Dual Comm Podcast

In this episode we dig into why Souls games feel so challenging when life gets stressful, and how frustration can shape the way we approach gaming. We also talk about the end of console uniqueness, why Steam quietly won the console war, and what it means for how we choose platforms going forward. From there we get into the question of whether games are really relaxing or if they’re actually stimulation, and why that matters for how we spend our free time. We react to the new Switch 2 Direct and the familiar pull of FOMO, while trying to keep things grounded in what really matters. We share thoughts on the different types of gamers out there, and how our identities around competition and casual play have changed over the years. Finally, we wrap on why intrinsic fun is worth chasing over external rewards, and how that shift might be the healthiest way to keep enjoying games as adults. Thanks for listening! Chapters: 00:00:00 The Challenge of Souls Games & Finding Joy in Difficulty 00:21:18 Steam Won the Console War – Consoles Feel the Same Now 00:41:00 Choosing Your Platform: What Matters Most Going Forward 00:57:00 Games as Stimulation, Not Passive Relaxation 01:01:00 Switch 2 Direct Reactions & Handling FOMO 01:05:25 What Kind of Gamer Are You? 01:15:45 Playing for Fun: Intrinsic Rewards Over External Pressure Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

Why does it feel like our focus is constantly under attack—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into the quiet, everyday battles for our attention, from endless phone scrolling to multitasking ourselves into brain fog. We talk about the lost joy of doing one thing at a time, the value of being bored, and how simple habits—like listening to an album start to finish or playing a game without a second screen—can help restore our attention span. We also get into the comeback of physical media, why buying CDs and ripping DVDs has become unexpectedly satisfying, and how infinite streaming choice might be making us less happy. Later in the episode, we talk Halo 3 playlist design, why modern FPS games miss the mark on fun, and a productivity warning signal to watch out for. It’s part nostalgia, part reflection, and part reminder that the best way to protect your focus might be to slow down, log off, and embrace the quiet moments. #gaming #gamingvideos Links to: Hutch's Florence & The Machine Montage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft4oAPA6DQY Bnet Archive: https://bnetarchive.haloman30.com/contente5a6.html?type=topnews&link=h3matchmaking Chapters: 00:00:00 AAA Gaming Has Hit a Wall 00:12:30 Blanding: Why Everything Looks the Same Now 00:26:33 Why We're Buying Physical Media Again 00:31:50 The Joy (and Value) of Being Bored 00:43:30 The Lost Art of Truly Focusing on One Thing 01:15:00 Halo 3’s Magic and Why Older FPS Games Gave Us More 01:58:00 Brain Fog: Symptom or Something Bigger? Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

What do gamers actually play—and why does it feel like the industry doesn’t want you to know? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into real player numbers from Steam and talk about how the myth of “dead genres” doesn’t match reality. StarCraft II, Age of Empires, Stardew Valley, Cyberpunk 2077—these games are thriving, but you'd never know it from industry press releases or marketing cycles. We also get into the hardware side of gaming: Why are $70 controllers still built to fail? Why won’t Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft use Hall effect sticks when $40 third-party options already do? And is modern hardware becoming disposable by design? Later in the episode, we dive into Steam sale pickups, how we actually find good games in a sea of noise, and why the Steam review system might be better than YouTube or Metacritic. We also talk about what we’ve been playing—Tomb Raider, Guardians of the Galaxy, Stardew Valley, Horizon Zero Dawn—and how personal taste still matters more than algorithmic trends. Finally, we wrap with a discussion about intentionality, tech FOMO, and resisting the pressure to chase new hardware. Do we really want a Steam Deck or Switch 2, or are we just dreaming about time we don’t have? Thanks for listening. Chapters: 00:00:00 What Steam Charts Reveal About Real Gamer Behavior 00:30:00 The Steam Review System Might Be Better Than YouTube 00:46:45 What We Bought (and Learned) in the Steam Summer Sale 01:19:19 $70 Controllers vs. $40 Fixes – Why Hall Effect Isn’t Standard 01:40:00 Tech FOMO and the Struggle to Game Intentionally Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

The golden age of small games is officially back. In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we kick things off with Haste—a tiny game with massive heart that might just be our game of the year. We dive into why it’s such a perfect session experience, how the new Disaster Mode changes things up, and what makes it feel like a future classic. We also break down the Steam Next Fest demos and highlight our favorite upcoming indies, from VOID/BREAKER to Dead as Disco to Pipistello and the Cursed Yo-Yo. This Next Fest felt like a true renaissance for handheld-friendly, creative games that don’t waste your time—and we’re here for it. Other topics include the reveal of the Xbox ROG Ally handheld, the rise of PC handhelds and how they’re reshaping where and how we play, and why Google Search is quietly becoming unusable. We talk about what’s broken, what’s changing, and how we’re shifting our habits away from algorithm rot and back toward intentional play. Plus: the decline of live service FPS games and why Doom 2016 still looks incredible. Subscribe to @bbkdragoon @EposVox @lostsaves @NeuroSpicy.Cooking Chapters: 00:00:00 – Why Haste Is One of the Best Games of the Year 00:07:58 – Xbox’s New Handheld: ROG Ally X and What It Means 00:18:32 – Steam Next Fest Demos That Blew Us Away 00:38:51 – Game Preservation, Platform Walls, and Xbox on PlayStation 00:52:42 – Google Search Is Basically Broken Now 01:25:23 – Does Doom 2016 Actually Look Better Than The Dark Ages? Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321

Doom The Dark Ages looks great—but the way it’s being released tells us a lot about where console gaming is headed. In this episode, we share our impressions of Doom's latest entry, the physical disc controversy, and how this all ties into the growing divide between PC and console ecosystems. We also break down why PC gaming in 2025 feels smarter than ever, the slow death of physical media (and who’s to blame), Xbox’s pricing moves, Nintendo’s new Switch terms, the rise of GameCube games on PC, and the future of game development. Thanks for listening! #gaming #gamingvideos Subscribe to @EposVox and @lostsaves Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Doom The Dark Ages First Impressions 00:29:00 – Doom TDA Isn’t Really on the Disc—And That’s a Problem 00:35:00 – The Death of Physical Media Is Hurting Console Gamers 00:42:26 – Why PC Gaming Makes So Much Sense in 2025 01:10:45 – GameCube Decomp Projects Are Wild 01:14:30 – Gears of War on PS5 01:24:30 – AA & Indie Games Shine on PC Handhelds 01:30:00 – There’s Still So Much to Love in Gaming Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

Expedition 33 genuinely reminded us why we love games — not because it's a massive AAA production, but because it has soul, smart systems, and feels like it was made by people who actually care. That kicked off a much bigger conversation: are we entering a quiet renaissance of great AA games? In this episode, we talk about how mid-budget games like Expedition 33 are doing what the big-budget blockbusters often don’t. These are games that respect your time, play great out of the gate, and remind you what makes gaming fun in the first place. We also look at how Game Pass, especially on PC, is quietly delivering some of the best value in gaming right now — from day-one drops like Indiana Jones and the Oblivion Remaster to upcoming hits like Doom: The Dark Ages. Xbox Series X, though? It might be feeling a little left behind. Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  Topics in this episode: Expedition 33 and the rise of soulful AA games Game Pass is quietly crushing it for PC players Is the Xbox Series X already aging out? Do you need to beat a game to truly appreciate it? EA layoffs and why AAA development keeps struggling The absurd state of mobile gaming in 2025 Our thoughts on the Marathon alpha and the direction of multiplayer FPS games Timecodes: 00:00:00 Expedition 33 Is Incredible 00:15:00 – The Rise of Great AA Games 00:22:27 – Game Pass Is Quietly Delivering 00:29:00 – Is the Xbox Series X Already Aging Out? 00:40:39 – Do You Need to Beat a Game to Truly Appreciate It? 01:01:45 – EA Layoffs & the AAA Struggle 01:21:55 – The Wild State of Mobile Gaming   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and we’ve got thoughts—on the hardware, the price point, and the $80 games. In this episode, we break down what we know about the next generation of Nintendo’s console and how it fits into the current gaming landscape. We also explore the growing tension between modern gaming habits and real adult life. Are games too long now? Are we forcing ourselves to play out of guilt? And is there a better way to experience games in 2025—maybe by going back to the past? From retro gaming to emotional burnout, this episode is all about finding meaning and balance in a hobby we love. #gaming #gamingvideos Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  00:00:00 Switch 2 Reveal and Hardware Impressions 00:23:30 Switch 2 Price Point and Launch Game Expectations 00:39:35 The $80 Physical Game Prices 00:42:15 Why 2025 Might Be the Perfect Time to Play Old Games 00:57:54 Are You Still Playing Games Because You Enjoy Them? 01:09:00 How Gaming Changes When You Grow Up Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into a stacked lineup of topics that blend nostalgia, modern gaming tech, and internet culture. PSVR in 2025 – Trying PlayStation VR for the first time a decade late! Does it hold up, or does the novelty wear off? We break down the best games (Ace Combat 7, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection) and whether VR still has a future. Retro Gaming in 2025 – Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 on original hardware still feels amazing. We discuss scalers like the Framemeister, OSSC, and RetroTINK, and why retro gaming delivers a distraction-free experience that modern games often lack. The Old Internet Was Better – Why does the internet feel so different now? We reflect on the pre-algorithm era, how online spaces used to be more personal and exploratory, and what changed around 2017-2018. Can we ever go back? Gaming Feels Better When You Earn It – Shoutout to TheRetroDen for an amazing take: https://youtu.be/br7TF52W8TA?si=ETq_HeFdv37BHe5y. Gaming feels more rewarding when it’s treated as a break after real-life productivity. We discuss whether gaming sessions become more fulfilling when they’re earned instead of being mindless escapism. Join us for another deep dive into gaming, tech, and internet culture. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you still enjoy retro gaming? Is VR the future or a gimmick? And do you miss the old internet? Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:53 New Astro Bot Levels – Does It Still Hold Up? 00:05:02 Experiencing PlayStation VR for the First Time – 10 Years Late 00:18:28 Console VR vs. PC VR – Which Feels Better? 00:26:00 The Power of VR – How Depth Changes Everything 00:30:00 Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 in 2025 – Why It’s Still Incredible 00:40:00 What Is a Retro Scaler? How They Work & Why They Matter 00:50:00 The Joy of Retro Games – Timeless Gaming Without Distractions 00:58:57 Why the Old Internet Was Better – A Look Back 01:16:00 Gaming Feels More Fulfilling When It’s Earned Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

In this episode, we dive deep into the highlights of the recent Xbox Developer Direct, where Doom: The Dark Ages stole the spotlight with its bold reveal and exciting focus on a campaign-driven experience. We discuss what makes this new installment stand out and why the showcase set a high bar for future game reveals. We also explore Phil Spencer's vision for Xbox's multiplatform strategy, break down the latest news on the Horizon Zero Dawn MMO, and reflect on EA’s massive market loss and the challenges of balancing art and business in game development. To round it all out, we share what we’ve been playing lately and tackle a big real-life discussion: What gaming can teach us about focus and how those lessons apply to everyday life. Join us for a packed episode full of gaming news, insights, and thoughtful discussions!   https://analogdreams.zip/  Subscribe to lost_saves on YouTube 00:00:00 Xbox Developer Direct   00:01:18 Doom: The Dark Ages Reveal   00:12:40 Ninja Gaiden 4 Highlights   00:16:30 South of Midnight Overview   00:18:15 Expedition 33 Breakdown   00:23:00 Spotlight on Studio Personalities   00:26:35 Phil Spencer on Xbox’s Strategy   00:39:50 EA’s $6 Billion Loss Explained   00:45:00 Why You Can’t Manufacture Art   01:00:12 How Life-Changing Games Are Made   01:15:40 What We’ve Been Playing   01:23:30 Cutting Through the Noise to Enjoy Gaming   01:37:44 A Game That Changed Your Life     Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219    Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE    Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321    Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   

In this episode, we dive into the biggest gaming news of 2025: the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We break down everything you need to know about its design, features, and game lineup, including the much-anticipated new Mario Kart title. Next, we explore whether Astro Bot’s success was simply perfect timing or the culmination of a decade of innovation. Plus, we discuss why gaming on an OLED TV is a transformative experience you won’t want to miss. We also tackle a hot topic in the gaming community: Xbox exclusivity. Is Xbox losing its edge, or is it time to rethink the console wars? Other highlights include a look at PS Plus's impressive January lineup, the emulation quality of PS1 and PS2 games on the PS5, and why Baldur’s Gate 3 is shaping up to be a true 10-year game. Finally, we examine the shift from live-service games to singleplayer experiences and what it means for the future of gaming. Tune in for all this and more! #gaming #gamingvideos   00:00:00 Building the Perfect Morning: Journaling and Digital Minimalism 00:05:06 Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: Specs, Games, and What to Expect 00:35:37 Astro Bot: A Decade-Long Journey to Perfect Timing 00:46:23 Why OLED TVs Are Revolutionizing Gaming 01:02:07 Xbox Exclusivity: Is the Console’s Identity at Risk? 01:16:03 PS Plus January/February Lineup: Hits and Hidden Gems 01:27:30 PS1 & PS2 Emulation on PS5: Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech 01:34:12 Baldur’s Gate 3: Modding Brilliance and the 10-Year Game Legacy 01:51:00 From Live Service to Singleplayer: Sony Cancels Live Service Games   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

In this episode, we dive into the biggest games of 2025, share bold predictions for the gaming industry, and explore how the PS5 has transformed the way we play. From exciting trends to anticipated blockbusters, we’re breaking down what makes this year special for gamers. Plus, we discuss the rise of the "Quadruple A" era, the future of game graphics, and how to tackle backlog dread. Which game or trend are you most excited for in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 00:00 Intro 01:38 Show Overview 03:08 2025’s Biggest Games and Trends 27:06 January to March 2025 Releases Breakdown 43:00 Bold Predictions for 2025 Gaming 54:38 Why the PS5 Changed How I Game 1:14:00 Are We in the Quadruple-A Era? 1:22:05 The Future of Game Graphics 1:39:26 Tackling Backlog Stress Subscribe to lostsaves on YouTube Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc 

In Episode 3 of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into the ultimate holiday gaming guide! From Steam Winter Sale steals like Celeste and Mass Effect Legendary Edition to must-play Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox titles, we've got something for every gamer this season. We also tackle the concept of replay value: What makes a game worth revisiting, and how do we decide when it’s time for another run? Plus, we explore why more gamers are watching content about games rather than playing them and share thoughts on remasters done right (Legacy of Kain, anyone?). Finally, we discuss the collapse of xDefiant and whether free-to-play shooters can ever dethrone the big players. Join us for another chill discussion! Thanks for all your support on this show and have a wonderful holiday and New Year!   Subscribe to Lost Saves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves Amazon Prime Free Games: https://gaming.amazon.com/home Gamers Watch More Than They Play: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-report-claims-gamers-spend-more-time-watching-videos-about-gaming-than-playing-games Legacy of Kain Remaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5qzpSrd-ko NPR Best Games Of 2024: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/16/g-s1-9554/best-games-2024-picked-by-npr-staff   00:00:00 Holiday Gaming Shopping Guide 00:03:50 Steam & Multiplatform Must-Haves 00:35:55 Nintendo Switch Holiday Deals 00:40:48 Best PlayStation Game Discounts 00:54:02 Top Xbox Game Bargains 00:57:19 Amazon Prime’s Free Game Picks 01:00:22 How Long Does It Really Take to Beat Games? 01:15:00 Do Gamers Watch More Than They Play? 01:28:50 The Replay Value Debate 01:35:11 Why Did xDefiant Shut Down? 01:51:29 Your Personal Game of the Year   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

Are gaming backlogs a bad idea and a source of unnecessary stress? EposVox and I tackle this question in Episode 2 of the Dual Comm Podcast, diving into whether backlogs are helpful for staying organized or just another source of guilt. We also explore Sony’s PlayStation Mascot Problem, discussing what happened to beloved franchises like Crash Bandicoot, Sly Cooper, and Twisted Metal. Our conversation touches on holiday gaming memories, from unwrapping consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360 to the cozy vibes of old Pokemon games. Later, we debate the value of PC setups versus consoles for chill gaming, share why firsthand experience matters when discussing games, and say a heartfelt goodbye to Battlefield 3 on Xbox 360 and PS3 as we reflect on its multiplayer legacy. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Are Backlogs a Bad Idea? 00:32:00 - The PlayStation Mascot Problem 01:03:00 - Holiday Gaming & Memories 01:29:34 - PC Setup vs. TV Gaming: Which Feels Better? 01:38:58 - Hidden Gems in the Humble Bundle 01:45:40 - Experiencing Games: Why Firsthand Matters 01:55:36 - Goodbye to Battlefield 3 on Xbox 360/PS3   Music provided by https://backingtrack.gg/   Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bbkdragoon  https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves 

Welcome to the debut episode of the Dual Comm Podcast! Hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, this podcast is a space for thoughtful conversations about gaming, tech, and the experiences that connect them. In this first episode, we dive into what it means to truly enjoy gaming in 2024. Are you actually having fun with the games you play, or are your gaming sessions leaving you feeling frustrated or unfulfilled? We break it all down with topics like: The emotional highs and lows of gaming sessions—what feels good and what doesn’t. Revisiting the PS3 era: our favorite games, the memories, and what made it so iconic. Why old graphics are worth embracing and the pitfalls of overly lengthy dev cycles. The evolving ways we talk about games and how to keep the fun alive. The power of physical media in a digital world and why it still matters today. Join us as we kick off this journey with a mix of nostalgia, insight, and a fresh perspective on what makes gaming great. Let’s get started!