Index Holdings, Atlus's parent company, is on the verge of going bankrupt

As a huge fan of Atlus, both as a developer and a publisher, the news that Index Holdings, their parent company, will be undergoing civil rehabilitation proceedings--the Japanese equivalent of filing for bankruptcy--is very sad news. What does this hold for Atlus? Well, right now, details are still coming out, but things do look optimistic for Atlus according to the Index Holdings' press release, which seems to state that the company will be looking for either a partner or straight buy-out in order to keep Atlus going strong. All details have been gathered from this NeoGAF thread and I recommend you follow that for any updates to this story.

"Index (Atlus) about to go bankrupt [Seeking sponsor for business transfer]" [NeoGAF]

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #007: In-game Audio Options

One of my biggest video game pet peeves is the lack of in-game audio options--the ability or, when annoyed, lack thereof, to individually adjust different parts of the in-game audio, from music to sound effects to dialogue. I was reminded of this pet peeve when playing inFamous 2--which only has one audio option: always play English audio--and I couldn't help but record a little podcast about it. And so, I say, with a stupid look on my face, enjoy this here audio podcast about annoyances with audio.

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The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #006: Microsoft Solitaire and Co.

If you don't care about Microsoft Solitaire, raise your hand. Woah, woah, woah everybody, no need to raise both of them. OK, so I know this is a weird topic, but it stems from a quick mention on the latest episode of Pixelated Radio and I just couldn't help myself. In the end, this episode became, "Why you should play Fairway Solitaire over Microsoft Solitaire," but, I mean, what's wrong with that? Anyway, if you enjoy nonsense, kisses and many weird voices, this is the episode for you. Also, I enjoying using the word, "Anyway." Anyway...

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The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #005: Rush Bros. Review

Can you believe it? I've made it to week two without missing a show! Of course, that only means five episodes, but don't lessen my accomplishment! In this here fifth episode, I talk all about Rush Bros.--which I reviewed with written words too--a platformer all about using music to affect the gameplay...and running and jumping too. Is it worth checking out? I guess you'll just have to listen (or read the review) to find out.

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Rush Bros. review: no need to rush out to play this game

Rush Bros. is a platformer all about speed runs, where each level claims to be affected by the music playing, whether it's the game's soundtrack or your own music; the problem is, despite the quality of the game's soundtrack, the music doesn't seem to provide anything other than something good to listen to while racing through levels; I played multiple levels with different songs and never noticed any differences. There are a few moments when the music plays a part--such as when woofers are in the background and blast sound waves that push back the character--but they are rare and even they don't feel immediately influenced by the music as much as they should be.

You may be asking, "Why is the music integration so important in Rush Bros.?" The answer is simple: it's because the platforming is good but not great, and the music is the number one aspect of Rush Bros. that tries to set it apart from other similar platformers.

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The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #004: Hannibal

And just like that, the first week of episodes is over! "Thank God!" is what we're all thinking, I'm sure. Was it as bad for you as it was for me? Anyway, this fourth episode is all about the amazing Hannibal TV show and went off the rails numerous times due to internet worries and personal overheating; it became very hot in the room where I was recording the show. Regardless of how this episode turned out, you must all--each and everyone of you--check out Hannibal if you haven't already; it's a pretty delicious show.

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The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #003: Animal Crossing: New Leaf

I wasn't sure if I wanted to record an episode about Animal Crossing--specifically the new 3DS game, New Leaf--but I couldn't say no, and now I'm here, writing about my inability to say no. This episode went off the rails a bit--it seemed like at least--but what do you expect from a podcast about a game as stupid and lovable as Animal Crossing? I feel stupid for loving the series, but I will (probably) never stop loving the series no matter how stupid I(t) gets.

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First teaser trailer for the 'Lego Movie' is lovely

Lego blocks are awesome; movies are awesome; and so, it makes perfect sense that a combination of the two would be just as awesome, if not more awesome. Don't believe me? Watch the trailer below and see for yourself. Guess what my favorite part of the trailer is--hint: it involves a renaissance artist. One last thing; I love the stop-motion-esque style of the animation.

The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #002: The Last of Us

Look everyone! I've managed two episodes in a row! Do you know what that means? Nothing; though, it does mean you get to hear my lovely voice once again; not after a visit with the dentist like in the first episode, but this time after a visit with the asthmatic idiot who decides to run and then immediately records a podcast upon his return. I don't know what I'm talking about, but I bet you're all thinking, "Why don't you get to the actual topic of today's show, eh?" That's a great idea! Today's show is all about The Last of Us, the hot, new, sexy (?) game from Naughty Dog that almost everyone loves. Am I loving it too? I guess you'll just have to listen to find out.

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The Pixelated Sausage Podcast #1: Man of Steel

I have been talking about doing a solo podcast for a while now and, after much time and more changes than you might expect, the first (and potentially last) episode is here for you to hear with your ears, which are located just below your hair. (Don't worry, there isn't this much rhyming on the actual podcast.) The basic idea of this show is that I will focus on one topic per episode and each episode will be somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes; on Pixelated Radio, since we record every other week, there I things I want to talk about that slowly fade away by the time we're set to record. This show is just me, talking into a microphone about something specific and I have no idea if it works, so please, if you take the time to listen, let me know what you think.

OK, so this first episode is all about Man of Steel and is overflowing with spoilers, so if you haven't watched the movie yet and plan to, avoid this at all costs; I may also sound weird because I recorded this episode immediately after having a small cavity filled, a.k.a., half my face was (and still is) numb; I'm pretty sure the dentist shot the shit out of my gums with novocaine. Anyway, links to the show--direct, iTunes, etc--can be found below and I hope it's at least not terrible.

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