Arcade Couch

Dylan discusses his time with Pokémon Legends: Z-A and his thoughts on the game after about ten hours. 

Catching up with Ashley, he also goes over a bunch of stuff he played at PAX AUS 2025 last week that hasn't been discussed yet, and the two talk about their Hades 2 runs.

YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley

• https://explosionnetwork.com/paxaus2025/

We wrap up PAX AUS 2025 and Melbourne International Games Week from our hotel room on Monday morning before packing up and making our trek back home. 

• We discuss the big highlights from the event for us this year • There are some interview snippets here as well from  - Justin Vazquez, Creative Director on Grounded 2 at Eidos-Montréal + Miles Winzler, Producer on Grounded 2  - Rob Davis, Campaign Director at Sucker Punch Productio...

We've all been playing Hades II and discussing our early thoughts on the game, a sequel to one of our collective favourites.

Show Dot Points

• Hades 2 introduces new gameplay mechanics that enhance strategy.
• The art style and music continue to impress players.
• Progression feels rewarding, regardless of the success of the run.
• The game features a complex system of collectibles and upgrades.
• Character relationsh...

We discuss the PAX AUS 2025 exhibitor list and the panels you should check out each day.

Show Dot Points

• Hades 2 is highly anticipated and set to release soon.
• The podcast will take a break after the next episode.
• Episodic game releases are gaining popularity, allowing for quicker engagement.
• The Australian Game Developer Awards showcase a variety of talented games.
• Nintendo's presence at PAX Australia is ex...

We discuss the September 2025 Nintendo Direct & Ciaran also gives his impressions on Borderlands 4.

Show Dot Points

• The Nintendo Direct showcased exciting new titles and updates.
• The Super Mario Galaxy movie is set to release in April 2026.
• Mario Tennis Fever aims to address past complaints with new features.
• Super Mario Wonder will receive additional content for the Switch 2.
• Yoshi's new adventure promises a unique storyb...

Hollow Knight: Silksong is now available, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, aside from some amusing Google Reviews.

Show Dot Points

• Hollow Knight: Silksong's launch caused significant storefront issues due to high demand.
• The anticipation for Hollow Knight: Silksong has been building for years, leading to a successful launch.
• Sales figures for Hollow Knight: Silksong are expected to surpass ...

There are rumours of the PlayStation 6 behind a handheld/hybrid console. Are we really ready to start talking about the next generation of consoles already?

Show Dot Points

• September is shaping up to be a big month for gaming.
• The PlayStation 6 portable is rumoured to be more powerful than the PS5.
• There is a perceived lack of standout titles for the PS5 generation.
• Game development timelines have stretched ...

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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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.

Show Dot Points

• 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...