Unofficial Controller Podcast

Unofficial Controller

Your number one weekly gaming podcast for all the latest Sony Playstation , Microsoft Xbox , Nintendo Switch and PC News. Retrospectives , Readers Mail and Industry Chat.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    PlayStation State Of Play: Hits, Surprises, And What’s Worth Your Time

    Send a text If you’ve been waiting for a PlayStation showcase that actually lands, this is the one. We kick off with what we’ve been playing—FF7 Rebirth, Art of Rally’s glorious adaptive triggers, and a guilty fling with Need for Speed: The Run—then dive into a State of Play that surprised us with real momentum and almost no fluff. Our rule of thumb is simple: does it feel good in the hands? With that lens, a 2D, CRT-kissed God of War: Sons of Sparta pops hard, and the God of War Trilogy remake tease sets the table for newcomers and purists. Kena returns with better lighting and a more mature edge, PS Plus adds smart classics like Time Crisis with gyro, and Metal Gear Solid 4 finally breaks free from PS3. From there, the variety is the story. John Wick’s AAA project looks like the movies in motion, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse taps the right studios to make “vania” sing again, and Project Windless promises a wide-open RPG with light handholding. Silent Hill Townfall leans into looping seaside dread, while Sauros takes Returnal’s kinetic combat and wraps it in a clearer hub, meaningful meta-progression, and clever modifiers. Control: Resonant shows Remedy’s best instincts—morphing melee forms and wall-running through bending space—while Resident Evil Requiem brings back an older Leon and a battered RPD for a perfectly pitched nostalgia hit. Two reveals steal the show. Star Wars Galactic Racer finally nails speed and spectacle, layering Unreal-caliber vistas with a story wrapper that suggests meaningful upgrades and rivalries. Then 007: Origins arrives with the perfect premise: a relaunch of the double O program that makes Bond feel fresh, grounded, and tactile, with set pieces and traversal that evoke the best of modern action design. We round it out with Legacy of Kain: Defiance remastered with right-stick camera, a sharp creature-collecting ARPG with DMC-style juggles, the long-weird Pragmata, Big Walk’s co-op comedy, and a tactics nod for Brigandine fans. We keep it clear and fast: jump to the games worth your time, skip the filler, and leave with a short list you’ll actually play. If this showcase proved anything, it’s that pacing and variety win—especially when the hardware features are used well. Enjoy the breakdown, share with a friend who missed the stream, and if you’re vibing with the show, hit subscribe and drop a quick review. It helps more than you think. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2h 3m
  2. 8 FEB

    Why GTA Clones Still Matter Even When They Don’t Win

    Send us a text What if the games we finish fastest tell us the most about what we love? That question runs through this week’s ride as we finish Sleeping Dogs, return to Infamous on PS3, and unearth a shockingly good £2 ARPG on PSP. We dig into why “GTA clones” can still hit hard—when combat feels right, pacing stays lean, and the city serves the story instead of stealing the spotlight. Sleeping Dogs’ Arkham‑style counters, rain‑slick neon, and compact side content become a masterclass in approachable design, while DLC hints at the longer, better version that almost was. Then we jump to Infamous and the magic of a first entry. It’s smaller and a bit “toy‑town,” but that’s the point: traversal clicks, morality choices land fast, and every rooftop feels like a move you’re meant to chain. We talk series DNA—from early parkour and power ramps to how sequels polish away the edges some of us actually crave. On handheld, we split time between Cast and Chill’s soothing idle‑meets‑strategy loop and Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony on PSP, an isometric ARPG that proves short sessions can still deliver satisfying builds, readable loot, and bite‑sized maps worth clearing. News-wise, we cover Xbox’s reported controller refresh with Wi‑Fi for lower cloud latency and what that means for feel, haptics, and play-anywhere ambitions. We also break down Switch 2’s Bethesda wave—Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4, and Skyrim Anniversary—why “code in a box” frustrates collectors, and why an Indiana Jones game card matters for physical fans. And yes, the headline you didn’t see coming: Dovetail Games (Train Sim World) is crafting a full Thomas and Friends adventure with a faithful Sodor, simplified controls for kids, and realistic options for sim diehards. Unexpected? Absolutely. But authenticity plus warmth is a formula we’ll always root for. Stick around for our new weekly release cadence, community playthrough invites, and what we’re playing next. If you care about tight mechanics, clean pacing, and games that respect your time—whether that’s a slick brawler, a scrappy handheld ARPG, or a thoughtful controller redesign—you’ll feel right at home. If you enjoyed this, follow, share with a friend, and drop a review to help more curious gamers find us. What “underdog” game would you put back in the spotlight? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1h 49m
  3. 1 FEB

    Indie Heat And Final Fantasy Feels

    Send us a text A cozy fishing sim, a classic turned modern, and a debate that might change how you buy games this year. We kick off with Cast and Chill on Switch—the prettiest pixel art water you’ll see—then jump straight into Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster, where party roles, fast saves, and auto-battle make retro feel fresh. From there, the stakes rise: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 quietly teaches while you play, Expedition 33 hits like a movie with an intro that lingers, and Blue Reflection 2 shows why mid-tier JRPGs can charm and frustrate in equal measure. The big question threads it all together: what’s the real value of a game in 2026? We challenge the $70 price tag, unpack why fall release windows don’t own the calendar anymore, and dig into the GTA effect—how a single date can warp everyone else’s plans. Along the way, we compare 100-hour epics to a cadence of tight, 15–40 hour experiences. Think Miles Morales, Lost Legacy, and compact RPGs that respect your time without skimping on heart. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gets a spotlight for opening up its world with smart towers, clean crafting loops, and some of the most satisfying combat on PS5. Then we turn the spotlight to indies poised to steal the year. Mio: Memories in Orbit brings Metroidvania mystery with watercolor vibes. Romeo Is A Dead Man swings for stylish hack-and-slash swagger. Mouse PI: For Hire blends steamboat-era noir with punchy FPS action. Screamer gives racers an anime story and neon-drenched drift. And Slay the Spire 2 looms like the roguelike deckbuilder to beat. Whether you chase platinum trophies or lunch-break wins, this lineup delivers identity, pacing, and honest value. Stick around for community shoutouts, new Discord faces, and what we’re playing next, including Final Fantasy Rebirth progress, Sleeping Dogs in the Gen 7 playthrough, and a few hidden gems on deck. If you enjoyed the conversation, download the back catalog, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with a friend who still thinks value only comes in 100-hour packages. Your turn: short bangers or big epics—what are you playing? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1h 52m
  4. 25 JAN

    The Poncies 2025 - Game of the year 2025

    Send us a text The suits were sharp, the jokes were chaotic, and the wings were hot—perfect conditions for the Ponsies, our annual Game of the Year awards engineered by Seb’s “committee” of number-crunchers. We opened the books on four very different gaming diets and found a story that spanned cozy farms, roguelike obsessions, comeback ports, and a JRPG that might define a generation. Our Switch 2 streak is undeniable, but the data went deeper: indie love runs strong, platform diversity got its due, and yes, we called out retro comfort when it smothered discovery. After tiebreak fireworks, the top ten settled into a shape that actually makes sense: Persona 4 at #10 for its lasting impact, Mafia: The Old Country at #9, and a surprisingly excellent Cyberpunk 2077 port at #8 that finally lets you enjoy the dream without patches. Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar brought a fresh market-day loop at #7, while Witcher 3’s “Switcher 3” mystique refused to die at #6. Then the momentum hit hard. Pokemon ZA fought its way to #5—underrated, heartfelt, and worth your time. No Man’s Sky reclaimed #4 on the strength of its transformative Corvette update, a masterclass in live-game redemption. Expedition 33 soared to #3 with world-class design and a new bar for JRPGs. Ball XP broke the internet in our little universe at #2—breakout-meets-roguelike with pinball-flavored mid-run strategy and “one more run” magic across platforms. And the Ponsie for Game of the Year? Hades 2. Leaner file size, deeper systems, immaculate performance, and that irresistible loop that defines why we play. We locked in new rules to keep the Ponsies sharp—no repeat nominations without real evolution and a five-year eligibility window—while spinning forward to 2026: GTA 6 if it lands, Fable as a sleeper, Wolverine as a prestige swing. Looking for a to-play list you’ll actually finish? Start with Ball XP, give Pokemon ZA a fair shake, make time for Expedition 33, and clear a week for Hades 2. If this ride made you laugh, argue, or add a game to your queue, tap follow, share with a friend, and drop your own top three. Which pick would you move up? Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2h 24m
  5. 18 JAN

    We Compare Rebirth’s Open World To Horizon, Xenoblade, And Breath Of The Wild

    Send us a text Final Fantasy VII Rebirth grabbed us by the scruff and reminded us how an open world can feel alive without drowning you in chores. We dig into why the new exploration loop works—think the curiosity of Breath of the Wild, the gathering rhythm of Horizon, and a dash of Xenoblade’s scale—then point to the quiet magic of Kalm, a bustling town that feels worth lingering in. Streamlined materia and upgrades reduce menu tax, while crafting makes scavenging meaningful. It’s modern without losing that FF7 heart. From there, we zoom into small-but-mighty experiences. Cast and Chill is cozy pixel fishing at its best, with a controversial idle mode that prints progress while you’re away. Is it a smart quality-of-life choice or a shortcut that dulls the grind? We weigh both sides. Then it’s retro time: Evercade’s Taito Collection 2 brings back Rastan and friends, proving how licensed, curated collections can preserve feel and friction with save-state respect. We also get brutally honest about a hyped handheld clone. The screen’s great and Game Boy shines, but performance above SNES gets patchy, audio artifacts crop up, and marketing outpaces reality. If you want Pokémon nostalgia on the go, it’s serviceable; serious retro fans should aim for better hardware or curated platforms. News highlights deliver whiplash: Sony quietly axing thousands of low-effort shovelware titles (a win for curation and a wake-up call for trophy culture), Yakuza Kiwami 3 remastered with a playable Game Gear lineup that celebrates Sega’s heritage, and widespread GameStop/EB Games closures that make physical browsing even rarer. We talk discoverability, why shelves still matter, and how indie gems get lost in algorithmic noise. Stick around for what we’re playing next—more Rebirth, Evercade experiments, and a return to Metroid Prime Remastered’s atmospheric corridors. If you enjoy smart takes on game design, storefront ethics, and the joy of finding a world you can’t stop thinking about, hit follow, share with a friend, and drop a review. Your support helps us keep the good stuff coming. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2h 30m
  6. 11 JAN

    300 Episodes Of Chaos, Heart, And Games

    Send us a text Three hundred episodes in and we still can’t shut up about games, community, and the wild lore that got us here. We kick off with the triumphant return of OG Tom, celebrate the 300th with heartfelt thanks, and then dive into a stacked “what we’re playing” that spans razor-sharp indies, comfort food cozies, and big-budget nostalgia. Silksong delivers a perfect late-game skill check, Hades 2 nails that 20–30 minute run cadence, and Expedition 33 sparks a real debate on how turn-based combat can stay deliberate while still feeling alive on defense. We put the Switch 2 under the microscope with a tough Sonic Crossworlds handheld verdict and then vibe out with Cast and Chill, a serene fishing sim whose haptics, lures, and idle mode hide surprising depth. RGT crowns Final Fantasy VII Remake a top ten all-timer and breaks down why its ensemble outshines FF16’s dryness. Seb swings the spotlight to roguelikes and indies—Ball X Pit, Absolum, Demon School, Deck Tamer—arguing that fast, expressive loops and meaningful progression are where modern magic lives. Then George confesses to a full U-Boat spiral: oxygen, batteries, periscope scans, and the kind of emergent drama only deep sims can tell. We riff on space-game wishes, Starfield mods, and why Outlaws works best as pop-and-sizzle Star Wars. And because 300 should mean more than nostalgia, we read listener memories, reveal our nearly-finished website, tease subscriber goodies, and set sights on 2026’s big bets: Wolverine, Fable, maybe GTA 6. If you’re here for gaming podcast energy with real community roots—indie gems, Switch 2 impressions, Final Fantasy analysis, roguelike recommendations, and sim storytelling—this is the one to queue up. Tap play, subscribe, and tell a friend about UCP. Then jump into Discord and share your favorite memory or your current game of the year. We’ll see you there. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2h 41m
  7. 21/12/2025

    He Wore Speedos, We Wore Nostalgia: The UCP Holiday Special

    Send us a text Ever wish a new release felt like the best parts of the 16-bit era without the grind or the guesswork? That’s the spark behind our deep dive into Terminator 2D: No Fate—an affectionate, modern-built throwback that marries beat-em-up grit, run-and-gun pacing, and side-scrolling driving with clever movie nods and genuinely meaningful branching paths. It’s the rare licensed game that rewards replays because choices actually reshape missions, tone, and outcomes. We break down why it works, where it surprises, and how its small details add up to big grins. From there, we get practical. Retro can look and play beautifully on modern screens with a few smart tweaks: find the 60 Hz options, switch mono to stereo, and hunt for hidden widescreen toggles in PS2-era menus. On Switch Online, Luigi’s Mansion gets a new lease of life by flipping look controls and managing the frame. We share the adapters and small hardware rituals that cut friction—because sometimes a clean contact or a better pad is the difference between shelving a classic and seeing it shine. News comes with presents: PSVR2’s Aces of Thunder takes flight with HOTAS support and the kind of seated VR that just works; Gears of War E-Day promises a ground-up Unreal Engine 5 prequel that’s a clean entry point for newcomers; and smaller Switch 2 cartridges signal a healthier, more affordable path for mid-size and indie physical releases. All of it feeds into a holiday rotation that swings between PS2 guilty pleasures, The Getaway’s infamous AI, and the evergreen cool of Soul Reaver. If you want a cozy listen that blends smart recommendations, tech tips that matter, and a few bold takes on where gaming is headed, you’re in the right place. Hit play, then tell us: what’s your festive go-to game and what’s the one retro setup tweak you swear by? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves pixels with purpose, and drop a review to help more curious gamers find the show. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    2h 3m
  8. 14/12/2025

    From Switch 2 Shine To PS2 Grit: Hades 2, Red Dead Redemption, And The Getaway Revisited

    Send us a text Hades 2 feels like the rare sequel that actually earns its extra systems. We dig into the above world’s health-drain tension, smart spellcrafting, and why a simple fishing rod supports progression without padding the grind. Then we pivot into Red Dead Redemption’s PS5 upgrade and make the case for “gentle touch-ups” over full remasters—60 fps and cleaner presentation that keep the dust, silence, and tone intact. If you just finished Red Dead 2, this is a powerful continuation that respects the original’s shape. The retro itch takes over when a pristine DualShock 2 turns chaos into control. Scarface suddenly steers straight, The Getaway’s no-HUD vision clicks, and that infamous indicator-based navigation becomes a bold, flawed slice of immersion. We talk how a good controller restores developer intent, and how that changes your read on difficulty, pacing, and fairness. We also revisit Illusion of Time on SNES, using save states to balance adult lives with classic design. It plays like a bridge between Secret of Mana and A Link to the Past, with transformation doors, light upgrades, and dungeons that respect your time. We round things out with tech talk that actually helps you play. Digital Foundry’s take on Red Dead for Switch 2—DLSS to 1440p docked, mostly 60 fps—shows how smart engineering stretches older worlds, even with minor flicker and shadow quirks. Along the way we tackle licensed curios like the X-Files and LOTR, when graphics analysis enlightens vs distracts, and how preservation can sometimes beat ambition. If you care about game feel, respectful upgrades, and the small fixes that make big differences, you’ll feel right at home. Enjoyed the ride? Follow, share with a friend who loves retro done right, and drop your hottest “one small tweak that saved a game” tip in a review or on our Discord. Support the show Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we'll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

    1h 58m

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Your number one weekly gaming podcast for all the latest Sony Playstation , Microsoft Xbox , Nintendo Switch and PC News. Retrospectives , Readers Mail and Industry Chat.