Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 Review & Reactions

We discuss Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1, Avowed, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii & more.
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Ciaran achieved diamond 3 in Marvel Rivals, showcasing personal gaming success.
The firing of employees from a successful game raises questions about industry practices.
'Bloom and Rage' features a unique storytelling approach across two timelines.
The game includes supernatural elements that affect character choices.
Character interactions are central to the gameplay experience in 'Bloom and Rage'.
The pacing of 'Bloom and Rage' can sometimes feel slow, impacting engagement.
Realistic character designs, including acne, enhance the authenticity of the game.
The game explores themes of body dysphoria and LGBTQ+ representation.
'Like a Dragon: Pirate Adventures' focuses on action and pirate-themed gameplay.
Players should complete 'Infinite Wealth' before diving into 'Like a Dragon: Pirate Adventures' to avoid spoilers. Naval combat can be more engaging than traditional gameplay.
Yakuza's charm lies in its quirky characters and storylines.
Unique gameplay experiences can be found in simple concepts like digging.
Exploration in games can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Character backstories add depth to gameplay experiences.
Dialogue systems can enhance player engagement and choices.
Games can be both fun and thought-provoking.
The importance of narrative in gaming cannot be overstated.
Player choices can have lasting impacts on the game world.
Enjoying a game often comes down to personal preferences.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
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

Avowed Review & State Of Play Breakdown

Dylan discusses his time with Avowd, and we also look at some of the other reviews in the Koalaty Critics. 
We also discuss the first State of Play for 2025 and all the trailers and news in the show.
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Avowed has received mixed but generally positive reviews.
The game is set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity.
Character creation plays a significant role in gameplay.
The lore and world-building are rich and engaging.
Combat mechanics offer a variety of play styles.
The game does not feature enemy scaling, enhancing player progression.
Dylan enjoyed the story and character interactions.
The game length is around 25-30 hours for completionists.
State of Play showcased several new titles and updates.
Expectations for PlayStation's future remain cautiously optimistic. It's been a while since I touched DevDiver.
Cautious optimism is key for Borderlands 4.
New trailers are exciting but can be confusing.
Remakes and remasters can breathe new life into old games.
DLCs can enhance gameplay but also complicate access.
Innovative gameplay mechanics can attract new players.
The gaming landscape is ever-evolving with new titles.
Understanding game mechanics is crucial for player engagement.
The balance between nostalgia and innovation is important.
Community feedback can shape game development.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
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

What Games Are We Looking Forward To In 2025?

We look ahead to 2025 and what games we must watch, including GTA VI, the Nintendo Switch 2, a new Pokemon Game, Ghost of Yotei, and more.
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The Steam Deck has become a primary gaming console.
Battery life on the Steam Deck is generally satisfactory.
Games that require precision, like first-person shooters, are better suited for PC.
The Steam Deck is ideal for indie and bite-sized games.
Upcoming games in 2025 include highly anticipated titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Avowed.
The gaming community is excited about including women's football in Football Manager 25.
Nintendo's strategy includes big releases in January to capitalize on holiday sales.
The Steam Deck's user interface is praised for its ease of use.
Ciaran's experience with the Steam Deck has rekindled his love for gaming.
The conversation reflects a growing acceptance of new gaming platforms like Blue Sky. Sweek it in 1 and 2 remaster is highly anticipated.
Comedic horror games can be enjoyable.
Dabble in new games, even if you're not a fan of the genre.
Riot Games' new fighting game could change the industry.
Cooperative gameplay can be fun even without a full team.
Indie games are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Major franchises are making a comeback with new titles.
Innovative mechanics can enhance gameplay experiences.
MMOs are evolving with new open-world concepts.
Celebrity endorsements can create buzz for new games. Exploring new game concepts can lead to unexpected excitement.
Anticipation for upcoming releases is a common theme among gamers.
Unique game mechanics can enhance player engagement and enjoyment.
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the gaming industry.
Marvel Rivals aims to innovate within the hero shooter genre.
The influence of established creators like Ken Levine remains strong.
Game adaptations can spark interest but also scepticism.
Community feedback is crucial for the success of multiplayer games.
Diversity in game narratives is increasingly important.
Smaller indie games often stand out in a crowded market.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
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