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PolyCast Evergreen, Season 2
Celebrating a decade of podcasting, a look-back at the show's second season: ten selected topics that most retain their relevance and ten moments that best represent delivery style. Hosted by show co-creator Wouter "Locutus" Snijders.
Discuss This Special | Stream This Special | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 70m:20s | Filesize: 32.2MB
Release Date: February 24th, 2016
Host: Locutus


Christmas Special 2008: Have a Merry Little Humbug
- 04m41s | Village
  The Christmas City Cityset for Civilization III.
- 06m02s | Generosity
  A Christmas Play-by-Email Game of CivIII where scoring is based on gifting to others.
- 09m03s | Getting
  A short joke about the difference between giving and getting at Christmas.
- 09m30s | Poem
  The poem "You Come to Play" by 'CivFan91'... in song form.
- 11m32s | Name
  Revealing a certain something of one who has been a regular-host from the show's beginning.
- 12m45s | Story
  "A Humbug Carol" written by John "bt_oz" Archer and produced by Daniel "DanQ" Quick, based on "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.
- 20m45s | Civmas
  With inspiration and some content from a related thread, presenting "The Twelve Days of Civmas" based on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" carol.
Discuss This Special | Stream This Special | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 32m:27s | Filesize: 15.5MB
Release Date: December 24th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, GarretSidzaka, Impaler[WrG], bt_oz, ruff_hi



Episode 59: Not Just a Lame Clip Show
- 02m41s | Miscellaneous
  On what is generally different in playing Civilization IV against other humans versus the Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- 04m58s | Research Lab
  Adjusting Civ cities' tax rate city-by-city.
- 06m25s | Forum Talk
  Workers won't stop building forts in Civ IV.
- 09m51s | Senate
  The timing of promotions not always being immediate, and on Guided Missiles being underpowered.
- 18m47s | Forum Talk
  How much do you write down on your Civ games, lack of diverse gameplay in Civ IV: Colonization, on Civ IV: Beyond the Sword Quests in general, and is it ever worth a rush expansion to complete a Quest.
- 37m00s | Senate
  On the combination of the Woodsman III and Medic promotions.
- 41m47s | Miscellaneous
  What is memorable from 2008 in the Civilization world.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: December 13th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua [+ 10 others overall]



TRIVIA: Show's first composite episode of archived segments


Episode 58: You Don't Want To Know
- 03m04s | News
  The what, where, when and why for CivCon '09 has been announced officially.
- 08m33s | Forum Talk
  Things that defy logic in Civilization IV: Colonization.
- 13m34s | Senate
  How much of an occupation army is sufficient, what's up with the Machine Gun unit, Combat vs. City Garrison vs. Drill promotions and unwritten laws about Civilization IV.
- 31m55s | Miscellaneous
  The lowdown on the "EEN Headline News" series.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: November 30th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Diamondeye, General_W



Episode 57: Geeking Out
- 05m45s | Senate
  Trying one's hand at queue swapping in Civilization IV, helping combat inflation in-game, has a new form of "Infinite City Sprawl" emerged and how far is far when sending your Great Merchants afar.
- 24m28s | Forum Talk
  Is there an anti-human bias in Civ IV.
- 27m33s | Miscellaneous
  Inner workings of Civ IV's "Demographics" screen explained and how powerful is your computer.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: November 16th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Wittlich



Episode 56: Recording for Posterity
- 05m14s | Senate
  Which Constitutional freedom is most important to you in Civilization IV: Colonization.
- 07m16s | Forum Talk
  Proposed unique bonuses for Civilization IV religions, do you rework tiles of newly conquered areas, case for a Financial Crisis event in Civ IV: Beyond the Sword and Workers in a pack or alone.
- 22m29s | Vault
  On the gameplay experience that is Civilization: Revolution.
- 29m58s | Mailbag
  Requiring more than a technology to found a Civ IV religion.
- 35m15s | Vault
  Three recent Civ IV gameplay experience recounts.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: November 1st, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Nugog, Methos



Episode 55: It's Expulent
- 03m45s | Mailbag
  The team responds to a detailed email from Sal "Thorburne" Serio who takes some exception to the anti-"realism" position in the Civilization series.
- 28m59s | News
  Civilization IV: Colonization developer Firaxis Games and publisher 2K Games sponsoring a modding contest for the game, and the same two companies releasing new downloadable content -- also known as DLC -- for Civilization: Revolution.
- 34m47s | Senate
  A call out to anyone using the so-called Theology slingshot.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: October 19th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Cartimandua, Alexander I, conmcb25



Episode 54: Say It With An Affectation
- 04m53s | News
  Civilization IV: Colonization has been released and an ongoing series of gamer diaries for this stand-alone Civ IV expansion.
- 12m35s | Research Lab
  A proposed new Civilization IV Wonder of the World: the Large Hadron Collider (which already has a "real world" presence).
- 19m04s | Forum Talk
  The Space Elevator is confusing, what happened to culturally linked starts from Civilization III and Civ IV technologies you deliberately ignore.
- 27m32s | Interview
  We speak further with recent Novice play champion Ken "Carch" Baudicher about the Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword Tri-League Tournament in the second of a two-part interview.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: October 4th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, PimpyMicPimp



Episode 53: How Do Hotcakes Sell?
- 05m39s | News
  Profiles on both the French and Spanish nations in Civilization IV: Colonization, the Civ4Col official website launched and system specifications disclosed, and Take-Two Interactive experiences some financial success in the third quarter of this year.
- 12m55s | Forum Talk
  No events or quests in Civ4Col, why Civilization IV can't have the "fun nature" of Civilization: Revolution [Vault], and Tank and Anti-Tank units in Civ IV: Beyond the Sword being backwards.
- 28m21s | Senate
  The approach to disbanding old units in Civ IV.
- 33m43s | Miscellaneous
  What actors and actresses would you have in a live-action movie based on Civ (IV specifically).
- 37m14s | Research Lab
  Older units that are not upgraded striking in the later Civ game.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: September 20th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Sisiutil



The First 50: Moments Never Heard Before
- 02m20s | The List
  The countdown begins: #50-34.
- 08m57s | Discussion #1
  Sid Meier on Episode 50 and the 2007 Christmas Special "Girls Playing Civ" (plus a Pre-Pilot Flashback).
- 12m29s | The List
  The countdown continues: #33-16.
- 19m27s | Discussion #2
  Worst episodes to date, co-hosts numbers and on the Pre-Pilot (plus another Pre-Pilot Flashback).
- 22m40s | The List
  The countdown rolls on: #15-11.
- 24m45s | Discussion #3
  The first fourth regular co-host, another worst episode to date and guest co-hosts (plus the next Pre-Pilot Flashback).
- 28m00s | The List
  The countdown begins its Top 10: #10-4.
- 32m52s | Discussion #4
  Listening, recording and editing the show (plus yet another Pre-Pilot Flashback).
- 37m53s | Discussion #5
  Reaching 50 episodes and things being said (plus one more Pre-Pilot Flashback).
- 40m41s | The List
  The countdown concludes: #3-1.


Discuss This Special | Stream This Special | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 49m:59s | Filesize: 24.0MB
Release Date: September 17th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua



Episode 52: Condensed Insanity
- 05m33s | News
  New information on Civilization IV: Colonization, Electronic Arts drops takeover bid for Take-Two Interactive but looking at a new approach, and the reincarnation of MicroProse.
- 19m54s | Senate
  Building certain improvements beyond the fat cross of Civilization IV cities, views on the infamous 'Warrior Rush' and founding a city on a resource.
- 28m55s | Forum Talk
  Having more Great Person buildings, Civ4Col: jump right in or study, and having your cities produce nothing.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: September 8th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Impaler[WrG], joebreeves



Episode 51: Regular Defined Loosely
- 04m43s | News
  Three Civilization IV: Colonization items from a preview to one set of screenshots, a second and then a supplement marking its predecessor.
- 10m42s | Mailbag
  Feedback on Episode 50 with Sid Meier and John "bt_oz" on being a longtime listener now guest co-hosting for the first time.
- 16m58s | Senate
  Justifying the flanking promotion, when "All Hell Broke Loose" and how Sid's Sushi Co. can be really dangerous in Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.
- 24m46s | Miscellaneous
  Dan's recurring 'Top Ten' list series returns: this time, ranking "1000 Clues You Play Civ IV Too Much".
- 27m44s | Forum Talk
  Considering a unit-per-tile limit in Civ, why can't ships be sunk by Fighters and/or Bombers, and in Civ4Col choosing which nation you become after independence.
- 37m55s | Miscellaneous
  A suggestion for what could be the Civ series theme song.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: August 23rd, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, bt_oz



INFO: First appearance of Annalee "Cartimandua" Barney as permanent fourth regular co-host


Focus: "Civilization IV: Colonization" with Firaxis Games
- 02m33s | People
  Sixteen year industry veteran Mike Bates (Civ4Col Lead Artist), third-year Firaxis Games employee with seven years beta testing prior Ed Piper (Civ4Col Designer) and one-hundred-plus gaming title credits Jesse Smith (Civ4Col Producer).
- 11m10s | Design
  When and why Firaxis decided to do a remake of Colonization, design philosophy for Civilization IV: Colonization, design familiarities to both Col and Civilization IV in the latter and interface work by Firaxis intern and longtime Civilization community member Ken "Impaler[WrG]" Ferland.
- 18m49s | Gameplay (1 of 3)
  Primary gameplay differences between Col and Civ4Col, new and tweaked buildings and/or resources, tiers of super-specialists and notable abscence of a technology tree.
- 26m56s | Gameplay (2 of 3)
  Colonies covering multiple tiles, targeting particular Founding Fathers by playstyle, religion's role, how the new Constitution feature works and the extensiveness of the game's Diplomacy mechanisms and how they compare to the game's predecessor.
- 36m20s | Gameplay (3 of 3)
  Native tribe traits, colonial powers' leader traits, rationale for not including more than four colonial nations, behind the limited game length, resolving historical accuracy versus gameplay conflicts and in-game automation capabilities.
- 43m42s | Combat
  Combat system mechanics, on siege units, addressing combat failings of Col, and what of naval warfare.
- 50m00s | Graphics
  Art style targetted and responding to public criticisms already raised about the 'Colony' screen.
- 57m26s | Miscellaneous
  Moddability including interoperability with CivIV, music selection (and the related worldwide exclusive on this show), (re-)playing the original Colonization, most difficult elements to design in Civ4Col, possibilities of covering other areas of so-called Age of Discovery next and what question hadn't been asked yet that should have been and its answer.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 70m:35s | Filesize: 33.8MB
Release Date: August 15th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Locutus, Impaler[WrG] | Interviewees: Mike Bates, Ed Piper, Jesse Smith



EXCLUSIVE: Includes Civ4Col information never before publicly disclosed
EXCLUSIVE: Worldwide premiere of the Civ4Col theme music


Episode 50: That's What The Tank Said to the Spearman
- 03m06s | Civilization Series (Part 1)
  Public reception to Civilization: Revolution to date as well as its very successful North American release and accolades for its game controls and interface. Future modding prospects in the series a la Civilization IV and playing on square vs. hex grids.
- 11m03s | Civilization Series (Part 2)
  Possibilities of Civ having a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) incarnation, Civ reflecting society, conducting historical research and Sid's Civ playstyle: warmonger, builder or in combination.
- 19m21s | Sid's Games
  Pursuing original and revisiting existing Intellectual Property (IP), new IP hints, goals in designing Alpha Centauri and how hard it can be for game developers to sell their ideas to publishers.
- 26m00s | Strategy Gaming
  Having Artificial Intelligence (AI) mimick human-like analysis 'in the moment', returning strategy to less complex and more streamlined gameplay.
- 31m24s | Miscellaneous
  On controversy over violence in videogames, reactions of close family and friends to entering the gaming industry, feedback provided by Sid's wife and son into his games, three favourite PC games not from his company and if only able to take one by himself to an exotic island, and the question he always wanted to be asked but hadn't and its answer.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: August 9th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua | Interviewee: Sid Meier



TRIVIA: Meier's first audio interview with a Civilization fansite


Focus: "Civilization: Revolution" with Jason 'Jason2K' Bergman
- 01m32s | General
  Pre-and-post-release responsibilities as Lead Producer on Civilization: Revolution, being the publisher internal producer on titles from Firaxis Games, CivRev playtesting, the introduction to the Civ series and now having worked on a title in it.
- 07m30s | Platforms
  The lack of a Civilopedia for and barebones manual on the DS version, other console port options and future PlayStation 3 platform support.
- 15m18s | Gameplay
  Favourite civilization to play as, responding to criticism of aggressive CivRev Artificial Intelligence (AI), the 2100AD game end limit and explaining the Histograph symbols.
- 21m13s | Content
  Possibilities for an Earth and larger seed maps, chances for custom single-player games, the CivRev scenarios and multiple aspects of Downloadable Content (DLC).
- 27m11s | Reflection
  Most and least satisfying aspects of CivRev, increasing interest in the PC Civ line-up and lessons learned from CivRev's development.
- 35m08s | GameSpy
  How and why the multiplayer service for the PlayStation 3 version was chosen.
- 35m47s | Miscellaneous
  Most memorable CivRev games to date, starting in the gaming career and his own venture, lurking on Civ fansite and official forums and feedback on the CivGameoftheWeek.com effort.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 50m:09s | Filesize: 24.0MB
Release Date: July 30th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Cartimandua | Interviewee: Jason2K



Episode 49: Jump Right Into This
- 06m26s | News
  Information and screenshots on Civilization IV: Colonization from this year's E3 gathering, and is the game morally "offensive".
- 18m34s | Research Lab
  A listener suggested topic: playing Civilization on a hex instead of a square grid.
- 23m46s | Forum Talk
  Why Civilization IV's governors are so bad and no Trophy support for Civilization: Revolution gamers on the PlayStation 3.
- 32m23s | Senate
  Placing your Forbidden Palace National Wonder or not at all.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: July 26th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Cartimandua, AAHZ, Kael



Yak "Civilization: Revolution"
- 01m26s | Akash
  A search engine visit led Akash to the site and the contest, though now seems to think he'll be famous.
- 12m03s | "Cybexx"
  A new visitor to the site and listener to this podcast, Galen "Cybexx" Ryder found the contest to his liking.
- 14m43s | "Fadingbeano"
  The fiancee of Craig "Fadingbeano" apparently tries to make fun of him in taking this call.
- 21m24s | "joebreeves"
  The Civilization enthusiast that is Joe "joebreeves" Reeves is also a fan of this podcast.
- 28m45s | "jsilvrs"
  Participating in the contest made Steven "jsilvrs" Silvers' visits to the site all the more enjoyable.
- 33m38s | "UnOrthOdOx"
  He got anonymity, but didn't want it: "UnOrthOdOx" accepts a challenge in the process.
- 39m56s | [Anonymous]
  This winner of no fixed identity has experience with the Civ series before on the console as well as the PC.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 46m:34s | Filesize: 22.3MB
Release Date: July 23rd, 2008
Host: DanQ | Interviewees: Akash, Cybexx, Fadingbeano, joebreeves, jsilvers, UnOrthOdOx, [Anonymous]



Episode 48: Orange Jello's Just Too Powerful
- 03m24s | Interview
  We speak with recent Novice play champion Ken "Carch" Baudicher about the Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword Tri-League Tournament in the first of a two-part interview.
- 13m21s | News
  Six is the number of first patch previews for the stand-alone expansion Civilization IV: Colonization to be released for PCs this fall (one, two, three, four, five, six).
- 22m01s | Forum Talk
  On Armoured units having their ability to inflict collateral damage removed in the new 3.17 patch for Beyond the Sword, and is the Barrage promotion indeed broken.
- 30m18s | Senate
  Switching to the Free Religion civic as soon as it available and to research Feudalism or Engineering first.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: July 12th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Cartimandua, Keygen, Lancer | Interviewee: Carch



Episode 47: Stranger Than Others
- 04m06s | News
  The long awaited and anticipated Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword 3.17 patch has arrived and a Colonization sequel set in the Civ IV universe is announced.
- 18m39s | Senate
  How to use the National Park National Wonder in Civ IV: BtS and when founding a religion, adopt immediately or wait.
- 24m23s | Forum Talk
  What to have less of in future Civs, the BtS-introduced religious victory deemed too easy, the Khmer Ballista Elephant being the "crappiest" Unique Unit, an alternate effect for the Commando promotion and bringing back multi-level/layer maps to the series.
- 37m12s | Research Lab
  The presence of thieves, bandits and other like units to increase pillaging's profitability.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: June 27th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Solver, Dauphin



Episode 46: Sound Effects
- 03m26s | News
  GameSpot releases the demo for Civilization: Revolution (discussion #1, #2 and #3), Electronic Arts extends their deadline on their offer for Take-Two Interactive and no Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword expansion expected for the Mac.
- 17m10s | Theatre
  Chris "Pinchak", Jon "CanuckSoldier" Ryder and Cartimandua relay recent Civ IV triumphs and disappointments.
- 23m39s | Forum Talk
  The defensive bonus with culture in Civ IV is a sticking point for one of the co-hosts, and adding a limit on the era of Vassals.
- 30m23s | Research Lab
  Splitting civilizations in-game and the concept of a megaopolis.
- 38m35s | Senate
  The importance of blockades in Civ IV with the BtS expansion.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: June 13th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Pinchak, CanuckSoldier



Episode 45: Answer to Everything
- 03m26s | News
  Apple is now profiling Sid Meier.
- 05m17s | Research Lab
  An argument for random religion by event, responding to a Corporate victory condition by listener request and reviewing some player wishlists for a Civilization V.
- 21m54s | Forum Talk
  Considering the position that since the Beyond the Sword expansion, space sabotage is "outrageous" in Civilization IV.
- 25m46s | Senate
  Countering archery units effectively and best offenses and defenses for nuclear weapons.
- 34m52s | Vault
  The Christmas Special 2007 panelists relate their relatives' gameplay experiences with the Civilization franchise.
- 38m49s | Mailbag
  Going over the first known mention of the podcast in print in a special Civ IV edition of a French-language strategy gaming magazine.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: May 30, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Cartimandua, Michael Lucas-Smith, James Robertson



Episode 44: Holy Mackerel
- 03m41s | News
  Infogrames is set to buy the outstanding shares of Atari, and the prospects of online validation for games every 10 days [follow-up].
- 13m19s | Research Lab
  Considering scrapping the Fat-X city radius in the Civilization series and the testing ground that will be Revolution in this respect.
- 18m43s | Senate
  Is warfare, and indeed warmongering, too important in Civ IV.
- 24m09s | Forum Talk
  Removing or at least modifying global warming and its effects, on hydro power and such, and what's new to know that's coming in Civ Rev.
- 35m29s | Vault
  THG being set to buy Brian Reynolds' Big Huge Games and a Top 10 list for "Things I Learned About the Science of Warfare" through Civ IV.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: May 16, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua



Episode 43: Mouth to Mouth
- 01m49s | News
  There's not just one or even two new previews of Civilization Revolution but three. Then there are the release date changes.
- 06m15s | Forum Talk
  Exploring after initial expansion and enabling wineries in Civilization IV.
- 15m35s | Senate
  Are Courthouses worth building and how are Paratroopers useful in the game.
- 29m15s | Interview
  Speaking to Bruce "Beta" Hynes in the second of a two-parter about the Civ IV Beyond the Sword Democracy Game (BtSDG) whose start is all but imminent on Apolyton.
- 37m15s | Research Lab
  How to make colonies sensible in CivIV.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: May 2nd, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Grandpa Troll



Focus: "Alpha Centauri" with 'DarkCloud', 'Darsnan', 'Hydro' and 'Maniac'
- 01m41s | Introductions
  Introducing DarkCloud, Darsnan and Hydro. (Maniac joins in later.)
- 04m51s | Style
  What is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, (SMAC); game dislikes; how the co-hosts found SMAC; and an overview of the factions (including Alien Crossfire).
- 21m08s | Gameplay
  Darsnan and assisting SMAC's Artificial Intelligence (AI), and generating Playing By Email (PBEM) games and scenarios; upgrading the game's acquatic elements; utilizing the conditioned response of players as an advantage; what to give the A.I. to start a game to help it out; and some key individuals in the SMAC community past and present.
- 39m10s | Fiction
  Looking back on Michael Ely's SMAC triology; remembering both the Spartan Chronicles and the Chiron Chronicle; on the writing styles of Alinestra Covelia as seen in the story "Joe"; though its title is not recalled during the recording, Velociryx's Magnum Opus" is what is being referred to, written by Velociryx; the funny "Morgan Spy Tanning Lamps" by Elemental and "Santiago Claus" by Vi Vicdi.
  Getting into "The Wizard of Chiron" by Raging Mouse; DarkCloud himself on his first and second "University Saga" and, his most proud work, heading "The Chrion Chronicle" which eventually gave birth to the "Beyond Alpha Centauri" spin-off; The most prolific SMAC fiction writer, Erik 'Hydro' Spande, on his more than thirty published stories; the premiere SMAC story index, the Chiron Archives compiled by Illuminatus (here's one: Mindworm Tales by Googlie); comparing Vel's to the official strategy guide for SMAC.
- 54m31s | Modding
  The reknown Network Node factions; using FacEdit and scenarios; the "SMANIAC" MOD by Peter "Maniac" Steenbeke who himself talks about it; also from Maniac, the "Planetfall" MOD.
- 67m51s | Remarks
  Tuning in to PolyCast, the sense of SMAC community and the possibilities of a sequel for the game.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 79m:54s | Filesize: 37.4MB
Release Date: May 20th, 2008
Hosts: DarkCloud, Darsnan, Hydro, Maniac | Cameo: DanQ



Download The Extra | Stream The Extra | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 10m:15s | Filesize: 4.8MB
Release Date: July 16th, 2008



Episode 42: Mix It Up
- 03m07s | Forum Talk
  Why build farms at all and why no 'building' Espionage in Civilization IV.
- 10m13s | Interview
  Speaking to Bruce "Beta" Haynes about the Civ IV Beyond the Sword Democracy Game (BtSDG) about to get underway on Apolyton. The first of a two-parter, includes the greater history of DGs in the community.
- 16m28s | Research Lab
  The case for a withdrawal equivalent for defense in the Civ series.
- 25m51s | Senate
  What is a reasonable gift request and a new Top 10 list by request: Unique Units in Civ IV.
- 37m16s | Mailbag
  Feedback o'plenty from Apolyton's 2008 April Fools joke, the launch of a third PolyCast podcast.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: April 18th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, Cartimandua, Beta



INFO: First appearance of Annalee "Cartimandua" Barney as temporary fourth regular co-host


Focus: "Civilization IV: War of Two Cities" with Floodgate and Oasys
- 01m01s | Introductions
  Introducing our four interviewees: Rick Reymer, Vice President of Product Development (Oasys Mobile); Paul Neurath, Creative Director (Floodgate Entertainment); Scott Kimball, Lead Designer (Floodgate Entertainment); Jason Rice, Producer (Oasys Mobile).
- 06m10s | General
  The impetus for Civilization IV: War of Two Cities, how it differs from previous mobile-Civ titles, its side-scrolling real-time strategy nature, how civilization borders work and conquest for victory.
- 15m06s | Technology
  Advancing through the three different trees present (Military, Industrial, Agricultural), breadth and depth of progression, comparisons to Rise of Nations, prioritizing particular one branch over another (and the place of difficulty stages and settings).
- 21m48s | Setup
  The make-up of WoTC maps and why games are only Human vs. Artificial Intelligence and not Human vs. Human too.
- 25m04s | Civilizations
  The four civilizations that are in WoTC and the organization of their appearance, civilization-specific advantages, working with 2D graphics and how you could end up playing against yourself.
- 30m22s | Units
  Projectile and army mechanics and the number of power bars on-screen, strategizing a particular type of warfare over another and the possible inclusion of water and air-based units in any WotC sequel.
- 39m48s | Availability
  Hardware and subscription requirements to play WoTC, carrier availability and staggered release schedule including those and that outside of the United States.
- 43m47s | Storage
  Saving, pausing and sharing WoTC games.
- 46m20s | Miscellaneous
  Advice for breaking into the gaming industry, past exposure to PolyCast and interviewees' final thoughts.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 52m:17s | Filesize: 24.5MB
Release Date: April 08th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, GarretSidzaka | Interviewees: Rick Reymer, Paul Neurath, Scott Kimbball, Jason Rice



TRIVIA: First audio interview on Civilization IV: War of Two Cities released


Episode 41: The Evil Empire
- 03m50s | News
  Take-Two Interactive asking shareholders not to sell to Electronic Arts, the official Civilization: Revolution website has been launched and patterns of videogame use with survey.
- 22m59s | Research Lab
  In a detailed follow-up from a related discussion on the show previously, whether to extend the Medieval period in Civilization and if so how.
- 30m21s | Senate
  Defending against amphibious attack in Civ IV and specialist use: before or after full population?


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: April 04th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, CyberShy, Heraclitus



OTCast Episode 01: A Bit Chippy
- 02m14s | News [1 of 3]
  Whether or not the splintering of Apolyton's "Off-Topic" forum was a good idea. Should the 'History', 'Technology' and 'Sports' sub-forums be folded back (or a combination thereof)? Then, the ever polarizing issue of the federal 2008 United States Election.
- 15m25s | Time Machine
  Remembering the old days when the "Off-Topic" forum was divided into one for Civilization II and the other Civilization: Call to Power.
- 19m31s | Forum Talk [1 of 3]
  he perpetual "how much does Calgary suck?" theme leads and four specific threads come next. "You've Come a Long Way Baby", "Poly Admin Has POLL...", "Pro golfer charged with animal cruelty" and "I invited a girl for supper...". Mention of "How is the economy?" threads follows.
- 22m05s | Mailbag
  Guessing the name of a movie that a particular co-host put to the Apolyton community (hint #2, #3 and #4).
- 23m25s | News [2 of 3]
  The heated debate over private schools in California and buying titles in Sealand. Striking down blasphemy laws in then raised.
- 29m55s | Forum Talk [2 of 3]
  Amongst other oddities, how and why in the world would this show be claimed in the name of the Governor General of Canada.
- 36m03s | News [3 of 3]
  Many German soliders are too fat with reference to an apparent end of cheap food.
- 39m27s | Forum Talk [3 of 3]
  The creativity of OT thread titles such as "Drunkithreadi I" and in usernames too including how 'notyoueither' came about.


Discuss This Special | Stream This Special | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 51m:41s | Filesize: 24.2MB
Release Date: April 01st, 2008
Hosts: Imran Siddiqui, Ming, rah, notyoueither | Cameo: DanQ



TRIVIA: Produced and released as April Fool's 2008 joke


Episode 40: They Do Have Bananas
- 06m27s | News
  What Sid says are the three most important moments in gaming and many-a-preview of Civilization: Revolution (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).
- 12m51s | Forum Talk
  Do you change the espionage slider (in Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword), do Permanent Alliances make games too easy and what Civ series unit do you miss the most.
- 25m35s | Senate
  Do you place a Forge in every CivIV city, what to do about "rat traps" and choosing between building Grenadiers and Riflemen.
- 34m31s | Theatre
  Some of the biggest blunders in CivIV, led off by a tale from Civilization III.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: March 21st, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Methos, condor223



Episode 39: No Sarcasm There at All
- 04m06s | News
  Electronic Arts says that they'll buy Take-Two Interactive, but are told maybe later. Then there's the making of Civilization IV with Lead Designer Soren Johnson.
- 14m10s | Forum Talk
  A greater use for Artillery, particularly defensively, is explored prompted by a listener's suggestion, what to do about the Stealth Destroyer the Civ IV expansion Beyond the Sword introduced, and addressing the obsolescence of Castles in-game.
- 26m35s | Research Lab
  What allure do civilization-specific events hold.
- 30m36s | Senate
  Is it necessary to improve every tile and does razing make Civ games too easy.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: March 07th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Cartimandua, Alexander I



Focus: "Civilization: Revolution" with Elizabeth '2K Elizabeth' Tobey
- 01m03s | Introduction
  Who Elizabeth is and her own description of CivRev; comparing and contrasting the other communities she manages; following up on a previous podcast interview, contact with the CivRev development team, and what it's like to work on a title in her favourite gaming series.
- 16m07s | Reception
  The uphill battle CivRev is fighting in the PC Civ community (or not), the link(s) between CivRev and its PC brethren, and is there still room for community building outside of closed networks on the Internet.
- 23m02s | General
  Reviewing single player rivals and AI in multiplayer, the issue of an open play mode, Nintendo DS details including save games, and gazing towards the anticipated CivRev demo.
- 29m51s | Multiplayer
  Going over multiplayer options in general and then how that will work on the DS specifically.
- 32m38s | Modding
  No level editor in CivRev, but what of a WorldBuilder or XML/SDK a la Civilization IV?
- 33m55s | Industry
  Being a woman in an field dominated by men, are online gaming communities too male-dominated, advice to women or anyone wanting to break into the gaming industry for that matter, and on meeting Sid Meier in person for the first time.
- 42m09s | Miscellaneous
  How Elizabeth came to find Apolyton and what took her so long afterwards to register and post on the forums, her own podcast venture, PolyCast listening experience and anything else of interest not yet covered.


Discuss This Feature | Stream This Feature | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 52m:27s | Filesize: 25.1MB
Release Date: March 04th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Locutus | Interviewee: 2K Elizabeth



TRIVIA: First production with guest from a game publisher


Episode 38: This One Time, in Band Camp
- 04m04s | News
  A preview of Civilization: Revolution on the Xbox360 platform.
- 09m34s | Forum Talk
  Going over the unofficial 3.13 patch for Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword at length and why some human players want to be a vassal too.
- 21m56s | Senate
  Being a technology whore, the merits of Harbours in every coastal city and the zany application of a thief economoy.
- 32m36s | Research Lab
  A place for natural wonders that's more a la Civ Rev than CivIV: BtS's random events.
- 38m15s | Theatre
  Reincarnated segment an opportunity for co-hosts to talk about a recent (Civ IV) gameplay experience, Michael and Dan do just that.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.0MB
Release Date: February 22nd, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, KMadeleine, Michael Lucas-Smith



INFO: Last appearance of Kelly "KMadeleine" as fourth regular co-host


Episode 37: One Way to Look At It
- 03m57s | News
  A Civilization: Revolution preview for the Nintendo DS and Wii port on indefinite hold, and is Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword a commercial failure with extension on North American PC sales tracking.
- 14m13s | Forum Talk
  Do you want a Civilization V to have governments or civics, desirability for a naval unit (or units) between frigates and destroyers in Civ IV and building Warriors and other outdated units past their obsolescence.
- 29m30s | Vault
  An interlude on the "I'm So Bad at Civ IV that..." list.
- 33m27s | Senate
  What's the appeal of Civ IV's Marathon and Epic game speeds and "divine" intervention through WorldBuilder.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: February 08th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, KMadeleine, Michael Lucas-Smith



Episode 36: Too Much Information
- 03m49s | News
  Reflecting on Sid Meier set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 08m44s | Forum Talk
  The "slow" Civilization IV and "fast" Alpha Centauri when it comes to combat and how could a Civilization V be better than Civ IV.
- 28m13s | Research Lab
  Nine proposed tenets for Civ IV's religions, using patrolling to beef up the sentry system and a place for tribal villages of the sea.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:58s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: January 25th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, Makahlua, Imran Siddiqui, rah



Episode 35: By Popular Request
- 06m05s | News
  How the Civilization series is "Wreaking Havoc" on our Children's Education, and an American university professor teaching a part of Roman history "The Civilized Way" -- with a CivIV scenario, that is.
- 14m51s | Forum Talk
  We rank our favourite CivIV Favourite Traits and Leaders for builders, warmongers and different approaches to each, and criticize some alternate traits just as their author requested.
- 35m54s | Mailbag
  Responding to the high volume and quality feedback for the Feedback on 2007 Christmas Special.


Discuss This Episode | Stream This Episode | Mobile Quality
Runtime: 44m:59s | Filesize: 21.5MB
Release Date: January 11th, 2008
Hosts: DanQ, KMadeleine, Locutus



INFO: First appearance of Kelly "KMadeleine" as fourth regular co-host


SEASON 2 / PROFILE / ABOUT   < Sample Clips #1/#2/#3 (04m59s | 2.4MB | Discuss #1/#2/#3; Stream #1/#2/#3; Dial-Up #1/#2/#3) >

Giving a high five. That's the current season for this bi-weekly podcast focusing on Civilization strategy. Daniel "DanQ" Quick leads Makahlua, Philip "TheMeInTeam" Bellew and Lisa "qnl" Bang as its regular co-hosts. Episodes are edited by Quick and are ~45 minutes apiece. It is the elder sibling to the modding-centric ModCast, console-centric RevCast and multiplay-centric TurnCast.
  < Generic Promo (01m30s | 724KB | Stream | Dial-Up >

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