Podcast Digest October 27 - November 2

Brainy Gamer
Michael Abbott hosts a one hour discussion with Leigh Alexander
and Mitch Krpata about survival horror in October without anyone mentioning Halloween or saying "Mmmmm Braaaainy Gamer" like a zombie. However they do a decent analysis:

* The genre uses a restriction of resources or controls to induce fear
* There is a difference between western and eastern horror.

P.S. BGP was a fairly decent discussion of the genre but if you want to hear the best deconstruction of a genre I have ever heard you must listen to this
Retronauts discussion about Survival Horror. They reason that survival horror is what it is because it relies on the feeling of dread as its primary game mechanic. It really is a fantastic podcast.

Gamers with jobs
An almost disgustingly excessive slathering of praise is sprayed on Fable 2 culminating with the comment "the dog is the best innovation for RPGs in years" and "Time slowing power is the greatest thing ever." This is followed up by a mild appreciation for Fallout 3 and an overly-deep discussion of the V.A.T.S. system. Seriously, VATS is explained in more detail than the electoral college is on cable news. In the end you will be left wondering "Who would have thought Fable 2 got more praise when everyone wrote it off not long ago?" and "why is GWJ still recommending Fallout 3 as game of the year even though they jerked to Fable 2 for so long."

Giant Bomb
* The following games are pretty good: Little Big Planet.
* This game is not so good: Far Cry 2
* This game is really good: Guitar Hero World Tour