1UP.com produces many fine gaming podcasts such as 1UP Yours, Retronauts and LAN Party (previously GFW Radio). While they are all worth listening to, the podcast formerly known as EGM Live and currently known as 1UP FM offers something unique: The Backlog.
The Backlog is a feature at the tail end of each week’s episode where some 1UP editors get together to discuss some cult classic games that the majority of gamers probably skipped in favor of some of the more well-marketed releases of their time. The game that the editors play is voted on by the community in forum polls. The editors all play separately, on their own time, often on differing systems. Meeting each week, for as many weeks as it takes, they discuss their progress and give their thoughts on the games. Each segment runs for about thirty minutes or more. So far Backlog has featured Shadow of the Colossus, Psychonauts, Indigo Prophecy (AKA Fahrenheit), and STALKER. Special guests relevant to each game are not a rarity. During the final segment for Psychonauts they were joined by lead designer Tim Schafer. After playing Indigo Prophecy they interviewed producer Constantine Hantzopoulos. I don’t believe they had a special guest for Shadow of the Colossus or STALKER; it’s likely that a language barrier was to blame.
If you’re wondering why I’m turning you on to this now, it’s because this week on the 12/01/08 episode of 1UP FM (at 73:15!) began the discussion of Beyond Good & Evil. You may recall BG&E being featured here at Downloadable Suicide as a cheap game that you need to play back in June. Did you play? Doing so has never made more sense than it does now.

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Dec 3 2008 3:14 am
Oh, yes I played Beyond Good and Evil the very day it came out. Same goes for Fahrenheit. For some reason I always tend to play the underdog-games.
Dec 3 2008 1:33 pm
Doctorsoul, I applaud you [without sarcasm]. The industry needs gamers like you and Sokkratez. I hadn’t even heard of BG&E until after its release. I heard of Fahrenheit beforehand, but unfortunately I’ve never been in a good position to put money into anything but those purchases that have the most value. Hopefully that changes. I’m tired of formulaic, safe games being eaten up by the gaming community.
Dec 5 2008 3:43 pm
I finished listening to the last Psychonauts backlog, which I had somehow missed. I also listened to the first BG&E backlog, which was very enjoyable. I like to question myself a lot so it’s reassuring to hear I’m not crazy in thinking this game was great. I like to relive a lot of the moments through other people, too. Great stuff.
I hope to actually play one of these along with the podcast — maybe Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy. Life hasn’t been real helpful lately in not making me feel guilty for every moment I spend gaming, though.
Dec 9 2008 11:41 pm
Second backlog about BG&E hit yesterday. Good stuff. Looks like they plan on doing this game for two more weeks!
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