Arcade Couch

We discuss the future of Xbox with their upcoming hybrid PC/Console and what that means for their games.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
The First Xbox Project Helix Details Have Been Revealed And Xbox Mode Is Coming To All PCs
Yoshi And The Mysterious Book's Release Date Has Been Revealed Alongside A Gorgeous New Trailer
South of Midnight debuts on PS5 and Switch 2 later this month | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We discuss the Nintendo Indie World for March 2026 and dive into the wonderful world ready to explore in Pokémon Pokopia.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Indie World Showcase featured a variety of new indie games.
Dylan expressed excitement for the game Densha Attack.
The game My Little Puppy has a unique premise involving dogs and heaven.
Heave Ho 2 was announced, continuing the multiplayer co-op experience.
Moonlighter 2 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Dylan shared his thoughts on the shadow drop trend in gaming.
Rumours suggest the next God of War game will feature Faye as the lead character.
The gaming community has mixed reactions to the idea of a female lead in God of War.
Capcom's recent showcase highlighted announcements for Mega Man and Resident Evil.
Ubisoft announced a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, raising questions about their choice. Assassin's Creed Black Flag remains a fan favourite.
New titles like Hex and Invictus are on the horizon for Assassin's Creed.
Live service games face high risks and rewards in the gaming industry.
Local events like Level Up Tasmania support game development communities.
Pokémon Pokopia has received high praise and is the highest-rated Pokémon game to date.
The gameplay in Pokopia allows for creative environmental interactions.
Scott Pilgrim EX expands on the beloved original game with new content.
The emotional storytelling in games is becoming more prominent.
The gaming community is eager for new multiplayer experiences.
Game reviews provide insights into the evolving landscape of gaming.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:00:30 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase00:13:45 - God of War Spin-Off Rumours00:20:50 - Capcom Spotlight 00:25:20 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Is 100% Real00:30:50 - Highguard Is Now Being Shutdown00:35:10 - Level Up Tasmania Is Back00:36:00 - Pokémon Pokopia Impressions00:48:50 - Poker Night at the Inventory & Scott Pilgrim EX Reviews00:51:10 - Outro
RESOURCES
Everything Announced at the March 2026 Indie World Showcase - Explosion Network
The next God of War game stars a new protagonist rather than Kratos, insider claims, and will be revealed this year | Eurogamer.net
Capcom Spotlight March – All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network
Ubisoft Confirms Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake - Explosion Network
Two Months Later, Highguard Is Already Closing - Explosion Network
Level Up Tasmania 2026 Dates Confirmed for April 17–18 - Explosion Network
Poker Night at the Inventory Review - Explosion Network
Scott Pilgrim EX Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We talk about everything from the 2026 Pokémon Day, Pokémon Presents, including the reveal of Pokémon Wind & Waves. 
Also on the show, we give our impressions on both Resident Evil: Requiem, as well as Marathon, after jumping into the server slam. 
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Pokémon Presents event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
New game features and updates were announced, including Pokémon Home support.
The 10th generation of Pokémon games is set to release in 2027.
Visual performance is a major concern for upcoming Pokémon titles.
The hosts hope for a more polished experience with the new games.
Bluepoint's potential Bloodborne remake was a hot topic of discussion.
The gaming community is eager for more announcements throughout the anniversary year.
Voice acting in Pokémon games is a desired feature among fans.
The hosts reflect on the impact of leaks on excitement for new games.
The conversation highlights the balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming. Bluepoint's potential projects are still under discussion.
The God of War series is generating mixed reactions online.
Xbox is facing significant challenges with its branding strategy.
Resident Evil Requiem balances horror and action effectively.
Marathon's gameplay mechanics are engaging but require teamwork.
Overwatch's return has revitalised interest in the franchise.
The UI in Marathon is a major point of frustration for players.
Upcoming game releases in March include several highly anticipated titles.
The hosts emphasise the importance of community in multiplayer games.
Resident Evil Requiem is noted for its stunning visuals and sound design.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - Pokemon Presents - Pokemon Day 202600:24:00 - Bluepoint Did Try & Remake Bloodborne00:32:30 - First Look At God of War Series00:37:30 - Ciaran's Thoughts On Xbox Change-Up00:41:45 - Resident Evil Requiem Impressions00:49:20 - Marathon - Servel Slam Impressions00:57:45 - Games Coming Out In March01:03:35 - Outro
RESOURCES
Pokémon Day 2026: All the Announcements From Pokémon Presents - Explosion Network
Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Remake Pitch Was Reportedly Rejected - Explosion Network
Prime Video Reveals First Image From God of War Series - Explosion Network
Marvel's Wolverine Launches on September 15, 2026 - Explosion Network
Video Game Releases Archives - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We discuss the huge shakeup with the Xbox leadership team and the closure of Bluepoint Games.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Phil Spencer's retirement marks a significant shift for Xbox.
Asha Sharma's appointment raises questions about Xbox's future direction.
Xbox's current position is precarious, with many uncertainties.
The gaming industry is shifting towards live service models.
Sony's closure of Blue Point Games highlights industry volatility.
Live service games are struggling to find a sustainable model.
The focus on monetisation is affecting game quality.
Leadership changes can lead to drastic shifts in company strategy.
The gaming community is highly invested in company leadership.
The future of Xbox as a console is uncertain. The video game industry is losing time to apps and social media.
Studio closures often stem from financial decisions rather than creative ones.
New studios struggle to deliver successful games without prior experience.
The gaming industry faces a constant battle between artistic vision and technological constraints.
Anticipation for Pokémon's 30th anniversary is high, with expectations for new content.
Remakes and remasters are a cost-effective strategy for studios.
The importance of collaboration and team chemistry in game development cannot be overstated.
The narrative depth in games can provoke thoughts on real-world issues.
Lighting and art direction play a crucial role in game aesthetics.
Player engagement is shifting, necessitating new strategies for developers.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Xbox Leadership Change-up00:20:45 - Sony Shuts Down Bluepoint Games00:41:30 - Pokémon Presents Hopes00:48:25 - God of War Sons of Spartan Wrap-Up Review00:49:30 - Reanimal Review00:56:30 - Outro
RESOURCES
Major Xbox Shake-Up: Asha Sharma Named CEO of Microsoft Gaming - Explosion Network
Sony Shutters Bluepoint Games Just Years After Buying the Studio - Explosion Network
Pokémon Presents Announced for February 28 – 30th Anniversary Celebration - Explosion Network
Nintendo Bringing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen to Switch - Explosion Network
God of War Sons of Sparta Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We break down the first State of Play for 2026, which brought plenty of surprises and new game trailers.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The PlayStation Showcase featured a variety of new game announcements.
Wolverine was included in the showcase, albeit not in the expected format.
Kenna: Bridge of Spirits sequel shows significant development.
Ghost of Yotai Legends is set to return with multiplayer features.
Death Stranding 2 is confirmed for PC release.
Resident Evil Requiem continues to generate buzz with frequent trailers.
Legacy of Cain is getting a remaster, sparking interest in the franchise.
A new 2.5D Castlevania game is in development, appealing to long-time fans.
Unique IPs like Project Windlass are being introduced, showcasing creativity.
Konami's segment highlighted both remasters and new titles, indicating a focus on legacy franchises. The John Wick game aims to capture the essence of the franchise.
Bungie's Marathon is set to test servers with a service slam.
PlayStation Plus is adding notable titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Saros gameplay trailer showcases significant improvements over Returnal.
Marvel's Fighting Souls introduces new characters like Storm and Magic.
God of War trilogy remakes are in early development for PS6.
Sons of Sparta explores Kratos's early life and relationships.
The game aims to offer a different perspective on Kratos.
Voice acting in Sons of Sparta has received mixed reviews.
The game's combat mechanics differ from those in traditional God of War games. Wrestle Quest's pixel art aims for an authentic 80s aesthetic.
Highguard's layoffs reflect broader issues in the gaming industry.
Video game success is crucial for team retention.
Mario Tennis Fever offers smooth, engaging gameplay.
Mugenics combines humour with tactical gameplay mechanics.
The gaming industry often relies on the success of the next release.
Highguard's development challenges raise questions about live service games.
The structure of video game development can lead to instability for teams.
Mario Tennis Fever's story mode serves as an extended tutorial.
Mugenics has the potential for addictive gameplay and deep mechanics.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:50:00 - State of Play Breakdown00:43:30 - God of War Sons of Sparta Review-In-Progress00:55:50 - Highguard Developer Lay Offs01:04:20 - Mario Tennis Fever Review-In-Progress01:13:20 - Mewgenics Impressions01:20:40 - Outro
RESOURCES
Every Announcement From February’s PlayStation State of Play - Explosion Network
Highguard not shutting down following Wildlight layoffs, with a "core group" of developers left to support the game | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

HBO and Craig Mazin are working on an HBO series, but Larian Studio aren't involved! Let's talk about it.
We also discuss the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, the first for 2026, as well as Dylan's time with Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase received mixed reactions from fans.
Many players were disappointed with the lack of major surprises in the showcase.
The hosts discussed various game announcements, including new titles and updates for existing games.
Horizon Hunters Gathering was revealed, drawing comparisons to other multiplayer games.
The hosts believe the new Horizon game will attract a dedicated audience, given its established fan base.
Bethesda's titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, expanding the console's library.
PAX 2026 is set to return, with a medieval theme hinted at in promotional materials.
The hosts discussed the future of gaming and the impact of new titles on the industry.
The conversation highlighted the importance of gameplay quality over graphics in new releases.
Overall, the episode reflects the evolving landscape of gaming and player expectations. Personal connections to games can influence opinions.
The anticipation for PlayStation's upcoming titles is high.
Concerns about the pacing and quality of The Last of Us season three.
Baldur's Gate 3 adaptation raises questions about creative direction.
Casting choices in adaptations can be controversial.
The involvement of original creators in adaptations is crucial.
Fans have mixed feelings about the direction of adaptations.
The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new titles.
Quick news updates keep fans informed about the latest developments.
The balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming is essential.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:55 - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase breakdown00:19:20 - PAX AUS 2026 Dates00:21:35 - Horizon Hunters Gathering Revealed00:29:45 - The Last of Us might wrap up on HBO with three seasons00:33:40 - Baldur's Gate 3 adaptation coming to HBO00:44:00 - Patch Notes: Hot Fix00:45:20 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Review-in-progress00:54:15 - Party Chat
RESOURCES
Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase February 2026 - All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network
Guerrilla’s Long-Rumoured Horizon Co-Op Project Is Official - Explosion Network
Despite previously insisting there was "no way" HBO's The Last of Us show could be wrapped up in 3 seasons, it looks like it'll be wrapped up in 3 seasons | Eurogamer.net
HBO Expands Video Game Adaptations With Baldur’s Gate 3 Series From Craig Mazin - Explosion Network
Zero Latency VR Brings Jumanji to Life With New 2026 Experience - Explosion Network
Ask and You Shall Receive: Chappell Roan Is Now in Fortnite - Explosion Network
Sega's The House Of The Dead movie lands The Last of Us star for lead role | Eurogamer.net
Pokémon Sun and Moon's Ultra Beasts were based on rejected Pokémon designs and resentment, former Game Freak character designer confirms | Eurogamer.net
Mark Your Calendars: PAX AUS 2026 Returns October 9–11 - Explosion Network
G’AIM’E Light Gun Time Crisis Ultimate Pack Review - Explosion Network
Pie in the Sky Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

For the first episode of 2026, we catch up on what's been happening in the year so far and then draft our picks for the 2026 game.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The gaming industry is experiencing significant changes with physical media declining.
Life is Strange Reunion aims to conclude the Max and Chloe story arc.
Ubisoft's cancellation of games reflects the challenges in the gaming market.
Highguard's launch faced backlash due to insufficient marketing and optimisation issues.
The hosts express excitement over upcoming game releases and trailers.
Yoshi's portrayal in the new Super Mario Galaxy movie has garnered positive reactions.
The review bombing phenomenon continues to affect new game releases.
The importance of marketing and community engagement in game launches is highlighted.
The hosts share their personal gaming experiences and recent titles.
The conversation reflects a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for future gaming developments. The true ending in Hades requires completing both worlds in one run.
The hosts have produced the most extensive best of 2025 coverage to date.
Fantasy critic game drafts involve strategic selections based on anticipated game releases.
Indie games are gaining traction and excitement among gamers.
The hosts express high expectations for upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Forza Horizon 6.
The importance of game reviews and critical scores in the fantasy critic game.
The hosts share their personal experiences and excitement for various games.
The conversation highlights the unpredictability of game releases and their success.
The hosts emphasise the significance of indie games in the current gaming landscape.
The dynamic nature of the gaming industry keeps the hosts engaged and excited. The potential for a game to improve during its development phase is significant.
Gameplay quirks can be overlooked if the plot is strong.
The developers of a game have a track record of delivering quality products.
Innovative genres, like card-based games, are becoming more popular.
The anticipation for sequels and spin-offs remains high among gamers.
The success of previous titles can influence expectations for upcoming releases.
Speculation about unannounced games can generate excitement in the gaming community.
Drafting games based on hype and potential can be a strategic move.
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, driven by new ideas and concepts.
Final projections for game success can be based on various factors, including developer reputation.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We break down all the big announcements and the winners from The Game Awards 2025.
This is also the last episode of Arcade Couch for 2025, so we shall see you all in the New Year!
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We drop six predictions each for what games, reveals, trailers, etc, could be seen at this year's The Game Awards show.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We discuss Fortnite's big 'Endgame'-like finale and what games are releasing in December.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Fortnite's events draw massive audiences and feature pop culture icons.
The collaboration between Fortnite and Kill Bill is unprecedented.
AI's role in game development is a contentious topic.
Transparency about AI usage in games is essential for consumer trust.
December is a slow month for game releases, but some titles stand out.
Casual players often overlook Fortnite's narrative depth.
The gaming community is divided on the use of AI in creative processes.
Upcoming games include a mix of horror and action genres.
The Game Awards are approaching, prompting predictions and discussions.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
RESOURCES
Fortnite Zero Hour Live Event Draws 10.5 Million Players, As Godzilla, King Kong, Iron Man and KPop Demon Hunters Unite For Avengers: Endgame-Style Finale - IGN
A narrative sequel to Kill Bill is premiering in Fortnite later this week, over 20 years after the original film | Eurogamer.net
"AI will be involved in nearly all future production," says Epic Games boss, so having Steam games disclose whether they were built with AI makes "no sense" | Eurogamer.net
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

We discuss the Xbox Partner Preview showcase and rumours of Half-Life 3 being announced before the end of the year.
Also on the show, Dylan has played Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Riders and gives his thoughts on both of the games so far.
SHOW DOT POINTS
The Xbox Partner Preview showcased a variety of new games and trailers.
The hosts expressed excitement about the diversity of game genres presented.
Discussion on the impact of free DLC on player engagement and community goodwill.
The conversation touched on the significance of game awards and nominations.
The hosts shared their thoughts on the evolving nature of indie games and their recognition in the industry.
The importance of community support in the gaming industry was emphasised.
The hosts reflected on the unique and sometimes humorous aspects of game announcements.
The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities AI presents in game development.
The hosts discussed the balance between traditional gaming and innovative new titles.
The podcast concluded with a reflection on the future of gaming and the anticipation of upcoming releases. Troy Baker's performance is seen as mimicry rather than originality.
Award nominations can be frustrating, especially for lesser-known performances.
The timing of game releases can significantly affect award nominations.
The Game Awards are a platform for major announcements and predictions.
Rumours about Half-Life 3 continue to circulate, keeping fans hopeful.
Nintendo's release strategy for the Switch 2 has been effective in maintaining interest.
The new titles for Nintendo Switch 2 are well-received and contribute to its success.
Voice acting in games can be subjective and open to interpretation.
The gaming community is eager for new content and announcements.
The conversation reflects a deep engagement with current gaming trends and news.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:01:10 - Xbox Partner Preview Highlights00:45:00 - Half-Life 3 Rumours and Speculations00:48:03 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Impressions00:55:00 - Kirby Air Riders Impressions01:08:15 - Outro
RESOURCES
Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners - Xbox Wire
The Game Awards Nominations For 2025 Have Been Revealed
Don't Give Up Hope Yet, Insider Claims That Half-Life 3 Will Still Be Announced This Year
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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

On this week’s episode of Arcade Couch, we give our impressions of the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Discuss Valve’s announcement of new hardware, share the most interesting reveals from the Playstation State of Play Japan showcase and give our final thoughts on Dispatch now that all the episodes are out.
YOUR HOSTS🎙️ Ashley Hobley🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
EPISODE TIMECODES
00:00:00 - Intro00:00:58 - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Reaction00:05:55 - Valve Announces New Hardware00:17:55 - Horizon MMORPG Revealed for Mobile and PC00:25:45 - PlayStation State of Play Japan Wrap Up00:31:36 - Mixtape Delayed to 202600:32:23 - Dispatch Discussion00:46:48 - Dispatch Spoilertalk00:39:05 - Outro
RESOURCES
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie drops new trailer and introduces two new characters - Checkpoint 
Valve Reveals A New Steam Machine, Controller, And VR Headset In A Huge Hardware Announcement 
Horizon Steel Frontiers Announced As MMORPG For Mobile & PC - Explosion Network 
PlayStation State of Play Japan: All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network 
Beethoven & Dinosaur’s Mixtape Delayed to 2026 - Explosion Network 
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 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