Pokémon Legends: Z-A Is All About Mega Evolution Battles!

Dylan discusses his time with Pokémon Legends: Z-A and his thoughts on the game after about ten hours. 
Catching up with Ashley, he also goes over a bunch of stuff he played at PAX AUS 2025 last week that hasn't been discussed yet, and the two talk about their Hades 2 runs.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
https://explosionnetwork.com/paxaus2025/
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎨 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

Hades II First Impressions – Does It Live Up to the Original?

We've all been playing Hades II and discussing our early thoughts on the game, a sequel to one of our collective favourites.
Show Dot Points
Hades 2 introduces new gameplay mechanics that enhance strategy.
The art style and music continue to impress players.
Progression feels rewarding, regardless of the success of the run.
The game features a complex system of collectibles and upgrades.
Character relationships are more intricate in Hades 2.
The stakes in the story are higher compared to the first game.
Players appreciate the depth of Greek mythology in the narrative.
The game maintains a balance between challenge and accessibility.
Feedback on the game's systems varies among players.
The community is excited for future updates and expansions. The hex system in Hades adds a unique layer to gameplay.
State of Play revealed exciting new titles and updates.
Zero Parades is anticipated to capture the essence of Disco Elysium.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is coming to PlayStation, a surprise to many.
Battlefield 6's cinematic trailer draws comparisons to Call of Duty.
The gaming community is eager for more depth in Wolverine's gameplay.
PlayStation Plus is offering a strong lineup for October.
Gran Turismo continues to thrive with its loyal fanbase.
The evolution of game mechanics is crucial for player engagement.
The hosts express mixed feelings about new hardware announcements. The game design of upcoming titles may lean towards linear storytelling rather than open-world exploration.
Character relationships in the X-Men universe hold significant potential for deeper storytelling.
Sony's new reward system for PlayStation has received mixed reactions from the gaming community.
Forza Horizon 6 promises to bring a fresh setting and exciting gameplay mechanics.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 will not only remake the original but also expand on its story with new content.
Nintendo's leadership change marks a significant moment in the company's history, especially with the appointment of a female president.
The new RPG Anata showcases a blend of popular gaming mechanics from various franchises.
The gaming community is eager for more X-Men characters in upcoming titles.
The reaction to PlayStation's merchandise gatekeeping reflects broader trends in gaming culture.
The anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 highlights the franchise's evolution and commitment to diverse settings.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
State of Play September 2025: Wolverine, Saros, and Every Trailer Revealed - Explosion Network
Earn Trophies, Get Gear: PlayStation’s New Rewards Program Starts With Ghost of Tsushima - Explosion Network
Forza Horizon 6: Answering the Big Questions About That Japan Setting - Xbox Wire
Yakuza Kiwami 3 Announced for February 2026 With New Spin-Off Dark Ties - Explosion Network
Bowser retires from Nintendo, succeeded by first female president | 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:
https://explosionnetwork.com/support

Nintendo Direct September 2025 – Full Recap & Impressions

We discuss the September 2025 Nintendo Direct & Ciaran also gives his impressions on Borderlands 4.
Show Dot Points
The Nintendo Direct showcased exciting new titles and updates.
The Super Mario Galaxy movie is set to release in April 2026.
Mario Tennis Fever aims to address past complaints with new features.
Super Mario Wonder will receive additional content for the Switch 2.
Yoshi's new adventure promises a unique storybook aesthetic.
Indie games like Dinkum are making their way to the Switch.
Hades II is a highly anticipated sequel with a console-exclusive window.
The gaming community is buzzing about potential Game of the Year candidates.
The hosts express their excitement for upcoming releases and nostalgia for classic titles.
The conversation reflects a vibrant gaming culture and community engagement. Hyrule Wars is set to release on November 6.
Dragon Quest 7 remake looks significantly better than the original.
The Virtual Boy was a commercial failure, but is being revived.
Nintendo Switch 2 introduces new features for existing games.
Fans highly anticipate Power Wash Simulator 2.
Metroid Prime 4 is finally releasing on December 4.
Donkey Kong Bonanza DLC offers new gameplay experiences.
Pokémon Pokopia allows players to experience life as a Ditto.
Danganronpa 2 remaster includes new scenarios and gameplay elements.
Borderlands 4 has optimisation issues, but retains core gameplay.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Nintendo Direct September 2025 – Every Game and Reveal - 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

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.
Show Dot Points
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/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion