Arcade Couch

We discuss our first impressions of Mafia: The Old Country, the fourth entry in the series; we also take a look at everything that was announced during Gamescom - Opening Night Live 2025.

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• The hosts express excitement about the upcoming release of Hollow Knight: Silksong.
• Gamescom showcased a variety of new games and trailers, generating buzz among fans.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 aims to inno...

Battlefield 6 took over the gaming world with huge numbers on Steam, but does Ciaran think it will outperform this year’s Call of Duty? Additionally, we preview Opening Night Live and discuss our growing anticipation for PAX AUS 2025.

Hosts: Ashley Hobley: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleyhobley.bsky.social Ciaran Marchant: https://bsky.app/profile/en-ringo.bsky.social  

Episode Timecodes 00:00:00 - Hello 00:00:37 - Battlefield 6 Be...

Xbox has cancelled another game, and we discuss if anyone remembers Contraband. Plus, there are rumours for the Xbox ROG Ally release date, which could lead to the same for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

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• The anticipation for GTA 6 is palpable among gamers.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to be a hot topic.
• The distribution of review codes often controls game reviews.
• Nintendo Indie World showcase...

Dylan and Ashley discuss the THQ Nordic Showcase and the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, both of which aired in the last week, delivering new updates and game reveals.

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• The hosts share their excitement for upcoming video game showcases.
• PAX preparations are discussed, highlighting early planning and travel logistics.
• THQ Nordic's showcase featured a variety of new game announcements and tra...

We discuss the 2025 Pokémon Presents and the reveal of Battlefield 6.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Resources

• Battlefield 6's Reveal Trailer Has Dropped Alongside A Leaked Release Date
• July 2025 Pokémon Presents: Every Game Trailer and Announcement - ...

Dylan talks about his time with Donkey Kong Bananza, which has turned into a surprise and one of the year's best games.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley

Resources

• Upcoming Zelda Film Names Its Link and Zelda Stars - Explosion Network
• Battlefield 6 is seemingly just called Battlefield 6, according to lea...

Ashley and Ciaran discuss updates on Dune: Awakening, the unique gameplay of Date Everything!, and insights from the recent State of Play for Ghost of Yotei.

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• Ciaran has been playing Date Everything! on his Steam Deck.
• Dune: Awakening has had some recent updates and patches.
• Ghost of Yotei had a gameplay deep dive on State of ...

Microsoft lays off over 9.000 employess, and we discuss the effects it has had on Xbox and their development studios.

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• Microsoft laid off over 9000 employees, impacting Xbox.
• Cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild raises concerns.
• The gaming industry faces ongoing layoffs and project cancellations.
• New studios struggle to succeed in creating AAA games.
• Creative processes in gaming differ si...

Ciaran talks about how much he's enjoying Dune: Awakening, and how it'll get him to watch the films.

Dylan & Ashley also touch on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which they've both started playing.

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• The hosts express excitement about the gaming community and their experiences.
• Death Stranding 2 offers a sweet start with character development.
• Dune: Awakening effectively combines MMO and s...

Dylan and Ashley discuss their excitement for the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza. They also touch on the FBC: Firebreak game and the lack of support for Beat Saber on PS VR2, reflecting on the state of VR gaming.

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• The anticipation for Death Stranding 2 is high among gamers.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 remains a popular console, offering engaging games.
• Donkey Kong Bananza promises to be a significant ...

Ciaran shares his journey with the Switch 2, including gameplay experiences and comparisons with other consoles, such as the Steam Deck. The conversation also touches on Nintendo's marketing strategies, the sales performance of the Switch 2, and the public's perception of the console.

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• Ciaran's experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 has been positive overall.
• The Switch 2 is seen as a solid con...

In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences over a busy gaming weekend, including impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, highlights from various game showcases, and break down the Xbox Gaming Showcase.

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• The weekend was filled with gaming showcases and events.
• Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a Nintendo Switch Pro with improved performance.
• The launch lineup for the Switch 2 is considered o...

Dylan & Ashley discuss the Summer Game Fest, sharing their thoughts on the overall experience, standout announcements, and trailers. They express disappointment in the show, highlighting a lack of engaging content and the prevalence of similar game types. 

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• The Summer Game Fest was perceived as a letdown.
• Expectations were high, but the show ultimately fell short of delivering.
• A significa...

In this special bonus episode of Arcade Couch, Dylan and Ashley react to the latest State of Play showcase, discussing their overall impressions, standout game reveals, and specific titles that caught their attention.

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• The State of Play showcased a solid lineup of games.
• Excitement peaked with the reveal of James Bond and a Marvel fighting game.
• Luminous Arise promises a unique twist on Tetris...

Our predictions for Summer Game Fest 2025.

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Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

Al...

We break down the announcement of an Elden Ring movie with A24 and Alex Garland being involved, as well as other news stories from the week that was.

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• The Summer Games Fest is generating excitement among gamers.
• The Switch 2 release is approaching, but hype levels are mixed.
• The FTC has dropped its case against Microsoft's Activision buyout, marking a significant development.
• A24 is adapting E...

Dylan has finished Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and discusses his full thoughts on the game, paired with his review.

The hosts also discuss Ciaran watching his way through Death Stranding, Fairgames losing Jade Raymond, and the upcoming Summer Game Fest 2025 schedule.

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Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Reso...

Dylan breaks down his trying game and checking out the console at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience in Melbourne.

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• The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, generating excitement among gamers.
• Dylan attended a media event for the Nintendo Switch 2, where he played various games.
• Mario Kart World introduces new gameplay mechanics and improved graphics.
• The Switch 2 features a larger screen an...

We discuss how good Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is and why it's a GOTY contender this year.

This week, we also cover the GTA VI delay into 2026, and when Silksong will, presumably, be released.

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• The game is a masterpiece with beautiful storytelling.
• Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 is a strong contender for game of the year.
• The game features a unique blend of Western RPG elements and JRPG influe...