Ep025: Video Game Reviews
We discuss video game reviews - How we feel about review scores versus no scores, what is and isn't useful information, how Game-as-Service models and DLC should factor into reviews, and much more.
Episodes
Option Menu Crew Podcast
Topic-focused podcast with dudes who care too much about video games.
Episodes
Ep024: Monetization Part 3: Game Pricing
This week's episode is another in the monetization series. We discuss what the base price of games should be, what currently goes into the pricing, and how we think and feel about how the various aspects of modern games (DLC, microtransactions, etc.) could or should affect the base price of games. We realize this is a huge topic and this will not be the last time we talk about this. Look forward to more facets of video game monetization being discussed and/or revisited in future episodes!...
Ep023: Taking Over a Game Series
On this episode, we each pretend to take over complete creative control of one of our favorite video game franchises, taking over directing duties for all future game developments. We go over what new kinds of games we would create, how we would treat the historical entries of the series, and more.
Ep022: Controllers
This week, we discuss video game controllers. The history of their designs, what features we like, what we don't, and how we want them to evolve going forward. We get into the different console controllers of Xbox, Nintendo, and Playstation, along with third-party controllers, premium controllers, and the experimental like the Steam controller.
Ep021: Video Game Merchandise
On this episode we talk about video game merchandise. The items we have, the types we like and want to see more of, topping it all off with merch that doesn't exist yet. This includes special and collector's edition items along with plenty of standalone items. Of course, amiibo come up a lot for us but Playstation and Xbox merch are definitely in the mix. We only touch on a fraction of possible items so feel free to mention others in the comments. We'll probably do another episode on this ...
Ep020: Game Genie Wishes
On this episode, we have some fun and imagine we get to make video game themed wishes from a magical genie. We discuss our individual 3 wishes, and then come to a consensus on one set, along with a bonus wish with a Monkey's Paw style drawback. As always with Genie wishes, there are rules. These were ours: 1. You can't wish for more wishes or do-overs. 2. You can't wish for every to be free. 3. You can't wish for a real person to die (video games characters are allowed)....
Ep019: Monetization Part 2: DLC
On this episode, we continue our on-going discussion of monetization systems in the video game industry (from a consumer standpoint). We focus on Downloadable Content (DLC), season passes, expansions, and a little bit on microtransactions. We discuss our thoughts and feelings on current industry practices, and discuss how we think things should be. Our primary question is what is fair and acceptable for consumers and developers and publishers. At the start of the episode, we briefly revie...
Ep018: Favorite Games of 2020
Instead of doing a typical GAME OF THE YEAR! list or discussion, we go over the most notable games the crew played in 2020, regardless whether they came out that year or not. Discovering new fun video games, no matter the release date, is something to celebrate. In addition, we go over our thoughts on gaming in 2020, and for fun, we each make our own Gaming New Year's Resolution.
Ep017: The Last of Us 1 & 2 Discussion
On today's episode, we go over our thoughts on the story and gameplay of The Last of Us Part 1 & 2, and yes, it's FULL OF SPOILERS.
Ep016: Multiplayer Games
We discuss the current state of multiplayer games, what we enjoy about multiplayer games, our personal preferences and issues with them, along with a wish list of features we hope to see more platforms and games take advantage of in the future.
Ep015: Monetization Part 1: Subscriptions
We kick off a series of episodes in which the crew discusses their thoughts on the many aspects of the way video games are monetized. This episode starts us off with discussion subscriptions in video games. More specifically, we focus on the services allowing us to play libraries of games, rather than any one particular title. The likes of Xbox Game Pass, Playstation Now, and Nintendo Online are discussed by the crew, with pros, cons, and concepts for improving or expanding subscriptions....
Ep014: Resident Evil Discussion (Part 2)
On this episode, we pick up from our previous discussion of the Resident Evil series. We focus on our favorite (and least favorite) characters, along with sharing our thoughts on how we would like Resident Evil: Code Veronica to hopefully be remade someday.
Ep013: Next Gen and What We've Been Playing
One of has a Playstation 5 and Oculus Quest 2, but we've been playing new games on new hardware (in one form or another). Games mentioned on the episode: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 Crash Bandicoot 4: Its About Time Spyro Reignited Trilogy Fire Emblem Three Houses DLC Expansion: Cindered Shadows Rachet and Clank (2016) Half-Life Alyx The Room VR: A Dark Matter Spider-Man Miles Morales BugSnax
Ep012: Mental Health and Video Games
On this episode, we discuss how video games can affect mental health, and the many aspects that go into this very nuanced topic.
Ep011: Resident Evil Series (Part 1)
On this episode, we discuss the video game series Resident Evil. We share our history with series, discuss the various game elements that make the series special to us, and dissect the features. Also, we get into what we would do to remake several of the games that haven't been remade yet. We had so much to say that we decide to pick up the conversation in an upcoming follow-up episode. Like the zombies of the series, this conversation will be coming back to life!
Ep010: Anime Video Games
On this episode, we talk video games that both use an anime art style, or are based off existing anime series. We talk our history with them, the evolution of the art as gaming generations progressed, and what dream anime games we'd like to see in the future. Get some recommendations on good games that just so happen to use Anime art styles: Disgaea series (Strategy RPG) Odin Sphere Leifthrasir (Sidescroller RPG) Asura's Wrath (Action) Gravity Rush 1 and 2 (Action Adventure)...
Ep009: Video Game Movie/TV Adaptations
Doing another fun episode, The Crew discusses all the many adaptations of video games that consist of movies and TV shows, our favorites, our least favorites, known upcoming projects, and what would be our individual dream projects. There are A LOT of adaptations. Seriously, go Google them and look on Wikipedia. We didn't even really talk about Comics/Books that are expanded universe fiction. That would require its own episode (and for us to read some of them).
Ep008: Games We've Played and Cool News
On this episode, we decide to keep it light and just talk about the games we have played in the past few months, and the latest news in gaming that we are most concerned with. Games we discuss: Vader Immortal (PSVR), Marvel's Iron Man (PSVR), Marvel's Avengers (PS4), Marvel's Ultimate Alliance 3 (Switch), Paper Mario: The Origami King (Switch), Tokyo Mirage Session #FE Encore (Switch), The Last of Us Part 2 (PS4), Ghost of Tsushima (PS4), Control Ultimate Edition (PC) News: PS5 and Xbox Series X...
Ep007: Dream TMNT Games
COWABUNGA! On this episode, Paul and Ryan discuss their history with the franchise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (cartoons, movies, comics, and of course the video games) then present their own personal ideal TMNT games that they would create if given the chance.
Ep006: Mario Kart Sequel Speculation
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been around for a while, as a continuation to the Wii U release, and Mike can't wait for another entry to release. We talk about what we would want in a potential Mario Kart 9 (10?) based off previous games and our own ideas.
Ep005: The Future of Fighting Games
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss some of the news from the Japan Fighting Game Publishers Roundtable event, our history with fighting games, leading into what we want to see happen with the future of the fighting game genre.
Ep004: Xbox Games Showcase Reactions
We finally see more information on games coming to Xbox Series X. We discuss the information we did and didn't get during the showcase, compare the presentation to Sony, and speculate on future Xbox announcements.
Ep003: Playstation 5 Reveal Event
There was a lot to talk about after the big Playstation 5 reveal event. So many games. Weird looking system. And it's time to compare notes on what Xbox has revealed so far. We talk about all the games in the PS5 event, as well as speculate on the various points of consideration for next generation video gaming. We're hoping to have the Xbox Games Showcase episode out much sooner, so look forward to that.
Ep002: Personal Positive Stories of Gaming
At a time when the world is not in the greatest of places (to say the least), we think it's important to give ourselves a bit of a mental recharge to discuss some happy moments. This episode has the crew discussing stories from our personal lives in which gaming had a positive impact on our real lives. These kinds of stories can span from particular moments within games inspiring us, or just games being a part of some meaningful moments in our lives.
Ep001: What We've Been Playing
This is the official first episode of the Option Menu Crew podcast. On our debut episode, decided to get in the flow of podcasting by just talking about the latest games we've been playing. On this episode we discuss: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Gears 5 Mario Kart Tour Pokemon Sword & Shield
Ep000: Smash Bros Reboot Speculation
While Super Smash Bros Ultimate is an incredible game, most likely it will the a crescendo for the series. A reboot is most likely happening in the future, resetting the roster, and who knows what else. We discuss what we would do if put in charge of making this reboot, in terms of how we would reform the roster with some simple rules: Only 25 Returning Characters Only 10 Brand New Characters Hear how we handle this challenge, and then discuss what kinds of features we want in the next Sma...