Did Geoff Deliver? Our Summer Game Fest 2025 Reactions

Dylan & Ashley discuss the Summer Game Fest, sharing their thoughts on the overall experience, standout announcements, and trailers. They express disappointment in the show, highlighting a lack of engaging content and the prevalence of similar game types. 
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The Summer Game Fest was perceived as a letdown.
Expectations were high, but the show ultimately fell short of delivering.
A significant number of games showcased were 'souls-like'.
Death Stranding 2's presence felt unnecessary during the show.
Game trailers often lacked gameplay clarity.
The hosts are excited about the potential of new game mechanics.
Narrative-driven games are becoming more prominent.
Unique game concepts can stand out in a crowded market.
Demos for upcoming games are available for players to try.
The hosts are eager to explore more game demos in the future. The excitement for new gaming experiences varies among players.
Trailers play a crucial role in generating interest in upcoming games.
Indie games are increasingly capturing the attention of gamers.
Cultural references in games can enhance the overall experience.
The horror genre continues to evolve with unique concepts.
Multiplayer games are a significant focus in current gaming trends.
Game showcases often reveal a mix of anticipated and surprising titles.
Players appreciate narrative-driven games that resonate with their interests.
The gaming community is eager for updates on beloved franchises like Resident Evil.
Innovative gameplay mechanics can set a game apart from others.
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
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Summer Game Fest 2025 HYPE – Our Biggest Predictions!

Our predictions for Summer Game Fest 2025.
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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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Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Is Looking Good!

The latest Dragon Age news paired with a gameplay video is finally ready to admit; it's looking pretty exciting.
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The hosts review their predictions for Summer Game Fest and determine the outcomes.
They discuss the announcement of new games and trailers, including Alan Wake 2 DLC and Fable.
The conversation touches on software updates, Ubisoft's Skull and Bones, and the niche appeal of certain games.
They also discuss Hideo Kojima's love for movies and the possibility of a new Donkey Kong game. The hosts discuss various gaming announcements, including release dates, trailers, and gameplay clips.
Controversy arises over early access to Life is Strange: True Colors and the choices in the game.
One host is already sold on the gameplay of Dragon Age after watching the first 10 minutes.
Excitement is expressed for Mixtape and Dragon Age. Dragon Age 4 will have a more linear and action-oriented gameplay compared to its predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition.
There is speculation about the death of a major character in Dragon Age 4, with some suggesting that it could be Varik.
The hosts are excited for upcoming games like Metroid Dread and Star Wars: Outlaws.
There is skepticism about the Yakuza live-action TV series adaptation and whether it can capture the craziness of the game.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Gameplay Reveal
Life is Strange: Double Exposure – Reveal Livestream (ESRB)
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
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SGF 2024: Ubisoft Forward, Future Games Showcase

In the last of our SGF specials, we discuss Ubisoft Direct and The Future Game Show.
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The Ubisoft Forward event had a strong start and finish, but the middle section felt like filler content.
The open-world Star Wars game Star Wars Outlaws received mixed reactions, with some finding it generic and others intrigued by its mechanics.
Ciaran felt that Ubisoft should reconsider its presentation format and focus on delivering more impactful announcements. Skull and Bones presentation was lackluster and focused on requested features and desperate pleas for players to keep playing
Prince of Persia received mixed reactions, with a new DLC announced but a delay for the game announced in 2020
Assassin's Creed Shadows showcased gameplay with two protagonists, a samurai and a ninja, with the ninja gameplay receiving more positive feedback
The future game show featured upcoming games like Nobody Wants to Die, Parcel Corps, and Dustborn
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
https://explosionnetwork.com/all-the-summer-game-fest-wrap-ups-in-once-place/
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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SGF 2024: Xbox Games Showcase, PC Gaming Showcase, Women-Led Games, Latin American Games Showcase

We're back with more SGF showcases to discuss, with the big one of this episode being the Xbox Games Showcase.
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Alan Wake 2 was started by Ciaran
The Xbox showcase had promising games and announcements, but some titles may have long release dates.
Dragon Age 4 is expected to be a more mature and cinematic experience, focusing on the companions.
State of Decay 3 seems to be improving upon its predecessor and offers a more grounded and cinematic gameplay experience.
The hosts express excitement for the potential partnership between Xbox and other developers, as well as the evolution of Bioware.
Perfect Dark game looks interesting with its mix of different genres and spy elements.
The hosts are excited about the return of the Fable game and are intrigued by the premise and setup.
They discuss the importance of playing the previous Life is Strange games to fully appreciate the story and characters.
The hosts express their love for the Gears of War franchise and are excited about the prequel game that explores the events of E-Day.
They discuss the Summer Game Fest and the various game trailers that were shown, expressing their thoughts and expectations.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
https://explosionnetwork.com/all-the-summer-game-fest-wrap-ups-in-once-place/
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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SGF 2024: Summer Game Fest, Devolver Direct, Wholesome Direct

We discuss the first batch of SGF week shows starting with Summer Game Fest itself, and then Day of the Devs, Devolver Direct, Future of Play and Wholesome Direct.
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The Summer Game Fest showcase featured a variety of games and announcements.
The presence of indie games in the showcase was notable, and it was seen as an opportunity for these games to gain more visibility.
There was discussion about the cost of trailers and the presence of AAA companies in the showcase.
Specific games like the Horizon Lego game, Star Wars Outlaws, and Metroid Dread were highlighted and discussed.
Overall, the hosts expressed excitement for the upcoming games and shared their opinions on the showcase. Blumhouse games segment showcases indie horror games and offers support to independent developers
The remaster of Sonic Generations with a new campaign featuring Shadow Sonic generates excitement
The Dune trailer provides insight into the story of the MMO
The hosts express their enthusiasm for upcoming games and appreciate the variety of genres and styles Alan Wake 2 is announced with a collector's edition available for pre-order.
The Night Springs DLC for Alan Wake 2 features three different chapters and expands on the game's universe.
Skate is coming to consoles, and a limited beta will be available on PS5.
Valorant is coming to PlayStation and Xbox, and a limited beta will be available on PS5.
Monster Hunter Wilds is generating interest among the hosts, with a new trailer and gameplay to be revealed at Gamescom. The hosts discuss various games showcased at Summer Game Fest and Day of the Devs
Notable games mentioned include Battle Vision Network, Tides of Tomorrow, and After Love EP
The hosts highlight the unique concepts and art styles of these games
They mention the upcoming showcases they plan to watch, such as Xbox Game Showcase and Ubisoft Forward
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
https://explosionnetwork.com/all-the-summer-game-fest-wrap-ups-in-once-place/
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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Summer Game Fest 2024 Predictions

Our Summer Game Fest 2024 predictions and thoughts are good, great, excellent, and guaranteed to be on the money.
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Engaging discussion about upcoming gaming events
Insightful predictions for the Summer Game Fest
Discussions about the gameplay and features of Multiverses and XDefiant
Insights into the hosts' thoughts on the gaming industry and upcoming releases
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Registation for Nintendo Live 2024 Sydney Opens 17th of June - Explosion Network
Silent Hill Transmission - May 2024: All the news & trailers - 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

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami & No Rest For The Wicked Reviews

Dylan shares his thoughts on three games this week, leading with the highly anticipated Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, before getting into Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, and No Rest For The Wicked.
Show Dot Points
The launch of the Pokemon Center in Australia and New Zealand is highly anticipated.
There is a suggestion that Hideo Kojima should make a Mad Max video game
The Summer Game Fest is an event to look forward to, but expectations should be tempered. Upcoming gaming showcases and events like the Summer Game Fest and E3 generate excitement and anticipation among gamers.
No Rest For The Wicked is an early access ARPG that combines Diablo and Souls-like combat elements, but some mechanics, like the need to constantly craft health potions, can be frustrating.
Duck Detective is a cozy detective adventure game where players take on the role of a duck detective, solving the mystery of a stolen salami. The game features humorous writing, fully voice-acted characters, and word-solving puzzles.
The length of a game should not solely determine its value; shorter games can still provide a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Pricing should be based on the overall quality and experience of the game rather than just its length.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:30 - Today On The Show00:01:42 - Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Review00:22:41 - Pokemon Centre Is Coming To AUSNZ00:25:03 - Who Should Make A Mad Max Game?00:29:49 - Summer Game Fest 2024 Schedule 00:44:42 - IGN Entertainment Buys All The Competition00:50:09 - No Rest For The Wicked Early Access Review00:58:04 - Duck Detective: The Secret Salami Review
Resources
Pokemon Centre is launching in Australia and New Zealand soon - Explosion Network
Hideo Kojima Best Person to Make a Mad Max Video Game, Reckons Franchise Director
Summer Game Fest 2024 Schedule: Australian times for all the showcases in June-August - Explosion Network
IGN Entertainment acquires Eurogamer, GI, VG247, Rock Paper Shotgun and more | GamesIndustry.biz
No Rest For The Wicked - Early Access Review - Explosion Network
Koalaty Critics: Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - Australian Review Roundup - Explosion Network
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami Review - Introducing Eugene McQuacklin - 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