Sessler's Soapbox

This week's Soapbox gets a little serious. First, if you want to know what Adam is talking about, search YouTube for "Call of Duty Grenade Spamming" to find the original viral video that Adam will be talking about this week.

Once you've seen it, you'll understand where The Sess is coming from in this episode of Sessler's Soapbox. Adam is not a fan of the large amount of hate speech that is thrown about on Xbox Live and the PSN during multiplayer matches, and from his perspective, that video has given those activities a somewhat passive approval from Infinity Ward. This video couldn't have come at a worse time, considering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is coming out in less than two weeks. Do you agree with Adam on this subject? Or do you believe the developer has no responsibility towards what gamers do while playing their game? And please, keep the discussions civil.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Earlier this week the brilliant Dana Vinson posted a very interesting article listing 5 reasons why we don't need a new console generation anytime soon. Check out the original post right here.

Now that you've covered your required reading for the week, check out what Adam has to say on the subject in this week's Soapbox. Is a graphical upgrade really required? Do we need a whole new console in order to experience next-gen games? Watch Sessler's Soapbox and let us know what you think.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Borderlands came out this week, and as you can probably tell from the reviews, the RPG element to this FPS is a big reason why people are enjoying the game so much. While playing the game, Adam recognized how much he was enjoying the simple yet masterfully crafted gameplay, leading him to the conclusion that grinding can be very satisfying if done right. Such is the subject of this week's Soapbox. Do you like grinding away with your character in a game for a satisfying final outcome? Or are you more of the type that looks for instant gratification from a video game? Watch this week's Sessler's Soapbox and let us know what you think in the comments section. 

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

G4 Editor in Chief Adam Sessler dissects the art of storytelling in video games, where it’s been and where it’s going. Taking a look at Uncharted 2 and Brutal Legend as the best of the recent crop, Adam chats about what makes for a good story, and how dialogue and acting have vastly improved in games over the years. Yes, back in the day, the story just got in the way of the action, but now the story often drives the game. Why? What changed? Tune in and find out. Enjoy!
 

Everyone loves zombies. Well maybe not people getting eaten by zombies. But being gamers, there's nothing we enjoy more than splattering the soft, gray skull of a member of the undead with the butt of our shotgun. Such is the subject of this week's Soapbox. The Sess gets literary on your ass and explains in great detail why zombies are such an important part of American pop-culture, why they work so well in video games, and why they've evolved over the years. So before you chow down on some tasty grey matter, spend some time with this week's Sessler's Soapbox. 

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Hooray! Adam can finally tell you all exactly why he loved Uncharted 2: Among Thieves so much. For reference, check out his written review first. Then, take the time to hear straight from The Sess why this is the greatest single-player experience he's ever had in a video game. So press play and enjoy the pearls of wisom spit my the great Adam Sessler. Oh, and go pre-order Uncharted 2 if you haven't already.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

I know you're all busy playing Firefight right now, but it's that time of week to sit down and take a minute to listen to the pearls of wisdom spit by The Sess. Adam sits down to discuss Halo 3: ODST and its strangely muted presence in this year's list of big game releases. Does ODST not need a bit marketing push because it's a part of the Halo franchise that always sells well? Or is there another reason? Find out what Sessler thinks, and tell us your thoughts in the comments section.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

This week, Adam sits down with a topic we're all familiar with; bosses. Not the guy who wears short sleeved shirts and scolds you for spelling errors. No, we're talking about the larger than life characters you fight at the end of a level, or to be more specific, the huge guy at the very end of the game. The Sess has a bone to pick with final bosses, because they always seem to be a bit removed from the rest of the game, requiring simple memorization or trial and error to defeat them, rather than usage of the skills you've acquired throughout the entire game.

This is where you guys come in. Leave a comment below outlining how you think game developers could improve final boss battles. Just try to be civil, expressive, and creative. But first, press play and find out what Adam has to say on the subject.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Oh rock ‘n’ roll, how we love you so. You have brought us so much joy in the form of groups like The Stones, Kiss, Nirvana and, of course, The Beatles. Yet only one group could stir up so much hoopla in the video game community, and The Beatles: Rock Band is doing just that. Released today with much fanfare by MTV Games / Electronic Arts (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii), the game seems to be taking the world by storm. So who better to comment on the madness than X-Play’s own Adam Sessler?

Yes, The Sess covers The Beatles: Rock Band in a way only he can on this edition of Sessler’s Soapbox. Will it live up to the hype? How relevant can a game be based on source material that is over 35 years old?  How well does the game stand up to the legacy? Will Beatles fans such as himself be happy with Beatles: Rock Band? And if so, is it the music or the game itself that is leaving them so satisfied? And what exactly is it that makes a game good? Hmmmm…watch and enjoy.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Do you still have all your old games from past generation consoles? Do you still want to play them? Do they even work in the next-gen console you have? No matter what your answer to any of those questions, you should check out this week's Soapbox.

The Sess sits down to talk about the PS3 Slim's lack of backwards compatability, and uses that as a springboard to explain that while he loves playing old games once in a while, re-releasing them through digital download formats gives developers a chance to go back and fix the small bugs that originally existed in the game. Check out the video below and see if you agree with Adam, then let us know in the comments below.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

On this week's Soapbox, Adam responds directly to you, the readers. Apparently many of you were unhappy with the references made to other games in the Shadow Complex and Batman: Arkham Asylum reviews. Well The Sess took it upon himself to explain to you why it's important to include those references when talking about any form of art, including games. So put on your thinking caps, this Soapbox will test your noodle.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Now that the much rumored PS3 slim has been officially revealed, along with an all around price drop, people are wondering how this new console model will effect Sony's bottom line as well as the gaming industry. Such is the topic of this week's Soapbox. Adam takes some time out of his day to speculate about how he thinks the public will react to this new, seemingly more accessible machine and if it will bring Sony's sales numbers up to the level of the Xbox 360 or possibly even the Wii. Check it out.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Ladies and gentlemen, let's all let Adam Sessler know that we all like melons.

Now that that's over with, this week Adam has been playing through Batman: Arkham Asylum and Shadow Complex, and it reminded him how much he loves games that include exploration. Specifically, games that encourage you to dig deep into their virtual world by rewarding you with perks, special unlockables, and weapons upgrades. You know, like Metroid. So why not take the time to explore Adam's brain and watch this week's Sessler's Soapbox.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

If you've been playing 'Splosion Man as much as I have, this week's Soapbox is for you. The Sess uses that game as a springboard to talk about all the reasons why downloadable games are great for the industry and gamers alike. From the creativity aspect, to keeping platformers alive, to maintaining very challenging difficulty curves, Xbox Live Arcade games and PSN downloadable titles are selling well and getting great reviews. Now if only Microsoft would let me pay for them in actual dollars...

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

By now you're all used to hearing that the game you can't wait to play has been delayed, and the release date is now 3-6 months after when your pre-order says it will be in your grubby little hands. Well last week's Comic Con saw a short list of big video games get the delay treatment, and that's not necessarily a bad thing!

Take the time to listen to Adam explain the many reasons why delays can be good on this week's Soapbox. From the level of polish a game may have, to the timing along side other major releases, to the contents of your wallet; there are multiple reasons why a delayed release date shouldn't make you angry. Check it out.

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service: