Arcade Couch

Hades II Impressions; Nintendo Switch II Announcement Is Coming; Xbox Is In Too Deep

Dylan has been playing some Hades II, the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement is coming before March 2025, and Xbox is in deep trouble with fans following the big cuts at Bethesda this past week.
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Hades 2 has been released and is receiving positive reviews.
The hosts speculate on the announcement and release date of the next Nintendo Switch console.
There is a possibility that Nintendo will improve their infrastructure and add achievements to their system.
Microsoft recently announced the closure of several studios, which has raised concerns about the impact on the gaming industry. The hosts criticize Xbox's decision to cut studios and express frustration with the lack of communication and reasoning behind the cuts.
They speculate on the potential release date of GTA 6 and discuss the anticipation surrounding the game.
The hosts mention the game Little Kitty Big City and its positive review, highlighting its accessibility and fun gameplay.
They remind listeners to support the podcast and provide links to their social media and support pages.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:00 - Hades II Impressions00:12:24 - The Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Is Coming00:20:43 - Diving Into This Xbox Mess00:44:31 - GTA 6 Page Was Live For A Moment00:48:26 - Little Kitty Big City Review00:52:10 - Goodbye
Resources
Little Kitty, Big City Review - Short and sweet meow meow meow - Explosion Network
A Nintendo Direct Has Been Confirmed For June 2024
Nintendo Is Referring To Its New Console As A "Switch Next Model"
Xbox President Sarah Bond Responds to Bethesda Studio Cuts, Points to Lack of Industry Growth and Need to Manage the Business 'Through This Moment of Transition' - IGN
A New Official GTA 6 Page Has Briefly Appeared With Release Date And Screenshot Sections
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/
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May Is Looking A Little Light On Excitment

We're probably in for a quieter month in news and video game releases before the birth of June and Summer Game Fest.
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The beef between PlayStation and Xbox is a topic of discussion among gamers.
The controversy surrounding 'Stella Blade highlights the issue of censorship in video games.
Dylan and Ashley share their thoughts on upcoming video game releases. May is a month with several highly anticipated video game releases.
Upcoming games include Ghost of Tsushima, Read Only Memories: Neurodiver, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and World of Goo 2.
There is excitement and speculation about a new Batman Arkham game and a rumoured Kingdom Hearts movie.
Take-Two Interactive's decision to close studios is a topic of concern in the gaming industry.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
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

Dreamhack Melbourne 2024 & Confusion Around Event Identity

Dylan and Ciaran discuss their time at Dreamhack Melbourne 2024, what they liked and didn't, and attempt to make sense of the audience.
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DreamHack Melbourne 2024 combined esports, content creation, and convention elements.
Some attendees enjoyed the cosplay, content creator meetups, and non-esports activities.
Others were disappointed that esports was not the main focus of the event.
The confusion around the event's identity and the lack of a prominent esports presence were major concerns.
The organizers may need to prioritize the esports aspect to create a more cohesive and satisfying experience for attendees. DreamHack Melbourne 2022 had a strong focus on content creation and lacked emphasis on esports.
The scheduling of non-esports marquee events on the main stage disappointed attendees.
The main stage area was poorly set up, with overlapping sound from other activities.
The event could benefit from better promotion and organization to attract a larger audience and create a more engaging experience.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Thumbnail Image: ESL - Sarah Cooper
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
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Resurfacing The Wolf Among Us 2 Thoughts & Latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase

The Wolf Among Us 2 still lives, and we've looked at all the games shown in the latest Indie World Showcase.
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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

Fallout TV Series Review & Star Wars: Outlaws Drama

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.
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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:
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Content Warning is Viral Sucess + What Games are Coming in April

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:
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Marvel Rivals is a true hero royale which has us excited

Marvel Rivals has us excited as a game that could be both a great hero shooter and something for fans of Marvel characters.
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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

South Park: Snow Day! Review & Larian Isn't Making More Baldur's Gate 3

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.
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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

Among Us Animated Show Cast, But What's It About?

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. 
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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

WWE 2K24 Review and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Continues

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.
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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