Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams: A Video Game Podcast

Ghost of Yotei has been called everything from “the wokest samurai game ever” to a next-gen masterpiece. After spending 50+ hours with the game, here’s my spoiler-free review.In this episode, I’ll cover:The story setup of Atsu and her path as the Ghost of Yotei (without spoilers)How the game explores themes of vengeance, justice, and consequenceErika Ishii’s powerful performance and why it elevates the experienceGameplay evolution from Ghost of Tsushima (stances, weapons, stealth, fear mechanics)Visuals, worldbuilding, and why this might be Sucker Punch’s best game yetAnd yes — I’ll dig into the controversy: Is Ghost of Yotei really “woke,” or is that just noise? Let me know what YOU think in the comments.This is a spoiler-free review — no major story reveals, just my honest impressions on gameplay, themes, and presentation.If you enjoyed this, please like, subscribe, and check out more gaming coverage here on the channel.

In this episode, we sit down with the team from Anima Interactive, the developers behind Take Us North — the narrative-driven survival game that’s been at the center of heated conversations online.The creators share the real vision behind the project, how it was inspired by first-hand research and lived experiences, and why they believe games can build empathy around complex issues like migration.👉 Support the game and learn more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/takeusnorth/take-us-north👉 Subscribe for more conversations about the games shaping culture:YouTube: youtube.com/spawnonmeTikTok: @spawnonmeInstagram: @spawnonmeSpotify & Apple Podcasts: Spawn On Me

Join hosts Kahlief Adams and Cam Hawkins as we count down the Top 10 games from Gamescom 2025 that have us absolutely hyped! From surprise announcements to long-awaited sequels, we break down why these titles are dominating our must-play lists.In this episode, we also dive deep into our hands-on previews and reactions to some of the games we've been playing, like Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, the brutal action of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, our thoughts on the Xbox ROG Ally X handheld, and the return of a legendary franchise with Ninja Gaiden 4.Whether you're looking for indie gems, AAA blockbusters, or the next game to consume your life, we've got you covered with our honest takes and hype levels for each title. Don't miss our hot takes on which games lived up to the hype and which ones surprised us the most!What games from Gamescom 2025 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more gaming content and hit that notification bell!Follow Spawn On Me:YouTube: Youtube.com/spawnonmeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7gu7BteqvEnhZAP0MM2AApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spawn-on-me-with-kahlief-adams-a-video-game-podcast/id804065256TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spawnonmeInstagram: @spawnonmepodcastTwitter/X: @SpawnOnMe

Join us on Spawn on Me as we sit down with the incredible Victoria Tran to uncover her latest must‑read—and learn how community management is evolving in 2025. Victoria breaks it all down with insight and practical wisdom. Whether you're building niche communities, hosting IRL meetups, or craving authentic connection in a digital world dizzied by automation—this interview is the compass you didn’t know you needed. Tap in to discover the future of community building, one conversation at a timeGo support the fam and get the book here! https://www.victoriatran.com/book

I just spent 8 HOURS playing Battlefield 6, and let me tell you - this game is about to change EVERYTHING! From the insane destruction physics to the massive 128-player battles, EA has finally delivered something that might actually dethrone Call of Duty. After 8 hours of pure gameplay, I can confidently say this might be the comeback Battlefield desperately needed.

We sit down with the creative minds behind Last Flag, the brand new 5v5 capture-the-flag shooter from Night Street. Hear directly from the team—and voice actor Eli Harris—about what makes this retro-inspired, game show-style shooter stand out. Plus, we dig into how Imagine Dragons made the leap from chart-topping musicians to launching a full-fledged game studio.Learn how this bold new project mixes music, mayhem, and multiplayer magic to bring something truly different to the CTF genre.

In this episode of Spawn On Me, I sit down with Ben Kvalo, CEO of Midwest Games, to dive into what makes this new publishing label stand out in an ever-evolving industry. We explore the role of publishers in today’s market, the challenges indie developers face, and whether the gaming industry is oversaturated with too many titles.Ben shares his thoughts on building sustainable careers for the next generation of developers, and the value of player feedback, and we discuss how platforms like Xbox Game Pass are impacting discoverability. If you’ve ever wondered how publishers make decisions, support studios, or think about the long game in gaming—this one’s for you.Topics We Cover:What makes Midwest Games different from traditional publishersThe growing difficulty of standing out in a crowded marketHow publishers can better support marginalized and new devsAre players giving developers helpful feedback?The real benefits and challenges of Game Pass for studiosDon’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your crew on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In Episode 550 of Spawn on Me, host Kahlief Adams and guest host Cam Hawkins dive into the massive Xbox layoffs and the fallout from Summer Game Fest coverage we missed.Xbox Layoffs Recap: Dissecting Microsoft’s July 2nd cuts of approximately 9,000 jobs across Xbox and gaming studios including Rare, Initiative, Turn 10, ZeniMax, and King Barcelona. We also discuss the cancellation of major projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark.Industry Reaction: We analyze Phil Spencer’s internal memo and the controversial suggestion for impacted staff to leverage AI tools like Copilot for job hunting.Studio-by-Studio Breakdown: Who’s affected? Rare, Turn 10, Initiative, ZeniMax, King Barcelona, and others. What does this mean for the future of Xbox exclusives?SGF Missed Gems: A quick roundup of standout announcements from Summer Game Fest that slipped under the radar in our previous coverage.Stay tuned and subscribe for more gaming breakdowns with a focus on people of color in the industry.

In this exciting episode of Spawn On Me, Kahlief sits down with Rick Thiher, the General Manager of EVO, the premier fighting game tournament. They dive deep into EVO's latest expansion efforts and how the organization is working to enhance the experience for players and fans around the world. Discover the motivations behind expanding to new countries, the challenges faced, and the importance of making fighting games accessible on a global scale. Whether you're a competitive gamer, a fighting game enthusiast, or a fan of esports stories, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of EVO and the growth of the fighting game community worldwide. Tune in to learn about the strategic vision, community-building efforts, and the exciting new opportunities that lie ahead for EVO and its global audience.

In this powerful episode of Spawn on Me, we sit down with Olivia Brown from Project Unloaded to dive deep into the critical work of tracking and analyzing gun violence data. Olivia shares insights into how Project Unloaded is revolutionizing our understanding of gun violence through comprehensive data collection and community-driven research.We explore the challenges of gathering accurate gun violence statistics, the impact of data transparency on policy decisions, and how grassroots organizations are filling crucial gaps in national reporting. Olivia discusses the human stories behind the numbers and explains how better data can lead to more effective violence prevention strategies.Whether you're interested in public health, social advocacy, or data-driven solutions to complex problems, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on one of America's most pressing issues. Join us for an eye-opening discussion about the intersection of technology, community organizing, and social change.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Join Kahlief Adams and special guest Cameron Hawkins as they break down the absolute best games that caught their attention at Summer Game Fest 2025. From the jaw-dropping surprise reveal of Resident Evil Requiem to exciting sequels like Mortal Shell 2 and Death Stranding 2, they dive deep into what made this year's showcase memorable and which games have them most hyped for the months ahead. Whether you missed the event or want to hear fresh takes on your favorite announcements, this episode of Spawn On Me has all the gaming hot takes you need.

In this episode, we tackle a blockbuster lineup: Bungie’s Marathon reboot is under fire for using fan art. We also break down Jade Raymond’s surprise departure from Haven Studios and what it means for one of PlayStation’s most talked‑about first‑party newcomers.That’s just the warm‑up—fitness guru Walt Chambers joins us to share how his Infinite RPG program turns workouts into epic quests, and we close with a hands‑on verdict on the premium Victrix PRO KO fightstick. Strap in for controversy, career moves, power‑ups IRL, and hardware hype in one wild show!TimestampsIntro – 0:00Bungie Stole Art? – 3:10:57Jade Raymond Leaving Haven – 23:33:44Interview with Walt Chambers (Infinite RPG) – 28:20:44Victrix PRO KO Fightstick Review – 1:07:25:21Want to get fit for the Summer?Use our special code "SPAWNONME" at https://fitnessfantasyrpg.com/

We’re back with a jam-packed episode! We sit down with the team at Stoic to talk about their exciting new game Towerborne, give our first impressions of Borderlands 4, and share thoughts on Bungie’s Marathon. Plus, we break down the recent layoffs at Respawn Entertainment and what it could mean for the future of the studio.👉🏾 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show on YouTube, Spotify, and all podcast platforms to support indie gaming coverage that centers our stories!

What if your gaming time could help power a greener future? In this special Earth Day episode of Spawn On Me, we're diving into how Cleanplay is changing the game—literally—by turning your playtime into real-world investments in clean energy. We sit down with the team to talk about how players can support solar and wind energy projects just by doing what they already love: gaming.Cleanplay is on a mission to make sustainable energy accessible and fun. Their platform rewards players for time spent in-game, converting it into tangible support for clean energy initiatives. It's a powerful way to make your play matter.And here's the kicker—they're giving away a limited number of PlayStation gift cards to new subscribers. Want in? Head to cleanplay.com and level up your impact.

On this episode of Spawn On Me, Kahlief Adams sits down with writer and critic Sam DeLong for an in-depth conversation about South of Midnight — the game that’s redefining Southern Gothic storytelling in the world of action-adventures. From its bold art style and unique setting to its themes of identity, grief, and folklore, we break down what makes this game so special.We explore the creative risks Compulsion Games took, how the story resonates with diverse players, and what the game gets right (and wrong) about Southern representation. Whether you’ve played the game or are still on the fence, this episode gives you a richer understanding of why South of Midnight is sparking such meaningful conversation.📖 Want more insights? Check out Sam DeLong’s full review right here:👉 https://thegamersection.blogspot.com/2025/04/south-of-midnight-review.html💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the episode with your crew!#SouthOfMidnight #SpawnOnMe #SamDeLong #GamingPodcast #GameReviews #KahliefAdams #BlackInGaming

In this week’s episode, we break down how Trump’s proposed tariffs could spike prices on video games and Nintendo hardware—what that means for your wallet and your wishlist. We also dive into the rave early impressions of South of Midnight, the surprise of the season so far, and what makes it stand out. Plus, we gear up for Bungie’s Marathon gameplay reveal this weekend—will it live up to the hype? And we round things out with early impressions of Clawpunk and Pathfinder—two very different games with interesting ideas.👀 Subscribe for weekly takes on gaming news, previews, and the conversations the industry should be having.

South of Midnight is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unique titles of 2025—and in this deep dive, I’m breaking down exactly why. From its jaw-dropping art direction to its fluid, character-driven gameplay and rich Southern Gothic narrative, this game isn’t just another action-adventure—it’s a bold new vision from Compulsion Games.In this spoiler-free review, I explore the core gameplay mechanics, world-building, visuals, character design, and storytelling approach that sets South of Midnight apart. Whether you’ve been following the game since its reveal or just heard about it, this is your go-to breakdown of everything that makes it a must-play.🎮 What you’ll learn in this review:The core mechanics driving South of MidnightHow the game’s unique art style blends folklore and fantasyWhy the narrative direction is so important for the genreEarly impressions of performance, polish, and world interaction💬 Have thoughts or questions about the game? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!👍 If you found this breakdown helpful, don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and check out the Spawn On Me podcast for more deep dives and conversations about gaming, culture, and everything in between.

In this episode of the Spawn On Me Podcast, we delve into the latest developments in the gaming world:​Crimson Desert's Stunning Engine Demo: We discuss the impressive graphics and mechanics showcased in the recent Crimson Desert demo, highlighting the capabilities of Pearl Abyss' BlackSpace Engine. ​Tencent's $1.25 Billion Investment in Ubisoft: Analyzing Tencent's significant investment in Ubisoft's new subsidiary, which encompasses major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, and what this means for the future of these beloved series. ​Steel Hunters Early Access Release: Exploring the upcoming early access release of Wargaming's new PvPvE mech shooter, Steel Hunters, set to launch on April 2, 2025.Nintendo's Virtual Game Card System: Examining Nintendo's innovative Virtual Game Card feature, which allows players to manage, swap, and lend digital games across Nintendo Switch systems, enhancing the flexibility of digital game libraries. Join us as we break down these exciting topics and their implications for gamers worldwide.

Get an exclusive first look at 'DOOM: The Dark Ages,' the upcoming prequel to the iconic DOOM series. In this video, we showcase brand-new gameplay featuring the formidable Doom Slayer as an 'iron tank,' wielding powerful new weapons like the Shield Saw and Skullcrusher. Experience intense combat against the legions of Hell in a dark medieval setting and witness the Slayer piloting the massive Atlan mech and riding a cybernetic dragon. 'DOOM: The Dark Ages' launches on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Don't forget to comment, and subscribe for more exclusive gaming content!"​

In Episode 542 of Spawn On Me, we’re joined by Chris Hill from Cat City Games to talk about his hilarious and action-packed VR game Balls to The Wall. He shares what inspired the wild concept, how development is going, and why VR needs more games that don’t take themselves too seriously.In our What's the 411 segment, we dive into two major stories shaking up the gaming world: the Communications Workers of America (CWA) is taking big steps to establish a gaming union—and we break down what that could mean for devs and the industry. Plus, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is already making waves, reaching over 2 million players. We talk about the hype, what this means for the franchise, and what players are saying.In What We’ve Been Playing, we go hands-on with a bunch of games we checked out during GDC this year. From indie gems to upcoming AAA titles, this segment is packed with impressions you don’t want to miss.Tap in for laughs, deep insights, and all things dope in gaming. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell so you never miss an episode!🎮 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere else you get your pods.