The Game Informer Show

We answer the community's questions about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in this special edition podcast. Adam Biessener and Ben Hanson, the Game Informer crew that visited CD Projekt RED's offices in Warsaw, Poland, mostly stay on task in answering questions and clarifying details about the upcoming open-world RPG coming to PC, PS4, and possibly other high-end consoles that may or may not be announced in the next few months. (Please visit the site to view this media) Be sure to hit up our Witcher 3 hub to view all the great bonus content we've put together for our March cover story.

In this week's GI podcast, we catch up with Crysis 3 and the latest Metal Gear game, plus delve into the debate surrounding microtransactions in games. Due to the big Sony PS4 announcement last week, we cut Crysis 3 from the show. But that doesn't mean the game isn't worth discussing. Crytek always delivers big-budget, graphically advanced thrills and, while this game doesn't exactly break new ground, it's a satisfying shooter experience from a studio that knows what it's doing. Host Matt Helgeson is joined by reviewer Matt Bertz and Andy Reiner, who break down the game in detail - and talk about why the PC version might be a glimpse of how games will look on next-gen consoles. Next up is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, the collaboration between Kojima Productions and the stylish action masters Platinum Games. It's not your typical Metal Gear game, and it's new focus on action and lack of storytelling gives reviewer Joe Juba, Ben Hanson, and Andy Reiner much to discuss. Finally, Matt and Joe are joined by GI PC editor Adam Biessener to talk about the recent controversy over EA's decision to include microtransactions in all their upcoming games. However, it turns into a more broad discussion about consumer rights and the right and wrong ways to do microtransactions. (Please visit the site to view this media)

Sony just fired its first salvo of PlayStation 4 news. It's the talk of the gaming world, and the GI editors assemble to talk about it We actually kick the show off with some news from the weekend, Bungie's Destiny project. Host Matt Helgeson is joined by Kyle Hilliard, who wrote our feature on Destiny and Halo mega-fan Matt Miller to talk about this ambitious game project. Then, it's time for the main event. We taped this show after the big Sony press conference, so we have all the available information on PS4 and Sony's plans. We talk about the system's hardware specs, new controller, cloud gaming plans, and the games that were shown. Featured on this segment are Matt Miller, Matt Bertz, and Adam Biessener. (Please visit the site to view this media)

In this episode, we ponder the disaster that is Aliens: Colonial Marines and wonder where it all went wrong. We also gets some intel on a few upcoming Capcom games and talk about one of the most inventive puzzle games since Fez. In the first segment, reviewer Jeff Cork and Tim Turi join host Matt Helgeson to discuss Gearbox's hugely disappointing Aliens: Colonial Marines. On the surface, it had it all: a great license and a developer that was passionate about making the game. Somewhere along the line, this game lost its way, and we try to sort through the rubble. The second segment is more upbeat, and Tim and Jeff return to hear about some upcoming Capcom projects that Tim saw at a recent event in San Francisco. The discussion includes the HD console port of Resident Evil: Revelations, the intriguing new IP Remember Me, new Darkstalkers and Monster Hunter games, and some DLC for Devil May Cry. (Please visit the site to view this media)

We break down two big games, plus talk news from D.I.C.E. and new next-gen rumors. Host Matt Helgeson is joined by Tim Turi, Dan Ryckert, and Bryan Vore to talk about Dead Space 3, the latest in EA's sci-fi horror franchise. Dead Space 3 brings some changes to the series, like a new weapon crafting system and controversial microtransactions. The guys also talk about the game's excellent multiplayer, and whether or not Tim is a weirdo. Next up is a more freeform segment, akin to our old Gamer Guerilla Radio shows. Matt welcomes Adam Biessener, Jeff Marchiafava, and Joe Juba to the podcast studio to discuss a number of topics, including a possible Gabe Newell/J.J. Abrams collaboration on a Half-Life film, controversial Heavy Rain creator David Cage, Sony's upcoming announcement of the PlayStation 4, and rumors that Microsoft's next console might require an "always-on" Internet connection and/or lock out used games. Finally, Tim returns so he and Matt can talk about Sanzaru's excellent reboot of the Sly Cooper series, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. (Please visit the site to view this media)

This week we showcase three intriguing new games -- Fire Emblem: Awakening, Skulls of the Shogun, and The Cave. This episode also marks the return of the Back Cover Blurb Trivia Challenge. In the first segment, host Matt Helgeson is joined by Kim Wallace, Matthew Kato, and Matt Miller to talk about a trio of worthwhile new titles, the 3DS strategy RPG masterpiece Fire Emblem: Awakening, the creative new indie strategy games Skulls of the Shogun, and adventure game guru Ron Gilbert's The Cave. Two of these titles (Fire Emblem and Skulls of the Shogun) are among the best games released so far this year, and The Cave, while having some faults, is an engaging adventure that will appeal to fans of Double Fine's oddball sense of humor. The next segment is our recurring game show, Back Cover Blurb Trivia Challenge. Here's the basics: Ben Hanson chooses games from the GI vault and takes a photo of the back cover blurb. Then, he reads them to the contestants (Matt Helgeson, Joe Juba, Dan Ryckert, and Tim Turi), omitting any references to names of characters, the title of the game, or any other details that would give it away. The contestants buzz in to guess the game in questions. This is a controversial episode also, because former winner Ben Reeves is now under the cloud of serious allegations of CHEATING in his impressive win in BCBTC #2. Shameful. (Please visit the site to view this media)

In this week's show we discuss the passing of THQ, plus Ni No Kuni and some Nintendo news. First up, host Matt Helgeson is joined by Andy McNamara, Andy Reiner, and Matthew Kato to talk about the recent demise of THQ and the future of some of its franchises that were recently sold to the highest bidder. Reiner returns in the second segment, joined by Kim Wallace, to talk about Kim's review of the highly anticipated collaboration between Level-5 and the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli. Kim didn't like the game as much as some, and it's an interesting debate about its relative merits. Finally, Kyle Hilliard, Dan Ryckert, and Bryan Vore joined the show to talk about a spate of recent Nintendo announcements, which include new Zelda and Mario games for Wii U. (Please visit the site to view this media)

In this episode we discuss a highly anticipated reboot of one of Capcom's most treasured franchises, and talk about Disney's bold new venture in video games. First up, Andy Reiner and Ben Hanson stop by to discuss DMC: Devil May Cry with host Matt Helgeson. It's a reboot of the DMC franchise, and the first handled by an outside developer, Heavenly Sword and Enslaved developer Ninja Theory. Reiner is a longtime fan of the series, and Ben is a Ninja Theory fan who was inspired to check out the DMC franchise for the first time, so it's an interesting mix of perspectives on the game. Note: Joe Juba, who reviewed the game for Game Informer, is traveling at the moment and was not able to participate, so sorry to his legion of "Jubaholics." Next up, Reiner and Hanson stick around and are joined by Jeff Cork to talk about Disney Infinity. This ambitious new project aims to tie the entire Disney universe of the company's properties into an evolving ecosytem that utilized collectible figurines similar to Activision's Skylanders. However, this multi-game, multi-franchise project is a good deal more ambitious, and could well revolutionize the way that licensed games are created, sold, and marketed. (Please visit the site to view this media)

In a more serious podcast, we discuss some of the new contenders in the console market, plus talk about the reignited debate over game violence. In the first segment, host Matt Helgeson is joined by Matt Bertz and Andy Reiner to talk about a new host of non-traditional consoles, including Ouya, the GameStick, Nvidia's Project Shield, and the Piston Steam Box. It's an interesting time for the industry, and the gang has a lot to say about the prospects of these consoles. In the second segment, Reiner sticks around and Jeff Cork comes in the booth to record a serious discussion about the renewed furor of violent games which has happened in the wake of the horrible events that transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary, as well as Joe Biden's upcoming task force meetings with the NRA and representatives from the game industry, motion pictures, and television. [Note: We recorded this podcast before we received word from the ESA that its CEO Michael Gallagher would be attending Biden's meetings]. (Please visit the site to view this media)

Nothing is happening in gaming this week, so the GI podcast takes aim at the coming year and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the shows and conventions that will shape 2013. Matt Bertz, Andy Reiner, and Jeff Cork join fill-in host Adam Biessener in talking about the year to come. The year starts with the Consumer Electronics Show next week, and we talk about the storied history of that gathering before moving on through DICE, GDC, E3, Gamescom, and more. Hundreds of headlines take form at each of these shows, but they each have a unique character and occupy a particular place in the ebb and flow of the annual video games calendar – so listen in for a more holistic perspective on the yearly gaming schedule. We even manage to mostly avoid kvetching about the long work days covering these events entails for us journalists. Mostly. Don't forget to rate us on iTunes, download the show below, and visit the hub for every episode of the podcast ever. (Please visit the site to view this media)

Our year-end top 50 list always engenders a lot of controversy and discussion amongst our readers, so we decided to sit down for a free-ranging discussion about the games we picked, and air out some of our own personal gripes about the list. Host Matt Helgeson is joined by Matt Bertz, Matt Miller, Adam Biessener, and Andy Reiner for our special edition "Snubs and Grudges" edition podcast. If you don't agree with every selection on our list, here's some good news: neither do all of the Game Informer editors! Although we picked our list through a scientific and democratic system of bickering in a conference room, there were still some lingering disagreements among the editors -- although not as many as in year's past. We also discuss the reasoning behind some of our picks. We hope you find this an interesting look into the process of choosing a year-end Top 50 list. This will also be the last Game Informer Show of 2012. We thank you for listening to the show, and all of your feedback through comments, email, and Twitter. Have a happy and safe holiday season. (Please visit the site to view this media)

This week's podcast features the latest Skryim DLC, Lego Lord of the Rings, and our reaction to the Spike Video Game Awards. We kick things off with by catching up with Lego Lord of the Rings, which has been out for a few weeks. However, the game's clever slant on Tolkien mythology is still well worth discussing. Joe Juba and Jeff Cork join host Matt Helgeson to talk about the game's considerable strengths. Next up, Andy Reiner stops by to talk about his review for Dragonborn, the third DLC pack released for Bethesda's epic Skyrim. This is the meatiest DLC for the game to date, but Reiner does have some problem's with the game's most notable functionality. Finally, a returning Reiner, Dan Ryckert, and Ben Hanson debate the 10th annual Spike TV Video Game Awards. Overall, the show was much better than in years past, and also featured an odd bit of gamesmanship from Konami and "Moby Dick Studio" about a possibly fake game called Phantom Pain. Also, Dan and Ben seriously argue about EVERYTHING in this episode, even if it had nothing to do with the VGAs. So enjoy that. (Please visit the site to view this media)

The Game Informer Show discusses the last big games of the year, plus an intriguing indie release you need to know about. In the first segment, host Matt Helgeson is joined by Matt Bertz, Dan Ryckert, and Andy Reiner to discuss Ubisoft's excellent open-world first-person shooter Far Cry 3. Matt Bertz reviewed the game, and has a lot to say about its strengths, which include a wide array of player choice, gripping storytelling, and a complex tropical ecosystem. Reiner and Dan also love the game, and we break down single-player, co-op, and multiplayer in a long segment. Next up is something a bit different: the new indie release Little Inferno, which is out now for Wii U's eShop, PC, and Linux. Tomorrow Corporation has created a game that's simplicity belies a fairly complex narrative. It also features gameplay that's at once instantly accessible and surprisingly deep. It's definitely a game that will appeal to people who enjoyed titles like Braid, Journey, and The Unfinished Swan. (Please visit the site to view this media)

In a more freeform podcast, we tackle a bunch of the week's hottest topics in gaming. Things kick off with host Matt Helgeson being joined by Ben Reeves, Bryan Vore, and Kyle Hilliard. Also, we have a VERY special guest: Kyle daughter Claire (you might remember her from this video where Kyle reads her the Legend of Zelda as a bedtime story). In any case, the crew is here to discuss the recent leak of information about Bungie's next project -- and also speculate on just how soon we might see the next generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles hit the market.  Next up, Matt is joined by a returning Bryan Vore along with Dan Ryckert and Ben Hanson for some updated impressions of the Wii U. The guys all bought the console at launch and have been spending a lot of time with the system, both playing games and digging into its online and media features. They report back with a more detailed and critical report on the console -- and also some positive views on its future. (Please visit the site to view this media)

Enjoy a helping of the Game Informer Show for Thanksgiving, as we talk about a couple of big releases plus the conclusion of Telltale's The Walking Dead. First up is Hitman: Absolution. Host Matt Helgeson is joined by "The Jeffs" -- Jeff Cork and Jeff Marchifava -- to discuss the new reboot of IO Interactive's long-running Hitman series. The Hitman games have always been long on depth and spotty on execution, but this latest is the best and most polished entry to date. It's also got some very interesting community creation features, which we discuss as well. The second segment, which deals with Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two and the handheld Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion, turns out a bit more contentious than we expected. Matt Miller is still a little miffed at how Epic Mickey 2 turned out, and Bryan Vore and Ben Hanson have some serious disagreements about the quality of Power of Illusion. Finally, Jeff Cork returns with Ben Reeves in tow to ponder the epic finale of The Walking Dead. The fifth and final episode just released, it's a powerful conclusion to one of the year's most gripping gaming experiences. (Please visit the site to view this media)