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. Worthy of the Number - 007 First Light review | Mina the Hollower impressions | Steam Deck pricing

    15h ago

    Worthy of the Number - 007 First Light review | Mina the Hollower impressions | Steam Deck pricing

    Brad and Micah have both completed 007 First Light and share their thoughts on James Bond's triumphant return to video games. The Men with the Golden Tongues discuss whether this new spy thriller lives up to the iconic franchise's legacy and what makes it stand out in the gaming landscape. Brad has also explored Mina the Hollower and finds himself disappointed as the game fails to live up to expectations, primarily due to a brutal and unforgiving combat system that frustrates rather than excites. He analyzes what the game gets wrong and whether the difficulty is justified. Carrie immerses herself back into Baldur's Gate III, driven by a genuine yearning to return to Dungeons and Dragons storytelling and character development. She discusses what draws her back to the massive RPG and why the D&D experience remains so compelling. Bungie makes the shocking announcement that they are ending live development on Destiny 2, with Destiny 3 reportedly not currently in development plans. Micah and Brad recount some of their favorite Destiny memories over the years and speculate about where Bungie will pivot their creative focus going forward. The Stop Killing Games movement advocating for game preservation appears to be gaining real traction with governments both in Europe and the United States. The hosts discuss what this grassroots effort means for digital game preservation and the future of access to beloved titles. The Steam Deck receives a massive surprise price increase out of the blue, prompting Brad to evaluate whether the handheld PC gaming device remains a great entry point for PC gaming at its new price point. He also speculates what this pricing move could portend for the upcoming Steam Machine's eventual launch price. 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 57m
  2. A Real Lack of City Pop - Forza Horizon 6 review | Subnautica 2 launch | PlayStation exclusives

    May 20

    A Real Lack of City Pop - Forza Horizon 6 review | Subnautica 2 launch | PlayStation exclusives

    Brad delivers his review of Forza Horizon 6, finding the racing game very fun while simultaneously identifying significant missed opportunities. He critiques how the game fails to meaningfully differentiate itself from prior Forza Horizon entries and doesn't fully embrace the unique possibilities of its Japanese setting, leaving potential on the table. Subnautica 2 launches to impressive success with a terrific opening weekend that exceeds expectations. The underwater survival sequel's strong debut demonstrates continued appetite for the franchise and validates the developer's approach to the long-awaited follow-up. Xbox makes a "bold" branding change by simplifying their identity to just XBOX in all capital letters. Sony strategically increases the price of short-term PlayStation Plus subscriptions in a clear effort to encourage customers to commit to the annual membership option instead. The pricing adjustment raises questions about subscription strategy and consumer choice in the gaming market. Sony officially confirms that their single-player games will remain exclusive to the PS5 platform, sparking important discussion about whether the industry is headed back toward console walled gardens. The announcement represents a reversal from recent multi-platform trends and could reshape the competitive landscape. In an extensive Post Office segment, the hosts tackle listener questions including why we haven't seen XCOM 3 despite the franchise's success, which members of Team Star Fox each host identifies with most strongly, and what their ideal Japan pilgrimage itinerary would look like if they could plan the ultimate gaming and cultural trip. 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 27m
  3. Neither Credible, Nor Attractive | Steam Controller review, Ryan Cohen, Switch 2 Price

    May 13

    Neither Credible, Nor Attractive | Steam Controller review, Ryan Cohen, Switch 2 Price

    Brad finds himself completely engrossed in the revamped Diablo IV endgame experience following the Lord of Hatred expansion, crediting the addition of a legitimate and satisfying crafting system that transforms the itemization grind. The new mechanics have breathed fresh life into the action RPG's post-campaign content. The long-awaited Steam Controller finally arrives and it's pretty damn good according to the hosts, though with one important caveat: you need to fully engage with Steam Input to unlock its potential. They break down the learning curve and why embracing Valve's customization tools is essential. Alabaster Dawn emerges as a promising new action-RPG that demonstrates real potential thanks to its impressively flowing combat system. eBay officially rejects Ryan Cohen's absurd overture to purchase the company, delivering their response in the most devastatingly polite corporate language possible. The professional dismissal perfectly encapsulates how seriously the business world takes GameStop's CEO. Switch 2 prices are finally increasing due to the ongoing RAM shortage crisis, but consumers still have a limited window to purchase at current pricing before the hike takes effect. The hosts advise on whether waiting or buying now makes more sense. A true gaming legend in Takashi Tezuka announces his retirement from Nintendo after an extraordinary forty-plus year career shaping some of gaming's most beloved franchises. The hosts celebrate his monumental contributions to the industry and Mario's legacy. PS5 sales have dropped sharply in recent quarters, and Sony's questionable solution appears to be pivoting corporate focus toward AI initiatives rather than addressing core gaming concerns. The strategy raises eyebrows about PlayStation's future direction. Xbox introduces a slimmed-down version of Game Pass specifically designed to partner with Discord, targeting the platform's massive gaming community. The collaboration represents Microsoft's continued efforts to expand subscription reach beyond traditional channels. Fighting game director Harada makes his return to the public eye, though given his current situation and where he's landed, the hosts wish he had stayed away. They discuss the complicated circumstances surrounding his comeback. 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 51m
  4. Saros perfects the ideas of Returnal (Lord of Hatred review | Invincible VS | Ryan Cohen is an Idiot)

    May 5

    Saros perfects the ideas of Returnal (Lord of Hatred review | Invincible VS | Ryan Cohen is an Idiot)

    Brad shares his comprehensive review after crushing through Vampire Crawlers, analyzing how this spiritual successor stacks up against the genre-defining Vampire Survivors. He breaks down the similarities, improvements, and what makes this deck building roguelike worth players' time. Micah checks out the superhero brawler Invincible VS and finds himself disappointed by the execution. He explains what doesn't work about the game and why it fails to capture the spirit of the popular animated series. Brad unexpectedly gets pulled into the relaxing yet engaging world of Hardspace Shipbreaker, praising its slightly chill vibes that balance meditative gameplay with satisfying progression systems. The space salvage simulator offers a unique take on the deconstruction genre. Micah expresses genuine enthusiasm for Saros, finding himself vibing with Housemarque's latest much more than he did with Returnal. He discusses the specific changes the developer made to their roguelike formula that makes Saros significantly more approachable for a wider audience without sacrificing depth. Brad completes the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred campaign and delivers a spoiler-free review of the expansion. He explains why the game is in an excellent place if this proves to be the last major content update players can expect from Blizzard. Microsoft announces a Game Pass price reduction achieved by removing day one access to future Call of Duty games from the subscription service. The hosts debate whether this trade-off is enough to win back subscribers who left the platform. Ryan Cohen sparks widespread confusion by announcing GameStop's bizarre bid to purchase eBay in what appears to be a completely unfeasible acquisition. The hosts dissect how idiotic this move is, analyze Cohen's disastrous performance during his CNBC interview, and speculate about his likely ulterior motives behind this publicity stunt. Sony finally addresses player confusion around a new DRM requirement they quietly implemented, only clarifying the policy after letting speculation and misinformation run rampant following its discovery by observant players. The delayed communication frustrated the PlayStation community. In an extensive Post Office segment, the hosts discuss the significant departure of the New Day faction from WWE, reflecting on the group's importance as an innovative and groundbreaking faction in wrestling history. They share favorite moments and explain why this move is unfortunately par for the course in today's corporate WWE environment. 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 3m
  5. Pragmata is Pretty Great (Crimson Desert impressions | Game Pass price | WrestleMania Vegas)

    Apr 22

    Pragmata is Pretty Great (Crimson Desert impressions | Game Pass price | WrestleMania Vegas)

    Micah and Brad share their impressions of Pragmata, exploring what makes this intriguing departure from Capcom's typical offerings such a remarkable and unique gaming experience. They analyze the game's innovative mechanics, atmospheric storytelling, and how it stands apart from the publisher's established franchises. Micah has been fully indoctrinated into the world of Crimson Desert, but the question remains whether he's enjoying this obtuse yet curious open-world game as much as Terrence has. The two compare notes on their experiences navigating the game's challenging systems and unconventional design philosophy. Krafton's ill-advised ChatGPT-influenced legal strategy may have catastrophically backfired, potentially costing them the valuable publishing rights for the highly anticipated Subnautica 2. The hosts dissect how relying on AI for legal decisions led to this embarrassing and costly mistake. In a counterintuitive market reaction, the publication of materials stolen from Rockstar Games during a major hack had the inverse effect of actually raising Take-Two's stock price. The hosts examine why investors responded positively to what should have been damaging news for the company. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma publicly states that Game Pass subscription pricing is too expensive, raising speculation about whether a price cut is imminent. Given that the hosts recorded this episode before Tuesday's news confirming changes, their predictions proved remarkably prescient about Microsoft's pricing strategy. The hosts recap WrestleMania Vegas and discuss how excessive advertising throughout the event serves as the clearest bellwether of how the WWE product quality has significantly diminished under TKO's corporate guidance. The analysis examines the balance between commercial interests and entertainment 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 54m
  6. Trying to Extract Profit (Crimson Desert | Disney Extraction Shooter | Wrestlemania Vegas)

    Apr 14

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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