Podcast Unlocked
Unlocked 276: Ask Us Anything (Well, Like 6 Things)

On this week's Xbox show, we field a bunch of questions from the kind folks in the Unlocked Facebook group in our final episode of 2016. Plus: catching up on the Xbox news we missed last week. Happy Holidays!

Direct download: Unlocked_Episode_276.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 12:26pm EDT

Unlocked Episode 275: Our Xbox Predictions for 2017

On this week's Xbox show, we quickly see how we did with our 2016 Xbox predictions before launching into our bold Xbox predictions for 2017. Scorpio games, release date, Minecraft 2, Destiny 2, original Xbox backwards compatibility, and more! Plus: The Essy trophy is awarded as Destin and Marty battle out an epic tiebreaker in the Unlock Block trivia segment.

Direct download: Unlocked_Episode_275.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:10pm EDT

We wonder if Microsoft might be readying a PlayStation Experience-like event for Xbox fans to be timed along with Scorpio's launch in 2017. Plus: Duke Nukem makes Bulletstorm great again, our suspicions about Crackdown 3 are confirmed, Capcom comes back from the Dark Side, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_274.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:18pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 273: Our Xbox Holiday Wishes

We ask Santa Spencer for some Xbox gifts as the holiday season gets in full swing. Plus: the Halo TV project returns...sort of, some neat stuff to play in December, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_273.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 3:26pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 272: Our Halo 6 Predictions

On this week's Xbox show, as Halo 5 boss Josh Holmes leaves 343 Industries, we wonder where the studio might take Halo 6. Plus: October's software sales rankings, The Walking Dead's return, a custom Final Fantasy XV Xbox One console giveaway, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_272.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:42pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 271: Our Original Xbox Memories

On this week's Xbox show, we give our impressions so far on Watch Dogs 2 and Dishonored 2. Plus: we spend most of the show reminiscing about the original Xbox in the wake of the console's 15-year anniversary this week. And much more! 

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_271.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:03pm EDT

We learn more story details about Mass Effect Andromeda and debate whether or not we want it to be a three-part trilogy or a single-game experience. Plus: our thoughts on Titanfall 2, the Tomb Raider sequel leak, a killer Black Friday Xbox One deal, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_270.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:04pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 269: Marty's Mass Effect Adventure

We discuss Bethesda's public proclamation to not facilitate Day 1 reviews of their games anymore, talk about the upcoming Skyrim Monopoly board game, chronicle Marty's adventures playing Mass Effect for the very first time, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_269.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:38pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 268: Red Dead Reactions & Gears 4 Spoilercast

On this week's Xbox show, we react to the teaser, announcement, and trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2. Plus: Xbox wins NPD again, Xbox superfan and military veteran Jeff Bartrom sits in to discuss the video game-fueled Operation Supply Drop charity, and we finally do our Gears of War 4 spoilercast (at the end of the show – you'll have plenty of warning!).

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_268.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 5:49pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 267: Waiting for Cuphead

On this week's Xbox show, we talk about why Cuphead's delay isn't a big deal and what we think the developers should (or shouldn't) do until it comes out. Plus: Mass Effect Andromeda's release date may have been outed. Also: horses. So many horses.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_267.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:52pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 266: Gears of War 4 Is Awesome

We give our spoiler-free impressions of Gears of War 4, delight in the completely unexpected announcement of Voodoo Vince's return, break down Phil Spencer's recent quotes about Scorpio (including its price), and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_266.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 9:10pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 265: The Futures of Rocksteady and Gears of War

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss what Rocksteady might do now that they're done with Batman, what other genres might make sense for Gears of War, how the just-announced Firewatch feature-length film could work, our Forza Horizon 3 impressions, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_265.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 264: Firewatch Creators Discuss Xbox Version

On this week's Xbox show, Firewatch releases on Xbox One, so we talk to creators Sean Vanaman and Jake Rodkin for an hour or so. Learn what it takes to make a game, plus a few interesting Telltale Walking Dead Season 1 anecdotes too (both Sean and Jake were instrumental in that game prior to making Firewatch).

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_264.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:44pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 263: We Audition for Mass Effect Andromeda

On this week's Xbox show, BioWare is holding auditions for two small voice-acting parts in Mass Effect Andromeda. So yes, we're auditioning. Plus: what should Microsoft's next Scorpio move be in the wake of the PlayStation 4 Pro reveal event last week. We also give ReCore impressions and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_263.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT

Ryan's out in New York City, so Marty, Alanah, and Sean got together to chat about Xbox at PAX. Gears of War 4's Horde 3.0 is dope, Sonic Mania is a return to form, and we didn't realize that we actually missed Duke Nukem. They also chat about Tacoma, which is this month's IGN First.

Direct download: Unlocked262_Podcast_090716.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

On this week's Xbox show, we fill a slow news week by discussing the just-completed Titanfall 2 Tech Test and wondering which single developers are most valuable to their studios. Also: Tomb Raider gets a new game director, Forza Horizon 3 gets a new car fit for a Spartan, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_261.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:38pm EDT

Unlocked 260: Forza Horizon 3 Developer Interview

In between raving about Disneyland and arguing about pizza, we celebrate The Witness's imminent arrival on Xbox One, lament Below's latest delay, discuss the top-selling games for July, and best of all, interview Forza Horizon 3 creative director Ralph Fulton!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_260.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:29pm EDT

Ryan's on vacation this week, so Marty "Cracker Barrel Old Country Store" Sliva and Alanah "Bucca di Beppo" Pearce take the wheel and are joined by Miranda "Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar" Sanchez and Sean "Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits" Finnegan. The crew talks about the lackluster Metal Gear Survive debut, Miranda's awesome Gears of War 4 visit, this fall's slew of shooters, Mass Effect Remastered rumors, and whether or not sheep have sex with other sheep.

I'm very sorry.

Direct download: Unlocked259_Podcast_081716.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 258: Our Gears of War and Forza Developer Visits

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our recent visits to Gears of War 4 developer The Coalition and Forza Horizon 3 co-developer Turn 10 Studios. Plus: theories on why the just-released 2TB Xbox One is already gone and not coming back, debating what Project Scorpio will cost, the advantages to a proper "Destiny 2" compared to continuing expansion packs, and much more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_258.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:13pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 257: All About the Xbox One S

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our Xbox One S impressions so far, episode 1 of Telltale's Batman series (no spoilers), the Xbox One Summer Update, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_257.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 256: Revisiting Old Xbox Favorites

On this week's Xbox show, a lack of current Xbox news leads us to reminisce about the past, including our favorite original Xbox games as well as what dormant Xbox series we'd like to see brought back. Plus: Xbox One S bundles, Summer Spotlight returns, Sonic's new 2D game, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_256.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:47pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 255: Learning About 4K HDR TVs

Shopping for a 4K HDR TV in advance of the Xbox One S and/or Scorpio? It turns out HDR isn't so cut and dry. We discuss what we've learned so far. Plus: Tomb Raider's pleasant Season Pass surprise, Rocket League's potentially historic game update, Xbox One S release details, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_255.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 9:20pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 254: Microsoft's Crazy Xbox Summer

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss Microsoft's crazy Xbox summer, from their lack of press conference at the upcoming Gamescom event to Xbox Australia jumping the gun on Sea of Thieves' release date to Halo 5's post-release success to the dark Kinect secret lurking for would-be Xbox One S buyers. Plus: deciding which original Xbox games we should do Let's Plays of, and much more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_254.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:31pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 253: The Call of Duty That Wasn't + Inside Spoilercast

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the recently unearthed Call of Duty prototype called Call of Duty: Roman Wars. Would it have worked? Could it have worked? Also: Red Dead Redemption finally arrives on Xbox One, Xbox Avatars get more detailed and more inclusive, our thoughts on the BioShock Collection, and at the end of the show is our eagerly anticipated Inside spoilercast.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_253.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:26pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 252: Playdead's Inside is Glorious (No Spoilers!)

Our Xbox show celebrates Inside, gets excited for Halo Wars 2, and tries to figure out what happened to the Batman: Return to Arkham remaster.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_252.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:20pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 251: Xbox E3 Analysis + State of Decay 2 Interview

We analyze everything from Xbox's E3, from Project Scorpio to the Xbox One S to Sea of Thieves and much more. Plus: an interview with Undead Labs founder Jeff Strain – the studio's first since announcing State of Decay 2!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_251.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 3:20pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked 250: Our Xbox E3 Post-Show With Xbox Creator Seamus Blackley

Our 250th episode aired live at E3 2016 with special guest and Xbox creator Seamus Blackley, so here it is in case you missed it. This was our live reactions to everything that had just happened at the Xbox press conference. Hope you enjoy it! And by the way, look for episode 251 at its regular time this Wednesday evening!

And we've got our own YouTube channel too! Subscribe here: youtube.com/ignunlocked

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_250.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:01pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 249: Our Xbox E3 Predictions

Finally, it's the E3 predictions episode you've been waiting for. Listen for our predictions about Dead Rising 4, Xbox Live Arcade/Summer of Arcade, Oculus Rift on Xbox, and much more. Plus: So many E3 leaks! We discuss them all.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_249.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:42pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 248

On this week's Xbox show, we celebrate the unexpected return of Fable, guess what the rumored VR game for Xbox is, share our Overwatch impressions, wonder what Remedy might do now that Quantum Break is out, argue about the viability of a Mirror's Edge TV series, and look at what the latest Xbox One "temporary price cut" really means.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_248.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:15pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 247: The Xbox 1.5, For Real This Time

We analyze the very credible new Xbox Slim and Xbox Next rumors. Will Oculus come along for the ride? What will it be called? How much will it cost? We discuss. Plus: how Doom's excellence may have saved id Software, what's next for that studio, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_247.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 5:55pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 246: Welcome Back, Doom

What we think of Doom so far, including our theories on why Bethesda didn't send out advance copies for review. Plus: Rockstar's next game approaches, Batman gets a more exciting remaster than we expected, Yarny gets another adventure (YARNYYYYYYY!), how you can (maybe) get your dream Gamertag, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_246.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:59pm EDT

Ryan's out, but the crew holds down the fort and chats about Battlefield 1, Battlefront 2, probably something with a 3, and Fable 4.

Direct download: Unlocked245_Podcast_051116_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:29pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 244: Remembering Lionhead

We fondly remember everything Lionhead gave Xbox fans as the studio closes its doors for good. Plus: Respawn's third-person Star Wars game, our reactions to Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and the not-sold-separately Modern Warfare remaster, our Xbox E3 hopes, whether or not Microsoft will showcase upgraded hardware at the big show, our favorite Xbox 360 games ever, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_244.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:06pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 243: Gears of War 4's Statue and Season Pass

Gears of War 4 unleashes a pricey season pass and an even pricier collector's edition. We evaluate the pluses and minuses of both. We also lament the latest Mirror's Edge Catalyst delay, debate where Call of Duty is heading after its title has apparently leaked. Oh, and, uh...rugby.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_243.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:46pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 242

The Xbox 1.5 rumors won't go away – particularly in light of the hot-and-heavy PlayStation Neo rumors, so we discuss what a mid-cycle upgrade could look like for Microsoft. But should it even happen? Plus: Quantum Break's last boss frustrates us (no spoilers though!), Batman joins the remaster party that we don't want to be invited to, Red Dead might be returning, and more!

Link to IGN PAX East meet-and-greet #1: https://ignpresentsbattleborncommunity.splashthat.com 

Link to IGN PAX East meet-and-greet #2: https://ignmeetngreetpresentedby2k.splashthat.com 

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_242.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 241: Gears of War 4 Director Interview

Gears of War 4 boss Rod Fergusson joins us for a 30-minute interview about the new game as well as taking over the franchise. Plus: our thoughts on Quantum Break so far, the ex-GTA developer's lawsuit against Rockstar, Titanfall 2, the rumored effort to save Fable Legends, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_241.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 10:35am EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 240: About That Gears of War 4 Release Date...

We discuss Gears of War 4's just-announced release date and what it means for the rest of the holiday 2016 Xbox lineup. Plus: Xbox 1.5, Mass Effect 4, Doom beta thoughts, Bethesda's public E3 presence, Final Fantasy XV demo reactions, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_240.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:54pm EDT

Mitch's last show is weird, wonderful, and chaotic.

Direct download: Unlocked239_033016.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:46pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 238: Halo 1 and Shadow Complex Developer Interviews

On this week's Xbox show, Shadow Complex creator Donald Mustard sits in for a lengthy interview about his history on Xbox (Advent Rising, Undertow, Shadow Complex, the newly released Shadow Complex Remastered, and...maybe...Shadow Complex 2?)! And then we have Halo 1 designer Jaime Griesemer on to talk old Halo war stories with him. You won't want to miss either interview. We kick off with just Ryan and Mitch, as Ryan says goodbye to his longtime partner-in-crime. Don't miss this episode!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_238.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:12pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 237: Gears of War 4's 30fps vs. 60fps Debate

Microsoft opens the door to cross-network play across Xbox One, PC, and maybe PS4 too. Plus: Gears of War 4's campaign will be 30fps and its multiplayer will be 60fps. Opinions vary on that! We also detail Xbox Indie Showcase highlights of what we played, Tacoma's delay, a new ARK game, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_237.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 236: Is Fable Dead?

We analyze the cancellation of Fable Legends and the apparent closure of Lionhead Studios. Could either have been saved? Can and will Fable continue on, or is it dead? Plus: our first impressions of The Division, Gears of War 4 continues to divide us, Doom multiplayer inches closer, Overwatch and Battleborn have a silly (albeit one-sided) feud, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_236.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 7:44pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 235: Phil Spencer Interview and Xbox Showcase Reactions

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer joins us for a quick interview about the future of Xbox (hint: you probably won't lose access to your Xbox One games on the next-gen Xbox console years from now). Plus: our reactions to the Xbox Showcase event from last week – and to Quantum Break in particular, analyzing the Mass Effect Andromeda delay, how cool a World War I-set Battlefield 5 could be, and we tell Capcom how we feel about their creative output so far in this console generation.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_235.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:59pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 234: Halo 5 Drops the Mic and Major Nelson Stops By

On this week's Xbox show, it's all good news. First, it took four years, but Xbox's own Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb sits in with us for the entire show. Together, we talk about this week's awesome Halo 5 news, including the return of a beloved multiplayer mode and an even more beloved old weapon. Plus: Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss Todd Howard speaks about game PR cycles and their next projects. We analyze his comments, and much more! Oh, and of course we also send Larry back to Microsoft with a clear message: #BringBackXBLA

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_234.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:59pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 233: The Internet's Quantum Breakdown

We analyze last week's Internet meltdown over Quantum Break's PC version, detail the first wave of Fallout 4 DLC, discuss what the departure of Mass Effect: Andromeda's lead writer means for both that game and Destiny 2, and much more!

P.S. We apologize for the problem with Mitch's mic this week. We're tracking down the problem and we'll have it squashed ASAP.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_233.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:17pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 232: About That Titanfall 2 Single-Player Campaign...

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the now-confirmed Titanfall 2 solo campaign, DOOM's release date, Red Dead's imminent backwards compatibility, 2015's most tweeted-about games, continued love for Yarny, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_232.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:55pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 231: Will Elder Scrolls VI Be Announced at E3?

Bethesda announces that they'll put on another E3 press conference. We speculate about what will – and won't – be there. Plus: a 40-minute interview with Unravel creative director Martin Sahlin, The Division beta reactions, how we'd kill Spartan Locke in the first scene of Halo 6, and much more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_231.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:17pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 230: Burnout Returns...As a Golf Game...Sort of...

We celebrate the very Burnout-y new golf game (yes, golf game!) from the original creators of Burnout. Plus: praise for the word-of-mouth hit ARK: Survival Evolved and the awesome adventure that is Oxenfree. We also discuss the potential awesomeness of PlatinumGames's just-announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, share what you're getting for your $50 season pass in Star Wars Battlefront, lament Mighty No. 9's latest delay, and tell you how you can attend E3 with EA.

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_230.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:12pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 229: Why Call of Duty 2016 Won't Be Ghosts 2

We speculate on what this year's Infinity Ward-developed Call of Duty might be like given all of the big-studio talent Activision's been hiring for it. Also, Microsoft files a couple of new game software trademarks we are hesitant to get excited about, the top 10-selling games of December are revealed, and much more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_229.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:17pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 228: Congratulating our Game of the Year Winners

We discuss our Game of the Year votes, lament the end of an era with one of the key creators of Grand Theft Auto, recount the insane development history of Homefront: The Revolution as it gets dated, weep at the lack of Psychonauts on Xbox, and more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_228.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 6:58pm EDT

Podcast Unlocked Episode 227: Our Xbox Predictions for 2016

Happy New Year! We kick things off with our longest episode ever! Gone Home creator Steve Gaynor (who you may also know as the creator of BioShock 2's highly acclaimed DLC Minerva's Den) sits in for the whole show to talk about next week's Xbox One release of Gone Home. We also ask him about his time on BioShock 2 as well as his next game, the Xbox One-exclusive Tacoma. Plus: we make our Xbox predictions for 2016 and review how we did with our 2015 predictions. And we discuss the Scalebound delay, the Assassin's Creed leak, and much more!

Direct download: Podcast_Unlocked_Episode_227.mp3
Category:Podcast Unlocked -- posted at: 8:14pm EDT

1