Dense Pixels - Video Game News and Reviews

Micah shares his detailed impressions of two major releases with God of War: Sons of Sparta and Resident Evil 9. Carrie takes a nostalgic journey back to her childhood with the digital release of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, exploring how these classic Kanto remakes hold up in the modern era and what makes them special for longtime Pokemon fans. Brad and Terrence dive into their experiences with the Marathon Server Slam beta weekend, offering contrasting perspectives on Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter. While Terrence remains unconvinced by the world, Brad has become completely absorbed in Bungie's deep lore universe and shares his newfound enthusiasm. The hosts provide comprehensive coverage of last week's Pokemon Presents showcase, with Carrie expressing particular excitement for Pokemon Pokopia and the team analyzing the surprise announcement of Pokemon Wind and Waves. The presentation offered plenty of news for franchise fans. Stardew Valley marks its tenth anniversary milestone with an unexpected update that transforms one of the community's least favorite characters into a marriage candidate, sparking debate among the game's dedicated fanbase about developer ConcernedApe's design choices. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier delivers two major industry scoops this week, revealing behind-the-scenes details about Highguard's development struggles and identifying the parties responsible for why fans still haven't received a Bloodborne remake despite years of demand. The revelations shed light on complex studio politics. The podcast concludes with an extended Post Office segment where the hosts candidly discuss the games they've spent the most money on as whales, sharing personal stories about microtransactions, collector's editions, and gaming spending habits.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Microsoft shakes the gaming industry to its core with the stunning announcement of Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox leadership, Sarah Bond's unexpected departure, and the promotion of former AI executive Asha Sharma to the position of Xbox CEO. The hosts provide deep analysis of Spencer's complex legacy at Xbox, explore the circumstances surrounding Sarah Bond's exit and whether she left voluntarily or was pushed out, and debate what Sharma's AI background could mean for the future direction of Xbox and their first-party studios. Sony makes the controversial decision to shutter the critically acclaimed Bluepoint Games despite the studio never releasing a single game under PlayStation's ownership. The hosts examine potential missteps by Bluepoint that may have contributed to this outcome while arguing that Sony's decision represents a terrible strategic move that wastes exceptional talent and damages developer confidence. The Saudi Arabian takeover of EVO is now finalized, raising important questions about what this ownership change means for the tournament's future and the broader competitive fighting game community. The discussion explores potential impacts on event culture and the esports scene. EA is using generative AI technology in the development process for EA Sports FC, and in a surprising twist, Carrie emerges as an unexpected defender of this controversial practice. The hosts debate the merits and concerns of AI integration in game development. Brad chronicles his journey into the original Dark Souls and discovers that his extensive Elden Ring experience provides surprisingly little help navigating the punishing classic. He shares the challenges of adjusting to the older FromSoftware formula.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad explores the bizarre and fascinating world of Mewgenics, a unique tactical game that combines turn-based strategy with cat breeding mechanics. The question is whether this quirky title can overcome his usual aversion to turn-based tactical games with its unusual premise. Carrie shares her excitement for Monster Hunter Stories 3 after diving into the substantial new demo that recently launched. Terrence embarks on an Xbox gaming spree, providing impressions of multiple titles including Black Myth Wukong, the stylish action game Rollerdrome, the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Remake, the co-op shooter Outriders, and the intense Warhammer 40,000 Boltgun. The podcast examines the surprisingly rapid layoffs at Riot's 2XKO studio and Highguard developer Wildgate Studios, questioning why new studios continue pursuing ambitious live service games despite the genre's notoriously high failure rate. The discussion highlights persistent issues in live service development. Sony delivered an exceptional State of Play presentation featuring exciting announcements including new God of War projects, Konami's impressive comeback, and updates on Marathon that have renewed Brad's cautious optimism for Bungie's upcoming title. The showcase demonstrated Sony's strong first and third-party lineup. Blizzard surprises the gaming community by introducing a new class to Diablo II Resurrected years after its release. Meanwhile, significant improvements to Overwatch have fans wondering if the franchise is experiencing a renaissance and return to form. A global RAM shortage crisis creates ripple effects across gaming hardware, delaying Valve's new hardware releases, making the Steam Deck unavailable for the first time since launch, and potentially forcing Nintendo to increase Switch 2 prices. The shortage impacts the entire gaming hardware industry. Discord's controversial attempt to implement oppressive privacy features and subsequent reversal sparks a broader conversation about Peter Thiel's influence and how tech billionaires are negatively impacting digital spaces and privacy rights.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Terrence uncovers a hidden gem in the roguelite genre with his impressions of Kiborg, a brawler that deserves more attention from fans of challenging action games. The game combines roguelite mechanics with intense combat for a compelling experience. Brad provides an in-depth review of No Rest for the Wicked following Moon Studios' new co-op update that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. He believes this action RPG has the potential to become a major player in the ARPG space once it reaches its full release, praising the improvements and additions. Carrie explores Two-Point Museum, the latest management simulation from the beloved Two-Point series. Investors show misplaced enthusiasm for Google Genie's underwhelming game demos, paradoxically causing stock prices for Take-Two, Unity, and Roblox to drop sharply following the reveal. The hosts dissect why the market reaction reflects concerns about AI-generated gaming content. Ubisoft's decision to lay off over 200 employees at their Paris offices sparks plans for a company-wide strike by unionized staff, highlighting growing tensions between management and workers in the gaming industry. The podcast tackles serious industry issues including why video game executives appearing in the Epstein files shouldn't shock anyone familiar with tech industry culture. On a lighter note, the hosts share their personal comfort foods and discuss the current state of WWE following the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Terrence shares his detailed impressions of Highguard and the hosts dive into predictions about the game's potential success in this competitive field in gaming. Brad reviews two charming indie games that deliver nostalgic throwback experiences with Vital Shell and Super 10 Pin. These smaller titles prove that indie developers continue to capture the magic of classic gaming while adding their own unique twists. Carrie recounts her amazing experience attending the Persona Live concert in Los Angeles, sharing highlights from the performance and what makes the Persona series music so special for fans. Ubisoft announces a major organizational shakeup that immediately impacts investor confidence, with share prices falling dramatically following the news. The hosts debate whether this restructuring could actually benefit the struggling publisher in the long term despite the market's negative reaction. The podcast explores a potentially groundbreaking verdict from a civil trial in the UK that could significantly impact how digital currencies are valued and owned, with implications reaching far beyond gaming into broader digital currency value. The hosts discuss the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer and share their reactions to Nintendo's latest animated venture. They also tackle the hypocrisy of payment processors who selectively enforce their policies, and dream about mini-consoles that never made it to market but absolutely should have.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Carrie shares her exciting experience attending and performing at MAGfest this year, bringing listeners behind the scenes of one of gaming's most beloved music and gaming conventions. Brad dives into his hands-on impressions of the new Tokyo Xtreme Racer, a game that authentically captures the PS2 era racing experience with both its nostalgic charm and its dated quirks. Meta makes a dramatic business pivot away from the Metaverse toward AI technology, resulting in the closure of two prominent game development studios, raising questions about the future of VR gaming. Massive Entertainment announces development of The Division 3, but the news is immediately overshadowed by Ubisoft laying off staff at the studio and the departure of their studio head to EA. The timing highlights ongoing turbulence in the AAA gaming industry. Valve updates their AI disclosure policies with a surprising loosening of restrictions, and the hosts make a compelling argument for why this change might actually benefit the gaming community despite initial concerns about artificial intelligence in game development. Monster Hunter Wilds faces severe PC performance issues, and the potential cause might be one of the most absurd technical problems in recent gaming memory. The podcast wraps with reactions to Sophie Turner's casting as Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider project, alongside sharp criticism of GameStop's social media team's complete loser behavior.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad went a little wild during the Steam Winter Sale and came away with a pile of indie games that mostly rule. He breaks down his early impressions of Reus 2, 9 Kings, and Sol Cesto, and explains why these smaller releases continue to outshine big-budget fare. Carrie has been catching up on her backlog with Blue Prince and The Legend of Zelda: Age of Imprisonment, and even dusted off the SNES to revisit Final Fantasy VI (formerly known as Final Fantasy III in the US). Terrence shocks everyone by purchasing an Xbox Series X, while Micah shares the unique challenges of co-op gaming with a kid who has very different priorities than finishing objectives. We also reflect on the passing of Respawn’s Vince Zampella and SEGA’s David Rosen. Elsewhere, a real-life Rainbow Six Siege Robin Hood gifted players millions in in-game currency, and the Indie Game Awards sparked controversy by revoking Expedition 33’s Game of the Year award over its use of generative AI. In the Post Office, we dig into hated gameplay tropes, sim racing rigs, and take an unexpected detour into the Billboard Top 100 hits of 1996.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

We break down Expedition 33’s sweeping dominance at The Game Awards and discuss what the show gets right—and where it still needs to evolve. From surprise wins to pacing and presentation, we explore how the TGAs could better serve both developers and fans going forward. We also dive into the biggest announcements from The Game Awards, including Brad and Micah’s reactions to the Street Fighter movie trailer and the unexpected reveal of Lenny Kravitz as the villain in 007 First Light. Brad is back deep in Diablo IV, testing out the new Paladin class and evaluating how progression and systems have changed since his last time with the game. Does Diablo IV finally feel like it’s found its footing? Kaz Harada’s departure from Bandai Namco marks the end of an era, and we reflect on his 30-year legacy guiding the Tekken franchise into one of the most influential fighting game series of all time. In the Post Office, we tackle the increasingly strange relationship between FIFA and U.S. power brokers, and just how far the organization may be willing to bend to satisfy political egos.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

It’s Dense Pixels’ annual Game of the Year celebration, and we're breaking down the very best games of 2025. We reveal our top 10 lists, debate the titles that earned our podcast-wide consensus honors, and look back at the standout games chosen by our listeners. Join us for our biggest episode of the year as we highlight the releases that defined 2025 and the games we think will leave a lasting impact.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad has been completely derailed by yet another GOTY contender thanks to the release of the high-octane arcade shooter Sektori. Micah has been digging into Marvel Cosmic Invasion, but it may have only made him appreciate Dotemu's other recent release - Absolum - even more. Meanwhile, Brad is learning firsthand why Final Fantasy IV may be the strangest and most experimental entry in the early series. Steam is refusing to publish the indie horror title Horses—and the bigger problem is that they won’t give the developer a clear reason why, raising concerns about transparency and platform control. In a disastrous interview, the CEO of Roblox floated the idea of adding real-life dating and gambling to a platform primarily used by children. Tim Sweeney has once again made himself the main character on social media with another baffling take about generative AI in video games. We wrap up with a wide-ranging Post Office segment covering everything from Thanksgiving dinner traditions to the dramatic conclusion of the Formula One season, and how much Brad and Micah would be willing to spend on the upcoming Steam Machine.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Lumines Arise is finally here, and Brad delivers his full review—explaining why this entry may be the definitive Lumines experience. He’s also been deep into Anno 117: Pax Romana and shares his thoughts on how this historic city-builder stacks up. Valve has announced an exciting slate of new hardware set to release next year. We break down the lineup and which devices Brad plans to pick up on day one. We take a look at The Game Awards 2025 nominees and discuss whether Expedition 33 is receiving more praise than it may deserve. Meanwhile, Tim Sweeney made headlines for publicly embarrassing himself while reacting to Eurogamer’s Arc Raiders review, and even Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 appears to be dipping into generative AI for its development. We touch on the strange situation surrounding Ubisoft suspending share trading and what it might signal. We also give our impressions of the leaked set photos from the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. To wrap things up, we evaluate IGN and Nintendo Life’s rankings of the greatest Nintendo games of all time—and where we agree, disagree, and outright question their picks.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad and Terrence have successfully dragged Micah into the BallXPit, but the real question is—how much is he actually enjoying it? Square Enix reveals plans to use AI for quality assurance testing by 2027, raising serious questions about whether buggy code can really fix buggy code. We break down what this shift means for developers, players, and the future of game testing. Rockstar Games is once again under fire after firing over 30 employees, with reports suggesting that union-busting may be the real motive behind the mass layoffs. We discuss the implications this has for worker rights across the gaming industry. In a wide-ranging Post Office segment, we chat about diving into PC building for the first time, the realities of fatherhood, and a fun detour into Nicholas Cage.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad takes a break from run-based games and discovers Chained Echoes, a phenomenal old-school-style RPG that blends nostalgic charm with modern design. He shares what makes it one of the most rewarding hidden gems in the genre. Carrie gives a spoiler-free discussion about Hades II, highlighting the smart changes Supergiant Games made to the game’s ending and how it improves on the original's flaws. Micah and Terrence share their disappointment with The Outer Worlds 2, sparking a broader conversation about why Obsidian Entertainment is one of the most polarizing developers in gaming. We also dive into Rockstar Games’ blatant case of union-busting, examining how the company’s actions contradict its public stance on labor rights and developer treatment. Finally, a free-flowing Post Office segment takes us through discussions on the frustrations with sports media rights, WWE’s confusing current strategy, and which foods keep fast food chains alive.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Carrie gives her full review of Pokémon Legends: Z to A after finishing the game, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and why it might be one of the most ambitious Pokémon titles yet. Terrence delivers his in-depth Ninja Gaiden 4 review, diving into how it compares to previous entries in the series and whether it lives up to the legacy of Team Ninja’s classic action franchise. We discuss Microsoft’s latest questionable strategic moves after revelations that Xbox is chasing an unrealistic 30% profit margin — and what this means for players and developers alike. Meanwhile, the Trump administration and ICE have co-opted yet another beloved video game property for propaganda purposes to advance their racist aims. Ubisoft is asking employees to voluntarily leave before upcoming layoffs, and Nintendo surprises fans with a long-awaited move — releasing a vinyl soundtrack that has collectors buzzing.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Brad and Terrence are completely hooked on BallXPit and dive into why it’s their latest gaming obsession. They also share their impressions of Absolum and Hades 2, discussing what makes each title stand out. Carrie is deep into her creature-collecting era, splitting time between Digimon Story: Time Stranger and Pokémon Legends: ZtoA. She explains why both games are delivering exactly what fans of the genre have been waiting for. In gaming news, Ubisoft has reportedly canceled a planned Assassin’s Creed game set during the Reconstruction era. We discuss why this decision feels cowardly, the industry’s reluctance to handle meaningful historical topics, and whether Ubisoft could have been trusted to do it justice in the first place. We also remember legendary developer Tomonobu Itagaki following his passing, discuss concerning Nintendo and Discord hacks shaking the industry, and ask the hard-hitting question: why can’t America get Street Fighter-themed burgers?Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Micah has been completely consumed by Ghost of Yotei and breaks down how it improves on its predecessor. He explains what’s new, what’s changed, and why this follow-up has him more hooked than ever. Brad has a public service announcement for gamers: stay away from Megabonk if you value your free time! He explains why this deceptively addictive game might derail your entire gaming schedule. We also dive into the biggest news of the week — Xbox’s shocking 50% price hike for Game Pass Ultimate. We analyze what’s behind Microsoft’s strategy, how it impacts players, and whether this could alienate their most loyal fan base. Finally, Capcom manages to fumble with a major misstep as they plan to charge pay-per-view rates for major tournaments — a move so controversial that even Street Fighter 6’s director is publicly criticizing it.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

We’re once again packed with fresh game impressions, including Metroid Prime Remastered, Deep Rock Galactic Survivor, and Borderlands 4. The spotlight shines on Hades 2, as Carrie shares her thoughts after rolling credits and why this sequel is dominating the conversation. The biggest bombshell of the week: the Saudi Arabian government, alongside Jared Kushner, has purchased Electronic Arts for $55 billion. We dive into what this means for EA’s immediate outlook—and why it could spell serious trouble for the publisher’s long-term future. Microsoft has raised hardware prices yet again, fueling frustrations about gaming affordability. Meanwhile, Doug Bowser is officially retiring from Nintendo - was he really there for only 6 years? We also break down the latest news in entertainment and gaming, including the casting of the next James Bond and why Monster Hunter Wilds has us stepping back—for now.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

This week we break down the massive Nintendo Direct, packed with major announcements including a Super Mario Galaxy series re-release, Mario Tennis Fever, Hades 2’s 1.0 release, a Dragon Quest VII remake, and the long-awaited release date for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. Oh, and yes—the Virtual Boy is back in some form. Steam has added new restrictions after pressure from payment processors, now banning early access games with adult content. We discuss why this is another step toward broader video game censorship. Fortnite has introduced a big change to how players purchase V-Bucks, and it’s a consumer-friendly move we hope more publishers adopt. Meanwhile, Sega is caught in one of the strangest stories of the year—using the London Police Department to harass a random individual after their own corporate screw-up. We wrap up with a fun Post Office segment where we talk about our favorite video game side quests, along with our favorite video game books.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

This week we’re loaded with game impressions, covering everything from Touhou Farming ~ Minoriko’s Homestead Harvest and Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots to Donkey Kong Bananza, Timberborn, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Hollow Knight: Silksong has been the biggest talking point in gaming, and Terrence shares his hands-on impressions. We dive into the massive player counts at launch and debate whether Silksong’s incredible value might actually be hurting other indie developers. In a surprising move, the Saudi government has acquired a controlling stake in the EVO tournament. We discuss what this means for the fighting game community and future competition. Nintendo has won a lawsuit against a modder who chose to represent themselves in court, leading to disastrous results. Finally, Micah and Brad break down the extended gameplay reveal for 007: First Light.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Micah’s Donkey Kong Bananza adventure has hit a roadblock—his son has now taken over the game, leaving him stuck early on in the journey. Brad is attempting to use Beat Saber as an alternative way into fitness after a long battle with disinterest in exercise. Can VR rhythm gaming actually help build healthy habits? The crew breaks down last week’s Gamescom event, which left them feeling underwhelmed by most announcements. Has the AAA industry drifted too far from what we actually want? The biggest headline of the week came from the long-awaited reveal of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release date, and it’s arriving sooner than expected. Sony has finally raised the price of the PlayStation 5 in the U.S., citing tariff pressures. We explore what this means for consumers and the broader console market. We also cover weeks of upheaval at Cloud Chamber, the current Bioshock developer, and the addition of Rod Fergusson to steady the project. This sparks a deeper conversation about why so few games strive to deliver meaningful narratives despite the medium’s storytelling potential. In the Post Office, we dive into legendary gaming myths and the shocking ringside behavior of Raja Jackson at a recent wrestling show.Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).