CAGcast #63: A Dish Best Served Cold

[CheapyD]

CheapyD reviews (the Japanese version of) Cooking Mama for the Wii and Wombat complains about pretty much everything. We both discuss the latest industry and game shopping news, your questions from the CAGbag (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71382), and much more!

Listen for details on new contests, sponsored by GameBrink.com (http://www.gamebrink.com/) and Phoenix Wright 2 (http://www.capcom.com/aceattorney/). To enter, simply post the name of the game you want (that was mentioned as a potential prize) as part of your post.

Winner will be chosen at random.

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http://media.libsyn.com/media/cheapyd/cagcast63.mp3


Show Linkage/Notes:

Intro music: RC Pro-Am (NES)

Contest winner: RobertEffenHorry (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=29373): Wario: Master of Disguise (DS)

CAG Foreplay: New Releases (2/13/07) (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/../archives/cag-foreplay-new-releases-21307.php)

Japan: Wii Outsells PS3 Four to One (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4685&Itemid=2)

Virtua Fighter Controller Probs, Game Sells Less Than DOA4 (http://kotaku.com/gaming/virtua-fighter-5/virtua-fighter-controller-probs-game-sells-less-than-doa4-235688.php)
Sony’s Jack Trenton offers $1200 for PS3s! (http://www.lakupo.com/grblitz/)
Sony UK sales boss quits before impending PS3 launch (http://feeds.joystiq.com/%7Er/weblogsinc/joystiq/%7E3/90310567/)

Achievements Reward Program (http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2007/02/06/540799.aspx)
Canessa Quits XBLA for PopCap (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4711&Itemid=2)

CAG Exclusive: $5 off $30 at Play-Asia
(http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/../archives/cag-exclusive-5-off-30-at-playasia.php)GameStop Cracks Down on Underage Game Sales (http://rss.slashdot.org/%7Er/Slashdot/slashdotGames/%7E3/89855470/article.pl)


Next-gen.biz 100 best selling games in 2006 in NA (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4691&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=0)
Virgin announces 'iTunes for video games' (http://www.gamespot.com/6165742)
EA duets with SingShot (http://www.gamespot.com/6165789)
Marc Ecko Launches Game Division (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/marc-ecko/marc-ecko-launches-game-division-236375.php)

CAGbag (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71382)

Digg the CAGcast (http://www.digg.com/podcasts/CAGcast)
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/cagcast)

Outro: Pitfall (Atari 2600) (http://gameads.gamepressure.com/tv_game_commercial.asp?ID=5187) - Did I use this one already?

CAGcast #63 Video Companion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPKyITQbFLU

[mrx1]

Liscening to podcast now.I want some chocolates from the Japanese land and :drool:The WARRIORS for the PSP.Heard the warriors is great game.

[ramatut4001]

I love it when you name the 'cast after old Klingon proverbs. I'll check it out after Howard.

Edit: Great show. Phoenix Wright, please!

[McBacon]

Listening to it now, great stuff as always.

Please put me in for Virtua Fighter 5, I'm hoping to get a PS3 on its launch in March, so that'd be amazing.

(I'd be a monkey, Wombat)

[amusedtoe]

This whole PS3 bounty thing reminds me of the challenge that "He whose name shalt not be spoken" issued and a similar possibility of any actual follow through.

Anyway gimme, gimme, gimme a copy of Phoenix Wright!

[bobthecat23]

cheapy u still didnt mention winning eleven again and VF 5 please great show

[Bazz]

Great Show , I wasn't to impressed with last weeks show , but this was back to awesomeness ( I doubt that is a word , but whatever). I loved the long show keep it up.

I sure wouldn't mind a Psp Game I think Killzone maybe cool for psp.

[bobthecat23]

theres AFRIKA that game by the ppl that made shadow of the collosuus

[Cursor]

I'm in for Phoenix Wright 2.

Otsukaresamadesu, Cheapie & Wombat. Cheapie, is your Nihongo sufficient to translate that for Wombat? That's today's Japanese test!

[Mogambi]

Great Show Wombat and Cheapy. And by the way I would love a Phoenix Wright game :roll:

[dadeisvenm]

Virtua Fighter 5 FTW!

http://donaldade.com/files/foo_copy.jpg

[youruglyclone]

Cheapy got a revoltech optimus prime?

I have Virtua-ly no chance at winning these cag contests

yeah it's the best I got...I'm trying to keep warm in this here snowstorm!

[Dingleberry]

There's always Cabela's African Safariiiii

and i'll take Phoenix Wright

[CAG 79]

Great show.

Virtua Fighter 5 would be my choice.

[Temporaryscars]

"I don't take advice from a 36-year-old with a room mate."

OUCH Wombat! What happened to customer retention? ;)

[JohnnyDrama]

Down for Phoenix Wright 2

[PlumeNoir]

Since no one showed up for work, and I'm onto a new job on Monday, I just downloaded and will listen while I pretend to work.

Still hoping for Phoenix Wright 2....

[Mr.Answer]

phoenix wright 2.

I would be a chewicorn.

[orangecrush]

I chuckled quite a bit this episode. Also, Phoenix Wright 2 would bring much goodness to my home.

[encendido5]

RC ProAM FTW! Thanks for answering my question, though Wombat cut off my long winded explanation, lol. Great job on the pronounciation too Cheapy, maybe you can start learning Spanish next :D

Like bobthecat23 said, what about Afrika? I guess you don't get to kill people in that one though.

I'd still like PW2 since I don't have a PSP or a PS3. In honor of Afrika, I'd be a lion... carrrrne asada!

edit: actually, I'll take Wario if it's still available.

[Cmoore58]

virtua fighter 5 is my choice! thanks guys!

[Ikohn4ever]

how about a picture of the Optimus

[Darknyss]

pssst Wombat! (http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/afrika/index.html)

Virtua Fighter 5 please!!!

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Wow, if Nintendo's arrogance is limited to not supplying component cables (which the PS3 also doesn't do) and providing "crappy batteries," they are doing pretty well.

I also like how actually including batteries with the remote, which they obviously didn't have to do, is considered a bad thing.

It's funny to me that people complain about "crappy" free stuff like free batteries and Wii channels. They're fucking free people!

Phoenix Wright 2 for my free game.

[Hired.Geek]

Cheapy, and Wombat as always enjoyed the show. I noticed that Cheapy dropped the F-Bomb once, making it hard for me to listen to the show at work. Nothing like the 1UP show, but I was just saying I really enjoy listening to the show at work and that makes it a little hard since I have to keep the volume way down.

Before I get into my rant here, I would like to say I am hoping to win SOCOM II Fire Team Bravo for the PSP. And I am still waiting to see a tall, bald Mii show up on my Mii Channel.

Console manufactures need to do a lot more to keep their customers coming back to them as repeat customers. While I think all three of the major players made significant improvements to address the concerns of previous versions of their consoles, there is still allot more work to be done.

First off Microsoft I think has done a great job in making PR people like Larry Hryb, Trixe, and others available to answer questions and get information out to consumers. If problems arise with the console or the LIVE service I think they have been fairly quick to act on that. One good example was extending the warranty of the 360 to one full year and giving retro refunds to customers who have already had to pay for 360 repairs that happened inside of the year time line. Another thing they are doing to keep customers is continuing to update and upgrade their online service. Adding demos, and game trailers as well chat feature in and out of games is a really good feature. The one area that they have completely dropped the ball in is backward compatibility. They told us that they were working hard and that most major titles would become backward compatible, and with the companies history of keeping programs backward compatible with previous versions of Windows I believed them. In reality they started out strong getting a number of titles backward compatible every few months, but now they have all but dropped off in that effort. This is a massive disappointment to me, and I think it really re-enforces the idea that in Peter Moore’s mind playing older XBox games is not that important since it does not make more money for his company. Overall on XBox LIVE I play with allot of people who were previous owners of the XBox 1. I think Microsoft has addressed one of the biggest complaints from their last generation console, and that is it only has shooters. I think Microsoft has really tried hard to recruit new developers and create games for all sorts of gamers.

Second off Sony, well what do I say here. With the first two consoles they had I think they really had the idea of customer services down pat. They continued to create a product that was almost completely backward compatible, and creating remarkable gaming consoles that gamers and developers loved. Now enter the PS3, and it seems that they have lost all sight of customer service. The PS1 & PS2 games run on the PS3 which is a considerable step up from Microsoft’s attempt at backwards compatibility. But this time around they did not do quite as good of a job as they did in previous consoles. Sony on the other hand is not quite as accessible to consumers and press. They really need to send a PR person around with every Sony executive, and the second they start to say something stupid, the PR person should smack the executive in the back of the head. Perfect example is the giving away $1200 for any PS3 that has been sitting on store shelves for more then five minutes, that should have resulted in a sever open handed smack to the head. I think Sony has listened to the complaints of the last generation console and improved the graphics, and shall I say started down the path to an online gaming strategy.

Finally Nintendo, who I think has done the best job to date in keeping their customers over time. The Wii is virtually completely backward compatible with the Game Cube. It is very user friendly and has really aimed itself at offering something to all levels of gamers. I think they are leading the industry in trying to retain customers by creating consoles (DS & Wii) and games that appeal to all level of gamers. Gamers who are long time gamers can have fun with the console and some of the advance titles, while new gamers can start their journey on easy to learn games like Wii Sports, Excite Truck, Wii Play and others. Even the Wiimote is new and improved, but still holds to the basic design of the NES controller which was something that most gamers from previous generations may remember and feel more comfortable with. One thing Nintendo is completely falling on their face is the online. The GameCube had nothing, verybody complained about the DS friend code system, and now they are making the same mistakes on the Wii, and releasing a console that is only fractionally functional. They should have sold the system with combination component-composite cables similar to the way the XBox 360 premium did. And having the online functionality working out of the box would have been another thing that could have vastly improved the consoles release. Nintendo addressed the major complaint of the last generation in creating a product that is not just viewed as a toy for children, but as a console for all ages. We are starting to see quite a few games that are aimed at adult audiences.

Wombat’s comparison of minors selling games that are rated mature or adult only, to minors selling alcohol is not completely correct. You can be 18 and work in a bar as wait staff or a bartender, but you can not purchase alcohol until you are 21, at least here in the USA. Sorry Wombat it seems like someone is always working you and your comments over in the forums every week, and this week we all gathered around and I drew the short straw! But I do agree with Wombat in that it is pretty hard to take advice from a 36 year old full grown man, that still has a roommate (unless he is gay, then I guess his advice is just as qualified as anyone else’s. But man honestly just say it, it is nothing to be ashamed of).

To the guy who does not like the Wii Store music I say really? It honestly reminds me of walking around in a store and that cheesy music they play in the back ground.

As to the benefits of living in Japan, all I can say is the freakin hot women! WOW, it seems like every time I am seeing video of people standing in line for games or consoles there are tons of smoking hot chicks! That has got to be a super big plus. Cheapy, do you get hit on quite a bit? I had a friend in the army stationed there who told me that most guys over six feet tall can do very well at a bar in Japan? Not that I am saying you would do anything about it, but do you get a few offers? Maybe some little hotty wants to go home with you and Mrs. Cheapy since you have this huge open shower?

As for the customer service at the post office that is amazing. I can not get my mail carrier to deliver mail to mailbox if there is more than three inches of snow on the ground that is not shoveled clear.

[RedComet]

Another great podcast.

Virtua Fighter 5 for me.

[trip1eX]

To retain videogame players you need to put out experiences that will still interest them. I would also say you need to make games they have time for too.

The only big company doing this is Nintendo. Stuff like WiiSports and WiiPlay. That's stuff that will interest the tru working man and the family man who played videogames before, but now has higher priorities.

What could do better here in North America would be if someone like EA did stuff stuff like the above, but with a NA-style to it.

I look at something like Madden and it's too much for me. I like playing a little football, but I don't need all these superstar and other timesink modes and the 30,000 options.

I just want to play a gall dam football game. Why can't I get that for $20? I would much prefer going back to the GEnesis days of Madden football except with better graphics. IN those days you didn't need to make a career out of football. You grabbed a couple buds who never really played much and you played a game of it.

Now? I would think that is much harder to do because the games are much harder to get into between the controls and the features/options.

I think that's a niche that companies have ignored. GAmes for the person who likes games, but doesn't have 100 hours to go wandering through the countryside.

There's a great interview (http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/f1a18906612a0110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html) with Will Wright and he figures most people don't play beyond the first 20% of a game on average.

Hopefully we will see this part of the market catered to this generation. We're seeing stuff on XBox Live and that Jaffe cars games on the PS3 and Nintendo has the VC and puts out alot of pick and play type games.

That's where the industry has to give more attention to if they want to retain gamers.

People in my neighborhood all have jobs and families and like to go outside once in awhile. Playing many of these games is not an option. PLus with most of the games geared towards the 15 yr old who rips the plastic off PLayboys at the 7-eleven to get a peek then no wonder older gamers 'retire' from gaming.

Movies and TVs shows attract a wide range of audiences and are far less time consuming than most of your typical $50 videogames. And that's where the videogame industry should follow.

[Corvin]

Another good one. I could be down for the Japanese version of Valentine's day/White day.

Phoenix Wright 2

[CelticKrush]

great episode. And i cannot wait for your smack talk review.

for the contest i would like Phoenix Wright 2.

[Kfoster1979]

Good Show, I agree with you Wombat the Video Game Industry could care less about retaing customers there to busy trying to get new ones see Nintendo. I think maybe M$ has the upper hand in this, Nintendo and Sony rely too much on brand loyalty and just expect customers to keep coming back for more. M$ however seems to be trying to not only get new consumers but retain them with things like Live that is leaps and bounds above Ps Network and Wii Codes along and IPTV, and the Video Marketplace. I know you Wombat aren’t really big on the Video Marketplace but you have to admit that it’s a feature that will keep people coming back. Of course I’m most likely way off, Oh yeah Phoenix Wright 2

[MillerTime2523]

Great show, yet again.

PW2 please.

[Esperado]

Started listening to your podcast a few weeks ago and now I'm hooked! Virtua Fighter 5 if I'm picked

[Nogib]

Virtua Fighter 5 should be the greatest iteration ever. Now if only Sega would fix whatever last minute problems their joystick has.

[controlcommerce]

Very entertaining guys. Keep it coming.

I would like to request Phoenix Wright 2. Thanks.

[o2012o]

I would excitedly urinate on my walls if I could win Virtua Fighter 5.

[Strider2K99]

Great show, keep up the work.

I'm disappointed to hear about how boring Cooking Mama for the Wii is.

Sign me up again for Killzone for the PSP.

[Wombat]

before more people post it, yes I am aware of the game Afrika, but thats only one game and my point that it is an underused locale in comparison to say Mexico that has been featured in 4 games in the last year. I think would be a great location for a rainbow six or a splinter cell type game. I don't think Afrika is that kind of game so I'm sticking with my initial point.

[Corvin]

I know you Wombat aren’t really big on the Video Marketplace but you have to admit that it’s a feature that will keep people coming back.

Not at 8+ hours per download.

[ryanbph]

great show as usual...I do disagree with wombats retention of customers comments. I haven't read the disney book so I can't comment much on that, but you claim that 70% of disney theme park customers are return customers. I wonder how many of those return customers are people that went as a child, and then returned as a parent. It would be the same with video games. Lets say I decided to quit gaming today at age 31, with my daughter due in 3 months. Assuming the video game market is still strong 10 years from now, I would assume my daughter may be interested in playing video games. I would probably play with her on a new generation system, and I may even pick up games for me to play later on in the evening. There actually was a cag in my auction thread that said he started playing actively with his children.

As for the time consuming aspect of it and how nintendo is doing it right with pick up and play, I disagree with that as well. (tripex1 comments) Yes some games are very complicated and some take forever to get thru, but there is no reason why a active adult couldn't put 2 or so hours in a week...yes those customers would take forever to complete the game and not buy as many as other but it is still possible to play thru the game. Nintendo is allegedly targeting the non gamer with the simplified controls and pick up and play mentality. Personally I don't want to spend $50 for a 2 hour game and the games media doesn't need to go the route of books/movies

[poopmasterfunk]

Keep up the good work, guys! I'm interested in Pheonix Wright if I take the prize. I need something to play in my brand spanking new Onyx DS Lite! Look forward to the next episode. Later!

[dre297]

I would like to say i want Phoenix Wright for ds . Also as always the show was awesome.

[doc005]

Another great show.

Also I would really like Phoenix Wright 2

[gunm]

I love CAGCast Wednesday! Gonna stream this later today. I'd like to flop over to this week's contest to win Virtua Fighter 5.

And I disagree a little with Wombat's rant on Crackdown/linear games--sometimes I don't want or need some great backstory for a game to be fun. There was a time when you just played a game to beat the high score or some other person. Ultimately it comes down to game/level design, of course, but who cares if all doors on the buildings don't open--an open-ended game doesn't necessarily mean you should go whereever you want or do whatever you want. From a design standpoint, you do have to set some limits because you're limited by technology and budget and you don't want to get bogged down in the minutae of every little inane thing you think a player is going to want to do. I would be a logistical and programming nightmare. Even Oblivion has it's limits.

With a game like Crackdown, sometimes I just want to fuck around and blow shit up for no damn reason at all and this game will let me do that.

On the other hand, I do agree that these video game-related sites and podcasts are a dime a dozen...

[NinjaMajik]

The Warriors for psp be pretty WILD!

[peteyrose]

Perfect timing as usual. I listen to the show while sweating at the gym ;)

Sign me up for Virtua Fighter 5!

[rodeojones903]

Fantastical show!

Id like to put my name in for Socom II please. :D

[flybrione]

Another great show. Warriors for PSP please.

[cruzincontrol]

Currently listening...Put me in for Virtua Fighter 5 for the PS3

[thorbahn3]

Good show. I think the problem with Cooking Mama is that it didn't lend itself to becoming a good console game while the cheapness of the DS game along with the short simple joy you need with portables along with the touch screen most likely made it better.

As for Wombat's customer care talk, I agree to a degree when it comes to Microsoft and Sony but Nintendo is awesome with customer service. Those people know their shit and when something breaks they help you out ASAP. Just look at the wrist strap as a recent example. Fill out the form and we send the thing to you for free.

They could of just brushed it off as some stupid people getting WAY into Wii Sports but they didn't.

Phone X Right 2 please.

[ohpo]

enjoyed the show, like always.
i'm almost done with Phoenix Wright 1, and i'd LOVE to win the second one!

[roland13x]

Hey Cheapy & Wombat,

I've been in the game development industry for nearly 6 years now, getting my start at a large publisher's QA and now producing my own original IP at a developer me and a few colleagues started up. Having said that, it is a bit frustrating to listen to your otherwise-excellent podcast only to hear that you guys don't always know how the behind-the-scenes stuff actually works. In this case, how the first party certification process actually works. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any industry-specific questions, as I'd be more than happy to help you out.

Great show again, keep up the entertaining work!

[Aberforth]

So you got the Revoltech Prime but not the Dante?
http://www.abyssecorp.com/img/img_produits/ACTFIG-114.jpg

Edit: I would be a Meerkat

[Kfoster1979]

Not at 8+ hours per download.


True I have to agree with that point, But its still moving in the right direction.

[lobitoh]

Nice podcast xD
I am going for the Socom 2 for psp :p

[Longshot099]

Great show!

I own a PS2 and have absolutely zero interest in a PS3. The price tag is just absurd. Combine that with Sony's arrogance and the situation can't be good.

Its hard for me to imagine any of the 'next-gen' consoles becoming 100+ million sellers.

PS3 - Cost is way too high to achieve mass appeal and the exclusives seem to be dropping like flies.
Wii - Great party system right now, but will there be the 3rd party support to give this system the legs for the long haul? Also as someone who owns a HD TV, the lack of HD is a real let down.
Xbox 360 - Great system and xbox live is great for anyone looking for online gaming. But zero support from Japan makes it hard for this console to stay #1.I think the Wii holds the most potential to tap that very lucrative 'non-gamer' market. I think the 360 and PS3 will continue to see a ton of ports to each other. It might be the only way to make games profitable.

btw, Phoenix Wright 2 please :)

~Longshot

p.s. more Knight Rider music

[trunks982]

Im in for Warriors for the PSP.

[dadeisvenm]

Cheapy, and Wombat as always enjoyed the show. I noticed that Cheapy dropped the F-Bomb once, making it hard for me to listen to the show at work. Nothing like the 1UP show, but I was just saying I really enjoy listening to the show at work and that makes it a little hard since I have to keep the volume way down.

Before I get into my rant here, I would like to say I am hoping to win SOCOM II Fire Team Bravo for the PSP. And I am still waiting to see a tall, bald Mii show up on my Mii Channel.

Console manufactures need to do a lot more to keep their customers coming back to them as repeat customers. While I think all three of the major players made significant improvements to address the concerns of previous versions of their consoles, there is still allot more work to be done.

First off Microsoft I think has done a great job in making PR people like Larry Hryb, Trixe, and others available to answer questions and get information out to consumers. If problems arise with the console or the LIVE service I think they have been fairly quick to act on that. One good example was extending the warranty of the 360 to one full year and giving retro refunds to customers who have already had to pay for 360 repairs that happened inside of the year time line. Another thing they are doing to keep customers is continuing to update and upgrade their online service. Adding demos, and game trailers as well chat feature in and out of games is a really good feature. The one area that they have completely dropped the ball in is backward compatibility. They told us that they were working hard and that most major titles would become backward compatible, and with the companies history of keeping programs backward compatible with previous versions of Windows I believed them. In reality they started out strong getting a number of titles backward compatible every few months, but now they have all but dropped off in that effort. This is a massive disappointment to me, and I think it really re-enforces the idea that in Peter Moore’s mind playing older XBox games is not that important since it does not make more money for his company. Overall on XBox LIVE I play with allot of people who were previous owners of the XBox 1. I think Microsoft has addressed one of the biggest complaints from their last generation console, and that is it only has shooters. I think Microsoft has really tried hard to recruit new developers and create games for all sorts of gamers.

Second off Sony, well what do I say here. With the first two consoles they had I think they really had the idea of customer services down pat. They continued to create a product that was almost completely backward compatible, and creating remarkable gaming consoles that gamers and developers loved. Now enter the PS3, and it seems that they have lost all sight of customer service. The PS1 & PS2 games run on the PS3 which is a considerable step up from Microsoft’s attempt at backwards compatibility. But this time around they did not do quite as good of a job as they did in previous consoles. Sony on the other hand is not quite as accessible to consumers and press. They really need to send a PR person around with every Sony executive, and the second they start to say something stupid, the PR person should smack the executive in the back of the head. Perfect example is the giving away $1200 for any PS3 that has been sitting on store shelves for more then five minutes, that should have resulted in a sever open handed smack to the head. I think Sony has listened to the complaints of the last generation console and improved the graphics, and shall I say started down the path to an online gaming strategy.

Finally Nintendo, who I think has done the best job to date in keeping their customers over time. The Wii is virtually completely backward compatible with the Game Cube. It is very user friendly and has really aimed itself at offering something to all levels of gamers. I think they are leading the industry in trying to retain customers by creating consoles (DS & Wii) and games that appeal to all level of gamers. Gamers who are long time gamers can have fun with the console and some of the advance titles, while new gamers can start their journey on easy to learn games like Wii Sports, Excite Truck, Wii Play and others. Even the Wiimote is new and improved, but still holds to the basic design of the NES controller which was something that most gamers from previous generations may remember and feel more comfortable with. One thing Nintendo is completely falling on their face is the online. The GameCube had nothing, verybody complained about the DS friend code system, and now they are making the same mistakes on the Wii, and releasing a console that is only fractionally functional. They should have sold the system with combination component-composite cables similar to the way the XBox 360 premium did. And having the online functionality working out of the box would have been another thing that could have vastly improved the consoles release. Nintendo addressed the major complaint of the last generation in creating a product that is not just viewed as a toy for children, but as a console for all ages. We are starting to see quite a few games that are aimed at adult audiences.

Wombat’s comparison of minors selling games that are rated mature or adult only, to minors selling alcohol is not completely correct. You can be 18 and work in a bar as wait staff or a bartender, but you can not purchase alcohol until you are 21, at least here in the USA. Sorry Wombat it seems like someone is always working you and your comments over in the forums every week, and this week we all gathered around and I drew the short straw! But I do agree with Wombat in that it is pretty hard to take advice from a 36 year old full grown man, that still has a roommate (unless he is gay, then I guess his advice is just as qualified as anyone else’s. But man honestly just say it, it is nothing to be ashamed of).

To the guy who does not like the Wii Store music I say really? It honestly reminds me of walking around in a store and that cheesy music they play in the back ground.

As to the benefits of living in Japan, all I can say is the freakin hot women! WOW, it seems like every time I am seeing video of people standing in line for games or consoles there are tons of smoking hot chicks! That has got to be a super big plus. Cheapy, do you get hit on quite a bit? I had a friend in the army stationed there who told me that most guys over six feet tall can do very well at a bar in Japan? Not that I am saying you would do anything about it, but do you get a few offers? Maybe some little hotty wants to go home with you and Mrs. Cheapy since you have this huge open shower?

As for the customer service at the post office that is amazing. I can not get my mail carrier to deliver mail to mailbox if there is more than three inches of snow on the ground that is not shoveled clear.


Sorry HG, but the format was killing me.

[ma]

Contest entry: Phoenix Wright 2

Good show as usual. Wombat's little editorial was very thought provoking, so much so that I think I'm going to have to CAGbag about it.

[JokerCard]

Man.....you have to post pics of all the toys your getting!
Id love to see your collection of stuff....

Id want Phoenix Wright 2 please :)

[Murchie]

Great show as always! I'd dig a copy of The Warriors!

[zewone]

theres AFRIKA that game by the ppl that made shadow of the collosuus
Say what?

I don't take advice from a 36-year-old with a room mate.
Damn straight. I was thinking the same thing.

I'd take Virtua Fighter 5.

[Corvin]

First off Microsoft I think has done a great job in making PR people like Larry Hryb, Trixe, and others available to answer questions and get information out to consumers. If problems arise with the console or the LIVE service I think they have been fairly quick to act on that.

Larry Hyrb, Ozzymandais and Trixie are not PR people.

[mik]

LMFAO @ "I don't take advice from a 36-year-old with a roommate." Classic.

Great show. A few comments:

Re: Crank. Hilarious movie--more of a dark comedy than an action flick. I watched it on BD and the extras are great. The whole thing was shot in HD (by the directors themselves) which explains the amazing look of the movie. The guys are nuts. They were hanging out of helicopters, getting pulled by motorcycles on rollerblades while shooting, and so on.

Re: Cooking Mama. "A collection of mini games that are not that exciting." Hello, and welcome to the Wii. ;)

Re: Customer Retention. I don't think game companies are viewing their customers as being a narrow demographic who are going to outgrow the hobby and move on. The ESA's own statistics (http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php) completely contradict that. The average gamer is 33 and has been gaming for 12 years? Doesn't seem to be a transitory hobby.

Please make me the big Virtua Fighter 5 winner.

[celticjess]

Great CAGcast keep up the good work and I'd sure love Phoenix Wright 2

[Hired.Geek]

Thanks, dadeisvenm

Sorry about that, but that is what happens when you work for a company that has what I think is a Nazi War Criminal in hiding, in charge of monitoring Internet usage. I have to write all my comments in Microsoft Word, then quick copy and paste them into the webpage hit submit and quick exit.

Corvin,

While their official titles may not be Public Relations and their departments are not directly under Public Relations. They are people who interact with the public, and offer answers, solutions.

[Dandeschain]

As always, great show.

I'm in for Phoenix Wright 2 please.

[kchericeman1212]

PLZ i must have that Virtua Fighter 5 PLZ

[nny77713]

Great Cagcast once again.

Still hoping to get Phoenix Wright 2.

[variablesunknown]

Great podcast once again guys! Cheapy, how soon till you run out of space in your tiny Japanese living unit to house all of your dolls, I mean action figures? Please put me down for Virtua Fighter 5. Keep up the great work!:bouncy:

[tbogard99]

good show. I hope I get VF5 for PS3! :-D

[Chacrana]

1) Virtua Fighter 5 is my choice... I like punching shit.

2) This is the third consecutive week that Wombat's been entertaining to listen to. Maybe this is a permanent improvement? Either way, it makes the show much more enjoyable to have less obnoxiousness (word?) and a lot more humor than before. So keep up the good work.

3) What I found kinda funny was Wombat's rant about how we should have a game set in Africa... by the time he was talking about "untapped potential," I was halfway expecting him to say "We should've carved up this African cake years ago..." Just a thought... Ah, imperialism.

4) Again, I really, really want VF5


Anyway, Great show.

[InuFaye]

Virtua Fighter 5 Please.

[nywt]

Thanks for the great show!
My choice would have to be Pheonix Wright

[gmoney1234567890]

For you Wombat:
If I was any animal, I would be a duck. I think itd be a cool to be able to quack I guess or something. I would enjoy to recieve Phoenix Wright 2 for my brother who hopefully passed his LSAT.
-G$

Edit: Brainiac is awesome, but if anyone likes cars, the BEST show for it is this British show called Top Gear. It's also hilarious.

[FriskyTanuki]

Wow, if Nintendo's arrogance is limited to not supplying component cables (which the PS3 also doesn't do) and providing "crappy batteries," they are doing pretty well.
Actually, they're pretty arrogant to the press to even help them do their jobs, covering games. The Tretton cover feature in EGM (which Cheapy should read because the quotes were said over a month ago) was supposed to be a roundtable discussion with Peter Moore and Reggie, but Reggie refused to do it at the last minute, so they just went with Tretton for this issue and are trying to get the other two for the next two issues.

I'll put my hat in for Killzone again.

[coolz481]

Thanks for the review of Cooking Mama. I hope that someday my Wii collection expands beyond Zelda and Excite Truck, both purchased on 11/19/06. I'll take Virtua Fighter 5, please.

[lokizz]

theres been a few games i can recall with levels set in africa. one of the doa games had an african level as i recall where you fight surrounded by animals. and an old neo geo top down racing game had an africa level.

all in all the only game id want to see set in africa is a marvel game based on the black panther that would be a sweet ass game.


and as far as disney world keeping repeat business its easier for them to do so since vacation places liek that are an institution. its somethign that everyone who goes can find soemthign to do especially nowdays whith adult and children areas. disney doesnt need to do much to keep peopel coming theyre the pinnacle of what theme parks are supposed to be and as such whether they chaneg and evolve or not they can gaurantee 50 percent to 60 percent repeate business.

peopel went when it first opended and loved it so when they grow up and have kids of course they want their kids to experience it. theres that kind of right of passage that come with places liek that when youve gone you go , you love it and you want to share those memories you had with your own kids and grandkids so yeah in that sense they will always have people coming in.

videogames arent somethign everyone can get into. thats what nintendo was hoping to change by selling their gamecube 1.5 and making overly simplistic and repititive games for the masses. they wanted to make the decision fo whether to get their system over the others easier by having a lower price point and a mixture of lame games for the non gamer or passive gamer and their usual staples with some new things sprinkled in to keep the hardcore and regular gamers coming.

and youre right all the game companies have gotten cocky especially sony but they were more interested in beating microsoft than putting out a system thatd sell. they wanted to load in all the bells and whistles and before they knew it what they created cost too damn much which i think is why they are pushing blu ray movies so much.

playing dvds on the ps2 is what sold that sytem to alot of folks and theyre hoping to do the same again but at 600 pluss bucks its not worth it not even for the games.

i think as far as older gamers waning on gaming its a micture of lazy game development ( ie the lackluster level of improbements you see in game franchises like tony hawk or ea sports games)

the market being flooded with crappily slapped together movies games

and the high ass system prices you see today.

the smart money is on most people either keeping or buying a ps2 and waiting till the other consoles drop prices because the ps2 still has the best games library right now and theres plenty of games to be bought and played to keep you busy for years on end especially if you never owned a ps2 before.

[wageslave]

Phoenix Wright 2 (http://www.capcom.com/aceattorney/) hookup maybe?

As far as retaining gamers goes, I'm interested but am a late adopter when it comes to consoles. The most expensive I have ever bought was $179 for an Xbox and waited for $100 for my Cube and PS2. I think what gaming consolses don't give us is much value for the money at launch. I don't really play often and can wait for hardware bugs to be worked out and prices to drop. I'll pass until the Wii or Xbox 360 can be had for $200 or less and have plenty of $20 games. By that time, It will be clear which I want to own and which maybe Ill get later. Otherwise I'm happy with my last gen stuff and DS. Hell, I plan to pick up God of War this weekend and I'm sure it will give me just as much pleasure as Resistance or Gears of War would.

[Ivanhoe]

I want to win Virtua Fighter 5 !!!!!!!!!!!!

[WildWorld]

Another great podcast, guys. I'm new to the forums, but have been listening for a while ;)

Put me up for The Warriors for the PSP, please :)

Oh, and I'm definately a lemur :D

[drumman201]

Pheonix Wright 2 - Dog

[Shredso]

Playing Phoenix Wright 2 would be more fun than listening to Wombat ramble on about his job. If you won't just come out and say what you do, I really don't want to hear about it. Also, that long winded speech about repeat console customers felt like 2 hours of the most boring radio ever. Otherwise love the show.

[triforcer]

i would like phoenix wright :)

[daphatty]

Most games are passed through two levels of testings, sometimes more. Development houses have a few part time testers on site to test specific features on interim builds of games. This allows the dev team to receive quick feedback on new features and/or new bugs that may pop up.

The majority of the testing is done separately by a dedicated test group during the beta and final phases of a game's development. Game developers will (ideally) send revisions of a game to the test group every couple of weeks. It is during this process that a game's flaws are exposed and reported. Note that I said exposed and reported. Developers don't always fix the bugs that testers find and they RARELY listen to suggestions to improve gameplay flaws.

In some cases, as with Third Party Sony developers, a third phase of testing is involved. Sony Third Party testers are given a very short time to DEVOUR a game and expose the bugs that developers were too lazy to fix, overlooked so they could make a milestone, or their producers are trying to slip under the radar.

Long winded but it should help you understand the process. Just keep in mind, TESTERS RARELY HAVE A VOICE so you can't blame shitty/buggy games on the testers.

[Andy787]

As always, good show. And for Wombat, I would be a platypus.

Also, I'll try again for Phoenix Wright 2.

[rodeojones903]

It seems that VF5 is selling quite well in Japan so far, contrary to belief. Its #1 on this weeks sales charts.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/media-create/virtua-fighter-5-tops-japanese-sales-charts-236719.php

[polly]

Whatever guys, Total Overdose was pretty decent for a cheap GTA clone. What other game lets you cross the border illegally, guns blazing, killing CIA agents, and you're still the good guy. I thought it was hilarious. The soundtrack was pretty good too.

I'd still like Phoenix Wright 2.

And I'd totally be a liger.

[sullyj]

Great show, VF5 please.

[humanremains2]

great show guys...yet again

PLEEEAAASSSEEE, I need a copy of Virtua Fighter 5 for PS3

[themovienight]

awesome show guys. I'd love to have that copy of Pheonix Wright 2

[CheapyD]

Video companion now in OP
UPDATED with Knight Rider phone crap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPKyITQbFLU

[mik]

It seems that VF5 is selling quite well in Japan so far, contrary to belief. Its #1 on this weeks sales charts.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/media-create/virtua-fighter-5-tops-japanese-sales-charts-236719.php

And I think it came out on the 8th--so that's for four of the seven days of the week.

[RelentlessRolento]

Virtua Fighter 5... also glad to see the continuing relation with Gamebrink :)

[rodeojones903]

I need that Optimus Prime!!!

Cheapest I could find it online before shipping was $24.99. :cry:

[andjuan]

Another great show guys.

I'd like to throw my name into the ring for Phoenix Wright 2.

[jngx80]

Killzone for PSP is still available right?

On the subject of customer retention: Developers/Publishers do this by doing sequels. The idea of a sequel is that it's similar to the first but with a new story and improvements. Just look at Capcom - I'm guessing the people who keep buying their games are not first time buyers especially the older properties like Megaman, Street Fighter, or even the ghosts n goblins. And also take note of the success of RE and how that spawned Onimusha (similar experience but totally different at the same time) and then they took another step and made DMC. Same story with Rockstar with GTA and the sales success of Bully (marketed as a GTA clone).

It's harder for the console makers to build that relationship with consumers because at the beginning of every next gen system it's all about what the system can do and what it brings with it i.e. exclusive content and like all tech which is the best deal. The PS2 was successful because gamers thought that Sony would end up with the best games/support versus it's competition - Sega's Dreamcast (Sega never really got good support for any of their systems). And once the PS2 dominated the market - consumers kept going back to it even after their original PS2 got a DRE.

Sony's "failing" this time because magazines keep emphasizing the costs of game development and how games will not stay exclusive anymore. This is in the head of gamers so the 360 this time looks like it's the better deal (why pay the extra $100/$200 for the PS3?) Short of it: Console makers depend on third party - Disney/Disneyland doesn't.

[magiic]

I whole heartedly enjoyed this ep. I am so sick right now and lying in bed listening to it relieved my boredom for a bit. Btw, put me down for Virtua Fighter.

[contej85]

Something felt off with this weeks show, not entirely sure what though. Still good.

Phoenix Wright 2 please?!

[Richlough]

Great show as usual .

That Lucky Poo is the shit !

1st of all Disney is not perfect .
There's no 800 number to make reservations , I find that rediculous .
That being said I'm a lifer . My family used to go every year when I was in grade school . I went there in '97 and returned in '98 for my honeymoon .
I'm overdue to go again and I will , but where else am I going to get a Disney-like experience ?
That's mainly why people go back , what choice do they really have ?

I guess from a business standpoint they're pretty enviable , but they're not perfect . They have exclusive characters & things to do , not unlike certain consoles have exclusive game franchises that affords them to be arrogant [Sony I'm looking at you] .

Nice video companion , I like the idea of it .

Maybe if we are lucky CAGcast # 100 could be a video podcast !!!!

Your Windows Movie Maker skills will have certainly leveled up by then , just make sure there's the usual audio version as well .

Also abolish the black text color . It's uselessness has been proven in this thread .
While we are on that why does the box/pulldown for colors have an "A" on it ? Shouldn't it have a rainbow or RGB on it ?

Put me in for Phoenix Wright 2 , for my currently dormant DS .

[Purkeynator]

Cheapy I would love a copy of Virtua Fighter 5 for the PS3. Still don't have any PS3 games.......... Love the Cagcast, keep it up.

[rocksolidaudio]

theres AFRIKA that game by the ppl that made shadow of the collosuus

ugh, no, fumito ueda's team is NOT making afrika.

anyhow, as for my comment:

Wombat, i was born in south africa, and i was intrigued by your suggestion of using it as a setting for games.

i've lived in the US most of my life, but i've been back quite a few times throughout. thing if, you just couldn't make a game that didn't involve the possibility of killing widlife, or witnessing racial and/or political tension. if you did, specifically the latter, it would insulting to the reality of it, just to ignore everything and make it just another setting for a game.

the only way around it is something like halo, which sets a level in a different time and place of africa. at which point it may as well not be africa.

it's just a tough thing to get around, though i'm certainly open to ideas.

[vosos102]

Here's an area that needs to be exploited (from Wombat's South Africa comment): The US South. White folks in the south. There's a market I'd like to see a game set in.

[ch3zyp00fs]

Im in for a Virtua Fighter 5.

And if I was an animal I'd be a koala.

[EvilEvincar]

Here's a try for Pheonix Wright 2.
Then again, if I get something else somehow, I'll take it. Cheap-asses first axium: free is free.
Keep up the excellant show.

[Richlough]

Here's an area that needs to be exploited (from Wombat's South Africa comment): The US South. White folks in the south. There's a market I'd like to see a game set in.

Redneck Rampage doesn't count ?

[Cai]

Another Great Cagcast :_)

and also Virtual Fighter 5 please.

[DJmizuhara]

Hey guys,

I use to work for Sony and Sega as a senior tester in the UK, I now live in Japan so I know a little about testing. So to hear wobat say 'do companies really test a game twice', I felt obliged to send my comments and help clear up the subject.

This is just one example...

Say a game is developed by Team 17 but published by Sega for the Sony PlayStation 2, well the game would have been tested by both Team 17 and Sega at the same time, the Sega testers would work in a team of say 6~10 (depending on the title) people. The bugs found by Sega would been written up into a report and sent to Team 17. Team 17 would go through the bug report addressing the worst (100% crashes, Sound corruption, Graphic corruption) bugs or the bugs that might failure the product once submitted to Sony. Team 17's and Sega's testers would then get new code and test it again to see if the bugs had been fixed or to find new bugs that the fixers may have caused. While testing a product you must always be recording the game you're testing, this can be used as evidence of a bug. It could help the dev-team fix the bug (sometimes the programmers can identify the problem just by watching the video) by showing them the exact problem or it could help the tester recreate the bug.

After the Sega test team had finished with the product making sure all the major bugs had been flushed out, SEGA would then submit it to Sony for Approval. The Approval testing is a minium of 100 hours depending on the size of the game.

Sony phase one of testing is to see if the game responds correctly (with the correct messages and Copyright info) while controllers, memory cards etc are removed during different stages of the game. Manual proofing is also done in phase one, making sure all text is spelt correctly and Icons and trademarks are all present. But the most important thing during Phase one testing is TRC (Technical Requirements Criteria), this the game fails any of these requirements the game is failed.

While in phase one of testing the product will also be in phase two, this process is where the testers try and break the game by doing things that normal players wouldn't think off. Full play-throughs are also completed during test, using all character or vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle) unlocking everything that game has to offer. If any problems are found during these processes the game will be failed and a report sent to the publisher explaining the reason, along with detailed info on how the problems are caused and duplicated. The developed will then have to address the problems in the Sony report, when the developer thinks that they've address the issues and fixed them problems testing starts all over again. This process will repeat until the game is approved by Sony.

There is a lot to testing a game it's a very complicated process...something I think most people are not aware off.

I'd like Virtua Fighter 5 for the PS3.:lol:

Cheers,

DJmizuhara

[bigriver314]

I hope Toto will do the soundtrack to Wombat's Africa game. Just kidding..... Wario or Phoenix Wright for me..

[AK85]

Another good show

Total Overdose was a respectable game....for the $4 that I payed for it during the summer CC Clearance, but that is besides the point. ;)

Wombat: I would be a Llama

Put my name in for Phoenix Wright 2. Thanks.

[neonglow]

Interesting about the customer retention thing.

I would be an ape and I'd like to win Killzone.

[davidjinfla]

I think a game based on the movie ZULU would rule. It could be an rts or first person spear game. Wipe out an entire British army with nothing but spears.

PSP is getting better and homebrew is not the best thing you can say about that platform.

I would like killzone for the PSP.

[thespamofpower]

Hey Wombat, there might still be hope for Ghost Rider. Aparently they are still planning to have it screened before it is released. This at least gives the movie some hope for being watchable, but having the Director of DareDevil and Electra brings it down hard. But there's hope!

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=400014


Oh and I'd love to take Virtua Fighter 5 for PS3 off of your hands!

[tsg2005]

first time listening to the cagcast, pretty interesting & informative. i will be listening from now on!

also would love to get a copy of Virtua Fighter! :applause:

[robgas]

I would love to win Phoenix Wright 2(lawyer boogaloo) because nothing good has come out for a while! Ugh, I hate these lean game months after the holidays!

Wombat - Play Elebits if you haven't yet! If I could be any animal, I would be a bear to hibernate through the video game drought of winter...

Robgas

[mwhitfield]

Great podcast. How about Socom 2 for the PSP.

CR0AK3R

[Princess Zelda]

Hey Wombat,
I enjoyed your information on the Disney business book. The business and marketing side of Video Games is a favorite topic of discussion of mine. One of the best Marketing/Sales/Business books I've read so far is Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion-Robert B Cialdini (ISBN 0-688-12816-5). All CAGS should read this book, it has a great chapter on discounts that has changed the way I buy things.

Please put my name in for Phoenix Wright 2. Thanks You.
I just finished the first one and enjoyed it greatly.

[StLRamsFan]

I'd like Killzone.

Great show, as usual. I've listened to the podcast, and have been signed up for the forums for a long time, but never posted. Does this fix my "lurker" status? ;)

PS: Wombat - since Cheapy and I are about the same height, I too would be a giraffe.

[wickerjoe]

Good CAGcast as always guys. I would like The Warriors for PSP.

More importantly, I like hearing more PSP talk even if it's just in relation to a giveaway. I hope to hear Wombat's view on Rachet and Clank size matters, as I know he likes the R&C games.

[pete5883]

I like Phoenix Wright. I would like to win Phoenix Wright II (2?)

[MrDemonicAngel]

I just received a DS for valentine's day...and would REALLY love to get Phoenix Wright II...

Thank you in advance

[jl]

I also enjoyed watching Crank too, I couldn't believe the interesting scene with Jason & Amy Smart towards the middle of the movie no details so that I don't spoil it. Here's my lottery ticket for Socom2 for the PSP.

[nadsofed]

About the difficulty of games, did we forget that games used to be a lot harder. I mean most of the games between Atari2600 and up to the Playstation 1 were really hard to beat (except RPGs). I remember playing Contra, Mario Bros, TMNT what have you and never being able to beat it. You had X number of lives and if you failed it was over but we kept trying. Now with all the saving, it has made games easier and us more spoiled (maybe). Virtua Fighter 5

[tankbot]

Phoenix Wright II.

The review for the DS lite tray wasn't bad at all.

[Blaine]

Although it's not really required... if I could be an animal, I'd be a squirel. For... I guess no real reason.

In the unlikey event I win, I guess I'll take VF5 (since the other games I either have or don't have the system) - hopefully EBGames will let me exchange it for a Wii game.

[H.Cornerstone]

Virtua Fighter 5.

[whoknows]

If I was an animal I would be an ostrich :D


And VF5

[bball1515]

I'd love a copy of virtua fighter 5, especially after reading egm's 9.7 review of it.

[Bartex]

if i could be any animal i would be a bat

Virtua Fighter 5

[toper]

I would be a cheetah...VF5!

[Johnny Postman]

Hit me up for some VF5 please - I might get a PS3 someday.

[silv3rstone]

yes the games get tested twice and often times the games are getting tested 3 times. 1 the development studio test team, 2 the publishers qa team, 3 the console's test team (microsoft, sony, nintendo, etc.) for certification.

Phoenix Wright 2

[Riptard]

I'd be a lion.

Phoenix Wright 2 please.

[HuBu]

killzone liberation for the psp please.

since we have a mrs wombat thread. why not have mrs cheapyd start one also.

[atomsk]

I would be a bird, like plumm that hangs around at lake hylia.

I wanna win VF5 please!

[apokalipze2]

Another great show. In for Virtua Figther 5

[dadeisvenm]

Video companion now in OP
UPDATED with Knight Rider phone crap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPKyITQbFLU

lucky poo? Doo-Doo brown? Don't stop get it get it.... [Ala Too Live Crew]

[crazytalkx]

CHIMERA FTW!
Phoenix Wright 2 plz

[snack]

Great show :applause:

Put me in for Virtua Fighter 5


P.S.: Wombat, I'd be a turtle.

[evilmax17]

Phoenix Wright 2

[Hex]

I agree that Crackdown seems sort of half-assed... I do plan on buying it, and thoroughly enjoy the gameplay itself, but the world that you play in on the whole sucks. I oughta look into Phoenix Wright 2 along with it... ;)

[r1s3n]

warriors for psp would be great

You know I actually the cagcast I listen to it while I play WoW

[presario]

http://sa.rochester.edu/pkt/abrams.JPGAnother spectular show CheapyD! I wish I got the sound toys you got, especially the red one that loops! Keep up the great work! Also, the animal I would like to be is a monkey,;) I would like VF 5!

[H-Town Info]

http://sa.rochester.edu/pkt/abrams.JPGAnother spectular show CheapyD! I wish I got the sound toys you got, especially the red one that loops! Keep up the great work! Also, the animal I would like to be is a monkey,;) I would like VF 5!

Cheapy with hair :rofl:

Anyways, great podcast and keep up with terrific work.

Virtual Fighter 5 plz

[arogan]

Virtua Fighter 5

and Wombat, let the Mrs post the wonder woman pic.

[maddoc1979]

Great episode, as usual. Would love a copy of Virtua Fighter 5.

Doc

[Wolfpup]

Killzone for the PSP.

Aaaaaaaaand I guess I want to be a wolf? Or a dolphin maybe?

[MORT A POTTY]

good show as always.

Phoenix Wright plz

[radjago]

Listening now. I'll post my comments later.

Phoenix Wright 2, please.

Thank you.

[qbkorso]

Phoenix Wright 2 Please!

Great Show!

[dadeisvenm]

Cheapy with hair :rofl:

Anyways, great podcast and keep up with terrific work.
When was that taken and why is it I feel that some college fight song should be playing "here come the read, white and blue....da. da.. da...da.da.da.da...."

[xraytd]

Killzone for PSP please. Also, I'd probably be an eagle.

[Thomas96]

Hey Cheapy, Wombat

I love the show, been a fan for a good while now. If I win the contest I'd like to have Virtua Fighter 5,(ps3) I'm getting married this Saturday, Feb 17th, and me and my wife to be would be proud to have it as a Wedding Gift!


Wombat you made a good point about Customer Retention.

Companies have to retain their customers because children don't buy games, but young adults do, and young adults will be the primary consumer of future products for their children. The industry has matured to a point where Customer Retention will be a factor. When we're 40 we will be buying games for children, grand children. The video game industry can generate substantial revenue for MS, Sony, and Nintendo, and all companies intend on making games on a long term basis. I think that Microsoft knows this and that led them to giving the xbox a year warranty, because before it was only 6 months.

Bad customer service and poor products can lead to class action lawsuits (which is what could happen with Microsoft), just like with Sony (and their issue of overheating w/ the ps1) No company wants to be in the news in regards to a lawsuit where their product is deemed faulty. Luckly in the days of the ps1, information didn't spread as much as it does nowadays.

[figcoinc]

Great show you guys! Wombat, great discussion on the show. Being a former retail manager I read and tried to examine industry standards to keep customers as well. I agree with you completely and this is the reason why companies like Sony may be hurting itself in sales. Sometimes you try to do so much or take for granted the customers loyality in this day and age to keep sales going.

Sony during the PS1 days catered to the "older" gamers. Many games of today have their "edgy" side to it thanks to Sony letting programers create games with deeper story, drama and at times for better or worse..lots and lots of blood. This seems to have left their intentions though. They need to become again more atunned to the older comsumer because simply, the 20 something gamer of today is the 40 something game player tomorrow. Sony may learn (if the PS3 after a while gets a following) what made them succeed in the past.

So good discussion Wombat.

Virtua Fighter 5 is my request.

[MGoBlue]

Enjoyed the show.

I would like Virtua Fighter 5.

[Reality's Fringe]

Wombat FAILS at New Super Mario Bros. That shit made me sad. Additionally, Crank is indeed a masterpiece, and I mean that in all sincerity.

Now, give me some delicious PW2...or crackdown. That wasn't listed, but I want it anyway, in fact, Give me Phoenix Wright 2 AND Crackdown.

[DT778]

great show. I agree with the difficulty setting for Rainbow Six Vegas. I'm currently playing it co-op with my brother over live and I'm loving it.

Phoenix wright 2.

[elbillo]

actually I would like to be an eagle, I'm too old & cynical to want to be a phoenix. but I would like to be a eagle. protected from hunting, get to fly all over & scope out me dinner from the trees !

[hero101]

Great show guys. I still can't believe do a show in one sitting.

I am interested in Virtua Fighter 5. I don't have PS3, but this might convince me to get one.

[panasonic]

Listened to the whole thing which is a mistake since i have 60 pages to read. Would like to win Virtua Fighter 5

[H.Cornerstone]

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/706/706072p1.html

I was laughing at the fact that Wombat was complaining about no Africa game, seeing how there is an Africa game coming out in Japan 2007, called "Afrika."

[TheHiei]

This episode was pretty good, I laughed a lot more than usual . . .

Phoenix Wright would be cool too by the way, :P

[marten]

Definitely Virtua Fighter 5...

And to appease Wombat....a weevil.

[Sigma]

Good show this week.

I wouldn't mind having a copy of Phoenix Wright or The Warriors by the way.

[thakingrocka]

im just worried i posted in the wrong forum before. if this is redundant, sorry.

virtua fighter 5 please

[RedvsBlue]

This was definetly one of the best episodes as of late. I can't really point to anything specific but I really enjoyed it.

As for the contest, Killzone: Liberation would be excellent.

Thanks!

[ultrarobotninja]

I want the Phoenix wright please!! and I be a bear RAWWRRRR

[rywateska]

I'm not sure if it was just this one episode but something seemed to be up with Wombat's mic. Cheapy's been sounding good but Wombat, ehhh not so much. Get on a deal for one! I'd be a Liger playing Virtua Fighter 5.

Also, Idiosyncrasy really was a horrible movie. I mean, it could have been a TV special with how short it is. Dead on with how it pales in comparison to Office Space.

[Ironmaus]

Listening to the CAGcast and watched the SmackTalk video review. High fives all around.

If I am selected, toss me Phoenix Wright 2. My DS feels ignored ever since I brought home the Wii.

Oh, and for Wombat's satisfaction, I'd be a . . . monkey.

[spidey]

I'd be a dolphin. I never was a good swimmer so living the life of a dolphin would be pretty nice.

As for the contest, once again, SOCOM FTW.

[Rage Goblin]

Definitely a monkey. ^_^


Oh, and Virtua Fighter 5, should I win.

[Danimal]

I'd be a Silverback gorilla. Animals don't get much cooler than that.

I'll say Virtua Fighter 5 for the contest.

[1modernboy]

Wombat, your ruminations on the bald-faced hubris of the gaming industry was inspired! The thing I most enjoy about the CAGcast (after, of course, the belching and the mooching) is the independent-mindedness of you and Cheapy. That’s why I don’t bother listening to the more “mainstream” gaming podcasts; you two only owe allegiance to the CAG community, and therefore you’re more inclined to tell it like it is, or, at the very least, the truth as you see it. I know we ground-level CAGs subject you both to a good bit of mockery, but I, for one, appreciate the flashes of insight that pepper the podcast.

I would like a copy of the new Phoenix Wright.

Also, I would be a squirrel.

[graventy]

As always, great show, guys!

My poor negelected DS needs some Phoenix Wright 2.

[sidlon]

Definitely make me a raccoon, with its paws wrapped around a copy of Phoenix Wright 2.

[hoytel]

You had me at the hori play stand review. Good show.

and put me in for Phoenix Wright.

[Matarick]

Great podcast so far like always. I will listen to the second half on the way to work tomorrow. Also, I would like to request Virtua Fighter 5 since I do not want to spend any more money on games since I got to save up to graduate college this December.

[tribal24]

guys great show yet again

i would like to enter for virtua fighter 5

[GrayWolf323]

great podcast as always :-D loved the Cooking Mama review Cheapy, wasn't sure if it would be worth getting on the Wii

oh and put me in for Killzone please ^_^

[Darthrook]

I would be a 3 toed sloth playing virtua fighter 5.

[soccerstud652]

great show as usual

virtua fighter 5

[trent82]

i would take virtua fighter 5. and i would be a cat.

[bobthecat23]

i would be a wombat so i can talk wombat with wombat

[katzd2007]

Phoenix wright 2 please and great show as always.
And a frog for Wombat.

[Proprius]

Phoenix Wright 2 would be great, and I'd be a puma.

[The-Bavis]

Phoenix Wright 2 please, sirs.

[portland485]

Phoenix Wright 2, cant wait for this game!

[lonestar]

Put me down for The Warriors for PSP.

[rlse9]

Another great show this week.

Phoenix Wright 2

I'd be a monkey.

Gotta disagree with you though, Wombat, Sony and MS may have crappy customer service and not care at all about their consumers, but Nintendo actually has good customer service. Just ask anyone who has had any problems with their DS, their service blows away the competition. Nintendo may not be the best when it comes to other areas (*cough* online gaming *cough*) but their customer service is solid.

[The Linguist]

I think Wombat raised a very interesting topic with his comments on customer service, and judging by the amount of feedback generated in this thread, I am not alone in finding the topic interesting. I wish he had given us a bit more info about the points raised in the Disney book so we could think about parallels to the game industry.

That said, Cheapy was pretty dismissive of Wombat's topic. One week he bitches that Wombat doesn't prep for the show, and then when Wombat does bring something to the discussion, Cheapy threadcraps on it. I know Cheapy often sounds a little annoyed with Wombat, but jeez, didn't you learn anything from "Terrence and Phillip: Behind the Blow"?

If I'm lucky, I'd like Phoenix Wright 2.

[AshesofWake]

good show. Had a quick suggestion. I was thinking maybe you guys could start a thread or something asking what people want to be discussed about stuff you two don't think is much important. I mean mainly the Wii and Ps3 and what people want to hear about them. I dunno, im kinda drunk so screw it.



Phoeniz Wright 2

[AlphakirA]

Another classic and hilarious CAGcast,thanks again for the entertainment while I'm suppossed to be working :D Phoenix Wright 2 please! Keep up the great work guys!

[GenDV138]

Enjoyed the show, thanks for the Cooking Mama Wii review, Cheapy! I have the DS version and was wondering if it would be worth getting, guess I'll wait awhile when it's $20 or less.

Phoenix Wright 2

[altogether]

Customer service eh? Nintendo has for as long as I can remember had fantastic customer service. I used to be an annoying little snot before the N64 came out and I'd call their customer service line all the time and force them to tell me everything they new about the new system. No matter how many dumb questions I asked or how much I irritated them they were all always SO NICE. Everything I've ever heard about them fixing / replacing systems has been very positive. Remember when they offered to replace your DS even if it only had one dead pixel? Nintendo may trick us all into buying the same games over and over, but no one can say their customer service isnt fantastic.

edit: I talking strictly customer support here. There's no doubt that Nintendo has been arrogant with choices they have made as a company at times.

Also, the music in Hotel Dusk is fine. I was listening to the games sound test today and didn't understand why you guys were making fun of its music.

Anyways, love the show. :)

VF5 plz!

[buster2k]

Ah.. Paddle Games.. Memories... I would love PSP Killzone!

[anonymouswhoami]

Excellent show guys! By far, my favorite podcast! I would like Virtua Fighter 5 if I'm lucky enough to win.

[KingCrow02]

Alright, where is my copy of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All.

[CheapyD]

One of Amazon's 3rd party retailers has the Revoltech Optimus Prime figure mentioned on the show:
http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Cybertron-Commander-Optimus-Revoltech/dp/B000KN4UFS/

[kaw]

I'm in for Phoenix Wright 2.. thanks.

[bfg9k]

Keep up to good work guys.

Phoenix Wright for me please

[shajek]

From personal experience, Nintendo has great customer service. However, none of the companies discussed are going out of their way to maintain customer retention based on anything other than brand recognition. Nintendo loyalists will buy whatever system the Big N sells. As will Sony fans. Nobody really likes Microsoft for any reason. But, the companies are not doing anything to reward that loyalty... other than Nintendo for the Japanese fans... If Nintendo America would give out more rewards for registering games and systems, that would be great. But, all the companies are counting on straight loyalty to maintain their sales... nothing more... no incentives, no rewards.

And, put me down for Phoenix Wright 2. OBJECTION!

[neovyrus]

Great Show. Definitley Phoenix Wright 2.

[Sn0brawler]

Its been awhile since I listened to a CAGcast because of some actual life related things, but it was nice to hear that you all hadn't lost your touch.

Phoenix Wright 2

[Ahadi]

Great show, I listened to it on a bus ride to a wrestling tournament. It definetly helped calm down my anxiety for the tourny. But I'm totally down for Virtua Fighter 5.

[TripMasterMunky]

I would love to have Phoenix Wright 2, i love the first one, can't wait to try out the 2nd serving of it. XD

So...Phoenix Wright 2 please!

[mkg12]

Quirky Japanese titles

Phoenix Wright 2

[sonicfreak5]

good show guys, as usual. been listening since cagcast #1. won a prize, 5 months ago (sound making nintendo toy) never got it. but hey whatever.

i'll take Virtua Fighter 5 PS3. thx

[doctorfaustus]

Good show. It's good to hear Wombat in a chipper mood.

Phoenix Wright 2 please

[racerman8]

I saw PS3 not being sold for 5min. Where is my money?

Phoenix Wright 2

[Blackout]

I liked the show. Killzone for free sounds nice!

[nym123]

enjoyed the show as well as every other week. almost 500 diggs!

Virtua Fighter 5

[Loaded]

I'm starting to feel that there is becoming less and less compatibility between CheapyD and Wombat. It's like they are at two separate extremes. Plus, the way Wombat interrupts by raising his voice over CheapyDs' is really annoying.

Maybe there needs to be another person added to the show. Someone in the middle that can understand both point of views, and possibly even have a broader interest in different types or genres of games.

Oh, Virtua Fighter 5

[MGSnake727]

Great show, I'm gonna have to go with The Warriors for psp.

P.S. It would be pretty sweet to be a mongoose.

[muzras]

I <3 CAG casts :D

Please let me get Phoenix Wright 2 please.

thanx :bouncy:

[furyk]

VF 5 for me. I figured I'd challenge this by waiting late to get into the game.

[darbyjones]

Awesome podcast, put me down for Virtua Fighter 5.

[Ciego]

My Lady friend is in law school and I would really like to give her Pheonix Wright. Can you help me out?

Keep up the good work!

[PyroGamer]

Put me down for Virtua Fighter 5!


Wombat! What do you mean Africa is underused? If you want a game with African wildlife, look at Cabela's African Safari: you even get to viciously murder the wildlife for the sake of "sport".

Alright, that game isn't mainstream enough for you? How about Call of Duty 2? Or did you forget a third of that was set in Africa?

How about Splinter Cell: Double Agent? You even spend your time killing Black Muslims.

Not enough? How about perhaps the biggest game of the century, Halo 2?


Now I agree with you, Africa is a great local, but it HAS been used before.

What I would LOVE to see is a Grand Theft Auto set in Johannesburg. See the movie Tsotsi for refference. The Kwaito music alone would make the game worth a play through. Or maybe a more Adventure oriented game... think Indigo Prophecy controls with South African thug violence.

Also I'd like to say games NEED to be based on REAL LOCATIONS.

The most fun I've had in games, is playing in a location I have been to (or later visit after playing the game). Unfortunately it seems like game developers are too scared to do anything but racing games in real locations.

[Korny]

I will now continue my futile attempt at winning Phoenix Wright 2...

[PyroGamer]

Oh, and Wombat... Rainbow Six Vegas was reallllly easy. I beat that in about two weeks of occasional play.


Also: why do you guys always say "coming live from Tokyo Japan" and "live from New York"?

You guys do realize that "live" and "pre-recorded" are entirely different things, don't you?

[lvgamer1]

Good show guys.



Throw my name in the hat for the DS game.

[dubbfoolio]

Nice show as usual! I find myself longing for Wednesday episodes of CAG. It's the highlight of my work week.

I'll take Phoenix Wright 2 if I'm drawn!

[Run4Fun]

Put me down for a Phoenix Wright 2 please!

[Swift900]

I'm in for a copy of Phoenix Wright II. Thanks!

[hootie]

Great show, this was the first full CAGcast I've listened to, I officially will be listening to them from now on, every week :D


I'm down for Virtua Fighter 5 :)

[Gregory_Tea]

Great Casting. Lemme get VF5!!

More PSPing during the cast please.

I really enjoy hearing all about your life in Japan. Ive only been listening to the cast for about 2 months now, so I was wondering... What brought you there, and how long have you been residing in the land of Toyota's and Sashimi?

[PyroGamer]

CheapyD mentioned a segment from a TV show he "probably watched on YouTube"... I remember making a mental note to check it out, but I forget what it was about... damn.

Can anybody help me out here?

[FoxHoundADAM]

Good show, I'll take Killzone if you pick me.

[chlupe]

Phoenix Wright 2.

As far as Wombat's claim that no company is doing a good job in retaining customers:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3157317

Also, while I don't think Sony is necessarily doing a great job, its execs are aware of the importance of retaining consumers. All of the higher ups constantly reminds the press of how important the branding - which, by logical, obvious extension, speaks to the Playstation's recognition by its *existing* customers - is to the success of its console. It's simply the execution that's lacking. Also think about the fact that the Playstation 2 has this incredibly long tail and is still sucking in customers (outselling Xbox 360? Really? Wow...) - potential customers that can be bred for a transition to the Playstation 3 when it finally does get cheaper... I'm very sure they're aware. These mega-corps don't hire bona-fide morons for executive positions, and whether or not they're executing properly, they're definitely aware of customer retention.

It's definitely a good point that Wombat brought up, but mroe credit should probably be given to these companies than is being given.

As for God of War 2 being stuck on the Playstation 2? The answer - the easy, obvious answer - is that Sony is trying to balance enticing people to the PS3 while keeping that ridiculously long tail on the PS2 and milking it for all its worth. PS3 hardware IS NOT PROFITABLE for the company currently, but Sony really had very little choice in releasing it when it did due to the huge lead Microsoft would inevitably obtain. Perhaps it made a misstep - which is my belief - in forcing gamers to adopt the Blu-Ray standard for a price they didn't want to pay, in turn causing the company's profit margin on the system to sink to the abyss. Whatever the case may be, it's in Sony's best interest to keep the Playstation 2 alive as long as possible to appease its current "poorer" customers with great games while giving the cutting edge to the early-adopters who do want it. To use a parallel that may not necessarily work, but is still telling of the strategy, video cards for PCs run up to $600 for the top model. But everyone who knows anything about PC gaming knows that the mainstream, $200 card is what pays the companies' bills. Yet, they still need to push out top-tier technology that's only meant for the highest of the high-end consumers to show the market what they're capable of.

[robbyrob]

Yo Cheapy and Wombat - awesome show as always. Also, been meaning to give big ups to Wombat since he said he went to Pitt a few weeks ago! Please enter me for Phoenix Wright 2! THanks guys - you guys rock!

Robbyrob

[tripredicus]

I would love Virtua Fighter 5 please!

If I could be any animal I'd be a Chunicorn.

[ThePhenomenal©я@cK]

Loved the show, Virtua Fighter 5 please.

[gamerx0]

Put me down for The Warriors