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.
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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
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State of Play Reactions – Did PlayStation Deliver in June 2025?

In this special bonus episode of Arcade Couch, Dylan and Ashley react to the latest State of Play showcase, discussing their overall impressions, standout game reveals, and specific titles that caught their attention.
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The State of Play showcased a solid lineup of games.
Excitement peaked with the reveal of James Bond and a Marvel fighting game.
Luminous Arise promises a unique twist on Tetris gameplay.
Pragmata's long-awaited return has fans curious about its story.
Suda51's new game looks wild and intriguing.
Silent Hill: F's trailer builds anticipation for its release.
Bloodstained continues to expand its legacy in gaming.
Final Fantasy Tactics remaster is a long-awaited project.
Baby Steps offers a comedic take on walking mechanics.
Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection aims to celebrate the franchise's history. The announcement of a new game package with a documentary is exciting for both gamers and non-gamers.
The introduction of a wireless fighting stick indicates a shift in gaming hardware.
The new trailers for games like Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater showcase impressive graphics and gameplay.
Neo 3 is set to release in 2026, continuing the trend of souls-like games.
The multiplayer aspect of Tidewalkers introduces a unique gameplay mechanic.
Free content updates for games like Ask Robots keep players engaged and satisfied.
The upcoming VR game FIF VR Legacy of Shadow looks promising with its unique setting.
The revival of classic titles like Twisted Metal is a nostalgic move for gamers.
The collaboration between PlayStation and Marvel for a new fighting game is highly anticipated.
The hosts express excitement for the upcoming Summer Game Fest and the potential announcements it may bring.
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/
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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:
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