The Experience Points Podcast

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A weekly show from the authors of ExperiencePoints.net. Each episode we will have an in depth conversation on a particular video game related topic.

Jorge Albor, Scott Juster, Experience Points


    • May 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 790 EPISODES

    4.8 from 52 ratings Listeners of The Experience Points Podcast that love the show mention: debriefs, earthbound, best video game podcast, gaming podcasts, puns, games, concise, silly, discussion, every day, smart, intelligent, culture, insightful, news, always, one of the best, hosts, conversations, guys.


    Ivy Insights

    The Experience Points Podcast is an incredibly interesting and in-depth podcast that delves into the world of games, game communities, game mechanics, and the game industry. Hosted by Jorge Albor and Scott Juster, this podcast offers thoughtful reviews, nostalgic trips down memory lane, and hilarious debates about various aspects of gaming. It has become a weekly highlight for me, as I eagerly anticipate each new episode.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the well-thought-out debriefs that Jorge and Scott provide. Even if I don't always agree with their opinions, their analysis helps me gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn't in a game. Their discussions about games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are particularly engaging and funny, highlighting what made those games so special.

    Another standout feature of The Experience Points Podcast is its unique approach to weekly discussion topics. Unlike many podcasts that simply offer news roundups, Jorge and Scott delve into more refreshing and thought-provoking topics. This adds variety to the podcast's content and keeps listeners engaged.

    Additionally, the end-of-year content from The Experience Points Podcast is always a joy to listen to. Whether it's their top games of the year or their reflections on gaming trends, these episodes are both fun and informative.

    However, no podcast is without its flaws. While I appreciate the hosts' insights and taste in games, there are times when I would like them to explore other genres or consoles that they may not be as active in. This would add even more diversity to their discussions.

    In conclusion, The Experience Points Podcast is a treat for any gaming enthusiast. Whether you're looking for insightful analysis or simply want to have a good time listening to two friends discuss games, this podcast delivers on all fronts. With its mix of humor, intelligence, and genuine love for gaming, it stands out among other podcasts in the industry. I highly recommend giving it a listen.



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    Latest episodes from The Experience Points Podcast

    EXP Podcast #772: The "Dad Game"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 43:36


    Pull your pants up, put away your smoker, and tuck the kids into bed folks it's time to play a dad game! This week on the podcast, we dive deep on what makes a quintessential "dad game," why Remedy's upcoming FBC Firebreak might fit the bill, and what we look for in game for parents with very little free time. Show notes: - "Remedy says it's made a Control shooter ‘for Dads'" from VideoGamesChronicle - Music from Brad Sucks 

    EXP Podcast #771: Gouging, Gears, and Grand Theft Auto VI

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 40:42


    We turn out back for just one week and everything falls apart: Xbox prices are sky-rocketing.  Marcus Fenix is doing the roadie run onto the PlayStation.  One of the biggest releases of the year and maybe even the last ten years is now delayed.  This week we try to pick up the pieces and figure out how they all fit together.

    EXP Podcast #770: Switch 2 Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 37:55


    We are late bringing this one in but on the bright side, the ripple effects of the tariff policies and the shaky economy are still rocking the games industry anyway! This week we revisit the Switch 2 console after the announcement hype has died down. Some things change but Nintendo isn't one of them.   Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #769: South of Midnight and other Spring Break Gaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 40:15


    We're back from spring break and ready to talk about some of the games we've played over the past couple weeks.  Our stops include new destinations like the swamps of South of Midnight, the shifting rooms of Blue Prince, and fungus fields of Avowed.  There's even a return to Hollow Knight's creepy-crawly caverns as we look to wrap up the year's early months.

    EXP Podcast #768: Nintendo Switch 2 Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 45:47


    Nintendo unveiled all the juicy details about the Switch 2 this week and in classic Nintendo fashion the news came with a great deal of excitement, bafflement, and surprise. And all of this recorded even before the Tariff's delayed the release of the already expensive console even further! Join as we run down our surprises and disappointments.   Show notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #767: 2025 Journey Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 35:47


    Our annual springtime ritual continues!  It's the time of year when our eyes are watering and we can't quite tell if it's due to the return of seasonal allergies or because of the sheer majesty of thatgamecompany's 2012 masterpiece: Journey.  As always, we share our thoughts on this year's playthrough and we also review a bit of the 2012 video game landscape, review what we were playing, and put Journey in context with other big releases of the year.  Hope to see you in the desert next year!

    EXP Podcast #766: Citizen Sleeper 2 & Monster Hunter Wilds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 37:00


    This week on the podcast we venture through the raggedy outer reaches of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector to the monster filled dunes and valleys of Monster Hunter Wilds. Two vastly different games with enough fascinating and sometimes infuriating designs to chew through. Join us on our adventure and be sure to download the amazing Mr. Broccoli in your Wilds campaign! Code: F99PE4N38B64  Show notes: - Intro from Monster Hunter Wilds - Outro from the Citizel Sleeper 2 OST

    EXP Podcast #765: Pokemon, Prices, and Putting up With It

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 38:41


    A blurry tree here and little upsell there can't be so bad, can it?  But what happens when these little annoyances build into something that truly irritates people into action?  This week we have ugly Pokemon and triple-digit game prices are top of mind as we talk about some recent dust-ups in both the fan and financial circles.

    EXP Podcast #764: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth & Dragon Age: Veilguard Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 47:25


    This week on the podcast we share a lot of mixed feelings about two of last year's biggest RPGs. What compels us to finish games like these? Who knows!? Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #763: Secret Level Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 38:55


    What with the hectic holiday season and all the game of the year madness, we were so busy talking about games that we didn't have time to talk about games-adjacent things like Secret Level.  The streaming anthology series takes direct inspiration from some very well known (and not so well known) games, so we sat down to debrief on what makes a good short-form cross-media game story.  Honestly, we're still having nightmares about the Pac-Man episode.

    EXP Podcast #762: Switch 2 Announce Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 45:28


    The Switch 2 announcement is here and it made a splash, but it's one of those tiny little splashes you see at the Olympics. Classic Nintendo, no notes. Join us this week as we discuss, dissect, and have a laugh with the Switch 2 announce trailer.

    EXP Podcast #761: The Year Ahead 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 38:11


    It's the beginning of the year and it's nothing but endless possibilities stretching out before us!  This week we continue our tradition of looking at this year's scheduled (and perhaps not so scheduled) releases and call out what we're most looking forward to.

    EXP Podcast #760: 2024 Leftovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 31:26


    This week to take one last look backwards at 2024 and some of the amazing games that didn't quite make out Top 3. Happy near year everyone!   Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #759: 2024 Game of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 41:57


    We've made it around the sun once more and we have a handful of great games to prove it.  But which games will be our favorite of year?  And will Jorge and I maintain our drift compatibility and choose the same game as our GOTY?  All this, along with more Balatro pro tips, in this week's show.

    EXP Podcast #758: The 2024 Gamey Awards

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 96:42


    The most prestigious video game award show is back, celebrating once again not just the greatest bummers and mood lifters, but also the best Waifus/Husbandus, the most elegant games, and of course the gameyest. The 2024 Gameys are here!

    EXP Podcast #757: Story Time with Shawn Layden

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 35:29


    Thanks to the recent 30th anniversary of the original PlayStation launch, there's been plenty of retrospectives about the system and the era it ushered in.  This week, we dig into Eurogamer's extended interview with Former Sony CEO Shawn Layden.  Layden's tenure at Sony spanned the pre-PlayStation era all the way through the PS4 and he offers some candid thoughts about the state of the industry, development costs, and why he may be the last of the console warriors.  Plus, he floats the concept of triple-A development being akin to building a massive cathedral and now I'm obsessed with the image of a stained-glass Dual Shock.

    EXP Podcast #756: This Is My Favorite Xbox on the Citadel

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 37:52


    According to Microsoft you probably have an Xbox in your pocket. So what's an Xbox again? This week on the podcast we chat Microsoft news and venture into the future... of television with the Mass Effect TV series. Show Notes:   - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #755: Time to Face the Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 31:34


    Leave it to Nintendo: we turn our backs for just a couple of weeks and they exponentially increase their wackiness.  Well I can officially tell this to our favorite baffling company: Chill out, we're awake and we have ready access to the Internet!  Your clock and your music app is very cute, but shouldn't you be working on a new console or something?  Wake me up once you're ready to tell me what the Super Mario Odyssey team has been working on.

    EXP Podcast #754: Silent Hyrule

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 42:31


    Sick kids are on the mend so it's back to the gaming mines for us. This week on the show, we fight our way through fog to bring you debriefs on the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Balatro mobile, and the Plucky Squire! Show notes: Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #753: The PlayStation Paperclip and other Weird News

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 32:55


    I can't believe we missed out on the most important PlayStation Pro news when we talked about it a couple weeks ago.  Yes, your long nightmare of dealing with disorganized lose paper is over: Sony has created a solution and it only costs $1000.  But hurry: there's only 12,300 in existence, so act quickly or else you'll have to go crawling back to Clippy.  We dig into this as well as more stories on Professor Layton, Microsoft R&D, and Nintendo's secret police this week.

    EXP Podcast #752: Astro Bot and UFO 50 Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 51:12


    This week on the podcast, we discuss two of the most charming love-letters to video games of all time, both of which are not just loaded with nostalgia, but also amazing games (or games-in-games) all on their own! Show notes: - Music from the Astro Bot Launch Trailer and the UFO 50 Launch Trailer

    EXP Podcast #751: PlayStation 5 Pro and Con

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 37:06


    The PlayStation 5 Pro was formally announced and I have to say that my favorite part by far was listening to the calming timbre of Mark Cerny's voice as he explained highly technical things in a way that made me feel like I could understand it.  His sonorous, professorial presentation was perhaps the only thing that could have calmed my jangled nerves after seeing that $700 price point.  This week, we discuss the announcement and what we think it means for the PlayStation landscape.

    EXP Podcast #750: Concord Confusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 44:00


    As the saying goes: "Grand opening, grand closing."  This week we recap the baffling Concord situation and what it means as part of the broader game landscape.  Along the way we check in on some other games, ranging from Flock, to Black Myth: Wukong, and Deadlock as part of a late summer check in.

    EXP Podcast #749: Gamescom 2024 Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 34:42


    We're off to Germany this week to discuss some of the exciting  - and not-so-exciting - news coming out of Gamescom 2024. News, Molyneuxs, and more, oh my! Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #748: The End of Game Informer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 38:34


    This week on the EXP Podcast we say goodbye to a games industry institution. We also briefly discuss Fortnite, cultural conglomeration, and gambling! Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #747: Looking at Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 36:48


    This week we do a summer check in on some of the games we've been playing.  Strangely, they're all some form of retro-inspired RPG/adventure style games.  There's the Commodore 64-era inspired Skald: Against the Black Priory.  There's the Super NES era Super Mario RPG remake.  And there's the PS1-aesthetic adventure game homage, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.  Lorelei was of particular interest, as it inspired us to lean into the artistic approach and go back to pen and paper as a way to solve puzzles and remember information.  It's a good sign when a game inspires a notebook full of glyphs and half-crazed riddles.

    EXP Podcast #746 - Hard Pass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 42:14


    Time and money is at a premium, are we spending it on Game Pass, in-game purchases, or another caramel macchiato? This week on the podcast, we explore some news about digital games and purchases.   Show Notes: - Game Pass Tiers, Capcom Digital Sales, and In-App Purchases - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #745: Spicy Art Takes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 37:02


    The only thing hotter than this summer's weather is this collection of spicy takes.  This week, we use Polygon's collection of provocative opinions as a jumping off point to revisit some of the fundamental arguments that started us down this wacky path.  Will we ever figure out what art is and do video games qualify?  Maybe the real art is the fun we've had arguing along the way.

    EXP Podcast #744: Steam Deck Charts and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 38:30


    Just in time for the Steam Summer Sale, Valve has dropped three lists of the most popular games played on the Steam Deck. These lists are updated in real time and reflect some trends in the industry. This week on the show, we run down the lists and share some of our favorite games on the Steam Deck - including a remaster of a classic: Riven.

    EXP Podcast #743: Miyazaki and the Family Erdtree

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 37:49


    It's Elden Ring and The Shadow of the Erdtree time and with it comes the predictable discussion about difficulty in games.  I guess it makes sense that a game about making looping runs through a punishing world gets people fired up, but I still think it's hilarious that people seem to be surprised at how hard these games continue to be.  And thanks to a new interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki, we can be certain that this difficulty is not only intentional, but also pursued out of respect to players.  This week, we dissect some of his comments and consider the long-term legacy of his design sensibilities.

    EXP Podcast #742: Nintendo Direct June 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 38:54


    The definitely NOT E3 window of events is over with one more big set of announcements. This week on the podcast, we discuss some exciting games coming to the Nintendo Switch - THIS YEAR! Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #741: Summer Game Fest 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 43:45


    Now that the great collapse of the E3 ecosystem is well and truly complete, we're beginning to see saplings spring from the ashes.  And it's not just a few; Summer Game Fest and the numerous other publisher-specific, indie, PC, and various thematic conferences have quickly formed a forest and are spreading the video game news over the wind like a dense cloud of pollen.  This week we take our antihistamines and dive into some of the many game announcements we've seen over the past couple weeks.

    EXP Podcast #740: State of Big Budget Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 41:43


    This week on the EXP Podcast, in between Sony's announcements and Xbox's big news, we discuss the state of big budget first-party exclusives and what the future of publishing massively expensive games might look like. Show notes: "You can't make AAA games for just one platform anymore" by Oli Welsh via Polygon Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #739: Animal Well Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 33:49


    I've always lived in areas with municipal water systems, so wells are a bit of a foreign concept.  But now that I've played Animal Well, I'm basically an expert.  I was surprised by the number of hidden eggs and platforming puzzles, but I guess that's just the miracle of underground waterways.  This week we debrief after seeing the credits, but most definitely not all the secrets, hidden in Animal Well!

    EXP Podcast #738: Cults, Bullet Hells, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 34:47


    This week on the EXP Podcast, we record live from our sick bed to discuss recent industry news before getting into some games we've been playing - including Balatro, Children of the Sun, and Minishoot Adventures! Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #737: The Fallout TV Series Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 37:33


    War never changes - the streaming television war, that is!  This week we do a deep dive on the new Fallout series.  Who knew the post-nuclear wasteland would have so many cameos in it?  And are those the jingle of spurs I hear?  Looks like The Man with No Name has become The Man with No Nose.

    EXP Podcast #736: Goodbye to the Wii U

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 43:18


    The Wii U, one of the worst selling consoles of all time, is finally shutting down its servers and turning off the lights. Today on the podcast we poor one out for a console ahead of its time, a messy, imperfect, but maybe a little prescient attempt by Nintendo to transform the gaming landscape.   Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #735: Princess Peach: Showtime!, Balatro, and Red XIII's Moonwalk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 38:15


    I meant to publish the show earlier, but I thought I could squeeze in a few more hands of Balatro.  48 hours later, I realize two things: that was a mistake and I'm now starving to death.  This week, we dip into Balatro, make our stage debut with Princess Peach: Showtime!, and evaluate Red XIII's surreal attempt at acting like a human.  Now, just a few more hands and then I swear I'll go to sleep.

    EXP Podcast #734: Call of Cheech Weedzone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 42:06


    Everyone's favorite lovable stoners are coming to Call of Duty, about 50 years too late to be culturally relevant. This week on the podcast, we try to draw a line between interesting and relevant in-game partnerships and the pup-culture goop that is Content with a capital "C". Don't puff, puff, pass on this one!   Show Notes: - "Everything is Content Now," by Patrick (H) Willems via YouTube - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #733: 2024 Journey Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 36:40


    It's finally Spring again around these parts, which means it's time for one of our favorite annual rituals: the yearly Journey playthrough!  For whatever reason, Jorge and I both had cautionary tales of resource scarcity and environmental collapse on the brain (I blame Barrett and the rest of Avalanche) and it just goes to show that you can still get something new out of a game every time you play it.  Twelve years on and we're still finding new treasures in the desert.

    EXP Podcast #732: Final Fantasy Rules

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 40:36


    We discuss why Final Fantasy VIII is actually awesome, how the remake is changing the legacy of the franchise, and what's up with the best (and worst) Final Fantasy games.   Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks - "Final Fantasy is the Best, Area Man Claims," via Polygon

    EXP Podcast #731: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth First Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 39:43


    Reports of us rejoining the lifestream have been greatly exaggerated.  We're back after being under the weather, but we return having played a bunch of new games.  We have Helldivers, Donkey Kong, and more, including 2024 gamiest-game contender Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.  While we're only a few hours into what will undoubtedly be an enormous game, there is plenty to talk and speculate about.  Grab a comfy cushion to soften this rickety old bench and join us!

    EXP Podcast #730: Xbox Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 43:22


    Last week the internet was buzzing with Xbox speculations that was quickly deflated by corporate-speech-laden "podcast" from Phil Spencer and his team at Xbox. Yes, some Microsoft games are coming to other consoles, but is that it? What does this, and could this have meant? Join us and Mr. Businessman to discuss the future of Xbox. Show Notes: * Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #729: Death Stranding 2 & Sony's State of Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2024 43:58


    We are back this week catching up on Sony's latest State of Play, which featured not one but TWO Hideo Kojima announcements. 2024 really is starting strong! Join as we discuss Judas, Sonic, and Kojima's amazing fashion-sense. Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #728 - It's a Pal, Pa,l Pal, Palworld

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 37:20


    Watch out, that pikachu is driving a tank and it looks disgruntled!  But perhaps not as disgruntled as Nintendo and the Pokemon Company's lawyers must be right about now.  Yes, it's time to talk about Palworld.  Part catching monsters and putting them in your pocket, part hitting trees and crafting gear, and all the rage on the Internet - Palworld has clearly tapped into something that both Pokemon and survival game fans have been searching for!

    EXP Podcast #727 - The Year Ahead 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 41:49


    It feels like we just caught our breath from the game release whirlwind of 2023, but there's no time to delay.  2024 is here and it's bringing a pretty unique list of games with it.  This week, we talk about some of our most anticipated games and make some predictions about the unknown unknowns lurking out there.

    EXP Podcast #726: 2023 Game of the Year Leftovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 33:44


    Our GOTY-cast is out, but before we leave 2023 behind we need to spotlight some of the great games that almost made our lists. It was a fantastic year for games, so be sure to try some of these games soon before you move on to the hot new thing! Show Notes: - Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #725: 2023 Game of Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 48:46


    We made it!  2023 is over, which means it's time to talk about our top games of the year.  Every year we challenge ourselves to embrace brevity and pick our top three.  2023's landslide of great games made this an even more fun challenge than usual, as did the ongoing meta game of trying to predict if our picks will overlap.  Next week we'll talk about some of the other great games that we didn't get to highlight, but for now, join us for the brightest of all the shining stars.

    EXP Podcast #724: The 2023 Gamey Awards

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 79:22


    The most prestigious and important video game awards ceremony is back again. From the best doofus', to awards in elegance, to the best waifu/husbandu, we are once again celebrating the end of the year with the Gamey Awards! Show Notes: Music by Brad Sucks

    EXP Podcast #723: Alan Wake II Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 42:57


    Just in time for the end of the year, we reach the end of another story: Alan Wake II!  This week we debrief on a game created by and for humanities nerds.  Nothing like contemplating the death of the author while rocking out to Norse mythology inspired heavy metal!

    EXP Podcast #722: Florida Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 46:21


    We're head to Vice City, where the sun is shining, drugs are plentiful, and you might get eaten by an alligator. Also, we retroactively predict the Game Awards winners.   Show Notes: Intro from the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer Outro by Brad Sucks

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