It’s been a few months coming, but we’ve completed our latest OPP (Other People’s Podcasts). This time we take a look at Barrel Roll, the official podcast of WingDamage.com.
I initially began the OPP for Barrel Roll back in June, scribbling notes here and there based on what I heard. I have to admit: I wasn’t all that impressed. Not to demean the effort, only that the podcast hadn’t matured to the level yet where the hosts were comfortable enough to talk about games on a regular basis. And, I was even invited and appeared on one of the episodes that I didn’t like very much. Go figure.
Thankfully for Barrel Roll (and the other OPPs in the cue) I’ve been swamped enough with articles and travels to the point where I had to put aside the semi-weekly endeavor after just those first two episodes. Since firing the feature back up things have changed considerably, and Barrel Roll’s growth is a testament to that.
Entertainment Value
Right from the get-go I’ll mention that Barrel Roll is now one of the podcasts I look forward to every week. The topics fit in with me likes and dislikes: talk about games that are classically-inspired and sometimes overlooked, news that is relevant, neat features like local multiplayer gaming. Throughout the podcast I find myself often saying “That’s exactly what I thought about that game too!” The last few episodes especially have been fun to listen to, and the podcast’s maturation over that timespan is immediately apparent. The length the podcast is right in line with most other gaming shows: 1 hour give or take 30 minutes, so not too long or too short. It’s paced well, includes humor, and focuses often on their site visitors.
Original Content
While the show is based on the tried-and-true “four guys around a table” methodology of podcasting, some of the features are very enjoyable. Of note is the “Let’s Play Together” segment in which the hosts talk about a local multiplayer game they’ve recently played, whether through split-screen or many Contra-style with many players on a screen at once. Nothing spectaculary new, but definitely well-organized.
Production Value
This is my biggest gripe with the podcast. The recordings often sound muffled, causing the audio to be less than par. Basically, it sounds as if I’m listening through a can of Arizona Iced Tea. It may be the recording software, but it may be the microphones. Either way, it isn’t the best. It’s tolerable, but I often found myself turning the treble up past what my normal settings are just to clear it up.
Cast/ Hosts
The hosts of the show, Jonah & brother Jesse Gregory, as well as writers from the Wing Damage website and special guests, communicate together extremely well. In fact, the show comes off as if recorded by a group of lifelong friends who always find something enjoyable and funny to talk about and never piss each other off. Think: the nicest group of guys you could possibly meet.
In Conclusion…
As stated earlier, this has become a great and enjoyable podcast. While at times formulaic (but then again, the majority of podcasts are when dealing with news) and with a sub-par audio recording, the show still manages to be fun and loose, something I appreciate when listening. It’s like a morning radio show with people you actually like.
Barrel Roll can be found at WingDamage.com
Do you have a podcast that you’d like us to listen to? Send it over! Visit our “Contact” page and send us the link! And remember, a podcast is only as good as its latest episode.
Previous OPPs: Visiting the Village and A Life Well Wasted
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