Over 40 Gamer.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 11.

Mon, 26 May 2008 18:39:00 GMT

David from Friday Night Party Line joins me as we talk about Travian and Fate. With David's help OFG rejoins teh internets.

Edit: I was trying desperately to remember Hellgate London, fyi.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Thaed's blog.

A new episode of OFG is coming...

Sun, 3 Feb 2008 00:20:00 GMT

I've started outlining. That's the first step in making a show, you know actually identifying something to talk about. I have to give credit to my podcasting friends who do multiple shows every week. I don't have that kind of creativity. For me, this is all about thought expression. The last thing I want to do is make a show when I have nothing to say.

So I'm sitting here playing with my PS3. I haven't touched the 360 since before Christmas. I'm making good on my promise. Since it red-ringed and then came back, I've avoided it. There's plenty of gaming options right now. Plus, HD-DVD has pretty much died. I ought to try the sell the whole thing on eBay. I won't, but I should. There might be some exclusive title that comes out later this year that I'll want to play.

I'm going to watch a movie on the PS3 later. That's really where it gets most of its use. Right now, in my limited gaming mode, I'm mostly using the DS and the computer. I'm not sure how long this drought is going to last, but I'm not going to worry about it. I certainly have plenty to do.

Phoenix Wright is a long game

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:50:00 GMT

I've been traveling a ton and so I've been hitting Phoenix Wright fairly hard. It's perfect for the airplane. But I have to say, I can't imagine sitting at home and playing this game all the way through. I would get productivity guilt in a big way because of the hours and hours it would take. I know, you're saying: "But you finished Oblivion!" That, however, was an epic, compelling game. Phoenix Wright on the DS, to me, is only when you've got nothing better to do. That's why it's so great for the airplane.

I'm hoping to get another show in soon. To make a show, it helps to, well, play games! Ever since Christmas, my gaming time has declined. I don't mind so much either. I've been absorbed with other things. I'm sure it will pick up again, probably when Spore comes out...

My PSP is a Radio.

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 04:20:00 GMT

I downloaded the latest update for my PSP last night. I had heard that Sony was now supporting Skype. I didn't find that in the update and some searching shows some use of a headset with Skype on the unit, but I don't think it's out yet.

But what I did find was that the PSP now supports internet radio. It has a player and everything. This turns the PSP into something like the transistor radios I used to have in the 1970s. My favorite was this blue ball like thing that you can still find on ebay.

Anyhow, internet radio is infinitely better than AM radio from 30 some years ago. It's a great addition and I'm going to start taking the PSP on all my trips. When it does get Skype, that's going to be a godsend.

Clash of the hobbies.

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Do your other hobbies ever get in the way of gaming? That's what's been happening to me lately. Upgrading my home network has become an obsession. I even made a video about it.

In any event, I'm getting the gaming urge again. I may play a little bit tonight. Maybe some RE 4... I almost picked up Mass Effect last night, but I really want to get play it when it comes out for the PC.

Gaming on Christmas Day.

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:34:00 GMT

Right now, I'm not gaming. It's 2:35 p.m. on Christmas and I'm not gaming. I'm actually going through work for work right now. I'll be at my office tomorrow and Thursday, but I have that mental urge to go through my work so that tomorrow isn't such a shock.

But that's why I'm not gaming at the moment.

I've been gaming however, over the last few days. I made Pikmin progress (until I got frustrated with the time clock madness). I went back to Half-Life 2 until I got nauseous again. (I really am going to have to take Dramamine to finish it, I think). Finally, I almost finished Peggle. Stupid Peggle!

On the horizon, I might play a little Wesnoth or I might go out and buy Neverwinter Nights 2. It didn't get great ratings, but I've been in the mood for that sort of game lately. That is, if I get my work done.

I had crazy work-related dreams last night, mostly because I have the flu right now. But it's motivated me to take my sick self downstairs and try to do some of that work. What I'm really hoping is that I'll feel well enough that tomorrow is not as screaming nightmare.

Rock Band Hoarseness.

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:32:00 GMT

My throat is raw from singing all day. We've had a house full of people and Rock band (and the Wii) have been big hits. I've been on singing duty for the world tour all day. Hopefully, I'll be able to talk tomorrow. It would be a shame to ruin one's vocal cords on a video game. That sounds like something from a modern day Hans Christian Andersen story.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 10

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:18:00 GMT

In this show, I discuss:

I. The Gerstman thing and how it affected me.
2. Why is gaming so popular now and where is it going?
3. Playing Now:

A. Wii: Pikmin, Tips on playing Game Cube Games. NOT MARIO.
B. PS3: Rockband & RE4.

C. 360 (crickets)

D. DS (nothing new)

E. PSP (nothing new)

F. Computer. Dwarf Fortress & Half life 2

4. Shout outs

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Holidays = More Time for Gaming, but not Mario.

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:28:00 GMT

I'm actually taking a day off tomorrow so I'll be able to start the gaming bliss a bit early. Shopping will cut into that a bit, but I'll take what I can get. Given the year end burning of vacation time, I can see me making some real progress!

Did anyone else hit a wall in Super Mario Galaxy? The game has totally lost it's fun for me. It went from ridiculously easy to impossible. I had been playing it with my daughters when I just reached a point where I just started dying no matter what I did. I might need some new batteries for the Wiimotes as I had some control issues, but I'm not sure that's it. I know a lot of people have finished this game, but I think I'd rather put my head through some drywall.

Scott Rubin mentioned that he had been playing Dwarf Fortress. This free game looks like something that I might like (too much). It's on my list to explore... perhaps tonight.

I also want to give a shout out to GameOver40.com for the nice email and link from his very cool site.

The Boat in Half Life 2 made me nauseous.

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 20:37:00 GMT

I think I've talked about how being an older gamer has it's physical drawbacks. I'm not talking about Wii bowling for senior citizens either. Last night, I was enjoying the boat adventure in Half Life 2 and then I got sick. Sweating, dizzy, nauseous-ready-to-throw-up sick. Now, I didn't actually hurl, but it was close. I stopped playing. Eventually I recovered, but now I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to finish the game. Seriously. It's a fun game, but if it's going to make me sick, I'm not going to make it. I'll have to watch the end of the game on YouTube if that's the case. I'm going to give it another try this weekend, but very few games are worth barfing over.

Half Life 2 on a laptop.

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:41:00 GMT

So I was able to get Half Life 2 from Orange Box to work on one of my laptops. It had locked up and refused to work on my flagship machine. Various games have given me problems on that box and I'm not sure why. My guess would be that the Nvidia card causes trouble but only because it's trying to output to the 30â monitor. I know that sounds strange, and I could be all wet on this, but I bet if I tried to run the game with the box hooked up to another monitor and dialed down the settings that it would work. Maybe I'll try that later.

Half Life 2 looks beautiful on the laptop. Despite being an FPS, I am liking it a lot. They don't give you a weapon for a while in the beginning. When I finally got a weapon, I was very pleased. I'm damn sick of being in the sewers though. C'mon designers, why do you think I want to spend time in a sewer?! How many games do I have to play in a sewer? If I wanted to be in a sewer so bad, I would have joined the department of sanitation! Please, no more sewers.

I don't think it's a spoiler to talk about the fact that Alyx plays a bigger role in the later games. I'm looking forward to that.

Best weekend ever?

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:50:00 GMT

I'm obviously old enough to know better than to get one's hopes up about anything. However, if all goes as planned, this weekend is pretty much dedicated to gaming and general geek fun. I'm going to break out Mario Galaxy with the kids tonight and then do a podcast later. FNPL, not this one. Saturday, I'm going to move Resident Evil 4 from the PS2 to the PS3 thanks to my nephew's lending me the memory card you need to do that. I'm also going to explore Team Speak, play some Eye of Judgment and watch Memento (I have it on Blu-ray & I've never seen it). On Sunday, it's Rock Band and the rest of Orange Box (and maybe some ironing and Anime watching if I'm lucky).

You have to find out what you love in life and go for it. So I am.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 9.

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:35:00 GMT

I'm back in the podcasting saddle!
Here's a partial list of what I ramble on about (not necessarily in this order):

I.Games I'm playing now.
    A.    Resident Evil 4. (PS2)
    B.    PS3
        1.Rock Band.
        2.Eye of Judgment.
    C.    Wii Sports
    D.    xBOX nothing red ring problems
    E.    DS.
        1.Phoenix Wright.
        2.Phantom Hourglass.
    F.    PSP: Dungeons & Dragons Tactics
II.Games I've Finished!
    A.    Overlord.
    B.    Portal.
III.Gaming articles
IV.Demos
    A.    Ratchet & Clank.
    B.    Scene it.
V.Gaming philosophy
VI.Games I want.
A.    Mass Effect.
B.    Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. What a dumb name.
VII.News
A.    Finally got a Wii!

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Game Stop says I can pick up Rock Band at Midnight.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 04:01:00 GMT

Game Stop called and said I can pick up Rock Band at midnight. I've never done that before. I'm not much for getting up early and staying up too late for gaming. I mean, c'mon!

But...

It's already 11:07 p.m. Midnight is less than an hour away. The Game Stop is only 15 minutes away.

Yet...

I'm kind of tired (make that very tired).

A kid would rush out and get it. But then again, it's obvious that I'm no kid.

Awesome wife waits outside in the cold for 2 1/2 hours so I can have a Wii.

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:06:00 GMT

Wiis are still nearly impossible to get here in Northeast Ohio. I've been wanting one for a long time, but I haven't been willing to do what is necessary to get one. I don't like getting up early on Sundays, not even for gaming. This morning, my wife got up at 6, drove to Toys R Us and waited in line for 2 1/2 hours in 36 degree weather (along with about 100 others) and got a Wii. So today is her day. Whatever she wants, she gets.

I've had a little time to play with it and it's definitely cool. I can actually play video games on it with my 4 year old. It's going to banish the PS2 to the basement and become the living room's sole gaming system. It does not get to play on the HDTV in the great room however. That's for the 360 and PS3... the big boys.

I think I've mentioned that I've always wanted to play Pikmin & Pikmin 2. I think I'm finally going to get my chance.

No show going on 3 weeks?

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:51:00 GMT

The trouble is that these shows are organic. I play games; I talk about game I've played (and the industry, etc.). My busyness should reach a climax this week and then taper off somewhat. Hopefully in time for Rock Band which I have pre-ordered. I'm functioning like a normal right now. My geeky tendencies are severely constrained by the demands of my job. Unlike most gaming podcasters, my day job is far removed from the gaming industry.

Does it sound like I'm whining yet? The job feeds the gaming (and several people) and is a pretty darn good job as things go. Time to shut up and get back to work.

Eye of Judgment with only one "e" in Judgment.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:51:00 GMT

In my quest for this game, I went to 4 or 5 different stores and in every single instance, the clerk spelled the name of the game wrong. Of course, it didn't come up in the computer. There's only one "e" in judgment, folks. I never corrected the clerk, however, so as not to be a d-bag.

It's been reported that you can photocopy the EoJ cards. I have not found that to be the case. I've spent a buttload of money on this game, but you know, it's pretty good.

No time for gaming!

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:44:00 GMT

It's sad indeed when Things that Must Be Done outweigh the gaming impulse. But what can you do? I'm hoping to hit the Ratchet & Clank demo and the Crysis demo later tonight. We'll see. I recorded a guest spot on Viga's show today. I think she was going to play it on Thursday? I'm hoping to do an OFG episode later this week. Once I clear out the Must Be Done stuff, then I can start feeling comfortable enough to have fun again.

If I didn't have portable gaming, I'd have no gaming at all.

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 05:39:00 GMT

I've been traveling a lot. This has enabled me to get close to finishing Phoenix Wright, make real progress in Phantom Hourglass and to really enjoy D&D Tactics. Puzzle Quest has taken a back seat to the other games. The repetition of Puzzle Quest becomes overwhelming over time. Don't get me wrong, it's a great game. When faced with the newness of awesome games like Phantom Hourglass though, it comes up wanting. Even as I write this, I'm trying decide what to play next. I'm very tired, though so it's probably going to be nothing. Where would I be without my DS & PSP? I never want to find out.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 8.

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:55:00 GMT

For the first half of this episode, we have a very special guest: Viga the Otagal. For the second half, you get my usual solo gaming soliloquy: PSP Slim, The Warriors, D&D Tactics and Various Demos.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Red Ring

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 23:32:00 GMT

Dammit!

Ken Levine on Gamer's with Jobs.

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:45:00 GMT

I'm a fan of this podcast but this episode is outstanding. I've said that Bioshock is the game of a generation. Levine is a genius and just hearing him talk with the guys on the show is terrific. The show before this one with Jeff Green wasn't too shabby, but talking gaming with Ken Levine is priceless. I might even listen to this one twice.

No show this week.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:17:00 GMT

I'm doing a lot of traveling this week so no show, but I'm hoping to be back next week. I did get to play some patched Overlord and that was kinda cool. I put probably 10 hours in on PuzzleQuest while I was flying this week. That game seems like it might just be infinite. I really wish I didn't suck at unlocking the new spells.

I have a bit of work to do this weekend, otherwise I was looking to buy some more games for the PSP. My first temptation is to put movies on that box!

Overlord Patch for the 360 is out.

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:53:00 GMT

At long last, the Overlord patch is out according to this source. It's about time, Codemasters! I'm finished with Bioshock and putting it up on eBay tonight. That leaves me with Overlord on the 360, The Warriors on the PSP, Phoenix Wright and Puzzlequest on the DS, Resident Evil 4 on the PS2 and C & C 3 on the computer. I want to get to the new demos out now and I want to buy Heavenly Sword for the PS3, hence the eBayage.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 7.

Sun, 9 Sep 2007 00:55:00 GMT

Special guests: Dave, Nathan & Scott. We discuss Zelda speed runs, emulators for console games (NES, Super NES, Genesis, Playstation, etc) and getting your games back if your console dies. This might be the best discussion about emulators ever had on a podcast (or not).

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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No gaming tonight.

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 21:12:00 GMT

I think I might take some time away from Bioshock tonight. I was determined to finish the game last night. Unfortunately, I think I play more slowly than most people. It's supposed to be a 20 hour game, but for me, I think it's already been 30 or 40 and I'm not finished yet. But I need to get back to things like, I don't know, physical activity? I'm actually going to try to work out this evening instead. I also want to do some podcasting things. I can take a night off, right?

Bioshock Little Sisters.

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:13:00 GMT

If you do anything other than save the little sisters, there's something wrong with you.

I got my copy of Bioshock today.

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:27:00 GMT

I never play a demo more than once. Never, except in the case of Bioshock. I had to go to two Best Buys today to find a copy of the game. Through the Best Buy Reward program, I had $15 in discounts. Still, after tax the game was $48. That's better than over 60. I won't get to play until much later though. Bioshock is not a game I would recommend playing with kids around.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 6

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:44:00 GMT

On this episode of OFG, I talk about the upcoming patch to Overlord for the 360; my ongoing experiences with Resident Evil 4; the recent mod chip raid; PSP desires; the Bioshock demo; Heavenly Sword haters; The Guild; Puzzle Quest and Real Life as a game.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Lost in mult-platform gaming.

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:03:00 GMT

Tonight I've had a bit of free time, so I've been playing Puzzle Quest on the DS, Command and Conquer 3 & Civ IV on the computer. So far, the 360 and the PS3 have been off, but the night's not over. I'm hoping to do a show tomorrow or maybe on the weekend. I just have to let material build up to critical mass before I do it. I don't like doing them over several nights. Honestly, the Bioshock demo is almost enough to do a show on alone. The depth is crazy. I actually stood there and watched the plane tail sink. Also I hear you can hack the flying robots. I have to play with that. Of course if I do too much gaming, then I won't have time to do the show...

The Bioshock Demo

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:33:00 GMT

I downloaded and played the Bioshock demo last night. I loved the intro, I loved the plot and the themes. But darnit, I wish it weren't so much of a shooter! The Resident Evil series is not a free for all shooter. There are puzzles and not zillions of things happening on the screen all at once. Here, I was reminded very much of Doom, Quake, Halo and all the other shooters in the universe. I may well spend the money on it because the plot and atmosphere might be well worth the generic shooter BS. I shouldn't complain. It held my interest for the whole demo.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 5

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:51:00 GMT

On this show, I talk about: The Overlord Glitch; Owning both a PS3 and an Xbox 360; gaming as being worth the total lifetime cost; Demo reviews (The Darkness, DW Gundam, Ace Combat 6, Genji Days of the Blade, Heavenly Sword, Resistance Fall of Man); Jonesing for a light gun.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Overlord glitch in the game.

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:45:00 GMT

So I am 3/4 finished with Overlord and I hit a glitch in the game. With the autosave function, I am hosed. The PC version has a patch, but the 360 version does not, as of right now anyhow. I'm very disappointed with this. Overlord takes the concept of a "minion" game to a new level and I would love to see more minion games. However, I'm not going to start over again, I'm going to wait until they patch the 360 version of the game. It's fundamental. They sold me a defective game, I have a right to be angry.

Say what you will...

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:31:00 GMT

... but I just took advantage of Sony's price cut on the PS3 and I bought one at Best Buy. I also have the order form for my 5 free Blu-Ray disks so I'll be filling that out later. It's like bringing home a new baby!

Over 40 Gamer Episode 4

Sat, 7 Jul 2007 15:21:00 GMT

On Episode 4: Overlord in-depth game play; gamer nausea; God mode; pwned in Pokemon; more on the PS3 price drop & various miscellany.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Over 40 Gamer Episode 3

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:44:00 GMT

This episode I discuss more Resident Evil 4; more games I bought recently; Pokemon Diamond; Gamers with Jobs is good!; Demos I played (including Overlord, which rocks); and a whole host of minor gaming topics too numerous to mention.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

Subscribe through iTunes.

Over 40 Gamer Episode 2

Sat, 2 Jun 2007 02:12:00 GMT

In this episode, I discuss a recent trip involving zero gaming; productivity guilt and gaming as a luxurious non-economic activity; whether I should build a new rig; what makes a good RPG; why gaming is getting more expensive; some old school games; and gaming versus mountain climbing.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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Bean Bag Chair for Gaming.

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:25:00 GMT

Everyone knows that the bean bag chair is the ideal piece of gaming furniture. Well, today, I just bought mine. Now mind you, I didn't go for some flimsy, cheesy, dorm room model. No sir. I went for a 45 lbs 155" monstrosity. The Big Bean! (from the good people at Bean Products). I'm hoping I get it this weekend. Of course, I'll report on the show how it is. With any luck, it will give my aging back all the support I need for up-close extended play HD goodness on the 52" Sammy.

Over 40 Gamer Episode One.

Sat, 12 May 2007 20:27:00 GMT

This is the first episode of Over 40 Gamer. This week, I talk about the point of the show, what I'm playing, new stuff, multi-platform gaming and some of the best games of all time.

Email me at over40gamer@gmail.com.

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