Alt. Ep. Title: “John Marston+Invisible Bears = Ultimate Posse Fest!”

Rockstar’s long-awaited open world take on the lawless free-for-all that was the wickedly-savage wild west is finally here! While we may not be ridiculously head over heels in love with the game the way that the rest of gaming community seems to be we certainly had a rootin’-tootin good time with both its single player and multi-player components.

Other than Call of Juarez: BIB, the original Red Dead Revolver, and possibly Lucasarts’ Outlaws there really haven’t been any western video games worth playing. So it’s no surprise that Rockstar’s own attempt gets to wear the spit-shined crown since there wasn’t a whole lot of competition to begin with. Going the sandbox route, populating it with colorful/memorable characters, filling it with a variety of gameplay mechanics & mini-games, not to mention painstaking attention to detail, as well as incorporating a very mature and cinematic storyline. All this adds up to a fairly singular experience that mostly gets it right. Unfortunately, some of the more outlandish/annoying characters tend to over stay their welcome whereas the more interesting ones only get a minimal amount of screen time. The repetitive nature of the mission structures and the lackluster gun-play also tend to wear thin rather quickly. All these complaints aside, RDR is highly recommended to all fans of open world gaming as well as western junkies alike!

The era(ror) of the cowboy is coming to an end and The Hard Cast is looking for some rough and tumble vigilantes to help tame the western frontier tight posse style. Vagrant rapscallion charlatans and jackasses need not apply also don’t forget that there is no honor among thieves unless you’re Sly Cooper!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 9
  
• -VICTOR: 8.5
  

Episode Length: 43:24

Red Dead Redemption Best Glitches Compilation

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Amazon: Red Dead Redemption X360
Amazon: Red Dead Redemption PS3

Alternate Ep. Title: “Zelda’s Spectacular Horse Strap-On!”

Joe Mad’s take on a post-apocalyptic demon-ravaged Zelda rip-off has been a long time coming but now that it’s finally out we can say that Darksiders has been worth the wait and we are definitely looking forward to the eventual sequel. Props to greenhorn developer Vigil Games for releasing a new intellectual property in a year that is just chock full of sequels to well known triple A titles.

A title that I have personally been highly anticipating ever since first seeing screenshots back in 2007 during E3. Having lusted for a true next gen (or is that current gen?) Zelda style adventure for so long, I have to say that THQ’s Darksiders bludgeons its way into that gap quite nicely. Sprinkle some God of War style combat and Joe Mad’s insanely-visceral comic book art style and you’ve got a fairly compelling gaming mix. Not to mention some truly bad ass characters such as War (VENGEANCE!), Ulthane (The Black Hammer), and Samael (Tim Curry would be proud!). The extreme lack of challenge in the puzzles/combat, less than precise controls, and heavily borrowed gameplay mechanics do mar the overall experience. However, we still wholeheartedly recommend this title to both old-school adventurers and to the next generation of gaming junkies!

The End War has commenced and The Hard Cast needs Angelic Heroes and Demonic Warriors to face off against the Destroyer’s army. It’s time to dust off your Zelda skills but be sure to heed Vulgrim’s words and “Take your time.” Just don’t get caught with your hands wrapped around Ulthane’s black hammer or Samael might eat your heart out!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 8.5
  
• -VICTOR: 7.4
  

Episode Length: 35:54

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Darksiders X360
Amazon: Darksiders PS3

Alternate Ep. Title: “Orgasmic Gun-Play & Booty-Licious Magic!”

Bayonetta is one of the first big titles to come out this new year and it’s been awhile since we’ve had any new additions to the Core Gamer section so I think you’ll agree that it was obviously a match made in heaven. A worthy successor for many to the Devil May Cry throne which is fitting since it’s coming from the creator of the original DMC, Hideki Kamiya.

There’s a shitload of adjectives that one could use to describe this game. Adjectives such as over-the-top, flashy, stylish, sexy, visceral, feminine, epic, cheesy, unique, insanely wacky, precise, bloody and the list goes on and on. Most of the characters start off as annoying but eventually begin to grow on you a bit once you become numb to the overwhelmingly ridiculous corniness that tries to pass itself off as a story. If you can get past the cheap slide-show style cut-scenes and the exaggerated sexuality (not a problem for us) then you’ll find a really deep combat system with lots of unlockables. All of this adds immensely to the replayability and overall enjoyment of the gaming experience. Recommended to those who know exactly what they’re in for.

Grab hold of your jiggling tater-tots because Father Balder is once again trying to resurrect some ancient God and/or cliche supernatural threat and The Hard Cast is looking for individuals who can handle themselves around insanical amounts of climax action. I think it goes without saying that prudes and puritans need not apply but that’s neither Here nor Hair!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 7.5
  
• -VICTOR: 8
  

Episode Length: 34:36

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Bayonetta X360
Amazon: Bayonetta PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Head-Shot With A Tactical Nuke!”

Our review/discussion for multi-player is finally available for civilian consumption. Took us awhile but we hope that you agree that the wait was worth it. We had a chance to really dive into what most would argue is the real meat of COD: MW2 and to say that we had some stuff to talk about would be a definite understatement. Our highest rated review yet.

We pick apart the major changes and upgrades the multi-player has gone through since the first Modern Warfare. Lack of party chat, deathstreaks, killstreaks, third person mode, level cap increase, revamped perks, riot shields, titles, emblems and so much more. It’s all there, packed so tight that it’s positively volatile. This episode is goddamn ready to explode into your ears with the precision of a tactical insertion and the force of a nuke. On top of all that we even threw in some witty banter at no extra charge. Hoo-Rah!

The Hard Cast is going in hot and we need some vets (I don’t mean animal doctors) to back us up. So if you think you’ve got the right combination of perks and killstreaks to really bring the heat than step up to the line. Be warned though because we will be reviewing accuracy ratings and kill/death ratios!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 9.5
  
• -VICTOR: 9.5
  
• -STEVEN: 9.9
  

Episode Length: 50:34

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 X360
Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PS3
Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PC

Alternate Episode Title: “There’s Always a Ramirez!”

Our review/discussion for the single player campaign and the Special Ops co-op is finally available for civilian consumption. Despite a rather short campaign we had quite a lot to get off our chest. We were throwing out opinions like they were frag grenades. The lack of a campaign co-op feature is definitely a negative but the addition of Spec Ops almost makes up for it.

They brought the conflict home in this latest installment of the Call of Duty franchise. Running around in burnt out American neighborhoods was rather disturbing and seeing the white house on fire was pretty damn epic as well. So many memorable set pieces and plenty of “OH SHIT!” moments. Some of us preferred the campaign in the original Modern Warfare but none of us can deny that MW2 is a hella fun/memorable experience even despite it’s short play time and the Hans Zimmer score is appropriately rousing.

The amount of communication, teamwork, and coordination that’s required for the Spec Ops missions is absolutely insane. There’s enough missions to keep you and your buddies busy for more than a hot minute and will probably end up giving you more hours of enjoyment than the single player campaign. The variety of the challenges available keeps it all fresh and fun. Patience and a reliable partner are the key to accomplishing some of the more difficult missions.

The hunt is on for the international terrorist known as Makarov and The Hard Cast needs your help. So if you think you’ve got the skillz then grab your weapon of choice and hightail it to the LZ! Just remember, you can’t trust General Shepard.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 9.25
  
• -VICTOR: 8.75
  
• -STEVEN: 10
  

Episode Length: 51:38

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 X360
Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PS3
Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PC

Alternate Episode Title: “Get You One!”

Gearbox’s new IP is finally here. Just in time for the holidays and guess what, it seriously kicks ass! A first person shooter with a significant amount of RPG elements. You could call it an RPS (Role-Playing-Shooter). Probably the most successful fusion of those two genres thus far. Snazzy visuals, massive assortment of firepower, and insanely fun 4 player co-op.

The first thing that jumps out at you when you see Borderlands in action are the cel shaded (hand drawn) comic book style graphics. An attempt on the developers part to stand out from the crowd and I think they managed to achieve that goal. As far as the RPG elements are concerned, there’s leveling up, 4 unique character classes, proficiency improvements, ability mods, and skill trees. There’s also a great deal of variety in the firepower that is littered throughout Pandora. The most guns (boomsticks) you’ve ever seen in any game, period!  The 4 player Co-Op is a blast and the true way this game was meant to be played. Definitely a worthy title to throw on your x-mas wish-list and one of the biggest surprise hits of the year.

Catch a ride with The Hard Cast as we go vault hunting across Pandora’s treacherous and chaos ridden wasteland. Just remember to share the loot and stay away from Scooter’s mom!

P.S. We can’t wait for the DLC coming out Nov. 24th!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 8.5
  
• -STEVEN: 8.5
  

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Borderlands X360
Amazon: Borderlands PS3
Amazon: Borderlands PC

Alternate Episode Title: “Deeeecaaaapiiiitaaaatiiiioooon!”

Fun characters, great dialogue, and witty humor are just simply not enough to compensate for the fairly weak gameplay. A title that many Tim Schafer fans (including myself) have been anxiously waiting for. Unfortunately, this game tries to straddle the line between a few too many play styles without being particularly good at any them. Though I do give them points for creativity and ambition.

The story, the characters, the memorable/funny dialogue, the kick-ass soundtrack and the imaginative mythology of the heavy-metal fantasy world are really the strongest elements of Brutal Legend. The voice acting is really solid too with talent from the likes of Tim Curry, Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, and of course Jack Black. The graphics while fun/cartoony are definitely on the simplistic side so don’t go into this game expecting detailed visuals. We also found the RTS portions of the experience to be our least favorite despite it being the foundation for both the single-player campaign and the multi-player as well. A good rental if you’re fan of Tim Schafer’s work or if you’re just a hardcore heavy metal fan who’s looking for a fun little diversion. Otherwise, wait for the eventual price drop.

If you’re building an army of headbangers to release humanity from their chains of demonic bondage then sign The Hard Cast up because we’re cocked n’ loaded and ready to rock n’ roll!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 7
  
• -VICTOR: 6.25
  

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Brutal Legend X360
Amazon: Brutal Legend PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Can I shock your little trooper?”

The review/discussion of the latest entry in the Halo series has dropped! No more Master Chief, it’s time for the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, a fan-fave, to take the spotlight or actually I should say they try to stay out of the spotlight since their objective is stealth. No longer are you traipsing across the universe, ODST takes place on Earth, more specifically the abandoned city of New Mombasa.

So you’re getting new characters, a new setting, and a slightly different play style. Oh and no more goddamn flood, which is always a plus since I really hate those slimy bitches. You get your standard Halo arsenal, same vehicles, and the same enemies that you’ve come to expect. The campaign mode is short but sweet with solid voice acting from the characters and is certainly fun to co-op with a friend or two but I have to say that the biggest draw would have to be the newly added multi-player mode Firefight. Bungie’s attempt to compete with Horde and Nazi Zombies and while not quite up to par it’s still a ton of fun and a much appreciated new feature. Adding vehicles into the mix definitely enhances the experience.

Hey trooper, if you think you’re ready to bring down the Covenant then let’s hop into that Warthog because The Hard Cast is here to put the pedal to the medal and make some brute roadkill!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Halo 3: ODST X360
Amazon: Halo Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)

Alternate Episode Title: “Harley Quinn wants to play!”

One of the best comic book games ever, Arkham Asylum doesn’t disappoint! Newcomer Rocksteady has crafted one hell of a triple AAA title. All the important elements are here in spades. Strong story (Paul Dini), insanely-great villains, memorable boss battles, cool gadgets, satisfying puzzles, collectibles, fierce combat, incredible production values, and addictive stealth gameplay.

Regardless of whether you’re a huge Batman fan or not, you will have a bat-tastic time playing Arkham Asylum. Basically, you’d have to be clinically insane not to like this game in which case The Hard Cast is here to supply the strait jackets.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum 360
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Fairy Bubbles Kick Ass!”

Hot on the heels of the Raiden Fighters Aces review we have Raiden IV! At $40 it’s a bit pricier than RFA but it’s a newer game with superior graphics and while it doesn’t offer the nice bonus of three games on one disc it’s a worthy addition to the Raiden series. The fact that I am Raiden completionist also played a big part in my decision to purchase.

Unfortunately, like it’s predecessor RFA, Raiden IV does not take advantage of the full potential that Xbox Live offers. There’s only local co-op play and more leaderboard nonsense that only the most hardcore of fans will appreciate. There’s also a laughable attempt at DLC which comes in the form of two additional ships which are already on the disc but can only be unlocked by paying an additional fee. Of course being the completionist that I am and for the purposes of this review I purchased the additional ships. Between the two ships I’d only recommend the fairy which is worth it for the humor-factor alone!

It’s time to strap into that pilot’s seat once again because the Earth’s peace and tranquility is being threatened for the fourth time but don’t worry, The Hard Cast is here to supply you with all the fairy bubbles you need to get the job done!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -VICTOR
• -PATRICK
  

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Raiden IV Limited Edition 360

Alternate Episode Title: “We control the Vertical and the Horizontal!”

Things have been a little quiet lately on The Hard Cast but now we’re back with a vengeance with some old school gaming goodness! This recording is now ready for public consumption so don’t turn your back on these nostalgia evoking games.

Raiden Figter’s Aces gives you the complete Fighters Aces experience with all three games packaged together on one disc for only $20. Gradius V has the best graphics of any of the Gradius series and keeps the challenge level pumped up on the PS2. Whether you prefer the vertical or the horizontal it’s hard to go wrong with either of these titles.

So grab that bag of quarters and let The Hard Cast be your wing-man because it’s bullet-dodging time!

• -CHRIS
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Raiden Fighters Aces 360
Amazon:Gradius V PS2

Alternate Episode Title: “BJ vs. Deaths Head”

The Wolfenstein series has always held a very special place in my heart. The original Wolf 3D was the first game I played after installing my Creative Labs Sound Blaster. At the time I was blown away by what I thought was amazingly high quality sound and music (head and shoulder above what the consoles could do at the time). As a long time lover of First-Person-Shooters, the first time a German soldier yelled out “Achtung!” will always be a pivotal moment for me.

So it was with great anticipation and excitement that I ripped into the latest entry in this classic series especially since I loved the previous game (RTCW) so much. Overall, I’d have to say that it’s a worthy addition to the franchise despite having a very weak multi-player component and an obsolete engine that’s starting to show its age. Die-hard Wolf fans should definitely give it a shot and if you’re unfamiliar with the series but enjoy shooters than you might want to go the rental route or maybe wait for a price-drop.

The Nazi threat is looming near and BJ Blazkowitz is looking for recruits. If you think you have what it takes then The Hard Cast has the propaganda you should be listening to.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Contest Rules:

Let us know what you think of this review or of The Hard Cast in general and you could be the lucky recipient of a free XBLA code for the original Wolfentein 3D. Just leave a comment on this blog or email us at gethard@thehardcast.com

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Wolfenstein PC
Amazon: Wolfenstein X360
Amazon: Wolfenstein PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Stay Hard by the Light of Day and the Dark of the Night!”

With the gaining popularity of XBLA and PSN there has been something of a revival in the 2D sidescroller genre. Quite a few interesting titles have been released in the last 2 years that standout in the down-loadable gaming arena.

All these titles offer something different from their counter-parts and have received much praise from the gaming community and critics alike. However none have truly embodied the old-school essence of this classic genre the way that Shadow Complex has.

Chair/Epic managed to quantify and distill the quintessential components of both the Metroid and Castlevania series. Using these core elements as the foundation of their game they then crafted a very compelling experience full of incredibly satisfying platforming, exploration, and combat. Simply downloading and playing the trial will not do this game the justice it deserves. At a mere $15 (1200 points) Shadow Complex gives you more bang for your buck than most full retail titles and is quite possibly the best gaming deal of the year thus far.

If you’re about to go head-to-head with a clandestine group looking to overthrow the government then let The Hard Cast supply you with a fully-integrated powered exoskeleton as I’m sure we’ve got a couple spares laying around. Remember, the flashlight is your best friend.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Shadow Complex [Online Game Code]
Light of the Day/dark of the Night (Theme for Shadow Complex)

Alternate Episode Title: “Don’t Cross the Streams!”

All you nostalgia freaks out there get ready because it’s freakin’ Ghostbusters the game! A classic movie license turned into a next-gen gaming experience. Unlike most movie licensed games Terminal Reality got it right with this title.

Almost all the important cast members are back for this outing with the exception of Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver. It was great hearing the voices of Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Annie Pots. The witty banter, quirky character moments, and paranormal quips are all off the PKE meter. Special mention for the story which feels right at home in the Ghostbuster’s universe.

Fun game-play, tight controls, colorful graphics, destructible environments and epic boss-battles are all part of the package. All of this makes this title a must own for any self-respecting Ghostbuster’s fan!

If bustin’ ghosts makes you feel good then give The Hard Cast a call because we’re too hot to handle and too cold to hold!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Ghostbusters: The Video Game X360
Amazon: Ghostbusters: The Video Game PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Explosive Tentacle Rape!”

Insane amount of powers/abilities at your disposal, a large open-world to traverse, viciously-frantic combat, tight controls, epic boss battles, and consistently smooth framerates (slowdown tends to be an issue with open-world games). There’s almost always a carnage-filled battle waiting for you around the next corner. The fun-factor for this title truly is devastating!

A semi-serviceable story and only just adequate graphics are really the only elements that keep it from being a truly great gaming experience.

With the lack of releases lately Prototype is a good title to stave off that summer boredom at least until some of the bigger titles start dropping this fall.

The viral epidemic is coming and only those with the cure will survive. Don’t worry though because The Hard Cast has just what the doctor ordered!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: PROTOTYPE X360
Amazon: PROTOTYPE PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “Yeah, we talk too much…”

Our first actual recorded podcast. Hurray for us! Steven and I feel pretty good about the content of this particular podcast although we would have liked to have had a bit more humor and we went a little long but the passion and spirit was definitely there. What can I say it was a learning experience. Either way I think after listening to this podcast you’ll walk away knowing exactly how we feel about the latest installment in the POP franchise. I’ll go ahead and apologize right now for some of the audio issues like Steven’s lack of volume. Shouldn’t be a problem for future installments. Like I said it was a learning experience.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Prince of Persia X360
Amazon: Prince of Persia PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “PS3 Wand looks like a Dildo!”

Our longest recording yet clocking in at over 85 minutes. We probably should have split this one up into three different podcasts, one for each of the major players. Some good titles coming out in the near future and for once Nintendo actually had some stuff worth looking at. Anyway if you want to hear us talk about some of the bigger titles on the way such as Halo 3: ODST, Bayonetta, Metroid: The Other M, Alan Wake, Assassin’s Creed II, and of course Natal then give us a listen.

Some Honorable Mentions that I’m excited about that didn’t…well..get mentioned:

Space Marines (looks seriously bad-ass and I luv me sum Warhammer 40,000)
Singularity
Borderlands (I may have mentioned this one but it really does look good)
Dante’s Inferno (Not looking too shabby for a God of War rip-off)

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by pre-ordering through our referral links:

Amazon: Halo 3: ODST X360
Amazon: Bayonetta X360
Amazon: Bayonetta PS3
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum X360
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum PS3
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector’s Edition X360
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector’s Edition PS3
Amazon: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves PS3

Alternate Episode Title: “REVIVE ME!!!”

One of the many reasons to own a 360, GOW 2 is the very definition of a triple A title. Cliffy B wasn’t kidding when he said it was bigger, better, and more bad-ass! The crew and I reminisce about all the Epic moments we’ve literally shared playing both the campaign and the multiplayer (HORDE!!!) modes.

If you think you’re ready to tunnel to the core of unreality and bust some locust heads then catch a ride on the Cole Train. Just don’t forget to invite your buddies over here at The Hard Cast.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Gears of War 2 X360
Amazon: Gears of War 2: Strategy Guide
Amazon: Gears of War Aspho Fields (Novel)
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “The dark is where I shine!”

Riddick is the bad ass of the cosmos, the interstella gangsta, the smoothest criminal in the galaxy, the original martian mofo, the…well you get the idea. This dude is as slick as they come. If you love the character of Riddick half as much as I do then do yourself a favor and check out his latest game. If you haven’t played Escape from Butcher Bay then you’re in for real treat since it’s included with Assault on Dark Athena in all its remastered HD glory.

When you think you’re ready to face the dark give us a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena X360
Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena PS3
Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena PC