In this episode of Octal FM we try to decide: Is the 3D platforming video game genre dead? Games we discuss:

• Arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Mario Bros
• Croc
• Metroid and Castlevania
• Crash Bandicoot
• Rogue-likes such as Spelunky and Rogue Legacy
• Puzzle-platformers like Super Meat Boy and N+
• Is Yooka-Laylee the return of 3D platformers?
• Snake Pass

Intro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion Outro music: Juan Medrano - Mega Man 2 "Dokuta Wairi, Rival to the Light"

In this episode we talk all about the state of difficulty in video games. Are they too easy? Too hard? Does it matter?

• Rubber banding.
• "The Noobification of games", a clip from Pure Pwnage: Teh Movie.
• Super Guide.

Intro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion Outro music: The OneUps – Funky Mario Circut (Radio Edit)

In this episode we pick out some of our favourite uses of music in video games.

• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker combat
  • Video of an example of combat with audio 'accents' (minor Wind Waker spoilers)
  • Listen: Middle Boss Battle
• Final Fantasy VI
  • Composed by Nobuo Uematsu
  • Listen: Terra’s theme
• Half Life 2
  • Listen: CP Violation
• Music levels from Rayman Legends
  • Listen: 'Gloo Gloo' Musical Level (video of level)
• Transistor
  • Developed and published by Supergiant Games
  • Composed by Darren Korb. Vocals by Ashley Barrett
  • Listen: We All Become and The Spine
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
  • Listen: Old Snake vs. Liquid Ocelot (Ultimate Version)

Some other games that we were considering include: Banjo-Kazooie, Journey and Audiosurf. There are many more great examples of the use of music in video games, get in touch and let us know yours! Intro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion

In their most click-bait episode ever, Jalada and Sefran discuss the state of mobile phone games, where they think the industry is going, and some games that perhaps aren't so bad after all.

• 81% of the UK population own a smartphone according to Deloitte.
• "Mobile games hit $34.8B in 2015, taking 85% of all app revenues"
• Super Mario Run from Nintendo.
• Extra Credits channel on YouTube.
• Monument Valley.

Intro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion Outro music: OC/DC - Rise of the Piggies 

In another case of 'Jalada and Sefran weren't paying attention to the episode timer', this bonus-length episode is all about our favourite video game consoles.

• Nintendo GameBoy
• Sega GameGear
• Nintendo 64
• PlayStation 4
• Joint favourite: Nintendo GameCube
  • In the episode we say that the Wavebird was the first wireless controller. Of course, there were others before it, but it was pretty much the first to use radio-frequency (which was great) instead of infrared (which was terrible).

Intro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion Outro music: Nostalvania – Seven Pipes to Heaven