But, aside from that, here's what I've got on the Touch...
1. Podcasts
In my first post, I mentioned a list of podcasts I've been listening to, as I've become a talk-radio junkie. I'm sad to report that Maniacal Rage has not recorded a new podcast since March, but it still plays constantly on my iPod. In order to cope with my podcast fix, I've found some new ones:
Wordballoon with John Siuntres. It's a comic book podcast that focuses on specific creators in a one-on-one interview. While every interview may not be a top-tier creator, host John Siuntres is a personality of epic proportions in the comic book podcasting world. He's like your fun uncle who thinks nothing has ever topped The Dick Van Dyke Show.
The real highlight of his show has always been the Bendis Tapes episodes, in which Siuntres interviews the one and only Brian M. Bendis, superstar of Marvel Comics. The Bendis Tapes began about four years ago, and Siuntres interviews Bendis every six months or so. Currently, Siuntres is releasing a new set of these Tapes, and anyone interested in comics, film, pop culture, or listening to two incredibly well-read individuals, this is the nectar of the gods.
Co-Op. It's a well-done yet relaxed video podcast shot in San Francisco about the latest video games. What makes this podcast unique is that it isn't shot on a soundstage. It has guerrilla segments shot on the streets of San Fran, featuring the Co-Op hosts and a varied array of guests talk about games. The comments can range from the casual to the hard-core, and after watching these episodes, I always want to go out and play these games.
Also, Co-Op is updated pretty regularly (about once a week), so there's never a long wait for the next one.
Finally, That's What She Said. TWSS is a fan-produced Office podcast. Each episode comments on the most recent NBC's The Office episode. The hosts talk about what worked and what didn't work, with segments of the show's audio thrown in as well. I sometimes find the hosts bashing on the show more often than enjoying it, but for the most part it's a nice (and free) audio companion to the TV show.
2. Motion Comics
I blogged about motion comics back in August, and I mentioned Spider-Woman: Agent of SWORD. At the time, I was brimming with anticipation as the previously mentioned Brian Bendis was writing the first Marvel Motion Comic that wasn't an adaptation of an early print comic.
As of today, there are 4 episodes of Spider-Woman available for download on iTunes, and I may not be as enthusiastic as I previously was. Motion comics have a way to go, as the illustrated audio book just doesn't seem to be original enough to last beyond the novelty. Yet, Spider-Woman is gorgeous. Artist Alex Maleev has clearly poured his heart into the art for this book, and Bendis has been waiting to write this book for about 10 years.
All 4 eps are on my iPod now, and I've watched them several times. I even wrote a review about Episodes 1 and 4 for ComicNews.info. Again, comic nerds, check this out.
3. Games
I had originally believed games for the iPhone/iPod Touch to be cheap and crappy. Up until about one month ago, the only game I had was a free app version of Solitaire, which only got some playtime during a long wait at the Charlotte airport.
However, my eyes have been opened.
Harbor Master is puzzle game that utilizes the touch feature of the iPhone. You guide little ships into their docks, let them unload their cargo, and then you lead them out. Sounds simple, I know, but wait until you get four ships at once -- two of them 4-cargo ships -- and then try to lead them all around without crashing one into the other. It's not easy. Trust me.
I probably wouldn't have given this game an initial glance were it not for the 99-cent price tag. Seriously cheap. Seriously awesome.
And the soundtrack is quite enjoyable. It's a simply little beat to accompany your harbor-mastering, but the sounds you make when moving your ships around actually becomes part of the music.
Also, I recently got geoDefense Swarm. Now, I'm a tower defense junkie, so this is the game for me. There's another GD game, simply titled geoDefense, but Swarm is different in that you are given an open field (for the most part) on which you can place your turrets. Anyone who has played Tower Defense games will know how this works.
What makes this game special is the stunning graphics and color. Everything is vibrant on the crisp iPhone screen. Again, another 99-cent game. (The original geoDefense is $1.99.) Both are must-haves for the iPhone.
For now, that's all I've got, and it's keeping me busy. However, other downloads loom on the horizon.
Till next time.
