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 Bananza Scot...
Jul 25, 2025•3 hr 16 min
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 Bananza Shapez 2 Turnip Boy Robs a Bank JON: Resident Evil HD (Remake) Resident...
Jul 17, 2025•2 hr 51 min
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...
Jul 10, 2025•3 hr 9 min
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! SCOTT Fast Fusion Red Faction: Guerrilla The Messenger JON Like a Dragon: ...
Jul 03, 2025•2 hr 42 min
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 p...
Jun 26, 2025•2 hr 32 min
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: D...
Jun 20, 2025•3 hr 38 min
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...
Jun 13, 2025•3 hr 36 min
PSA about our Summer Game Fest coverage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 06, 2025•2 min
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 Wor...
Jun 05, 2025•2 hr 59 min
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 fa...
May 29, 2025•2 hr 34 min
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 an...
May 22, 2025•3 hr 31 min
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 scarc...
May 15, 2025•3 hr 27 min
Microsoft's cross-platform success, upcoming remasters like Gears of War and Echo the Dolphin, and speculation around a Xbox-branded handheld got real this week. We debate about console competition, exclusivity, and digital storefront strategies, particularly Epic Games’ new developer incentives. They really wanna get the deals. Underwater level phobias. The new GTA trailer, and loads more! GAMES PLAYED JON Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 SCOTT Kingdom Come Deliverance II ESO, ES4, Skyrim More Tsush...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 56 min
We discussed upcoming games like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Borderlands 4, along with delays for Grand Theft Auto 6 (now May 2026). Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 was praised for its stunning art, engaging combat, and emotional storytelling, though some criticized its timing mechanics. Sunderfolk, a couch co-op tactical RPG using phones as controllers, was highlighted for its seamless multiplayer and creative gameplay. We also touched on Ghost of Tsushima's satisfying ending and Overwatch 3's mobile...
May 02, 2025•3 hr 3 min
The usual fun CORE time, including a shadow drop of a remastered Oblivion that impresses with modern graphics and UI while preserving some nostalgic jank. Excitement and skepticism around Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and supply issues. Also Sunderfolk, a co-op RPG using mobile phones as controllers, and a new Star Wars tactical RPG in the style of XCOM. All the games we played. And catching factual flaws in game history. GAMES PLAYED SHARED The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster Clair Obscur: Ex...
Apr 24, 2025•2 hr 39 min
Seth Coster, co-founder of Butterscotch Shenanigans, discusses Crashlands 2 with host Scott Johnson. They reflect on the smoother launch compared to the original, design philosophy that removes common survival game frustrations, and the importance of story, humor, and progression. Seth shares insights on development challenges, lessons from past games like Levelhead, community feedback, and upcoming patches. They also touch on player expectations, studio transparency, and the significance of the...
Apr 20, 2025•43 min
We discussed Bungie’s reveal of the new extraction shooter Marathon, with mixed reactions—Scott liked the visuals, but none were excited by the genre really. We praised Baldur’s Gate 3’s final patch, talking new subclasses and full crossplay. Oblivion is rumored to be getting a remaster, as soon as next week, and sparking hope for a future Morrowind remake. We criticized PS5 price hikes and gushed over collector’s editions like the Doom “Will it Run” box, that none of us will own. GAMES PLAYED S...
Apr 17, 2025•2 hr 44 min
We are a little worried that Nintendo might not respect their base as much as they hope they do. We hash it out. Also, new CORE YT coming! Canada and US get delayed Switch 2 pre-orders. Marathon will NOT need a PSN account on Xbox or PC. Triple-i Initiaitve seems VERY cool. Dear Martha! Ghosts of Tsushima, Pac-Man Championship, South of Midnight, Schedule 1 and The Forever Winter all get some playtime. Plus your feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 54 min
The crew discusses the new Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting specs, price concerns, and games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. We are playing Ghost of Tsushima and talk about it’s excellence compared to other games that aim to do similar things. Jon awaits a new PC, while Beau keeps the Final Fantasy VII and Valheim fires burning. Listener messages and more this week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 03, 2025•2 hr 46 min
Heroes of the Storm on Game Pass? No way! We hit upcoming games like Croc remake and The Last of Us Part II PC, and Dream Haven’s Wild Gates. Assassin’s Creed Shadows impresses with stealth but suffers Ubisoft bloat, while Ghost of Tsushima wins on combat/story. Indie gems like Spilled and A Game About Digging a Hole got beat by us. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is back on the menu, and Valheim multiplayer is happening again for Beau. New controller recs (8BitDo, EasySMX) finish us out. Hosted on Ac...
Mar 27, 2025•3 hr 13 min
Let's talk about a Dole Whip. Not really. Assassin’s Creed Shadows gets positive reviews despite pre-release backlash. Marvel scrapped plans for a shared gaming universe. Hasbro ponders Baldur’s Gate’s future without Larian. Wizards of the Coast cancels Project Sigil, a failed virtual tabletop. Steam surpasses consoles, but new games struggle. 8BitDo controllers challenge Xbox and PlayStation. And lots more including your calls and texts! GAMES PLAYED SCOTT Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate Dung...
Mar 20, 2025•2 hr 11 min
Let’s talk about BlizzCon 2026, Star Fox successor Wild Blue, Death Stranding 2’s Solid Snake nod, and Xbox handheld rumors. MS says it’s time to explore AI in gaming, more time with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and recent plays: Planet of Lana, Two Point Museum, and WoW: Undermine. A listener asks about arcade cabinets! Some chatter about Canadian geese! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2025•2 hr 18 min
Lets discuss video game tariffs, the decline of physical media, and GameStop’s potential Bitcoin investment. We highlight Sega’s success in 2024, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 remaster, and play a "Guess the Game" segment featuring Dragon Age: Origins. Scott reviews ZEPHON and Two Point Museum, and a listener claims Age of Wonders 4 is better than Civ VII. And loads more. GAMES PLAYED SHARED Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth SCOTT ZEPHON Two Point Museum Jackbox Survey Scramble JON FF 7 Rebirth BEAU F...
Mar 06, 2025•2 hr 38 min
That game got delayed AGAIN, and we are starting to wonder if we will ever play a new Fable game ever again. Also the big games of March 2025, Warner Bros shuts down a load of dev teams, and no one likes it, and that means no Wonder Woman. Assassin's Creed Shadows had a leaky thing happen. Tony Hawk 3+4 are happening! Dear Martha Game Show! All the games we played, your feedback and calls, and loads more on this episode of CORE! GAMES PLAYED SHARED Avowed SCOTT Die in The Dungeon New WoW patch J...
Feb 28, 2025•2 hr 24 min
Marvel Rivals is very successful! So why the layoffs? Let's talk about it. Plus, MS has a new AI that will make games for you. Epic sold a decent number of games in 2024. Will Magic finally get Jon? There will be a Monster Train 2 and we are excited. Dear Martha! All the games we played! Your feedback and more! GAMES PLAYED SHARED PLAY THIS WEEK Avowed SCOTT Dawnfolk Sunday Rivals Civ 7 Age of Wonders 4. JON Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii BEAU Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth WoW SoD Hosted on Ac...
Feb 20, 2025•2 hr 56 min
Does it take three weeks to dig a hole? In indie video games it does. Let's talk about the radical overhaul coming to Overwatch 2. Plus, Avowed is out TODAY! Playstation's latest State of Play breakdown. Speaking of which, PSN was down while the Super Bowl raged on. Valve banned mobile-style ads in Steam. (good!) Dear Martha! The games we played, and LOTS more! GAMES PLAYED SHARED Civ VII SCOTT Reality Break Rift of The Necromancer (demo) Death Must Die JON No Man's Sky Final Fantasy VII: Rebirt...
Feb 13, 2025•3 hr 3 min
Wayne June (Darkest Dungeon) passes away. FFVII Rebirth sells well on Steam. WoW details player houses, jabs FFXIV. Xbox supports Switch 2. EA struggles; Bioware restructures, layoffs hit Mass Effect team. FFVII Rebirth, McPixel 3, Eternal Strands, Turbo Overkill, Civ VII, No Man's Sky, V Rising, Overwatch and lots more in what we played! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 06, 2025•2 hr 39 min
We look ahead to the big games of February like Civilization VII, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Avowed, Monster Hunter Wilds, and more. We tackle your hard hitting questions on a slow news week. Plus more of what we've been playing with games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, UFO 50, No Man's Sky had another update, V Rising, Learning Factory, and more. We also have Dear Martha letters, dragon beef, strange asides, and somehow even more in store on CORE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...
Jan 30, 2025•2 hr 23 min
Microsoft held an Xbox stream, and showed off upcoming titles Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and DOOM: The Dark Ages. Oh, and dropped Ninja Gaiden 2 BLACK out of nowhere. Plus other news like EA cutting expectations WAY back, Endless Legend II got announced. Gamepass getting Heroes next month? A'nd a load of other stuff. Including Dear Martha, and your feedback. Tuck in! It's a big helping th is week. GAMES PLAYED SHARED Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth SCOTT Ninja Gaide...
Jan 24, 2025•2 hr 56 min
Scott and Beau are here for the Microsoft Xbox stream, showcasing 4 BIG upcoming titles for Gamepass, PC, and beyond. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min
