On the Spot

Описание: Aired on August 17, 2006, this On the Spot episode features a packed mix of developer demos, exclusive previews, and live gameplay segments spanning sports, action, and quirky Japanese imports.

Episode Highlights:
• NBA 2K7 (Xbox 360, PS2) – Lead gameplay designer Mike Wang and AI engineer Rob Gatson from 2K Sports demonstrate the advanced physics, new dunk system, signature player animations, and improved team AI. The interview covers motion capture techniques, team tendencies, and full-year development improvements over NBA 2K6.
• Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (Xbox 360) – LucasArts showcases live gameplay from The Empire Strikes Back, including the Battle of Hoth and Cloud City stages. New features include free-roaming vehicle missions, adaptive difficulty, and character-specific melee moves. Developers discuss the humor, design evolution, and expanded ship variety such as the AT-ST and Slave I.
• SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab (Wii) – A THQ producer explains how motion controls shape unique dream-based gameplay across multiple character scenarios for the upcoming Wii launch title.
• Joint Task Force (PC) – Sierra’s real-time tactical strategy game debuts, emphasizing modern military realism with destructible environments, authentic licensed vehicles, and hero unit progression.
• Madden NFL 07 (Xbox 360) – Sports editor Brian Ekberg demonstrates the new training camp and Superstar modes, including the 40-yard dash, bench press, and quarterback challenges. Discussion includes franchise mode and the removal of the default “vision cone.”
• Cooking Mama (Nintendo DS) – Ryan Davis plays through the offbeat Japanese cooking sim, showcasing mini-game-based recipes and combination mechanics with live commentary.
• Extras: Giveaways (Scarface towel, Logitech remote), live trivia, and closing banter featuring Rich Gallup, Jeff Gerstmann, Ryan Davis, and Brian Ekberg.

Hosts: Rich Gallup, Jeff Gerstmann, Ryan Davis, Brian Ekberg, Jason Ocampo.
Runtime: ~53 minutes | Originally broadcast: August 17, 2006.