Subscribe to The Escort Mission Blog Subscribe to The Escort Mission Podcast TEM @ Facebook TEM @ Twitter

The Escort Mission Podcast Blog

The worst missions make the best podcasts. Gaming, culture, politics, and news to rescue any NPC.

TEM Podcast 054: Your Inner Cat

The Escort Mission PodcastWe talk about some controversies in the gaming community that have been both burning for a while and just lit recently. In other news, Mike revisits an old, unplayed game after actually playing it, Josh continues to waylay fools in FFXIV, and Charles connects the Dots and is also Super. Hot.

This week’s podcast is brought to you by iOS7, ninjas, and R(ub)2W(in) technology.

Unrolled D20s:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 053: In a World’s End

The Escort Mission PodcastOur late Summer break is over and we’re back with a podcast show of audio content digitally rendered for your enjoyment. Both Chaz and Mike went on trips recently and tell you all about them. Also, lots of media and industry news are present, discussed, and concluded upon. You know, just like you like it.

Avenues to the void:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 052: Dis or Dat

The Escort Mission PodcastUnlike last time, no board games are mentioned this week on the podcast. However, we fill the airtime with plenty of speech upon things such as movies, TV, video games, and tech news.

And since you never know what we’re going to talk about, then it’s basically like a rogue-like every time, randomly dungerated for your listening pleasure. Thankfully, unlike a rogue-like, you are not destined to perish by podcast’s end. Enjoy!

Pathways to doom:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

, ,

TEM Podcast 051: Through the Perfect Hanabi Ship

The Escort Mission PodcastThere is a whole world of games outside of the video realm. Board and card games have been around much longer than their digital brethren, and friend of the show Jawn knows this well. He visited The Escort Mission recently and brought a bunch of them to try out, and try them out we did.

Before that discussion, however, Chaz speaks on a cool rogue-“lite” game, Mike briefs us on his recent visit to Disneyland and California Adventure, and Josh reports on some Xbox One news he gained from Comic-Con.

Suits of color:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 050: Nice Round Numbers

The Escort Mission PodcastWhether you perceive or accept it as a round number or not, fifty episodes is a sizable amount of episodes in our book. Thank you to all who have stuck around with us to this momentous occasion.

For your troubles, we give you deep discussion on the mathematical properties of “roundness”, obscure forest arrow battles between famous celebrities, a non-discussion about a recent DLC, and all the rest of the things that happened that escape the poster’s mind right now. It’s a slimmer-than-usual ~90 minute discussion, as well, so get comfortable, turn up the volume, and dive in.

Starbursted cheeks:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

, ,

TEM Podcast 049: Put Your Coat On and Have a Seat

The Escort Mission PodcastHave you ever put on a jacket in an interesting way? What about mounting a chair instead of gamely sitting in it like a normal person? We’ve wondered about these things, and much more, on this week’s episode of The Escort Mission Podcast. Join us as we go unto the fray.

Banal things done extraordinarily:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 048: When Antivirus Uninstallations Go Bad

The Escort Mission PodcastAfter a week break, The Escort Mission has once again returned with another lively council on the recent past’s comings and goings. It’s yet another remote episode as we pack the portable audio recorder (so, mind the quality) and hang together outside the studio. Activities included, but were not limited to, checking out a new board game, Kickstarted almost a year ago, that recently shipped.

Our main topic, however, is a lengthy breakdown of the upcoming AAA consoles, the Xbone and Playstellogram 4. We piece together some of the controversies surrounding E3, and go over specs and game exclusives, just for you. Cuz we like you.

Software installation wizards:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

, , ,

TEM Podcast 047: Good and Cheap

The Escort Mission PodcastThis week’s lively discussion of all things cool that we three deign worthy of scuttlebutting are marked by various things: their cheapness, their goodness, their proximity to the beach, the side of the tracks in which they reside, and their ability to provide fresh Sculpin on tap.

If nothing else, we can guarantee the aforementioned list items as attributes to all topics bandied about in the following podcast, laid bare in all their raw, naked emotional honesty before you. Feel free to be swept away, if the moment takes you.

Leftover scrvples:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Send us your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email.

Show notes:

, , , , ,

TEM Podcast 046: Perceiving With Our Mind

The Escort Mission PodcastTwo special guests join us this week — one isn’t even in the room! — to discuss their experiences with some recent hot technology we all wish we had first-hand experience using. The Escort Mission will have to settle for second-hand for now.

Regardless, our discussion of media, games, and news continues unabated, so join us as another podcast enters your consciousness and takes over your brain space for a couple hours.

Dimensions:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 045: 4XPSUWIIBOX1

The Escort Mission PodcastThis week on the illustrious collection of audio bits known only as The Escort Mission, the trio of Mike, Josh, and Chaz impart language upon your ears. There are video games, movies, music, books, and a major console release to get all up ins, so grab the latest episode, however you go about doing that, and hunker down. It’s gonna be a pleasant ride.

Four gigabytes:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

, , ,

TEM Podcast 044: Cookiestarter

The Escort Mission PodcastWhat do baked goods and crowd-sourced creative projects have to do with each other? They’re both, uh, delicious. Along with such delectable selections, The Escort Mission brings you our time-honored and proven combination of wit and wizardry as we dish about the tough topics, like what games we played, what movies we saw, and what Internet blog articles we decided to read recently.

Serves four:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 043: European Werewolfism High

The Escort Mission PodcastJosh returns from his European extravaganza to give us all the low down on his worldly travels to start off this week’s episode of TEM. The usual round of media, games, and new discussion continues like always, what with all that stuff that is occurring right now that is worth talking about. Also, we answer some fan mail with an intriguing question that may not have a straightforward answer.

Also, werewolfism.

Ancient ruins:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

Happy 1.0630137th Anniversary to The Escort Mission

It has been 388 days since we first announced this podcast, which makes today our 1.0630137th anniversary (I’m guessing that’s the calculator anniversary or something)! We just wrapped up our 43rd episode, which will be online soon.

Following our initial goal of one episode a week should have easily gotten us up to 52 by now, but scheduling and lives outside the podcast dictate that we’re a little behind that number. Fear not! More is to come.

For now, here’s a shot of us (plus show dog, Penny) enjoying some tasty food truck cuisine in celebration of this momentous occasion.

, ,

TEM Podcast 042: Ignoring the Voices in Our Heads

The Escort Mission PodcastDo you ever have a thought inside your head, and it tells you to do something, but you just kind of ignore it? Well, if the thought is “listen to the latest TEM podcast episode”, we implore you to actually follow through this time!

Josh is out this time, but Justin and Robyn more than ably fill in for him. We explore a new feature called “Picture in Picture” on the show this week, as well as the usual good times discussing movies, music, games, and other things that are so gosh darned interesting.

Neural pathways:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 041: Seriously Jank, and Totally Core

The Escort Mission PodcastHello to all and welcome! It’s business as usual as we go back to the normal joyous banter between Mike, Josh, and Chaz this week. Allow us to discuss music, movies, tech stuff, games, and the issue of both jank and core in the industry.

Yes, we do love the smell of jank in the morning. Thank you for asking.

Questionable, yet foundational, options:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 040: Game of the Year 2012

The Escort Mission PodcastLest ye think we had forgotten, lo! A special edition of The Escort Mission Podcast is here to crown the best game of the two thousandth twelfth year. Join us as we quickly lay down reasons why our favorite games are so awesome and why you should play them. Then, a bloody grudge match is waged between the members of TEM as we decide who is best and who gets left in the dust.

Links of the year:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 039: TEM Gone Fishing

The Escort Mission PodcastCasting pods, coming your way, yet again!

The Escort Mission discusses things going in its life this week, which I don’t think anyone everyone saw coming. Among muchas otras cosas, Jonathan Blow’s love for Starseed Pilgrim is investigated, an ABC Family show prompts some deaf culture conversation, a few more movie reviews are added to the pile, and we check in on some of Kickstarter’s latest funds.

Yes, topics such as these, and more!, are bantered about in less than a smooth hour and fifty minutes, all compressed via Motion Pictures Experts Group, Audio Layer 3.

Musical gardens:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 038: Individual Strands of Hair

The Escort Mission PodcastAnother (couple) week(s), another podcast episode from The Escort Mission. It is here! Friend of the show Dave, and iOS game developer, joins us in our roundtable this time.

TressFX is new and different and awesome, and the recently released Tomb Raider employs it on the PC. Chaz and Josh checked it out and give us their thoughts. We also discuss the SimCity debacle, taking massively open online courses, a few recent women in tech issues, and a bunch more movies to check out. This, and many other things, await you on this week’s TEM podcast.

Follicles of distraction:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 037: We Make the Tough Decisions

The Escort Mission PodcastThis week sees TEM finally going over our collective decisions made in the recent Walking Dead episodic adventure. We go through each chapter, giving our thoughts on the tough moral and ethical dilemmas this amazing game pits you against constantly. Our friend Justin joins us on the ‘cast this week to lend his experiences in guiding Lee through a zombie nightmare.

In general news, the PS4 has been revealed, Josh watched some more movies, Mike played a creepy game, Chaz talks about splicing, and Justin brings some sports gaming flavor to the room.

Easily-conquerable ethical quandaries:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 036: Segues to Segways

The Escort Mission PodcastWe are back! After being gone for a couple weeks. Again. And man do we really get into the talking about stuff that we experienced lately! For a goodly amount of time, even.

Going around the horn: Josh watched a “few” movies lately, and tells us about them. Chaz brings several tech news tidbits to the table in which to mull over. Mike geeks out on some new iOS apps, a new band, and the Wii U. Plus, we have a mailbag section again, which is always nice.

As always, thanks for listening and sending your feedback.

Pathways to enlightenment:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

, ,

TEM Podcast 035: Cave Chickens Take Over Suburban Tokyo

The Escort Mission PodcastWe toss aside our joysticks and keyboards this week to go back to our early gaming roots. Jon Cox, a good friend from the Bay Area, came down last weekend to hang out and he brought with him many majestic bounties (otherwise known as a buttload of board games).

He joins us on the podcast to talk about said games, the likes of which he has a profound and beautiful love for.

Communication Tokens:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 034: Active Time Podcasting

The Escort Mission PodcastOur first on-location show, coming at ya! We intentionally speed-cast at Josh’s pad, post-gaming glut, breaking the world record for “quickest podcast recording done by The Escort Mission”. This also means the audio quality is a little different as we try out alternate means of recording.

A bunch of games are mentioned and discussed, and FTL may be one of them (again). Other, non-game-related topics come up, as well, like ya do. In other words, this show is much like the others, in that it’s awesome and radical. Enjoy!

Collectabullshit:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 033: Let’s Go to the Animal Zoo

The Escort Mission PodcastThe Escort Mission is all over CES news this time out. Guess what? There are a lot of TVs at that show. You need to buy a new TV. Seriously, HD is whack, you gotta check this 4K stuff.

Whew, sorry, I was channeling the desperate pleadings of a shrinking industry for a moment there. Just take a listen.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

TEM Podcast 032: Set Newtonian Photomist to 4

The Escort Mission PodcastWe’re back from the holiday break! Are you? You better hope so, because if not, your boss is mad. Get to work for God’s sake! Or just listen to the TEMsters Local 1337 chat about the Minecraft documentary, x-mas StarTrek, and lots of other pop culture-y goodness.

We also played SpaceTeam, and recorded it! That game is fun. To listen to all of us yelling at each other for kicks, click here.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

Legitimizing the Roll

If you’ve ever listened to our podcast (and if you haven’t, why not?!), you’ll know we do a little something called “Roll for Host”, wherein each member of The Escort Mission uses Random.org to generate a number between 1 and 20 (inclusively) in order to determine who hosts that episode. Despite us all being gaming geeks, we’re not as big on our traditional tabletop accouterments…until now.

Three dee twen-tees

Three dee twen-tees

Now, before we begin each show, we can do it right. If anyone gets a 20, it’ll flash and we’ll all know who rules. Thanks to ThinkGeek for the awesome-itude.

,

TEM Podcast 031: Laundering Dragons Through Dungeons

The Escort Mission PodcastThe show that we do has been done again! And boy do we hit it hard this week. The ur topic of gaming conversation gets a thorough going-over. ARE GAMES ART? Find out on this week’s Escort Mission.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 030: Floor-Based Superiority Complex

The Escort Mission PodcastA new show has appeared upon the horizon! It rides majestically out of the rising sun, the light flashing in its eyes; pure victory.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 029: Petty Pronunciation Pitfalls

The Escort Mission Podcast

This week we talk about a car, a website, a song, a movie, a game, and Peter Molyneux.

Peter Molyneux.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 028: Bakery Butchery Bonanza

The Escort Mission Podcast

We get the show length back under control for this episode. No more three hour marathons for a while, we hope. Your loving guides chatter some more about all the good stuff you’ve come to accept: games, movies, TV, music, foxes.

Foxes? YES! No, not really. Listen anyway, though.

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

,

TEM Podcast 027: Expert Elk Elimination

The Escort Mission Podcast

It’s been many weeks, and there’s some pent-up geekery about to go down. Get ready for face melting, brain bending, chat about things.

We watched movies, we played games, voted in elections, read words, and other activities as well. Prepare yourself!

Links:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 026: Spiderwatch 2012

The Escort Mission PodcastWelcome to The Escort Mission. It’s a podcast, undeniably. It’s also the only North American source of DJMax news. LITERALLY THE ONLY ONE. This week we’ve introduced a new weekly segment about memes called, “Meme of the Week.” It’ll be on each week, and is meme-focused.

We also talk about stealth games. Quietly, with an intensity of purpose matched only by our steely resolve. Hidden, we discuss them. At times we spring out to make a devastating point, then vanish so quickly you’ll question whether we were ever there at all.

From the shadows:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

Penny, the Show Dog

Penny, the Show Dog

She may not have much to say about the latest video game, but her presence is felt all the same.

Occasionally, our podcasting sessions are quietly interrupted by my rough collie, Penny. She will just race down the stairs and kind of mill around and be petted for a minute, before either going to sleep nearby or getting bored and returning upstairs. Obviously, her favorite microphone is mine because it belongs to mehas the orange (closest to her copper color) pop filter.

I’ve asked Penny to be a guest on the show and offer some commentary, but she never seems interested. Thus, she will remain an enigmatic figure, satisfied to pop in unannounced here and there.

TEM Podcast 025: Welcome to the eX-COMmunication Station

The Escort Mission PodcastAnother time period, another TEM ‘cast. This week is another random roll grab bag for topics and we manage to hit on controllers again. Spoiler: Josh likes buttons. Also, Chaz saw a movie, and Mike listened to some music. So in all, it’s NOTHING WHATSOEVER like any other episode.

In other news, Ann Coulter still sucks.

Look inward:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 024: Leatherworking Skill Has Reached 300

The Escort Mission PodcastOn this week’s Escort Mission, we argue the merits and dangers of free speech on the internet. And good news, we solve it! We resolve the whole issue in a way that’s satisfying to literally everyone in the world. Oh wait, no we don’t. Spoiler alert: it’s a grey area.

We do bring it full circle to TEM #1 and talk some Mass Effect 3, in light of the recent multiplayer patch. Also, Chaz discusses a game-breaking bug in XCOM Enemy Unknown, and Mike continues to play Sleeping Dogs.

Woof, yawn:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

Your Amazon purchases at work!

Pop filters! As hand toys! Thanks listeners – you made this all possible. 🙂

TEM Podcast 023: Your Teacher is a Heron

The Escort Mission PodcastThe Escort Mission goes to the movies this week, and we watched Looper. SPOILER ALERT: we spoil the crap out of it. If you want to avoid said spoilers, jump to 58:06 once we start discussing the movie. We also played Asura’s Wrath. Newsflash: Japanese games (and lots else about their culture) are weird.

Chaz bought a car and found it shady but easier than in years past. Mike played a number of casual games and found them enjoyable. Josh watched the presidential debate and found it crazy-making.

Make your crazy:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 022: Inappropriate German Engineering

The Escort Mission PodcastThere’s never been an episode of The Escort Mission that’s come off with more aplomb, more professionalism, more panache than this one. Never have we been more buttery, or less stuttery

The three of us didn’t play many games this week, but rest assured, we manage to argue about things anyway. In large part, we shake down the new console generation. What we hope will happen, what we’re dreading, and everything in between. Spoiler: Josh likes buttons.

Press buttons:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 021: Kickstart My Art

The Escort Mission PodcastThe Escort Mission is here, queer, David Alan Greer, a steer, mere pier, quite dear, and sheer.

This week we talk about Kickstarter’s strengths and pitfalls. Why it’s awesome and where it falls down. What project funders should know and how good a job Kickstarter does telling them. We played several games, read some books, and watched various pieces of filmed entertainment. Also… Cloud Atlas.

Buttery, not Stuttery:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 020: The Ketchup Incident

The Escort Mission PodcastHere you go, loyalists. A compact ninty-one minutes of TEM goodness. ‘Nuff said.

We have our first ever multi-letter mailbag segment, and a surprise alterna-performance of the mailbag jingle. Also, Josh likes Guild Wars 2, and we all like Mark of the Ninja.

Give it some gas:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 019: Block Rockin’ Bleats

The Escort Mission PodcastOne more TEM podcast unto the breach, dear friends; one more. Or close up the wall with our gaming dead. In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility: but when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the Tiger.

Because we’re serious about this podcast. We’re double serious. We’re saying THINGS. And STUFF. We mean it. Music has been listened to. Recreational trips have been taken. Games have been played, WITH PARENTS.

God for Harry, England, and St. George:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 018: The Escort Mission Plays Ball

The Escort Mission PodcastWelcome loyal listeners! We took a week off because reasons. Now we’re back, though, and we’re playing some games that are out of our wheelhouse. Wheelhouses? Regardless, it’s not the stuff that we typically go in for.

So buckle in for a TEM cast such as you’ve never known, in the most specific sense of that phrase. (Beacause, really, it’s a lot like those you’ve known.)

Find it:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

  • Duration: 01:54:08
  • Full notes to follow
  • Erm, actually, I lost the show notes, so you’re on your own for this week.
  • Commence to googlin’!

TEM Podcast 017: When Mintons Go Bad

The Escort Mission PodcastWe played a few games this week, and watched a lot of the Olympics. Some games were good, some bad. Some Olympic events are fun to watch, some not. There, no need to listen to the show!

Game theory, tournament structure, and rulesmaking. All these could have been topics in our discussion of the Olympic Badminton scandal, if we were more level-headed. Instead we yell at each about fairness and SPORTSMANSHIP for an hour.

Buttery, not Stuttery:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 016: From Activision to Zynga

The Escort Mission PodcastSome of us watched the Olympics this week. Team Handball and Micronesia feature prominently. Then, Josh and Mike talk about music for OMG LIKE THREE YEARS AMIRITE? Also we mention quite a few mobile games and the best piece of advertising ever.

Then we get down and dirty with the “bad guys” of gaming – those scapegoat companies that gamers seem to love to hate. We’re talking EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Zynga.

Your options for expeditious procurement of the podcast are hereby detailed:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 015: This is Totally in Your Wheelhouse

The Escort Mission PodcastI punch a guitar twice this episode. I’m not sure why I can’t manage to make it through a show without doing that, but there it is.

Just Cause 2 gets the Best Game Ever treatment. I’ll give you a hint – we like it. Also, we discuss the Nexus 7, Louis CK, and TNGHT.

Download, hearties:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 014: Cost-Efficient Urbanization

The Escort Mission PodcastTEM crew is back and better than ever. Actually, we’re probably not better than ever. Let’s say we’re on par with ever. Josh is back, though, and we hear about his trip to Oregon. Comicon happened in our fair city, so there’s some talk of that.

We also get into a long discussion about the cost of games, and the recent industry developments to do with that. Things cost money, guys. I dunno if you knew that, but they do. Also, games are things. Modus Ponens is trying to tell me something here…

P, therefore Q:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 013: For Jack Johnson Fans Only

The Escort Mission PodcastNo Josh this week! In his absence, we conscript two guest hosts, Matt and Robyn. (See! Proof that we know women.) They fill in admirably and we have some good discussions in another random grab bag show.

We also played Cards Against Humanity (great title) before the show, and that’s fun, yo. Also, the mailbag returns! Live mail jingle to the max!

4 hosts, 4 ways:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 012: Getting Revenge on Old Ladies from the Street

The Escort Mission PodcastThis week we take on women. Can they be allowed to drive cars? Pants, are they merely inflammatory or the downfall of civil society? And is childbirth really that big a deal?

Actually, we have the kind of nuanced discussion about gender and games that we wish occurred in more developers’ offices. Also, we played some games, watched some shows, read some books.

Take a listen:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 011: Sorting Out the Duck Situation

The Escort Mission PodcastGuess who’s back? That’s right, TEM’s back. Our two-week break did us good. Or at least it did us no harm. It’s Hippocratic in that respect.

We watched another movie this week, and let me tell you, shit’s tough in the FP. Also, Portal and Portal 2 put up their respective dukes in the Best Game Ever arena. And other things happened as well. Listen, won’t you?

Like this:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 010: A Podcast You Listen to Via a Method

The Escort Mission PodcastWe’re in the double digits! Woooooo! This episode count is only going one way, baby! Higher! Up! It will increase. As we record more episodes it will continue to increment by one. Next show’ll be number eleven. Escort Mission fever, CATCH IT!

This week we three hosts watched a movie film picture show and then gathered to discuss it. Also, E3 happened, and boy were there a lot of generic action sequences.

Methods:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 009: The Escort Mission Gets Meta

Yo dawg, we heard you like escort missions, so we put an escort mission in your escort mission so you can escort mission while you escort mission.

Meme! In the face!

The topic of the week is eponymous, and we’ll leave it at that. Also, we talk about how internet flamewars (like conscience) make cowards of us all.

Reference! Also in the face!

Lose the name of action:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 008: Console Gaming is Dead, Long Live Console Gaming!

It’s a long one today, listeners, but probably our best show yet. Lots of meaty discussion, not only about games, but about their place in society, and what we want them to be.

Not to mention the usual tomfoolery, horsin’ around, grab-ass, foolishness, and triviality you’ve come to know, expect, and love.

Now, show notes (omg, these go on forever this week).

Drink it in:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 007: Idea Lag Grab Bag

Extry, extry, read all about it! A new episode of The Escort Mission, for your listening pleasure. 22-skidoo!

This week we further randomize the show with a rapid-fire selection of gaming topics. Arcades! Emulation! Indie v. AAA! And suchlike!

Get down, get down:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. RSS
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

Dear Esther: Quickview

Dear Esther screenshot

When I want to do a brief write-up of something, unfettered by immediate discussion from The Escort Mission crew, you got yourself a Quickview. Today, I want to talk about Dear Esther.

Originally built as a Source engine mod for Half Life 2, Dear Esther has been improved graphically and aurally to become its own game. I had heard it was heavy on the mood and exploration, so it seemed like a novel concept to check out. Despite its traditional FPS foundation, the lack of weapons, inventory, enemies, and even the ability to jump make this a very different kind of “game”.

Your main interaction with Dear Esther is to walk at a solid, but slow, gait around an island while vocal clips (memories? talking to yourself? thinking out loud?) and beautiful, somber music play in the background. All of this combines to help flesh out the otherwise enigmatic nature walk you embark upon as you explore this mysterious place. The graphics are nicely detailed (at least far as the Source engine and your computer can push them), and the color effects used inside caves are truly magnificent. It’s all very peaceful and serene, but at the same time very unsettling. The storyline is vague and progression through the game frames everything as a dream or delusion. Even after beating it I pretty much had no idea what had transpired, as if I were in a haze the whole time.

If ever there was a first-person story told in an interactive manner, then Dear Esther would fit the bill. The experience could not really be told in another medium quite as effectively. Is it a success as a game? If a short (it can be beaten in 1-2 hours), linear (there are some side and alternative paths, but there is one main road) adventure consisting of walking, examining, and listening with no combat or collecting qualifies, then yes. It’s easy to see how others would object, but I think that would be selling it short. The whole thing is a very unique experience unlike anything else I’ve played, and despite feeling confused about its purpose or ultimate meaning, it’s still worth the price of admission.

Speaking of which, Steam is currently providing Dear Esther for half off its usual price (only $5) and can be played on either OS X or Windows.

, , ,

TEM Podcast 006: The One with the Key and the Time Mechanic

Mini-sode, guys! A quick mid-week ep. to make up for missing our regular weekend cast-a-thon. (By which I mean, a 2 hour show like all the others. The best laid plans, and all that.) Also, Josh wins the dice roll yet again.

You’re not going to believe this but we hardly mention Mass Effect and Fez, and only in the context of other games! Chaz is playing some classic PlayStation exclusives, Mike is on the Penny-Arcade tip (Penny-Arcade Sucks!), and Josh thinks Braid is Best Game Ever. Also, have you ever tried to describe a specific Braid puzzle? It turns out that’s challenging. 🙂

Peep this (with your ears):

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Something to say? Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 005: Now You’re Playing with Churros

Wherein we learn that there’s a fine line between Churros and Donut Holes, largely arbitrated by the quality of one’s pastry bag.

Guess what? TEMcrew like Fez and we talk about it more. It’s the last time, for SURE this time. Mike played a buncha crazy demos, most of which he didn’t like. Chaz listened to some music. Josh watched The Dark Knight for the first time, and he got a Nook. (Which shows you how in tune with monetizing this thing we are. Ya couldn’t have bought a Kindle, dude?)

Peep this (with your ears):

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 004: Minimaximization

Another fun show from TEMcrew. Josh finally gets to host (or should I say, anti-host) by rolling the third natural 20 we’ve had in four shows. His style isn’t so much Ryan Seacrest as it is Ryanair. (That’s a joke for all you overseas flyers out there.)

We talk some more Fez, we talk some more Mass Effect MP. Crazy stuff is happening in EVE Online. Also, is it Min/Maxing or Max/Minning? And is Tetris one of the best games ever?

As always, find us here:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

Our Massive Growth

Judging by our Feedburner stats, The Escort Mission Podcast has got some actual listeners! Even if you discount our own subscriptions and maybe some bots, we currently have about 20 subscribers to the ‘cast. Thanks to all who have stopped by and are giving our weekly chat-a-thon an audition. You all rock.

, , ,

TEM Podcast 003: The Stargate to the West

We’re blowing it out this episode, with amazing features such as talking, arguing, commenting, and professing. You’ve never heard an Escort Mission Podcast like this one!

More Fez talk – that game is good, people. Josh went to St. Louis – were there bricks? (Answer: yes) What did he eat? (Answer: cheese) Game journalism – do we like it? Do we need it? Does it even exist?

As always, find us here:

  1. iTunes
  2. Download the MP3
  3. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  4. Subscribe to the RSS by email

Hit us with your quemments via FacebookTwitter (@escortmission), Google+, or email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com).

Show notes:

Credibility Ahoy

Apple has approved our podcast as being super awesome and now lists it in iTunes (well, it might be a couple days before it comes up in a search, but it’s there!). You can use the link in the sidebar or just follow the text below:

Subscribe to Podcast on iTunes

We’ve also been accepted by the BlackBerry podcast directory thingy, but I have no idea how you even access it as I don’t have a BlackBerry device.

, , , ,

TEM Podcast 002: Listener Safety Violation

The Escort Mission Podcast

Our second podcast episode is in the can, and while it looks like it’s coming out on the same day as the first, it’s really not. In fact, nearly a week separates each episode! We just figured it made more sense to release both at the same time since while they may have been done then and then, we’re going official now, so, yeah. Two for the price of one, and all.

Our focus this time is a bit less narrow than our first episode as we split our time between the recent release of Fez, exploring the good and bad parts of DLC, and trying to reason with Tom Auxier’s Defense of Boring. Throughout the podcast honest and sometimes harsh opinions arise, which is when the real discussion begins, no?

We continue to have three amazing, auditory-pleasing ways to get the podcast:

  1. Download the MP3
  2. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  3. Subscribe to the RSS by email

iTunes Store direct-linking/subscribing will be another option very soon.

Any comments, questions, or suggestions can be directed to Facebook, Twitter (@escortmission), Google+, or good ol’ email (mail[at]theescortmission[dot]com). Our FB/Twitter/G+ accounts are not feature or content-rich at the moment, but we’re still breaking ground on the website and podcast, so stick with us.

Show notes:

TEM Podcast 001: A Massive Effect

The Escort Mission Podcast

The Escort Mission has finally gotten their act together and made their first podcast episode, and it is a massive one. Join Mike, Josh, and Chaz, if you would, in their seriously light-hearted audio-based discussion.

The topic of the day is Mass Effect 3 in all of its glory, which includes our thoughts on the game itself, its place in the trilogy, and the much ballyhooed ending. Thus, spoilers definitely abound. We also introduce two features called “Not My Thing”, where particular idiosyncrasies get admitted, and “Best Game Ever”, where a game is chosen to be nominated and defended as one of the all-time greats.

We have three great, nutrient-rich avenues to get at our recorded think tank:

  1. Download the MP3, all direct-like
  2. Grab the RSS, and plug it into your RSS reader of choice (Google Reader, et. al.)
  3. Subscribe to the RSS by email

As soon as iTunes approves of our audio roundtable, we’ll be able to link it more Apple-like. However, you can do it manually right now by just using option #2 and adding it to iTunes’s Podcasts section via the Advanced->Subscribe to Podcast menu option.

We hope you enjoy our stream-of-consciousness conversation and check in with us each week (that’s the plan) for a new episode.

Show notes:

,

Introducing Mike

I’m Mike and I’m really glad you’re here to listen to my friends and I prattle on endlessly about video games, one of our favorite pastimes. As a chaser from the drunken spouting that we do on each episode of The Escort Mission Podcast, how about a little information about yours truly?

I’ve been playing games for multiple decades, but not necessarily discussing them with anyone. The Escort Mission Podcast is now one of my favorite things to do because it’s a great release to talk critically, intelligently, and emotionally to my friends about something that we all do and enjoy. As an only child growing up in various nooks of the USA, I didn’t often have a lot of strong social activity beyond a couple years of Little League baseball and the forced interactivity of school. Thus, I learned to entertain myself really well, which often meant finding geeky solace in the imaginary worlds of Nintendo, Sega, and Sony.

Video games have been my constant companion from the first couple times I attempted to beat Super Mario Brothers on an NES when I was 5, until the current days of Draw Something on my iPhone or Mass Effect 3 on my Xbox 360, with many systems and games inbetween. I spend plenty of time reading about games now that game journalism has blown up on the Internet, so I try to stay as informed about all of the shared experiences in gaming as I can. Games are a unique medium that takes a lot of the best parts of other media like film, literature, and music to make something much bigger and significant than the sum of its parts. If you want worlds that are created with backstories, characters, and game mechanics that let you interact with them, then a few hours spent in most modern video game will deliver. For an introvert who doesn’t feel confident about themselves a lot of the time, the realm of video games is a controlled experience with immense gratification. Good video game memories are worth their weight in gold.

When I’m not obsessed with a video game, I can often be found writing and/or playing music. At least in my circle of friends, I’m more or less known as the “music guy” who writes and releases original music for fun. Learning to play the guitar in 1996 definitely changed my life and starting to create my own music a few years later changed how I think about music as a hobby and lifestyle. Basically, it’s an impulse that I can’t, and don’t want to, resist. I hope to be making music for the rest of my life, and I hope as large of a subset of that music gets heard by others and is as enjoyable to them as it is to me. As a byproduct of this impulse and obsession, I can often be won over by a game that has great music, despite any other shortcomings.

I hope The Escort Mission (and its shining gem of a podcast) becomes a second home for you to analyze and dissect the events and issues of the gaming world much like it has become ours.

ME3 Indoctrination Theory

We briefly touched on the indoctrination theory in episode one, but gave it short shrift. I’ve ruminated on it further, and I have THOUGHTS! Giant spoilers ahead, matey! (more…)

,

Introducing The Escort Mission Podcast

The forces of Mike, Josh, and Chaz have joined to work on a brand new podcast about gaming. Sure, there are plenty of podcasts that talk about games, but they don’t have our unique opinions, experiences, and knack for gamifying the podcast paradigm itself.

Our first episode has been recorded, but is still being produced. When it’s ready, you’ll be able to download it directly from this website, or you can grab it on iTunes (and subscribe and  add comments and a rating, too). Look for it soon.