Gametalk

Episode 234After months and months of rumors, Valve has finally dropped the bomb - new hardware is coming! With the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and new Steam Controller finally revealed, Valve looks poised to disrupt the status quo in a big way...if they nail the pricing. Today, we analyze Valve's latest hardware, speculate on the price, and compare the hardware to its contemporaries. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter3:34 - Steam Machine41:34 - Steam Controller50:51 - Steam Frame1:18:24 - Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin1:21:03 - Mike's Tabletop Campaign1:30:24 - Metroid Prime 4 Trailer Impressions

Episode 233Over the decades, some game franchises have established themselves as champions of quality gaming, while others are more hit or miss with their entries. From Zelda to Mario to Resident Evil to Castlevania, we give our thoughts on all these storied video game franchises and many more. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Europa Universalis V, ARC Raiders, PEAK). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter14:56 - Franchise Discussion 1 (Mario, Zelda, Monster Hunter, Dark Souls)33:44 - The Pokémon Franchise45:20 - Franchise Discussion 2 (Castlevania, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy)1:01:42 - Europa Universalis V1:17:23 - ARC Raiders1:37:26 - PEAK

Episode 232Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market for a little under half a year, we have some concrete sales data, and spoiler alert - it's a juggernaut. Today, we examine the hardware and software numbers at this very early stage in the Switch 2 lifecycle, and then offer our opinions on the device and its ecosystem after using it for the past several months. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Alan Wake 2, Crusader Kings III, ARC Raiders). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter2:22 - Latest Switch 2 Sales Data11:06 - Our Current Thoughts on Switch 237:49 - Alan Wake 21:02:00 - Crusader Kings III1:09:40 - ARC Raiders

Episode 231From Nintendo vs Sega to PlayStation vs Xbox, the so-called "console wars" have been raging for decades. Now, with the announcement of Halo coming to PlayStation, is it finally time to put the idea of console warring to rest? Where does Xbox go from here, and what could their future hardware look like? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Battlefield 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, Pokémon Legends: Z-A). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter 10:42 - How The "Console Wars" Ended21:12 - Halo Remake On PlayStation27:56 - Next Generation Xbox/PC Hybrid?36:32 - Future Console Wars / AI Tangent51:21 - Battlefield 658:24 - Monster Hunter Wilds1:03:11 - Pokémon Legends: Z-A1:10:22 - Ending Banter

Episode 230Electronic Arts (EA) is being purchased by a private equity consortium for 55 billion dollars. Today, we discuss the implications of this purchase - what will happen to high profile EA studios like Bioware and Dice? Will EA's new owners "trim the fat" and reduce EA to Madden/FIFA factory? How will Saudi Arabia's influence impact future EA games? Also, we talk about notable Steam Next Fest games. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Battlefield 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, Yooka-Replaylee). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter4:11 - The EA Acquisition38:47 - Steam Next Fest47:26 - Battlefield 658:43 - Monster Hunter Wilds1:21:47 - Yooka-Replaylee

Episode 229The seemingly unstoppable downward spiral of Xbox continues with the latest salvo of bad news - a drastic price increase for Game Pass. Today, we analyze how the Activision deal ultimately led to Xbox's current situation and examine the current state of Xbox and Game Pass after the price hike. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Ghost of Yōtei, Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, League of Legends). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter10:30 - Time to Cancel Game Pass? 20:42 - The Impact of the Activision Deal27:58 - Xbox Leadership Has To Go32:27 - Paid Online is a Scam40:02 - Xbox Has Lost Consumer Trust53:57 - Game Pass With Ads?59:37 - The Xbox Brand is Dying1:16:53 - Ghost of Yōtei1:36:49 - Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut1:46:16 - League of Legends

Episode 228Sony's September State of Play has come and gone, and in addition to hotly anticipated first party games like Wolverine and Saros, they had an good variety of games to show. After we discuss the State of Play highlights and briefly go over the latest Monster Hunter Wilds update, we dive deep into another standout game released this year: Hades II. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Hades II, Cyberpunk 2077). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Check out Connor's game jam game, EAT ROLL REPEAT! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/eat-roll-repeatChat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter8:11 - PlayStation State of Play37:11 - Monster Hunter Wilds Update46:56 - Hades II1:27:51 - Mike's Vampire: The Masquerade Campaign1:31:12 - Cyberpunk 2077

Episode 227With the proliferation of modern graphics technologies like ray tracing, we increasingly see AAA games struggle to maintain respectable resolutions and frame rates. Silent Hill F and Borderlands 4 are the latest examples of new games using modern technologies that have image/performance issues. At what point do consumers decide they've had enough and demand better optimized products? Today, we dive deep into the image quality and performance issues that plague modern games, and discuss potential ways to course-correct. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (EAT ROLL REPEAT, Fortnite, Dragon Age: Origins). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Check out Connor's game jam game, EAT ROLL REPEAT! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/eat-roll-repeatChat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter17:51 - Trading Performance/Resolution for Ray Tracing25:20 - Consoles Becoming Too Expensive29:55 - Image Reconstruction Techniques Have Become A Crutch35:09 - Companies Lack Monetary Incentive To Optimize45:22 - Optimization Woes and Future Technologies59:26 - EAT ROLL REPEAT1:03:39 - Fortnite1:05:49 - Dragon Age: Origins 1:16:31 - Things We're Looking Forward To

Episode 226We have completed Silksong, and what a game it was. Today, we talk about our full, spoilery, in-depth thoughts on the bosses, lore, and impactful moments from the game. Then, we briefly give our impressions of the latest Nintendo Direct. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Mario Kart World, Fortnite). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed by Christopher Larkin and owned by Team Cherry.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter6:59 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Discussion (SPOILERS)50:54 - Thoughts On The Nintendo Direct1:00:07 - Mario Kart World1:02:53 - Fortnite

Episode 225Silksong is out and it proves once again that Team Cherry stands at the pinnacle of their craft. We give our (relatively) spoiler-free impressions of the game and gush about the world design, new mechanics, and much more. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Victoria 3). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed by Christopher Larkin and owned by Team Cherry.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter10:47 - Silksong Launch and Initial Thoughts21:00 - Difficulty and Mechanics34:47 - Art, Music, and World Design43:52 - Quests and NPCs54:01 - Game of the Year?1:10:42 - Victoria 3

Episode 224One of the year's most anticipated games, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is imminent! As of this recording, it is two days before the game comes out and we have much to discuss! From the price to the release date to the "controversy" from indie devs around the release - we talk about the fervor surrounding Silksong and how it has immediately become the center of attention. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Victoria 3, Gears of War: Reloaded, Helldivers 2). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalkTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalkBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.socialTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter11:48 - Anticipating Silksong18:02 - Silksong Development, Pricing, and "Controversy"45:48 - Connor's Spyro Update52:12 - Victoria 358:42 - Gears of War: Reloaded1:08:40 - Helldivers 2

Episode 223Welcome to the first episode of a new series we're launching, "Games of Yesteryear"! In this series, we'll pick a year in the past, debate the best games, and crown a game of the year. We kick it off with one of the greatest years in gaming history, 1998. What was 1998's game of the year? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (MapleStory, Sword of the Sea, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comAnd chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter8:30 - Top 1656:43 - Quarterfinals1:13:25 - Semifinals1:27:08 - Finals (Game of the Year 1998)1:35:06 - Connor's Spyro Project1:41:12 - MapleStory1:44:14 - Sword of the Sea1:49:08 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (SPOILERS)

Episode 222From sequence breaks to randomizers to bingos, alternative ways to play are a great way to breathe new life into a game. What are some of our favorite ways to play, and what games do we enjoy playing in non-traditional ways? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter Wilds, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6 (Beta)). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comAnd chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter6:49 - Playing Games in Non-Traditional Ways33:39 - Monster Hunter Wilds48:32 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 3354:54 - Battlefield 6 (Beta)

Episode 221Battlefield is back with a vengeance! We played the highly successful beta and talk about how we enjoyed it and compare it to previous Battlefield entries. We then go on to reflect on other betas we have enjoyed over the years. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Donkey Kong Bananza). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.comAnd chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter16:38 - Battlefield 6 Impressions and Battlefield History55:50 - Thoughts On Betas1:14:21 - Donkey Kong Bananza1:19:10 - Dungeon Crawler Carl

Episode 220It's no secret that we at Gametalk (2/3 of us at least) are huge fans of FromSoft and Hidetaka Miyazaki. Today, we dive into our history with Miyazaki's games, and discuss what makes his projects so special. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Factorio). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and BlueSky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter8:33 - Dark Souls19:38 - Demon's Souls and Miyazaki's Earlier Games28:44 - Dark Souls II and FromSoft DLC36:24 - Bloodborne44:12 - Dark Souls III and Déraciné53:10 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice59:16 - Elden Ring1:08:00 - The Duskbloods and Miyazaki's Future1:12:47 - Factorio

Episode 219We (or at least 2/3 of us) are big fans of Hideo Kojima. Between Metal Gear, Death Stranding, and P.T., he has cemented himself as one of gaming's true auteurs. Today, we dive into our history with Kojima's games, and dissect his unique brand of weird genius. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Abiotic Factor). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and BlueSky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter1:41 - Our Fist Exposure to Kojima14:04 - Kojima's Older Games and the Konami Fallout25:42 - "Modern" Kojima40:17 - Kojima's Quirkiness and his Future Projects58:40 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach1:01:35 - Donkey Kong Bananza1:08:39 - Abiotic Factor

Episode 218In a controversial move, Steam has delisted scores of adult-themed games, spurred by external financial institutions to remove games deemed inappropriate. Is this move justified, or is this a slippery slope to something more sinister? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Warframe, Donkey Kong Bananza). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter3:40 - Steam Delists Adult Games / Thoughts on Censorship40:27 - Warframe48:53 - Donkey Kong Bananza

Episode 217It's hard to believe, but we are already over halfway through 2025, and what an eventful year it's been! Today, we look back at some of this year's standout titles, and look ahead to what we're anticipating in the back half of 2025. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Deltarune, Satisfactory). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and BlueSky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter8:11 - Our Favorite Games of 2025 So Far23:55 - Reflecting on Switch 2 and Mario Kart World31:18 - Big 2025 Games That We Missed38:02 - Upcoming 2025 Games We're Most Excited For56:13 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach1:15:15 - Deltarune1:27:44 - Satisfactory1:32:49 - Closing Banter

Episode 216Microsoft has laid off over 9000 employees, heavily crippling and outright killing some of their Xbox studios. Today, we discuss this tragic layoff, examining the ramifications for Xbox and where this leaves them in the broader games industry landscape. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter 4U, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter6:21 - Microsoft Layoffs and AI Ambitions12:51 - Perfect Dark Canceled and The Initiative Closed17:46 - Everwild Canceled and Rare Crippled28:29 - Project Blackbird Canceled32:55 - John Romero's New Game Canceled and Turn 10 Cut Down38:53 - Halo and Call of Duty Studios Have Layoffs53:59 - Monster Hunter 4U, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, and Monster Hunter Wilds1:05:55 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach1:18:32 - Streamer Support for Texas Flooding

Episode 215Games like Phasmophobia, Lethal Company, and most recently, Peak, are indie projects with proximity chat-based multiplayer that seem to go viral thanks to the unpredictable and hilarious nature of playing these games with your friends. Today, we dive into these "friendlike" games and discuss what makes them tick, and why they seem to do numbers that punch way above their weight. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Monster Hunter Wilds, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).Apologies for the slight audio syncing issues and lack of video - there were some technical hitches with this week's recording.Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalkOr chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5QnTimestamps:0:00 - Opening Banter7:52 - "Friendlikes"41:30 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach1:03:48 - Monster Hunter Wilds1:15:41 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33