Arcade Couch

Thank Goodness You're Here Review & Game Informer Shuts Down

Dylan talks about how funny Thank Goodness You're Here is, and we discuss the biggest news stories of the week. 
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Game Informer, one of the last gaming magazines, is shutting down after 33 years.
The closure of Game Informer is part of a trend of layoffs and closures in the gaming journalism industry.
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has emphasized the need to scrutinize expenses and eliminate waste.
The closure of Game Informer marks the end of an era for gaming magazines and reflects the decline of print media in the gaming industry.
Digital content creators, such as YouTubers and TikTokers, have become more influential in shaping opinions and preferences in the gaming community.
Game Informer covers hold nostalgic value for many gamers, evoking memories of browsing through magazines in the past.
The lack of archiving of Game Informer's content is disappointing, as it prevents access to valuable gaming journalism and historical articles.
The release of a new episode of the Double Fine Adventure documentary series provides deeper insight into the passion and challenges of video game development.
EB World Plus, a new paid membership program by EB Games, offers extra trade value and bonus offers, but its value proposition may not be appealing to all gamers.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Avowed Delayed to February 2025 to 'Give Players' Backlogs Some Breathing Room'
Game Informer is shutting down - The Verge
Double Fine drops a 90-minute update to its 20+ hour series documenting the development of Psychonauts 2 | Eurogamer.net
EB World Plus Is A New Paid Membership That Offers Extra Trade Value And Other Bonus Offers
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

Marvel Rivals Impressions, Ete Review, August 2024 Games

We discuss the Marvel Rivals beta, news about a Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver remaster, and upcoming games in August.
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The SAG-AFTRA strike highlights the need for clear and enforceable protections for video game performers.
The staff layoff at Humble Games is a blow to the indie gaming scene.
The potential remaster of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is exciting for franchise fans.
The delay of Stalker 2 allows for bug fixes and improvements.
The announcement of the first Olympic eSports games shows the growing recognition of eSports as a legitimate sport.
Ete offers a relaxing and immersive painting experience.
Marvel's Rivals closed beta has a frustrating key distribution system. Star Wars: Outlaws, Concord, and Dustborn are highly anticipated games releasing in August
The hosts have different levels of excitement and expectations for these games
Microtransactions and monetization strategies are a concern for some of the games
The popularity of American football games and the release of Madden NFL 25 and College Football are discussed
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
It Looks Like Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver Remasters Are Finally Happening
Video Game Actors In The US Are Striking Over Concerns Around AI
[Updated] Humble Games Has Laid Off Its Entire Staff With Work Taken Over By A Third Party
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Has Been Delayed Again
It's official: International Olympic Committee votes to confirm the first Olympic Esports Games will happen in 2025, even if they don't know the games yet | PC Gamer
The Most Exciting Game Releases In August 2024
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

Dungeons of Hinterberg Impressions

We discussed some short news stories this week, and Dylan had an impression of Dungeons of Hinterberg.
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Dungeons of Hinterberg combines elements of Persona and The Legend of Zelda.
The upcoming Untitled Goose Game exposition in Melbourne offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the indie game.
Fallout received multiple Emmy nominations, surprising the hosts.
The gameplay in Dungeons of Hinterberg is enjoyable, but the combat is mediocre.
The Xbox Game Pass provides access to a variety of games, including Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Beetlejuice Resurrected for MultiVersus' Second PS5, PS4 Season | Push Square
Fallout show lands 16 Emmy nominations | VG247
An Official Untitled Goose Game Exhibition Is Coming To Melbourne
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
 

Concord Is The Next Big Hit & We Discuss Kotaku AU Shutting Down

Concord is great, and it's Ciaran's new love, so we break down why it's taken his world by storm.
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There is a lack of standout games in 2023 so far, with no big defining Sony IP and no game that revolutionises the industry.
The closure of Kotaku Australia highlights the challenges faced by the games media industry despite the thriving games development scene in Australia.
Xbox Game Pass is undergoing changes in subscription models and prices, with the removal of the Game Pass for console tier and price increases for other tiers.
Opinions on the value of Xbox Game Pass vary, with some seeing it as a decent deal despite the price increase, while others are frustrated by the removal of day one releases from the standard tier. Xbox Game Pass offers a great value for gamers, but the recent price increase and introduction of pricing tiers has caused confusion among consumers.
Concord is a hero arena shooter developed by Firewalk Studios and published by Sony. It features unique gameplay mechanics and a focus on versatility and teamwork.
Angerfoot is a fast-paced kicking and shooting game developed by Free Lives. It offers unique gameplay and a fun and challenging experience.
Both Concord and Angerfoot have received positive reviews and are worth checking out for fans of their respective genres.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
https://explosionnetwork.com/anger-foot-review/
Kotaku Australia to shut down | GamesIndustry.biz
Xbox Game Pass Is Getting Price Increases Along With A New "Standard" Tier
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

Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess & The First Descendant

Dylan talks about playing the Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess demo and how much he enjoyed it, and Ciaran talks about The First Descendant now ticking a lot of boxes for him.
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The Watch Dogs franchise has struggled with creating compelling protagonists, and there are doubts about the potential for a successful movie adaptation.
The conversation highlights the importance of having interesting characters and engaging gameplay mechanics in video games. Nintendo has officially ended repair services for the Wii U due to a lack of spare parts.
Nintendo claims to have resolved component shortages for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
There are concerns about the hardware capabilities of the Switch 2 and hopes for improved technology.
The Legacy of Kain series is making a return in the form of a prequel graphic novel.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
The Watch Dogs Movie Has Finally Begun Filming
Sorry, you can no longer send your Wii U in for repair | Eurogamer.net
Switch 2 won't suffer from component shortages, Nintendo says | Eurogamer.net
You Need To Play Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess' Demo Right Now
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

Twitch, Youtube and Dr. Disrespect

We discussed the Dr Disrespect news from the last week and what it could mean for Twitter and Youtube.

Nintendo Direct Sets Up A Solid Second Half Of 2024 For Switch Owners

We break down the June 2024 Nintendo Direct and all the news from the showcase.
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The hosts discuss the highly anticipated release of Elden Ring and the mixed opinions surrounding its difficulty.
They speculate about the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor and its impact on the current console's game releases.
The hosts review the games featured in the Nintendo Direct, sharing their thoughts on each title.
Dragon Quest 3 HD 2D remake was announced, along with remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, allowing players to play the story in chronological order.
Funko Pop! game is a sandbox game where players can play various pop culture characters.
Nintendo Switch Online added GBA games and announced a mature expansion for Nintendo 64 games.
Metal Slug Attack Reload is a tower defence game available on the Switch.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is a sequel to the original game with a different setting.
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection Archive Classics includes several classic fighting games.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is touted as the biggest Mario Party game yet. The hosts expressed their desire for online multiplayer in future Mario Party games.
The announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, where players can finally play as Zelda, generated excitement. The gameplay mechanics of the game, particularly the copying feature, were discussed.
Other games such as Just Dance 2025, Lego Horizon, and Romancing Saga 2 were briefly mentioned.
The hosts speculated about the release of Metroid Prime 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
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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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion