According to gaming site Aeropause, and followed up on Resident Evil/Silent Hill fansite The Horror is Alive, word has it that long-time Konami composer Akira Yamaoka has left the big-name game publisher after 16 years of dedicated duty.

Yamaoka is most well known for his work done for the Silent Hill series of games, having almost single-handedly worked on everything from the first game right up to the yet-released re-make ‘Shattered Memories’. Combining haunting ambient melodies with soft rock tunes, Yamaoka has been praised for helping make the survival-horror series what it is today. He is also credited with having worked on the soundtracks to Gradius III & IV, Contra: Shattered Solider, and Rumble Roses.

One can only hope that this is just heavy rumor, as no official word from Konami has been released thus far, though this could be in an attempt to smooth things over. Speaking as a avid fan of the Silent Hill series, I can say with certainty that if these rumor do indeed prove true, then Konami has lost one of their pinnacle members, as well as the last remaining key of Team Silent. That is a truly devastating thing to think about for this little fan.

Alright folks, we’re finally ready to unveil the latest addition to the site: the POWETcast! In our oft-delayed premiere episode we talk about the upcoming Nintendo DSi, GABO, Watchmen, Keanu Reeves, TMNT 25, Grand Theft Auto, goatse, the Wrestler, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Final Crisis #6, and so much more! Plus, if we have time we’ll go over everything we’re looking forward to in 2009 (SPOILERS: We don’t, but that stuff is coming!). So come along with us on an audio journey into the heart of geekness. Just don’t forget to bring a replica weapon from your favorite sci-fi franchise…

EXPLICIT.

Audio Netcast Details
Subscribe to the Powetcast on iTunes
Direct Link: Powetcast Episode 1: Revenge of the Powetcast

Show notes after the jump.
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Black is white, up is down, and Jack Thompson is… funny? Mr. Thompson, the notorious anti-game lawyer (well, former lawyer) best known for his crusade against the Grand Theft Auto series, has made a rare appearance outside of the news channels to crack some jokes on the Jace Hall Show. The clip can be seen here and I’ve got to say that, as a politically minded gamer I’m not reall sure what to make of this. It’s akin to seeing George W. Bush play himself in a war parody; humorous, yet deeply unsettling. I laughed though, I think I need to go take a shower.

Thanks to GamePolitics and Baker from NeoGAF for the scoop. So unclean…