Arcade Couch

Marvel Rivals is a true hero royale which has us excited

Marvel Rivals has us excited as a game that could be both a great hero shooter and something for fans of Marvel characters.
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Metacritic gaming publisher rankings provide insights into the performance of different publishers.
Gearbox Entertainment has been sold to Take-Two for $460 million.
Fans have high expectations for Borderlands 4, hoping for a return to the heights of Borderlands 2.
Randy Pitchford, the former CEO of Gearbox, is known for his love of magic tricks. Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, has a background in magic and is a member of the Magic Castle in Los Angeles.
Toys for Bob, an independent studio, has reached an agreement with Microsoft for their first independent game, sparking speculation about a potential new Spyro game.
There is a balance between creating new IPs and working on established franchises, and studios should have the freedom to explore new ideas while staying true to their roots.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:00:00 - 00:01:10 - MetaCritic Gaming Publisher Rankings 202300:11:07 - Embracer Sells Gearbox To Take-Two Interactive00:20:28 - Marvels Rivals Announced00:29:08 - What Is Toys For Bob Making Next00:41:36 - Goodbye
Resources
Metacritic Has Released Its Annual Video Game Publisher Rankings
Embracer has sold Gearbox — and Borderlands — to Take-Two for $460M
Marvel Rivals Is A New 6v6 Hero Shooter Starring Iconic Heroes
Spyro studio Toys for Bob secures deal with Microsoft for its first independent game | Eurogamer.net
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
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https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
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South Park: Snow Day! Review & Larian Isn't Making More Baldur's Gate 3

Dylan talks about playing South Park: Snow Day! We also cover why Larian won't be making more Baldur's Gate 3 content or sequels.
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Marvel 1943 Rise of Hydra is an upcoming game that generated excitement among the hosts, who discussed the trailer and potential gameplay.
Screen Australia has provided funding for 27 Australian game projects, supporting the future of Australian game development. 
The benefits of funding game development are debated, with Ashley highlighting the potential economic impact of funding projects.
Various game announcements are reviewed, including Memento, Mystiques Haunted Antiques, No More My Arms Are Longer Now, Squidge, Rat Trap, and Way Up Galaxy.
The controversy surrounding microtransactions in Dragon's Dogma 2 is discussed, with differing opinions on the impact of these transactions.
Impressions of Princess Peach Showtime are shared, with Dylan enjoying the game's fun and cute nature.
The Sims movie is mentioned, with curiosity about the premise and potential execution of the film.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:20 - This Week On The Show 00:01:40 - South Park: Snow Day! Review00:11:12 - GDC Choice Awards 202400:13:35 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hyrda Trailer00:20:44 - Screen Australia Funding For AUS Games00:34:39 - Larian Won't Be Making Anymore Baldur's Gate 300:43:10 - Dragon's Dogma 2 In-Game Currency Items00:50:49 - Quick Princess Peach: Showtime! Impressions00:53:00 - Goodbye
Resources
The Game Developers Choice Awards 2024 Winners Have Been Revealed
Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra Is Skydance's New AAA Marvel Game And The First Trailer Is Here
Screen Australia Has Announced $1.6 Million Of Funding For 27 Aussie Games And Creators
Larian Won't Be Making Any Baldur's Gate 3 Expansions Or A Sequel
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has surprise microtransactions, and players are angry - Polygon
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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Among Us Animated Show Cast, But What's It About?

We have a cast for the Among Us show, but we still have no idea what kind of format the show will have or what platform it'll be heading to. 
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Storied Experienes is an all-new Twithc-based show.
The Summer Game Fest 2024 has been confirmed and will feature live streams and announcements.
Geoff Keighley tweeted about layoffs in the games industry and offered his time as a mentor to job seekers.
A new AAA studio called Giant Skull, led by the director of Star Wars Jedi games, has been announced.
Creating successful new IPs is a challenge for new AAA studios. Creating new IP can be challenging, especially without the support of a successful studio or franchise.
The Among Us animated show raises questions about how the game's concept will translate into a narrative TV series.
The Dreamhack Festival in Melbourne has secured a deal to host the event for the next five years, solidifying Melbourne's reputation as a hub for gaming events.
The return of the Multi-Versus game brings anticipation for improvements and changes in gameplay.
Hellscape, an early access game, shows promise with its unique blend of roguelike and Tony Hawk-inspired gameplay.
Rise of the Ronin receives positive feedback in a preview, highlighting its enjoyable gameplay and comparisons to popular characters.
The Australian Tech Journalism Awards recognize the achievements of journalists in the gaming industry.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:02:23 - Storied Experiences Shoutouts00:05:31 - Summer Game Fest 2024 Date00:11:45 - Giant Skull Is A New AAA Studio00:19:58 - Among Us Animated Show Cast00:23:53 - Dreamhack For Another Five Years00:28:40 - MultiVersus Is Coming Back00:31:09 - HelSkate & Rise of the Ronin Articles00:32:53 - The Lizzies00:37:00 - Goodbye
Resources
The Summer Game Fest 2024 Date And Time Have Been Confirmed
Giant Skull Is A New AAA Studio Led By The Director Of The Star Wars Jedi Games
Among Us animated show casts sus stars, including Ashley Johnson and Elijah Wood | Eurogamer.net
DreamHack Has Signed A Deal To Keep The Festival In Melbourne For The Next Five Years
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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WWE 2K24 Review and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Continues

Ashley gives his review for WWE 2K24, and Dylan and Ciaran discuss Final Fantasy VII Rebirth more as they continue to play it in opposite ways.
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The hosts are excited about the upcoming Storied Experiences Twitch show, where they will play through Telltale Games' The Walking Dead and discuss their choices.
They discuss the gameplay and new features in WWE 2K22, including special referee matches and the ability to throw weapons at opponents.
Ciaran shares his experiences playing Final Fantasy VII Remake, including their enjoyment of the combat system and side content.
Ciaran expresses their desire for a more fleshed-out storyline and a clearer narrative direction in Final Fantasy VII Remake. 
The success of Helldivers 2 as a live service game is highlighted.
Toxicity and trolling in gaming communities are addressed.
The game 'Little Guardsman' is briefly discussed.
The end of Rooster Teeth is a sad affair.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:18 - Storied Experiences00:08:12 - WWE2K24 Review00:18:42 - Week 2 of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth00:29:38 - Helldivers 2 is a continuing success00:36:31 - Little Guardsman Impressions00:38:24 - Sweet Baby Inc00:44:11 - Goodbye
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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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
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
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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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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