The School of Everything Else Archive

Ghostwatch

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Ghostwatch is the 1992 hoax TV broadcast screened on BBC1 which caused a widespread national panic as thousands of kids (and more adults that would like to admit it) reacted with terror to the creepy happenings onscreen. 

Gonzo Adventures: The Tower of the Sorcerer

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

The 150th episode of Digital Gonzo.

This was a one-off show inspired by the episode of Community 'Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'. It's a sit-down gaming session conducted over Skype with myself as Dungeon Master and my guests as a team of adventurers. For this one we were using the flexible, simple ruleset of Advanced Fighting Fantasy by Graham Bottley which itself stems from the gamebooks of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone (The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, Deathtrap Dungeon) and detailed in the starter book Dungeoneer. This is the first of the two adventures within that book.

I wanted to bring you guys something different, in the style I have honed over the years so there's music and sound FX as well as a hefty chunk of silliness and getting into character. The lengthier fights have been edited for pacing but you're mainly missing a lot of dice rolls. The team that begins this story comprises of the following.

Thrale Copperhelm: A tough-as-nails dwarf, played by Neil Taylor of GameBurst
Lastern Darkfire: An elf fresh out of the forests, played by Mark Reay of The A.I. Bots
Kellis Payge: A human mage from the city watch of Chalice, played by Sharon Shaw of School of Movies
Harron Brondyn: A sarcastic thief played by Matt Ramsey of Do Try This at Home

Focus is on character and story over action and complex systems, almost closer to an audio drama than the recording of a game. The guest soundtrack for this week is the original World of Warcraft OST by Jason Hayes, Tracy W. Bush, Derek Duke, and Glenn Stafford. Many thanks to my guests, who played brilliantly and went easy on me in my first-time role as Dungeon Master. The combat rules were still being learned by all of us, also Gonzo is an adult podcast and we use adult language in this. 

And thank you all for making this one of the warmest, smartest, funniest communities on the internet for 150 episodes of Gonzo.

Fan Response

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode, originally published in September 2013 I invited on Bob Chipman, AKA MovieBob along with Daniel Floyd and Leelee Scalaferri of Extra Credits to talk about the age old scenario of fans flipping their lids when something they love is perceived as being meddled with. With the ascent of Twitter and Facebook, forums, comments sections and YouTube we have more opportunities than ever before to voice our discontent, and voice it we have in ways often so hostile and illegible that some sections of the internet appear to be transcripts of the death-screeching of broken killer robots with electronic Tourette's syndrome. 

Among other specific instances we cover Anita Sarkeesian of Feminist frequency, The Xbox One, Batfleck, Phil Fish, Grand Theft Auto V, Devil May Cry, Mass Effect 3, Green Lantern, The Star Wars Special Editions and Fifty Shades of Grey. The aim was not to be wholly objective and detached and there is a lot of opinion being flung back and forth during this crackling debate with four vibrant personalities all vying for the mic, but we do try our best to be fair.  

To illustrate the many facets of this immense debate I have employed audio segments from some of the best and brightest.

With Great Power [Bob Chipman: The Big Picture]
Crass Effect [Bob Chimpan: Game Overthinker]
Rebecca Black [Charlie Brooker: 10 O’ Clock Live]
Anita Sarkeesian: The Monster Gamers Created [Jim Sterling: Jimquisition]
Harassment [Daniel Floyd & James Portnow: Extra Credits]
GTA V Review Revulsion [Johnny Chiodini: GameSpot - Feedbackula]
Guide to Comments [Vi Hart]
A Day at the Park [Kiriakakis: Mused]

Bob, Dan and Leelee have made hundreds of video presentations between them and their recommendations if you're newcomers are the following.

Extra Credits [Of Penny Arcade TV]

• Call of Juarez: The Cartel
• A Little Bit of Yesterday
• Art is not the Opposite of Fun

Moviebob

• The Big Picture - Skin Game
• Game Overthinker - Never Grow Old

Music on the show played by Lindsey Stirling

• Crystallize 
• Elements
• Electric Daisy Violin

Of course there wasn't time to discuss a bunch of well known examples, including the Derpy Hooves debacle but we do want this show to spark debate on ways for the more considerate side of the internet to gain more of a vocal share of the general discussion, which often seems to be dominated by the enraged and abusive.

Mass Effect 3

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This was the most requested Gonzo show in history. For a project of this magnitude we needed a Dynamic Analysis, so the first hour is a collection of audio articles. The second half focuses on the rest of it. There are definitely still issues with combat and structure that affect the gameplay experience regardless of how you felt about its close, but there is also a deep and rich adventure to be had finding everyone and everything in the last hours before the galaxy takes on the Reapers. There were so many people who wanted to talk about this game that I couldn't not confine them to a single, epic round-table, so instead we have three.

Appropriately you'll meet many old faces and some new. Everyone has something to say. At the close we spend a good 48 minutes talking about the Citadel DLC with full plot spoilers for that as well as Leviathan and Omega. Everyone present agreed that Citadel was downright essential if you love the characters of Mass Effect so if nothing else, play that before you listen to the last third of this show.

Introduction
FilmCritHulk: A Few Words on the Ending of Mass Effect 3 [Read by Alex Shaw] (0.00.50)
Sharon Shaw: The Third Choice (0.21.37)
J.C. Hutchins: Blood on My Hands: My Failure and Redemption in Mass Effect(0.30.50)
Leelee Scaldaferri: The Center of the Universe (0.53.07)
Alex Shaw: On Taking Back Earth (1.03.00)

Round Table 1: Margeurite Kenner & Alasdair Stuart (1.05.44)
Alex Shaw: Some Statistics (1.40.30)
Round Table 2: Neil Taylor, Jerome McIntosh & James Perkins (1.44.25)
Round Table 3: Matt Ramsey, Leelee Scaldaferri & Sharon Shaw (2.21.38)
The Idea Channel: Will Space Travel Save Us? (3.07.00)
Alex Shaw: Shepard Effects (3.15.16)
Citadel (3.21.40)

Margeurite can be found on Cast of Wonders, Leelee is the artist for Extra Credits. You'll also hear a segment from The Idea Channel which is available on YouTube and something I sincerely suggest you each spend a few hours delving into. Some incredible, funny, lightly delivered, deeply considered six-minute lectures on there. Kind of like TED Talks but with more visual flair and packed to the gills with blink-and-you'll-miss-it geeky references. It's been a great ride on the Normandy. I hope some day soon we can come back and re-enter this universe which has played host to some of our favourite games of all time.

Mass Effect 2

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This is the second part of our epic trilogy of review podcasts focusing on the Mass Effect game series from Bioware. Game two was a significant polishing up of the original's formula with tighter combat, more fluid and dynamic presentation and a greater focus on characterization. As a result and for many other reasons detailed within, this is widely regarded as the most beloved of the trilogy.

So in this week's episode my crew and I go deep into the shadowy world of the resurrected and reinstated Commander Shepard, now assembling a small army, all of whom must be ready to die to protect our galaxy.

If you haven’t played it, once again we keep the major spoilers regarding the finale and the essential Shadow Broker DLC for a section at the end. Returning to the Normandy are Matt Ramsey of the DO Try This at Home podcast, Neil Taylor and James Perkins of GameBurst and Jerome McIntosh of the Gonzo Planet community. We’ll be back in a month to talk about Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This is the first part of our epic trilogy of review podcasts focusing on the Mass Effect game series from Bioware. Originally released in 2007 on Xbox 360 and following on the heels of Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire, this was the Canadian developer’s original take on a serious Sci-Fi space opera.

The first game is not without its flaws and the frustrating combat, slow beginning, vehicle sections, simplistic hacking, texture pop, and crazy glitches are all hauled over the coals, however, this is balanced with effusive praise for the characterization, in-depth discussions about the textured and detailed worlds they have built, first rate voice acting, storyline and narrative sweep.

If you’ve played it and enjoyed it overall you will be well at home. If you haven’t played it we keep the major spoilers for a section at the end so you can listen in and find out what all the fuss is about. My crew are Matt Ramsey of GamerDork, Neil Taylor of GameBurst, James Perkins of GameBurst and Geek Wad, Justin Smith of Last Save Loaded and Jerome McIntosh of the Gonzo planet community. We’ll be back in a month to talk about Mass Effect 2 and then four weeks after that for Mass Effect 3.

Y: The Last Man

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

A classic episode where we discuss the comic book series by Brian K Vaughan and Pia Guerra. 

One afternoon in the early 2000s every single male on planet Earth suddenly dies. the planet is left to the females to survive and rebuild and figure out a future. Some of the best female characterization in comics, funny, dark, emotional and hopeful. A major influence on New Century. 

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 9

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Vol. 9 – Matt Ramsey & James Batchelor

More video game music as Matt, James and I select five each of our very favourite tracks. 

1. Final Fantasy VII - Map Theme
2. The Legend of Zelda - 25th Anniversary Medley
3. Fez – Adventure
4. Prince of Persia - A Fight of Light and Darkness
5. Journey: The Road of Trials
6. Alan Wake - Welcome to Bright Falls
7. Skyrim - From Past To Present
8. Super Mario Galaxy - Gusty Garden Galaxy
9. Sonic the Hedgehog - Staff Credits
10. Tetris - Main Theme
11. World of Warcraft - Heart of Pandaria
12. Splinter Cell Conviction - Main Theme
13. Medal of Honor - Main Theme
14. Halo 3 - One Final Effort
15. Final Fantasy VII - Aerith's Theme

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol 8 [Vice City]

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Vol. 8 – Matt Ramsey [Vice City]

Myself and Matt Ramsey will be your DJs as we transport you back to the sun-drenched streets of Miami, 1986. 

1. Wave 103: Two Tribes (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
2. Wave 103 Love Missile F1-11 (Sigue Sigue Sputnik)
3. Wave 103: I Ran So Far Away (A Flock of Seagulls)
4. Wave 103: Heart of Glass (Blondie VCS)
5. Wave 103: Like to Get To Know You Well (Howard Jones VCS)
6. Wave 103: Don't Go (Yazoo VCS)
7. Flash FM: Gloria (Laura Brannigan VCS)
8. Flash FM: Four Little Diamonds (Electric Light Orchestra)
9. Flash FM: Dance Hall Days (Wang Chung)
10. Flash FM: Love is a Battlefield (Pat Benatar - VCS)
11. Flash FM: Self Control (Laura Brannigan)
12. Flash FM: Together in Electric Dreams (Moroder/Oakey VCS)
13. Fever 105 Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Indeep)
14. Wildstyle: Rockit (Herbie Hancock)
15. Espantoso: Latin Flute (Eumir Deodato)
16. Flashback: Push it to the Limit (Paul Engeman)
17. Flashback: She’s on Fire (Amy Holland)
18. V-Rock: I Wanna Rock (Twisted Sister)
19. V-Rock She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)
20. V-Rock: Working for the Weekend (Loverboy)
21. Emotion 98.3: Crockett's Theme (Jan Hammer)
22. Emotion 98.3: Africa (Toto)
23. Emotion 98.3: Roxy Music – Avalon
24. Bonus Easter Egg from Grand Theft Auto III

The Making of The Killing Joke

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Grab hold of a copy of the Killing Joke in book form. We’re going to take you through page by page, panel by panel and discuss what it took to turn this into an audio drama and then a motion comic. Joining me I have Matt Ramsey of the Do Try This at Home podcast; AKA Commissioner Jim Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth. Matt’s partner in crime Sharon Shaw who played Jeannie and Street Girl. And for the first time on Gonzo, newcomer Laureta Sela who played Barbara Gordon.

We'll be talking about the complex character of The Joker as depicted here, voices, casting, music, sound FX, and the process of directing remotely.

Spoilers for Batman: Breakdown throughout so listen to that (rather good) show first if you haven't already. 

Batman: The Killing Joke [Audio Drama]

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This is an audio drama adaptation of The Killing Joke: written by Alan Moore, and originally illustrated by Brian Bolland for DC comics in 1988.

This show is dedicated to Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, two of my all-time heroes. Their inspirational work is a key reason why I love Batman so much, and their immense talent as voice-over artists is what made me want to produce performance pieces like this. All credit to Alan Moore for his excellent writing. The few minor changes I made were to facilitate the audio format. Also artist Brian Bolland.

If you enjoyed this, do please check out Batman: Breakdown, which is an original story written by myself and rendered into an accompanying audio drama. You can find it on this podcast feed or on YouTube. As a bonus for newcomers I've included the first six minutes of Breakdown to act as a taster at the close of this production.

If you like my work on this you should check out my original audio drama, The New Century Multiverse, the previous stories are available in audiobook form on Bandcamp with new episodes released as a weekly podcast. 

A huge thank you to my cast, without whom, this would be a considerably less vibrant production.

Cast (in order of appearance) 

JOKER/JACK – Alex Shaw
KILLER CROC/TWO-FACE – Alex Shaw
BATMAN – Alex Shaw
FRIGHTENED INMATE #2 – Matt Whetter
JIM GORDON – Matt Ramsey
GUARD BILL – Jerome McIntosh
BOB BONUS – Daniel Floyd
JEANNIE – Sharon Shaw
BATCOMPUTER – Tara Nelson
ALFRED PENNYWORTH – Matt Ramsey
BARBARA GORDON – Laureta Sela
GANGSTER JOE – Lorin Grieve
GANGSTER JAKE – Alex Spencer
DOCTOR – Joshua Garrity
HARVEY BULLOCK – Daniel Floyd
CIRCUS FREAKS – Matt Whetter
DETECTIVE MOORE – James Batchelor
OFICER BOLLAND – Nama Chibitty
DON SENIOR – Matt Whetter
ROB SENIOR – Andres Rodriguez
GAMBOL – Aquila Edwards
OSWALD COBBLEPOT – Matt Whetter
STREET GIRL – Sharon Shaw
SECURITY GUARD JUDD – James Batchelor
SECURITY GUARD MURPHEY – Nama Chibitty
CREDITS - Giles Thomas

Batman: A Graphic Novel History

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode we present you with Batman's full comic book career as a chronological reading list. We begin with Frank Miller's seminal Year One and work all the way up to the current run on New 52. This has been angled to allow newcomers to get an understanding of Batman on the printed page and give you a little after-school reading to do.

Joining me once again are David Hartrick and Matt Ramsey. This show has an ending I didn't expect and couldn't have planned for. 

Batman’s History Through Graphic Novels.

1. Year One (Frank Miller 1987)
2. The Man Who Laughs (Ed Brubaker 2005) 
3. The Long Halloween (Jeph Loeb 1996) 
4. Dark Victory (Jeph Loeb 1999) 
5. The Killing Joke (Alan Moore 1988) 
6. The Cult (Jim Starlin 1988)
7. A Death in the Family (Jim Starlin 1988) 
8. A Lonely Place of Dying (Marv Wolfman 1989) 
9. Arkham Asylum (Grant Morrison 1989)
10. Knightfall (Chuck Dixon / Dennis O’Neil 1993) 
11. No Man’s Land (Greg Rucka / Chuck Dixon 1999)
12. Mad Love (Paul Dini / Bruce Timm 1994)
13. Hush (Jeph Loeb  2002) 
14. Gotham Central (Greg Rucka / Ed Brubaker 2003)
15. Under the Hood (Judd Winick 2005) 
16. Batman and Son (Grant Morrison 2006)
17. Batman R.I.P (Grant Morrison 2008)
18. Battle for the Cowl (Tony Daniel 2009)
19. The Black Mirror (Scott Snyder 2011)
20. A Court of Owls/Night of the Owls (Scott Snyder 2011)
21. The Dark Knight Returns (Frank Miller 1986)

Justice League Graphic Novels

1. Kingdom Come (Mark Waid 1996)
2. Superman / Batman: Public Enemies (Jeph Loeb 2003)
3. Identity Crisis (Brad Meltzer 2004)

Elseworlds and other Books

1. Flashpoint (Geoff Johns 2011)
2. Gotham by Gaslight (Bryan Augustyn 1989)
3. Legends of the Dark Knight: Faces (1993 James D. Hudnall)
4. Legends of the Dark Knight: Blades (1994 James Robinson)
5. Legends of the Dark Knight: Images (1995 Dennis O’Neil)
6. Earth to Earth Swamp Thing Vol. 5 (Alan Moore 2002)

GPLEX 2013

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This was live footage recorded at the second of four annual get-togethers we held for our community, including the quiz and the charity auction. We may someday do a fifth. 

BioShock Infinite

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits and Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse make their first appearance on the BioShock shows here. In actual fact we actually recorded a session a week ago, but the file corrupted and not being slaves to calamity we geared up for another go.

A late addition to the cast is long-time gaming journalist Matt Lees of Videogamer.com. He was brought in to mitigate the gushing praise that dominated the first, doomed recording. The end result is a more balanced show. 

The show starts with audio adaptations of YouTube videos on BioShock Infinite from myself and Matt. If you've already seen them you can jump to the relevant time-stamp.

04.00: BioShock Infinite Explained [Gonzo Planet Style]
21.00: Everything BioShock Infinite Gets Wrong
37.00: Main Show

For Part 2 If I was going to suggest people who had problems with the game listen to the first part, I'd say by the same token that those who loved it will get more out of this second installment. Of course if you're up to having your feelings on this delicate matter royally challenged you should listen to both. 

Once again I'm joined by Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits, Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse and Matt Lees of Videogamer. 

This show starts with a trio of audio articles on BioShock Infinite. My deeper thoughts are scattered about the podcast in a hopefully cogent fashion. Among other things we talk music, sensory memory, free will, constants and variables, plot holes, religion, and the ramifications of this title on the greater games industry. 

02.04.00 Meeting Elizabeth [By Daniel Floyd]
02.15.00 Infinite Criticisms [By David Merrett]
02.21.00 Is a Better Home Awaiting? [By James Batchelor]
02.33.00 Main Show

BioShock 2: Minerva's Den

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This time we focus on the DLC for BioShock 2, a five hour standalone narrative centering around Rapture's early computer system.

The fictional technology of BioShock is woven in with real world events and people, chiefly Alan Turing and in this show we get to discuss how this is presented and what makes this a powerful, effective, personal little narrative.

I would imagine everybody has played this by now, but if not it's well worth the 800 point asking price. This show is full to the brim with spoilers over the first three games so make sure you know everything you need to going in. 

My guests are once again Sharon Shaw of Do try This at Home, Mark Ord of Gaming ORDtopsy and we're joined by Chris Eason of GameBurst. You will also hear a snippet of Gary Blower from the GameBurst replay covering this game and more from Tony Atkins of Cane and Rinse on the multiplayer mode and Protector Trials.

We do of course steer clear of Columbia for one more week, but next time we're all about BioShock Infinite, and I will as always endeavour to put out the most entertaining, deep and complex podcast covering this game. 

BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

For time and pacing reasons I have separated out the BioShock 2 coverage. In the next show we talk Minerva's Den as well as the Protector Trials and Multiplayer mode, known to fans as Fall of Rapture.  

In this show we discuss the main story, to which I have re-applied the working title of Sea of Dreams. Just so we all know which one we're talking about and because frankly just shoving a '2' on the end does a disservice to the game, which in several very important ways is actually better than the original. Cease your protestations and allow us to convince you over the course of this rather emotional tale, which balances the political rhetoric of the first game with a personal, poignant story of love and loss, sacrifice and inspiration. Or on the other hand, depending on how you play it, something else entirely.

This also gives us a chance to talk about it's the combat throughout the game series, something honed to perfection here. We do talk about the action in Infinite but steer clear of anything remotely resembling a spoiler to that game. Storytelling through gameplay, collectivism, parental responsibility and pressure to exceed your predecessors are all discussed.

My guests are Sharon Shaw of Do Try This At Home, Mark Ord of Gonzo Planet and for the first time as a reviewing guest on Digital Gonzo, former Digital Cowboy and current co-host of Cane and Rinse, Mr Tony Atkins. 

BioShock

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Strangely enough this was not a podcast series I had planned for. Right in the middle of the third act of the Mass Effect shows BioShock Infinite gets released and grabs me by the soul. I went back and started playing the 2007 original, then BioShock 2 and Minerva's Den. Mark Ord has done a fantastic video investigation on the first game for Gonzo Planet and an edited audio version of that piece forms the first act of this show. 

If you've not seen it, I recommend that you do. Alternatively if you have seen it and would like a refresher or would rather listen to it in audio form then enjoy the experience of his lovely, calm, Scottish voice talking us through the game. If you've seen it already or want to skip forward the main discussion starts at the 56 minute mark. 

I brought back Mark because he knows his Rapture. In fact we recorded and lost an entire two hour session last Monday. That almost never happens and can really take the wind out of your sails so the second attempt had to be even better than the first. I recruited James Batchelor and Gary Blower of GameBurst and we managed a fascinating 98 minute round-table discussion on the deeper aspects.

I pulled out all the stops with the edit to ensure you got the absolute best I could deliver. I have not left this kitchen table since 8am and it is now 8pm. 

But the end result might just be the best episode of Digital Gonzo I've ever put out.

Enjoy, and I will be back shortly with three more podcasts on the incredible world of BioShock.

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 7

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Vol. 7 – Daniel Floyd [Video Games]

Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits picks his favourite video game music along with me. 

LittlebigPlanet: Get It Together (The Go Team)
007 Blood Stone: Athens Harbour Chase (Richard Jaques)
The Unfinished Swan: Main Theme (Joel Corelitz)
Deus Ex - Human Revolution: Main Menu (Michael McCann)
Beyond Good & Evil: Home Sweet Home (Christopher Heral)
Child of Eden: Star Line [Stratos Remix] (Genki Rockets)
De Blob: Defiant (Splashback)
Plants VS. Zombies: Mini Games (Laura Shigihara)
Disgaea 2: Spread Your Wings (Tenpei Sato)
Banja Kazooie Nuts and Bolts: Grunty’s Challenge
Nier: Song of the Ancients (Devola)
Far Cry 2: Main Theme
Borderlands 2: Hyperion
World of Warcraft: The Burning Legion (Russell Brower)
Valkyria Chronicles: Main Theme
Bastion: Build that Wall [Zia’s Theme] (Darren Korb)
Xenosaga II: In the Beginning
Heavenly Sword: Main Title (Nittin Sawhney)
Rez: Fear [Is the Mind Killer] (Adam Freeland)
Silent Hill - HomeComing: One More Soul to the Call (Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
Transbot

Tomb Raider

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode focuses on the 2013 reboot of the long-established Lara Croft franchise. My guests and I go into great detail as to the strengths of this game, it’s alarmingly serious tone, it’s abandonment of the franchise staples of the Mary-Sueperwoman and enforced fiendish puzzling, the new narrative thrust, the frantic combat, the potential for exploration and most of all the completely transformed central character herself. We also outline clearly why it’s neither an Uncharted clone nor torture porn, how it’s already raising the bar on third-person action and how tricky it’s going to be to write a sequel that does this initial outing justice. 

With me on this nightmarish trip to the island are Sharon Shaw, Matt Ramsey, David Merrett, Paul Gibson and Jerome McIntosh. All key figures in the Gonzo Planet community. 

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 6

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Vol. 6 – Joshua Garrity

Josh and I go through a bunch of movies that (certainly at the time) weren't likely to get a full show.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Main Titles - Joe Hisaishi 3.47
Ali (2001) See the Sun - Lisa Gerrard and Pieter Bourke 3.28
Old Boy (2003) The Last Waltz - Choi Min-sik 3.23
The Rock (1996) Hummel Gets the Rockets - Hans Zimmer 6.27
Summer Wars (2009) Oz, The Virtual City - Akihiko Masumoto 2.53
Black Beauty (1994) Main Titles - Danny Elfman 2.29
Fight Club (1999) Marla - Dust Brothers 4.22
The Sixth Sense (1999) Run to the Church/Tape of Vincent - James Newton Howard 4.51
Lost in Translation (2003) Alone in Kyoto - Air 4.48
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) The Letter that Never Came - Thomas Newman 4.13
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) Sanctuary - Alan Menken 6.02
How to Train Your Dragon (2010) Test Drive - John Powell 2.37

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

In the 80’s while all the boys were watching Transformers and obligingly buying the toys Hasbro were also targeting girls with a similarly multimedia manipulative marketing campaign to sell them pretty, plastic ponies.

Twenty five years and three terrible Michael Bay movies later and the boys, now grown up are feeling pretty dismal about the once awesome mythos they loved. However after many years of quiet My Little Pony resurfaced in 2010 and to the surprise of everyone turned out to be not bad at all. Really rather great in fact. Well written with lovable characters and amusing dialogue.

In an unusual turn of events it picked up a following of male viewers. Dubbed ‘Bronies’ these men, young and old have a tough battle trying to make their case for why they aren’t twisted child molesters. This podcast is about the show, the fans and why it’s become beloved. My remit is to examine it with varying levels of perspective and delve in rather than making fun of it as outsiders or being overly defensive fanboys.

My two specialists are Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits and Connor Milford, Zephyr Lite in the Gonzo community. It’s very much a podcast aimed at people who know nothing about Friendship is Magic so if you’re curious, this is the Pony investigation for you.

Deadwood

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode is all about the three-season western TV series from HBO. In case you've not had the pleasure it's a foul and filthy depiction of life in a mining camp in South Dakota 1876-1877. Absolutely every character is carefully crafted in shades of dark grey. There is grim violence, interactions of a carnal nature and such language as you've never heard. The dialogue is lyrical and Shakespearean and everything revolves around power, control and gold. 

Far from ending up depressing as it might sound, the few pinpricks of light, moments of innocence and surprisingly frequent levity lend the show a hopeful air and you will swiftly find yourself warming to many characters who at first may seem repellent to your delicate tastes.

Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Jeffrey Jones, Powers Boothe, Brian Cox, and dozens of other immensely talented actors lend their skills to the roles and by the time you hit the end of season three you will wish there were more episodes. We're focusing on characters and events from season one so if you really don't want to know anything then watch that first. Bear in mind that this is partly based on true events that are a matter of historic record.  My ultimate assertion is actually that the key to Deadwood is performances and we can't really spoil those.

Joining me to discuss the machinations of skulduggerous frontier folk are Gary Blower of GameBurst, Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse and Sharon Shaw of DorkCast.

Next week... My Little Pony: Friendship is magic. 

I'm not even close to kidding, and there ain't many podcasts out there ready to tackle these two back to back.

Community

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode is all about the NBC comedy Community. I was introduced to this series a few months ago on the forum by Daniel Floyd who guests on this podcast. After a slow start something clicked and it rocketed to the tippety top of my most cherished TV comedy experiences, ranking alongside the US Office and Arrested Development. I am therefore proud to present this exceptionally thorough overview show to newcomers and fans alike.

The plot runs thus: slick, handsome, insincere lawyer Jeff Winger is disbarred for having a phony degree and must attend community college to get a real one. On his first day he organises a study group to get close to a girl. Despite having nothing in common with one another and clashing pretty much constantly the seven assembled students end up as unlikely friends.

That may be what happens, but it doesn't adequately describe the smart, funny, inventive and touching highlights of watching this show. The mad genius and the endless quotability of the whole caboodle. So you can listen to the podcast itself for all of that. We steer clear of major spoilers pertaining to relationships and moments that are best discovered for yourself but there are two distinct sections.

1. Character study
2. Key episodes.

These are presented in order so if you have only seen Season 1 you can leave off after 'Modern Warfare', which is incidentally the one episode we believe every living person on this planet should watch. By the end of seeing that one you will know if you love this. 

The first three seasons are available on DVD in the USA, the first two in the UK and the reputedly final season 4 has just begun showing on TV. The other two guests on this podcast are Sharon Shaw of DorkCast and Jerome McIntosh of the Gonzo Planet community. 

Predictions from the Past

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Back when I was recording the Digital Cowboys podcast with Tony Atkins we used to ask our guests what the state of the games industry would be like in five years time (along with a bunch of other questions). This one is the most interesting in hindsight as it shows where we thought we might be going from 2007-2011. 

The Future of Star Wars

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

A show we did as soon as George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney. It's obviously as dated as hell now, but fun to look back on how we felt at that early stage.

We also watch and give some highlighted commentary on the Star Wars Holiday Special. 

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol 5 [Star Wars: Original Trilogy]

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

Vol. 5 – James Batchelor [Star Wars]

VI: Fox Fanfare & Main Titles/Blockade Runner
IV: Imperial Attack
IV: The Dune Sea/The Jawa Sandcrawler
IV: Cantina Band
IV: Princess Leia's Theme
IV: TIE Fighter Attack
V: The Battle of Hoth - Part 1
V: The Asteroid Field
V: Yoda's Theme
V: The Clash of Lightsabers
VI: Approaching the Death Star
VI: The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault
VI: Luke and Leia
VI: Emperor's Throne Room
VI: Leia's News/Light of the Force
IV: Throne Room and End Credits

This episode has been painstakingly remastered to sound better than when we initially released it in 2013.

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 4 [The Lord of the Rings]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Vol. 4 - Chris Eason & Sharon Shaw [LOTR]

One Ring to Rule them All/The Shire/The Road Goes Ever On
Strider/Beren and Luthien
The Great Eye/The Fellowship
Gilraen’s Memorial/The Ring Goes South
Moria/The Bridge of Khazad Dum
The Departure of Boromir
Theoden King/The Funeral of Theodred
Sons of the Steward
The Host of the Eldar
Haldir’s Lament/Retreat
Theoden Rides Forth/The White Rider/Nature’s Reclamation
Eowyn’s Dream
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
A Far Green Country
The Last Debate
Mount Doom/The Crack of Doom/The Eagles
Use Well the Days
Bilbo’s Song

This very special episode of The Sound of Gonzo has been painstakingly remastered to sound better than when we initially released it in 2012. 

The Lord of the Rings: Prologue

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

A lengthy discussion about Tolkein's books as a precursor to our movie discussions. 

In 2001 Peter Jackson, along with Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, everybody at Weta Workshop and an astonishingly dedicated and talented cast and crew brought us the first of three (later to be six) movies covering the events in Middle Earth as told in the books of J.R.R Tolkien. These films had a profound effect on my life. They inspired me, transported me and made me sad that I couldn't be part of that production team. Everything I have done since then has been part of an ongoing effort to create something even one iota as special. Now the second trilogy is mere weeks away from starting and it's time to celebrate with some truly epic podcasts.

So we come to it at last, the Gonzo journey into these incredibly significant collaborative projects, masquerading as mere movies. In this episode we look at how this story has been told through other media. This is a specialised show and might be a bit heavy-going for some. So I've time-coded the different sections in case anyone wants to skip to the bit they want to hear covered.

00.00: Introduction/Timeline/Tolkien
00.13: Differences between Tolkien's books and the films.
01.26: The 1977 Hobbit Movie
01.44: The 1978 Lord of the Rings Movie
02.07: The 1980 Return of the King Movie
02.18: The 1981 Radio Play
02.38: The Video Games

It's an extremely long and detailed podcast and rabid fans of the book who were disappointed with the Peter Jackson films should probably steer clear. We don't pull our punches and there are some frankly hilarious moments. You will also definitely find out new and interesting things and hear music both cringe-worthy and powerful. Joining me for the long haul are Chris Eason of GameBurst and Sharon Shaw of DorkCast. 

Firefly [Part 2]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This is the second of three shows discussing Firefly and Serenity.  

This episode we look at the troubled production run and the myriad decisions made that hamstrung this potentially glorious series and ensured nobody saw it, that those that did were somewhat confused and that only a few would even notice its cancellation. Those few have grown in number in the years since with more Browncoats riding in every passing month, discovering the world and the mindset of those who love it. 

My crew of Big Damned Heroes return. Leah Haydu and Sharon Shaw of DorkCast, Matt Ramsey of DorkCast and Dorktunes, Gary Blower of GameBurst and Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse join me on the good ship Digital Gonzo. 

We cover the concluding seven episodes...

* Out of Gas
* Arial
* War Stories
* Trash
* The Message
* Heart of Gold
* Objects in Space

Next week, we dive into Serenity, the film that shouldn't, by all rights have even been made, yet exists as a closer for now on our beloved Verse.

Firefly [Part 1]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

After many months of teasing Gonzo finally covers one of the most beloved Sci Fi shows of all time. If you're one of the people that saw this when it was originally aired then please let the other six know because they will probably adore this episode. 

Cut off some way before its prime, this exists as a cautionary tale never to trust a Fox but also as a wistful glimpse of what might have been one of the (empirically speaking) best TV shows of all time. Fourteen episodes, broadcast completely out of order with the beginning at the end and three left unaired, followed up by a cinematic outing that made one bag of popcorn less than its budget, Firefly is the perennial underdog. Perhaps this is why Browncoats, the die hard fans have one thing in common; the passionate, romantic inability to look facts in the face and accept defeat.

On the show; six Browncoats. Leah Haydu and Sharon Shaw of DorkCast, Matt Ramsey of DorkCast and Dorktunes, Gary Blower of GameBurst and Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse. I of course stride around barking out orders in my tight pants, all gussied up with airs and graces as captain of this particular boat. 

On this episode we focus on the nine characters of the crew of Serenity and cover the following seven episodes...

* The Pilot 
* The Train Job
* Bushwacked
* Shindig
* Safe
* Our Mrs Reynolds 
* Jaynestown

Next week, the concluding seven along with a focus on the troubled production and the legacy that this has left for those who will never quit believing that you can't stop the signal. 

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 3 [James Bond]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Vol. 3 – Gary Blower & James Batchelor [Bond]

James Bond Theme - John Barry Capsule in Space - John Barry (5:YOLT) [Gary]
You Only Live Twice: David Arnold feat Bjork (5:YOLT) [Gary]
OHMSS - David Arnold & The Propellerheads (6:OHMSS) [Gary]
The Man with the Golden Gun - John Barry feat. Lulu (9:MWGG) [Gary]
Bond 77 (10:TSWLM) [James] A View to a Kill (14:VTAK) [Alex]
License to Kill (16:LTK) [Alex] GoldenEye Overture -Eric Serra (17:GE) [James]
The Juvenile - Ace of Base (17:GE) [Alex]
Backseat Driver (18:TND) [James]
Time to get out (22:QOS) [Alex]
No Good About Goodbye (22:QOS) [James]
Skyfall (23:SF)

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 2

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Vol. 2 – Sharon Shaw

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2001) Main Theme - Tan Dun/Yo-Yo Ma 3.24
Blade Runner (1982) Prologue and Main Titles - Vangelis 3.55
The Piano (1993) The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman 3.11
Willow (1988) Willow’s Theme - James Horner 3.57
Interview with the Vampire (1994) Libera Me - Elliot Goldenthal 2.48
Meet Joe Black (1998) Whisper of a Thrill - Thomas Newman 5.43
Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) L’Arena - Ennio Morricone 4.46
Out of Sight (1998) Tub Scene - David Holmes 5.04
Sunshine (2007) Capa’s Last Transmission Home - Underworld 2.12
Akira (1988) Kaneda’s Theme - Shoji Yamashiro 3.41
L.A. Story (1991) Exile - Enya 4.22
Black Hawk Down (2001) Leave No Man Behind - Hans Zimmer 6.20

The Sound of Gonzo: Vol. 1

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Vol. 1 – James Batchelor

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2001) Main Theme - Tan Dun/Yo-Yo Ma 3.24 Blade Runner (1982) Prologue and Main Titles - Vangelis 3.55
The Piano (1993) The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman 3.11
Willow (1988) Willow’s Theme - James Horner 3.57
Interview with the Vampire (1994) Libera Me - Elliot Goldenthal 2.48
Meet Joe Black (1998) Whisper of a Thrill - Thomas Newman 5.43
Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) L’Arena - Ennio Morricone 4.46
Out of Sight (1998) Tub Scene - David Holmes 5.04
Sunshine (2007) Capa’s Last Transmission Home - Underworld 2.12
Akira (1988) Kaneda’s Theme - Shoji Yamashiro 3.41
L.A. Story (1991) Exile - Enya 4.22
Black Hawk Down (2001) Leave No Man Behind - Hans Zimmer 6.20

Mark of the Ninja

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This turned out to be one of my top ten video games of all time. An amazing example of stealth mechanics applied with perfect communication from developers to player. 

The 10 Most Important Video Games of the Seventh Generation

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

We got together to discuss which games were not necessarily best by any means, but most important for the period between 2005 and 2012 that makes up the so-called seventh generation. The list ended up quite contentious. 

The Legend of Aang: Book 3 - Fire

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This covers the third season of this amazing animated series.

Once again this episode has spoilers including how the whole thing ends so we don’t recommend you listen until you’ve seen Book 3: Fire and finished The Legend of Aang.

Joining me once again to talk about Firebending, ethics and the pressure heaped upon children, I have Daniel Floyd, Pixar animator and the voice of Extra Credits, Joshua Garrity of the Cane and Rinse podcast and The Animation Archives, and from Gonzo Planet, Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh and Duane Griffiths.

Next week, The Legend of Korra - Book 1: Air

The Legend of Aang: Book 2 - Earth

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

We cover the second season of this amazing animated series.

Once again this episode has spoilers so we don’t recommend you listen until you’ve seen Book 2: Earth.

Joining me once again to talk about Earthbending, a heightened sense of emotional engagement and the most wonderful blind character in all of creation, I have Daniel Floyd, Pixar animator and the voice of Extra Credits, Joshua Garrity of the Cane and Rinse podcast and The Animation Archives, and from Gonzo Planet, Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh and Duane Griffiths.

The Legend of Aang: Book 1 - Water

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

We cover the first season of this amazing animated series.

If you haven’t heard it yet (and that’s unlikely as it’s been the most popular Gonzo episode of all time) then go check out our spoiler-free introduction to the show and movie review first. This episode here has spoilers so we don’t recommend you listen until you’ve seen Book 1: Water.

Joining me once again to talk about Waterbending, Frozen Frogs and Koh the Face Stealer I have Daniel Floyd, Pixar animator and the voice of Extra Credits, Joshua Garrity of the Cane and Rinse podcast and The Animation Archives, and from Gonzo Planet, Sharon Shaw, Jerome McIntosh and Duane Griffiths.

Gonzo Planet Expo 2012

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This was live footage recorded at the first of four annual get-togethers we held for our community. We may someday do a fifth. 

The Making of Batman: Breakdown

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This is a two part epic investigation into the making of Batman: Breakdown. 
There's so much detail, so many hidden references and so much forethought behind the writing and production that this ended up needing two shows to contain it.

I am joined by Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits who played Robin, Neil Taylor of KDS 2.0 who played Nightwing and Sharon Shaw of Gonzo Planet who played Doctor Jennifer Whitman. There is also an extensive discussion between myself and story editor David Hartrick of the wildly popular football website In Bed with Maradona.

Between us we deconstruct the many complex, continuity-accurate and psychologically sound aspects of this dramatic, emotional, disturbing story of The Dark Knight. I've spent a long time layering in audio to give context to the dialogue and make this an entertaining, enlightening document of what might be the best single piece of work I've ever put out there.

Also outtakes. Those are great too.

In the second half we deconstruct the story elements and discuss how said elements were constructed to make this feel like a real part of the Batman story.

Discussed here are the later scenes and the climax. At the very end there is a special treat in the shape of EPIC OUTTAKES. As well as this the tantalizing prospect of further installments to this new continuity.

Once again a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this,  Sassy, Tara, Matt Ramsey and Matt Whetter, James and Leah, David Hartrick on Story and my guests Sharon, Neil and Dan.

 

Batman: Breakdown [Audio Drama]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This is my first full-length audio drama. It was designed to be enjoyed by comic fans but also to people who are only familiar with the Nolan films the Arkham video games or the Animated Series. I wanted to write something significant, honest and authentic about the Batman legend and with a lot of help from long-time serious Bat-fan, David Hartrick, I was able to shape a series of ideas into a hopefully coherent story. None of the cast, including myself are professional actors, but we all worked very hard to capture the essence of the characters we portrayed. The writing, organisation and editing all of this together took dozens of hours, but it's been equal parts exhausting and rewarding. I'd of course ideally love to see this adapted into a comic mini-series or animated movie someday (hint, hint, DC). Oh and for Batman enthusiasts, take note, this is an Elseworlds tale that takes place after the 2005 storyline Under the Hood, but before the 2006 storyline Infinite Crisis.

Script: Alex Shaw / Story: Alex Shaw & David Hartrick / Editing: Alex Shaw

Cast

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Alex Shaw
Barbara Gordon/Oracle: Leah Haydu
Dick Grayson/Nightwing: Neil Taylor
Tim Drake/Robin: Daniel Floyd
Clark Kent/Superman: James Batchelor
Diana Prince/Wonder Woman: Tara Nelson
Selina Kyle/Catwoman: Cassandra Corgard
Alfred Pennyworth: Matthew Ramsey
Doctor Jennifer Whitman: Sharon Shaw
Cops: Matt Whetter/Sharon Shaw/Alex Shaw
Thieves: Neil Taylor/Matt Whetter/Alex Shaw
Bank Clerk: Cassandra Corgard
Estelle: Tara Nelson

David Hartrick writes for In Bed With Maradona, the award-winning home of World Football: http://inbedwithmaradona.com/

If you like this production and you believe, like we do, that as many people as possible should hear this then please suggest it to everyone you know who likes a good Batman story. Tweet about it, make a big deal on FaceBook, post YouTube comments, leave an iTunes review, get this thing heard. I've been supremely hard at work on my original audio drama series New Century for the past few years. If you like this production you'll love hearing where I go with what I learned. However I think I'm done with Batman audio drama for the time being. It's very unlikely I'll do Hush and Breakdown is almost impossible to follow up on in a satisfying way. Believe me, David and I have gone over potential plots and it really feels better to leave the future of Gotham ambiguous. I'm not saying never, but for now let's just say this and the Killing Joke were my two forays into the Dark Knight mythology. 

Arkham Asylum + Arkham City

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Two of the finest games focused on a comic book hero, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are the subject of this week’s show. This is 50+ hours of content to cram into 123 minutes but my team of assembled guests are once again entirely dedicated to their art.

They’re enormous and filled with secrets and we endeavour to uncover and explore some of the more intriguing aspects. We look at these cocktails of Batman history, character representation and citing the responses of FilmCritHulk the knotty situation of gender issues inherent in a small but significant percentage of one of these titles.

In the Batcave; Neil Taylor of GameBurst, KDS 2.0 and Desert Island Gonzo and Jerome McIntosh and Paul Gibson of Gonzo Planet.

Batman: Hush

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This week rather than looking at another Batman movie, I've turned my attention to my favourite of his many graphic novels.

Hush was written in 2002 by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee and is a mystery thriller featuring a massive cast of heroes and villains, manipulated from the shadows by a brilliant and malevolent masked figure named Hush, who seems to know far too much about Batman.

The art is wonderful, the writing compelling. This is a story filled with moments that will make you cheer and gasp. An absolute 100% recommendation from myself and my team today; Paul Gibson and Jerome McIntosh of Gonzo Planet. We endeavour to talk you through the key details of the story without spoiling the overall mystery, assisted by an excellent article by a new contributor David Hartrick.

This Sunday we look at three quality animated outings; Year One, Under the Red Hood and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Next week, in-depth video game reviews of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City.

Gonzo Planet Audio Magazine: Vol. 2

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

The second and final wave of audio articles laid down on Gonzo Planet for that short span of time when it was a magazine site. 

Gonzo Planet Audio Magazine: Vol. 1

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

This is a collection of the first wave of audio articles published on Gonzo Planet, my short-lived project to bring together various people I knew to provide daily written and audio content. 

Game of Thrones [Season 1]

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

This is one of a pair of what are likely to be the only shows we will ever do on Game of Thrones. They were recorded back after the first season when we loved it.

Now we don't. 

The second part has spoilers, but I think pretty much everyone in the world, including kindergartners have seen this now. 

What Happened to GAME?

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

We go wayyy back to early 2012 when UK retailer GAME were severely in trouble. They somehow managed to save themselves for several years by making many shrewd and often cruel decisions. This episode is a look at how they got where they did. 

Guests: Gary Blower and James Batchelor of GameBurst.

Legends of Zelda II: Skyward Sword

[Digital Gonzo 2012]

Listen back to how very hand-holdy it was, as well as some of the brilliant things it achieved with Wii Motion plus. 

You will hear from six guests on the highs and lows of one of the last significant games on Nintendo's most popular console to date.

* Daniel Floyd of Extra Credits
* Leah Haydu of GamerDork
* James Batchelor of GameBurst
* Gary Blower of GameBurst and Big Red Potion
* Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse
* Darren Gargette of Cane and Rinse

All of whom have produced work for Gonzo Planet in the past. Their interviews are set against a backdrop of music both from Skyward Sword and the Zelda 25th Anniversary symphony. There are sections on what made them happy about the game, what made them unhappy and what they would like to see in future Zelda games. There is also a spoiler section at the end covering plot points from the Temple of Time onwards. It's safe to listen to all but the last 20 minutes or so of the show, even if you've not yet played Skyward Sword, but save the ending for when you've finished or if you don't mind spoilers. 

Bottom Five Movies

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

A show wherein my guests and I scrape the very bottom of the barrel and locate our five most hated movies each.

 

Crysis

[Digital Gonzo 2011]

A show all about the first two games in the Crysis series.