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Mega64
Logo with mega written in pixel-block capital letters above the number 64.
Genre
Created by
  • Rocco Botte
  • Derrick Acosta
  • Shawn Chatfield
Starring
  • Rocco Botte
  • Derrick Acosta
  • Shawn Chatfield
  • Garrett Hunter
  • Eric Baudour
  • Kevin Bushong
Opening theme"Sequence Erase" (instrumental version) by The Aquabats featuring Parry Gripp
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes17 (list of episodes)
Production
Producers
Running time30 minutes
Production companyTD Philostrate Productions
Original release
NetworkPublic Access, DVD, YouTube, Twitch
ReleaseNovember 18, 2004 (2004-11-18) –
present

Mega64 is a comedy webseries centered on video games created by Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield, formed in 2003. Originally conceived to be a public-access television show, the original five episodes produced were later released on DVD as Mega64: Version 1 in 2004.

Since then, two further DVDs have been released (in 2006 and 2010 respectively) titled Version 2 and Version 3, with six episodes apiece. In addition to these, another two DVDs have been released, comprising sketches and commercials the production crew has created for various gaming companies and websites, including Ubisoft and IGN. Special editions of both Version 1 and Version 2 were released in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

In addition to video production, the Mega64 team host their own podcast, and are responsible for the Gamedays event at Disneyland, a now annual event started in 2010. The event serves as both a meet and greet for the crew and fans and as a popular event to explore the secrets of Disneyland, of which the Mega64 team are renowned fans.

Variety magazine named Mega64 as one of its "10 Comics to Watch for 2015".[1]

Plot synopsis

In the not too distant future, a sinister scientist named Dr. Poque (Botte) creates the most powerful video game console ever assembled. Known as the 'Mega64', this device has the power to download classic and contemporary video games into the user's brain, causing them to take on a whole new reality.[2]

While Rocko [sic] and Derek [sic] are hooked to the Mega64, the viewer sees them acting as characters in the corresponding game, interacting with ordinary people in San Diego. Another character, named Sean, is initially hired by Dr. Poque as Rocko and Derek's "e-mail delivery man" but also starts taking part in the Mega64 experiments.

Two additional characters are later introduced: a puppet named Marcus (voiced by Chatfield), who is presumably working for Poque; and Horatio (Acosta), Poque's eccentric Mexican roommate.

History

Version 1 DVD case

The series was originally produced to air on public-access television; however, the original five episodes did not get broadcast. Later, creator Rocco Botte pitched the show to G4 but was rejected, though G4 presenter Tommy Tallarico encouraged Botte to publish the material online.[3]

Eventually, the show staff released all episodes produced so far on DVD, published through Awful Video, the publishing arm of Something Awful. The Mega64 official site provides links to order the DVD, along with several free sample video clips.

The show's website includes several exclusive videos such as "Agent Smith Goes to Washington", which primarily spoofs The Matrix films and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, with a subtle homage to the game Paperboy, and others.[4]

The show has also been referenced in video gaming magazines Electronic Gaming Monthly and Nintendo Power. The Luigi's Mansion skit was also featured on a DVD included with issue 147 of the Official Nintendo Magazine.

Mega64: Version 2, the show's second season, was released on DVD on July 20, 2006. Mega64 Time! was released on DVD on July 26, 2007. This is a two-disc set of every video game commercial made by the Mega64 crew until that point and another disc of random skits.[5]

Mega64: Version 3 was originally meant to be released in 2008, but at their PAX 2008 panel, the team stated Version 3 would most likely not be finished until early 2009. By March 2010, all six episodes of Version 3 had been officially completed. Mega64: Version 3 went on sale May 28, 2010, and began shipping on June 8.[6] The cover artwork is reminiscent of the PeopleMover and Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction posters from Disneyland, and features the tagline, "Adventures Thru Digital Space," while the back cover parodies Walt Disney's Disneyland opening day speech.

On 20 November 2010, Mega64: Night Time! was announced, a follow-up to their Mega64 Time! DVD, which, similar to the earlier release, contains all ads and numerous random skits produced since the first DVD was released.[7]

According to Mega64.com, British Sky Broadcasting would be airing the first season of Mega64 on one of their channels during their gaming block programming. However, in Mega64's Podcast: Episode 77, it was revealed Sky would not be airing Mega64, due to a misunderstanding between the two companies. In said podcast it was explained that British Sky Broadcasting had come under new management, and that Mega64's episodes being aired had been "lost in the shuffle". After contacting the company for the reasoning behind this, Sky representatives replied to Mega64 saying they "had asked too much money", however the Mega64 crew claims they did not ask for any amount of money.[8]

The Mega64 cast and crew members are included in the game Super Scribblenauts as playable characters.[9][10]

Rocco Botte was involved with the DVD release of the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers series. He was given a Special Thanks credit.[11]

Episodes

The artwork for Mega64: Version 3.
Main article: List of Mega64 episodes
Mega64
The crew of Mega64 on stage at the Game Developers Choice Awards, March 2010.
From left to right: Chatfield, Acosta, and Botte.
Personal information
OriginSan Diego, California, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationComedians
Websitewww.mega64.com Edit this at Wikidata
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2006–present
Genre
Comedy Video Games
Subscribers478,146 subscribers[12]
(September 2018)
Total views159.9 million views[12]
(September 2018)
Associated actsRooster Teeth
100,000 subscribers2014
Last updated: September 6, 2018

Version 1 (first season)

  1. Life Inside a Console
  2. I Feel Asleep
  3. Poque
  4. The Gangs Returned to Class and Became Honor Students
  5. Eyes of Skull Has a Secret

Version 2 (second season)

  1. This Story is Happy End
  2. Ode to Sue
  3. And Suddenly, Ezra Didn't Feel So Alone Anymore
  4. What the Hell Happened to Mega64?
  5. Summer Semester
  6. Stranger

Version 3 (third season)

  1. Frankie
  2. Bigger Boat
  3. The Wizard 2
  4. Mega64! (Musical episode)
  5. Project Woosh
  6. Delaware

Promotional skits

Ubisoft

For Ubisoft, the Mega64 team has produced skits featuring Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Cold Fear, 187 Ride or Die, Myst V: End of Ages, Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, all of which have been available for download on their respective websites.[13][14]

Skits featuring Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter are available for download not only on the game's official website, but also via Xbox Live to Microsoft's Xbox 360, in full high-definition and Dolby 5.1 Surround, both firsts for Mega64. Both videos are now available, listed as "GRAW: Cross-Com 1" and "GRAW: Cross-Com 2".[15][16]

Game Developers Conference

The Mega64 group have created several promotional skits for the Game Developers Conference, including advertisements for the conference and its Independent Games Festival, as well as comedic skits played during the conference's Game Developers Choice Awards. In 2008, the team released a series of advertisements for IGF, entitled "Intro", "I am Independent", and "Independent Inspirations".[17] In 2010, they released another series of advertisements.[18]

For the conference's Game Developers Choice Awards, the group regularly create comedic skits focusing on award recipients, which are premiered during the award ceremony. These include satirical accounts of Lifetime Achievement Award winners' careers, such as those of Ken Kutaragi in "Kutaragi's Way" and Hironobu Sakaguchi in "Sakaguchi's Final Fantasy".[19][20]

Konami

In 2011, the Mega64 crew supplied a skit to Konami's E3 show, debuting the "transfarring" system in their upcoming Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. The system, which enables saved game data transfer between the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita, was presented as a solution to the problem of continuing game progress 'on the go', with Botte shown traversing public areas with a large, moving television and home console setup. The skit also revealed that the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and the Zone of the Enders HD Collection would be released on the Xbox 360, in addition to the PlayStation 3.[21]

On May 31 of 2012, Mega64 supplied a skit to Konami's Pre-E3 show as promotional material for their upcoming title Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. The skit had the game's protagonist Raiden seeking jobs at an unemployment office after being fired due to an implied terrible economy, before eventually settling for Cybernetic Private Military Contractor, with Jehuty also trying to find a job in the last minutes of the skit.[22]

For Konami's Pre-E3 show in 2013, the group supplied a skit advertising the game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. The skit featured Botte performing a satirical take on the game's protagonist, Dracula.[23]

Other promotional work

The group have also done promotional videos for the 2006 and 2007 Spike Video Game Awards that have aired on Spike TV.[24]

The Mega64 team produced the music video for the Freezepop song "Brainpower".[25]

In 2009, the group produced four commercials for GameTap, which aired on Adult Swim.[26]

In 2012, Mega64 also produced faux commercials that appear in The Aquabats! Super Show! on The Hub.[27]

Nintendo enlisted Mega64 to produce promotional skits to reveal the company's E3 plans for 2014[28][29] and 2015.[30]

In 2015, the Mega64 team created a promotional skit featuring Koji "IGA" Igarashi for his upcoming game and Kickstarter crowdfunding project, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The skit is entitled "WORLD'S GREATEST VAMPIRE HUNTER".[31]

Cast

  • Rocco Botte – Dr. Poque, 'Rocko Boaty', Additional Characters[32]
  • Derrick Acosta – Derek Ackawzdha, Horatio, Additional Characters[33]
  • Shawn Chatfield – Sean Chatfeild, Marcus (voice)/Human Marcus, Chip Grip, Additional Characters[34]

Additional cast

  • Garrett Hunter – Garret: Leader of FALZ, Lobo Fuerte, Jessse The Man-Snake, DOWN Guardian, Blacks Guild Member, Additional Characters
  • Chaz Baltezore Jr. – tr1gg3r s3r1ou5!!!!1 (Trigger Serious)
  • Corey Springett – Vase Holder
  • Craig Chatfield – Sombrero Guy
  • Dallas McLaughlin – Boat Protector/Racist
  • Dominic Botte – Dr.Jambo, Tourist, Church2 User, Additional Characters
  • Duncan Roberts – The Specter (Version 1)
  • Eric Baudour – Horatio pornography enthusiast, Dr. Poque's old coworker, Wizard seeker, King Burger King, unnamed FALZ Member
  • Evan Morrison – Thug
  • Fernando Jay Huerto – FALZ Enforcer
  • Frank Howley – Wizard Seeker, HAT Trooper, Audience Member
  • Hawley Laterza – Gruntilda
  • Jennifer Jensen – Herself
  • Jennie Gates – Amber (aka, "Amber from High School")
  • Jenny Luckey – Sue
  • John Wanser – Jon, Terminator2 Watcher
  • Jon Allen – Kain (voice only, Version 1)
  • Jonathan Rohrbacher – Benny, Tony, Shu From China
  • Josh Brashars - Kain, FALZ Recruiter (Version 2)
  • Josh Elwell – Teddy Beans
  • Josh Jones – Dr. Poque's old colleague
  • Kevin Bowen – Dr. Poque's old boss
  • Kevin "Sparky" Bushong - Unnamed FALZ member
  • Kevin Castaneda – Rick
  • Kevin Smith – Himself
  • Krista Chatfield – The "True Form" of the Virus
  • Kyle Hebert – Wanser (voice)
  • Laura Loza – The "Romantic Interest"/The Blacks' Hostage
  • Leroy Patterson – Salt Guy
  • Luke Chatfield – Thark the Man-Possum, Blacks Guild Leader, The Specter (Version 2), unnamed FALZ member, Additional Characters
  • Margie Acosta – Horatio's Mom
  • Matthew Lopez – Future Dude
  • Michael J. Nelson – Frankie (Human Form)
  • Nicole Crakes – Happy Program Girl, Gorilla, Yorda, Nicole
  • Paul Schrier – Paul Farkas
  • Richard Botte – Danny America, Drug-Addicted Dad
  • Ricky Fitness – Ricky "Thumbs" Jackson
  • Ryan Sinn – Test subject
  • Sean Legerton – "Sean" (he's nameless in the dialogue)
  • Thomas F. Wilson – Himself
  • Tommy Tallarico – Hairy Gary the Feral Child, Himself
  • Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim – as The Mega64 Ragtime Jug Brotherz

Famous guest stars

Mega64: Metal Gear Solid 4 (HD)
HOW SHENMUE WAS MEANT TO END
SAVE GAMESTOP
Warren Spector Tribute
KUTARAGI'S WAY
SAKAGUCHI'S FINAL FANTASY
THE NEW UNREAL ENGINE
Mega64: MADDEN RAP 2012 (ft. Brandon DiCamillo)
Mega64: GDC 2008 IGF Awards Intro
IF YOU'RE NOT INDIE, F**K YOU
Mega64: Metal Gear Solid 4 (HD)
Sequence Erase
Mega64: New Super Mario Bros.
Mega64: The Beatles Rock Band
HOW SHENMUE WAS MEANT TO END
KUTARAGI'S WAY
MEGA64 INFILTRATES NINTENDO
REGGIE GOES FOR THE GOLD
SAKAGUCHI'S FINAL FANTASY
  • IGA – Vampire hunter
WORLD'S GREATEST VAMPIRE HUNTER
Fumito Ueda's MADDEN 2018
THE NEW UNREAL ENGINE

Crew

  • Rocco Botte – Co-creator, Writer, Producer, Glasses
  • Derrick Acosta – Co-creator, Writer, Moustache
  • Shawn Chatfield – Writer, Chip Grip, Beard
  • Garrett Hunter – Makeup, Effects (Version 2 & 3), Writer (Version 3), Dreads
  • Ian Luckey – Composer (Version 1)
  • Josh Jones – Composer (Version 2 & 3)
  • Richard Kyanka – Producer (Version 1 & 2)
  • The Aquabats – Additional Music (Version 1, 2, & 3)
  • Freezepop – Additional Music (Version 2 & 3)
  • Vanessa Luckey – Link Costume (Version 1: "Eyes of Skull Has a Secret")
  • Shmorky – Version 2 Opening Animation, Gnome Animation (Ghost Recon Ad #2)
  • Mariel Cartwright – Version 2 Menu Artwork, Version 3 DVD Cover Art
  • Iain Stasukevich – Director of Photography, "What the Hell Happened to Mega 64?"
  • Evan Morrison – Grip, "What The Hell Happened to Mega 64?"

Podcast

Currently available through Twitch.tv and YouTube, a podcast consisting of the Mega64 crew and various guests is released every Tuesday. The podcast premiered September 25, 2006.[35] At first, it was only available in audio format, but since December 24, 2007, it has also been in video format. Since its launch, the video podcast has been featured as Mega64's main podcast, while the audio podcasts are audio extractions of the video counterparts. This is often referred to in the video podcast, with hosts or guests sometimes describing things that are happening for those who are listening to the audio-only version. As of January 11, 2009, the video podcast has been live streamed, first on Ustream[36] and then on Twitch.tv.[37]

A typical Mega64 podcast begins with an introduction by the crew followed by a theme song. The theme song was first The Aquabats' "The Lonely Horseman!". More recently, the theme song has been a random song often referring to some episode-specific joke or event, for comedic effect. The podcasts usually consist of news concerning Mega64 and discussions between the crew offering opinions on various media, such as movies, music, video games, and television.

The podcast is usually recorded at the Mega64 studio, but the Mega64 crew has also been known to record podcasts in different locations. For example, the February 12, 2008 podcast was filmed at Disneyland, with much of the discussion taking place on Disneyland attractions.[38] Subsequent podcasts have been filmed in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Toronto, and the home of Tommy Tallarico.

Following the live streams, there are often "after shows". The crew answer calls on Skype, read e-mails they missed on the podcast, and tell stories. The e-mails are sometimes responded to by the cast insultingly, and are done so by mimicking the writer and forming puns with the questioner's name. On July 17, 2011, Mega64 started their podcast at noon PST instead of the usual time, and ended after a total of 63 hours with numerous co-hosts.[39]

On September 26, 2011, animator Hotdiggedydemon (Max Gilardi) and Mega64 teamed up to make animated cartoons of the podcast for 6 weeks called Mega64nimation.[40]

Mega64TV

On March 30, 2015, Mega64 launched Mega64TV, a continuous 24-hour stream of their past skits, podcast moments, unreleased material, personal channel videos, and full episodes from Version 1, Version 2 and Version 3. Mega64TV is currently being streamed on Twitch.tv, on the same channel they host their weekly podcast. Fans have been encouraged to create promotional bumpers, which are featured in between videos.[41]

References

  1. ^ Variety Staff (June 15, 2015). "Variety 10 Comics to Watch for 2015". Variety. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  2. ^ Helewa, Nas (February 2, 2005). "Mega64 is here. Be scared". San Diego City Beat. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  3. ^ Botte, Rocco (January 27, 2009). "SO YEAH WE WERE JUST ON XPLAY". Mega64. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  4. ^ "Agent Smith Goes To Washington". Mega64. December 2, 2003. Archived from the original on October 26, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  5. ^ North, Dale (June 12, 2007). "Mega64 mega-update: premiere screening and DVD". Destructoid. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  6. ^ "FINALLY". Mega64. April 8, 2010. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  7. ^ Botte, Rocco (November 20, 2010). "BLACK FRIDAY APPROACHES AS NIGHT TIME DRAWS NEAR!!". Mega64. Archived from the original on July 31, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  8. ^ "Mega64 Podcast Episode 77". Blip.tv. Mega64. December 16, 2008. Archived from the original on August 4, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  9. ^ Botte, Rocco (September 4, 2010). "NEW MEGA64 VIDEO ON PATV, SERVED UP WITH A SCRIBBLENAUTS ANNOUNCEMENT!!". Mega64. Archived from the original on July 31, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  10. ^ MEGA64 IS IN SUPER SCRIBBLENAUTS!!!!!!! (Motion picture). Mega64. September 4, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Rocco Botte (August 14, 2012). POWER RANGERS BOX SET APOLOGY (Motion picture). Rocco Botte. Retrieved September 13, 2018 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ a b "About Mega64". YouTube.
  13. ^ Bruce, Matthew (November 11, 2012). "An Interview with Mega64". youroldmemorycard.wordpress.com. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  14. ^ Aziz, Hamza (March 19, 2008). "Mega64 wants to know where the terrorists at". Destructoid. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  15. ^ Carless, Simon (March 26, 2006). "GameSetWatch Mega64 Goes GDC, GRAW, OMGWTF". Game Set Watch. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  16. ^ "GRAW: Mega 64 Cross-Com 2 Trailer (720p)". Xbox Marketplace. March 23, 2006. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  17. ^ Burch, Anthony (February 21, 2008). "GDC 08: Independent Games Festival". Destructoid. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  18. ^ Tito, Greg (March 4, 2010). "Mega 64 Ads for GDC Are Funny". The Escapist. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  19. ^ Corriea, Alexa Ray (March 24, 2014). "Ken Kutaragi gets the Mega 64 treatment with 'Kutaragi's Way'". Polygon. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  20. ^ North, Dale (March 11, 2015). "Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi sees mobile gaming akin to TV episodes — and a place for old-school charm, too". VentureBeat. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  21. ^ Crabtree, Dan (June 3, 2011). "Kojima E3 Interview: Metal Gear Solid HD, Transfarring, and the Fox Engine | GamerNode". gamernode.com. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  22. ^ Konami - Pre E3 Show 2012 (Motion picture). GameTrailers. May 31, 2012. Event occurs at 23:02. Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ Caulfield, Luke (June 7, 2013). "Mega64 crashes Konami's pre-E3 stream with absurd Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 parody". Gamenguide. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
  24. ^ Aziz, Hamza (December 9, 2007). "Mega64's third SpikeTV VGA ad: HALO 3 WINS GAME OF THE YEAR!!". Destructoid. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  25. ^ Mega64: Freezepop "Brainpower" Music Video. Mega64. March 4, 2008. Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ "Mega64's New GameTap Ads, Now Airing On AdultSwim". GameTap. July 15, 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  27. ^ Ponce, Tony (March 25, 2012). "The Weekend Hotness: The Aquabats! Super Show!". Destructoid. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  28. ^ Play Nintendo - Announcing Nintendo @ E3 2014. Mega64. April 29, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ @Mega64 (April 29, 2014). "Mega64.com Update: MEGA64 LEAKS NINTENDO E3 ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THEIR GIANT ROBOT!! THE RISE OF FILS... http://bit.ly/QV0ebs" (Tweet). Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ @Mega64 (May 13, 2015). "Your observations are correct- Mega64 did help Nintendo make this year's Nintendo E3 2015 video! https://youtu.be/zbvzyY1FKr0" (Tweet). Retrieved September 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Pereira, Chris (June 5, 2015). "Watch Castlevania's Igarashi Hilariously Whip a Vampire to Promote Bloodstained". GameSpot. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  32. ^ "Rocco Botte". IMDb. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  33. ^ "Derrick Acosta". IMDb. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  34. ^ "Shawn Chatfield". IMDb. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  35. ^ Botte, Rocco (September 27, 2006). "MEGA64 PODCAST ON ITUNES, BLOGOSPHERE". Mega64. Archived from the original on October 21, 2006. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  36. ^ "LIVECAST 1-25-09". Ustream. January 25, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  37. ^ Dichoso, Melvin (March 2, 2016). "XSplit User Showcase: Mega64 Interview with Eric Baudour & Garrett Hunter Part One". XSplit. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  38. ^ "MEGA64 PODCAST 36: THE HAPPIEST PODCAST ON EARTH!". Mega64. February 15, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  39. ^ Chatfield, Shawn (July 19, 2011). "PODCAST 188 IS STILL GOING…". Mega64. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  40. ^ Botte, Rocco (September 26, 2011). ""MEGA64NIMATION" BEGINS!! HAT SHIRTS TRIUMPHANTLY RETURN!!". Mega64. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  41. ^ @Mega64 (March 30, 2018). "It is the 3RD ANNIVERSARY of Mega64TV! Our 24/7 stream started on March 30, 2015, and we've loved watching it with you- and seeing all the creative bumpers people have made for it. We'll be making some new additions to the lineup this weekend! http://twitch.tv/mega64podcast" (Tweet). Retrieved September 13, 2018 – via Twitter.
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