Ludwig returns from his self-imposed exile this week and decides to take the intro for his very own as a "welcome back" gift to himself. Then Chris ruins the show twice in like the first fifteen minutes, breaking his own personal record.

We've also got game news discussion, your emails and some of the first entries from the "Now You're A Songwriter" contest. Oh, and big ups to Wesley Johnson of the JPAG for the Photoshoppage.

Sadly, Ludwig couldn't join us this week, but not sadly, the show is much better without him (by which we mean shorter). We're talking new Prince of Persia this episode as well as (surprise) Grand Theft Auto IV. Also, in a shocking non-video game related turn, Justin shares his experiences with the highly-coveted Risk: Black Ops.

Then, towards the end, two huge contests that could net you a DS Lite, a copy of GTA IV or several other prizes. Check it totally out, especially if you're a songwriter!

We've returned yet again to sweep the leg and bring you the best podcast that no money can buy. This week, we're talking Metal Gear Solid 4, European Rock Band pricing, Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Microsoft's motion controller and so much, much more.

We also give away aviator sunglasses, gloves and a pimp cup. No, but really, we do. (Oh, and thanks to Randall Smith of the the JPAG for the picture.)

We're celebrating April Fool's Day by delivering a show that's not particularly funny. April Fool's! ... No, actually, it's not. But we make up for it with lots of content! Quantity over quality, that's our motto. We've got a new Brush With Fame contest, audio emails, a trailer for Final Dragon, the best game never made, a reader admitting to erectile dysfunction and how video games can give you hemorrhoids.

Podcast ahoy!

But is it really special? You bet your bottom it is. We've got an intro from Mark Rein, we've got hot new outro music, we've got celebrity look-a-likes ... we've got it all. But, perhaps most exciting, the Brush With Fame just got infinitely more profitable. How? Well you'll have to listen to find out.

First off, allow us to apologize for the headline. This is a video game site after all, we have to make some concessions to the nerd populace. The last thing we want to do is wake up with Tom Baker's head in our bed. This week, we're talking a bit more Army of Two, Rock Band hotness and FPS map packs, as well as answering your emails.

Oh, and if you haven't yet, be sure to join the Joystiq Podcast Facebook group. Now with girls!

As you probably guessed from the title, we're talking some Army of Two this week, as well as continuing to ponder the EA/Take2 merger deal. Also, we've got emails, Brushes With Fame and a fantastic story about Peter Molyneux. Oh, and the best intro evar. Peep and enjoy.

Also, on a somewhat related note, be sure to check out the Joystiq Podcast Facebook group. We're as shocked by its very existence as you are.

After a long week at GDC, two-thirds of us are back on our home soil and are ready to podcast. Or at least as ready as we ever are. Expect talk of GDC, oodles of Sony news, a continuation of the Banjo Kazooie debacle and a very special greeting from friend of the show, Cliffy B. Seriously.

This week's podcast is actually good, but we have no idea why. Is it because we were morning recording? Is it because we're stoked about going to GDC next week? Is it the coffee? We have no idea what the trick was, but since we'll never find it again, you probably shouldn't miss this one. Check it totally out.

Also, special thanks to Movie-A-Minute, for reasons that will soon become apparent.

This week's podcast, besides being a day late, is marred by a completely bizarre test of the PSP Skype system about midway through, which the government has officially ordered that you not listen to (especially if you're pregnant). There's also the usual stuff and a load of your emails. Plus, there's a special guest Joystiq blogger at the end! Check it totally out!

In this episode, Chris finally plays Mass Effect, and we open that old wound again. There's also talk of Smash Bros. Brawl, Facebreaker and, on a less violent note, Full Life Consequences. You've also got your Brush With Fame, reader emails, and some other junk that your life will be hollow without.

Mega edition just hyperbole, you say? Not so, say us! Not only do we have special guest Rocco Botte of Mega64 fame, we've also got an hour-and-a-half-long show. Mega indeed! There's also the usual nonsense with a Brush With Fame, and discussion of PS3 happenings, THQ and the Red Ring of Death. Check it totally out!

This week, Justin talks about getting into comment fights, the guys talk about cloned meat and the best and worst parts of their job, Ludwig returns to call Justin chubby, Mass Effect sex becomes cool again and Alone in the Dark is still confusing. And yes, there's a Brush With Fame. Enjoy!