In this special bumper two-hour bastard of a podcast, I’m finally joined again by the brilliant Kate Gray, who returns due to popular demand. Engage ear canals: https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-046/tired-old-hack-podcast-046.mp3 In episode 46 Kate and I discuss the backlash to Pokémon Legends: Arceus’s graphics and generally chat about what it’s like when you review a triple-A game and are eventually subjected to a backlash. It’s basically a big moan to make us feel better. Do...
Feb 01, 2022
Now that normal service has resumed in yer man Scullion’s life, that means you can expect a regular helping of audio goodness in your ears again. And what do you know, here’s some now: https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-045/tired-old-hack-podcast-045.mp3 In episode 45 I’m joined by my wife Louise for the first time in around 3 years, to discuss how our three-year-old daughter is already better than her at Forza Horizon 5. We also discuss NFTs (ugh), console wars (ugh) and what w...
Jan 16, 2022
The Tired Old Hack Podcast is back, and it may just be the most exciting one yet. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-044/tired-old-hack-podcast-044.mp3 I’m joined by none other than the legendary Dominik Diamond, the host of the greatest video game TV show ever made, GamesMaster. Dominik is involved in a massive new book called GamesMaster: An Oral History, which currently has an ongoing Kickstarter campaign . Brilliantly, it met its target in just one day, so if you pledge you ...
Mar 28, 2021
The Tired Old Hack Podcast returns with a very special interview episode. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-043/tired-old-hack-podcast-043.mp3 I’m joined by Tommy Tallarico, long-time video game music composer and now the president of Intellivision Entertainment, as we chat about his upcoming console, the Amico. Because the interview took place over Zoom, I’ve also made this episode available as a video podcast. Here it is if you fancy watching us chat instead of just listening...
Aug 20, 2020
After much waiting and hype, we’ve finally got our first look at some next-gen game footage. Well, sort of. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-042_202005/tired-old-hack-podcast-042.mp3 Microsoft has just shown off what it called the first ‘gameplay’ for Xbox Series X, and while the majority of it of it doesn’t quite count as gameplay it still gave us an idea of what sort of graphical quality to expect. I’ve taken all 13 games and broken them down for you so you can find out more...
May 08, 2020
I’m on the mend from an unknown illness that may or may not have been ‘that’ one, so let’s have a brief podcast to celebrate. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-041_202004/tired-old-hack-podcast-041.mp3 I’m not yet able to ramble on for an hour like I usually do without going out of breath and my throat getting really sore, so this one’s a little shorter than usual. Still, it doesn’t stop me discussing the latest news and answering some listeners’ questions. How to listen If you...
Apr 20, 2020
The return of Tired Old Hack also means the return of the Tired Old Hack podcast! https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-040/tired-old-hack-podcast-040.mp3 After a little recap on what I’ve been up over the past six months of downtime, yer man takes a look at today’s claim that Nintendo is planning to port two more Wii U games over to the Switch in 2020. I then take on a bunch of listener questions, covering topics as diverse as the all-digital future of gaming, whether Nintendo wil...
Jan 04, 2020
Another E3 has come and gone, but what did yer man Scullion think of it? https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-039/tired-old-hack-podcast-039.mp3 Because I was covering this year’s E3 for VGC, I haven’t yet been able to give my own opinion on everything that went down this year. This, then, is your first chance to hear my verdicts on the presentations by Google, EA, Microsoft, Bethesda, Devolver, Ubisoft, Square Enix and Nintendo. How to listen If you’re just listening while browsi...
Jun 16, 2019
My book is finally out in the wild , so it’s time to tell the story behind it. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-038/tired-old-hack-podcast-038.mp3 Podcast 38 covers the entire process behind the NES Encyclopedia, from the initial concept all the way up to the book’s release and what’s coming next. I also answer a heap of reader questions about the book: how hard it was to research, what order I wrote it in, whether I discovered any hidden gems or hated writing any of it, and p...
Jun 01, 2019
Finally, after years of speculation, Google has thrown its hat into the gaming ring. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-037/tired-old-hack-podcast-037.mp3 Podcast 37 looks at today’s reveal of Stadia, Google’s upcoming streaming service. Does it sound like everything it’s cracked up to be, or are there still some concerns that have to be addressed before I can start getting excited? Well, you’ll obviously have to bloody listen to find out, innit. How to listen If you’re just lis...
Mar 20, 2019
Back by popular demand, yer man Scullion’s better half Louise returns to the Tired Old Hack podcast. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-036/tired-old-hack-podcast-036.mp3 Podcast 36 looks at the revelation that Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime will soon be retiring, before moving onto that hefty rumour doing the rounds that Microsoft is planning to bring its games to the Switch. How to listen If you’re just listening while browsing, the podcast was at the top of this article. Click p...
Feb 23, 2019
After a lengthy delay, the Tired Old Hack podcast is finally back! https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-035/tired-old-hack-podcast-035.mp3 Podcast 35 looks at the recent Nintendo Direct presentation: yer man Scullion breaks down all 29 games that featured, including the surprise announcements of Super Mario Maker 2 and The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening among others. How to listen If you’re just listening while browsing, the podcast was at the top of this article. Click play an...
Feb 14, 2019
I’m currently recovering from a hedge-trimming accident in which I severed a tendon in my finger, but the old vocal cords are still working a treat. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-034/tired-old-hack-podcast-034.mp3 In podcast 34, I give my thoughts on the Wall Street Journal’s rumours that Nintendo is planning a new version of the Switch hardware. I then take a look at the Telltale Games closure, before covering some listeners’ questions, including which games are good to pl...
Oct 04, 2018
Some very silly hings have been said in the world of video gaming this week, so let’s talk about just how silly they were. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-033/tired-old-hack-podcast-033.mp3 First up, I comment on a 2K exec’s claim that microtransactions are an “unfortunate reality of modern gaming”, as if they’re some sort of given that can’t be stopped. After that, it’s onto the Sony CEO’s latest bizarre reason for shunning cross-platform play for PS4-owning Fortnite players...
Sep 04, 2018
This week, someone at IGN stole someone else’s review, and was fired for it. Fun fact: he also stole one of mine! Let’s podcast the piss out of it. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-032/tired-old-hack-podcast-032.mp3 First up, I take a look at yesterdays’ Smash Bros Ultimate Direct, and break down all the major announcements. After that, it’s onto a mini-rant about the (now former) IGN writer’s plagiarism scandal, as well as my own personal thoughts on him also stealing my own ...
Aug 09, 2018
Time for Nintendo to show us what’s in its locker. And this year, it’s Smash Bros. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-031/tired-old-hack-podcast-031.mp3 This is the fifth part in a series covering the major conferences at E3 2018, following EA , Microsoft , Ubisoft and Sony . As has been the case in previous years, Nintendo’s E3 presentation was a pre-recorded video lasting roughly half an hour. However, this time there was a far larger focus on a single game, in this case Super...
Jun 12, 2018
Sony’s just had its E3 conference, and it’s fair to say it was a bit of a divisive one. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-030/tired-old-hack-podcast-030.mp3 This is the fourth part in a five-part series covering the major conferences at E3 2018, following EA , Microsoft and Ubisoft . Sony’s conference consisted of two distinct halves, and it was the first that drew the most ire from fans. Was its odd structure enough to ruin the entire show though? Have a listen to hear my take...
Jun 12, 2018
Day three of E3 is now among us, and Ubisoft’s just finished its conference, so let’s break that sucker down. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-029/tired-old-hack-podcast-029.mp3 This is the third part in a five-part series covering the major conferences at E3 2018, following EA and Microsoft . Ubisoft had an interesting conference, with a number of highs and lows. Did the former outweigh the latter though? Have a listen and find out. The next podcast will come later tonight, w...
Jun 11, 2018
It’s day two of E3, and the first of the Big Three conferences has just ended. Time to talk Xbox. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-028/tired-old-hack-podcast-028.mp3 This is the second part in a five-part series covering the major conferences at E3 2018. Following last night’s EA conference , up next is Microsoft’s Xbox conference, which offered no fewer than 50 games. Did the content match the ambition? Have a listen and see what I thought. Come back tomorrow night for the ne...
Jun 10, 2018
Crack open an Irn Bru and close the curtains, because every gamer’s favourite week of the year is back. Naturally, that means yer man Scullion’s E3 podcast series is back too. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-027/tired-old-hack-podcast-027.mp3 This is the first part in a five-part series covering the major conferences at E3 2018. First up is EA with its usual EA Play event. As well as the likes of Battlefield V, FIFA 19 and Anthem, the publisher also threw up a couple fo surpr...
Jun 09, 2018
It’ s podcast time again, and it’s special guest time too. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-026/tired-old-hack-podcast-026.mp3 In episode 26 of the Tired Old Hack podcast, yer man Scullion is joined by Matthew Pellett, former section editor on Xbox World 360, editor of GamesMaster and editor of Official PlayStation Magazine. We discuss his career and why he made the move to games PR, as well as the likes of: • professional wrestling • the latest entries in the Video Game Hall ...
May 05, 2018
Time for another podcast, and this time it’s DIY-themed. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-025/tired-old-hack-podcast-025.mp3 In episode 25 of the Tired Old Hack podcast, yer man Scullion is once again joined by Louise. This time we’re looking at Labo: my review will be coming later this week, but for now we’ve both built an RC car each and so we discuss our initial impressions of the game. We also look at the recent decision from the Belgian Gaming Commission that the loot box...
Apr 28, 2018
The return of Tired Old Hack naturally also means one other thing: the return of the Tired Old Hack podcast. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-024/tired-old-hack-podcast-024.mp3 In episode 24 of the Tired Old Hack podcast, yer man Scullion is joined by Louise for a listener Q&A special. After initially reviewing Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, we both go on to answer a whole host of questions from you lovely swines, covering topics like: • The BAFTA game awards • Ninte...
Apr 17, 2018
Well, the waiting is finally over: Super Smash Bros is coming to Switch. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-023/tired-old-hack-podcast-023.mp3 In episode 23 of the Tired Old Hack podcast, yer man Scullion breaks down last night’s Nintendo Direct presentation game by game. This was also the first ever episode of the podcast to be recorded live on YouTube at the same time, enabling listeners to interact with the episode as it’ proceeds. How to listen If you’re just listening while...
Mar 09, 2018
This is the funniest podcast yet, and easily the most juvenile. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-022/tired-old-hack-podcast-022.mp3 In episode 22 of the Tired Old Hack, yer man Scullion is joined by special guests Simon Marshall – the creator and organiser of GlesGames – and Gavin Spence, his good pal and illustrator extraordinaire. As well as chatting about GlesGames, we also talk about Labo, the Xbox Game Pass and God Of War, and Simon and Gav also list the five games that h...
Jan 30, 2018
Podcast gods, bring me another audio treat. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-021/tired-old-hack-podcast-021.mp3 Episode 21 of the Tired Old Hack podcast is here, and yer man Scullion is once again joined by yer woman Scullion (and foetus Scullion, but s/he’s not saying much just yet). Following the latest Nintendo Direct Mini, we discuss every game revealed and have a think about which other ports should come to the Switch. How to listen If you’re just listening while browsing...
Jan 12, 2018
It’s back! https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-020/tired-old-hack-podcast-020.mp3 The long-awaited (well, by me) episode 20 of the Tired Old Hack podcast is here, and yer man Scullion is once again joined by yer woman Scullion. This time we’re discussing loot boxes and whether it’s already too late to stop them. We also talk Super Mario Odyssey and Doom on the Switch, and decide which dead 16-bit franchise we’d like to see getting a revival. How to listen If you’re just listening...
Nov 12, 2017
Sorry folks, this one’s a proper rant. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-019/tired-old-hack-podcast-019.mp3 In episode 19 of the Tired Old Hack podcast yer man Scullion’s had enough of review conspiracy theories. After discussing some of the most recent gaming news (including Nintendo’s latest attempt to break into China) and explaining my VHS project in a bit more depth, I go on a wee bit of a rant about the reaction to my latest review for Nintendo Life, NBA 2K18 . I apologis...
Sep 25, 2017
Time to get serious. Well, sort of. https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-017_201709/tired-old-hack-podcast-017.mp3 In episode 18 of the Tired Old Hack podcast yer man Scullion goes solo to discuss a couple of things. First I address the awkward but important topic of PewDiePie’s racism furore, before discussing something more personal: my recent Metroid: Samus Returns review on Nintendo Life, how it came about and my views on the freelance process and bias accusations in general. ...
Sep 13, 2017
It’s been a while, but the podcast is back! https://archive.org/download/tired-old-hack-podcast-017_201708/tired-old-hack-podcast-017.mp3 In episode 17 of the Tired Old Hack podcast yer classic power couple is reunited as I’m once again joined by my gaming indifferent wife Louise. This episode we cover, among other things: • Women’s basketball in NBA Live 18 • The Hellblade permadeath fuckshow • Shadow Of War’s loot crates • What should the next Splatoon 2 Splatfest be? How to listen If you’re j...
Aug 09, 2017
