We debate whether video game remakes/remasters are killing the industry and holding it back from bigger things.

SHOW DOT POINTS

• Nostalgia can hinder innovation in gaming.
• Remakes are often more financially viable for publishers.
• There are still many original games being released.
• The gaming industry is risk-averse, favouring known properties.
• Development timelines have become excessively long.
• Creative direction is crucial for timely game production.
• Hiring more staff could alleviate development bottlenecks.
• The gaming community is still young and evolving.
• Stories in games are often retold, similar to other media.
• Metro 2039 reflects real-world issues and challenges. Metro Exodus introduces a new protagonist named Artem.
• The Street Fighter film aims to capture the essence of the game.
• The trailer for the Street Fighter film received positive feedback.
• Lana Del Rey will perform the title song for the Bond game.
• The return of composer David Arnold adds credibility to the Bond game.
• Wind Rose offers a unique pirate adventure experience.
• The game allows for both single-player and co-op gameplay.
• Community reactions to games can vary widely.
• The importance of character development in video games is emphasized.
• The hosts reflect on their different methods of discovering new games.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant

• Metro 2039 Is A Brand New Metro Game Influenced By Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine
• Street Fighter film gets new trailer full of roundhouses and explosions, plus a spot of mournful karaoke | Eurogamer.net
• • 007 First Light title song will be performed by Lana Del Rey, while Bond film composer David Arnold returns to franchise after almost two decades | Eurogamer.net

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Dylan and Ashley discuss the news surrounding Disney and Epic Games teaming up for a new crossover, in addition to the current Fortnite one.

Plus, Dylan dives into Pokémon Champions, gives his wrap-up thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem, and talks to Ashley about the latest idea from PlayStation—adding scans of real people to their games.

SHOW DOT POINTS

• Dylan expresses frustration over being called the 'Easter Grinch' for missing a podcast.
• Ashley finds the idea of a Disney IP-based extraction shooter to be bizarre.
• Dylan recalls the combat mechanics of Disney Infinity as a precedent for how Disney characters fight.
• The duo discusses the potential revenue impact of Disney's partnership with Epic Games.
• Dylan criticises Epic Games for laying off employees despite upcoming collaborations with Disney.
• Ashley highlights the importance of vetting participants in Sony's new player engagement initiative.
• Dylan questions the motivations behind Sony's player base initiative.
• Ashley suggests that the initiative could be a way to promote Gran Turismo 7.
• Dylan and Ashley joke about the absurdity of interview answers for the player base initiative.
• The conversation reflects on the evolving landscape of gaming and corporate strategies. The film Exit 8 has received critical acclaim, achieving a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
• Resident Evil's gameplay effectively balances action and survival horror elements.
• The pacing between characters in Resident Evil enhances the overall experience.
• Pokémon Champions allows for extensive customisation of Pokémon stats and moves.
• The game introduces a new competitive format for Pokémon battles.
• Players can bring their Pokémon from previous games into Pokémon Champions.
• The game features a unique mechanic where players can see their opponent's team before battle.
• Pokémon Champions aims to be the new standard for competitive Pokémon play.
• The meta in competitive Pokémon will evolve with new game releases.
• The launch of Pokémon Champions has faced some technical issues, but it shows promise.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley

• Fortnite's Toy Story Crossover Is Taking Things To Infinity And Beyond
• A Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter Is Reportedly In Development
• PlayStation Fans Can Now Be Scanned Into Games
• Exit 8 Is Now The Highest Rated Video Game Film Adaptation Ever
• Exit 8 Review [MIFF 2025] - Explosion Network

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already proving to be a big success at the box office, but its quality is splitting the internet. Embracer may have 2 prominent studios working on The Lord of the Rings games, and Ciaran shares his impressions of Screamer

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - Starts Better & Then Ends Worse | Animated Wonders

00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:41 - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Makes Money Despite Reviews 00:07:59 - Amazon want Mass Effect TV Series rewritten to appeal to non- gamers 00:12:39 - Embracer May Have 2 Lord of the Rings games in the works 00:25:12 - 2025 Xbox Games Showcase Date Has Been Locked In 00:33:39 - Xbox FanFest Is Coming to Sydney in 2026 00:36:44 - Peak Devs Say 'Any Update Is a Bonus, Not a Right.' 00:40:19 - Mass Layoffs at Eidos Montreal After Game Cancellation 00:44:36 - Ciaran’s Screamer Impressions 00:50:45 - outro

• • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie breaks records with $34m opening despite "unfavourable" reviews
  • Mass Effect TV show ordered to rewrite scripts and make them "more appealing to non-gamers"

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance Devs Working on LOTR Game, It's Claimed

• Following rumours of Warhorse Studios visiting Middle-earth, Tomb Raider developer

• EXCLUSIVE: Veteran Studio Working On New Lord of the Rings Game

• The 2026 Xbox Games Showcase Has Been Dated Alongside A Direct For Gears Of War: E-Day
• Xbox FanFest is coming to Australia later in 2026 | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
• Peak devs remind players that 'any update is a bonus not a right'
• Eidos Montreal To Lay Off 124 Employees
• EXCLUSIVE: Eidos Montreal Cancels 7+ Year In-Development Title That Cost Hundreds of Millions

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss DLSS 5 and how it's adding to the AI slopness of the game industry.

SHOW DOT POINTS

• The introduction of DLSS5 has sparked significant backlash from gamers.
• AI technology in gaming can alter the original artistic intent of games.
• NVIDIA's DLSS5 aims to enhance graphics but raises concerns about photorealism.
• The gaming industry is experiencing a wave of layoffs and restructuring.
• Ubisoft's Red Storm Entertainment has shifted focus to tech support roles.
• Crystal Dynamics has faced multiple rounds of layoffs in a year.
• Leadership indecisiveness can lead to repeated layoffs and restructuring.
• The gaming community is critical of unnecessary technological advancements.
• There is a call for better management practices in gaming studios.
• The future of beloved franchises like Splinter Cell remains uncertain. The wealthy elite often rely on bonuses to maintain their lifestyle.
• Japanese publisher Atlas is raising salaries and reducing overtime.
• Staff retention is crucial for efficient game development.
• The rapid release of games in Japan contrasts with Western studios.
• Anticipation for Persona Six is high among fans.
• Starfield is set to release on PS5 soon.
• Nintendo Switch 2 has received a notable update.
• Refunding games on Steam can be a necessary choice.
• Supporting indie developers is important for the gaming ecosystem.
• April is packed with exciting game releases.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss the future of Xbox with their upcoming hybrid PC/Console and what that means for their games.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley

• The First Xbox Project Helix Details Have Been Revealed And Xbox Mode Is Coming To All PCs
• Yoshi And The Mysterious Book's Release Date Has Been Revealed Alongside A Gorgeous New Trailer
• South of Midnight debuts on PS5 and Switch 2 later this month | Eurogamer.net

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss the Nintendo Indie World for March 2026 and dive into the wonderful world ready to explore in Pokémon Pokopia.

SHOW DOT POINTS

• The Indie World Showcase featured a variety of new indie games.
• Dylan expressed excitement for the game Densha Attack.
• The game My Little Puppy has a unique premise involving dogs and heaven.
• Heave Ho 2 was announced, continuing the multiplayer co-op experience.
• Moonlighter 2 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2026.
• Dylan shared his thoughts on the shadow drop trend in gaming.
• Rumours suggest the next God of War game will feature Faye as the lead character.
• The gaming community has mixed reactions to the idea of a female lead in God of War.
• Capcom's recent showcase highlighted announcements for Mega Man and Resident Evil.
• Ubisoft announced a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, raising questions about their choice. Assassin's Creed Black Flag remains a fan favourite.
• New titles like Hex and Invictus are on the horizon for Assassin's Creed.
• Live service games face high risks and rewards in the gaming industry.
• Local events like Level Up Tasmania support game development communities.
• Pokémon Pokopia has received high praise and is the highest-rated Pokémon game to date.
• The gameplay in Pokopia allows for creative environmental interactions.
• Scott Pilgrim EX expands on the beloved original game with new content.
• The emotional storytelling in games is becoming more prominent.
• The gaming community is eager for new multiplayer experiences.
• Game reviews provide insights into the evolving landscape of gaming.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley

00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:30 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase 00:13:45 - God of War Spin-Off Rumours 00:20:50 - Capcom Spotlight 00:25:20 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Is 100% Real 00:30:50 - Highguard Is Now Being Shutdown 00:35:10 - Level Up Tasmania Is Back 00:36:00 - Pokémon Pokopia Impressions 00:48:50 - Poker Night at the Inventory & Scott Pilgrim EX Reviews 00:51:10 - Outro

• Everything Announced at the March 2026 Indie World Showcase - Explosion Network
• The next God of War game stars a new protagonist rather than Kratos, insider claims, and will be revealed this year | Eurogamer.net
• Capcom Spotlight March – All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network
• Ubisoft Confirms Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake - Explosion Network
• Two Months Later, Highguard Is Already Closing - Explosion Network
• Level Up Tasmania 2026 Dates Confirmed for April 17–18 - Explosion Network
• Poker Night at the Inventory Review - Explosion Network
• Scott Pilgrim EX Review - Explosion Network

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We talk about everything from the 2026 Pokémon Day, Pokémon Presents, including the reveal of Pokémon Wind & Waves.

Also on the show, we give our impressions on both Resident Evil: Requiem, as well as Marathon, after jumping into the server slam.

SHOW DOT POINTS

• The Pokémon Presents event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
• New game features and updates were announced, including Pokémon Home support.
• The 10th generation of Pokémon games is set to release in 2027.
• Visual performance is a major concern for upcoming Pokémon titles.
• The hosts hope for a more polished experience with the new games.
• Bluepoint's potential Bloodborne remake was a hot topic of discussion.
• The gaming community is eager for more announcements throughout the anniversary year.
• Voice acting in Pokémon games is a desired feature among fans.
• The hosts reflect on the impact of leaks on excitement for new games.
• The conversation highlights the balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming. Bluepoint's potential projects are still under discussion.
• The God of War series is generating mixed reactions online.
• Xbox is facing significant challenges with its branding strategy.
• Resident Evil Requiem balances horror and action effectively.
• Marathon's gameplay mechanics are engaging but require teamwork.
• Overwatch's return has revitalised interest in the franchise.
• The UI in Marathon is a major point of frustration for players.
• Upcoming game releases in March include several highly anticipated titles.
• The hosts emphasise the importance of community in multiplayer games.
• Resident Evil Requiem is noted for its stunning visuals and sound design.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant

00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Pokemon Presents - Pokemon Day 2026 00:24:00 - Bluepoint Did Try & Remake Bloodborne 00:32:30 - First Look At God of War Series 00:37:30 - Ciaran's Thoughts On Xbox Change-Up 00:41:45 - Resident Evil Requiem Impressions 00:49:20 - Marathon - Servel Slam Impressions 00:57:45 - Games Coming Out In March 01:03:35 - Outro

• Pokémon Day 2026: All the Announcements From Pokémon Presents - Explosion Network
• Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Remake Pitch Was Reportedly Rejected - Explosion Network
• Prime Video Reveals First Image From God of War Series - Explosion Network
• Marvel's Wolverine Launches on September 15, 2026 - Explosion Network
• Video Game Releases Archives - Explosion Network

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network