MEET THE TEAM
TheWanderingBard
- Episode debuted on: 1
- Favourite games: Twitchy platformers, RPGs, MOBAs.
Founder, creative director, permanent host and all around pretty cool guy, ten minutes of listening to Metagame should tell you all you need to know about the Bard. He's loud, he's opinionated, he talks over the other hosts like etiquette was a type of bread and he analyses most things far more than they ever really needed to be. Desperate to share his conclusions and thus validate his existence, Bard takes the show very seriously and edits out all the unwanted unprofessionalism. Despite this, he refuses to script the show or do multiple takes, so he is either hypocritical or insane. Nevertheless, he at times manages to be funny, insightful, inventive and unbiased - and occasionally even lets someone else get a word in.
Dazza
- Episode debuted on: 1
- Number of months of begging required for him to join the team: 14
A long-time foil for the Bard and quiet, thoughtful soul, Dazza came reluctantly to the podcasting life. However, after he had stopped trying to pick the locks on his chair and settled down, he found the power of the Internet Anonymity Shield had given him new confidence to speak out about the games he played and what he thought of them. Surprisingly tenacious in an argument, Dazza is not one to let his mouth run away with him, and his contributions to Metagame are always valuable and unique, like diamonds with your face on them. Being the most reliable team member has left him alone with Bard on several episodes, which has forced him to further test himself and hone his podcasting craft. Certainly Dazza is one show host with an exciting future.
Harpy Queen
- Episode debuted on: 1
- Yearbook Entry: Most Likely to Marry a Final Fantasy Game.
Frequently busy with some foreign machination she calls "a life", Harpy Queen nevertheless finds time on occasion to inject some womanly wile into Metagame's debates. Named for her piercing shriek and fiery disposition, Harpy will leap furiously to the defense of what she loves, most of which seems to be JRPG titles. Harpy is blessed with sharp wits and a sharper tongue, and isn't afraid to speak her mind to anybody, which stands her in good stead when podcasting with a collection of equally shouty people. And although she is sometimes reluctant to talk on subjects she doesn't know, her unique opinions and pointed wit help give the show a healthy balance whenever she graces it with her presence.
Me_Aidan
- Episode debuted on: 1
- Radio handles considered: UnOriginal, Names Are Hard Guys, Too Cool
Cutting his losses and podcasting without protection, Aidan's lack of a show handle perfectly captures his eagerness for life and haphazard approach to personal security. Coming from a background in console gaming and a chronic MMO addiction, Aidan now keeps up with a wide variety of games and eagerly pursues information on upcoming titles as much as he does perfection in those that are released. Aidan is a strong believer in a competitive approach and perfect execution, which only makes it more bemusing when he starts browsing internet forums in the middle of a segment. Despite struggling with writing pieces in the past, Aidan's desire to improve stands him in good stead with the rest of the team, and it would not be surprising to see him contributing standalone segments very, very soon.
Fleet
- Episode debuted on: 2
- Average minutes present per episode: 8.4735
Fleet could well have been named for the duration of his appearance on the show; nevertheless, he is easily the most awesome thing yet to happen in all its history. Whereas Aidan consistently strives for perfection, Fleet is already there and enjoying the view, his phenomenal skill in not only all videogames, but every conceivable area of human achievement legendary to all who know of him. Unassuming and self-effacing, Fleet slips casually under the guard of listeners, subtly rebuilding their universes with his devastating observations and side-splitting quips. He also swears he didn't write this bio. If only Fleet can ever speak another word while Metagame is on record, the world will be a brighter place for it. Doubtless we all wait for that day with bated breath.
McLeish
- Episode debuted on: 3
- Item he would choose to take to a desert island: electrical tape.
As Metagame's beloved marketing director and semi-regular cohost, McLeish a.k.a. Gamefreak431 is an experienced gaming journalist and audio technician who finds the time between his many social and television commitments to scream with several other people into a microphone. Frequently going above and beyond the limit to source contacts and interviews for the show, McLeish is aided by his magnetic personality, which also makes him one of the few show hosts who will go with Bard in a debate. However, McLeish shares the Bard's strong belief in professionalism, and is careful never to let their arguments devolve into mudslinging or take over the show. McLeish is very laid-back in his attitude to the show, but no less committed to its success for that fact, which leaves his co-hosts with the opinion that he'll be around the Metagame family for quite some time to come.
Blacky
- Episode debuted on: 3
- Position on Show: Making everyone feel sorry for both him and themselves.
Blacky spent most of his time on the show lying sick on a bed and forcing everything to be explained two or three times, which won him no fans amoung the podcasters, but to his credit he forced enough people to consider his issues that one must feel he'll be slowly and carefully reintroduced should the chance arrive. Boisterous and outspoken, listeners are advised to watch their back in case of attack.
Unca Bob
- Episode debuted on: 5
- Special Talent: Pretending to be a cantankerous old man.
Bob's introduction to Metagame was a thing of convenience and necessity, as Bard and McLeish realised they needed another knowledgeable host for a particular segment. Fortunately for all involved, Bob spends his entire waking life standing by his phone waiting to be asked to remotely join in on-air podcasts, and as such he picked up on the first ring. He recorded the segment over ventrilo, the next week he turned up and did the show live, and the rest is (relatively recent) history. Bob is like a malevolent starving bear, in that he projects an aura of general hatred and annoyance which at times persists even after you realise he is just a large hairy teddy. However he is very much the thinking man's gamer, and his high standards mean games that receive his ominously-shaped stamp of approval wear it with solemn pride. Combine this with world-beating punctuality and willingness to attack any subject and it's no surprise that Bob has become a regular member of the Metagame team.
Demon's Souls
Demon's Souls
- Episode debuted on: 1
- Proudest Moment: Winning Game of the Year from Gamespot.
A notoriously difficult action-RPG produced by Japanese developer From Software and released in 2009, Demon's Souls features a range of innovative and unique mechanics and is described by Bard as "absolutely not my favourite game. What gave you that impression?". Despite this, he manages to bring up the topic of Demon's Souls at least once a show, making this PS3-exclusive Metagame's most regular recurring cast member. A rumoured engagement between Bard and the sequel, Dark Souls, is currently on hold after Bard spent half an hour comparing its predecessor to a Facebook game.
