Episodes
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
One of the biggest release weeks of the entire year is upon us, as Nintendo’s main man, Mario, releases his first 2D title in more than a decade with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Sean’s been playing it and has plenty of first impressions of the Flower Kingdom, the elephant powers, the cool moments with the Wonder effects, and more!
But that’s not all as Randy Isbelle joins Sean again this week and he has some early impressions of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, if there’s anything that’s really changed about the game from the other two titles, the world, and more. They also discuss the cost versus length debate that’s sprung up regarding the game and if a Venom spin-off title would be a great idea. Randy also talks about the Resident Evil 4 Remake Separate Ways DLC.
Also, Phil Spencer went on the official Xbox podcast and gave some big details regarding the Activision-Blizzard deal, when we could expect ABK titles to hit Game Pass, and more.
The guys also discuss some personal favorite games they’d like to see come back or get some type of Remaster/Remake now that Microsoft owns ABK. Plus, will Epic succeed in getting older games to appear in droves on their Epic Games Store? And some interesting details from the latest Circana (formerly NPD) Report too.
You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/ONex9yx8evc
Run of show:
START & Housekeeping
-------------- Games We Are Playing -------------
Super Mario Bros Wonder (Sean)
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (Randy)
Resident Evil 4 Remake: Separate Ways DLC (Randy)
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis (Sean)
-------------- What's in the News -----------------
Analyst Believes Sony Will Strike Back With Their Own Major Acquisition
Looking at the latest Circana (formerly NPD) Report for August 2023
Phil Spencer Talks Activision-Blizzard And When Games Could Appear on Game Pass
------------- BIG Topic ----------------
Our Most Wanted Activision-Blizzard-King Games
----------- Going Back to the News -------------
Epic Games Wants Old Games on the Epic Games Store
Analogue Announces the Analogue 3D which can play Nintendo 64 Game Carts & Lies of P Sells One Million in less than a month
--------------- The End -------------------
Games Coming Out This Week
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Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Well, it is finally done. Microsoft has completed the 68.7 Billion dollar purchase of Activision-Blizzard King, trailers exist, statements have been made, and we now even know that ABK CEO Bobby Kotick is only sticking around until the end of 2023 as well. So what's next? Randy Isbelle once again joins Sean to discuss that very thing, what they'd like to see occur with some game franchises from the ABK library, could Guitar Hero flourish again under Microsoft? And will we see a new IP under their banner too? Do we think they could still make more purchases?
Disney may also possibly be in the gaming publisher purchasing business, or at least some executives are pushing current Disney CEO Bob Iger to do it. EA has already been floated around because Disney currently does a lot of business with them, but does another company make more sense instead? And would this be healthy for the industry? Or would it spell impending doom?
Sean also talks about his time playing the indie hit Cocoon, Sony finally reveals the long-rumored PS5 Slim, and does its digital edition version with an extra fee for a disc add-on spell the continuing end of physical games? What Ubisoft + has to do with the ABK Deal, Epic banning trading from Rocket League, more layoffs, and bad news around the industry as well.
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/LOOGjs9RL_4
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Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
On this week's Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean is joined by a longtime friend of the show and host of the R & R Sports Report and Chapter Select, Randy Isbelle, as the guys discuss some fun things such as their time with Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis and Sea of Stars, and what they enjoy about the two games, plus also moving on to talking about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, how to pronounce Cait Sith, and also Randy gives thoughts on Jim Ryan leaving Sony too.
Unfortunately, there are some very not-so-fun things as well, including layoffs at several companies including Epic Games, Team 17, Naughty Dog, and more. Also, Ubisoft is in the news again because five former employees were arrested in connection with the Sexual Assault allegation investigation that began in 2021.
Sony is finally introducing their own streaming and movie purchase app for its films, some of which are available to stream as part of PS Plus. Nintendo is shutting down online play for the Wii U and 3DS, and more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/xJGNVhlOX64
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Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
On this week's Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean and Marc discuss the end of an era at PlayStation, as SIE President and CEO announced that he is retiring. We examine his time with the company, what it means for Sony going forward, and if we could see them perhaps take a more consumer-friendly approach with the next SIE CEO.
Sean's also been playing the newly released EA Sports FC 24. Does changing the name bring anything different to the long-running, formerly known as FIFA, franchise? Or is this more of the same? Also, is it worth going out and purchasing this one? Especially since the other games have now been delisted?
Plus, some news from Tokyo Game Show, is Capcom right that video games should cost more than $70? the Xbox vs. FTC fight continues in-house, other high-profile folks leaving studios, Unity issues yet another walk back, and more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/6mvehaHt5V0
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Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
This episode of Video Games 2 the MAX is well, a lot, specifically for Microsoft as someone accidentally uploaded documents from their trial against the FTC, and then the court uploaded them to their website, which made a large amount of information regarding mid-gen consoles, the next Xbox console, a new controller, a list of upcoming Bethesda games, and more available to the public. The guys go through the major points of this, some comments by Phil Spencer, and other things from it too.
Also, Nintendo and Sony both wanted to get ahead of the hoopla from the Tokyo Game Show and make their own news by releasing a Nintendo Direct and PlayStation State of Play on the same day, within hours of each other. There's plenty to discuss from those two events including Sean going gaga over the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth trailer, another Mario RPG showing up on Switch, and well, a lot more! Also, we do touch on the new gameplay trailer for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, (we do not discuss the Story Trailer because it has major spoilers.)
There are also updates on the Unity fiasco, where they are still trying to make clarifications on their announcement, Square-Enix wants to make more of their franchises into AAA games, some unfortunate layoffs and closures, and more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/6mvehaHt5V0
- Listen and give us a review on these platforms -https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
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https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean, and Marc discuss Sea of Stars and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, among some other games.
Also, a huge surprise from Unity has game developers in a major outcry over the game engine pursuing charging fees if a game hits over a certain number of installs. And even though Unity has now backtracked on some of the initial wording and clarified some things, there's still a large number of unknowns, especially indie devs that could even delay DLC, delete their games entirely, or never go into subscription service because of these fees. This could be super detrimental to the industry or it could just wind up hurting Unity and Unity-made games. Either way, there's a lot to discuss on this one.
Also, Starfield is doing well and even selling systems for Xbox. While Square-Enix does it again and says that another game, this time Final Fantasy XVI did not match expectations. Although it seems like many folks within the company understand where the issues are coming from, why is Square-Enix not listening? Is this more on Square-Enix? Or is the actual game (FF 16)'s fault that it "did not meet expectations?"
Plus, Nintendo has been showing off the Switch 2 in tech demos, and the DLSS technology has it doing some really cool things, Charles Martinet's new role is explained, Phil Spencer is once again coy about Elder Scrolls VI, and more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/nQea_WXifVA
- Listen and give us a review on these platforms -
https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Sean and Marc are back to discuss what's been happening in gaming and happy Starfield release day to all who have been waiting for it! Sean meant to play some prior to the podcast, but couldn't wake up early enough before recording. But the guys do go over Review Round-Up what some critics, friends, and others have been saying about it.
Also, Sean, the resident One Piece fan did watch the Netflix live-action show (twice) all the way through and he has some thoughts on it, but overall it is actually good! It gives Sean hope for other anime live-action shows in the future.
In the news... Volition Studios, makers of Saints Row has been closed. Final Fantasy XVI is officially getting a PC version and DLC, and there's new Super Mario Bros. Wonder news thanks to a short Nintendo Direct. Stray is getting a movie, voice actors are also at a stalemate with game companies over a new deal, Diablo IV is getting annual expansions and much more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/enKYqMbJoC4
- Listen and give us a review on these platforms -
https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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Monday Sep 04, 2023
Monday Sep 04, 2023
* This was originally recorded on Tuesday August 29 * Apologies it is just now getting posted.
Sean and Marc are back again to discuss several things going on in gaming.
Firstly, Sean's been playing the newly released Turn-based JRPG Sea of Stars, is all of the hype justified? Could it really be a GOTY contender? Also, Marc's been playing another type of RPG, Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and has been enjoying it. But he has a few qualms about the game, mainly the gear system.
Microsoft and Xbox were in the news a lot in the last week from selling Cloud Gaming rights to Ubisoft for Activision-Blizzard games to Phil Spencer saying that game console prices are no longer going down as we've seen in years past. The guys discuss all of this, and what it means for gaming's future, and does it make the Series S, despite its feature issues, a necessity in today's market?
Also, the PlayStation Portal officially has a price and a use case, Gamescom Opening Night Live happened, a WWF No Mercy spiritual successor is in the works, and more!
- Listen and give us a review on these platforms -
https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Video Games 2 the MAX: Venba, Wrestlequest, Xbox 360 Store is Shutting Down # 361
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
After some scheduled and unscheduled time off, Sean and Marc are back to discuss some of the big topics going on in gaming right now.
The Xbox 360 store is the latest digital store to get the dreaded "going offline" announcement. The guys discuss some of their favorite games from the console, if there's anything that isn't backward compatible they may consider purchasing, And if this will empower Sony to once again announce a date for the PS3/PSP/Vita store closings as well.
Sean's also been playing some indie titles, mainly Venba, which he absolutely loved, and also Daymare 1994 which is an indie title heavily inspired by Resident Evil. Also, of course, Wrestlequest too. Both guys also have some thoughts on the Twisted Metal Peacock show, why it is successful, and if it deserves of being a highly beloved show for the streaming service.
You can also check out a more robust review of Twisted Metal on our channel via TV Party Tonight with the Radulich crew here: https://youtube.com/live/kW3Tl5QlAqA
Plus, Alan Wake 2 gets delayed by 10 days, Netflix officially begins a cloud gaming beta, Naoki Yoshida wishes there were only one gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2 could be coming in 2024, and much more!
You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/ueBEw9eEnjs
Timestamps:
00:00:30 START and Why there's been no podcast the last few weeks
00:03:55 Housekeeping
------- Games We Are Playing ------
00:06:05 Diablo IV (Marc Finished Diablo IV in Co-op)
00:14:35 Marc Buys Another Classic Game
00:16:05 Twisted Metal TV Show on Peacock (Sean & Marc)
00:18:50 Wrestlequest (Sean)
00:27:00 Venba (Sean)
00:32:30 Daymare 1994 (Sean)
------ What's in the News -----
00:36:15 Are Xbox Series X Wraps Cool Looking?
----- Major Topics -----
00:40:20 Xbox 360 Digital Store Shutting Down July 29, 2024
00:57:30 Netflix starts a Cloud Gaming Beta For PC and TV's & Some Brief Thoughts on PlayStation Portal
------- More News ---------
01:10:40 Thoughts on PS5 Slim & Naoki Yoshida Wishes There was only one home console
01:15:00 Alan Wake 2 is delayed 10 days to October 27
01:17:00 Charles Martinet is no longer the voice of Mario
01:22:00 Actual Conversations Are Being Had About the Release Cadence of Pokemon Games
01:29:00 Like A Dragon: Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will have a Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Demo in it.
01:34:40 Apple & Tetris Company Getting Sued over using the plot of a published book without consent for the film
------ The End ------
01:40:35 Games Coming out this week: Armored Core VI, Wrestlequest, & More!
- Listen and give us a review on these platforms -
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https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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Monday Jul 31, 2023
Video Games 2 the MAX: Final Fantasy XVI Spoilercast
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Sean's been talking about Final Fantasy XVI for more than a month by this point, he's actually midway through a second playthrough on Final Fantasy Mode right now. So of course, there had to be a spoilercast.
However, Sean is not alone on this one, he's joined by the host of W2M Network's Chapter Select Pod, Randy Isbelle, the host of the Duosense Pod, Andrew Orozoco, and the reviewer of FF 16 for theouterhaven.net, SithScott ,as well. (You can read Scott's review here: https://www.theouterhaven.net/2023/07/final-fantasy-xvi-review-journey-into-a-new-era-of-fantasy/)
Get ready as the guys are going to take a deep dive on the plot of the game, their favorite characters, moments, sidequests, Eikons, the combat system, and a whole lot more. So be forewarned as the title says this will contain SPOILERS. So if you haven't played the game yet, or haven't finished it, maybe go do that first.
However, if you have experienced the journey, please come in watch or listen and enjoy the ride. It is sure to be a fun one!
You can also watch this Spoilercast on video via the W2M Network Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/OdtJ0MuTt_A
- Guest Links -
Watch or listen to Randy most weeks on this very network on Chapter Select: https://youtu.be/Q3mYEr0H3qc
Listen to Andrew and his co-host on the Duosense Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QXKfCJcRxzL5E6GdBDNlD
Check out SithScott on the @TheOuterhaven YT channel
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https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
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https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/
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