Arcade Couch

Arcade Couch is the Explosion Network’s premiere video games podcast featuring discussions on the latest games, tech, industry news and more. Available every Monday at 6 AM AEST

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Episodes

7 days ago

The Wolf Among Us 2 still lives, and we've looked at all the games shown in the latest Indie World Showcase.
Show Dot Points
The release of Fallout 4 and its tie-in with the Fallout TV show has led to increased sales of the game.
DreamHack Melbourne is an exciting event for gamers, featuring Pokemon Go activities and various esports tournaments.
Harold Halibut is a unique game with a claymation art style, but it lacks engaging gameplay elements.
Wolf Among Us 2 has resurfaced with new screenshots after a delay, generating excitement among fans. The hosts are excited about the upcoming release of Wolf Among Us 2 and speculate on its release date.
They discuss the games shown at the Nintendo Indie World Showcase and share their thoughts on titles like Silksong, Steamworld Heist 2, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splinter Fate.
The hosts express their excitement for games like Animal World, Duck Detective, and Shim.
They plan to play these games and share their anticipation for their releases.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Fallout 4 jumps to No.1 across Europe following TV show launch | GamesIndustry.biz
The Wolf Among Us 2 resurfaces after last year's delay with four new images | Eurogamer.net
Everything Announced At The Nintendo Indie World Showcase
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Apr 15, 2024

We discuss Prime Video's Fallout TV series, the debut taking the world by store. Plus, we break down the drama behind Star Wars: Outlaws and its Gold Edition price tag.
Show Dot Points
The 'Fallout' Prime Video series has been well-received, with the show successfully bringing the world of Fallout to life and capturing the aesthetic and vibe of the games.
The show introduces new elements to the Fallout lore and answers some major questions from the games, which may divide fans.
The Prince of Persia roguelike game is an interesting departure from the traditional Prince of Persia games, and it's exciting to see Ubisoft taking risks with the franchise.
The success of these unique projects should encourage Ubisoft to support more creative and innovative games in the future. Sound design is an important aspect of video games and can greatly enhance the gaming experience.
The pricing and content of games, including season passes and DLC, can be a source of controversy among gamers.
There is a disconnect between gamers and developers when it comes to pricing and content expectations.
Game development is a complex process that involves multiple stages and timelines.
Gamers should have realistic expectations and understand the challenges faced by developers.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:21 - Fallout TV Series Review00:19:35 - Rogue-like Prince of Persia Revealed00:24:35 - Star Wars: Outlaws Coming August 3000:49:53 - Goodbye
Resources
Fallout 76 Is Free-To-Play For The Next Week And Has New Content From The Show
The Rogue Prince Of Persia Is A New Roguelite Platformer From The Developers Of Dead Cells
The new Star Wars Outlaws trailer introduces you to the criminal underworld - The Verge
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Apr 08, 2024

Content Warning has become a viral sensation after making a very risky marketing move. Plus we preview a bunch of games coming in April.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:00:50 - Dylan bought something00:07:06 - April Video Game Releases00:23:25 - Hellblade 2 Previews and Frame Rate Drama00:25:34 - Content Warning’s Viral Sucess00:32:47 - Goodbye
Resources
Video Game Releases in April 2024 - Explosion Network
Hellblade 2 Previews Have Arrived And It Sounds Like The "Next-Gen" Spectacle We've Been Waiting For
Content Warning Has Gone Gangbusters On Steam And A New Update Has Dropped
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Apr 01, 2024

Marvel Rivals has us excited as a game that could be both a great hero shooter and something for fans of Marvel characters.
Show Dot Points
Metacritic gaming publisher rankings provide insights into the performance of different publishers.
Gearbox Entertainment has been sold to Take-Two for $460 million.
Fans have high expectations for Borderlands 4, hoping for a return to the heights of Borderlands 2.
Randy Pitchford, the former CEO of Gearbox, is known for his love of magic tricks. Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, has a background in magic and is a member of the Magic Castle in Los Angeles.
Toys for Bob, an independent studio, has reached an agreement with Microsoft for their first independent game, sparking speculation about a potential new Spyro game.
There is a balance between creating new IPs and working on established franchises, and studios should have the freedom to explore new ideas while staying true to their roots.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:00:00 - 00:01:10 - MetaCritic Gaming Publisher Rankings 202300:11:07 - Embracer Sells Gearbox To Take-Two Interactive00:20:28 - Marvels Rivals Announced00:29:08 - What Is Toys For Bob Making Next00:41:36 - Goodbye
Resources
Metacritic Has Released Its Annual Video Game Publisher Rankings
Embracer has sold Gearbox — and Borderlands — to Take-Two for $460M
Marvel Rivals Is A New 6v6 Hero Shooter Starring Iconic Heroes
Spyro studio Toys for Bob secures deal with Microsoft for its first independent game | Eurogamer.net
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Tuesday Mar 26, 2024

Dylan talks about playing South Park: Snow Day! We also cover why Larian won't be making more Baldur's Gate 3 content or sequels.
Show Dot Points
Marvel 1943 Rise of Hydra is an upcoming game that generated excitement among the hosts, who discussed the trailer and potential gameplay.
Screen Australia has provided funding for 27 Australian game projects, supporting the future of Australian game development. 
The benefits of funding game development are debated, with Ashley highlighting the potential economic impact of funding projects.
Various game announcements are reviewed, including Memento, Mystiques Haunted Antiques, No More My Arms Are Longer Now, Squidge, Rat Trap, and Way Up Galaxy.
The controversy surrounding microtransactions in Dragon's Dogma 2 is discussed, with differing opinions on the impact of these transactions.
Impressions of Princess Peach Showtime are shared, with Dylan enjoying the game's fun and cute nature.
The Sims movie is mentioned, with curiosity about the premise and potential execution of the film.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:20 - This Week On The Show 00:01:40 - South Park: Snow Day! Review00:11:12 - GDC Choice Awards 202400:13:35 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hyrda Trailer00:20:44 - Screen Australia Funding For AUS Games00:34:39 - Larian Won't Be Making Anymore Baldur's Gate 300:43:10 - Dragon's Dogma 2 In-Game Currency Items00:50:49 - Quick Princess Peach: Showtime! Impressions00:53:00 - Goodbye
Resources
The Game Developers Choice Awards 2024 Winners Have Been Revealed
Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra Is Skydance's New AAA Marvel Game And The First Trailer Is Here
Screen Australia Has Announced $1.6 Million Of Funding For 27 Aussie Games And Creators
Larian Won't Be Making Any Baldur's Gate 3 Expansions Or A Sequel
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has surprise microtransactions, and players are angry - Polygon
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Mar 18, 2024

We have a cast for the Among Us show, but we still have no idea what kind of format the show will have or what platform it'll be heading to. 
Show Dot Points
Storied Experienes is an all-new Twithc-based show.
The Summer Game Fest 2024 has been confirmed and will feature live streams and announcements.
Geoff Keighley tweeted about layoffs in the games industry and offered his time as a mentor to job seekers.
A new AAA studio called Giant Skull, led by the director of Star Wars Jedi games, has been announced.
Creating successful new IPs is a challenge for new AAA studios. Creating new IP can be challenging, especially without the support of a successful studio or franchise.
The Among Us animated show raises questions about how the game's concept will translate into a narrative TV series.
The Dreamhack Festival in Melbourne has secured a deal to host the event for the next five years, solidifying Melbourne's reputation as a hub for gaming events.
The return of the Multi-Versus game brings anticipation for improvements and changes in gameplay.
Hellscape, an early access game, shows promise with its unique blend of roguelike and Tony Hawk-inspired gameplay.
Rise of the Ronin receives positive feedback in a preview, highlighting its enjoyable gameplay and comparisons to popular characters.
The Australian Tech Journalism Awards recognize the achievements of journalists in the gaming industry.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:02:23 - Storied Experiences Shoutouts00:05:31 - Summer Game Fest 2024 Date00:11:45 - Giant Skull Is A New AAA Studio00:19:58 - Among Us Animated Show Cast00:23:53 - Dreamhack For Another Five Years00:28:40 - MultiVersus Is Coming Back00:31:09 - HelSkate & Rise of the Ronin Articles00:32:53 - The Lizzies00:37:00 - Goodbye
Resources
The Summer Game Fest 2024 Date And Time Have Been Confirmed
Giant Skull Is A New AAA Studio Led By The Director Of The Star Wars Jedi Games
Among Us animated show casts sus stars, including Ashley Johnson and Elijah Wood | Eurogamer.net
DreamHack Has Signed A Deal To Keep The Festival In Melbourne For The Next Five Years
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Mar 11, 2024

Ashley gives his review for WWE 2K24, and Dylan and Ciaran discuss Final Fantasy VII Rebirth more as they continue to play it in opposite ways.
Show Dot Points
The hosts are excited about the upcoming Storied Experiences Twitch show, where they will play through Telltale Games' The Walking Dead and discuss their choices.
They discuss the gameplay and new features in WWE 2K22, including special referee matches and the ability to throw weapons at opponents.
Ciaran shares his experiences playing Final Fantasy VII Remake, including their enjoyment of the combat system and side content.
Ciaran expresses their desire for a more fleshed-out storyline and a clearer narrative direction in Final Fantasy VII Remake. 
The success of Helldivers 2 as a live service game is highlighted.
Toxicity and trolling in gaming communities are addressed.
The game 'Little Guardsman' is briefly discussed.
The end of Rooster Teeth is a sad affair.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:18 - Storied Experiences00:08:12 - WWE2K24 Review00:18:42 - Week 2 of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth00:29:38 - Helldivers 2 is a continuing success00:36:31 - Little Guardsman Impressions00:38:24 - Sweet Baby Inc00:44:11 - Goodbye
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Mar 04, 2024

Alongside the continuing trent of layoffs in 2024, we discuss the 2024 Pokemon Day Showcase and our initial impressions on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Show Dot Points
Layoffs continue to affect game studios, with Toys for Bob leaving Activision and EA laying off nearly 700 employees.
Dylans reviews the game Dites and Deities, highlighting its unique music and gameplay.
The focus on Ultimate Team in games like FIFA has led to layoffs and a lack of investment in other projects. Layoffs in the gaming industry are a significant concern, highlighting the need for game developers to unionize and for the gaming community to support studios by purchasing their games.
The release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has generated mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and music, while others find the audio mixing and storytelling confusing.
The hosts express their enjoyment of the gameplay and exploration in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth but note that the open-world elements can sometimes feel like mini-games and detract from the main story.
The Pokemon Direct and Pokemon Presents announcements generated excitement and anticipation among fans.
The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket offers a new mobile version of the popular card game.
Pokemon Legends Z-A is a highly anticipated game that takes place in Luminous City and may feature mega evolutions.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Pokemon Presents 2024 - All the news from the Pokemon Day event - Explosion Network
Embracer Is Reportedly Selling Off Star Wars: KOTOR Remake Developer Saber Interactive
The Embracer-Owned Gearbox Software Is Apparently Close To Being Sold Off
Spyro And Crash Developer Toys For Bob Is Leaving Activision To Go Independent
EA Has Cancelled Respawn's Star Wars FPS Amid Its Mass Layoff
Life Is Strange Developer Deck Nine Has Laid Off 20% Of Its Staff
Sony Is Laying Off Around 900 PlayStation Employees And Shutting At Least One Studio
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Feb 26, 2024

We break down the first Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase of 20224 and talk about the reviews for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Show Dot Points
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack offers classic rare games to subscribers.
The Borderlands movie trailer has received mixed reactions.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has received positive reviews, with some divisive opinions on the ending.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:00:57 - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase00:25:05 - Borderlands Movie Trailer00:29:10 - World of Tanks Giveaway00:30:04 - Koality Critics: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth00:35:24 - Goodbye
Resources
Everything announced and all the trailers from the February 2024 Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase - Explosion Network
The First Full Borderlands Movie Trailer Has Arrived And It Looks Suitably Ridiculous
Competition: We're giving away X5 World of Tanks Modern Armor 10th anniversary bundle codes worth $90 - Explosion Network
 
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Monday Feb 19, 2024

We talk about Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, the Future of Xbox, and the rumour of a Nintendo Switch 2 coming in early 2025.
Show Dot Points
'Banishers: Ghosts of the New Eden" receives a positive review for its gameplay and story from Dylan.
The hosts praised the mature romance and character development in the game 'Tell Me Why'.
The hosts expressed disappointment with Xbox's communication strategy and the leaks surrounding exclusivity.
Speculation was made about the potential success of Xbox games on other platforms.
Rumours of a delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 were discussed. Rumours suggest a delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 to prepare a stronger lineup of first-party software.
The DICE Awards are praised for giving developers a platform to speak and for focusing on the industry rather than being a giant ad.
Dylan finds that the Tomb Raider Remastered Collection doesn't hold up well and lacks modern features. Supporting the show through donations is important for its sustainability.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:01:15 - Today On The Show00:01:50 - Banishers: Ghost of New Eden Review00:15:30 - The Future of Xbox & What That Means00:34:15 - Nintendo Switch 2 Sounds Like It's Coming Early 202500:46:55 - The DICE Awards Are Great Celebration Of Video Games00:56:05 - Tomb Raider I-III Collection Impressions01:04:45 - Goodbye
Resources
Four Xbox First Party Games Are Officially Coming To Other Platforms
The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Now Release In 2025 According To Multiple New Claims
The DICE Awards show is the celebration developers and fans deserve - The Verge
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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