Gametalk

Episode 249Today, we talk about two games we're absolutely enamored with - Resident Evil Requiem and Pokémon Pokopia. For Resident Evil, we talk about our playthrough in both spoiler-free and spoilery contexts. Then, we discuss how we're enjoying the undeniable charm of Pokopia. This episode was recorded in March 2026. 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 - Resident Evil Requiem Spoiler-Free Thoughts19:48 - Resident Evil Requiem Spoiler Discussion42:42 - Pokémon Pokopia

Episode 248We at Gametalk (more accurately 2/3 of us) are massive fans of Monster Hunter, and today we have an opportunity to gush about the series. We talk about the current state of Monster Hunter Wilds, and more specifically predict what we'll see in Master Rank. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Resident Evil Village, Super Mario Sunshine). This episode was recorded in February 2026. 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 Banter5:31 - Predicting Master Rank for Monster Hunter Wilds36:35 - Monster Hunter Wilds Performance Improvements43:34 - Games We're Playing47:16 - Resident Evil Village59:59 - Super Mario Sunshine

Episode 247Massive news has dropped on multiple fronts! In a frustrating move, Sony has closed Bluepoint Games in another seemingly misguided sacrifice on the altar of live service. When will it be enough, and are they finally turning the PlayStation faithful away? And on the other side, Microsoft has ousted the existing Xbox leadership. Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are gone, and Asha Sharma is now in charge of Xbox. We discuss how this critical turning point could affect the future of Xbox. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Mewgenics). This episode was recorded in February 2026. 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 Banter4:00 - Sony Kills Bluepoint32:02 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup1:00:04 - Resident Evil 41:09:14 - Resident Evil 7: Biohazard1:22:26 - Mewgenics

Episode 246Recently, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier put out an article called "Video Games Need to Be Cheaper to Buy". Today, we talk about his article and points where we agree and disagree, and discuss the broader landscape of video game pricing in 2026. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (God of War Sons of Sparta, Resident Evil 2). This episode was recorded in February 2026. 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 Banter9:39 - Are Video Games Too Expensive?47:59 - God of War Sons of Sparta1:01:38 - Resident Evil 2

Episode 245PlayStation's most recent State of Play paints a strong picture for game releases in 2026. Not only do we have quality games coming, it seems like Konami is back and firing on all cylinders! In addition, Xbox brought out the big guns with Fable and Forza 6, and Nintendo showed an impressive variety of third party games coming to Switch 2. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter Wilds). This episode was recorded in February 2026. 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 Banter9:18 - PlayStation State of Play49:39 - Konami's Comeback1:08:12 - Nintendo Partner Direct1:13:58 - Xbox Developer Direct1:26:40 - Monster Hunter Wilds

Episode 244The Nintendo Wii, regardless of how a lot of enthusiasts feel about the direction of Nintendo at the time, was a hugely influential and successful console that shaped the trajectory of the industry in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Today, we take a look back and each go through our top 5 Wii games. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Cairn, Hitman: World of Assassination). This episode was recorded in February 2026. 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 Banter12:56 - Remembering the Nintendo Wii20:11 - Honorable Mentions31:52 - Number 537:26 - Number 450:03 - Number 31:07:20 - Number 21:19:24 - Number 11:39:54 - Cairn1:46:16 - Hitman: World of Assassination

Episode 243Ubisoft has announced several cancellations and a complete company-wide restructuring amid cratering stock prices and dwindling mindshare. Is this move the life-saving measure the company needs, or a final death-knell separating the company into digestible chunks for potential buyers? Today, we dissect the current state of Ubisoft and offer our thoughts on their numerous IP. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, Persona 3: Reload). This episode was recorded in January 2026. 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 Banter13:33 - Ubisoft Production Issues19:41 - Ubisoft's Restructuring and IP Discussion56:28 - Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined1:07:29 - Persona 3: Reload and Persona Live 2026: Awakenings

Episode 2422026 is looking to be an eventful year - between increasing hardware prices, the upcoming Steam hardware, and the ever-looming GTA VI, there's something to consider for just about everybody! Today, we take stock of the games industry in early 2026 and make some predictions for how the year will go. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Palworld, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak). This episode was recorded in January 2026. 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 Banter6:41 - Hardware Inflation16:21 - Increasing Domination of Free to Play Games24:03 - VR's Dwindling Mindshare35:10 - Nintendo's 202645:05 - Xbox's 202654:44 - PlayStation's 2026, GTAVI, and Other Upcoming Games1:11:22 - Palworld1:24:53 - Monster Hunter Portable 3rd1:32:36 - Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Episode 241In late 2025, Netflix announced that they were purchasing Warner Bros Discovery for 80 billion dollars. Though the story of the purchase is ongoing with fresh drama unfolding even still, it looks likely that Netflix will end up acquiring WB - and most interestingly to us, their game studios. Today we discuss how this purchase could shift the gaming and streaming landscape. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Hitman: World of Assassination, Palworld, Monster Hunter). This episode was recorded in January 2026. 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 Banter15:37 - Netflix Purchases Warner Bros Discovery 25:57 - Movie Theater Tangent36:42 - Speculating on a Netflix Game Pass Competitor44:36 - Thoughts on the "Streaming Wars"57:39 - Hitman: World of Assassination1:07:40 - Palworld1:18:04 - Monster Hunter

Episode 2402026 is here and with it, some potentially dire news for video game hardware. As the RAM situation continues to deteriorate, the stage is set for massively increased gaming hardware prices. Today, we discuss the ramifications of the inflated RAM prices on PC and console hardware, and predict how the situation will unfold in the short and long term. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Monster Hunter Rise, Donkey Kong Bananza, Void Stranger). This episode was recorded in January 2026. 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 Banter8:16 - Impacts of Inflated RAM Price30:08 - AI Discussion46:12 - Short and Long Term Effects of RAM Inflation54:28 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice1:03:13 - Monster Hunter Rise1:23:13 - Donkey Kong Bananza1:35:20 - Void Stranger

Episode 2392025 has truly been an exceptional year for video games. As the year comes to a close, we pit our top 16 games of 2025 against each other in a bracket to determine Gametalk's Game of the Year! To follow along, please check out the YouTube release for this episode. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Neon White, Monster Hunter Wilds). This episode was recorded in December 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 Banter1:49 - Top 1647:51 - Quarterfinals1:04:45 - Semifinals1:13:25 - Finals and Gametalk's Game of the Year 20251:24:04 - Neon White1:30:41 - Monster Hunter Wilds

Episode 238The Game Awards have come and gone, and now we analyze the results! We discuss the big winners of the evening, as well as the new games that were revealed at the show. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Red Dead Redemption 2, Persona 5 Royal). This episode was recorded in December 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 Banter6:22 - Winners at TGA 202544:20 - TGA 2025 Announcements1:03:52 - Red Dead Redemption 21:37:44 - Persona 5 Royal1:44:01 - Monster Hunter Wilds Update1:49:01 - Will Ahmed Ever Finish A Video Game?

Episode 2372025 is coming to a close, and it's time to take stock of the games we played this year. Today, we discuss every single game we played this year and form a list of the top 16 games, which we will pit against each other at the end of the year in a tournament bracket to determine Game of the Year! As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Hitman VR, League of Legends, Until Dawn, I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine). This episode was recorded in December 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 Banter4:54 - The Top Games We Played in 20251:14:16 - Hitman VR1:28:07 - League of Legends1:31:25 - Until Dawn1:37:47 - I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine

Episode 236On today's very special episode, we welcome Jim and Chris, the creators of TerraClash! TerraClash is an adaptable deckbuilding fantasy RPG that offers tons of replayability and fun with friends (or solo)! We chat with Jim and Chris about the design of TerraClash, their interesting backgrounds, how the game came to be, and much more! As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman VR). This episode was recorded in December 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.Check out the TerraClash Kickstarter to reserve your copy now! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/terraclash/terraclashtm-roguelite-deckbuilding-and-dice-rpgAnd check out the TerraClash website for more information: https://terraclash.co.uk/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 - Introducing TerraClash!17:02 - TerraClash Mechanics, Art, and Anecdotes38:56 - TerraClash Kickstarter49:14 - Cyberpunk 2077 and Games Jim and Chris Are Playing58:13 - Hitman VR

Episode 235The Game Awards 2025 nominees have been announced! What becomes evident after looking at the nominees is that 2025 is an extremely strong year for video games. Today, we predict the winners and losers, as well as predict some announcements that may be made at the show. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Cyberpunk 2077). 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 Banter 12:04 - Predicting The Game Awards 2025 Winners1:36:04 - Predicting Announcements at The Game Awards 20251:43:18 - Cyberpunk 2077

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