Arcade Couch

Pokemon 2024, More Layoffs, And Final Fantays VII: Rebirth

Alongside the continuing trent of layoffs in 2024, we discuss the 2024 Pokemon Day Showcase and our initial impressions on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
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Layoffs continue to affect game studios, with Toys for Bob leaving Activision and EA laying off nearly 700 employees.
Dylans reviews the game Dites and Deities, highlighting its unique music and gameplay.
The focus on Ultimate Team in games like FIFA has led to layoffs and a lack of investment in other projects. Layoffs in the gaming industry are a significant concern, highlighting the need for game developers to unionize and for the gaming community to support studios by purchasing their games.
The release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has generated mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and music, while others find the audio mixing and storytelling confusing.
The hosts express their enjoyment of the gameplay and exploration in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth but note that the open-world elements can sometimes feel like mini-games and detract from the main story.
The Pokemon Direct and Pokemon Presents announcements generated excitement and anticipation among fans.
The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket offers a new mobile version of the popular card game.
Pokemon Legends Z-A is a highly anticipated game that takes place in Luminous City and may feature mega evolutions.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Pokemon Presents 2024 - All the news from the Pokemon Day event - Explosion Network
Embracer Is Reportedly Selling Off Star Wars: KOTOR Remake Developer Saber Interactive
The Embracer-Owned Gearbox Software Is Apparently Close To Being Sold Off
Spyro And Crash Developer Toys For Bob Is Leaving Activision To Go Independent
EA Has Cancelled Respawn's Star Wars FPS Amid Its Mass Layoff
Life Is Strange Developer Deck Nine Has Laid Off 20% Of Its Staff
Sony Is Laying Off Around 900 PlayStation Employees And Shutting At Least One Studio
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
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First Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase reveals Xbox games, but also Mickey!

We break down the first Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase of 20224 and talk about the reviews for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
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The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack offers classic rare games to subscribers.
The Borderlands movie trailer has received mixed reactions.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has received positive reviews, with some divisive opinions on the ending.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:00:57 - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase00:25:05 - Borderlands Movie Trailer00:29:10 - World of Tanks Giveaway00:30:04 - Koality Critics: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth00:35:24 - Goodbye
Resources
Everything announced and all the trailers from the February 2024 Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase - Explosion Network
The First Full Borderlands Movie Trailer Has Arrived And It Looks Suitably Ridiculous
Competition: We're giving away X5 World of Tanks Modern Armor 10th anniversary bundle codes worth $90 - 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:
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Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is fantastic, and we react to the Xbox Podcast

We talk about Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, the Future of Xbox, and the rumour of a Nintendo Switch 2 coming in early 2025.
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'Banishers: Ghosts of the New Eden" receives a positive review for its gameplay and story from Dylan.
The hosts praised the mature romance and character development in the game 'Tell Me Why'.
The hosts expressed disappointment with Xbox's communication strategy and the leaks surrounding exclusivity.
Speculation was made about the potential success of Xbox games on other platforms.
Rumours of a delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 were discussed. Rumours suggest a delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 to prepare a stronger lineup of first-party software.
The DICE Awards are praised for giving developers a platform to speak and for focusing on the industry rather than being a giant ad.
Dylan finds that the Tomb Raider Remastered Collection doesn't hold up well and lacks modern features. Supporting the show through donations is important for its sustainability.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:01:15 - Today On The Show00:01:50 - Banishers: Ghost of New Eden Review00:15:30 - The Future of Xbox & What That Means00:34:15 - Nintendo Switch 2 Sounds Like It's Coming Early 202500:46:55 - The DICE Awards Are Great Celebration Of Video Games00:56:05 - Tomb Raider I-III Collection Impressions01:04:45 - Goodbye
Resources
Four Xbox First Party Games Are Officially Coming To Other Platforms
The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Now Release In 2025 According To Multiple New Claims
The DICE Awards show is the celebration developers and fans deserve - The Verge
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

If Xbox Games Are Coming To Other Consoles, What Does It Mean?

The rumours say that Xbox games are coming to PlayStation and Nintendo. But what could that mean, and how would it work?
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:00:21 - Discussion about Yellow Paint in Video Games00:03:06 - Upcoming Xbox Event and the Possibility of Games Going Multi-Platform00:33:08 - Disney's Investment in Epic Games00:38:57 - Preview of Penny's Big Breakaway00:43:36 - Review of New JSAUX Gear00:44:45 - Tower Pets - Steam Next Fest Demo00:46:37 - Minami Lane - Steam Next Fest Demo00:48:08 - Pacific Drive - Steam Next Fest Demo00:49:53 - Mullet Mad Jack - Steam Next Fest Demo00:57:36 - Rotwood - Steam Next Fest Demo00:58:03 - Backpack Battles - Steam Next Fest Demo00:59:53 - Diets and Deities - Steam Next Fest Demo01:01:45 - Goodbye
Resources
Microsoft Will Be Sharing Its "Vision For The Future Of Xbox" Next Week
Disney invests $1.5B in Fortnite maker Epic Games
Penny's Big Breakaway Preview - SEGA-era throwback with some modern twists - Explosion Network
JSAUX Portable Wireless Speaker Review - Explosion Network
JSAUX Folding Travel Stand Review - Explosion Network
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
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Support Us:
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Controversies, Layoffs, and Unprecedented Successes

Welcome to another thrilling episode of ArcaCast, your premier non-stop gaming podcast. This episode of ArcaCast stands at the intersection of controversy and success, tackling pressing gaming news and providing insightful ramifications in the industry.
In this episode, our keen critics Ashley Hovely and Kieran Marchant delve into the controversies surrounding 'The Suicide Squad'. They explore the polarizing opinions in the gaming community, the inconsistencies in the game's lore, characters' traversal systems and ultimately, the ripple effect of these on gamers' reception.
The narrative then shifts from controversy to success, as we celebrate the impressive first-week international sales of 'Yakuza: Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth'. As an unexpected hit beyond Japan, this monumental accomplishment sparks an exhilarating conversation about the growth of the Japanese RPG genre.
Switching gears, the episode touches on recent developments in the gaming industry, including layoffs at Blizzard esports and peculiar antics from 'Bears in Space' developers. These discussions offer a sober reflection on the industry's volatile side, juxtaposing gaming's glamorous successes with its unsettling realities.
To drench you in the gaming thrill, ArcaCast presents an adventurous journey featuring a blend of Japanese RPGs' superlative weirdness and the refreshing touch of experimental indie games. We delve into captivating narratives, excellent gameplay, and splendid character development in games like Lyca Dragon. We also examine 'Out of Action', a vividly coloured unique team-based shooter, and '#Drive Rally', a retro-style rally racer game.
So whether you're an avid gamer or simply intrigued by gaming, this episode promises to offer a comprehensive guided tour of the gaming world, seamlessly blending excitement, knowledge, and quick-paced revelations. Stay updated and engrossed with ArcaCast. We assure weekly round-ups of the hottest gaming news, industry insights, critiques of new releases, and much more. Tune in and Game on!
 
[We tried AI descriptions this week...]

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth and More Gaming Layoffs

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a fantastic game worth devoting your life to but 2024 has again seen massive gaming layoffs with Microsoft and Riot Games making cuts this week.
Hosts:Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:01:03 - Today On The ShowREVIEW00:01:22 - Like a Dragon: Infinite WealthTHE NEWS00:18:23 - Microsoft layoffs following Activision-Blizzard Acquisition00:25:46 - Riot Games layoff 530 Staff00:37:09 - Pokemon Company Investigating Palworld00:44:57 - Do Consumers Even Care How Games Are Made?00:50:00 - Do Gamers Need To Stop Caring About Owning Games?00:55:57 - Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Won’t Have Reviews Before ReleaseSHOUTOUTS01:04:05 - Turnip Boy Robs a Bank01:05:04 - Tekken 8OUTRO01:08:28 - Goodbye
Resources
Explosion Network
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank Review
Forbes
What’s Going On With ‘Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League’ Reviews
Polygon
Microsoft cuts nearly 2,000 workers from gaming business
Press Start
Riot Games Just Laid Off 530 Of Its Staff
The Pokémon Company Says It Will Be "Investigating" Palworld And "Taking Appropriate Measures"
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Kicks 2024 Off In Style & We Discuss Palworld Controversy

We start 2024 by talking about how good Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is and why Palworld may be ripping off Pokemon.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:01:27 - What Have We Played On Holidays?REVIEW - 100:10:26 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown ReviewTHE NEWS00:23:15 - Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 Showcase00:44:27 - Palworld ControversyPREVIEWS/SHOUTOUTS01:14:54 - The Cub Review, JSAUX RGB Docking Station ReviewOUTRO01:17:11 - Big Games Coming In 202401:39:15 - Goodbye
Resources
Explosion Network
Best of 2023 Stuf
Everything announced at the Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 Showcase
JSAUX RGB Docking Station Review
Koalaty Critics: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Australian Review Roundup
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review
The Cub Review – A Suprise Masterpiece To Start 2024
Polygon
The 50 most anticipated new games of 2024
Video Games Chronicle
Palworld embroiled in AI and Pokémon ‘plagiarism’ controversy
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
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Top 3 Games of 2023 - Talking About The Official Explosion Network List

We discuss the top three games from Explosion Network's Top 10 Video Games of 2023 list, which you can check out now at https://explosionnetwork.com

Our Personal Favourite Games of 2023 Lists

Dylan, Ashley and Ciaran go over their top ten games of 2023.
Our full Explosion Network Top 10 Games of 2023 list will be coming this Sunday, with a bonus Arcade Couch discussing the top three games.

The Last of Us Online, E3 & More Studio Cancellations To End 2023

It's the last episode of Arcade Couch for 2023, and in fitting style, we're talking about games, studios and events being cancelled!
We have other good news to talk about too, like The Game Awards speeches we didn't get to hear, what we've been playing, including some hidden gems, and the upcoming Death Stranding movie coming from A24.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:00:55 - House Keeping00:02:30 - Article Shoutout For IGN00:06:01 - E3 Is Officially Dead00:19:05 - The Last of Us Online Is Cancelled00:29:15 - The Day Before Developer Shuts Down00:35:40 - Skull & Bones Has A Release Date00:41:08 - More Video Game Layoffs00:44:51 - Death Stranding Video Game Coming From A2400:50:34 - What Dylan's Been Playing & Plans To Play00:53:09 - What Ashley's Been Playing & Plans To Play00:55:49  - What Dylan's Been Playing & Plans To Play 200:58:16 - What Ciaran's Been Playing & Plans To Play01:05:04 - Goodbye
Resources
Eurogamer
E3 is officially dead
Embracer layoff streak continues, with 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks latest to be affected
IGN
The Game Awards Winner Speeches We Didn't Get to Hear
Press Start
THE DAY BEFORE DEVELOPER FNTASTIC IS SHUTTING ITS DOORS LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER LAUNCH
THE DEATH STRANDING MOVIE IS BEING DEVELOPED BY A24 AND KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
THE LAST OF US ONLINE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
UBISOFT SINGAPORE IS FINALLY READY TO DROP SAIL ON SKULL AND BONES
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion