Episode 70: A Pretty Much Okay Episode

Disembodied Voices is ready and willing to celebrate the Year of Luigi with high-jumping, ghost-fearing enthusiasm– or, at the very least, Stephen clearly is. But hey, everyone else is game to talk about the recent Nintendo Direct broadcast and it’s moderately sized avalanche of announcements, even the conversation eventually bleeds into new consoles and Activision/Bungie’s destiny. The future of the gaming industry is usually a really dumb subject here at Disembodied Voices, and this week more or less proves the point. Nevertheless, despite rampant pessimism and shaky speculation on years to come, Hyrule Historia and Fire Emblem: Awakening swoop in to makes things right again. If you’re looking for a pretty much okay episode of the hippest video game podcast on the ‘net, Disembodied Voices Episode 70 is your first and last stop.


Opening song: Electrolytic Man, originally from Mega Man and remixed by MaJIN_SaN, ambient, and tomatsu.

Ending song: Clash at the Mountains, originally from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and remixed by zircon.

A Whole New World

Hey there, how’s it going? I’m Stephen, 1/4 of the DV Cast. You may or may not have noticed that the website you’re currently staring at has been reforged with the flames of progress (along with the podcast itself) and I’m extremely excited about that. We’ve had a number of covert meetings in the night and decided on some sweeping changes to this beloved little podcast, some of which are small and some of which will change the face of Planet Earth. If you’re a longtime listener, please enjoy this formal list of bullet points to catch yourself up on the happenings. If you’re a newcomer, welcome! Stick around until this post’s end; I’ve got words for you.

  • Firstly, taking turns is out. Rather than go over our recently played games one by one, we’ll engage in a non-stop conversation of video game fervor. Episode 69 was the test subject for this simple format and I think it turned out decently enough.
  • Segments are back. We haven’t actually put this into action yet, but you can expect special features like Five Word Reviews and Delectable Design to return like a Jedi.
  • We’re on iTunes. This is a big one. We’ve had complex struggles with our acquaintance Apple in the past, but now we’re best pals and you can subscribe with your technological MP3 players!
  • Disembodied Voices has a new look. Cameron designed a spiffy logo that we all think the best thing in the world, which ties into the redecorated website. Pages are sorted, icons are conveniently placed, and the whole package looks a lot nicer.
  • We’re firing Zachary on suspicion of larceny. That’s a joke to lighten the mood.

All of those changes add up to our biggest project on the table: expanding our audience. It’s no secret that we have practically no listeners (in fact, it’s a jokey horse that we’ve beaten to death several times), but it’s also no secret that we’re mostly cool with that. This podcast has always been an excuse for the four of us to talk about video games every week, and we absolutely love the few listeners we do have. But it’s come to a point where sharing this beloved little podcast is something we’re all game to do, and we think (hope, beg?) that other people will have a good time listening.

So if you’re a regular, please consider spreading the word. We don’t want to plaster this hobby of ours on message boards and dubious social media outlets just to get hits; rather, we’re depending on people we already trust. Like a wildfire that doesn’t burn down houses or kill people, we’re hoping the innate coolness of Disembodied Voices will spread. Anything you can do– tweets, iTunes reviews, talking to your closest allies in Guild Wars 2, whatever it is people do on Facebook, anything– will be graciously accepted with joy. If you’re new to Disembodied Voices, then start by listening in for a while. Get to know us and say hello! Dropping by the About page is a good place to start.

Okay. Okay, yes, I’m done. Hopefully that ties everything up neatly without boring your face off. Did I mention we’re on iTunes? Anyway, thanks as always for listening, and keep it up! If you want to get in touch with us for any reason, don’t hesitate to do so. That’s why we have a contact form, after all. And with that, I’m off! Have a good life.

-Stephen

Episode 69: Disembodied Voices Awakening

Disembodied Voices is back and nothing will ever be the same again! Well, you’ve got Stephen, Bryan, Cameron, and Zachary sitting around and talking about video games, sure– but other than that, nothing will ever be the same again! The structure is new, the theme song is new, and there will be newer new stuff to come. The newness is almost unbearable. Yes, the tea table has been upended, leaving a brand new format of conversational free-flowing free-for-all in its wake. During this exciting time in Disembodied Voices history, Cameron wants to talk about Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, so Stephen performs the greatest talent he possesses: a Bentley impression. Speaking of totally unrelated things, the confounding Shin Megami Tensei series is (kind of) explained courtesy of Zach, while the topic of Fire Emblem: Awakening leads onto a chat about difficulty difficulties in the video gaming world. A plethora of other topics are dived into as well, concluding with everybody’s top and bottom three Final Fantasy games. Disembodied Voices Episode 69 is, quite frankly, the place to be.


Opening song: Electrolytic Man, originally from Mega Man and remixed by MaJIN_SaN, ambient, and tomatsu.

Ending song: Dance of Descent, originally from Final Fantasy and remixed by Brandon Strader and Ikzemia.

Episode 56: Classy Claptrap

The Disembodied Voices saga continues with Borderlands 2, Torchlight 2, Portal 2, and possibly some other twos that slipped between the cracks. Jumping into roman numerals, Stephen turns the norm on its head and becomes obsessed with complex strategy game Civilization V; also stomping common sense into the ground is Cameron as he spends lots of time with his PlayStation Vita. Bryan and Zach play a combined total of two dozen RPGs, however, which is exceedingly average. Adventure, excitement, and unforgivably horrible accents await you, so have a listen to the cultural phenomenon that is Disembodied Voices Episode 56. Up to six billion players.


 

Opening song: Test Dummy, originally from Mega Man 2 and remixed by AE.

Ending songShato Through the Heart, originally from Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 and remixed by John Revoredo.

Episode 54: I Choose You, Conkeldurr!

Mighty podcasting powers combine in this all-star edition of Disembodied Voices (which essentially means all four regulars showed up this time). Guild Wars 2 is the center of attention, going so far as to achieve the Zachary Seal of Approval, a slightly more illustrious award than Cameron’s Game Changer trophy awarded to The Walking Dead. Further discussions include Battlefield 3 and its allegedly overpowered anti-air weaponry, the shocking quality of I Am Alive,  and– naturally– the escapades of Stephen and Bryan in World of Wacraft, cut short by a certain disgruntled gentleman who will not be named. (It’s Cameron.) A brand new segment  known as PokeMYSTERY has the DV cast determining which Pokemon names are real and which are totally made up. Conkeldurr and Amoeboar send their regards. It is thoroughly recommended that you grab a snack, recline in your seating of choice, and listen to Disembodied Voices Episode 54, the theater of the ear.


 

Opening song: Test Dummy, originally from Mega Man 2 and remixed by AE.

Ending song: I Choose You, Pikochu!, originally from Pokemon Advanced Generation: I’ve Begun Hiragana and Katakana and remixed by WillRock.

Episode 53: But We Still Like Cameron

There is no Cameron present in this week’s episode of Disembodied Voices, and that rekindles contention thought to buried deep in the passage of time. But since he isn’t around to complain, everyone else decides to talk about video games with a carefree spirit. Stephen pits the PC and 3DS versions of Mutant Mudds against one another, The Walking Dead Episode 1 brings a touch of undead emotion to Bryan’s life, and Zachary makes them both regret leaving The Last Story in a state of unplayed neglect. Delectable Design tackles the concept of time travel and its many broken forms, along with some not-as-broken forms for good measure. Shadow of Destiny and Bugs Bunny Lost in Time both have their respective five minutes of fame this day. Join this video game adventure in Disembodied Voices Episode 53, with many more to come. The podcast is never over.


 

Opening song: Test Dummy, originally from Mega Man 2 and remixed by AE.

Ending song: Serious Moon Business, originally from Majora’s Mask and remixed by Insixfour and halc.

Episode 26: The Mysterious Mr. Yellypants

Disembodied Voices is back! If that introduction didn’t wake you up like an abrupt punch in the gut, what if you were told that Stephen, Bryan, and Cameron are all talking about video games? But it’s not all sunshine and kidney shots. Due to a mudslide of technical and scheduling problems (the equivalent of half a dozen punches in the gut), a dedicated Game of the Year podcast was a bust. All the same, the winners are announced one after the other, followed up with a loud siren. The Dreamcast Game of the Month makes an appearance in the form of Shenmue, everyone’s favorite way to play Space Harrier and least favorite way to round corners. Anticipated games of 2012 shoot us into a future in which Bryan loves Reality Fighters above all else. Haphazard stabs at summarizing games in five words have a certain stupid charm to them, and the whole podcast is wrapped up with some wise words from Stephen (a first). Don’t be a fool! Download Disembodied Voices Episode 26 before something terrible happens!


 

Opening song: Test Dummy, originally from Mega Man 2 and remixed by AE.

Disclaimer song: Whirlwind (GaleForceMix), originally from Shinobi II and remixed by Rayza.

Ending song: Stardust Beat, originally from Sonic CD and remixed by Gecko Yamori.

How a Little Podcast Saved (and Nearly Ruined) Christmas

It is Christmastime! Magic and good deeds light the sky of joy like a thousand candles burning with the flame of gingerbread that tastes really great. In this spirit, the DV cast presents a heartwarming Christmas Special that tells a tale of hope, tinged with sadness and teeming with good cheer. The path may be chaotic and even stupid, but a very important lesson is learned in the end. So, if you please, call your friends and family to huddle around the computer as you listen to Stephen, Bryan, Zachary, and Cameron put their fine vocal chords to work in How a Little Podcast Saved (and Nearly Ruined) Christmas.

As an extra note, this is the second official Disembodied Voices radio drama, preceded by The Lunatic Murder. If you’d like to hear that one too (and catch all of the jokes in this one), feel free to give it a listen!

Disembodied Voices wishes you all a heartfelt Merry Christmas!


Episode 25: It’s Christmastime… With Eagle Watch Missions!

Christmastime is upon Disembodied Voices, and Disembodied Voices is now upon you! Holiday cheer floats through the air like snowflakes of joy; meanwhile, Stephen, Bryan, and Zachary talk about video games. Portal 2 is a topic of controversy today and the Riddler’s intellect was called into question, but the room is brightened with talk of Sonic CD and a bevy of GBA games. Christmases of the past are remembered while this coming December 25th is surveyed greedily by Stephen. Speaking of greed, Food Time makes a special appearance, during which Zachary tells you about a magical soda that can only be harvested during Christmastime. There is jolliness, there is happiness, and there is more jolliness in Disembodied Voices Episode 25, so download it for yourself today!


Episode 24: ‘Hoy, small fry!

It’s another fun-filled episode, filled with fun-filled fun! Bryan explains the reason for his fishiness while Stephen and Cameron yell at each a lot. Uncharted 3 is deemed sub-par when compared its predecessor (yet excessively par on its own) and a great number of spoiler-free Portal 2 jokes are thrown out in a jovial manner. When asked which gaming experience would be the greatest to relive, Cameron yearned for a criminal history that, incredibly enough, does not involve pirating; Stephen and Bryan had less devious yet equally magical memories to share. After a bunch of games were reviewed in five words each, it was revealed that no games of interest were released and the podcast ended. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to download Disembodied Voices Episode 24 today!