CORE - Core Gaming for Core Gamers

Frogs, flies, and state borders! Keanu Reeves expressed willingness to bring back Johnny Silverhand in future Cyberpunk projects, fueling speculation about DLC or cameos. PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, hosts, and more. Exhibition 33’s concert tour selling out instantly, Halo Infinite getting Invasion mode, and Steam reviews for Silksong differing by language, with Chinese players criticizing localization. And LOTS more!Shared Play•Hollow Knight: Silksong•No Man’s SkyScott•Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots.•Metal Slug TacticsJon•Bodah-Lands 4Beau•Void Crew •World of Warcraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott sits down with Tanner Goodman, who just got back from the EU, and his time at Gamescom in Germany. They talk about everything he saw! Including the standout demos like Crimson Desert (beautiful but overloaded with systems), Silent Hill f (creepy immersive theater), Honor of Kings: World (surprise hit with fun elemental combat and raids), and Valor Mortis (first-person Soulslike with grotesque Napoleonic bosses). Also, reasons why Chronos on Switch 2 disappointed due to poor performance and clunky design. Beyond games, Xbox showed its new handheld, cosplay was everywhere, swag was abundant, and even Netflix, Disney+, and Chiquita Bananas had booths. Give it a listen and huge thanks to Tanner for his time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gamescom brought big World of Warcraft reveals: the new housing system with public, charter, and guild neighborhoods (50 homes each, customizable biomes, permissions, and community events), plus new solo content like Prey hunts and ongoing Delves. Blizzard is also integrating add-on features directly into the UI (boss timers, nameplates, DPS meters), raising questions for Deadly Boss Mods and others. Bobby is here to help us make sense of it all. Also we have a LOT to say about the No Man’s Sky’s Voyager update—building Corvettes, exploring derelict ships, taming bizarre pets, farming nanites, managing settlements, and enjoying the endless systems, bugs and all. Plus all the games we played ands way more.SHARED PLAY THIS WEEKThe ‘No Man’s Sky’ update!SCOTT•Shinobi: Art of Vengeance•BlazBlue Entropy EffectJON•Hollow Knight: SilksongBEAU•Peak•Metal Eden•World of Warcraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk the BIG September 2025 releases: Hollow Knight: Silksong (Sept 4), Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots (Sept 5), Borderlands 4 (Sept 12), Silent Hill F (Sept 25), Sonic Racing Crossworlds, Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles, Lego Party, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, plus DLCs for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac. News about Expedition 33’s success and its Clair Obscur franchise plans, and Two Point Museum adding retro arcades, among a load more!SCOTT•The Last Spell•Inkshade•Titan Quest II•Shapez 2•Kill The Brickman•The Rogue Prince of PersiaJON•Final Fantasy XII•Hollow Knight•No Man’s Sky•SandBEAU•No Man’s Sky•Rift Breaker 2.0•Valheim•World of Warcraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s star with Steam’s new language-based review system, which pushed Palworld to an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating in English, for example. We looked at the debut of the World of Warcraft launch cinematic in October 2004, before the game’s release. A detailed rundown of Gamescom’s Future Games Show including major stuff like Resident Evil Requiem, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, and loads others, along with release dates for some. Including Silksong. We also broke down mechanics for Kill the Brick Man and The Rogue Prince of Persia, and compared the critical and fan reception of Final Fantasy XII within the series and over time. Among a lot of other stuff!GAMES WE PLAYED!Scott•The Rogue Prince of Persia•Kill The Brick Man•Shapez 2Jon•Final Fantasy XII•Promise Mascot Agency•Dyson Sphere Program•He is ComingBeau•World of Warcraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft may shift Xbox toward a modular, PC-like system called Magnus, we have some debate over complexity versus convenience. Rod Ferguson has exited Blizzard, raising questions about Diablo IV’s future, while Blizzard’s cinematic team voted to unionize. Crimson Desert sees a delay, and rumors suggest Paladin could return in a Diablo expansion, too late or not. Mind blown around The Secret of the Weepstone, WASD controls coming to League of Legends, and a Vampire Survivors board game. And lots more.GAMES PLAYEDScott•Shapez 2•He Is Coming•Time FliesJon•Final Fantasy XII•Final Fantasy X-2•FortniteBeau•Heroes of the Storm•The Bazaar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about older consoles and approaching games in unconventional ways, and address while we are here, developments in the gaming business this week. MK: Legacy Kollection looking very cool. Battlefield 6 also seems like things are poppin. GOG says come get these free nudie games. Kirby fans finally know what they are getting soon. Lucy from CyberPunk is coming to…Guilty Gear Strive? Guntouchables is FREE right now. And how many Power Ranges in Fortnite is enough? An Instance WoW segment with Bobby! And lots more! Shared Play This Week•Ninja Gaiden: RageboundScott•The Spell Brigade•Shapez 2Jon•Minishoot’ Adventures•Juggling Final Fantasy X-2, XI, & XII.Beau•Titan Quest 2.•More Abiotic Factor.•Played War Within patch 11.3.•Tried Yakuza Kiwami 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talked about upcoming games for August, including Metal Gear Solid Delta, House of the Dead 2 remake, and Gears of War: E-Day. We discussed the return of Nerdtacular in June 2026 in Salt Lake City and encouraged listeners to fill out the interest survey. We covered game delistings tied to payment processors, especially around sensitive themes, and had a broader discussion on censorship, parenting, and internet policy shifts. We debated the 1980s cultural resurgence, Roblox’s value, and Microsoft’s growing dominance via studio acquisitions and Game Pass. And a LOT more to boot!GAMES PLAYEDScottShapez 2FumesMore BananzaJonFinal Fantasy X (finished)Final Fantasy X-2 (sampled)Final Fantasy XI (sampled)Final Fantasy XII (sampled)Donkey Kong BananzaBeauAbiotic FactorNinja Gaiden: RageboundValheim (Trollstav incident)Magic: Edge of EternitiesStarCraft 2 co-op Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Critical Role enters game dev, Outer Worlds 2 drops back to $70, and Splitgate 2 unlaunches. RIP Julian LeFay, and yes, that Hellraiser trailer is terrifying. Beau praises the SC2 World Cup. In “Dear Martha,” we “misremember” the PS2. Shared play this week: Donkey Kong Bananza. Scott tries Captain of Industry, Jon nears the end of FFX, and Beau dives into Pizza Tower, Slay the Spire, and more. Plus: Xbox handheld talk and some corrections.Shared Play (Scott & Jon):•Donkey Kong BananzaScott:•Captain of Industry•Back to the Dawn•Fantasy Finds DLC (2 Point Museum)Jon:•Final Fantasy X•Ghost of Tsushima (mentioned in passing)•Magic: The Gathering ArenaBeau:•Pizza Tower•Roundguard•Wildfrost•Backpack Hero•Fighting Fantasy Classics•Slay the Spire•Valheim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We covered Krafton's ongoing legal dispute with ousted Subnautica 2 founders, including a leaked memo and bonus extensions. The leaked Xbox Rog Ally price and portable gaming appeal. Steam's updated terms of service for adult games, shifting responsibility to developers and payment processors, were also reviewed. Our segment "Dear Martha" and Donkey Kong get together!. And loads more!GAMES PLAYED:SCOTT:Donkey Kong BananzaShapez 2Turnip Boy Robs a BankJON:Resident Evil HD (Remake)Resident Evil 2 (Original)Magic: The Gathering (IRL and MtG: Arena)Final Fantasy XBEAU:Death Stranding••Valheim (Ashlands biome) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discussed controller comfort and aging, the delay in finishing Ghost of Tsushima, and how handhelds like the Steam Deck affect game choices. We covered the Subnautica 2 delay and controversy involving Krafton possibly avoiding a $250M payout. We speculate on corporate motives, Unknown Worlds founders’ ousting, and Krafton’s Starcraft gig. We also hit on Romero Games losing a Microsoft contract, Final Fantasy IX remake rumors, and a new Resident Evil mobile game announcement. Emails, texts and loads more! Also, Scott tied with Beau this week in Dear Martha!GAMES PLAYEDSCOTTSatisfactory 1.1Offroad ManiaSoulstone Survivors 1.0Rogue TraderJONResident Evil (PC version)Resident Evil RemakeA Building Full of Cats 2Magic: The GatheringBEAUDeath StrandingValheimNightreignMagic: The Gathering Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have another bad case of layoffs, but this time, we hit the specific projects impacted by them. Some gnarly ones. Plus, Warcraft Rumble gets hit hard too. On the upside, we talk about the games un-effected, and the teams that are doing to stay intact. Leon S. Kennedy predictions. Stop Killing Games in the EU. Marvel Rivals is trolling fans. Dear Martha! Our week in games, and some great texts and voice mails this week!SCOTTFast Fusion Red Faction: GuerrillaThe MessengerJONLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthDate EverythingSystem Shock 2 RemasteredFinal Fantasy XBEAUSlay the Spire: The Board GameNIGHTREIGNMagic: The Gathering••Valheim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss our sleep schedules, gaming habits, and Xbox’s evolving hardware strategy. We share frustrations with Microsoft and Windows, and talk about competition between major gaming companies. We cover upcoming July games like Mecha Break, Micropunk, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Robocop: Unfinished Business, Wildgate, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. We react to Death Stranding 2’s high early praise, debate Game Pass expansion, reminisce about retro toys like 2-XL and Hulkamania workout sets, and play a Final Fantasy Dear Martha. And some thoughts about Predator things for various reasons. :)GAMES PLAYEDScott:The MessengerSuper Mario Odyssey (more moon collecting)Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-teredJon:Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in HawaiiDate Everything!Beau:Elden Ring: NightreignMagic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy (limited draft)Valheim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s start with a funny story about a kid and a video game character. Then a bit about Foamstars, the changing nature of music discovery via memes and platforms like TikTok, Hideo Kojima’s comments on Death Stranding 2 being “too good” and altered to be less mainstream, Microsoft’s strategic moves with Xbox to create a unified gaming platform that includes Game Pass, Steam, and other services, and speculation on the future of PlayStation and PC gaming. It ends with a mention of Kingdom Come: Deliverance releasing a cutscene movie and anticipation for Hades 2. Plus all the games we played, and your feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about the Xbox ASUS Ally X handheld—its specs, price speculation, and use of Hall Effect sticks. They critique Nintendo's controller decisions and Steam Deck comparisons. And presenting a new way of highlighting standout games from Summer Game Fest, instead of full recaps. Titles we discuss include Clockwork Revolution, 007: From Light, ILL, Kepler, Stray of Heaven, Marvel T.R.C., Super Meat Boy 3D, Felt That Boxing, Grounded 2, Outer Worlds 2, Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster, and Resident Evil 9. They give reactions and expectations based on trailers and known studio pedigree. And all the stuff we played this week to boot! BIG ONE THIS WEEK! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSA about our Summer Game Fest coverage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Nintendo Switch 2 launch day! And one of us got one. Impressions about the new hardware, the snappy performance of the eShop, and the sucky bits of game upgrade pricing—some titles requiring up to $20 for performance boosts. "Nintendo Welcome Tour" requiring accessories for full completion is nuts, and we talk on past console campouts. Canadian royalty, bathroom disasters at Blizzard HQ, and the janitor-themed maintenance of "Heroes of the Storm." June 2025 game releases like Mario Kart World, Death Stranding 2, System Shock 2 Remaster, and others, including impressions from Sony’s State of Play. Lots more, plus your texts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have “secret penises." Trust us, it will make sense. We’re giving away a copy of Doom: The Dark Ages, we speculate on Cyberpunk 2—its name, setting (possibly Chicago), and potential DLC—then dive into the animation studio behind the upcoming Cyberpunk anime followup. K-Pop Demon Hunters, Marathon possibly being delayed, and the over-saturation of extraction shooters…again. Love that Battlefront II is having a moment, we lament EA canceling the Black Panther game, and talk about the new face of WoW Classic and retail raid mechanics. And a WHOLE lot more.GAMES PLAYEDSCOTTTainted Grail: The Fall of AvalonThe PrecinctJONKingdom Come Deliverance 2Duck Detective: Ghost of GlampingBEAUMonster Train 2 Doom Dark Ages VR ModValheim: The MistlandsHeroes of the Storm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bungie’s admission of using stolen artwork in Marathon, casting big doubt on the game's future. We talk about the extraction shooter genre and compare Marathon to games like Tarkov and Concord to mixed results. Randy Pitchford is back with a out-of-touch $80 pricing comment on X for Borderlands 4, and we review Borderlands and its spinoffs just for funs. All the new Warhammer game announcements and ridicule poorly made Baldur's Gate 3 miniatures. Plus all the games we played and your feedback and more!GAMES PLAYEDSHAREDDOOM: The Dark AgesKingdom Come: Deliverance SCOTTMonster Train 2Deliver at All Costs Drop Duchy(Some usuals with nothing new to add: ESO, Spell Rogue, Tsushima, etc.)JONSkin DeepNew Game Plus mode for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33BEAUWatch_Dogssc2 co-op commanders, heroes, and valheim etc. etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the upcoming Super Mario Brothers movie sequel, "Super Mario World," and potential future titles for any sequels. Nintendo's updated EULA, allowing them to render devices unusable for cheating or using ROMs, causes some debate. We question the implications of "bricking" and the risk of false positives. And if Nintendo is even thinking about that. We talk about expensive boats, like the pirate ship in Elder Scrolls Online, and some additional talk about digital ownership and fake scarcity. “The Legend of Zelda” themed Dear Martha. Let’s talk about “Doom: The Dark Ages,” comparing it to the last two. And LOADS more!GAMES PLAYEDSHAREDDOOM: The Dark AgesSCOTTThe Elder Scrolls OnlineGhost of TsushimaSkin DeepSpell Rogue is 1.0JON100% clear of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33BEAUKingdom Come: Deliverence 2 Save system taking some getting used to. Drop DuchyClair Obscur: Expedition 33Blue PrinceUntil Then Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.