5. Super Joystiq Podcast
Super Joystiq Podcast is the remnants of the old Joystiq Podcast and Xbox 360 Fancast. Thanks to the usual host Xav De Matos, and to a lesser extent Richard Mitchell who fills in for Xav usually, the lull after the original two podcasts dissipated finally hit it's steam with a more solidified listen as opposed to the "throw ideas against the wall and hoping they stick" approach that was going on.
While it still feels disjointed segment wise depending who they have on the show from week to week, it's always a fun listen to as most of the Joystiq crew seem to have personalities. Also, if Ludwig is on the show, listen for any and all puns. He is fantastic with them, my favorite being when talking about a disappointing vampire game "Would you say the game is, BLAH!".
Oh Luddy....
4. Cagcast
I don't believe there's another gaming podcasts where personalities clash so much. Shipwreck is the gamer on the show, CheapyD is your somewhat out of touch Man in Japan, and Wombat is the overly opinionated but always cracking jokes guy.
If I had to list criticism for these guys, it comes in two folds. The first is a clear bias they have towards products and their inability to remain neutral or give fair and equal criticism to products that they like. The second, mostly for CheapyD, is that it's hard to connect with someone who is willing to throw money around as much as he does.
However, they are all genuine guys who interact with the fan base and occasionally give codes/games away to listeners. It's always a fun listen as they bust each other's balls over things, no matter how small, and hearing views on people who live in different parts of the world is always interesting (Ship-Ohio, Wombat-NY, Cheapy-Japan).
And poop stories. Lots and lots of poop stories.
3. Player One Podcast
Player One Podcast is the most recent addition to my podcast loop, and it quickly became one of my favorites. The chemistry between the hosts is almost unparalleled (save for the two podcasts above this one IMO), and the humor is always flowing. If a joke falls flat, you'll know it from the ribbing they'll give.
Of all the podcasts, the hosts here feel the most like normal gamers. Their opinions are pretty spot on with the general consensus, but they also have industry knowledge to back up opinions and ideas. And while hearing a child crying in the background can get a little old at times, it's just a nice reminder that these guys don't feel any different than people you would game with in real life.
When gaming podcasts come up, this one seems overlooked quite often it seems. It shouldn't be. I love listening to it each week, and so would you. Give it a try!
2. Weekend Confirmed
The most "inside baseball" podcast I've listened to. Garnett Lee and Jeff Cannata are the usual dynamic duo, but are joined by different guests in the industry. Weekend Confirmed breaks up the podcasts into different segments allowing each individual to touch on a topic they would like to discuss.
It's great to hear valid criticism on not only games but the industry in general. Not only that, but each host will push each other to explain their sides thoroughly whether it be about their thoughts on a game they played or why they are pissed off about a companies actions. Very few podcasts feel like they give the devils advocate side of things a fair view, but those on Weekend Confirmed do.
Since the people on the show have different roles in the industry, it's nice to get a perspective from all sides and I haven't seen another podcast do it quite as well as this one.
1. Giant Bombcast
When talking about gaming podcasts, the Giant Bombcast is guaranteed to be mentioned. There's a reason for that. Not only is the cast absolutely amazing in experience and wit, but the conversations go far beyond gaming yet never cease to be entertaining.
And even with the recent loss of Ryan Davis, there seems to be no stopping them. While it's a slightly different feel as Ryan was one hell of a host, the gang still manages to pull off an hour or so talking about Melvin and the Squirrels and cereal. I know typing it sounds like the most idiotic and boring thing to listen to, but there's a reason everyone loves it.
No matter how random their show gets, you are guaranteed to laugh multiple times during it. Yes, Jeff can seem a bit jaded at times and Vinny never seems to take anything seriously; but like Player One Podcast, the Giant Bombcast sounds like a bunch of friends getting together and shooting the shit. And the shit will eventually touch on video games, but it'll also touch on a lot of random things that just come up during the day or week.
I've never heard another podcast talk about Peter Molyneux's balls while doing his accent. And now I can't imagine my life complete without having heard "muh balls".
