Arcade Couch

Explosion Network
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Arcade Couch — News, reviews & spicy takes on the week in games. Arcade Couch is the Explosion Network’s premiere video games podcast featuring discussions on the latest games, tech, industry news and more. Available every Monday at 6 AM AEST/AEDT.

  1. 6d ago

    PAX Australia 2026: Alien Isolation 2, Persona 4 Revival & Our Favourite Games | Arcade Couch

    We're reflecting on our time at PAX AUS 2026 & MIGW! SHOW DOT POINTS PAX Melbourne drew around 90,000 attendees on Friday. The indie section had more space, allowing for better crowd management. Community engagement at PAX offered attendees a different experience. The TCG market has grown exponentially since COVID. The Game Awards faced criticism regarding their nomination process. Big events were noticeably lacking during Melbourne International Games Week. The hosts felt fatigued by the end of the week, underscoring the event's intensity. Hands-on experiences with new games revealed mixed feelings about gameplay mechanics. The hosts said they want more space for TCGs at future events. Overall, PAX was a good time with lots of cool stuff to explore. Stranger Peasant's health bar is record-themed. Learning to block and dodge is crucial in gameplay. The game feels heavier than typical Yakuza games. Persona 4 Revival features updated graphics and combat. The new monitors at the Persona booth had privacy screens. Total Warhammer 40K appeals to franchise fans. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort offers a variety of engaging sports. Fun Wars is surprisingly enjoyable despite initial scepticism. Alien Isolation 2 looks promising and is nearly ready for release. The demo experience can vary widely depending on how you play. The demo for Alien Isolation's sequel offers a unique exploration experience. Mission Delta stood out as a top indie game at PAX Oz. Co-op gameplay in Finch and Archie adds a fun twist to detective games. Innovative puzzle mechanics can create engaging gameplay experiences. Real Life Party combines FMV with quirky humour for a unique narrative. Cozy Game Restoration taps into classic gaming nostalgia. Roguelite elements can enhance traditional genres like pinball. Hellheartbreaker blends dating sims with action-RPG mechanics. Upcoming game releases are shaping the gaming landscape for November. GTA 6's release is anticipated to significantly impact the industry. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  2. Oct 4

    Could GTA VI Be Banned in Australia? + New Uncharted & The Last of Us Games | Arcade Couch

    We discuss the potential for a new Uncharted game in development, whether The Last of Us Part III could be on the cards, and the likelihood of GTA VI being banned in Australia after a recent PEGI rating. SHOW DOT POINTS Xbox is not for sale, despite rumours. The gaming industry is filled with mergers and closures. Melbourne International Game Week is a highlight for gamers. The Australian Game Developer Awards are changing their format this year. Mix Tape is a strong contender at the awards. New Uncharted game may feature a new protagonist. The Last of Us Part Three is highly anticipated by fans. Naughty Dog is working on multiple projects in The Last of Us universe. Fans are eager for an updated version of Last of Us factions. Industry trends are influencing game development strategies. A September PlayStation release is possible. Xbox's Mythic Achievements are a long-awaited feature. GTA VI's content may lead to classification issues in Australia. A potential ban on GTA VI would spark significant backlash. Ace Combat 8 delivers a beautiful, thrilling experience. The game's soundtrack enhances the overall gameplay experience. Ace Combat 8's narrative is complex and engaging. Ace Combat 8's visuals are among the best in gaming. The hosts emphasise the importance of game marketing timing. Achievement hunting is a significant aspect of gaming culture. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES New Uncharted game reportedly in the works at Naughty Dog, and it's not a remake | Eurogamer.net Naughty Dog confirms two more The Last of Us projects are in the works, won't show off Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet until 2027 | Eurogamer.net Xbox Mythic Achievements roll out to Insiders and are retroactively awarded as far back as Xbox 360 games | Eurogamer.net GTA 6's 18+ age rating reveals Lucia and Jason can partake in drug use "directly from their inventory" and "at any time" Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Review - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  3. Sep 27

    Control Resonant Impressions, Wolverine Review & More Xbox Studio News | Arcade Couch

    Dylan wraps up his review of Marvel's Wolverine, and Ciaran shares his impression of Control Resonant, which is blowing him away. SHOW DOT POINTS The GTA VI Collector's Edition has sparked outrage for its high price, even though it doesn't include the game. Criticism of video games often stems from negativity and rage-baiting content. Resident Evil fans have high expectations due to the franchise's history of successful releases. The Wolverine game has a predictable story but strong character relationships. The Wolverine game's combat mechanics are seen as bland and unengaging. Control Resident offers a refreshing gameplay experience compared to Wolverine. Control Resident's customisation options support varied gameplay styles. The narrative and aesthetic of Control Resident are praised for their depth. Dylan, the protagonist in Control Resident, is a complex character with a compelling backstory. Remedy's ability to produce quality games without Sam Lake's direct involvement is commendable. Ciaran expresses excitement about the Remedyverse and its potential future titles. The hosts discuss the implications of Activision taking over the Halo franchise. Concerns arise about Halo's direction under Activision's leadership. The consolidation of Xbox studios raises questions about the future of game development. The cancellation of the Ganondorf spin-off highlights how unpredictable game development can be. The hosts reflect on the challenges studios face in today's gaming landscape. The episode evokes nostalgia for the earlier Halo games and their impact on players. The conversation touches on the importance of narrative in gaming. The hosts speculate on the future of gaming collaborations between studios. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and feedback. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  4. Sep 20

    Marvel’s Wolverine Impressions, Kojima’s New Games & PAX Australia 2026 Preview

    Dylan and Ashley share their thoughts on Marvel’s Wolverine and discuss what’s coming to PAX AUS 2026 to play on the show floor. SHOW DOT POINTS The excitement for new game releases is palpable. Marvel's Wolverine has engaging story elements despite gameplay criticisms. Wolverine's combat feels limited compared to other titles. Exploration lacks depth and engagement. Wolverine's character dynamics are intriguing and complex. Accessibility features can enhance the gaming experience. Kojima Productions is making strides with new game announcements. Bill Skarsgård's involvement in gaming is a notable development. The anticipation for upcoming games is tempered by their distant release dates. The hosts express a mix of excitement and scepticism about future game reveals. Kojima is involved in multiple projects, raising concerns about creative focus. PAX Australia will feature a variety of games and panels. Indie games are gaining traction and recognition at events like PAX. The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in new releases this October. Final Fantasy 14 continues to have a strong presence at gaming conventions. eBay is integrating live shopping experiences into PAX. Red Bull is hosting competitive gaming events at PAX. The indie game scene is thriving with innovative titles. October is packed with anticipated game releases across various genres. The hosts express excitement about the future of gaming. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  5. Sep 13

    Ocarina of Time Remake Gameplay Revealed + Nintendo Direct Reactions | Arcade Couch

    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2 got its first gameplay reveal in a Nintendo Direct; we also got a September Nintendo Direct with some surprises, including a new Kirby game. We break down all the latest news across the Nintendo Directs, BlizzCon 2026 and Hideo Kojima. SHOW DOT POINTS Nintendo recently held two showcases, generating excitement. The Nintendo Direct featured a mix of expected and surprising announcements. Local multiplayer is a significant addition to upcoming games. The Switch 2 is positioning itself as a competitive console. Game remakes and updates are a major focus for developers. New game features are enhancing player experiences. The Persona series continues to generate buzz with new announcements. Remakes are a growing trend in the gaming industry. Fans are eager for updates on beloved franchises. The gaming landscape is rapidly evolving with new technologies. Kirby's new game marks a significant evolution in the franchise. The Zelda 40th anniversary includes a concert and a new movie. Ocarina of Time's remake aims to modernise the game while retaining its core elements. PlayStation's decision to step away from Kojima's project raises questions about budget and milestones. Xbox's acquisition of Fizznet could reshape the game's development trajectory. Steam's age verification process has sparked controversy among users. Integrating apps with games can enhance the user experience. Art style debates continue to surround game remakes and adaptations. The gaming industry is witnessing significant shifts in partnerships and collaborations. Consumer expectations are evolving as new technologies emerge. Age verification systems are inconsistent and poorly implemented. BlizzCon 2026 showcased exciting new developments from Blizzard. StarCraft's future remains uncertain but intriguing. Wolverine game reviews show mixed player expectations. Star Wars Zero Company offers a unique blend of gameplay mechanics. Players want more options for age verification. The gaming industry faces scrutiny over how it handles player feedback. Narrative and character development are crucial in modern games. Expectations for game releases can lead to disappointment, even with good reviews. Gameplay mechanics are paramount to player satisfaction. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES Everything Announced At The September 2026 Nintendo Direct - Explosion Network Everything Announced At The Legend Of Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Direct - Explosion Network PlayStation Has Stepped Away From Kojima's PHYSINT And Xbox Is Now Publishing It Steam's R18+ Age Verification Requires An Actual Credit Card Everything Announced At The BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony Marvel's Wolverine Australian Review Roundup – Koalaty Critics - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  6. Sep 6

    Playstation State of Play September 2026 Reactions | Arcade Couch

    We discuss the latest Playstation State of Play, sharing our thoughts on each of the trailers, and Dylan has played Elden Ring…Tarnished Edition…on Nintendo Switch 2. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES Everything Announced At PlayStation State Of Play September 2026 - Explosion Network  The Blood of the Dawn Walker Review - Explosion Network Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Review - Explosion Network  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  7. Aug 30

    GTA VI Looks Incredible — Our Extended Gameplay Reveal Reactions | Arcade Couch

    We discuss GTA VI: Extended Look, the trailers from Gamescom ONL 2026, and which games are releasing in September. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games | Eurogamer.net Everything Announced At The Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 Event Double Fine confirms it owns all its games' IP and publishing rights after Xbox split | Eurogamer.net What Video Games Are Coming Out in September 2026? - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  8. Aug 23

    GTA VI Is Leaking And Horizon Spinoff Is Rebooting | Arcade Couch

    Leaks of GTA VI have dominated the news this week, with fans debating whether they are justified and if they actually help any cause. Plus, Horizon Hunters Gathering is going back to the drawing board, and we now have a new Kratos. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:36 - GTA VI Leaks Keep Coming 00:08:25 - GTA VI Extended Look Expectations 00:22:40 - Horizon Hunters Gathering Getting Rebooted 00:28:44 - Batista is Kratos 00:33:39 - Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2 is coming in October 00:35:55 - Riot is ending development of 2XKO 00:33:39 - Opening Night Live Expectations 00:46:34 - Goodbye Resources Is this the end of the GTA 6 leaks? Take-Two's legal crusade appears to shut down the hubs behind them | Eurogamer.net  PlayStation Reportedly Reboots Horizon Multiplayer Spinoff Following Negative Feedback  Dave Bautista Officially Set as Kratos in 'God of War' TV Series  The second season of Netflix's Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime releases this year | Eurogamer.net  Riot Games to end LoL fighting game 2XK0's development and issue refunds, less than a year since launch | Eurogamer.net Gamescom 2026: Geoff Keighley and organizers reveal what to expect from gaming’s biggest event | VGC Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

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About

Arcade Couch — News, reviews & spicy takes on the week in games. Arcade Couch is the Explosion Network’s premiere video games podcast featuring discussions on the latest games, tech, industry news and more. Available every Monday at 6 AM AEST/AEDT.

Information

  • Creator
    Explosion Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Explosion Network 2025
  • Show Website
    Arcade Couch