Idle Game Chat: The Video Game Podcast

Three months in, is the Nintendo Switch 2 living up to the hype? We're cracking open the console's biggest talking points and giving you our proper, no-nonsense verdict.THE BIG DEBATE:We're nattering about all the stuff that matters:💷 The Price: Was it worth the dent in our wallets?🕹️ Game Costs: Are we being taken for a ride with these new release prices?🤬 The Game Card Scandal: Physical games not having the full game on the card? Get outta here!📺 How We Play: Are we docked on the sofa or handheld on the loo?📸 Accessories: The new Pro Controller 2, that funky camera – worth the extra cash?FULL REVIEWS:We've put the hours in so you don't have to:🏎️ Mario Kart World: More than just a graphical glow-up?🍌 Donkey Kong Bananza: Does it capture the magic of the classics?⚡ Pokémon Violet (Switch 2 Patched): Finally the game we were promised?QUICK FIRE IMPRESSIONS:⛏️ Stardew Valley: How does it feel on the new hardware?🕹️ Switch 2 Welcome Tour: Nintendo's pack-in demo – any good?New to Idle Game Chat? We're just a bunch of mates from Essex (and beyond) having a right good chinwag about games. No jargon, no nonsense – just honest opinions and a few laughs.👉 Subscribe Now on your favourite podcast app💰 Support Us by going to Patreion.com/DimpDigitalYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/r_fuk3Ph3Q400:00:00 Intro00:02:14 Nintendo Switch 2 Chat00:49:53 Mario Kart World Chat01:03:42 Donkey Kong Bananza Chat01:21:04 Pokémon Violet (Switch 2 Update) Chat01:35:19 Neva Chat01:44:30 Stardew Valle | Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour01:55:55 FGL Update02:01:30 Mario Kart World Chat (Again)#IdleGameChat #NintendoSwitch2 #GamingPodcast #Essex

We've gone proper massive this week! Join us for:🔫 Battlefield 6 Beta - Does it capture that classic all-out-war chaos?🧳 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Kojima's latest mind-bender⏰ Schedule I - Nerds first drug dealing sim!🕵️‍♀️ Lost Records: Bloom & Rage 90s teen drama nostalgia👑 Super Mario Land 1+2 Revisiting Game Boy royalty🧗 Cairn Demo (Anxiety-inducing climbing thrills👶 Baby Steps Demo Literally crawling to victoryAs usual there is more, check the timestamps below for a full rundown!Why bother? We're just Essex lads nattering about games:No jargon, no pretentiousnessProper laughs and the occasional rowReal opinions (even when dead wrong)00:00:00 Intro00:02:35 Battlefield 6 Beta00:17:40 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach01:34:25 Sable02:25:52 Schedule I02:58:50 Lost Records: Bloom & Rage03:29:17 Super Mario Land 1 + 203:44:01 Cairn Demo03:56:24 Baby Steps Demo04:07:52 OutroYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ZET5Tc9_FcU

We’re back with another round of Idle Game Chat, and this week things get... weird.We’ve got thoughts on all sorts — from the medieval madness of Doom: The Dark Ages to the emotional punches of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home. We also take a dive into the strange (How Fish Is Made), the spooky (Castlevania Requiem), and the downright baffling (Mouthwashing). Oh, and Somerville popped up too, so we gave that a go.Then it's time for the big one: our 2024 Game of the Year rundown. Who made the cut, who got snubbed, and which game took the crown? There might be disagreements. There will definitely be waffle.Grab a brew, stick us on, and enjoy some proper game chat.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:21 Doom: The Dark Ages01:07:07 Valiant Hearts: Coming Home01:39:14 How Fish Is Made01:45:40 Mouthwashing01:56:50 Castlevania Requiem02:26:49 Sommerville03:02:17 Game of the Year 2024

🎙️ Episode Summary:Join us on Idle Game Chat as we dissect four iconic titles spanning debut titles, remastered brilliance, and AAA storytelling! This week, we’re debating:🔸 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Does this atmospheric turn based gem live up to its premise?🔸 Metroid Prime Remastered – Nintendo’s flawless glow-up: nostalgia trip or essential replay?🔸 The Last of Us Part II & Uncharted 4 – Revisiting Naughty Dog’s masterworks: Do they still dominate narrative gaming?🔥 Hot Takes Inside:Is Expedition 33’s ambiguity genius or frustrating?Does Metroid Prime’s remaster justify the price tag?TLOU2’s divisive legacy: bold evolution or misstep?Why Uncharted 4’s finale still hits hard in 2024.Tune in for unfiltered opinions and our verdicts on which games deserve your backlog.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Clair Obscur: Expedition 3301:02:15 Metroid Prime Remastered01:49:49 Uncharted 4 - A Thieves End02:08:15 The Last of Us Part II (SPOILERS FOR GAME AND SHOW)

GTA VI will not be making 2025! That's the big news of the month, but we prefer to talk about games, so after Apps brushes over the industries biggest delay, we have some idle chat about lots of video games, including:- Monster Hunter Wilds- A load of Super Mario Games- Mythwrecked Ambrosia Island- Fragpunk- CoD WarzoneSit back, relax and enjoy!Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:01:29 GTA VI Delay00:07:35 Monster Hunter Wilds01:26:30 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass01:38:30 Super Mario Bros.01:43:35 Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels01:47:56 Super Mario Bros. 201:55:45 Super Mario Bros. 302:02:10 Super Mario Bros. Wonder02:11:00 Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island02:50:19 Fragpunk - Season 0 - Wild Dawn03:18:30 Call of Duty: WarzoneYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1kWLytF1ApM

We used some AI Slop for the description, here is what it came up with:Welcome to Idle Game Chat, your monthly deep dive into the realm of video games where we blend past classics with tomorrow’s innovations. In this episode, we begin by demystifying the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. We’ll unpack the latest details—from hardware upgrades and display improvements to new features that could redefine portable gaming. Whether you're excited about a sleeker design or improved performance, we've got all the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.Next up, we delve into our Avowed Review. Join us as we explore the rich narrative and deep gameplay mechanics of this intriguing title, examining what it brings to the table in terms of world-building and immersive storytelling. We dissect both its strengths and the areas that might have left fans wanting more.After that, it’s time to revisit a beloved series with our Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 Review. We take a nostalgic yet critical look at how the remake blends classic arcade excitement with modern enhancements, evaluating its renewed controls, level design, and overall balance between old-school charm and today’s gameplay expectations.Finally, we wrap up with an in-depth look at GTA V. Despite being a titan in the gaming industry for years, this title continues to captivate audiences with its sprawling open world and unforgettable narrative. We discuss why, even after all this time, GTA V remains a benchmark for excellence in interactive storytelling and design.Tune in to Idle Game Chat for a fresh, engaging look at these top topics and discover the conversations shaping the gaming landscape today.Christ, we are doomed if we let this take over! Anyway here are the timestamps, enjoy:00:00:00 Intro00:09:12 Nintendo Switch 201:52:28 Avowed Review02:58:25 THPS 1+2 Review03:18:12 GTA V Revisited (SPOILERS)

Packed show this month! Mr. Apps, Mr. Adkins, Mr. Biff and Mr. Adcock share their opinions on games both new and old.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro, FGL Update, Games of March 202500:12:10 Yakuza Kiwami 200:32:00 Shadow Warrior00:43:32 Ninja Gaiden Sigma00:58:37 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine01:15:57 It Takes Two01:31:16 Silent Hill 2 (2024)02:27:00 Black Myth: Wukong02:51:00 Wolfenstein: The New Order02:59:15 Red Dead Redemption 203:18:58 Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigitalLive Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigitalTwitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital

Another biggie this month. Times SHOULD naturally reduce as we have got through Adkins' backlog, but as usual, take your time and digest this throughout the entire month! Here is what there is to look forward to:A discussion about the high-octane, action-packed game METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE, exploring its intense combat system and engaging storyline.Adkins delves into the emotionally-driven narrative of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, highlighting its unique gameplay mechanics and heartfelt story.A look at Astro Bot, a platformer that has charmed players with its delightful level design.A deep dive into the epic adventure of God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla, discussing its breathtaking visuals, immersive world, and gripping plot.Adkins explores the expansive open world of Far Cry 6, talking about its action-packed gameplay, vibrant settings, and intriguing characters.A segment dedicated to the monster-slaying adventures in Monster Hunter Rise, focusing on its cooperative gameplay and vast array of monsters.A look at the anticipated game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, discussing its storyline and the dynamics of playing as iconic villains. Was it really that bad?The hosts discuss Tekkan 8, examining its fighting mechanics, character roster, and what sets it apart from previous installments. We settle the debate of Tekkan vs Street Fighter vs Mortal Kombat.A segment on the PlayStation Portal, highlighting its features, user experience, and how it integrates with the gaming ecosystem. Does it work as well as it is advertised?An exploration of Death Stranding Director's Cut, discussing the enhancements and additional content in this expanded version of the original game.A nostalgic trip through the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, covering its remastered graphics, gameplay improvements, and the charm of the original series.The Games of February 2025 The episode wraps up with a look at the games being released in February 2025, offering insights and anticipation for what's to come.Take care!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigitalLive Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigitalTwitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:06:05 METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE00:36:15 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons00:48:56 Astro Bot01:14:10 God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla01:30:21 Far Cry 602:15:35 Monster Hunter Rise02:32:06 Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League02:53:52 Tekkan 803:08:31 PlayStation Portal03:33:17 Death Stranding Director's Cut04:37:17 Spyro Reignited Trilogy05:07:07 The Games of February 2025

Here we go then, the January 2025 edition of Idle Game Chat has arrived. Coming in at almost 7 hours, this is a big one! I encourage you all to take your time in consuming this, we won’t be back until February so there is no rush to get through. Take your time and chip away at it! Let’s get into the run down. The Game Awards 2024A new year and a new era? Maybe, but before we look forward at what 2025 is going to bring us let’s take a look back at 2024! The Game Awards had one of its better showings in terms of game reveals. Naughty Dog closed the show with their new IP, Intergalactic, The Witcher IV got itself a nice CG trailer, Okami is getting a sequel and much more. How many bollard ticklers did The Game Awards produce? Mr. Apps & Mr. Adkins run down their lists. Oh…we talk about the Awards too…Year-In-Review 2024Mr. Logan takes us through a Year-In-Review for 2024. We all thought we would be sitting here with Pre-Orders for the Super Switch (this is the best name), ready for an early 2025 release but Nintendo had other ideas. Are people getting impatient waiting for new hardware, despite still having a decent slate of games in 2024? PlayStation had one of the biggest disasters in gaming history with the release and subsequent cancellation of Concord, but they also had the highest rated game of the year with Astro Bot. This is reinforced by other strong exclusive offerings like Hellblade 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade. Many of these were not First Party offerings, which begs two questions, does it actually matter and was it really a terrible year to be playing on PS5? Xbox on the other hand had one of the strangest years on record. They closed multiple studios down and their shift towards multiplatform releases only got more aggressive as the year went on. What does this mean for the Xbox brand and their future in hardware? What is an Xbox?Metaphor: ReFantazio ReviewMr. Apps returns with another longform review of Game of Year contender, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Having played Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal all in the last 18 months, will he be feeling burnout or will the change of scenery be enough for another huge JRPG? How does it stack up with the Persona franchise and could Metaphor be another long-term IP for Atlus. All and more are answered.FGL 2025 – The DraftIt’s that time of the year again, the Fantasy Gaming League Draft! It’s Mr. Paper vs. Mr. Hall as they compete for the coveted FGL Championship. Paper is looking to break the curse and become the first person to successfully defend the FGL title. Hall is looking to make history himself, by becoming the first person to win the Triple Crown. Having won the Grand Prix and the Quiz in the past, this is the last accoladed missing. Who will come out on top in this battle of the titans?Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:03:07 The Game Awards 202401:39:15 Year-in-Review 202403:18:17 Metaphor: ReFantazio Review04:41:05 FGL 2025 DraftPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigitalLive Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigitalTwitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital

It’s that time of year again. 12 months, 36 questions, 1 winner.Who will show their knowledge is unparalleled and win the world’s best gaming quiz?Mr. Adcock, Mr. Parky & Mr. Adkins battle it out in the ultimate game of wits.Play along at home, have fun and if you have one, enjoy your break.

Another season comes to a close, new champions crowned, new records set and new rivalries will spark up.Mr. Apps, Mr. Paper & Mr. Logan take you through the highs and lows of the FGL 2024!Enjoy.

Here we go, Idle Game Chat evolves once again! This time it is a shift to a monthly format. Consider this a soft launch (it was put together at relatively short notice) and to give you a flavour of what is to come.We have a nice juicy episode for you this month and here is the rundown:-         Why is IGC going monthly?-         Astro’s Playroom Review-         The Golden Joysticks Results-         The Game Awards Nominees-         WWE 2K23 Review-         Final Fantasy XVI Review-         Helldivers 2 Review-         Fallout 3: Game of the Year Review-         Vampire Survivors Review-         SIFU Review-         Bluey: The Videogame Review-         Your usual dose of Idle Chat!We hope you enjoy this magazine style podcast. We will tweak things as we go forward, so feel free to get in touch with any ideas you have.Have a great December and we will see you in 2025!Timestamps:00:00 Why is IGC going monthly?08:36 Astro's Playroom Review46:43 Golden Joystick Awards01:00:16 The Game Awards - Should DLC be allowed for GOTY?01:29:15 WWE 2K23 Review01:37:56 Final Fantasy XVI Review01:48:32 Helldivers 2 Review01:52:14 Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition Review02:04:31 Vampire Survivors Review02:16:57 SIFU02:27:41 Bluey: The Videogame

Harmony: The Fall of ReverieIn the very near future... When Polly returns home after a few years abroad, to look for her missing mother, she quickly realizes that her hometown has drastically changed. A megacorporation named MK is using its power to control the population, and her community is in danger. She soon discovers that she has a gift of clairvoyance that connects her to Reverie, the realm of the Aspirations of Humanity: Glory, Bliss, Power, Chaos, Bond, and Truth. In this world, Polly becomes Harmony, a goddess who has the power to choose the Aspiration that will ultimately rule over Reverie and restore the delicate balance between the deities’ world and ours.The fate of humanity is at stake. To which destiny do you aspire?

Part one of the Mafia crime saga - 1930s, Lost Heaven, ILRe-made from the ground up, rise through the ranks of the Mafia during the Prohibition era of organized crime. After a run-in with the mob, cab driver Tommy Angelo is thrust into a deadly underworld. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri crime family, Tommy soon finds that the rewards are too big to ignore.Play a Mob Movie:Live the life of a Prohibition-era gangster and rise through the ranks of the Mafia.Lost Heaven, IL:Recreated 1930's cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture to see, hear and interact with.Re-Made Classic:Faithfully recreated, with expanded story, gameplay and original score. This is the Mafia you remembered and much more.

Astro's PS5 mothership has been attacked by his galactic enemies. It's up to you to find your scattered crew and save your marooned ship. So jump on your Dual Speeder and start searching. There are more than 50 planets for you to explore – all with unique environments, formattable enemies and fun obstacles. But don't worry. Astro's got a bunch of new abilities that'll help you get out of every pickle.Feel every punch, jump and shot through your DualSense controller's haptic feedback!You'll meet over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes that celebrate its 30-year history!

After unravelling the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fighting epic battles through Tartarus, and all the unforgettable events of Persona 3 Reload, the S.E.E.S. members find themselves trapped in a never-ending March 31st. Journey through the Abyss of Time as Aigis, undertake new challenges, and uncover the cause of this strange fate and the truth of what happened on that day...Delve into this final chapter now with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, fresh animations and UI, and a rearranged soundtrack. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigitalLive Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigitalTwitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital

DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.

Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.Key Features:- Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.-Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover.- Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.- Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.

FALL FROM GRACEThe Land of Shadow. A place obscured by the Erdtree. Where the goddess Marika first set foot. A land purged in an unsung battle. Set ablaze by Messmer’s flame. It was to this land that Miquella departed. Divesting himself of his flesh, his strength, his lineage. Of all things Golden. And now Miquella awaits the return of his promised Lord.A New StoryGuided by Empyrean Miquella, players are beckoned to the Land of Shadow, a place obscured by the Erdtree where the goddess Marika first set foot. In these strange new lands, players discover the dark secrets of the world as they meet others who follow in Miquella’s footsteps with ulterior motives.Exploring a Familiar World Full of New SecretsELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree takes players beyond the Lands Between to explore the Land of Shadow, a completely new world from ELDEN RING. Players can seamlessly travel back and forth between its vast maps interspersed with diverse situations and meticulous dungeons where menacing enemies roam.A Further-deepened RPGShadow of the Erdtree adds new weapons, equipment, weapon skills and magic not found in the base game ELDEN RING, along with new enemies, boss encounters and plotlines to further increase players' RPG freedom. Take on these threats with the new powers you can acquire.

After arriving early for a big meeting with the mayor of a bizarre Northern English town, a traveling salesman takes the time to explore and meet the locals, who are all very eager to give him a series of increasingly odd jobs…“Thank Goodness You’re Here!” is a comedy slapformer, which unfolds over time as the players' exploration and antics leave their mark on the strange town of Barnsworth. With each completed odd job, new areas of the town open up, stranger and stranger tasks become available, and the clock ticks towards our salesman’s big meeting. The town’s colorful inhabitants are brought to life with vibrant hand-drawn animation, fully voiced dialogue, and wall-to-wall double entendres.Features:- Bold, beautiful visual design that seamlessly blends side-scrolling action vignettes with top-down exploration in a chock-a-block world.- Progressively more involved and puzzling odd-jobs to complete: cut the grass, bake a pie, traverse the astral plane!- Hand-crafted animation and original story based on traditional Yorkshire folklore.- Authentic regional dialects guaranteed to mek thi spit art thi tea laughin’.- Oddly moving original soundtrack.