Arcade Couch

Arcade Couch Episode 300

We kick off 2025 by catching up on what we played during the holiday break, discussing the big news items we've missed, and randomly dropping into conversations around AEW, anime and more. And all of it was streamed live on Twitch, making this a (now rare) video episode you can find on YouTube.
Show Dot Points
Dylan played and platinumed both 'Dragon Age' and 'Yakuza'.
Character side stories can be more engaging than the main narrative.
Emotional connections in games can lead to memorable moments.
Dylan's commitment to gaming this year is notable.
The importance of character development in RPGs is emphasized.
The hosts reflect on their streaming goals for the year.
Dylan's gaming experiences have led to personal growth. Dylan is committed to catching up on all the Yakuza games.
The mini-games in Yakuza provide a unique business strategy experience.
Character development in Yakuza creates emotional connections for players.
Marvel Rivals introduces new characters and maps, enhancing gameplay.
Path of Exile 2 offers extensive character customization and optimization.
Goodbye Volcano High combines rhythm gameplay with a graphic novel style.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is praised for its new levels and strategy.
The hosts enjoy discussing their gaming experiences and future plans.
Family gaming experiences can be just as engaging as solo play.
The conversation highlights the diversity of gaming genres and styles. Ciaran expresses a lack of interest in opening packs after a week.
Dylan emphasizes his dedication to The Last of Us Online.
Collectibles like the Alan Wake 2 collector's edition spark excitement.
Anime recommendations include Sakamoto Days and Blue Box.
Ciaran humorously acknowledges his newfound interest in cricket.
Dylan shares his enthusiasm for wrestling and upcoming events.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 offers a vast and immersive experience.
The game balances historical accuracy with entertaining gameplay.
The hosts appreciate the freedom of choice in gaming.
The conversation reflects a blend of gaming, anime, and pop culture interests. The gaming experience often presents players with difficult choices.
Rumours about the new Nintendo Switch are rampant, but clarity is still needed.
Nintendo's release strategy may prioritize inventory management and market timing.
Franchise trends indicate that new consoles often launch with major titles like Mario.
The adaptation of popular games into movies is becoming more common.
Community engagement through game drafts can enhance listener interaction.
Ubisoft's potential sale raises questions about its future direction in the industry.
The size of a TV can be subjective, depending on personal space and quality preferences.
Celebrating milestones like 300 episodes is important for community building.
Future plans for the podcast include more regular episodes and engaging discussions.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

The Game Awards 2024 Reactions & Thoughts

Our thoughts on The Game Awards 2024. The winners of the year, the new announcements and the trailers.
Show Dot Points
The Game Awards this year had a better balance of trailers and awards.
Developers were allowed to express their feelings during the awards.
The Game Awards featured some surprising winners and notable omissions.
The discussion around the Game Changer of the Year award raised questions about sincerity.
Astro Bot winning Game of the Year was a significant moment.
The Witcher 4 trailer introduced Ciri as the main character, which excited fans.
The hosts reflected on the history of the Game Awards and their evolution.
There was a humorous take on the absurdity of online criticisms regarding character designs.
The conversation highlighted the importance of recognizing diverse games in award categories. The Witcher universe continues to evolve with new game elements.
Elden Ring's showcase dynamics set high expectations for future titles.
Project Robot's reveal has sparked anticipation among gamers.
Outer Worlds 2 aims to deliver a unique experience within its universe.
Split Fiction offers a fresh co-op adventure with intriguing mechanics.
Borderlands 4 may be losing its signature personality in the latest trailer.
The gaming industry is seeing a resurgence of nostalgic franchises.
Obsidian's strategy of releasing multiple titles in one year is ambitious.
The humour in Outer Worlds 2 is a key selling point for fans.
The conversation reflects a deep passion for gaming and its narratives. Warframe has a dedicated audience despite not being mainstream.
The Onimusha franchise is making a comeback after 20 years.
Naughty Dog's new IP is highly anticipated and marks their fifth franchise.
The Game Awards showcased a variety of new trailers and announcements.
The hosts reflect on the performances and moments that stood out during the Game Awards.
The involvement of big names like the Russo Brothers in gaming is noteworthy.
The humour and creativity in game trailers can enhance audience engagement.
Product placement in games can be both a creative choice and a marketing strategy.
The chemistry between voice actors can elevate the gaming experience.
The gaming community is excited about the future of storytelling in video games.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Marvel Rivals Launch Is Massive!

We discuss the launch of Marvel Rivals, the new game that will challenge the Overwatch gameplay type. Dylan also talks about how much of a surprise Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has been.
Show Dot Points
DreamHack Melbourne's cancellation reflects broader issues in the esports scene.
The identity crisis of esports events in Australia is a significant concern.
Ubisoft's ExoFine faced challenges despite a strong initial player base.
Marvel Rivals aims to attract Overwatch fans with a polished experience.
Character dynamics are crucial in team-based games.
Local events have a lower bar for success compared to international shows.
The Australian esports scene needs more consistent events to grow.
Players often seek quick returns rather than long-term growth in esports.
Marvel Rivals has a pro-consumer approach with its battle pass system.
The hosts enjoy the fun and silliness of gameplay despite competitive pressures. The battle pass system has sparked mixed reactions among players.
Character abilities can significantly enhance gameplay experiences.
The Indiana Jones game has been surprisingly well-received.
Open-world exploration allows for a more immersive experience.
Community feedback plays a crucial role in shaping game development.
The storytelling aspect of games can be engaging and rewarding.
Players appreciate the ability to choose how to progress in games.
Game mechanics can vary widely between different titles.
Expectations for the Game Awards are high among the gaming community.
The pricing of premium editions can be controversial.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

What Games Are We Looking Forward To In 2025?

We look ahead to 2025 and what games we must watch, including GTA VI, the Nintendo Switch 2, a new Pokemon Game, Ghost of Yotei, and more.
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The Steam Deck has become a primary gaming console.
Battery life on the Steam Deck is generally satisfactory.
Games that require precision, like first-person shooters, are better suited for PC.
The Steam Deck is ideal for indie and bite-sized games.
Upcoming games in 2025 include highly anticipated titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Avowed.
The gaming community is excited about including women's football in Football Manager 25.
Nintendo's strategy includes big releases in January to capitalize on holiday sales.
The Steam Deck's user interface is praised for its ease of use.
Ciaran's experience with the Steam Deck has rekindled his love for gaming.
The conversation reflects a growing acceptance of new gaming platforms like Blue Sky. Sweek it in 1 and 2 remaster is highly anticipated.
Comedic horror games can be enjoyable.
Dabble in new games, even if you're not a fan of the genre.
Riot Games' new fighting game could change the industry.
Cooperative gameplay can be fun even without a full team.
Indie games are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Major franchises are making a comeback with new titles.
Innovative mechanics can enhance gameplay experiences.
MMOs are evolving with new open-world concepts.
Celebrity endorsements can create buzz for new games. Exploring new game concepts can lead to unexpected excitement.
Anticipation for upcoming releases is a common theme among gamers.
Unique game mechanics can enhance player engagement and enjoyment.
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the gaming industry.
Marvel Rivals aims to innovate within the hero shooter genre.
The influence of established creators like Ken Levine remains strong.
Game adaptations can spark interest but also scepticism.
Community feedback is crucial for the success of multiplayer games.
Diversity in game narratives is increasingly important.
Smaller indie games often stand out in a crowded market.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Isn't For The Weak

We discuss S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and its early reviews, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the nominees for The Game Awards 2024.
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Stalker 2 has a long development history.
The game is set in a war-torn country.
Review codes can impact public perception.
Day one patches can change the game's reception.
The game is designed to challenge players.
Survival elements are basic but effective.
No fast travel makes exploration challenging.
Game Awards nominations reflect industry trends.
Marketing campaigns can influence game success. The best Sims strategy game includes titles like Frostpunk 2.
Innovation inaccessibility is often vague in nominations.
The definition of RPGs is debated among the hosts.
Prince of Persia is a highly anticipated title.
The content creators nominated are not widely recognized.
Indie games are gaining traction in the industry.
Community support nominations raise questions about the criteria.
Games for Impact highlights the narrative importance of gaming.
The best adaptation category aims to bridge games and media.
Audio design and art direction are crucial yet often overlooked. Game Awards nominations can be controversial and subjective.
The definition of 'Game of the Year' varies among gamers.
Cultural impact plays a significant role in game nominations.
Predictions for Game Awards winners can be speculative.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 offers a diverse campaign experience.
The new movement system in Call of Duty enhances gameplay.
DLCs and expansions raise questions about eligibility for awards.
Multiplayer experiences in games can vary widely.
The hosts express differing opinions on game nominations.
Game Pass availability influences player engagement with titles.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Should Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree be Eligible for Game of The Year?

The Game Award Nominations are set to be announced this week but one Game of The Year nominee has been hinted at with clarification about what is eligible for the category. Ciaran and Ashley discuss how they feel about Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree potentially being up for Game of The Year. Plus Dylan shares his thoughts on LEGO Horizon Adventures.
Hosts:Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Episode Timecodes00:00:00 - Hello00:00:18 - Is Ciaran an Xbox?00:07:52 - Dylan’s LEGO Horizon Adventures Review00:19:31 - The Game Awards Expansion Clarification00:32:18 - The Game Award Nomination Predictions00:44:18 - Breaking Down Phil Spencer’s Bloomberg Interview01:00:40 - Overwatch Classic Coming to Overwatch II01:08:56 - Goodbye
ReviewsLEGO Horizon Adventures Review: https://explosionnetwork.com/lego-horizon-adventures-review-lacking-the-lego-soul-for-this-adventure/ 
ResourcesEurogamer- Phil Spencer says no "red lines" over any Xbox game coming to Nintendo or PlayStation
Press-Start- Overwatch: Classic Will Bring The Original Heroes And Maps Back To The Game
Push Square- The Game Awards Confirms DLC, Remasters Can Win Game of the Year Days Prior To Nominations Reveal
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie HenriquesAll Episodes:https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

We All Like Dragon Age: The Veilguard

We've all been playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard and discuss the gameplay, story, favourite companions, class and race choices and more.
Dylan also discusses his final thoughts on Life is Strange: Double Exposure after finishing the game, and he and Ciaran discuss Wizard of the Coast's commitment to cross-over sets in Magic: The Gathering.
Show Dot Points
The character creation system in Dragon Age is highly praised for its depth and integration into the story.
Combat mechanics improve significantly with increased difficulty settings, enhancing the tactical experience.
The story of Dragon Age: The Veil Guard is considered less engaging compared to previous titles in the series.
Multiplayer gaming experiences are often hindered by a lack of friends who play the same games.
Character relationships and choices play a crucial role in the gameplay experience, affecting party dynamics.
The game features a mix of linear and open-world elements, providing a balance of exploration and structure.
Players appreciate the variety of companions and their unique skills, though some feel less connected to them than in previous games.
The pacing of the game's early hours is criticized for being disjointed and lacking clear direction.
The quest design could benefit from clearer indicators of difficulty and expectations for players.
Overall, the game is rated as a solid experience, with room for improvement in storytelling and character engagement. Parrying activates powerful abilities like Necrotic Blades.
Character customization is crucial for player engagement.
The game design reflects its origins as a multiplayer co-op.
Quest management encourages story progression without distractions.
The absence of DLC allows focus on future projects like Mass Effect.
Armour customization adds depth to character personalization.
Merchant interactions are tied to reputation systems.
Trophy systems can hinder player experience and freedom.
Baldur's Gate 3 sets a high standard for RPGs.
Gameplay mechanics can lead to player frustration. Woke culture in gaming reviews can skew perceptions.
Life is Strange has both strong and weak elements.
Character development is more important than power in games.
Magic: The Gathering is shifting towards IP collaborations.
Crossovers are challenging the uniqueness of gaming IPs.
Players are divided on the impact of woke culture in games.
The latest Life is Strange game has mixed reviews.
Magic: The Gathering's collaborations may dilute its original lore.
Pokémon TCG continues to evolve with new sets and events.
The gaming community is adapting to rapid changes in-game content.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Two Chapters In Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Dylan and Ciaran discuss their time playing the first two chapters of Life is Strange: Double Exposure.
They also discuss their time with the recently released Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, which everyone seems to be playing right now.
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The hosts express nostalgia for the original 'Life is Strange' series.
The 'Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket' mechanics are simplified for a broader audience.
Players are experiencing a mix of enjoyment and frustration with the battling system in 'Pokemon'.
The importance of character interactions and emotional storytelling in games is highlighted.
The hosts discuss the impact of early access on game releases.
Gamers have a strong sense of community, as reflected in their discussions.
The hosts emphasize the need for a ranked mode in Pokemon to enhance competitive play. To encourage engagement, players should receive XP for losing.
The Wonder Picks feature enhances the excitement of card selection.
Different booster packs contain unique cards, affecting strategy.
Farfetch'd is currently an overpowered card in the game.
The game mechanics differ from traditional trading card games, making it more accessible.
The card collection aspect is a significant draw for players.
Community engagement through liking binders can enhance the experience.
The need for a dark mode in the game interface is emphasized.
Upcoming game releases are varied and cater to different audiences.
Personal preferences in gaming can influence engagement and enjoyment.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

What's the differences between Persona and Metaphor Really?

Into the second week of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dylan discuss with Ciaran the major early differences between the latest game from Atlus and the Persona series.
Show Dot Points
The gaming news cycle is slow during this time of year.
Legacy of Kain is getting a remaster with significant updates.
Beyond Good and Evil 2 has a new creative director after years of development.
Star Citizen's development raises ethical concerns about funding and release.
Game mechanics in new titles can significantly impact player experience.
Remasters can breathe new life into classic games.
Ubisoft's recent struggles reflect broader industry challenges.
Player engagement and community feedback are crucial for game development.
The importance of balancing ambition with realistic development timelines.
Narrative elements in games can sometimes be confusing for players. Persona games are known for their cutscene-heavy narratives.
The pacing of Persona games can be slow to start.
Game sales can lead to significant consequences for development teams.
High-quality games can still fail commercially due to marketing decisions.
Nintendo's online playtest program is shrouded in secrecy.
The gaming community is eager for new Nintendo announcements.
The infrastructure of Nintendo's online services is often criticized.
Developers face increasing pressure to ensure commercial success.
The future of game development is uncertain amid changing market dynamics.
Speculation about upcoming Nintendo Directs and game releases is rampant.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered enhancements include map, compass, and more | Eurogamer.net
Beyond Good & Evil 2 still in development, now with new creative director | Eurogamer.net
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown team disbands following low sales - Explosion Network
'Switch Online Playtest Program' details leak - 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

Metaphor: ReFantazio Impressions & Nintendo Leak Thoughts

It's the first show back from PAX, and Ciaran has dove right into playing Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Show Dot Points
'Never' is a beautiful game with a touching story.
The Xbox Partner Showcase featured exciting new titles.
Metaphor: Refantasio offers a unique gaming experience.
The Pokemon hacking incident raises concerns about security.
Nintendo's future consoles may not be backwards compatible.
Game development should focus on maximizing console capabilities.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Massive Future Pokemon Leaks Have Hit The Internet As Game Freak Confirms It Was Hacked
Xbox Partner Showcase - October 2024: All the trailers and news - Explosion Network
Neva Review - A bittersweet, beautiful journey - 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

PAX Australia 2024

Dylan, Ashley and Ciaran discuss their time at PAX AUS 2024 and highlight some of their favourite games on the show floor.
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:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Metaphor ReFantazio Preview

In the lead-up to PAX AUS 2024, we discuss the Indie Showcase games, the nominees of the AGDA's and more.
Show Dot Points
Daylight savings sparks a humorous debate among the hosts.
PAX is a major highlight, with excitement building for the event.
The Australian Game Developer Awards nominees showcase local talent.
Game reviews highlight the quality and creativity of new releases.
Indie games are gaining recognition and importance in the gaming landscape.
Metaphor: ReFantasio offers a unique blend of fantasy and persona-like gameplay.
The card shop simulator game provides a fun and engaging experience.
The hosts express their enthusiasm for upcoming game releases.
Community engagement at PAX is a key focus for the hosts.
The conversation reflects a deep passion for gaming and its culture.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Australian Game Developer Awards finalists are led by Conscript, Diets & Deities and Kill Knight - Explosion Network
Koalaty Critics: The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom - Australian Review Roundup - Explosion Network
PAX AUS features its largest ever tabletop area in 2024 - Explosion Network
PAX AUS 2024 Indie Showcase Digital & Tabletop Games - 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