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HatchetJob.com

118 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 8 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

A show about more than videogames.

Video Games Leisure Games psychology reading xbox books culture gaming insight mechanics ps3 videogames
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Episodes

HJ111 - The 2014 HatchetJob Awards

February 07, 2016 16:07 - 1 hour - 92.3 MB

In our yearly HatchetJob awards AKA Insert Category, we invent awards for the videogames we played in 2014 - yes 2014 - from the serious to the stupid, from sex robots to sociopathy.  Can you guess which titles won the ‘Ubiest Ubiboo’ and 'Decrease in real-life stalking' awards?   This show was recorded in February 2016. Music Velveteen Skies by Carosone  

HJ110 - The 2013 HatchetJob Awards

March 23, 2015 23:04 - 1 hour - 62.7 MB

In our yearly HatchetJob awards AKA Insert Category, we invent awards for the videogames we played in 2013 - yes 2013 - from the serious to the stupid.  Can you guess which title won 'It's a condition!' ?   This show was recorded in February 2015. Music is 80/90 Pieces by destinazione_altrove    

HJ109 - 18 hours with The Last of Us (and my mother)

January 24, 2015 18:43 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

In this show we discuss playing The Last of Us with a parent (who watches it as if it were a film) and whether the game, and its story, are deserving of the praise heaped upon them.  There are spoilers for the game and the film 28 Weeks Later. Brother in the Land The Floating World    

HJ108 - What do bomb disposal experts feel about their robots?

November 09, 2014 20:15 - 1 hour - 66.2 MB

Roboticist and educator Dr. Julie Carpenter tells us about her research with bomb disposal experts, how society might have to change as robots become more advanced and even what happens when a robot powers down in front of a small child.  Recorded late August 2014.   Julie's website Festo seagull drone: http://youtu.be/9YGLZXEwRVc Festo kangaroo: http://youtu.be/_4luJ0ZSqy8 Music is Open by Com Truise    

HJ107 - The 2012 HatchetJob awards

February 07, 2014 03:02 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

In our yearly HatchetJob awards AKA Insert Category show, we invent awards for the games we played in 2012 - yes 2012 - from the serious to the stupid.  Can you guess which title won Wub Wub? Music is Don't Go (RumbleStep Mix) by CDK Gootecks speaks to disabled gamer Broly

HJ106 - Why how you practice affects how good you'll get

January 15, 2014 22:07 - 26 minutes - 31.4 MB

Dr.Tom Stafford is a lecturer in psychology and cognitive science at the University of Sheffield.  He explains why the way you practice affects how good you get at something - and he's got 850,000 people to back him up. Axon game:  http://axon.wellcomeapps.com/ Github: https://github.com/tomstafford/axongame Tom's blog: http://www.tomstafford.staff.shef.ac.uk/?p=221 Tom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomstafford

HJ105 - Splinter Cell, Snowden and the NSA

October 21, 2013 14:14 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB

We discuss Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Edward Snowden's revelations about the NSA and how games should portray governments in the future. Some spoilers about locations and plot devices.

HJ104 - Taking submissions for Insert Category game awards

August 26, 2013 19:42 - 2 minutes - 3.02 MB

We're taking submissions for the 3rd annual Insert Category awards from HatchetJob.com.   Invent an award for a game released in 2012. Music from Incompetech.com

HJ103 - Bioshock Infinite. (Spoilers and swearing)

July 10, 2013 02:27 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

We discuss Bioshock Infinite & touch on topics such as racism in the early 20th century, meaningful choices in games & how we're being asked to pay for unfinished stories.  M: Paradise is Lost A: Mauerhuhn

HJ102 - SD, NnK, RitD

April 01, 2013 02:33 - 46 minutes - 53.8 MB

We discuss Sleeping Dogs, Ni no Kuni and Rumble in the Dungeon.  The first part of the show is about AI, cloud computing and human resources.  Skip to about 9m15s for the start of Sleeping Dogs. Rumble in the Dungeon rules PDF Music is Crazy Drunk (feat. FORENSIC/4nsic) Spaztits Mix by Phi-ode

HJ101 - Far Cry 3

December 24, 2012 19:58 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MB

Far Cry 3 has been praised from the highest mountain to the darkest jungle glade.  But is the game more prey than predator? Music: Amanita Muscaria by Jeris

HJ100 - Competitive eating's culture, tactics and future

October 13, 2012 11:36 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

We speak to Johnnie Excel, competitive eater and StarCraft 2 player, about competitive eating's culture, tactics, future and more. Johnnie's YouTube channel CNN article on Kobayashi arrest S: Put Your Hands Up (Dubstep Version) A: Chandubaba

HJ99 - Dust: An Elysian Tail, Yongsan shopping, Crysis

September 19, 2012 21:31 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

We talk about Dust: An Elysian Tail, find out what it's like to go game shopping in Yongsan (South Korea's Akihabara) and find out if Crysis is more pavement than playground. Music is Nadeya (Club Mix) by Destinazione Altrove, used a sample from Nadeya from Mentorrecords featuring Afroganic.

HJ98 - 2011 UnCategory videogame awards (explicit)

August 25, 2012 16:51 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

For our alternative 2011 'GOTY' show, we asked listeners to make up awards and choose games to win them.  That way, games win awards that reflect how you felt about them, not how the industry decides to categorise them.  The show has one bit of swearing, but it's a heck of a doozy. Background music: http://incompetech.com/ Outro: Candy in the Sun by Koortwah.

The 2011 UnCategory game awards. Your winners are?

August 01, 2012 18:33

It's time for our third-annual awards show! Tell us about a game you played in 2011. Create an award for it to win. This is not a GOTY show. the two years we’ve run an awards show that is a year late and doesn't have any categories. By doing 2011 games you've had more time to play Xmas AAA titles. We don’t have categories because we dis/like games for different reasons. Pick a 2011 game & create an award for it. The award can be anything you want. It doesn’t have to be ‘the best’. It...

HJ97 - Film review: Elite Squad and The Enemy Within

June 25, 2012 14:12 - 3 minutes - 3.58 MB

In this super-short film review, you'll hear about Brazilian films Elite Squad and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. Music is Ice and Chilli by _ghost .

HJ96 - Co-op games and paid unlocks

June 06, 2012 12:12 - 1 hour - 46.4 MB

We discuss co-op game mechanics, segue into paid unlocks and invent (possibly) the worst game in the world. Music is 'Cuss The Sky' by Camburn.

HJ95 - Predator 2, Saints Row 3, X-Com:UFO

February 02, 2012 04:31 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

Is Predator 2 a cultural artifact?  Are the Saints really needed in Saints Row 3? Is X-Com still good? Does nostalgia drive game purchases? What's it like gaming on a projector? Kara Leung interview  Box Shot AKA Smuggler's Cramp E.S. Posthumus [Post-show, a transgender listener sent the following links] Gender & presentation in Saints Row 2 How videogames helped me go from boy to girl

HJ94 - He summarises boardgame rules

November 29, 2011 22:03 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB

Universal Head produces summaries of boardgame rules.  We speak to him about how he got into gaming, how he does his summaries and what he thinks of videogames and tombstones. Universal Head's blog & summaries HatchetJob Earth Reborn video Music is 'Hero' by Jemes

HJ93 - Claw machines & crane games

October 24, 2011 20:19 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

Matt Magnone really likes claw machines (or crane games as they're called in the UK); you know the ones, all cuddly toys and robotic arms. We spoke to him about his claw machine experiences, insight and tips and tricks.  Tips of the claw machine.    Music is 'Give it up' by Carosone.  Show's RSS.

HJ92 - What's it like moving to South Korea?

September 25, 2011 22:49 - 1 hour - 69.5 MB

We speak to Staats, part of the HJ crew, about his move to South Korea; his first impressions, thoughts and insights.  Korean Sunshine Policy. Music: We Are Free ft. Snowflake, by Zep Hurme.

HJ91 - Deus Ex Human Revolution, Disgaea 4

September 13, 2011 09:51 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

We discuss Deus Ex Human Revolution in the context of emergent gameplay & resource management.  We also touch on whether Disgaea 4 could be a casual game. The 'spoilerific' video. Deadly Creatures game Music: Sick by DoKashiteru.

HJ90 - Your 2010 game awards

September 05, 2011 00:00 - 1 hour - 72.8 MB

You create the categories, you pick the winners.  In our second-annual game awards - aka Insert Category aka UGGA - we read out your submissions for notable games of 2010.  Can you guess which won 'Best use of a sandwich?' Music: Recommender by Dokashiteru / Parks on Fire (California Burning mix) by DJ Rkod / Pulse (George Ellinas Mix) by George Ellinas / Vacuuux 1 by DJ Adori  / Scott Waves to April's Salty Grace (Dance Mix) by J Lang / Emergence Drum N Bass Remix (Rough Mix) by I Am The S...

HJ89 - Tell us your games of 2010

August 11, 2011 16:05 - 3 minutes - 4.34 MB

We’re taking entries for our 2010 ‘personal best’ gaming awards: you create a category, you choose a winner.  Let's have awards which give us time to reflect on a game, not just ones which happen in December and praise AAA titles released in November. Let's have awards with personalised categories that we create, not just 'best action game' stuff that's only good for PR. Music: Kevin MacLeod  

HJ88 - The Badge by Jack Webb. Book review.

July 11, 2011 17:10 - 3 minutes - 5.14 MB

In this short, solo, book review you'll hear about The Badge by Jack Webb.  It's a 1958 book about the Los Angeles Police Department, its people and cases.  Think of it as the real LA Noire.  Music by Kevin MacLeod.

HJ87. LA Noire, Terraria & The Witcher 2

June 18, 2011 19:24 - 1 hour - 63.7 MB

We discuss LA Noire, Terraria and get involved in a sci-fi dilemma with The Witcher 2. I'd class the show as spoiler free.  Explanation at the start. Watch the LA Noire review on YouTube LA Noire-section music: Dances and Dames, Night on the Docks - Sax, Walking Along, Backed Vibes Clean. All by Kevin McLeod.   End music is Pushin' Daises by Jeris.

HJ86 - Devil in the White City, book review.

May 24, 2011 15:43 - 2 minutes - 3.23 MB

In this short, solo, book review you'll hear about Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City. A story about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, a talented architect and a ruthless serial killer. The Devil in the White City (Wikipedia)

HJ85 - Paper gangsters & unspoiled Portals

May 06, 2011 20:56 - 56 minutes - 64.8 MB

We imagine the different ways and materials through which videogame powers and characters' abilities can be represented.  We also have a spoiler-free discussion on what it felt like to play Portal 2 compared to Portal.  Music is 'I Will Rise Above The World' by Zapac. Edward Tufte Russian gangsters and tattoos Battle High: San Bruno, Xbox indie game Loss aversion (I think this is the cognitive bias Danjo referred to) Caustic

HatchetJob 84 - comic book review 'Concrete: Depths'

April 18, 2011 04:14 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MB

In this extremely short, solo show, you'll hear a brief review of Paul Chadwick's comic book 'Concrete: Depths'. Touching and thought provoking, Chadwick's work about a man trapped in a concrete body is worth checking out. Paul Chadwick's website

HatchetJob 83 - Dragon Age 2

March 24, 2011 19:30 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

In our discussion of Dragon Age 2, we cover subjects such as dialogue and emotional intent, whether RPGs are just job simulators and how every character in the game is constantly horny.  There is a mild, thematic, spoiler about a side quest.  We talk about the issues it raises rather than what the quest entails or how it ends. Music is Eye Magic Mix by Lasswell Tweet

HatchetJob 82 - Fuel, Gargamel, Marvel Vs Capcom 3

March 02, 2011 17:37 - 41 minutes - 48 MB

We handbrake turn with racing game Fuel, Danjo turns blue with excitement talking about Gargamel and procedurally generated worlds, then we hyper combo into Marvel Vs Capcom 3. Music is L.T.H. (AA's Refix) by Abstract Audio YouTube video on how Fuel's world might have been generated An seven-second K.O. in MvC3.  High-level play at its deadliest? Tweet

HatchetJob 81 - Bulletstorm, Crysis 2, Yomi and more

February 03, 2011 02:02 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

We kick sand in Bulletstorm's face, power up some love for Crysis 2, limp along in FPS Breach, get deja vu with Modern Combat: Domination and trade hits with David Sirlin's card game Yomi. 1hr 2min / 59mb Music is Late Night Volition by Phonnovo Breach by Atomic Games Modern Combat: Domination trailer Sirlin Games home of Yomi / Play Yomi online for free HatchetJob Sirlin interview

HatchetJob 80 - Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Amnesia, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and more

December 09, 2010 14:49 - 1 hour - 67.2 MB

We knife Assassin's Creed Brotherhood's multiplayer, try to remember Amensia: The Dark Descent, go full throttle with Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, get lost in Dungeons and Dragons' Castle Ravenloft and hide in foxholes with Combat Commander Europe. Music is 'I refuse to give up' by Rocavaco ft. MiElle Amnesia: The Dark Descent Castle Ravenloft Combat Commander Europe

HatchetJob 79 - Fable 3, Fallout New Vegas, Super Meat Boy, Civilization 5

November 02, 2010 23:35 - 1 hour - 64 MB

We start by comparing Fable 3 to Fallout New Vegas and, spoiler, one comes off *very* badly indeeed.  Super Meat Boy captures us in his fleshy grasp and we discuss good games that have bad demos.  We even see how Civ 5 is more like a boardgame than a PC game and find out about a Civilization-style boardgame called 'Through the Ages'. Music is 'Outside Poolside' by Lasswell 1hr 33mins Ascension review Claustrophobia review Through the Ages review/overview (not ours) Nothing to Envy...

HatchetJob 78 - The DNA of gaming?

October 09, 2010 12:35 - 1 hour - 61.7 MB

Humans have played boardgames for thousands of years - civilisation and gaming are indivisible. I speak to Dr.Irving Finkel, a British Museum expert in ancient Mesopotamian script, languages and cultures, about his interest in games and their development, genres and history. 1hr 29mins  Music is 'Oh Dear Mr Williams - Tango? by Unreal Dm  

HatchetJob 77 - Frozen Synapse, Vanquish Demo, Puzzle Strike

September 15, 2010 05:36 - 33 minutes - 38.2 MB

We discuss Frozen Synapse, a top-down, quasi-realtime tactical shooter, sidestep with the demo of Platinum Games' Vanquish and tease you about a video review of Puzzle Strike aka Puzzle Fighter the board game. 34 mins.   Puzzle Strike video review   The Worst Date Ever   Frozen Synapse website   Staats' Frozen Synapse video.  Uploaded with the game's YouTube feature.  He is the green player.  Notice how, just before his rocket is fired, the top-right red player steps back, waits, th...

HatchetJob 76 - Castlevania HoD, The World Ends With You & The Lion King

September 03, 2010 01:28 - 38 minutes - 30.6 MB

Is Castlevania: Harmony of Despair a new game with a retro heart?  How come someone who hates JRPGs can play Squeenix's 'The World Ends With You'? And what if George Lucas made The Lion King?   39 mins.   Castlevania HoD   The World Ends With You / gameplay video

HatchetJob 75 - Minecraft, Monday Night Combat, Moon Taxi

August 23, 2010 14:49 - 48 minutes - 38.9 MB

We cover open worlds and 'emergent' gameplay Minecraft, talk about the best support character in gaming with Monday Night Combat and, sadly, end up being a bit mean about Moon Taxi - a game that's all about stories, but doesn't tell them very well.   49 mins.   Music is 'I Don't Hurt My Love (pseudo-format Mix)' by Vidian

HatchetJob 74 - David Sirlin on Playing to Win, Game Balance & More

July 06, 2010 21:09 - 1 hour - 60.3 MB

In this in-depth interview, we speak to David Sirlin, author and videogame / boardgame designer, about Playing to Win, balancing games and more. He was lead designer on Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix and re-balanced Puzzle Fighter HD. His boardgames are partially inspired by videogame genres.  Note: the iTunes entry may mistakenly say he was lead designer on Puzzle Fighter HD.   1hr 27min / 62 mb Sirlin.net Sirlingames.com The mysterious book Trip Hawkins mentioned. Music is 'U...

HatchetJob 73 - Personal Best Awards: Your Games Of 2009

June 30, 2010 23:33 - 41 minutes - 48 MB

We rock up with an alternative to 'traditional' game of the year awards - you came up with the categories, you chose the winners.  From the weird to the wonderful, these awards are as much about you as they are games - can you guess which title won 'best stubble'?   42  mins / 50 mb Music Recommender by Dokashiteru Parks on Fire (California Burning mix) by DJ Rkod Pulse (George Ellinas Mix) by George Ellinas Vacuuux 1 by DJ Adori Scott Waves to April's Salty Grace (Dance Mix) by ...

HatchetJob 72 - Your Games Of...2009? Buh?

June 14, 2010 21:14 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

Yes, we're taking on 'game of the year' awards.  They're done too early, have plodding categories and don't reflect what we really feel about games.   Come up with a category for an award and tell us which 2009 game wins it and why. Tell us  Your name and where you're from The category you've come up with and game you've chosen to win it Your explanation of the category and game How to send them Leave a comment here. Leave a phone message:  +44 (0) 20 7193 5323 By email:  hatchetjob...

HatchetJob 71 - ModNation Racers, Red Dead Redemption, Race for the Galaxy

May 31, 2010 16:19 - 1 hour - 56.8 MB

We drive by ModNation Racers, mosey on down to Red Dead Redemption (with some light-ish spoilers) and zoom through Race for the Galaxy.    1hr 2 min / 59 mb   Music is 'Revolve' by hisboyelroy.   Red Dead glitches.   Race for the Galaxy on PC and Mac   Rftg tutorial videos   Rftg overview video   Understanding the symbols in RftG

HatchetJob 70 - PSP 3000, Halo Reach, FIFA 10, Arkham Horror

May 17, 2010 06:44 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

  We chat about buying a PSP 3000 and rumoured PSP2; argue about Halo Reach and whether its gameplay lets it down; get an AMerican perspective on FIFA 10 (and indulge in some class warfare) and talk about killing demons and fisticuffs in Hell in Arkham Horror. 1hr 11min. / 59mb Music is 'Bored on Your Backside' by Trifonic.

HatchetJob 69 - SSFIV, Dwarf Fortress, Wii Monster Hunter Tri

May 06, 2010 17:27 - 1 hour - 55.6 MB

We touch on Super Street Fighter IV, crack up at Danjo's Dwarf Fortress adventures, get confused by Power Grid and feel bad about killing creatures in Monster Hunter Tri.    69 min. / 59 mb   Music is 'Lies' by BlakeHT.     Dwarf Fortress tutorial vids (thanks to Tiger Walts).  

HatchetJob 68 - Apple iPad review, Splinter Cell: Conviction & More

April 18, 2010 20:10 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB

We review Apple's iPad and some games, discuss Splinter Cell: Conviction, talk about Kingdom Hearts on the DS and more.   As an experiment, this show is unedited.  Please let us know what you think.   1hr 20min / 67 MB   Music is 'Inspire Me Forever (Secret Anomaly Jonez Mix)'.>

HatchetJob 67 - Boardgames, FPS Leadership, Just Cause 2

April 05, 2010 12:25 - 1 hour - 57.5 MB

We chat about boardgames Pandemic, Dominion, Cash 'N' Guns, Bang and Puerto Rico.  We also talk about FPS tactics and leadership and laugh about Just Cause 2 on the 360 and PS3. 1hr 12 min. / 58 MB Music is 'Brad and Chuck' by MC Jack in the Box. HatchetJob.com YouTube channel.  

HatchetJob 66 - A Call For Better Game Bundles

March 06, 2010 15:54 - 54 minutes - 43.9 MB

We discuss the idea that games should be bundled with books and movies that deepen the player's understanding of the game and the world at large. Music is 'How Do I Make You See v1' by Ivan Chew. 55 min. / 45 MB Music is 'How Do I Make You See v1' by Ivan Chew  

A call for better game bundles.

February 24, 2010 17:57

Games should be bundled with books and movies that deepen the player's understanding of the game and the world at large, benefiting consumer and retailer at the same time. Gamers are complex people. We're consumers of all sorts of different products, for different reasons and at different times. We mix and match what eat, read, wear, listen to and watch; each feeding into the other, all enriching what we feel and know. Let me give you an example. In the film Lord of War, Nicholas Cage pla...

HatchetJob 65 - BioShock 2 and MAG for the PS3

February 22, 2010 06:50 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

We chat about BioShock 2, specifically whether it works as a sequel and the things they could have done instead.  We also touch on its multiplayer.  We then talk about MAG, a PS3-exclusive FPS. 60 mins / 57mb Music is Brad Sucks - Never Get Out (Kirill Skovpen remix).  

HatchetJob 64 - Mass Effect 2, Bad Company 2, RPG Cliches & Health In Games

February 07, 2010 18:29 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MB

We discuss Mass Effect 2 and RPG Cliches, touch on Bayonetta and its health mechanics and talk about the Battlefield Bad Company 2 demo.  46 min. / 40 MB Music is 'These Are The Moments' by Omni Vista.    

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Brothers in Arms
2 Episodes

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@tomstafford 1 Episode