Arcade Couch

Saros Impressions, Resident Evil Movie News & Blood of Dawnwalker Release Date | Arcade Couch

Dylan shares his impressions of Saros so far and discusses the latest gaming news and upcoming releases for May 2026 with Ashley.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Saros is a follow-up to Returnal with new gameplay mechanics.
The game features a mix of story and exploration.
Boss fights in Saros have multiple stages that increase in complexity.
The pacing of Saros allows for breaks and upgrades between runs.
Comparisons to Returnal highlight differences in difficulty and structure.
The Resident Evil movie aims to tell a new story within the franchise.
Audience expectations can impact their enjoyment of adaptations.
Creative freedom in adaptations can lead to unique storytelling.
The film's release is generating positive buzz among fans.
Fast production turnaround shows the director's commitment. Blood of Dawnwalker is set to release on September 3rd.
The game features a unique hybrid gameplay mechanic.
Players can choose to complete the plot or explore romance options.
The game is developed by a team with a strong pedigree from CD Projekt Red.
The setting of Blood of Dawnwalker is distinct from The Witcher.
The hosts express excitement about the upcoming May game releases.
There is a competitive landscape with titles like Fable and Grand Theft Auto 6.
The gameplay allows for distinct player experiences based on choices.
Community engagement is encouraged for feedback on anticipated games.
The hosts are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming releases.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 
RESOURCES
Dark fantasy vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker gets a release date and an autumn showdown with Fable | Eurogamer.net
https://press-start.com.au/news/2026/05/01/the-first-trailer-for-zach-creggers-resident-evil-movie-is-here/
Games Coming Out In May 2026 That You Should Be Excited For
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Tides of Tomorrow Review, Elden Ring Movie Cast & Black Flag Remake News | Arcade Couch

We discuss the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, Tides of Tomorrow, and Vampire Crawlers.
SHOW DOT POINTSThe remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag is highly anticipated.
Black Flag was a turning point for the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Shuhei Yoshida's departure reflects a shift in PlayStation's direction.
Xbox Game Pass is undergoing significant changes, including a price drop.
Nintendo is adjusting its pricing strategy for digital games.
Splatoon Raiders is set to release as a single-player-focused game.
The gaming industry is seeing a resurgence of interest in remakes.
The future of Xbox exclusives remains uncertain under new leadership.
The Elden Ring film is generating excitement among fans.
The hosts emphasise the importance of storytelling in games. A24 is investing heavily in the Elden Ring adaptation.
The cast for the Elden Ring film is impressive and diverse.
Adapting video game lore into film presents unique challenges.
Vampire Crawlers offers addictive gameplay reminiscent of its predecessor.
Tides of Tomorrow explores interconnected narratives and player choices.
The mechanics of Tides of Tomorrow reflect real-world issues.
Player decisions in Tides of Tomorrow impact future gameplay experiences.
Vampire Crawlers introduces card-based mechanics to dungeon crawling.
The hosts express excitement for the upcoming game releases.
The conversation highlights the evolving relationship between games and film.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:36 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag - Resynced
00:10:14 - Shuhei Yoshida Says He Was Fired
00:15:30 - Xbox Lowers Price of Game Pass Ultimate
00:21:35 - Splatoon Raiders Release Date
00:24:20 - Elden Ring Movie Begins Shooting
00:31:50 - Vampire Crawlers Impressions
00:40:50 - Tides Of Tomorrow Review
00:49:45 - Outro
RESOURCES
We've officially seen "ground-up remake" Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced in action | Eurogamer.net
"I want to make the right decision, not the fastest decision" - Xbox's new boss Asha Sharma refuses to rule out the return of exclusive games
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got A Massive Price Drop And Here's The New Aussie Pricing
Splatoon Raiders Just Got A Release Date And 3 New Amiibo Are Coming Too
Elden Ring movie cast announced, with Alien: Romulus, The Last of Us and Ex Machina actors all on board | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Is Gaming Too Obsessed With Remakes? + Metro 2039 & Street Fighter Movie News | Arcade Couch

We debate whether video game remakes/remasters are killing the industry and holding it back from bigger things.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Nostalgia can hinder innovation in gaming.
Remakes are often more financially viable for publishers.
There are still many original games being released.
The gaming industry is risk-averse, favouring known properties.
Development timelines have become excessively long.
Creative direction is crucial for timely game production.
Hiring more staff could alleviate development bottlenecks.
The gaming community is still young and evolving.
Stories in games are often retold, similar to other media.
Metro 2039 reflects real-world issues and challenges. Metro Exodus introduces a new protagonist named Artem.
The Street Fighter film aims to capture the essence of the game.
The trailer for the Street Fighter film received positive feedback.
Lana Del Rey will perform the title song for the Bond game.
The return of composer David Arnold adds credibility to the Bond game.
Wind Rose offers a unique pirate adventure experience.
The game allows for both single-player and co-op gameplay.
Community reactions to games can vary widely.
The importance of character development in video games is emphasized.
The hosts reflect on their different methods of discovering new games.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
RESOURCES
Metro 2039 Is A Brand New Metro Game Influenced By Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine
Street Fighter film gets new trailer full of roundhouses and explosions, plus a spot of mournful karaoke | Eurogamer.net
007 First Light title song will be performed by Lana Del Rey, while Bond film composer David Arnold returns to franchise after almost two decades | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Disney & Epic Games Team-Up, Gran Turismo 7 Player Scans & Pokémon Champions Impressions | Arcade Couch Podcast

Dylan and Ashley discuss the news surrounding Disney and Epic Games teaming up for a new crossover, in addition to the current Fortnite one. 
Plus, Dylan dives into Pokémon Champions, gives his wrap-up thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem, and talks to Ashley about the latest idea from PlayStation—adding scans of real people to their games.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Dylan expresses frustration over being called the 'Easter Grinch' for missing a podcast.
Ashley finds the idea of a Disney IP-based extraction shooter to be bizarre.
Dylan recalls the combat mechanics of Disney Infinity as a precedent for how Disney characters fight.
The duo discusses the potential revenue impact of Disney's partnership with Epic Games.
Dylan criticises Epic Games for laying off employees despite upcoming collaborations with Disney.
Ashley highlights the importance of vetting participants in Sony's new player engagement initiative.
Dylan questions the motivations behind Sony's player base initiative.
Ashley suggests that the initiative could be a way to promote Gran Turismo 7.
Dylan and Ashley joke about the absurdity of interview answers for the player base initiative.
The conversation reflects on the evolving landscape of gaming and corporate strategies. The film Exit 8 has received critical acclaim, achieving a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Resident Evil's gameplay effectively balances action and survival horror elements.
The pacing between characters in Resident Evil enhances the overall experience.
Pokémon Champions allows for extensive customisation of Pokémon stats and moves.
The game introduces a new competitive format for Pokémon battles.
Players can bring their Pokémon from previous games into Pokémon Champions.
The game features a unique mechanic where players can see their opponent's team before battle.
Pokémon Champions aims to be the new standard for competitive Pokémon play.
The meta in competitive Pokémon will evolve with new game releases.
The launch of Pokémon Champions has faced some technical issues, but it shows promise.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
Fortnite's Toy Story Crossover Is Taking Things To Infinity And Beyond
A Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter Is Reportedly In Development
PlayStation Fans Can Now Be Scanned Into Games
Exit 8 Is Now The Highest Rated Video Game Film Adaptation Ever
Exit 8 Review [MIFF 2025] - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Splits Internet & New The Lord of The Rings Games In Development

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already proving to be a big success at the box office, but its quality is splitting the internet. Embracer may have 2 prominent studios working on The Lord of the Rings games, and Ciaran shares his impressions of Screamer
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
CONTENT MENTIONED
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - Starts Better & Then Ends Worse | Animated Wonders
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:41 - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Makes Money Despite Reviews00:07:59 - Amazon want Mass Effect TV Series rewritten to appeal to non- gamers00:12:39 - Embracer May Have 2 Lord of the Rings games in the works00:25:12 - 2025 Xbox Games Showcase Date Has Been Locked In00:33:39 - Xbox FanFest Is Coming to Sydney in 202600:36:44 - Peak Devs Say 'Any Update Is a Bonus, Not a Right.'00:40:19 - Mass Layoffs at Eidos Montreal After Game Cancellation00:44:36 - Ciaran’s Screamer Impressions00:50:45 - outro
RESOURCES
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie breaks records with $34m opening despite "unfavourable" reviews
Mass Effect TV show ordered to rewrite scripts and make them "more appealing to non-gamers"
Kingdom Come: Deliverance Devs Working on LOTR Game, It's Claimed 
Following rumours of Warhorse Studios visiting Middle-earth, Tomb Raider developer 
EXCLUSIVE: Veteran Studio Working On New Lord of the Rings Game 
The 2026 Xbox Games Showcase Has Been Dated Alongside A Direct For Gears Of War: E-Day
 Xbox FanFest is coming to Australia later in 2026 | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
Peak devs remind players that 'any update is a bonus not a right'
Eidos Montreal To Lay Off 124 Employees
EXCLUSIVE: Eidos Montreal Cancels 7+ Year In-Development Title That Cost Hundreds of Millions
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Life is Strange: Reunion Impressions, PS5 Price Increase & Xbox Partner Preview Breakdown

We discuss Life is Strange: Reunion, impressions, and its lack of marketing, go over the recent PlayStation console price increase, and break down the Xbox Partner Preview.
SHOW DOT POINTS
PlayStation has increased the prices of its consoles due to global economic pressures.
Early adopters of gaming consoles benefit from price increases for new buyers.
Nintendo's pricing strategy for digital vs physical games may influence consumer choices.
The Xbox showcase featured several new game announcements, but overall reactions were mixed.
The Super Mario Bros Galaxy movie is set to release soon, generating excitement among fans.
Digital games often provide a cost advantage over physical copies, especially for Nintendo titles.
The gaming industry is adapting to economic challenges by adjusting pricing strategies.
Collectors value physical copies of games, particularly for Nintendo consoles.
Marketing strategies for game releases are evolving, with teasers and character reveals becoming common.
The potential for a Smash Bros-style movie is a topic of speculation among fans. Nintendo and Illumination could create a cinematic universe.
Excitement for the new animated movie is palpable.
Concerns about the upcoming film having too many characters.
Yoshi's presence in the movie is a highlight for fans.
Star Fox's return is a significant topic in gaming news.
The gaming industry is facing major layoffs and closures.
Ocarina of Time remake could be a big deal for fans.
The future of live service games is uncertain.
The impact of Fortnite's decline on the gaming industry is concerning.
Upcoming releases like Pokémon Champions are generating buzz.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Console Price Increases00:14:25 - Xbox Partner Showcase: March 202600:28:25 - Fox McLoud is in Mario Galaxy Movie00:34:20 - New StarFox & Ocarina of Time Remake Rumours00:42:25 - Studio Clorsures & Layoffs00:52:10 - Life is Strange: Reunion Impressions
RESOURCES
Here's The New Aussie Prices For The PS5, PS5 Pro And PlayStation Portal
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices Are Changing With Digital Games To Be Cheaper
Everything Announced At The March 2026 Xbox Partner Preview
All-new Star Fox and Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reportedly set for Switch 2 release this year | Eurogamer.net
Glen Powell is voicing Starfox's Fox McCloud in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie | Eurogamer.net
Wanderstop studio Ivy Road to close after funding for second game "didn't come to fruition" | Eurogamer.net
Krafton cancels F2P PUBG spin-off PUBG: Blindspot after just 2 months | Eurogamer.net
Fortnite-maker Epic Games lays off another 1,000 staff
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Are We Playing Real Games Anymore? DLSS 5 Discussion

We discuss DLSS 5 and how it's adding to the AI slopness of the game industry.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The introduction of DLSS5 has sparked significant backlash from gamers.
AI technology in gaming can alter the original artistic intent of games.
NVIDIA's DLSS5 aims to enhance graphics but raises concerns about photorealism.
The gaming industry is experiencing a wave of layoffs and restructuring.
Ubisoft's Red Storm Entertainment has shifted focus to tech support roles.
Crystal Dynamics has faced multiple rounds of layoffs in a year.
Leadership indecisiveness can lead to repeated layoffs and restructuring.
The gaming community is critical of unnecessary technological advancements.
There is a call for better management practices in gaming studios.
The future of beloved franchises like Splinter Cell remains uncertain. The wealthy elite often rely on bonuses to maintain their lifestyle.
Japanese publisher Atlas is raising salaries and reducing overtime.
Staff retention is crucial for efficient game development.
The rapid release of games in Japan contrasts with Western studios.
Anticipation for Persona Six is high among fans.
Starfield is set to release on PS5 soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 has received a notable update.
Refunding games on Steam can be a necessary choice.
Supporting indie developers is important for the gaming ecosystem.
April is packed with exciting game releases.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

What Is Xbox's Plan For The Future?

We discuss the future of Xbox with their upcoming hybrid PC/Console and what that means for their games.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
The First Xbox Project Helix Details Have Been Revealed And Xbox Mode Is Coming To All PCs
Yoshi And The Mysterious Book's Release Date Has Been Revealed Alongside A Gorgeous New Trailer
South of Midnight debuts on PS5 and Switch 2 later this month | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Indie World Surprises + Pokémon Pokopia First Reactions

We discuss the Nintendo Indie World for March 2026 and dive into the wonderful world ready to explore in Pokémon Pokopia.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Indie World Showcase featured a variety of new indie games.
Dylan expressed excitement for the game Densha Attack.
The game My Little Puppy has a unique premise involving dogs and heaven.
Heave Ho 2 was announced, continuing the multiplayer co-op experience.
Moonlighter 2 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Dylan shared his thoughts on the shadow drop trend in gaming.
Rumours suggest the next God of War game will feature Faye as the lead character.
The gaming community has mixed reactions to the idea of a female lead in God of War.
Capcom's recent showcase highlighted announcements for Mega Man and Resident Evil.
Ubisoft announced a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, raising questions about their choice. Assassin's Creed Black Flag remains a fan favourite.
New titles like Hex and Invictus are on the horizon for Assassin's Creed.
Live service games face high risks and rewards in the gaming industry.
Local events like Level Up Tasmania support game development communities.
Pokémon Pokopia has received high praise and is the highest-rated Pokémon game to date.
The gameplay in Pokopia allows for creative environmental interactions.
Scott Pilgrim EX expands on the beloved original game with new content.
The emotional storytelling in games is becoming more prominent.
The gaming community is eager for new multiplayer experiences.
Game reviews provide insights into the evolving landscape of gaming.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:00:30 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase00:13:45 - God of War Spin-Off Rumours00:20:50 - Capcom Spotlight 00:25:20 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Is 100% Real00:30:50 - Highguard Is Now Being Shutdown00:35:10 - Level Up Tasmania Is Back00:36:00 - Pokémon Pokopia Impressions00:48:50 - Poker Night at the Inventory & Scott Pilgrim EX Reviews00:51:10 - Outro
RESOURCES
Everything Announced at the March 2026 Indie World Showcase - Explosion Network
The next God of War game stars a new protagonist rather than Kratos, insider claims, and will be revealed this year | Eurogamer.net
Capcom Spotlight March – All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network
Ubisoft Confirms Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake - Explosion Network
Two Months Later, Highguard Is Already Closing - Explosion Network
Level Up Tasmania 2026 Dates Confirmed for April 17–18 - Explosion Network
Poker Night at the Inventory Review - Explosion Network
Scott Pilgrim EX Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Pokémon Winds & Waves Reactions + Resident Evil Requiem First Thoughts

We talk about everything from the 2026 Pokémon Day, Pokémon Presents, including the reveal of Pokémon Wind & Waves. 
Also on the show, we give our impressions on both Resident Evil: Requiem, as well as Marathon, after jumping into the server slam. 
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Pokémon Presents event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
New game features and updates were announced, including Pokémon Home support.
The 10th generation of Pokémon games is set to release in 2027.
Visual performance is a major concern for upcoming Pokémon titles.
The hosts hope for a more polished experience with the new games.
Bluepoint's potential Bloodborne remake was a hot topic of discussion.
The gaming community is eager for more announcements throughout the anniversary year.
Voice acting in Pokémon games is a desired feature among fans.
The hosts reflect on the impact of leaks on excitement for new games.
The conversation highlights the balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming. Bluepoint's potential projects are still under discussion.
The God of War series is generating mixed reactions online.
Xbox is facing significant challenges with its branding strategy.
Resident Evil Requiem balances horror and action effectively.
Marathon's gameplay mechanics are engaging but require teamwork.
Overwatch's return has revitalised interest in the franchise.
The UI in Marathon is a major point of frustration for players.
Upcoming game releases in March include several highly anticipated titles.
The hosts emphasise the importance of community in multiplayer games.
Resident Evil Requiem is noted for its stunning visuals and sound design.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - Pokemon Presents - Pokemon Day 202600:24:00 - Bluepoint Did Try & Remake Bloodborne00:32:30 - First Look At God of War Series00:37:30 - Ciaran's Thoughts On Xbox Change-Up00:41:45 - Resident Evil Requiem Impressions00:49:20 - Marathon - Servel Slam Impressions00:57:45 - Games Coming Out In March01:03:35 - Outro
RESOURCES
Pokémon Day 2026: All the Announcements From Pokémon Presents - Explosion Network
Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Remake Pitch Was Reportedly Rejected - Explosion Network
Prime Video Reveals First Image From God of War Series - Explosion Network
Marvel's Wolverine Launches on September 15, 2026 - Explosion Network
Video Game Releases Archives - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Xbox Shakeup & Bluepoint Shutdown – Industry Fallout

We discuss the huge shakeup with the Xbox leadership team and the closure of Bluepoint Games.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Phil Spencer's retirement marks a significant shift for Xbox.
Asha Sharma's appointment raises questions about Xbox's future direction.
Xbox's current position is precarious, with many uncertainties.
The gaming industry is shifting towards live service models.
Sony's closure of Blue Point Games highlights industry volatility.
Live service games are struggling to find a sustainable model.
The focus on monetisation is affecting game quality.
Leadership changes can lead to drastic shifts in company strategy.
The gaming community is highly invested in company leadership.
The future of Xbox as a console is uncertain. The video game industry is losing time to apps and social media.
Studio closures often stem from financial decisions rather than creative ones.
New studios struggle to deliver successful games without prior experience.
The gaming industry faces a constant battle between artistic vision and technological constraints.
Anticipation for Pokémon's 30th anniversary is high, with expectations for new content.
Remakes and remasters are a cost-effective strategy for studios.
The importance of collaboration and team chemistry in game development cannot be overstated.
The narrative depth in games can provoke thoughts on real-world issues.
Lighting and art direction play a crucial role in game aesthetics.
Player engagement is shifting, necessitating new strategies for developers.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Xbox Leadership Change-up00:20:45 - Sony Shuts Down Bluepoint Games00:41:30 - Pokémon Presents Hopes00:48:25 - God of War Sons of Spartan Wrap-Up Review00:49:30 - Reanimal Review00:56:30 - Outro
RESOURCES
Major Xbox Shake-Up: Asha Sharma Named CEO of Microsoft Gaming - Explosion Network
Sony Shutters Bluepoint Games Just Years After Buying the Studio - Explosion Network
Pokémon Presents Announced for February 28 – 30th Anniversary Celebration - Explosion Network
Nintendo Bringing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen to Switch - Explosion Network
God of War Sons of Sparta Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

State of Play 2026 Kicks Off Strong – Our Breakdown

We break down the first State of Play for 2026, which brought plenty of surprises and new game trailers.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The PlayStation Showcase featured a variety of new game announcements.
Wolverine was included in the showcase, albeit not in the expected format.
Kenna: Bridge of Spirits sequel shows significant development.
Ghost of Yotai Legends is set to return with multiplayer features.
Death Stranding 2 is confirmed for PC release.
Resident Evil Requiem continues to generate buzz with frequent trailers.
Legacy of Cain is getting a remaster, sparking interest in the franchise.
A new 2.5D Castlevania game is in development, appealing to long-time fans.
Unique IPs like Project Windlass are being introduced, showcasing creativity.
Konami's segment highlighted both remasters and new titles, indicating a focus on legacy franchises. The John Wick game aims to capture the essence of the franchise.
Bungie's Marathon is set to test servers with a service slam.
PlayStation Plus is adding notable titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Saros gameplay trailer showcases significant improvements over Returnal.
Marvel's Fighting Souls introduces new characters like Storm and Magic.
God of War trilogy remakes are in early development for PS6.
Sons of Sparta explores Kratos's early life and relationships.
The game aims to offer a different perspective on Kratos.
Voice acting in Sons of Sparta has received mixed reviews.
The game's combat mechanics differ from those in traditional God of War games. Wrestle Quest's pixel art aims for an authentic 80s aesthetic.
Highguard's layoffs reflect broader issues in the gaming industry.
Video game success is crucial for team retention.
Mario Tennis Fever offers smooth, engaging gameplay.
Mugenics combines humour with tactical gameplay mechanics.
The gaming industry often relies on the success of the next release.
Highguard's development challenges raise questions about live service games.
The structure of video game development can lead to instability for teams.
Mario Tennis Fever's story mode serves as an extended tutorial.
Mugenics has the potential for addictive gameplay and deep mechanics.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:50:00 - State of Play Breakdown00:43:30 - God of War Sons of Sparta Review-In-Progress00:55:50 - Highguard Developer Lay Offs01:04:20 - Mario Tennis Fever Review-In-Progress01:13:20 - Mewgenics Impressions01:20:40 - Outro
RESOURCES
Every Announcement From February’s PlayStation State of Play - Explosion Network
Highguard not shutting down following Wildlight layoffs, with a "core group" of developers left to support the game | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network