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I haven't touched my PS3 in quite a while for exactly the same reason as Wombat. Sometimes what I'll do if I know I have an update that will take forever to download, I'll start it, then switch inputs on my TV and play my 360 for a couple hours. If I'm lucky, when I finish up with the 360, the PS3 update is done and I'm ready for some Sony gaming. There have been times where this does not get me through the whole update, though.

I wish I could say I disagree with Wombat and Boatcrash about Castlevania HD, but from what I've played so far, it's a very frustrating experience.

I also agree with Wombat about the annoyance of the PS3 updates. A while back, I tried to start up a single game of MLB 10 with a friend, and the hour-long update tried to start. I canceled out of it, but it popped up every few minutes, and eventually caused me to accidentally exit the game in the 6th inning.

I don't agree with Cheapy's comments on Starcraft 2 because he is mixing feelings on the multiplayer with single player. If you completely remove multiplayer from the picture you are still left with a full featured single player game that is worthwhile for everyone to play. The single player campaign is extremely approachable for casual or non-RTS fans. Normal difficulty is pretty easy and does not require much micro-management at all. It can be played with just a mouse without having to learn build orders or hot keys.

I've never learned a build order in my life and hate playing multiplayer in RTS's, but I'm in love with the single player campaign in Starcraft 2. The presentation is awesome and the missions are extremely varied. A casual player will easily get 15-20 hours out of the campaign with another 5-10 hours of normal difficulty game play available if they want to go back and get all of the achievements (which are very well done).

There's additional single player game play available on top of that if you want to really get into it and play the challenges and then try moving up to hard difficulty to get the achievements there. You can also do skirmishes against AI.

I'm loving Castlevania HD, but I have to agree it has a LOT of issues - mainly not telling you what the hell to do, and creating lobbies where you can only play the highest level everyones completed. Other then that I am having a lot of fun, I think It's pretty obvious It's a love it or hate it game though lol.

Glad that Cheapy stopped making dumb excuses like "Ooooh my wrists hurt" or "It's too complicated" or "I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE KEYBOARD TO MOVE MY CHARACTER" in reference to PC gaming.

Oh wait, that last excuse was Wombats.
I remember Cheapy saying something about going out with Major Nelson and building himself a great gaming PC about 3 years ago in 2007.

Now you're resorting to playing on mid settings on a Mac? Shameful.
Very disappointed in Shipwreck, he wastes so much time on games that no one cares about like Clash of the Titans or Despicable Me on DS, but A PC/MAC game? NO WAY THAT IS THE DEVIL IN THE SHIPWRECK RESIDENCE.

I didn't know video game reviewers would actively NOT play the biggest games out there. And at the moment, Starcraft 2 is the biggest game out there. But no no, go back to playing Little League Baseball!

As for the Steam vs Gamestop argument, I think there is some competition. They are both places that sell games like Cheapy said. And Gamestop obviously feels compelled enough by Steam to have their own Digital store for PC games online.

Whoever is working on firmware updates on the PS3 needs to stop focusing on stuff like video editors, improved photo galleries and more PS store icons on the XMB, but to get the experience closer to the 360.

I have had only a PS3 for the past 3 years and am getting a 360 next month for Halo Reach, but even I know how frustrating it is to watch 360 users have useful features added while we're STILL waiting for basic stuff

Originally Posted by Danimal Sometimes what I'll do if I know I have an update that will take forever to download, I'll start it, then switch inputs on my TV and play my 360 for a couple hours. If I'm lucky, when I finish up with the 360, the PS3 update is done and I'm ready for some Sony gaming.

This is essentially what I was going to recommend to Wombat. Let your PS3 update while you're watching TV, playing on another console, or just sleeping. (If memory serves, you can set your PS3 to shut itself off after the update completes.)

Originally Posted by DarkZion Listening to Cheapy and Wombat argue over Steam vs GameStop was really annoying. Wombat was completely right.

It depends on the consumer. Some people aren't so platform specific and actually play both PC and console games.

I only have so much much and time, more time than not when I want a new game (regardless of system) it is cheaper and easier to browse steam than go to gamestop. Not to mention Steam has such great deals it is hard to ignore them.

Playstation network has really halted any PSP purchases for me.

Originally Posted by Curufinwe Apple stores do seem to be full of the worst kind of douches in the country.

Yes Wombat mentioned he went to one.

Show me.......family feud game code!

Wombat was right about the gamestop/steam argument.

If there is any competition it is minimal. I know what Cheapy was trying to say about Steam but he really argued it in a poor way.

Wombat nailed my experience with Limbo. So much so that I had to go back and listen to it again. Our little Wombat took it to a new level. I REALLY enjoyed the outdoor section of the game, to the point of actually chuckling at the cheekiness of a death and nodding in approval at the puzzles and overall platforming experience. However, when it moved "inside", the vibe changed for me. Not necessarily for the worse, but different.

Nevertheless, I am glad I bought the game and don't feel like I overpaid. Got my moneys worth when my 9 year old daughter said she wanted to play. I warned her that it was pretty rough, but she argued that she had seen worse in Borderlands. The first set of bear traps got her and she dropped the controller in shock and ran out of the room. She does not come in to watch when I am playing it now.

Excellent show fellas!

Originally Posted by bjkrautk This is essentially what I was going to recommend to Wombat. Let your PS3 update while you're watching TV, playing on another console, or just sleeping. (If memory serves, you can set your PS3 to shut itself off after the update completes.)

Exactly, and yes you can set the ps3 to shut off after the update.

Whilst I agree with Wombat on the fact that Steam and Gamestop aren't direct competitors at this point, I think Cheapy meant that in 5-6 years when most console games are bought as digital copies Gamestop are going to lose a lot of money, so they really need to try to invest in a company like Valve. However I don't think Valve would sell for any price Gamestop could afford to offer.

Solid episode as always.

How old is Wombat, cause he soounds like a happy go lucky kid

Good show guys.

Limbo is the gaming media's new darling. Whenever this happens, they completely love whatever game it is and sweep any real problems with it or criticisms under the rug.

Wombat, just leave your PS3 on while it or a game updates and go do something else. It's ridiculous that people have to do that, but the problem's never going away. I can't stand the updates either, but that's no excuse for not using the system.

Originally Posted by usickenme It depends on the consumer. Some people aren't so platform specific and actually play both PC and console games. I only have so much much and time, more time than not when I want a new game (regardless of system) it is cheaper and easier to browse steam than go to gamestop. Not to mention Steam has such great deals it is hard to ignore them. Playstation network has really halted any PSP purchases for me.

I don't consider them to be competitors when Steam only offers PC games. I do understand that they both sell PC games, but GameStop still offers console games, which tends to be their main focus for sales.

It's like saying a grocery store is a competitor to a hardware store because they both sell 20 ounce bottles of sodas by their cash registers.

However, if Steam ever sells console games via digital download, I would definitely consider them to be direct competitors.

Survey says... HPV GETS A CODE!

Originally Posted by shipwreck Actually, we both did get free review codes for Castlevania HD. Our feelings are strictly on our time playing the game. There's little reason for me to feel like I should get loot when I've seen everything the game has to offer in an hour.

In screenshots leaked a few months ago, I want to say in May sometime, they had the level Chapter select screen, and it showed that the game at one point had a leveling system. Why on Earth they took it out is still beyond me :S

I should've asked DesertEagle if I could play with you guys to show off my awesome, overpowered Shanoa skills. But then it would've meant everyone being dumped from the party and having everyone be reinvited.

With regards to Darksiders, I want to say there is NO SHAME in playing games on easy. When I was in high school with a SNES/Genesis I had all the time in the world to figure out every little place to hide to beat the games on hard.

I just don't have that luxury of time anymore, there are only so many hours a week I can devote to gaming. I don't want to spend that time replaying the same boss or level. At first it is a huge ego hit to realize you just aren't as good at games anymore. I just want a good story, and would like to see the ending someday.

I thank the developers for putting that easy mode in for people that are like me so we do not have to totally abandon the hobby we grew up with.

There are only two areas where GS and Steam compete for sales. First, obviously with PC games since both offer digital games (Steam absolutely destroys GS in this area).

The second on a lesser scale, for games on multiple platforms like Fallout 3, Mass Effect, Dragon Age Origins, Bioshock, Elder Scrolls Oblivion, etc.

If a gamer has both a console and powerful PC, many will choose the PC version over the console one.

One thing that sways the decision is if Steam offers a sale price and/or 4 pack deal typically people choose the cheaper option which would be Steam.

For example, many CAGs took advantage of a Steam deal for a pre-order of Bioshock 2. They offered a 4 pack deal with a free copy of Bioshock 1 for each person. My total I believe was 28.46 for the two games. Currently, you still can't find a deal that cheap on any platform for those two titles.

GS and Steam are not direct competitors in all areas but, they are in others.