So good

- Polygon

Typically love all things polygon, but this host isn’t selling me on this podcast.

Love so many of the personalities in this company. But I can’t support idiocy anymore. Learn to distinguish between toxic politics and real concerns or you will eventually do harm to everyone involved. Don’t blindly support an enemy to your cause because you can’t see deep enough to know a toxic person who claims to be on your side. Yikes.

This is my first experience with a far left/alt-left video game podcast. I’ve been listening for about six months and while the hosts just don’t have the depth of understanding of a Jose Otero or Kirk Hamilton, they are mostly pretty knowledgeable.

Whining about his cleft palette? And how games shouldn’t have em in them? Jesus grow up pc crap won’t be long and game won’t be allowed to have enemies or any color or gender or physical type

Holy crap Ben Kuchera is such a joke. Everyone, SJWs, Gamergaters, esport players, other journalists all hate him. How does he have a job still?

How these people are still around is a mystery.

One of my favorite aspects of this show is how the guests, who normally have written a review on the website, are asked questions expanding upon what they've said. Rarely is this space afforded in criticism circles. I especially love discussion of the review process, from playing a game to writing about it. Now just don't make me pick between alternating hosts Justin and Charlie; that's not fair.

Listening to the pod cast and i’ll review of Players Unknown Battlegrounds was the straw that broke the camels back. it was very clear and apparent that the two hosts talking about PUGG had no idea what they were talking about they continue to call it public G! which also indicates that the 10 out of 10 rating is laughable to call yourself quality control when you have hosts who don’t even know what to call the game they supposedly reviewed is just deplorable.

Wow, what a terrible review. First of all, for someone to have not only completed the main game, but uncovered all the collectibles, to not know the names of "bluegleam" and "cauldron" is infuriating. I am normally a RPG, turn-based kinda guy, and I LOVED this game because of the insane amount of detail in the story, side characters, and general beauty of the world; you really feel like you're the only one having this experience. To me, it sounds like you're upset that you couldn't figure out how to beat these harder enemies in the DLC (which they clearly label as harder than the main game enemies), so you have to complain about something. I love that Guerilla isn't holding your hand through this process; you can EASILY go back to the main story gameplay, brush up on the combat system (hell, I went and grabbed some collectibles that I missed early in the game, and bashed some Walkers along the way), and hit the road in The Frozen Wilds. The addition of the new enemies is warranted, a new (admittedly frustrating at times) challenge, and the end mission through the volcano was absolutely insane and rewarding. I like the good things you said about it when it was good, but to just say negative things, just to say them, is a bit unwhelming. This is the first time I've listened to this podcast, and I don't think I'll be back.

All they had to do was criticize the predatory tactics EA practices on its consumers, but the reviewers from Polygon couldn’t even do that correctly because they are clearly bought and paid for by EA ads. This podcast is in place to sell games for the publishers. They rarely critique games in any fashion and always exaggerate minor positivity points. The reviewers sound more like struggling talking heads than gamers in any stretch of the word. I guess consumers these days get what they pay for. In the age of a free internet the journalists are paid off by the game publishers.

Quality Control, as I was sold it, was meant to denote the quality of a game for the consumer; HOWEVER, they chose to release a review of STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II that said nothing of the PREDATORY micro-transactions pushed by EA. The fact that micro-transactions were not discussed the week before Black Friday, when parents needed this important consumer information the most, is frankly disturbing. These micro-transactions aim at turning children into gambling addicts in order to siphon money out of parents credit card accounts thorough the impressionable youth. It is a disgusting practice, used by greedy publishing house CEOs, in an effort to AUCTION OFF VICTORY to the highest bidder and keep ALREADY DEVELOPED assets out of the hands of customers who have already paid $60 for a new game.

I really enjoy this podcast. Giving the game reviewers an opportunity to elaborate on their review of a game is a great idea for a podcast and this one in particular is quite well done. Production value and sound quality are top notch and the guests offer some nice insight into the game reviewing process. My only two gripes I have are in regards to the hosts. Justin is great (as always) but tends to lean in to cutesy jokes about the games that often derail the conversation. However, this isn't a big deal and doesn't really detract from the overall experience. What does detract, though, is the weird 'kindergarten school teacher' voice that Charlie Hall uses when interviewing. It's so confoundingly irritating that I've been skipping episodes about games I'm interested in because I don't want to hear his slited. sing-songy. way. of. speaking to. guests. Cool it, Charlie. Jsut have a converstation with the guest and don't try and be "The Interviewer."

Hey! Do you like videoed games? You will like this podcast! It's a Polygon joint, so you know it's quality. It's mostly hosted by Justin McElroy, and he's fantastic. And Justin interviews other folks who have played and written a review of a video game. Simple. Terrific. Fun. Informative.

I had no idea that this show existed. I really enjoy the McElroy brand, so I'm pleasantly surprised to be able to get videogame news and Justin in the same audio package.

I truly appreciate the effort put into "reviewing" new releases in a 15-20 minute podcast. I've gotten great insight and some additional info to supplement my normal sources. That being said, one of the drawbacks to the short runtime is it's heavily scripted feel. The Host sounds inauthentic (and if I'm being judgmental, a little pretentious) while the overall script just feels...corporate. I appreciate the longer podcasts (Polygon Show, Waypoint) a bit more because of their relaxed nature. But of course, they have significantly longer runtimes. In all, if you're looking for a good, succinct impression of a new game, this will certainly suffice.

Great short conversations about all the latest games

Taking questions from readers is a great way to discuss reviews in depth. I like it.

Most of the episodes are very short, but the bevity is nice, and the analysis is still solid. Good for a short commute. If you have questions about the new hot game you're thinking of buying, there's a good chance it'll be answered here. The host is an experienced podcaster and the critics provide professional opinions. Definitely recommened for the discerning gamer looking for information before purchasing.

Always so high energy, in quality control we hear Polygon staff having earnest, brief conversations about their own reviews. They also answer some reader questions. A way to be honest about the review process.

soft and silly but still informative. i love hearing other people talk about GAMEs

Justin McElroy is a funny, smart interviewer who always asks incisive and insightful questions which encourage the interviewee and promote fascinating discussion. Justin elevates the quality of the conversation. On his work alone, this podcast earns five stars. Of course, every other episode nowadays is hosted by Charlie Hall, instead. Presumably because Justin is a very busy man. If this podcast were only hosted by Charlie, I wouldn't even take the time to give it a poor review; it's such a non-experience to listen to an episode hosted by Charlie. He doesn't ask questions that aren't answered by reading Polygon's original game review, and he doesn't stimulate insteresting conversation. Listen to every episode hosted by Justin McElroy. It's worth it to subscribe for that, and delete the Charlie Hall episodes without actually bothering.

Great, shortish discussions on video games that have been reviewed at Polygon. My only complaint (?) is that I wish they could dive deeper and talk more sometimes, but this just speaks to the quality of this podcast and how much I enjoy it.

I've been listening since they started in 2014 and Quality Control never ceases to entertain me. Its short format often leaves me wanting more, but makes sure I never get too bored. Some of the games they cover are ones that I have no interest in playing. I think the best testament to the quality of this podcast is that I still find those episodes worth listening to.

I generally enjoy this podcast and was excited for the Rogue One episodes but have to say Susana Polo was borderline insufferable for two reasons. 1. She took every oppurtunity to talk about the Catalyst novel, often spoiling it for the vast majority of us who have not yet read the book. Talking spoilers for the film is fine and expected, but how about you leave non-movie reveals out of this? We get it, you read the book, no need to spoil it for the rest of us. 2. She constantly talked over others, interrupting and cutting them off. I get the impression she likes to hear herself talk. Other than that, I enjoyed the discussions.

Ive given these guys several tries but they are completely tone deaf and have nothing of substance to say

I'm a longtime gamer, Atari 2600 style. This is a great little show, I tend to prefer Justin's reviews as I feel like he is a real gamer and is genuinely funny. He and the reviewers obviously have more chemistry and you can feel that. The newer reviewer is much more polished in terms of his voice and presentation, but I'll be perfectly honest here it feels like he's the "nice guy", which basically makes him kind of annoying because he doesn't come off as completely himself. I can understand if polygon is going more mainstream with their approach that the latter may be preferable. However I would suggest you carefully consider who is actually listening to game reviews, I'd say the vast majority would relate more to Justin's delivery. I think the new guy is a fantastic host, but perhaps move him to another show.

Great podcast. Good view under the hood of Polygon's reviews. Funny at times as well-- especially the running joke where Justin interviews himself pretending to be his "brother". Classic podcast trope.

Love how focused each podcast is. Get to go into detail about the game, and learn a lot. Very pretty on the ears.

I will forever long for the days of having a weekly podcast where Justin McElroy, and whatever group of like-minded people, discuss video games, but I'll take QC as the methodone to the heroin The Joystiq Podcast and The Besties were for me.

I love the concept of the show; a longform discussion of a game with the game's reviewer. It's not too long, informal, and gives you some insight as to the reviewer's approach and thought process. I even listen to episodes for games I don't care about because the conversation is always interesting.

I love the show! I just wish it was bi-weekly.

I don’t have a lot of time for games as much as I used to. I like to intake reviews from lots of sources to get a feel for what 3-4 games I can get each year. This is a nice look at what I didn’t choose, and if I’ll eventually get some of these games when they’ve been out for awhile, or when I have more time. It’s important also to be open to hear opinions that don’t agree with your own. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I get fired up, and just want to sit in a room with them and talk it out, so both understand the differing views. (Looking at you, Arthur.)

At least wait till the end. Smh.

Dat intro music.

Great stuff. Go ahead and do yourself a favor and hit subscribe now and then listen. You can thank me later. 😉 Great work guys!

...it isn't, and it never is. Best theme song of any podcast gets you excited for in-depth examinations that...never happen. If you want a hipster's meandering examinations of every part of any game that doesn't matter you'll love this podcast. They never actually discuss relevant aspects of games, focusing on eclectic observations that feel more like advertisements for the hosts' intelligence than valid criticisms. And that's basically how every game review goes. It's disappointing because you can tell the hosts are knowledgable but their concerns in game criticism are very off the wall.

Polygon is the goto site for all things gaming, Nd Quality Control is it's awesome podcast. Super stuff here. Give it a listen.

I've always admired Polygon's angle of game criticism and this podcast is a great place to hear reviewers flesh out their opinions of a game. Format wise, Justin interviews a reviewer from the publication and he does a great job exploring the ins and outs of what worked for the game and what didn't. Also, it's pretty funny when his brother Griffin is on. They're real a couple of goofs.

Mostly this podcast is well done and focused, but sometimes it feels like the members have a bad "don't give a ****" attitude. I don't mind the occasional tangent outside of video games, but these guys can come off as "too cool" to take the cast seriously and make a quality product.

love the content, like the amount of knowledgethats brought to the table. Truly terrible audio quality, from car horns honking in the background to heavy breathing in the mic keeps me from finishing an episode

An unbiased game review podcast. I appreciate the fact that they tell it as it is doesn't matter how hyped the game.

Love Justin McElroy in pretty much every podcast he does. I'd love to see another joystiq/Besties type show with Justin, griffin, chris grant, etc.

I listen to multiple podcasts about video games and opinions regarding video games, this is the one I recommend to get reviews to your favorite games. Other podcasts turn what they advertise as a review into a show of personalities, some that work and some that don’t. This podcast begins with the host and the reviewer talking about the game that they themselves reviewed. Average episode is around 18 to 22 minutes, the host jumps right into the questions from the community and himself as someone who has not played the game he is discussing. It makes for an interesting discussion as the host asks the questions that the listener has. Give it a listen and Well Done!!!

Dogs barking in the background. Some echo. Just ok guests.

Short and sweet, this podcast is perfect to listen to when you just have a little time to enjoy a gaming podcast!

I like this podcast enough to rate and review it on iTunes, even though I don't use iTunes. That's how much I like it.

A great, in-depth look at recent releases.

If you want the cookie-cutter opinions of no-nothing Twitter blowhards spat back at you, by all means: follow. There's nothing here you can't glean off whatever popular opinion is currently held about a game, though. Sound quality is solid.