Over this past weekend a bunch of us went up to the worlds largest arcade Funspot in Weirs Beach New Hampshire for a nice little gathering of the nerds. While at the arcade Kyle and I decided to do a podcast with Pete Dodd while actually sitting next to each other for the first time. Later that night we also did a little recording with the other group (Nancy, Rich) to cover one of the other recordings. This is what we discussed: Minecraft, Starcraft II, World of Warcraft Cataclysm, arcade games, Funspot impressions and listener questions.

Music in this episode: "when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit."

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Honestly who really cares about anything I type here because if you're anything like me, you're just salivating over the release of Starcraft 2 this week so none of this actually matters (except for the audio). But if you do actually care then once more Kyle and I got together and here is what we discussed: Risk Factions, Limbo, Feist, Halo ODST Horde Mode, World of Warcraft, Crackdown 2, Deathsmiles, DeathSpank, OnLive, listener voicemails.

Music in this episode: Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Starcraft

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Continuing the rotation of guest hosts on Critical Music brings another one I was truly excited for! On this episode we're graced by good friend from The Gamesmen, jsslifelike who brings a nice mix of emotional tracks he's come to love in the time he's placed video games. One thing about this episode is, I think it's going in the direction of where I want to take my future Critical Music episodes and show off some more emotional tracks that I love and explore tracks that got me into video game music in the first place, so thank you for that inspiration Steve.

I'd also like to thank Steve for stepping in and doing his own episode of Critical Music, please do us a favor and check out The Gamesmen who also feature video game music based on what they're discussing on that episode of their show.

Music in this episode: Metroid Prime, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Mario Strikers Charged!, Baten Kaitos, Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, Chrono Cross, Xenogears, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Wild Arms 3, Beyond Good & Evil, Castlevania 64, Phantasy Star IV.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Now I have to apologize for this episode being a week late but here's the deal, my upcoming work schedule forces me to work every other Saturday until the end of the month. So by me holding this back a week it allowed us to reset the two week recording schedule so it falls on the weekends I don't have to work on, so I hope you all understand! Since that's out of the way, this episode was fun because it was good to have Kyle back, we kind of missed each other since last month's Funspot trip and his vacation. Here's what we discussed: Kyle's trip to his vacation, Final Fantasy XIII, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Halo ODST, Crackdown 2, Max and the Magic Marker, Killing Floor, Left 4 Dead 2.

Music in this episode: Samurai Showdown, Crackdown

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

I've been thinking of what I can do with Critical Music as of late and with the guests all working on theirs I decided to throw my hat into doing another one while we wait for their work. The problem that came with that was, I couldn't think of what to do for a new episode until faithful listener Paul suggested we do a "best of" episode of Critical Music. After some mulling over that idea, I decided I'm self righteous enough to justify it and started the process right away!

Music in this episode: Lost Odyssey, Paza, Ninja Gaiden, Uncharted, Street Fighter IV, Unreal Tournament, SSX Tricky, GripShift, Dr. Szliszka, Trash80, Start Over, Mizuki's Last Chance, We Are Error, The Smash Brothers, The Megas, Maniac Mansion, Mellogear, Silent Hill 3, Shatter, Shadow Warrior

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

So since Kyle and Pete (from the PSNerds) decided to go on sabbatical. Billy and myself decided to get together and do a episode that will be released as Critical Strike and PSNerds! It felt a bit strange since I'm so used to having Kyle at each episode but it was a fun experience anyhow. Thanks Billy for allowing me to fill in for PSNerds and thank you for filling in for Critical Strike! Here's what we discussed: My trip to Funspot's classic arcade tournament, Joe Danger, Modnation Racers, Lost Planet 2, PSN+, Rainbow Six: Vegas.

Music in this episode: Mega Man Remastered HD (Cutman), International Karate (C64) Cover

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

As mentioned in the prior episode of Critical Music I am now on a official break from the project but that doesn't mean it's going to sit idle! This episode brings our first guest into the Critical Music world and it also happens to be one of my favorite all time podcaster mik from The Fanboys Lunchcast!

I'd like to thank mik for stepping in and doing a episode of Critical Music and helping us out while we take a break from the project. Please do us a favor and show him some support and check out The Fanboys because well, they're great!

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Music can be a great thing but after awhile doing the same thing can just become a bit tiresome so with this episode of Critical Music I announce that I'll be taking a leave of absence from the series. Don't worry though, some amazing people have decided to step up and take Critical Music under their wing and continue the monthly releases for you!

Music in this episode: Super Street Fighter IV, Cave Story Remix Project, BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, World of Warcraft, Prince Of Persia The Forgotten Sands, Trine, WipeOut HD Fury, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Monster Hunter Tri, Super Puzzle Fighter Turbo, Super Mario Galaxy 2, House of the Dead Overkill, Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Revolver, Raiden IV, Little King's Story, Always (chiptune cover by Kulor)

In this episode we were joined by good friend Mr BillyBillBlack of PSNerds and it ended up being a blast having him on. Do us a favor and check out his show if you have a chance, they're live every Wednesday at 9PM EST over at Gamer Corporation. But in this episode here is a few things that we discussed: Steam for Mac, Torchlight, Portal, Final Fantasy XIII, Lost Planet 2, 3D Dot Game Heroes, Google Android 2.2 Froyo, Uncharted 2, Red Dead Redemption, Heavy Rain, Rocket Knight.

Music in this episode: Starship Amazing (buy their albums!), Super Castlevania IV, Rocket Knight Adventures.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

In this episode we were joined by good friend of the show Steve John (jsslifelike) from The Gamesmen. Kind of short notice, but the man had some down time from his own show do to butt issues so we thought it would be nice to have him on and continue our recent love of having people on. Here is what we discussed: After Burner Climax, Monster Hunter Tri, Bioshock 2, World of Warcraft Cataclysm, Final Fantasy XIII, Batman: Arkham Asylum, White Knight Chronicles, League of Legends,  Super Street Fighter IV.

Music in this episode: Super Street Fighter IV, After Burner

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Well folks here it is, Kyle's very first episode of Critical Music! I for one was excited when he first approached me about doing a episode on his own. Though it was tough putting what has always been my baby in another persons hands, I think he handled it just fine and I'm impressed with some of the tunes he chose.

Music in this episode: Eternal Darkness, Zone of the Enders 2, Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill 3, Mirror's Edge, Advent Rising, Godhand, Sonic CD, Final Fantasy VIII, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Demon's Souls, God of War 3, Bayonetta.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

This week we kind of invaded our friends over at Gamer Corporation and used their stream to do the show live! If you didn't catch it, well it doesn't matter because we're putting the audio up on iTunes! But either way it was a cool experiment for Kyle and myself to actually do a live show. I'm not sure if we'll do one again but either way, thanks for everyone who checked it out. Here's what we discussed: Kyle's relationship threatening birthday gift, Final Fantasy XIII, Bioshock 2 multiplayer, God of War 3, Pokemon HeartGold, Battlefield Bad Company 2.

Music in this episode: Presidents of the United States of America, Starship Amazing, Just Dance (8bit by gejm)

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Two releases back to back you ask? Yes! With this being the week of PAX East I wanted to make sure I got this months Critical Music out on time and seeing as I'll be pretty busy, I needed to get it out fairly early in the week. As I mentioned on the episode, this will probably be the least popular Critical Music to date as it's very metal influenced and I just get the feeling that won't fly with most people, but we'll see.

Music in this episode: The Megas, The Minibosses, The Protomen, Powerglove, Vomitron, Entertainment System, The Advantage, NESKimos, Year 200X, Nerd Army, The Smash Brothers, Stage 3-1

Do yourself a favor and buy the albums these bands put out, they're really good!

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

It's just about spring time so this episode brings back a nice little Critical Strike tradition, podcasting with the birds! While Kyle didn't have much to discuss because of being sick, Mr Pete Dodd from the PSNerds came in to join us and we had a nice long discussion about: Final Fantasy XIII, Bioshock 2, God of War 3, Greed Corp, Starcraft 2, Mega Man 10.

Music in this episode: Dropkick Murphys, God of War 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

After our fun experiment with the PSNerds where we played White Knight Chronicles while talking about it, Kyle now returns to the show and is a bit under the influence. It's not all bad though since he went further into detail about some issues with Mass Effect 2 that was bothering him in the prior episodes. So here is what we discussed: Galactic Bowling, Street Fighter III, Street Fighter IV, Starcraft 2, MLB 10: The Show, Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age, Heavy Rain (demo), Darksiders (demo).

Music in this episode: Hyadain - The World Warrior, Little Samson, Bionic Commando, Psapp

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Though at the start of the show I said I may not get this out on time. It's because I didn't think I would find enough music in time but luckily I remembered all of mik's requests over at the forums and that gave me enough to push it over the edge!

Music in this episode: Descent II, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Time Lord, Heavy Rain, Endless Ocean, Killer Instinct, Lost Odyssey, Gyruss, VVVVVV, Persona 3, Policenauts, Bust A Groove, Dark Void, Secret of Mana, Painkiller.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

With Kyle gone, we decided to try something new and discuss a game that not many people in the community have been paying attention to. With that we've decided to call in BillyBillBlack and Pete Dodd from the PSNerds podcast to talk about White Knight Chronicles while playing the quests online so if you have no interest in this game, I'd skip this episode. We'd like to thank those who left us iTunes reviews and the normal show will return in two weeks with Kyle's return.

Music in this episode: White Knight Chronicles

Please do us a favor and check out our friends at the PSNerds Podcast.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

We never thought it would happen but we've finally achieved fifty episodes, not counting Critical Music! We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and we hope to continue doing this for many more episodes! Here is what we discussed: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, Bayonetta, Dragon Age: Origins, Mass Effect 2, Kyle's new laptop and a voicemail.

Music in this episode: Danger Zone (Top Gun), Gummy Substance (The King of Kong), Bayonetta, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, Starship Amazing, Shatter.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Critical Strike has now officially landed in the year 2010! We had sometime to get together on Saturday for a recording and it was nice getting back into the swing of things after that extra long holiday break. But now that we're back, so is the nonsense! Here is what we discussed: Prototype, Bayonetta's Demo, Rock Band 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Adventures of Kyle not having a DS charger, Steam's holiday sales,  AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, Qix++, World of Warcraft, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Knights of the old Republic.

Music in this episode: Final Fantasy XIII, Castlevania Symphony of the Night Unreleased Tracks

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

P.S Happy birthday to our friendly podcast mascot Nancy.

Since we won't be able to record the main podcast this weekend, Kyle and I thought it would be best to do a release of Critical Music for everyone. With that in mind I felt it was time to do another themed episode so I broke out my collection of music from the Nintendo Entertainment System and here we are, giving you a nice rundown of 8bit goodness! To see the music from this episode hit more.

Music from this episode: Legend of Zelda 2, The Goonies 2, River City Ransom, Mega Man III, Journey to Silius, Batman, Rad Racer, Final Fantasy, Strider, Metroid, Power Blade 2, Adventures of Bayou Billy, Little Nemo, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, Maniac Mansion, Silver Surfer, Blaster Master, Legend of Zelda, Shatterhand, Metal Gear, Dr. Mario, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game, Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword, HeroQuest, Skate or Die 2, Mega Man II, Wizards and Warriors, Lifeforce, Castlevania II

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

As this will probably be our last official episode of Critical Strike in 2009, Kyle and I decided to do our top five games of the year! This year has brought us some pretty darn good games but with quite the surprise Kyle ended up making his the top five games of 2009 that he didn't hate. Here is what we discussed: Dragon Age Origins, Left 4 Dead 2, Avatar, Pixeljunk Shooter, Osu!, the Motorola Droid and of course our top 5 games of 2009.

Music in this episode: Trans-Siberian Orchestra (requested by mik), Naruto: Shippuden

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

Now that I'm finally healthy and Kyle is back from Philadelphia, we decided to get together and record a podcast! The sad part about that is, neither of us really played much so we brought in our good friend from the PSNerds Podcast Mr BillyBillBlack! Here is what we discussed: The Motorola Droid & iPhone, Kyle reaching level 80 in World of Warcraft, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Team Fortress 2, Assassin's Creed II.

Music in this episode: Shatter, Babyman, Lost Odyssey

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

I finally got around to doing another episode of Critical Music but I do apologize for the main podcast being gone for a few weeks. Most people don't know that I was pretty sick there and I just decided it's better to not do a podcast like that. But none the less, here is a new episode of Critical Music that I hope everyone likes.

Music in this episode: The Black Mages, Assassin's Creed II, The World Ends With You, Half Minute Heroes, wizcom, Starship Amazing, Ikari Warriors, Ziwtra, The Guardian Legend, Super Rub 'a' Dub, Perfect Dark Zero, Power Blade, Demon Soul's, Ultimate Ghosts'n'Goblins, Starscream, God Hand, Final Fantasy VI

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

We're happy to be back and once again releasing a episode but this one was not without its technical difficulties. Kyle's microphone had a loose wire that was causing a static sound in his recording that we didn't notice during the pre-podcast preparations.  But we cleaned it up a bit and decided to release the episode anyway so here is what we discussed: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Uncharted 2, Borderlands, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Dead Space, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Call of Duty 4, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI.

Music in this episode: Bonnie Tyler, Uncharted 2, Final Fantasy VI, Buckner & Garcia

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike

So this is our second Critical Music release this month but I've always kind of loved the horror genre of video games and the way they use music to screw with you or keep you on your toes. As I mentioned on the show, this release probably isn't for everyone but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Music in this episode: Silent Hill 2, Splatterhouse 2, ObsCure, Clock Tower, Dracula: The Resurrection, Silent Hill 3, Legacy of Kain: Defiance, Castlevania, Dead Space, Parasite Eve, D2, Kuon, Siren 2, Haunting Ground, 7th Guest, Galerians: Ash, Vampire Night, Zombie Revenge.

You can reach us at cstrikepodcast@gmail.com, leave a voicemail at (909) 278-7453 or Twitter at criticalstrike