Episode 34 – Gaming Peripherals

Summary: If you're old like us, you remember the good old days of video gaming.  One console, one controller, and usually no more than two buttons and some sort of directional device... and a gun!  These days, video gaming is moving in a more active and immersive direction and it seems like the manufacturers can't get enough of gadgets.  Join us this week as we discuss the changing direction of how we enjoy our video games, from the early days of Atari to the fading promise of Virtual Reality.  Holster your Light Zapper, strap on your Nunchuku, and clear the room of small pets, children and breakable valuables because it's about to action packed in here as we talk video gaming peripherals on a brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:35) - Ramses talks about he and Karen's internet fame and stretching his childhood into his mid 30's. - The Pretty Good Podcast, LOTR Legos, Mario Kart K'Nex, and The Muppets. (08:12) - Matt's talking zombies, gaming, and Star Wars.  He's really trying to re-establish geek credibility. - The Walking Dead Escape, Ga3erCon 2012, and Star Wars 1313. (16:43) - Robert new addiction is bordering on needing an intervention. - Kickstarter, Traveller, Tsuro, and Goblins Drool, Fairies Rule.  He's also a user... Penny Arcade Rumble in the R'lyeh. (22:35) - Karen talks about (comics) coming out of the closet and newly announced movie release dates. -The Gay Green Lantern, Independence Day 3D, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, The X-Men First Class Sequel, and Pacific Rim. (33:09) - THE FIRST OFFICIAL MONKEY IN THE CAGE TWITTER CONTEST! #BeatRobert ~~~Pee-Pee Break~~~ (35:56) - It's topic time!  We start off the discussion reminiscing the awesome Nintendo peripherals of the 80's. - The Light Zapper, Rob the Robot, The Power Pad, and the greatest of all time: The Power Glove. (41:12) - Karen takes us in the wayback machine as we discuss Atari peripherals and Matt breaks down the Intellivision for Karen.  Plus, Ramses is a cheater, thanks to the Game Genie.  Plus, Sega Title Fight. (44:20) - It took close to a decade for the Light Zapper to get some competition from the Sega Menacer and The Super Scope and we discuss arcade games from the 90's to today. - Operation Wolf and Revolution X. (48:35) - We talk about the N64 Rumblepack and Game Boy Advance, Matt's Eastern Bloc upbringing, Gameworks and the novelty of it all. (51:30) - We discuss the ground breaking Nintendo Wii and why it trails behind the PlayStation Move and Kinect. (57:20) - Karen misses out on some sweaty sexual dancing courtesy of Dance Central and Dance Central 2 and we discuss the dangers of peripheral accidents.  Plus DanceDanceRevolution and the "Peripheral Pact." (1:03:09) - We close with the health benefits of peripheral gaming. - EA Sports Active, UFC Personal Trainer, and Wii Fit.  Plus, Matt really wants a Battlefield Simulator. Closing Song - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - written and performed by Will Smith