The Steam Podcast

File Mirrors

• High Quality MP3 - SteamPodcast.com
• High Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• Low Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• OGG Vorbis - Archive.org

This week’s podcast features the following on-air personalities:

• Bob Somers - SteamPodcast.com
• Ramzy Bekheet - SteamPodcast.com
• Eric Andrews - VG Tech Netcast

Operation: Send Ramzy Warm Delights Update
Ok guys, maybe I didn’t do a good enough job impressing upon you just how delicious these things are. When you’re eating them, they explode off your palate in an eruption of flavor, emotion, and sweet aromas. Ignore the donation button I put in the Episode 5’s show notes, just PayPal your kind donations to magicbobert@steampodcast.com.

1337 C4T of Episode 6

This Week’s New Releases in 15 Seconds or Less
We bring you a new segment this week, in which Bob and Ramzy try to cover the most popular game releases in under 15 seconds. Can they do it? You’ll have to listen to find out…

• Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 - PS2, Xbox 360
• Family Guy - PSP, Xbox, PS2
• SingStar Legends - PS2
• Dark Messiah of Might and Magic - PC
  6.7 from GameSpot
• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2
  8.3 from GameSpot

The following news articles were discussed on the show:

Multi-core in the Source Engine (full story)

There is some seriously exciting stuff coming from Valve in the next few months. Bit-Tech did an awesome write-up of Valve’s multi-core additions to the Source engine.

There is literally too much good information to be summarized here, so you really need to check out the full article for all the juicy details, screenshots, and demo videos.

From what it sounds like though, the multi-core update will be rolled out before Episode 2, so look for a Christmas present from Valve sometime in December.

Valve Rolls Out Dynamic Weapon Pricing to all CS: Source Players (full story)

As expected, Dynamic Weapon Pricing is now a part of mainstream Counter-Strike: Source. Server administrators can still disable the feature, however, using the following new server cvar:

mp_dynamicpricing 0

Many people are, as usual, moaning and complaining, saying they’re going to “quit CS for good” over this update. If the update really angers you that much, fine, go ahead and leave. You won’t be missed, and don’t think for one second that the community cares about you quitting.

IM Conversation of 13-Year-Old Trying to Steal Steam Account (full story)

This is an absolutely hilarious read. A 13-year-old kid tried to convince someone that he was from Valve and needed to confirm his username and password. However, the clever mark turned it around and told him that he worked for Valve and was going to suspend his account. He then probed the 13-year-old for his Steam account information so that he could “write him up”. This idiot kid actually gave it to him.

Make sure to click the link and read the full conversation. This is just a short excerpt.

Greg_ValveOLS says:
if you can verify your account information to me i can insure that only your ip have access to it Its a new security feature were trying because this happens so muchlogin names and passwords aint safe anymroe You know. L:)

br0kenrabbit says:
Well

Greg_ValveOLS says:
dont worry this connect it secure

…

br0kenrabbit says:
Unlike you, I DO work for Valve. Trace my ip and you’ll see.

Greg_ValveOLS says:
huh?

…

br0kenrabbit says:
I need some information from you if you want me to unlock you account. I’m going to write you up but I will only suspend you account for three days, since this is your first infraction, okay?

Greg_ValveOLS says:
k

…

br0kenrabbit says:
Try to log in now.

Greg_ValveOLS says:
It says login failed wtf wtf!!@?

br0kenrabbit says:
I don’t work for Valve dude, but you just got pwnt.

Greg_ValveOLS says:
omg dude wtf why?

Greg_ValveOLS says:
i was just making a joke but not cerious honest dude just give my acount back pllllleeease i’m only 13 and save d up for like a year to buy it

br0kenrabbit says:
Go mow some yards, bitch.

What’s the lesson here kids? You can’t steal someone’s account if you have a lower IQ than a rock.

Free Weekend Cruise on Steam (full story)

The Ship is free for the weekend. A day has already gone by, so if you wanted to play this game, we suggest you get onto Steam as quickly as possible and download the game. Sorry for the late notice!

How do WoW Players Cope with Death? (full story)

Needless to say, that’s a horrible remark, but funny nonetheless.

Also, here’s what a WoW player will look like in 2030, and a video of a hoard crashing an in-game funeral.

Do I really need to give any more reasons why I don’t play WoW?

nVidia 8800GTX Benchmarked (full story)

For anyone who doesn’t know, the 8800GTX represents nVidia’s first Direct X 10 enabled graphics card. The results are nothing short of kick ass. The tests were conducted between the ATi 1950XTX, supposedly the words current best card, and the nVidia 8800GTX.

The results are as follows.

3DMARK 2006
ATI: 7026
nVidia: 11200

Half-Life 2 - 4xAA/16xAF/1600×1200
ATI: 60.74 FPS
nVidia: 116.93 FPS

So, already, the 8800GTX is in the lead, with a whopping 56 FPS difference between the two cards. Or, if you’re a percentages sort of guy, that’s about a 92% difference.

Quake 4 - 4xAA/1600×1200
ATI: 34.23 FPS
nVidia: 65.93 FPS

The 8800GTX firmly holds it’s lead, with more than a 30 FPS gain on the 1950XTX. Again, for the percentage lovers, that’s about a 92% difference.

PREY - 4xAA/16xAF/1600×1200
ATI: 55.53 FPS
nVidia: 88.87 FPS

Another thrashing by nVidia. More than a 33 FPS lead on the 1950XTX. The difference between the two was only about 60%.

For any of the tech heads out there, we’ve also got the power consumption results. The smaller the number, the better, unless you like higher electricity bills.

Idle
ATI: 184 Watts
nVidia: 229 Watts

That’s a 45 watt difference!

Load
ATI: 308 Watts
nVidia: 321 Watts

The difference isn’t so big under load. Only 18 watts.

For anyone who’s been saving up for this monster… the card should be readily available next week. The most important thing, however, the price, has not yet been confirmed.

Microsoft Working to Fix Update that Rendered 360’s Dead (full story)

Apparently the latest patch released on Xbox Live rendered some users’ Xbox useless. They could no longer surf Xbox Live or even play games.

Yikes. That’s a pretty expensive paperweight.

Wii Launch Lineup Revealed (full story 1, full story 2)

Oddly enough, the Wii’s “Launch Lineup” was quoted as being “available by the end of the year”, but anyway, these games are on that list:

• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Red Steal
• Call of Duty 3
• Madden 07

Also this week, Nintendo announced a large list of the “Virtual Games” that will be available on launch. Virtual Games can be purchased and downloaded via Nintendo’s online system, and are usually emulated games from older systems.

Here’s a list of launch titles:

NES
• Mario Bros.
• The Legend of Zelda
• Donkey Kong
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Ice Hockey
• Pinball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Urban Champion
• Wario’s Woods
• Baseball
• Solomon’s Key

SNES

• F-Zero
• SimCity

Nintendo 64

• Super Mario 64

Sega Genesis

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Altered Beast
• Golden Axe
• Columns
• Ecco the Dolphin
• Gunstar Heroes
• Space Harrier II
• Toe Jam & Earl
• Ristar
• Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine

TurboGrafx-16

• Bonk’s Adventure
• Super Star Soldier
• Victory Run
• Bomberman ‘93
• Dungeon Explorer

NES games start at measly 500 Wii Points (that’s $5 US), TurboGrafx-16 games are selling for 600 Wii Points (that’s $6 US), Super NES and Sega Genesis games will go for 800 Wii Points (that’s $8 US), and finally, Nintendo 64 games will go for a modest 1,000 Wii Points (for anyone who hasn’t caught onto the pattern, that’s $10 US).

Wii Points will be available online or at retailers in packs of 2,000 points, with a suggested price of (surprise) $20 US.

Halo Movie on Indefinite Hold (full story)

Despite the setback, Microsoft put on a brave face.

Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and the rest of the creative team are dedicated to ensuring the Halo movie becomes a reality,” the company said in a statement on October 20. “We are already in discussions with potential partners who recognize the value of the Halo brand and its appeal to consumers worldwide.

Thanks
We’d like to thank Eric from the VG Tech netcast for guest hosting with us this week. You can check out all the cool stuff those guys are doing at www.vgtechcast.us.

Keep your fan mail, suggestions, and comments coming. The coolest email address on the net is still fans@steampodcast.com.

File Mirrors

• High Quality MP3 - SteamPodcast.com
• High Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• Low Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• OGG Vorbis - Archive.org

This week’s podcast features the following on-air personalities:

• Bob Somers - SteamPodcast.com
• Ramzy Bekheet - SteamPodcast.com

Operation: Send Ramzy Warm Delights

As you’ll hear on the show, it’s quite unfortunate that Ramzy doesn’t have these delicious, microwaveable desserts in Australia. Warm Delights are easy-to-make cakes that bake themselves in your microwave in less than a minute. Here at the Steam Podcast, we like to use our power to improve the quality of life for everyone, especially those without these delicious desserts readily available. Thus, we’re sending Ramzy some Warm Delights. I don’t need that much money to send them, maybe $30 or so, so please donate a few bucks if you can. We’ll have Ramzy report back, and maybe even eat one during the next podcast. Thanks guys!

EDIT: The PayPal button seems to be having some issues. You can also just send your kind donations via PayPal to magicbobert@steampodcast.com and I’ll see to it that they’re included.

We’ve also introduced two new things to the podcast. The show notes on our website will now feature a new “1337 C4T” for each episode. There’s also a new addition to the end of the podcast. There are a lot of antics that go on off-air that we’re going to start sharing with you. They’re not necessarily outtakes, just us screwing around bascially. Enjoy the first one after the end credits.

1337 C4T of Episode 5

The following news articles were discussed on the show:

Tons of New Games on Steam
A tremendouse number of game developers have been rushing to get their games on Steam. In the last few weeks, the following games have joined the ranks: RoboBlitz, Psychonauts, City Life, Call of Duty, Call of Duty: United Offensive, Call of Duty 2, Gun, Civilization III, Civilization IV, Pirates!, and Shattered Union. (full story)

Dark Messiah Might and Magic Now Playable
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is now available for Steam users in most nations around the world. Dark Messiah has been getting very good reviews across the gaming community; IGN gave it an 8.8/10. (full story)

Counter-Strike: Source Dynamic Pricing Beta Updated
Most of the fixes were aestheic, but at least one major bug was fixed. The bug caused servers to not revert back to the default prices when switching from “blackmarket” mode back to regular mode.

What do you guys think of the new dynamic pricing system? Send your thoughts to fans@steampodcast.com and we’ll read them on the next episode. (full story)

Halo Movie Moving Forward
Despite recent drama surrounding the planned big-screen adaptation of Halo, Microsoft is still determined to make the movie a reality. However, finding a movie studio to support the flick is proving to be difficult.

• Fox and Universal were originally co-financing the movie, but have since dropped out.
• Microsoft won’t work with Sony because of the Playstation and Blu-ray.
• Disney’s not an option because Steve Jobs owns a lot of stock in Disney.
• New Line is busy working out legal issues over LOTR with Peter Jackson, who is supposed to direct Halo.
• Their biggest hope right now is getting Warner Bros. and Paramount to co-finance, but nobody knows if they’re even interested.

(full story)

Ninetendo’s Income up 242%
Apparently Nintendo’s been doing quite well, and the Wii hasn’t even been released yet. The income boost is probably thanks to high sales numbers of the DS portable system. (full story)

PS3 Commercial is “Beyond” Creepy
Sony’s commercials for the PS3 are just downright weird, and really creepy to boot. The commercials feature a toy baby sitting on the floor in front of a PS3 in a plain white room. The baby starts giggling, then bursts into evil laughter. You can see reflections of violent games and explosions in his eyes as he begins to cry, then his tears get sucked back up into his eyes and the PS3 starts to float off the ground.

Obviously the message that Sony’s trying to send here is that playing the PS3 is just like getting stuck in a horrible dream caused by some bad leftover meatloaf and a heroine induced coma. Yep, that sounds about right.

(creepy commercial, good commercial #1, good commercial #2)

New Halo 3 Details and Pictures
Lots of new information about Halo 3 has come to light. You’ll be able to buy the Legendary Edition, which comes with the following goodies:

• A life size replica of the Master Chief’s helmet.
• A DVD version of the game.
• A DVD with various documentaries and audio commentary.
• A DVD will be cartoons of Halo in “Red vs. Blue” style.
• A DVD with all of the cutscenes from the game in High Definition.

Halo 3 will also feature one new vehicle, an unarmed ATV called the Mongoose, and two new weapons, an anti-vehicle laser and a proximity grenade that blows nails all over the place. Not bad.

Secondary weapons will now appear on your back and a new transportation system called the “Man Cannon” will be introduced, which allows players to shoot themselves through the air to another cannon across the map.

The game will also feature tons of plot twists, a system to record movies of you playing the game, and no multiplayer bots. (full story)

eBay Locks Down PS3 and Wii Auctions with Restrictions
To avoid the insanity the ensued on the popular auction site when the Xbox 360 was released, the following restrictions have been placed on selling PS3s and Wiis on eBay.

• A seller can list only one of each console for auction.
• Sellers can only accept PayPal payments and must have a minimum of 50 feedback with 98% or higher rating.
• Auctions only, no Buy It Now listing allowed.
• The listings must include a clear photo of the pre-order receipt.

It isn’t clear if these restrictions apply to auctions after the PS3 is out, but I would bet they’ll do something to guard against the fiasco that happened with the Xbox 360. (full story)

Nine-Year-Old Gets $10,000 for Game Idea
VTech announced that nine-year-old Jonathan Fisher was being appointed Chief V.Flash Officer, a position that carries a $10,000 scholarship. Fisher came up with an idea for a game called “Mission Possible” that VTech will build for their $100 educational game console, the V.Flash. (full story)

Two Million Downloads of Firefox in the First Two Days
There were over 2 million downloads of Firefox 2.0 in the first 2 days. That’s 30 downloads per second. That’s also a lot of 2’s in one sentence. (full story)

McAfee SiteAdvisor


You can download the SiteAdvisor plug-in from their official website.

File Mirrors

• High Quality MP3 - SteamPodcast.com
• High Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• Low Quality MP3 - Archive.org
• OGG Vorbis - Archive.org

This week’s podcast features the following on-air personalities:

• Bob Somers - SteamPodcast.com
• Ramzy Bekheet - SteamPodcast.com
• Vincent van Geel - Lead Designer of Iron Grip: The Oppression

The following news articles were discussed on the show:

Steam Powered User Forums Finally Get vBulletin 3 Upgrade
We’ve all been waiting a very long time, bugging the moderators and Valve team for the upgrade. There’s a lot of new features and the forums seem to run noticeably faster, but the blue color scheme is killing me. (full story)

Defcon Released to Authentication Problems for Steam Buyers
Defcon was released on Friday, September 29, but many players who had preordered the game on Steam couldn’t play anything but the demo for a few hours after launch because the massive load on Introversion’s authentication server. Thankfully, the authentication problems were resolved within a few hours, and the game is running smoothly now. (full story)

Dark Messiah: Might and Magic Now Available for Preorder
You can now preorder Dark Messiah: Might and Magic on Steam for $49.95 and begin preloading. If you’d like, you can download Sthe singleplayer demo to check out the game before you preorder. Dark Messiah is an RPG developed by Arkane Studios and Ubisoft, and is one of the most anticipated RPG’s of the year.

Well, not for me personally. I downloaded the demo and the graphics and processing requirements ate my machine alive. (full story)

The Ship and Red Orchestra Release Updates
An update to The Ship was released, fixing a lot of bugs and adding some new content. Also, an update to Red Orchestra was released to add support for Logitech’s G15 gaming keyboard, but it was rolled back due to compatibility issues with connecting to servers. (full story)

Poker Superstars II Now on Steam
Now available on Steam for $14.95, Poker Superstars II puts you at the table with 15 of the top poker players. The game features a new AI engine that has “learned to win by playing millions of simulated tournaments”. Interestingly enough, the game is single player only. (full story)

Zuma Deluxe Price Cut for Two Weeks
For the next two weeks Zuma Deluxe is now only $9.95 on Steam instead of the regular price of $19.95. Although I still think the Pop Cap games are way overpriced, this is a good opportunity for Zuma lovers to add the game to their Steam account for cheap. Sounds like sales of Pop Cap games aren’t going too well. However, it’s also a slap in the face to customers who bought the game for $20 when it was first released on Steam about a month ago. (full story)

First PS3 Ads Seen In New York City
The first billboard ads for the PS3 have been spotted in New York City, although they’re kind of bland. It’s just a white background with a black PS3 on it, urging gamers to “Play B3yond”. The only other object in the ad is melting clock on the wall. Apparently the PS3 will be so powerful, it can melt time. (full story)

Comparison Photos of the Gamecube vs. the Wii
To be honest, I didn’t think the Gamecube’s graphics looked that bad, but when compared side-by-side with screenshots from some of the Wii’s games the difference is quite stunning. (comparison 1, comparison 2)

PS3 Offers Developers Less Memory Than Xbox 360?
In a recent interview with Edge Magazine, an Ubisoft development team said their focusing more on the Xbox 360 than the PS3.

We’re developing with 360 as our main development platform and porting to PS3 means that there’s less memory available for us to use, but we’re trying to minimise any drop in quality.

Is it possible that the PS3 won’t be the uber-powerful console we’ve all be led to believe? It certainly would make the PS3’s launch quite anticlimactic. (full story)

Pelican Accessories Developing Wii Nerf Remote
Apparently Pelican Accessories is working on developing a remote controller for the Nintendo Wii that would be padded with soft Nerf-like foam to withstand some serious gaming abuse. Estimated price is $30 for the Nerf remote. (full story)

Battlefield 2142 Available for Preloading
BF2142 is up for pre-loading on the EA DOWNLOADER. The BF2142 demo was also released some days back. The demo represents the final build of the game. (full story)

FireFox 2 RC2 Officially Listed on Mozilla’s Website
Firefox 2 RC2 is now an official download at Mozilla’s website. Some of the new features include:

• A “refreshed” version of the original Firefox skin.
• Built-in phishing protection.
• Enhanced search capabilities.
• Improved tabbed browsing.
• Resuming your browsing session.
• Inline spell checking.
• Improved add-ons manager.
• Support for JavaScript 1.7.
• Client-side session and persistent storage.
• New windows installer.

We’d like to thank the Iron Grip team for coming on the show and talking with us. For information about the Iron Grip mod, or to download the open beta, you can check out their website at www.isotx.com.