Well-Versed In The Classics - A Video Game and PC Game Podcast

The Sega Dreamcast! Fifteen years after the Sega Dreamcast's launch, there still hasn't been a system with a game library quite like that of Sega's final home console. WVITC returns to take a look at the Dreamcast's greatest hits, misses, and many of the games in between which helped to ensure the system's place in the hearts of players around the world. Stop by Tom's Hot Dogs for a bite to eat, and don't forget to study up on the Four Wude, because we won't stop until we find Lan Di! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Video Game Magazines! Prior to the internet's explosion in popularity, video game magazines were an indispensable part of gaming culture. From reviews to previews, cheat codes to reader mail, they helped foster a common language of video games and created awareness of a larger gaming community. In this episode, we focus on the gaming magazines that had an impact on us growing up, and also take a look at the future of the medium and its new wave of print-on-demand publications. Don't forget to subscribe now and save 70% off the newsstand price! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The Mana/Seiken Densetsu Series! Formerly one of Square's flagship properties, the Mana/Seiken Densetsu series began on the Game Boy but is best known for the 1993 smash SNES hit Secret of Mana. Each subsequent game in the series has struggled in the shadow of that landmark title, but they admirably tried to do something different while creating a consistent "World of Mana" between them. Even the Square USA-developed and Mana-inspired Secret of Evermore managed to stand apart, thanks to smart writing and a presentation designed to appeal to Western audiences. In this episode, we take a look at each of the major entries in this revered-yet-divisive series and offer our thoughts on its enduring popularity. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Scary Games Feature! In terms of delivering shocks, scares and suspense to audiences, electronic games have proven that they can be just as effective as whatever's playing at the local cineplex. In this episode, thrills and chills await as spooky game aficionado Ty drops by to help us discuss the games that go out of their way to make players as uncomfortable as possible, yet keep them coming back for more. Just be sure to keep your sanity meter topped up while you listen, or else who knows what might happen? Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Live At The 2012 Midwest Gaming Classic! Held this past March 24th and 25th, the 2012 Midwest Gaming Classic was the biggest one yet. Naturally, the WVITC crew was in attendance and we even brought back a souvenir for those who couldn't make it: a special episode recorded live from the show floor/basement! The hallways at the show might have been narrow, but the range of discussion in this show is not! Plus, join us at the end for a special auditory journey back to 1986. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

SNK's Neo Geo! In this episode we take on the system that prided itself on being bigger, badder and better than the competition: SNK's Neo Geo. Although a common fixture in arcades due to the popularity of the Multi Video System cabinet's versatility, most of the Neo's mystique lies in its home console incarnation, which is host to some of the rarest and most expensive games around. Thanks to SNK's continuing efforts to port Neo Geo games to a variety of formats however, there are plenty of ways to experience what the system has to offer without having to take out a second mortgage to pay for it all. Whether it's a shooter, platformer, puzzle game or fighter, each Neo Geo game bears the mark of SNK's inimitable style. Even though SNK's hardware manufacturing days came to an end with the brilliant but short-lived Neo Geo Pocket portable system, the Neo Geo brand name continues to represent the legacy of a company dedicated to doing things its own way. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Two Epic Megagames Shareware Classics! The PC is not known as a platform for shooters (shmups) or fighting games, but in this episode we feature two shareware classics from Epic MegaGames that challenge that perception: Tyrian and One Must Fall: 2097. As if the chance to blast countless enemy ships in a frenzied firefight or reduce a friend's prized fighting robot to scrap wasn't incentive enough to try these games, both of them are available as freeware. If two great games for free sounds good to you, dial into your favorite BBS and get to it! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The Philips CD-i! Is it an educational device masquerading as a game machine, or an early example of the do-everything set-top box concept now realized in the PS3 and Xbox 360? The Philips CD-i is an anomaly that would have quietly faded into obscurity if it weren't for its infamous games featuring beloved Nintendo characters, but there's more to it than that. In this episode, we seek out some of the more memorable and innovative titles for the system that still have the potential to entertain and possibly even educate. Now, get to the train and blow The Guardian's lights out! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The Heroes of Might and Magic Series! With the presents opened and the holiday feast polished off, what better way is there to spend your time off than with an engrossing turn-based PC game like Heroes of Might and Magic? In this episode, longtime Heroes fans Jake and James take you on a noble quest through each entry of the series, plus go over the finer points of Heroes strategy. Might or Magic, Black Dragon or Titan, no matter which side you're on, we can all agree that this is one series nobody should miss! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Early PlayStation "Long Box" Games! It was a big time, when big men played PlayStation games that came in absolutely huge plastic (and cardboard) cases! That's right, in this episode we explore the early games of the PSOne's library and the evolution of the so-called "long boxes" they resided in. While perhaps not as acclaimed or as enduring as the succession of hits that would propel the system to prominence in the years to follow, the first year or two of PlayStation games still have the power to charm and impress as they chronicle a future gaming giant in the midst of finding its footing. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

BattleTech and MechWarrior! In this episode Jake takes us back to the eighties to introduce the PC games based off of FASA's landmark BattleTech tabletop gaming series, including the venerable MechWarrior franchise. Coupling a vast and incredibly detailed universe with engaging role-playing and simulation mechanics, this is a series that any fan of mechanical mayhem can't afford to miss. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine! A solid hit in Japan that suffered an also-ran existence in North America, the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine is home to a remarkable library of games, the extent of which is only now being uncovered by teams of dedicated researchers. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite TG-16 titles and ponder the mystery that is Johnny Turbo. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The Crusader Series! In this episode, actions speak louder than words as Jake tells us about the Crusader series from Origin and its silent Silencer protagonist. Listen and find out why these are some of the finest action games to grace the PC! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Wizard World Chicago: Day Two! In this episode we bring you a look back on our second day at Wizard World, where we met prominent comic artists and illustrators, perused the video games for sale on the floor, and where Allan took on all comers for dog naming rights. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Wizard World Chicago: Day One! In this first episode of our coverage of the Chicago Wizard World Comic Con, we detail some of the things we saw and did during our first day at the convention. Board game and comic discussion awaits! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Video Game Movies! In this episode we team back up with Allan of Level Up Games to bring you a discussion about our favorite and not-so-favorite video game movies, plus we touch upon some of the difficulties inherent in bringing games to the big screen. Finally, we muse about what games we'd like to see get the Hollywood treatment. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Two Classic Archaeology Adventures From LucasArts! In this episode PC gamer Jake leads us on an expedition to unearth two classics of the adventure genre: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, and The Dig. Pack your shovel and get ready for a trip that'll take you all over the world and beyond! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

SNES RPGs Not Made By Square! In this episode we shed some light on our favorite SNES RPGs not developed by Square. Get ready to liberate some cities, purge the land of darkness, and even create a world or two! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

PC Gaming, Star Control Style! In our first episode focusing exclusively on computer gaming, resident PC guy Jake explains the finer points of the Star Control series, plus a little computer history. If you don't know an Ur-Quan from a Spathi, you just might be missing out on one of the PC's most venerated sci-fi games. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Special Game Store Road Trip Edition! This episode we go on location to interview Allan, owner of Level Up Games in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where we learn about his favorite games and what it's like running an independent game store. Also up for dicussion is Captain N and living dead sightings after bar close in a college town. Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive! Rise from your grave and rage on the streets, 'cause this episode we're exploring the Sega side of 16-Bit! From foreign to domestic, the sublime to just plain sub-standard, we cover a whole lot of games for the system with probably the greatest number of hardware iterations. PC guy Jake returns to introduce Sierra's Quest for Glory series. But first, our after-action report on the Midwest Gaming Classic! Please visit us at http://wellversedintheclassics.blogspot.com/

Our experimental proto-show! Your hosts Kenton and James describe their respective gaming histories and personal Top 5 games.

All about the 8-Bit era! We talk about our favorite games for the NES, Sega Master System, Game Boy, Game Gear and more. Resident PC game specialist Jake joins Kenton and James to detail the history of shareware platformers. Also, anticipation for the annual Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee, WI runs high!