ISP is 2¢ per GIG. Which if you use your entire allotment is 5 dollars a month. I pay 50 bucks a month for access (and I have a special deal). That is a pretty large markup wouldn’t you say?

So just remember as we move more and more of our digital life into the cloud via iOS 5 or Ice Cream Sandwich or whatever that your internet service provider believes your usage of the internet should be the same as it was in 2007.

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/13/i-hate-comcast/feed/ 2 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/11/pop-culture-and-pilates-03-flatulophiliacs/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/11/pop-culture-and-pilates-03-flatulophiliacs/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:15:03 +0000 Justin http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7302

Host: Justin and Lance.

On this episode of Pop Culture and Pilates the two podcasting stalwarts discuss the top ten worst songs from the 80s. Lance manages to have a 2:1 unintelligible words to enunciated words ratio. Justin proclaims which band he would see live if he was granted access to a time machine and a front row ticket. Oh yeah, and there’s some burping and farting.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/11/pop-culture-and-pilates-03-flatulophiliacs/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/10/bonus-level-radio-100-number-5-is-rom-folder/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/10/bonus-level-radio-100-number-5-is-rom-folder/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:43:43 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7297

Hosts: Lance, Chris Gloria and Trent.

Here we are ladies and gentlemen, episode 100! We’ve come a loooooong way since our humble beginnings. In this weeks episode we play the first ever Bonus Level Drinking Game. You are more than welcome to follow along at home if you so desire. We discuss the passing of Steve Jobs. The re-announcement of Live TV coming to XBox Live and it’s lack of a name. What’s wrong with men today. All that and much more as well as our number 1 games of all time on our countdown! Plus we give you a pretty good insight to the behind the scenes workings of the show as well as a retrospective to how all this got started. Thanks for listening!

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/10/bonus-level-radio-100-number-5-is-rom-folder/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/wallpapers-10711/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/wallpapers-10711/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:45:17 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7293

Hope you like Portal.

There is a certain type of wallpaper that I try not to post here. They are the of the T&A variety. The first wallpaper that begun this hunt was this one. It was found by my old boss (I think, it was a few years ago) and I loved it. It made me think there had to be more l like it. While I found out that there were more like it there also were way more wallpapers showing the boobs of DOA or just showing boobs in general. It was like the only people who wanted wallpapers based on games were 13 years old and just getting their first pubes.

I don’t plan on showcasing those kinds of wallpapers. But should I? Am I wrong to just boycott them? It’s not like I’m against mature themes. Look at the Deadpool one today. I thought it was hilarious and a fun wallpaper. But I rejected the one with Chun Li and Cammy from Street Fighter showering even though the quality of the art was top notch. So I ask am, I wrong to do this?

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/wallpapers-10711/feed/ 3 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/saved-by-the-cell-28-landos-icloud/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/saved-by-the-cell-28-landos-icloud/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:44:01 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7263

Hosts: Peter, Brad and Jim Gresham

This week we were joined by Jim Gresham from www.mactrast.com to cover all the new iOS and iPhone news that came from the “Let’s Talk iPhone” event that happened on Tuesday. After months of rumors and speculation the next iPhone was unveiled to the world. What followed the event can only be described as a story book finale that would make even Nicholas Sparks shed a tear. Steve Jobs passed away the day following the first product announcement by his successor Tim Cook. Without Steve Jobs this podcast would never have happened. Listen to us talk about these stories and more in this engaging episode.

You can also follow MacTrast on twitter for the latest Apple related news and rumors.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/07/saved-by-the-cell-28-landos-icloud/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/06/i-am-an-editor/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/06/i-am-an-editor/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:48:46 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7272

Eternal Flame

Someone who I’ve met through this site asked me what I do and I was a little perplexed that they didn’t know. But then again it’s not something I wear on my chest or anything. I am a video editor because of Steve Jobs.

Growing up I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I kind of figured that I would go to college get a degree and work for Nintendo. I was a kid after all. Back then there was exactly one place in the USA that had a degree in gaming and it was Digipen. A school co-sponsored by Nintendo that taught you gaming. Was even accredited too. I wasn’t getting in. I kind of always knew that.

We moved after my sophomore year of high school from New Jersey (where I had always lived) to Wilmington, North Carolina. There I attended a private school called Cape Fear Academy. It didn’t have a dress code (outside of tucking in your shirt which I never did and always got in trouble for) and the classrooms were small enough that I was forced to pay attention. Went from a C- student to a B/B+ student overnight. Went from not going to college to going to college. I also met some new friends.

One kid, Matt, was a year younger then me. We became friends for whatever reason. He got a video camera at some point and got way into film. Even though my own brother was away at film school I never paid much attention to my own desire or my own knowledge that I gathered through osmosis. So we started shooting stuff around school. Having fun. There is one famous video of me making fun of freestyle walking, which at the time had become popular with the underclassman. I heard it was on YouTube once.

At first we shot the edit. Meaning we did everything in camera. We were just experimenting. Stupid stuff like throwing a lacrosse ball to yourself. One day Matt came in and told me about his new fancy smancy Apple computer he got. I wasn’t surprised. His family was well off and mine wasn’t. Buying a new computer for us was almost akin to buying a new car. I made fun of him because who would buy an Apple? What could you really do on it anyway. All of the best games were on windows and windows was king!

What he showed me forever changed my life.

He had just gotten a new iMac. The iMac DV to be exact. This version came with a firewire port and brand new piece of software called iMovie. It was my introduction to non-linear editing. I had no idea of it’s existence before he showed me this wonderful software. It completely changed my world. I had discovered editing.

Apple computers were still too expensive for me. I wasn’t getting one but going over to Matt’s house to edit was good enough for me. It wet my appetite. I went to college took math and physic courses because I felt that’s what would help me best in working in the games industry. I also sprinkled in some film courses because of how much story telling games had. I excelled at the film courses. Not so much at the math and physic courses. After my second year at college I transferred to a film school. It was a conservatory and I would have to do four years of hard work. But it was worth it because I wanted to be an editor.

I discovered this passion because of something Steve Jobs helped create and invent. I’m not naive and I know he wasn’t solely responsible for everything Apple has ever done. But he was the driving force. The visionary who knew that the Macintosh had to be capable of great things. That Apple as a company had to do great things. He pushed Apple to make the Macintosh what it is. He pushed them to make possible all of the abilities I use it for on a daily basis. He pushed them to make it a tool that I enjoy using, actual pleasure out of. Without Steve Jobs I wonder where I would be. I wonder if home editing would be what it is. If I would have discovered it.

When I heard that Steve had died last night I was both surprised and not surprised. We all knew he wasn’t doing well otherwise he wouldn’t have stepped down at Apple. That it was really a matter of time. I was surprised that the time came. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I had never met the man and here I was mourning his death. I was devastated. I ran to TWiT.TV and watched the breaking news for as much as I could. Jena and I watched some of the news channels to see what was up. She would find quotes that the talking heads would read out minutes later. We were in full breaking news mode. We were sad. Myself probably more than she was.

So today as I go work on systems and programs he help usher in if not co-invent I’m going to take a moment and remember what I am doing. Remember that I am editing commercials that will be seen by tons of people. That I am doing all of this electronically, without tapes or physical media of any kind. That there is a reason why my two cats are named Mac and Tasha. That he was able to inspire me to be me.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” – Steve Jobs (My personal favorite quote of his besides “It’s Magical” or “It just works” or “It’s revolutionary” or “Boom”)

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/06/i-am-an-editor/feed/ 3 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/05/comics-and-other-things-that-dont-interest-me/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/05/comics-and-other-things-that-dont-interest-me/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:30:03 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7252

Hey all, it’s Wednesday so you know what that means: I get to hop on my soap box and yell out from my small, back-alley denizen of the internet and talk something nerdy. But before I get into that I’d like to pull back the curtain for some of ya’ll.

You see, when I want to write something for the site I usually think of topic of interest, do a bit research and then hammer out my thoughts into a word doc. Then I go back and revise to make me sound less rabble and a little more succinct. It’s a fun process that allows me to use those parts of my brain that have mostly atrophied from lack of use since my school days.

But this week is a bit different since I haven’t really honed in on one topic to write about. As a result this week’s issue might be a little disjointed. So, without further ado here comes the nerdy stuff.

I picked up a bunch of issues from DC Comics new 52, a type of re-boot-launch-makeover for the entire DC universe. I picked up 14 of the new 52.

Justice League #1

Detective comics #1

Action Comics #1

Batgirl #1

Green Arrow #1

Batwing #1

Justice League international #1

Hawk and Dove # 1

Static Shock #1

Stormwatch #1

Swamp Thing #1

Animal Man #1

Men of War #1

OMAC #1

After finishing all the issues and their new, cleaner continuity I was confronted with the thought that a few of them were good (2-3 by my account) and the remaining ranged from bad to boring. Thinking about this further I wondered why I didn’t like many of them. Could it be that they’re all 1^st issues and I should let the series run on for a bit before I make a judgment call?

No, I don’t think that’s it. If comic writers expected readers to hold out until the comic gets good you would never get time for the naturally good stories.

Maybe I just don’t have an eye for comics. I mean, I know my fair share but I could never claim to be devout comic fan. That shouldn’t hold me back from enjoying something as long as it’s interesting though, should it? More to the point, why aren’t I a comic book fan? Why can’t I ever really get into comics the way I get into video games, movies and television?

I think I know the reason. I personally think that most comics are poor examples of clever and engaging writing. They mostly follow super human characters that often brute force their way through a problem, which I may have enjoyed when I was younger, but now I find it droll and uninspiring. Don’t get me wrong there are some great comics out there with fun and engaging characters, I just think they’re buried under waves of mediocre material.

Now I know it would be ill advised to damn the entire comic industry for making something that doesn’t interest me. Different stroke for different folks and all that. The comics they do make obviously sell and if it isn’t broken don’t fix it. But then again, look at any type of sales numbers for comics within the last five years and you’ll see there’s been a gradual drop in readership.

One point in the comic industry’s favour is the fact that on a weekly basis they are cranking out creative content like a well oiled machine and obviously making enough coin to continue to do so. I mean, if writers were given the time novel authors are given to finish books I’m sure we would have a lot more Long Halloweens and Watchmen and less Danger Girl. But the reality is they have monthly deadlines with comics coming out every week.

The more I think of it the more I feel bad for those writers that have to drain their creative juices dry all the time.

But alas I’m off topic! Back to the new 52… I think my main reason for not enjoying them is they’re still like comics from a year or two ago. Sure the stories are changed but they’re still books about super powered people beating up bad guys.

And I think that’s just not my thing anymore. Maybe if anyone out there has any suggestions for a comic series that doesn’t rely on two page action spreads I’m all ears.

Also the issues I did like are the number 1’s for Swamp thing, Animal man and Detective comics. Just so you all know I don’t hate everything.

Read more articles from Chris

• TOjam 7: The Sevening- The Seventh Seal/ The Seven Samurai. Seven, Seven Pounds; The Magnificent Seven
• A Game To Try: The Fourth Wall
• Dustforce Review
• Two Games From 2011 That Are Pretty "Dope"

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/05/comics-and-other-things-that-dont-interest-me/feed/ 7 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/04/pop-culture-and-pilates-02-invent-the-iteration/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/04/pop-culture-and-pilates-02-invent-the-iteration/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:02:30 +0000 Justin http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7257

Host: Justin and Lance.

Hello and welcome to Episode 2 of Pop Culture and Pilates! On this episode Lance gives a stirring account of the Yankees/Sox rivalry and its many complexities as well as socioeconomic implications. Justin admits to liking Sarah McLachlan and that her music made him cry in the car on the way to work.

Please note that we are on iTunes now! If you use them as your podcatcher go ahead and subscribe so you’ll never miss another episode.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/04/pop-culture-and-pilates-02-invent-the-iteration/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/03/bonus-level-radio-99-ginger-birds/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/03/bonus-level-radio-99-ginger-birds/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:39:59 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7247

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Gloria.

In this weeks episode we discuss an interesting comment from the CEO of Square Enix towards one of his companies strongest brands. Zynga’s profits dropping 95 percent….or not. The maker of Braid dissing the 360 and PS3 as well as the return of one of gamings great franchises to the theater. Plus this article makes Chris realize how wrong he was about Angry Birds. All of that plus our number 2 games of all time on our countdown to 1 on our 100th episode! Enjoy!

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/10/03/bonus-level-radio-99-ginger-birds/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/wallpapers-93011/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/wallpapers-93011/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:54:39 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7243

That’s right folks September is OVER! Bring on October and the Baseball Playoffs. Also October will bring us episode 100 of Bonus Level Radio. Something no one ever thought would happen. EVER.

So let me ask everyone who’s looking at this – which one is your favorite?

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/wallpapers-93011/feed/ 2 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/saved-by-the-cell-27-sleeping-under-a-rug/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/saved-by-the-cell-27-sleeping-under-a-rug/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:24:27 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7221

Hosts: Peter and Brad.

This weeks episode was a firestorm of malformed words and incomplete sentences but linguistic technicalities aside we were still able to bring you the latest information on Amazon’s potential game changing tablet the Kindle Fire. This marks the final episode that will feature iPhone 5 rumors before the big reveal next week. We also threw in some great stories about Samsung, a website that will let you sign up for a fake girlfriend and an accessory that will express your true commitment to your smartphone. All this and more on an all new installment of Saved by the Cell.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/30/saved-by-the-cell-27-sleeping-under-a-rug/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/29/kindle-fire/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/29/kindle-fire/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:00:56 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7218

The Kindle Fire maybe the death knell for the 3DS. Let me explain.

The mobile gaming market has changed from being the mobile gaming market that we used to know. No longer are most people (myself included who is a Nintendo Fanboy remember) willing to carry around a dedicated gaming machine. We are happy with our phones playing casual games. We are happy with an all in one device. Who wants to carry around a phone, an iPod, a PDA and a game handheld? I like cargo shorts as much as the next guy but thats too many pockets. Device makers knew this long before we did. Hence the smartphone. It’s all of those things in one device.

Then tablets came along. They do all of the above minus the phone part. While we love reading emails on our phones writing them out is a pain in the butt. We really need a larger screen and with tablets we got one. Games now have a much larger display, battery and processor power to play with. The downside though has always been the price. At $500 dollars not everyone can really justify an iPad. We may all want one but they are just out of our reach. This is why most of the games on tablets aren’t really in the hardcore category. Money.

The people who can afford these devices tend to have real life bills to also pay off. They may have kids or a house or a Minecraft server needing upkeep. If they buy these devices it’s usually to fill and fun is a secondary factor. And while every 15 year old may want an iPad I suspect most parents balk at the price tag and say no way. You’ll shoot your eye out.

This is where the Kindle Fire becomes extremely interesting. It has all of the benefits of tablets without the pricetag negative. Sure the specs are as good but it costs 300 dollars less and has an Appstore. It won’t be getting the same types of software that the iPad gets but that doesn’t matter. We’ve seen it time and time again, better hardware doesn’t always win. Wii over the 360 and PS3. DS over the PSP. PS2 over the GameCube and XBox. Gameboy over everything else in the 90s.

So where does this leave Nintendo? The Fire is a pure media consumption device with a browser. And at 200 dollasr it’s only 30 dollars more expensive than the 3DS and plays all of the Android games Amazon will put on their store. It also has the benefit of being on a yearly update cycle and not 18-24 months like handhelds. Plus they can completely change up their architecture unlike handhelds and still play everything you’ve ever bought from Amazon. And let us not forget that Amazon already has a Steam like service for full fledged PC games. What if they buy Roku and sell their own Amazon TV for 30 bucks? All of a sudden you have an OnLive type service to your tv for next to nothing.

All of these things are possible with the Fire. They aren’t with the 3DS.

People are comparing the Fire to the iPad. The iPad isn’t going anywhere. It’s a great device. Apple will own the tablet market for years. The Fire, though, will do great. It has essentially won the Android Tablet wars by being consumer friendly and not geek friendly. I like Android but it’s not for normal people. Maybe for those people (geeks) who love to tinker. I love my Droid X. But only after I rooted it and installed Liberty on it along with LaucherPro. Took hours upon hours to do this. But at the end this contract I know my next phone will be an iPhone. The Kindle Fire will most likely do a small dent into the iPad’s market share. Maybe 30%. At 10 million units shipped a quarter that is still a lot of tablets.

And developers are starting to take notice. More and more companies are working on mobile games right now. They are testing the waters but they will end up liking it. They will see the much larger market for their games on devices that don’t come from Sony or Nintendo and start making better, more hardcore games for iOS and Android.

So don’t compare the Kindle Fire to the iPad. The iPad will still look better and it should. It costs 300 dollars more. Compare it to something thats in the same price range. Compare it to the 3DS. Does the 3DS have 8 gig’s of internal storage? A modern Web Browser? Access to one of the largest Appstores on the planet? Last for longer than 4 hours on a charge?

You must ask yourself the question most people will ask. Would you rather a device at 170 dollars that does pretty much one thing and lasts half as long on a charge as a device at 30 dollars more that does everything? Sure the games maybe not the most sophisticated games but when was the last time you played a fifty hour game on your DS?

Perhaps when the 3DS Lite comes out and costs less and has a better battery things may change. But with the biggest advantage of the 3DS being it’s 3D being less emphasized and even rumored to be taken out of the next redesign what’s the advantage? 40 dollar Nintendo games?

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/29/kindle-fire/feed/ 3 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/how-cogs-turn-in-gear-of-war/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/how-cogs-turn-in-gear-of-war/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:01:48 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7165

Hey everybody, it’s time for another one of my weekly musings and the only really thing I’ve been doing as of late is playing Gears of War 3. Epic’s final installment to the successful game series that has had numerous copy cats since its inception. From cover based shooting, roadie run, active reload to over the shoulder perspective Gears Of War has finely tuned these mechanics into the benchmarks most games aim for.

Of course it could be argued that most of their primary mechanical staples were done in other games prior. Kill.Switch released in 2003 was actually the first game to implement third-person covered based shooting (fuck Winback. Even Cliff Bleszinski (Lead Designer at Epic) has said on multiple occasions on how Kill.Switch inspired the Gears Of War development. Also, the over shoulder perspective that was first seen in Resident Evil 4 must have had a huge part in developing what Gears Of War would become. Regardless of these techniques origins, it’s safe to say that Epic took these boot strapped elements and refined them to what is now an industry standard.

That’s not to say that Epic copied and perfected every element of Gears of War. Far from it. Epic came up with two game elements that they alone created and coined the terms for. First, the roadie run. A type of sprint, wherein your character crouches to avoid fire and runs to get to another part of cover. While in the roadie run you’re unable to shoot at enemies and your view is shaky with lots of motion blur. The goal of these was to simulate what one would experience in a battlefield, because realism is a necessity for a game where the protagonist arm is thicker then tree trunks. It’s still an awesome mechanic that games like Vanquish have tried copy to varying degree of success.

the only difference is that this guy has rocket knees.

Secondly, the active reload, making a meta game out of reloading. Active reload is when a bar is shown with a slider sliding form one end to the other. The trick is to tap the reload button when the slider hits the colored in part of the bar. You not only reload faster but your weapon gets a damage bonus. The flamethrower doesn’t get a damage boost but a simple range improvement.

Depending on who you talk to, some give Gears Of War a bad rap for being a Brotastic adventure with the artistic style of something so Metal/Juvenile that you could find concept art on the back of a high school kids notebook. I’m inclined to disagree because even if the game is kind of dumb with its storyline, it’s still a really fun game with very tight and well maintained mechanics.  Also Chainsaws on guns are super dope. 

Read more articles from Chris

• TOjam 7: The Sevening- The Seventh Seal/ The Seven Samurai. Seven, Seven Pounds; The Magnificent Seven
• A Game To Try: The Fourth Wall
• Dustforce Review
• Two Games From 2011 That Are Pretty "Dope"

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/how-cogs-turn-in-gear-of-war/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/pop-culture-and-pilates-01-welcome-to-the-jungle/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/pop-culture-and-pilates-01-welcome-to-the-jungle/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:48:25 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7179

Host: Justin and Lance.

Welcome to the first episode of Pop Culture And Pilates! For those of you who have been following the beta episodes of the show this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. For those who weren’t, why not? On this episode we discuss Death and his many friends, the big brouhaha over the Mayweather fight, Celebrities who’ve killed people and spontaneous combustion.

As always with launching a new show we are trying to get it everywhere we can. iTunes should be up in a day or two as well as Stitcher! Until then enjoy here on our site or use your own podcatcher and subscribe to our RSS feed.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/27/pop-culture-and-pilates-01-welcome-to-the-jungle/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/26/bonus-level-radio-98-so-many-naked-ladies/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/26/bonus-level-radio-98-so-many-naked-ladies/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:19:37 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7158

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Gloria.

In this weeks episode we discuss what everyone else in the world is talking about, Qwikster! Also AIDS. Plus Lance and Chris go at it over a specific game and things get heated. All that plus our top 3 games of all time! Enjoy!

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/26/bonus-level-radio-98-so-many-naked-ladies/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/wallpapers-92311/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/wallpapers-92311/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:04:23 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7154

INSERT WITTY COMMENT HERE.

Read more articles from Lance

• Bonus Level Radio 127: ToJam and Earl
• Bonus Level Radio 126: Draw Something With Helen Kellar
• Bonus Level Radio 125: Let's Them Have More Flexible
• Bonus Level Radio 124: All I Heard Was Cum

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/wallpapers-92311/feed/ 3 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/saved-by-the-cell-26-spell-tomorrow-in-tasmania/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/saved-by-the-cell-26-spell-tomorrow-in-tasmania/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:34:21 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7127

Hosts: Peter and Brad.

Have you ever wanted to see two major companies go for the kill, Mortal Kombat style? Our coverage of the ongoing fight between Apple and Samsung does just that. We also cover Google+ coming out of the field trial, a study that will change your preconceived notion of texting, an emergency room you can take your damaged phone to and an upcoming Zombie game unlike any you have ever played before. This episode also marks the show’s 6 months of being ‘on-air’. Give it a listen and tell all your friends.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/23/saved-by-the-cell-26-spell-tomorrow-in-tasmania/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/22/clonely/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/22/clonely/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:16:54 +0000 Gloria http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7122

Within the science fiction/horror genre there are many sub-genres that people identify with. Whether it be zombies, vampires, time travel or (my personal favourite) robots, each sub culture has their own mythology, insight that it brings to the human existence, and smash hits that make the genre what it is today. For example, with vampires there is the very specific mythology of sucking blood, fearing sunlight and being immortal. Because said immortality is obtained by killing others, it makes us think about the price that people will pay to stay young. Its big blockbuster is Dracula. There are dozens of these subcategories, but the one I want to talk about today is cloning. This genre has been vastly overlooked, which is a damn shame in my opinion. There is so much one could do with it and yet it is still mostly ignored, like the sad red-headed middle child in a sci-fi family.

To say that the subject hasn’t been explored would be a lie. There are a ton of movies that incorporate cloning into their plots. After all, the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park were clones. Technically Invasion of the Body Snatchers is about clones, although I’d personally put it under the alien invasion genre. Movies like The Fifth Element, Star Wars, The Prestige and even Austin Powers 2 all include cloning in one way or another. Other movies like Blade Runner, Stepford Wives, and Battlestar Galactica (which is a show, but whatever) share similar themes with cloning movies, but alas they are about robot copies and not literal clones. When it comes down to it, I wouldn’t classify any of the things I just listed as “clone movies” though because they all lack the in-depth look at what the social or moral implications of cloning are.

There are movies that are specifically about cloning, but most are disappointingly inadequate. The Island and The 6th Day use cloning as an excuse to make bad action movies. I haven’t seen Multiplicity, but it looks like a cheesy rom-com, that doesn’t delve into the heart of the subject. In fact, the only movie I can think of that deals with the real-world applications of cloning in an interesting way is one that is mostly unheard of called Never Let Me Go. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out. Be warned though, it’s fucking depressing.

Now to the heart of the matter! Clones should get waaaaay more attention than they do! Think about it: the idea of a different class of people that are technically human, but because of the way they were produced are considered non-human, is strikingly reminiscent of racism issues. What about the idea of having an exact copy of oneself somewhere out there? That’s pretty eerie. And what about free will? Should clones have it, or be slaves to their original? There are so many interesting ways you can take the clone subject.

So once again I pose the question: why is this dynamic subject so unexplored? Maybe it’s a technical thing. I understand that from a movie-making stand point it’s tedious to replicate the same person in one shot. However, with the advancement in CGI one wouldn’t think technical problems of this kind would kill this category of sci-fi… Or maybe it’s never taken off because a lot of the issues that come up with cloning also arise in sentient-robot types of movies. But when you think about it, that’s way less interesting! After all, we have the technology to clone people RIGHT NOW! Super robots that are indistinguishable from people are not going to happen for a fucking long time. So give me clones, god damn it!

I seriously think we should get some creative-types working on this lack of cloning right away. Or am just wrong? Is there an important cloning movie that I’m missing? Can you think of any other reasons why clones haven’t captured the imagination of the general public? Any other comments or questions? Write them below, or send me an email.

Read more articles from Gloria

• Healthy, Balanced, Geeky Lifestyle
• Novelizations Bitch
• Why I Can’t Play Pokémon White

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/22/clonely/feed/ 1 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/21/should-i-buy-a-fight-stick/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/21/should-i-buy-a-fight-stick/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:42:07 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7108

Alright I know these posts aren’t supposed to be my personnel Q/A to the internet but here it goes anyway.

Should I buy a fight stick? But first context.

Anyone that has been listening to the Bonus-Level podcast knows of my fighting game fixation. I’ve gone to tournaments met Pros, and friends of mine run casual tourney’s all the time. I love the fighting game community and the crazy technical lingo that comes out while people are spectating. It makes me feel like I’m in some sort of alternate world where everyone speaks in some crazy moon speech but it’s all still awesome. A couple months back I went to Montréal with some friends for MAT IIV (Montréal annual tournament 7). Games like Super Street Fighter 4, Mortal Kombat 9 and Marvel Vs Capcom 3 were all there. And aside from a minor mishap involving my friends buying a TV for our hotel and returning right before we left we had a blast.

The experience was amazing! I never knew I could get so Hype (defined below) over some of these fights. I drew a lot of comparisons between the ways I would get during a sporting event. Like being possessed you find yourself yelling and saying things you normally would never say. I guess that’s the power of crowds and the momentum they carry. The rush of watching fights live and seeing the utter glee of the winner and the complete disdain for life for the loser is glorious. The only comparison that can come close is when I watched a stream of EVO 2011.

EVO is the Stanley cup, world cup and Superbowl of fighting games, the culmination of the best fighters. We hooked up the stream to a TV to get the best quality along with an increase in size. We were passing around a couple beers and for a couple hours we did nothing but watch some high level fighting game play. This idea of watching fighting games like you would any other sport sounds amazing, and I kind of wish more places implemented it.

So with all this fighting games I’ve been watching I’ve decided to enter T12 (The Toronto 12th Annual Fighting Gaming Championship). Though I know I’ll scrub out and get bodied (both defined below), I still it will be a whole lot of fun.

But the one question I pose to you all -
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Definations:

Get Hype: To obtain an excitement that borders the unreal; if one says they are hype, then they are NOT HYPE ENOUGH
Scrub Out: Lose in the first round because you just ain’t good
Bodied: To be metaphorically shoved in a body bag because your opponent beat you savagely

Read more articles from Chris

• TOjam 7: The Sevening- The Seventh Seal/ The Seven Samurai. Seven, Seven Pounds; The Magnificent Seven
• A Game To Try: The Fourth Wall
• Dustforce Review
• Two Games From 2011 That Are Pretty "Dope"

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/21/should-i-buy-a-fight-stick/feed/ 3 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/20/bonus-level-lounge-nx04-pop-culture-and-pilates-beta-3/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/20/bonus-level-lounge-nx04-pop-culture-and-pilates-beta-3/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:01:22 +0000 Justin http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7113

Hosts: Lance and Justin.

On our third and final beta episode of “Pop Culture and Pilates,” we discuss the bizarre turn of events that happen when a middle aged man in China takes a bath with eels. Sarah Palin’s one night stand with Glen Rice and subsequent coke binge gets an astute analysis. Lance proves that his obsession with the Yankees and Yankee Stadium knows no bounds.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/20/bonus-level-lounge-nx04-pop-culture-and-pilates-beta-3/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/19/bonus-level-radio-97-sophies-choice/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/19/bonus-level-radio-97-sophies-choice/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:13:55 +0000 Lance http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7098

Hosts: Lance, Chris and Gloria.

In this weeks episode we discuss how Nintendo is trying to stay Nintendo, XBox Live everywhere, Sony trying to take away your rights, HD Remakes, Shadow Complex 2, Lance gives a book recommendation that no one wants to hear all that and we discuss our Top 4 games of all time on this weeks Bonus Level Radio.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/19/bonus-level-radio-97-sophies-choice/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/16/saved-by-the-cell-25-popular-to-contrary-belief/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/16/saved-by-the-cell-25-popular-to-contrary-belief/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:23:51 +0000 Peter http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7094

Hosts: Peter and Brad.

Zombie insects, alcohol and an angry co-host prevented this episode from getting recorded last week but it’s all for your benefit. Check out the first episode of the new SBTC that has been retooled and rearranged for your listening pleasure. This weeks show is full of Fisher Price iPhone cases, a phenomenon that is taking over your phone while you are asleep, we reveal the release date for iOS 5 and the iPhone 5 and much, much more.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/16/saved-by-the-cell-25-popular-to-contrary-belief/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/15/paperweights-06-the-clown/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/15/paperweights-06-the-clown/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:05:42 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7088

Hosts: Chris, Matt and Gloria.

Hey Everybody so this week we’ve lost our fearless leader Lance but fear not as Chris, Gloria and Matt take an in-depth and somewhat silly look at Heinrich Boll’s “The Clown”. A story taking place in Post WW2 Germany and how one man (The Clown) deals with how Germany moves forward but without remembering the horrible atrocities they committed during WW2. A great listen in my opinion. Check back in another month of Paperweights to hear our riveting discussion.

Our next book was chosen by Gloria! Here it is, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/15/paperweights-06-the-clown/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/14/healthy-balanced-geeky-lifestyle/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/14/healthy-balanced-geeky-lifestyle/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:15:17 +0000 Gloria http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7083

September is back to school month, and if any of you are like me, than you are grudgingly entering your second week of monotony. Is it just me or did the summer feel like a hazy dream? Honestly, I’m in shock that it’s already over. But that’s not what this article is about! I need advice from you people! How the hell does one balance the time and effort it takes to be a nerd and have a real life? I just can’t figure it out…

I’m entering my third year of university and as an English major. On top of having 15 hours of class, I’m supposed to be reading approximately two and a half (or sometimes more) novels a week. I also have a job where I get about 25-30 hours per week. Plus I have friends who are not nerdy, and therefore are not cool with watching me play video games while we hang out. When you factor sleeping into the equation, I have very little time for my favourite nerdy pastimes, and I don’t like it!

When trying to find a solution to this problem, I thought I’d look at my most successful nerdy friends and see how they balance real life and geek life. The first example I bring to the table is someone I’m sure most of you are familiar with: Chris Demelo. He plays video games quite a bit, and yet still finds the time to go to work AND jerk off in his basement… How does he do it? Well, I like to think I know D-Bag pretty well, and after much consideration I think he does it in two ways. Firstly, by having only nerdy friends, so they can play together. Secondly, by ignoring people on the weekdays, so as to have some alone time. As much as I’d like to ignore everyone and get my gaming on, I don’t think I could do it. It feels too anti-social for me. Plus there’s no way my roommate would let me stay at home and play Zelda when all our friends are doing something fun. And as for getting rid of my non-nerdy friends, I like them too much. So Demelo’s strategy is not for me.

Next I thought about my friends Ryan and Phil. They have lives, and game a crap-ton! What’s their secret, you ask? Well I figured it out, and it’s a method that doesn’t work for me either. Cutting down on sleep… sometimes to the point of not sleeping at all on certain nights. Every once and a while I don’t mind pulling an all-nighter, but lack of sleep on a regular basis is a fate worse than death (at least for me). I love sleeping! If I had my way I’d hibernate for 4 months of the year… So as much as I love my geeky lifestyle, I doubt I’d be able to enjoy it without my 8 hours a night.

Lastly I thought about my brothers. Games are their lives, and they still go to school and hang out with their friends all the time. Surely their strategy is a winner, right? Sadly not. Neither of them have employment; they don’t need it because they both still live at home. Of course they have time for gaming, it’s basically their jobs! And as much as I’d like to quit and devote my life to mastering FPS’s, I don’t really want to be evicted from my apartment. So basically I’m screwed.

That’s right. I’m just fucked when it comes to leading a healthy, balanced, geeky lifestyle. There’s no way to do it. Disagree? Write your tips in the comments section or send me an email.

Read more articles from Gloria

• Clonely
• Novelizations Bitch
• Why I Can’t Play Pokémon White

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/14/healthy-balanced-geeky-lifestyle/feed/ 2 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/13/my-problem-with-zombies/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/13/my-problem-with-zombies/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:41:35 +0000 Chris http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7065

I just want to start by saying that I’m a diehard zombie fan. I’ve watched every zombie movie from the Romero trilogy, to 28 Days (and Weeks) Later, to Return of the Night of the Living Dead: Necropolis. I own the Necronomicon, World War Z and the Zombie Survival guide. I’ve played practically every Resident Evil game including the god awful gun survivor series. Suffice to say Zombies are my favourite horror trope. Zombies are the perfect cannon fodder and can really make you feel like a super hero when you’re taking on hoards of them. They also have the eerie ability to remind us of people and society, as they are a mindless hoard bent on nothing but consuming and giving nothing back (capitalism anyone?). So, with all my devotion to zombies I found it odd that I didn’t enjoy the zombie maps in Call of Duty: World at War and Call of Duty Black Ops.

When you look at it, from the onset it’s wave based (like Gears of War Horde Mode), building barracks and defences (like The Last Stand), and lastly zombie survival (like Left 4 Dead). All these things amalgamated together should be an amazing concept, but alas, playing with my brother left me feeling annoyed, bored and often times wondering why I wasn’t enjoying blowing off zombie’s heads. Further thinking about it led me to really breakdown what other zombie’s games give me that COD zombies neglect. Keep in mind the other games aren’t perfect but they do hit what I believe is the benchmark for zombie games.

When fighting zombies I expect never to let my guard down. I should always be tense and ready for action. If zombie movies have taught me anything, it is that they will pop out just when you least expect it. Just when you think it’s all sunshine and happy endings, one stray zombie will bite somebody leading to emotional rollercoaster with the characters. 28 Days Later did this best when Brendan Gleeson’s character got zombie blood in his eye from a single drop and the other protagonists are suddenly moved from salvation to misery in a matter of minutes. Left 4 Dead to my knowledge has got closest to this with the A.I Director that changes the amount and types of zombies the survivors must faced based on their progress. Every game follows the same map but there is a multitude of variation on how you approach it. COD’s zombies have waves of pre-written code. You know right after finishing a couple rounds that there is no variation and the only thing that will help you is memorization. Zombie dogs will always show up X amount of times and you’ll always get a big wave after wave Y. It becomes boring and predictable.

My next issue is that when battling the undead you expect them to die (un-die?) like the undead. Facial deformation and missing limbs are a must. The feel of knowing your bullet is causing them one hell of a bad day makes yours just a little brighter. Left 4 Dead, Dead Rising and Techland’s new game Dead Island do this great. Dead Island specifically is well above everyone else to date. In it you can break zombie’s arms until all they’re doing is snapping at you with flailing limbs. The level of damage you can do to the zombies in this game is incredible and all the damage has a real world effects, as though it were a real human body. COD zombies do have a level of zombie deformation, but no bullet I fired really sent a zombie back or even caused a shutter. It felt more like an old school RPG with me ticking off life points from a hit box until the zombie fell. Without that tactile feel what’s the difference between shooting zombies and any other enemy type in a game? NONE.

When pulverizing the living-disabled, I expect to be scared, tense or frightened. I never expect to be completely useless. In all zombie games you maybe low on ammo and health, but you’re never low on hope or at least a last ditch effort to beat down them zombies. Left 4 Dead has the infinite ammo on the basic pistol, Dead Rising does it by making everything a weapon, and even Resident Evil 4 did it with giving you the ability to strike zombies. COD leaves you with no ammo once you’ve squandered it and unless you’re playing with friends, once you’re down you’re out. There’s no effective defence against them.

I hope these reasons are enough to justify my dislike for COD’s zombies. If you ruin what makes shooting zombies fun, I think you’re just missing the point. Hopefully the people at Treyarch will take a lesson with their next COD: cash grab: zombie edition.

Read more articles from Chris

• TOjam 7: The Sevening- The Seventh Seal/ The Seven Samurai. Seven, Seven Pounds; The Magnificent Seven
• A Game To Try: The Fourth Wall
• Dustforce Review
• Two Games From 2011 That Are Pretty "Dope"

]]> http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/13/my-problem-with-zombies/feed/ 0 http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/13/bonus-level-lounge-nx04-pop-culture-and-pilates-beta-2/ http://www.bonus-level.com/2011/09/13/bonus-level-lounge-nx04-pop-culture-and-pilates-beta-2/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:05:59 +0000 Justin http://www.bonus-level.com/?p=7071

Hosts: Lance and Justin.

Welcome to the second episode of “Pop Culture and Pilates.” On this episode Lance mispronounces several words..AGAIN. Justin divulges that he’s had a lifelong obsession with Scary Spice and that he hates Eddie Murphy. Justice Coin, a commemorative coin that features the World Trade Center on one side and Seal Team 6 on the other accompanied by the words, “You can run but you can’t hide,” is also discussed.

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