Video Games 2 The Max

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- Follow on X (T

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 h

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

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 l

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 succe

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/kW3Tl5QlAqAPlus, Alan Wa

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 Orozco, 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 into 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

Sean is once again joined by Marc Morrison as they discuss what is a relatively light news week and fill it with some other things to talk about. Sean has tested out and will review on this episode of the Antstream Arcade streaming service, which is all about retro games. And we aren't talking about games from the PS3 and 360 eras, this bonafide super retro with arcade games from the early 1980s all the way through 1990s staples like Mortal Kombat and Sensible World of Soccer. Is this worth it for old-school gamers? What about if you want to play some games with friends? He'll get into all of that and more. PlayStation's Project Q (which for some reason still doesn't have an official name) got leaked and it is an Android device. Does this make it more viable than before? Also, Ubisoft is locking down inactive Ubisoft accounts, even with game purchases attached, the mess of a Diablo IV patch, Sean has finally beaten Final Fantasy XVI, Marc's been playing Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and more!Timestamps: 00:00:3

On this episode, Marc is BACK! Finally after basically two months away recovering from his ankle surgery, Sean is joined by his comrade once again. In that time, Marc has his full thoughts on AEW Fight Forever, what does he think of the gameplay? Can it really compare to WWE No Mercy and WCW vs. NwO Revenge? What about the story mode? And of course the rest of the modes too. Sean also played a wrestling game too, in the Wrestlequest Demo. Did it make him hyped to get the full release? Also, Sony has finally signed a deal with Microsoft to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for at least 10 years. What could happen after the 10-year window is up? Did Jim Ryan end up hurting PlayStation by pushing too much against the deal? And they also talk about the latest with the Microsoft and ABK deal on the verge of closing. Plus, Microsoft reveals Xbox Game Pass Core, Major Nelson leaves Xbox, Evan Wells leaves Naughty Dog, the Limited Run Games Showcase had some cool reveals, Marc bought some more cool retro games, and a

Sean is joined this week by Daniel Navaroli 1/3 of the Nerdic Gods Podcast, which you can find on Youtube in video format (https://www.youtube.com/@NerdicGods) or in audio format on Podcasts everywhere. And well, we have somewhat unexpected breaking news to discuss, as Judge Corley has denied the FTC their injunction, paving the way for Microsoft to close the acquisition deal that would have them make their most significant move yet to end this whole saga and see Activision-Blizzard-King become part of Xbox. At the same time, the CMA has moved to stay any court action and try to work out a compromise with Microsoft as well. Now that it finally feels more attainable for Microsoft and Xbox, do we think this starts a chain reaction of acquisitions? Do we actually see governments make moves to block some of them, or will this be more of an individual studio-type M & A movement? Does Sony retaliate at all? And do you think this leads to even more exclusive deals? Or could it actually level the playing field a

Sean is joined this week by GetSelious of TheOuterhaven.net, you can also watch his streams over at (https://www.twitch.tv/getselious), as he discusses his time with the newly released (for the West anyway), Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie. Where does it land in the Trails pantheon of titles? Could you start with Reverie and go from there with the whole series? The duo also gets into their final thoughts on the Xbox vs. FTC trial and also give predictions on where Judge Corley's ultimate decision may lie in a case that could change the state of gaming forever. They also hit some highlights from the last few days including the big statements from Satya Nadella and Jim Ryan. Could we actually live in a world with no Third-Party exclusives? Is Xbox Game Pass actually "Value Destructive?" and should Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X always have to share everything? GetSelious & Sean have plenty to say on these topics, so get ready for a very interesting discussion to say the least.Plus, Sean has more thou

This week, Sean is joined by Hayes Madsen, Trends Writer at Inverse Gaming (https://www.inverse.com/profile/hayes-madsen-85654992) and a freelance writer extraordinaire (Check out all his work in one place: https://muckrack.com/hayes-madsen).Hayes has been writing a lot about and reviewed Final Fantasy XVI. Sean also has been playing as much as possible, so both of them give their thoughts on the game, what they enjoy about it (which is a lot about it,) and perhaps some things that are lacking about it as well. Also on this episode, the guys discuss their favorite games from the latest Nintendo Direct, and thoughts on what's happened in the first two days of the Microsoft vs. FTC court case that could literally determine whether the Xbox and Activision-Blizzard-King merger actually goes through. Plus, Hayes gaming origins, Alan Wake 2 leading to the further lessening of physical gaming media, and more!You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over t

Sean is joined by Steve Esposito, Senior Editor at Seasoned Gaming (https://seasonedgaming.com/) in discussing more on the Final Fantasy XVI Demo since both of them have completed it and especially because the game finally releases THIS WEEK! Do they both feel the hype that everyone else seemingly feels? And do they think it will be a GOTY contender too? Steve also gives his thoughts on Diablo IV and Sean has started his journey into playing Steam Next Fest demos with Eternights the Indie Dating Sim Action RPG. Since gaming is still in fallout mode from Summer Game Fest, the duo are going to examine some of the non-showcase banter and news that has cropped up in the last week, such as who has the best strategy when it comes to their streaming service and PC Gaming. Is it Xbox? Is it PlayStation? Or does it not really matter? There's also a lot of discussion going on surrounding long-game development cycles and if we need to go back to a world where there's more of a middle ground. Should we see more of a res

Although there are still some showcases left to come, the major ones from Summer Game Fest have all aired by this point. Sean is joined by Jeff Young of Analog Stick Gaming (https://www.analogstickgaming.com/) in a last-minute save situation to discuss and grade the Not E3 showcases. This will include the Summer Game Fest Kickoff, Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, Capcom Showcase, and a few of the indie ones as well. Don't worry, these aren't complete breakdowns of what was shown, more of like a Greatest Hits version of them. In discussing each showcase, the duo also discusses some of their favorite reveals, games they are looking forward to, and what lies ahead for them for the rest of 2023. Summer Game Fest also led to some demo releases as well, namely Lies of P and Final Fantasy XVI. Sean and Jeff discuss both of these and how they feel after playing both games. Are they more hyped or less hyped for both titles? Surely there will be some current news and other things sprinkled in as well, so whether you

This week, Sean is joined by the head man at https://www.theouterhaven.net/ Keith Mitchell, as Keith gives his thoughts and impressions of the newly released Street Fighter 6. How does it stack up to SFV? Does it bring back the glory of the series? How's the World Tour Mode? And is it something that can bring in newcomers? Also, Summer Games Fest looms on the horizon as it begins this week with not only the SGF Showcase itself, but other big events such as the Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and even smaller ones like the Guerilla Collective, Day of the Devs, and more. Sean discusses his hype level as a gamer and a little of the anxiety of covering it all as a Journalist too. Plus, both Sean gives his thoughts on the One Piece Odyssey DLC, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, Square-Enix worried about Final Fantasy XVI sales, Arkane devs wishing that Microsoft would have canceled Redfall, Nintendo shadow announcing a game, and could Microsoft actually close the ABK Merger already? All of this and more on this

Sean is joined by Jordan Andow, a game developer and game journalist for The Outerhaven and soon also of Analog Stick Gaming in discussing their thoughts on the highly criticized PlayStation Showcase. Does it really deserve all of the "disappointment" discourse? Did everyone just get overhyped? Or is it a case of Sony setting too high expectations? We also give out some of our favorite games from the showcase as well. One game that was not shown was the much anticipated Last of Us Factions, which according to a report from Bloomberg, has been scaled back after Sony's newly acquired major studio and makers of Destiny 2, Bungie, informed Naughty Dog that the game would not keep players interest for very long. Was this the right move? Hasn't Naughty Dog earned enough cache to do their own thing? Does this worry you about Sony's new live-service direction?Plus, Jordan shares his gaming origins, more discussion on Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, thoughts on Sony's Cloud direction, why games have come out

Sean is joined by Jeff Young, Reviewer and Owner of Analog Stick Gaming, (which you can check out at (https://t.co/qRtFHRH3wG). Jeff gives his thoughts on Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and another game he's playing called Showgunners as well. There's a PlayStation Showcase happening in a matter of days and both of them give three major predictions for the show, along with some hopes and dreams for it too. The duo also gets into some big topics such as whether releasing day and date on PC actually hurts sales for consoles or its first-party games, should we read anything into the lack of exuberance over PSVR 2 from Jim Ryan, and is the gaming media biased against Xbox? Plus, Sean saw Fast X in RDX, Jeff's Gaming origins, MK 1 DLC and Alan Wake release window have leaked, should there be a PS5 Pro? Sonic music is going on the road and much more!You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel. Please like and subscribe to us over there as well: https://youtube.com/live/Edub5L

Perhaps the biggest release of the entire year is finally here! @TheOuterhaven's Scott Adams (find him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sithscott) joins Sean to discuss his first impressions of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, thoughts on what's being done to all of the Korok's, and of course if this is the correct way forward for Link and company in the future. Although there are some other Nintendo news bits to get to, The EU handed down their decision in the Microsoft Activision-Blizzard Deal and it has passed with a few remedies, one of them is that Microsoft must provide access to ABK titles to any and all Cloud streaming companies for at least the initial 10 years. Does this provide an avenue to pass the deal in the USA and UK? What did the CMA have to say? And will Cloud Gaming even matter in 10 years anyway? Speaking of new gaming habits, Nintendo's Switch and Valve's Steam Deck have spurred quite a few competitors, but Asus ROG Ally looks to perhaps be the closest one yet, and it is releasing Ju

Sean is joined on this week's Video Games 2 the MAX by Andrew Orozco of the Duosense Podcast and geeknewsnow.net, to discuss Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Redfall, the fallout for Xbox and what it means for the future, and also PlayStation's future as well. You can check out Andrew's podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QXKfCJcRxzL5E6GdBDNlD and Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/duosense-podcast/id1581531371) as well as many other places too.Redfall launched last week in a bad state. Still, unlike another game, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, where it was clearly just performance issues that mired the game, Redfall suffered from creative and gameplay issues that are intrinsic to its experience. Since its launch, the game's reception has spurred thoughts on Xbox and Microsoft's direction of the brand as a whole. The guys discuss highlights of Phil Spencer's recent candid interview he did on the Kinda Funny Xcast and use that as a way to analyze what to expect from Xbox and if there was m

Sean is joined this week by the host of another W2M Network pod, Chapter Select's Randy Isbelle to discuss the CMA blocking the Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard Merger, the Super Mario Bros. Movie passing the $1 Billion mark globally, the disappointing issues with Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and several other topics. The guys have also played some games with Sean diving into the newly released story DLC, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed. He also has some impressions on the indie investigative Metroidvania The Last Case of Benedict Fox. Randy has played more Resident Evil 4 Remake, MLB The Show 23, and some of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters too. The duo also gives out their hype levels for various games and gaming-related media that are coming out soon such as the Twisted Metal Peacock Show, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV, and Final Fantasy XVI to name a few.You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel. Please like and subscribe to us over there as