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 continue our discussion theme of video game music. Instead of picking out examples we think are 'good use' of video game music, we just pick out games that have soundtracks that we think are awesome.

• Mario Galaxy
  • Listen: Gusty Garden Galaxy, Beach Bowl Galaxy
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
  • Listen: Under Heaven Destruction, Lust SIN, Queen of Rose
• Link’s Awakening
  • Listen: Village Theme, Overworld, Sword Search
• FTL: Faster Than Light
  • Listen: Space Cruise (Title), Mantis (Battle), Last Stand
• Jet Set Radio Future
  • Listen: Concept of Love, Like a Butterfly, Aisle Ten
• Banjo-Kazooie
  • Listen: Click Clock Wood, Treasure Trove Cove, Freezeasy Peak
• Honourable mentions:
  • DK Rap
  • The Sims 2 radio music

Intro/outro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion

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 this episode we take a deeper look at eSports and how it compares to more traditional sporting events.

• Inside Fnatic's Bunkr, the World's First eSports Store
• eSports news on ESPN
• Loading Bar

Intro/outro music: JACKS – Runaway Fashion