Dense Pixels - Video Game News and Reviews

TNP Studios
  • 4.8 (70)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Level up your gaming knowledge with Dense Pixels, the ultimate podcast for video game news, reviews, and industry insights. We cover everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, breaking down the latest game releases, industry trends, and must-play titles. With witty commentary, deep dives into gaming culture, and discussions on consoles, PC gaming, and next-gen technology, we keep you in the loop on everything happening in the gaming world. Whether you're into RPGs, FPS, esports, or retro classics, this is your go-to source for all things gaming. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the game!

  1. Trying to Extract Profit (Crimson Desert | Disney Extraction Shooter | Wrestlemania Vegas)

    11H AGO

    Trying to Extract Profit (Crimson Desert | Disney Extraction Shooter | Wrestlemania Vegas)

    Terrence continues investing significant time into Crimson Desert, discussing what makes the game absolutely compelling and addictive for him personally despite his hesitation to recommend it broadly to others. He explores the paradox of loving a game while recognizing its polarizing nature and niche appeal. Disney and Epic Games are reportedly collaborating on a Disney-themed extraction shooter, prompting discussion about this bizarre genre choice for family-friendly IP. The hosts share their thoughts on this unexpected partnership and examine why Epic Games appears so creatively bankrupt and bereft of original ideas for new projects. NFT game developer Gunzilla Games faces controversy after being revealed as delinquent in paying their contractors and freelancers. Making matters worse, their CEO decided to go on an ill-advised public rant attempting to justify why not paying workers is somehow acceptable, demonstrating terrible crisis management. Hello Games surprises the gaming community by releasing a Pokemon-esque creature collection update to No Man's Sky. The expansion adds unexpected gameplay mechanics that draw clear inspiration from Nintendo's monster-catching franchise, showing the developer's continued commitment to evolving the space exploration title. The hosts discuss Google's decision to remove the psychological horror visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club from the Google Play Store. The removal raises questions about content moderation policies and what constitutes acceptable material on mobile platforms. Carrie and Terrence provide a comprehensive breakdown of what's happening at this weekend's WrestleMania event for Brad and Micah who are completely out of the loop with WWE. They explain the major storylines, key matches, and whether this year's showcase is generating significant buzz among wrestling fans. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 38m
  2. Dinosaur Survival Horror - Super Mario Galaxy review | Lenovo Legion Go 2 pricing | Civilization playtest

    APR 7

    Dinosaur Survival Horror - Super Mario Galaxy review | Lenovo Legion Go 2 pricing | Civilization playtest

    Carrie shares her thoughts on the Super Mario Galaxy movie, giving it a solid if unremarkable assessment. The hosts dive into the specific aspects she genuinely enjoyed while examining why critics responded negatively to Nintendo's latest animated film adaptation and whether that criticism is fair. Brad provides detailed impressions from the Civilization VII Test of Time playtest that took place over the weekend, breaking down his hands-on experience with the highly anticipated updates Firaxis has planned for the game. The hosts pay tribute to the late Yoshihisa Kishimoto, reflecting on his significant contributions to the gaming industry and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. His impact on game development and the projects he worked on shaped experiences for countless players. The RAM shortage crisis continues wreaking havoc on gaming hardware as the Lenovo Legion Go 2 price skyrockets to absolutely insane levels. The hosts examine how the ongoing component shortage is making handheld gaming PCs increasingly unaffordable for average consumers. An expansive Post Office segment tackles multiple listener questions and hot topics including the hosts' personal stories about their highest levels of being zooted, a debate on whether retro games provide an oasis from problems plaguing modern gaming, and a discussion about the actual importance or lack thereof of Steam concurrent player counts as a metric for game success. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 9m
  3. Crimson Desert Outta Nowhere! (Marathon Cryo Archive, Epic Games layoffs, PS5 Price Hikes)

    MAR 31

    Crimson Desert Outta Nowhere! (Marathon Cryo Archive, Epic Games layoffs, PS5 Price Hikes)

    Brad expresses amazement at Marathon's Cryo Archive map design while confronting the sobering reality that he may never fully experience everything this complex environment has to offer. The map showcases Bungie's ambitious level design but highlights accessibility challenges for casual players. Carrie delivers a glowing review of the latest Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds concert tour, sharing her experiences with the orchestral performances that bring beloved game soundtracks to life. The concert series continues to be a must-see event for Final Fantasy fans. Terrence finally completes Cyberpunk 2077 and its acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, sharing his overwhelmingly positive thoughts on CD Projekt Red's redemption story. Terrence dives deep into Crimson Desert while the hosts discuss the game's polarizing reception among players and critics. They analyze who would most appreciate this ambitious open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss and what makes it so divisive. Epic Games shocks the industry by laying off twenty percent of their workforce because growth isn't meeting Tim Sweeney's expectations. The hosts dissect Sweeney's tone-deaf and insulting response to these devastating cuts and argue this exemplifies broader societal issues with corporate leadership priorities. Sony announces another PS5 price increase including raising the PS5 Pro to an eye-watering nine hundred dollar price tag. The discussion explores implications for console gaming's future and where budget-conscious gamers might find relief from escalating hardware costs. Nintendo reveals that physical Switch 2 games will likely carry higher price tags than their digital counterparts moving forward. This pricing strategy represents a significant shift in Nintendo's approach to physical media and game distribution. Jensen Huang's response to widespread DLSS 5 criticism demonstrates a hilariously disconnected understanding of community concerns. Nvidia's CEO seems completely out of touch with player reactions to the controversial AI upscaling features. The hosts examine current perils facing both public and private video game investment through multiple lenses including Epic's layoffs, wild stock price fluctuations for Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss, and Meta's staggering eighty billion dollar waste from abandoning the Metaverse vision. Capcom wisely begins backpedaling on controversial story elements involving Alex's incest storyline following community backlash. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    2h 7m
  4. No One Asked for This - DLSS 5, Ghost of Yotei Legends, V-Bucks Price Hike, Hades 2 Concert

    MAR 17

    No One Asked for This - DLSS 5, Ghost of Yotei Legends, V-Bucks Price Hike, Hades 2 Concert

    Carrie shares the incredible experience of performing at GDC with her band Premium Vintage alongside Hades composer Darren Korb, one of gaming's most celebrated musicians. The performance brought together gaming music talent in an unforgettable showcase at the Game Developers Conference. Carrie delivers enthusiastic early impressions of Monster Hunter Stories 3, praising the game's improvements and engaging gameplay mechanics. Her positive reaction suggests the latest entry in the Monster Hunter spin-off series is delivering on fan expectations. Micah expresses his genuine enjoyment of Ghost of Yotei: Legends, the standalone multiplayer expansion that continues the Ghost of Tsushima legacy. He breaks down what makes the cooperative experience so compelling and how it builds on the original game's foundation. Brad finds unexpected joy in Marathon's solo queues playing as a scumbag role. Meanwhile, Bungie demonstrates they're already firing on all cylinders with the game's deep and engaging lore that's captivating players. Fortnite attempts to justify raising V-Bucks prices with reasoning that strains credibility, sparking debate among the massive playerbase about monetization practices in free-to-play games and whether Epic's explanation holds water. The European Union takes a firm regulatory stance against loot boxes by reclassifying games containing them with more restrictive PEGI age ratings. This significant policy shift could reshape how games with randomized monetization are marketed across Europe. The state of New York files a lawsuit against Valve over CS:GO loot boxes, adding to mounting legal pressure on the company's handling of cosmetic gambling mechanics. The case could set important precedents for gaming regulation. Nvidia unveils the first preview of DLSS 5 technology but faces widespread mockery after its new AI features appear to dramatically alter character appearances in unintended ways. The community's "yassification" criticism highlights concerns about AI image processing. Arc Raiders developer Embark begins walking back their inclusion of AI voice acting in the game following community backlash. The reversal reflects growing tensions between AI implementation and player expectations for authentic voice performance. Court filings reveal that the former Subnautica studio head may regain his position and substantial financial bonus after a court decision shows Krafton's CEO wrongfully terminated him. The documents paint an unflattering picture of the executive's decision-making. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 50m

  5. MAR 10

    It's Not a Sprint (Pokemon Pokopia, Marathon, Slay the Spire II, Tencent investments)

    Carrie shares her early impressions of Pokemon Pokopia and the timeless RPG classic Chrono Trigger. Her insights offer perspective on how both games approach storytelling and gameplay. Brad expresses his genuine enthusiasm for Marathon's multiplayer experience while being completely blown away by the early access release of Slay the Spire II. The roguelike deckbuilder sequel has exceeded his expectations and he breaks down what makes it such a compelling follow-up. Highguard faces shutdown in a development that surprises few industry observers. The hosts analyze why publishers continue investing heavily in attempts to create the next massive live service hit despite the genre's notoriously high failure rate and the mounting evidence against this strategy. Google and Epic Games reach a settlement in their legal battle, with terms that could have significant and wide-reaching implications across the entire gaming industry. The hosts dissect what this settlement means for app stores, payment processing, and developer freedom. The Trump administration considers forcing Chinese publisher Tencent to divest their substantial US holdings and gaming investments. The hosts question why more people aren't recognizing this as a replay of the TikTok divestment playbook with potentially serious consequences for gaming. Nagoshi Studios' impressive action game Gang of Dragons faces an uncertain future after Netease unexpectedly pulls their funding from the project. The withdrawal raises concerns about the game's development timeline and eventual release. Battlefield 6 struggles with player retention issues despite an initially strong launch, leading to layoffs across multiple EA studios. The hosts examine what went wrong and why the game failed to maintain its playerbase. Sony begins testing dynamic pricing in the PlayStation Store, implementing variable pricing based on demand and other factors. The controversial move raises questions about digital game pricing and consumer value. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 45m
  6. Pokemon Presents...Excitement? (Marathon Server Slam, Resident Evil 9 impressions, Stardew Valley is 10)

    MAR 3

    Pokemon Presents...Excitement? (Marathon Server Slam, Resident Evil 9 impressions, Stardew Valley is 10)

    Micah shares his detailed impressions of two major releases with God of War: Sons of Sparta and Resident Evil 9. Carrie takes a nostalgic journey back to her childhood with the digital release of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, exploring how these classic Kanto remakes hold up in the modern era and what makes them special for longtime Pokemon fans. Brad and Terrence dive into their experiences with the Marathon Server Slam beta weekend, offering contrasting perspectives on Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter. While Terrence remains unconvinced by the world, Brad has become completely absorbed in Bungie's deep lore universe and shares his newfound enthusiasm. The hosts provide comprehensive coverage of last week's Pokemon Presents showcase, with Carrie expressing particular excitement for Pokemon Pokopia and the team analyzing the surprise announcement of Pokemon Wind and Waves. The presentation offered plenty of news for franchise fans. Stardew Valley marks its tenth anniversary milestone with an unexpected update that transforms one of the community's least favorite characters into a marriage candidate, sparking debate among the game's dedicated fanbase about developer ConcernedApe's design choices. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier delivers two major industry scoops this week, revealing behind-the-scenes details about Highguard's development struggles and identifying the parties responsible for why fans still haven't received a Bloodborne remake despite years of demand. The revelations shed light on complex studio politics. The podcast concludes with an extended Post Office segment where the hosts candidly discuss the games they've spent the most money on as whales, sharing personal stories about microtransactions, collector's editions, and gaming spending habits. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    2 hr
  7. Phil Spencer is Out; is AI In? (Xbox Leadership chaos, Bluepoint closure, Saudi EVO)

    FEB 24

    Phil Spencer is Out; is AI In? (Xbox Leadership chaos, Bluepoint closure, Saudi EVO)

    Microsoft shakes the gaming industry to its core with the stunning announcement of Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox leadership, Sarah Bond's unexpected departure, and the promotion of former AI executive Asha Sharma to the position of Xbox CEO. The hosts provide deep analysis of Spencer's complex legacy at Xbox, explore the circumstances surrounding Sarah Bond's exit and whether she left voluntarily or was pushed out, and debate what Sharma's AI background could mean for the future direction of Xbox and their first-party studios. Sony makes the controversial decision to shutter the critically acclaimed Bluepoint Games despite the studio never releasing a single game under PlayStation's ownership. The hosts examine potential missteps by Bluepoint that may have contributed to this outcome while arguing that Sony's decision represents a terrible strategic move that wastes exceptional talent and damages developer confidence. The Saudi Arabian takeover of EVO is now finalized, raising important questions about what this ownership change means for the tournament's future and the broader competitive fighting game community. The discussion explores potential impacts on event culture and the esports scene. EA is using generative AI technology in the development process for EA Sports FC, and in a surprising twist, Carrie emerges as an unexpected defender of this controversial practice. The hosts debate the merits and concerns of AI integration in game development. Brad chronicles his journey into the original Dark Souls and discovers that his extensive Elden Ring experience provides surprisingly little help navigating the punishing classic. He shares the challenges of adjusting to the older FromSoftware formula. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 48m
  8. Mewgenics Has Claws! (Highguard Layoffs, Sony State of Play, Return of Konami, RAMpocalypse)

    FEB 17

    Mewgenics Has Claws! (Highguard Layoffs, Sony State of Play, Return of Konami, RAMpocalypse)

    Brad explores the bizarre and fascinating world of Mewgenics, a unique tactical game that combines turn-based strategy with cat breeding mechanics. The question is whether this quirky title can overcome his usual aversion to turn-based tactical games with its unusual premise. Carrie shares her excitement for Monster Hunter Stories 3 after diving into the substantial new demo that recently launched. Terrence embarks on an Xbox gaming spree, providing impressions of multiple titles including Black Myth Wukong, the stylish action game Rollerdrome, the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Remake, the co-op shooter Outriders, and the intense Warhammer 40,000 Boltgun. The podcast examines the surprisingly rapid layoffs at Riot's 2XKO studio and Highguard developer Wildgate Studios, questioning why new studios continue pursuing ambitious live service games despite the genre's notoriously high failure rate. The discussion highlights persistent issues in live service development. Sony delivered an exceptional State of Play presentation featuring exciting announcements including new God of War projects, Konami's impressive comeback, and updates on Marathon that have renewed Brad's cautious optimism for Bungie's upcoming title. The showcase demonstrated Sony's strong first and third-party lineup. Blizzard surprises the gaming community by introducing a new class to Diablo II Resurrected years after its release. Meanwhile, significant improvements to Overwatch have fans wondering if the franchise is experiencing a renaissance and return to form. A global RAM shortage crisis creates ripple effects across gaming hardware, delaying Valve's new hardware releases, making the Steam Deck unavailable for the first time since launch, and potentially forcing Nintendo to increase Switch 2 prices. The shortage impacts the entire gaming hardware industry. Discord's controversial attempt to implement oppressive privacy features and subsequent reversal sparks a broader conversation about Peter Thiel's influence and how tech billionaires are negatively impacting digital spaces and privacy rights. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    2h 5m
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4.8
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Level up your gaming knowledge with Dense Pixels, the ultimate podcast for video game news, reviews, and industry insights. We cover everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, breaking down the latest game releases, industry trends, and must-play titles. With witty commentary, deep dives into gaming culture, and discussions on consoles, PC gaming, and next-gen technology, we keep you in the loop on everything happening in the gaming world. Whether you're into RPGs, FPS, esports, or retro classics, this is your go-to source for all things gaming. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the game!

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