Between Levels Podcast

Between Levels Podcast
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Video Games

Between Levels is a weekly gaming podcast hosted by WheelieAverage, Sarthe, and FightinCowboy. Each week, the trio dives into the latest releases, gaming news, industry trends, and audience questions, bringing together three distinct perspectives from across the gaming community. From blockbuster launches and hidden gems to in-depth discussions and special guests, Between Levels is where passionate gamers come together to talk about the games that matter most.

  1. 1d ago

    Phantom Blade Zero Hands-On & Hellraiser Is BRUTAL | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 15

    Phantom Blade Zero is getting closer, and after spending six hours with the latest build, Sarthe thinks it could be something very special. In Episode 15 of Between Levels, WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe dive deep into Phantom Blade Zero. Sarthe has now played the game five different times and breaks down its incredibly fluid combat, huge weapon variety, free respec system, level design, difficulty options, soundtrack and why S-GAME is so adamant that this is NOT a Soulslike. Cowboy hasn't played it yet, but Phantom Blade Zero has become one of his most anticipated games and everything Sarthe says only makes that anticipation worse. Wheelie also gives his impressions of Hellraiser, a survival horror game that combines familiar elements from games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill with an uncompromising approach to the body horror that defines Hellraiser. We also return to Gears of War: E-Day as Cowboy and Sarthe approach the end of the campaign, discussing its more open structure, co-op, horror influences and stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals. Plus, we discuss the best video game music of 2026, 007 First Light, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, Forever Ago, Control Resonant and just how difficult choosing our Game of the Year is going to be. Featuring WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe.

  2. Oct 2

    Gears of War: E-Day Is Xbox's Best Game Since 360 & Galactic Racer | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 14

    Gears of War: E-Day is finally here, and Wheelie thinks it might be Xbox's best game since the Xbox 360 era. In Episode 14 of Between Levels, WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe dive into Gears of War: E-Day, including why the preview may have shown one of the game's slowest sections, its early review scores and why games should be judged on what they actually are rather than what a reviewer wanted them to be. Wheelie's verdict? E-Day is a must-play. We then return to World of Warcraft Forever, with a major beta update bringing new levels, class changes and dungeons before getting into the growing controversy around streamer handouts, gold buying and whether Blizzard should be cracking down harder. Later, Wheelie and Sarthe give their impressions of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, including its incredibly fast racing, roguelike progression, build variety and multiplayer. Wheelie scored it 9.5/10, while Gears of War: E-Day earned his full 10/10. We also discuss Minecraft Dungeons 2, Castlevania, Phantom Blade Zero, Stranger Than Heaven, Fable, Final Fantasy VII Revelation and just how absurdly packed the next few months of gaming are. Featuring WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe.

  3. Sep 25

    World of Warcraft Forever Is Taking Over | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 13

    World of Warcraft has officially taken over Between Levels. In Episode 13, WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe dive deep into World of Warcraft Forever, with Cowboy admitting he somehow managed around 50–60 hours of WoW in under a week. We break down why WoW is still so dangerously addictive, what makes Forever different, the classes and professions, PvP, pets, controller support and whether this is finally the perfect opportunity for completely new players to jump in. Wheelie is preparing to play WoW for the first time at launch, while Cowboy and Sarthe attempt to convince him that Hunter is the way to go. Then it's time for another Fantasy Critic update, with Fire Emblem, Control Resonant, Silent Hill: Townfall and plenty more affecting the standings before we ask the big question: Is 2026 one of the greatest years for video games ever? We also return to Control Resonant, including why some players are struggling with its progression and combat, whether Remedy went too far with its lack of hand-holding, and where it currently sits in our Game of the Year conversations. Finally, we dive into your community comments and revisit the ongoing debate over whether Wheelie talks too much trash or Cowboy and Sarthe keep twisting his words. Naturally, this ends with Cowboy challenging Wheelie to a one-handed World of Warcraft fight once they're both levelled. Featuring WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Between Levels Episode 13 01:56 – World of Warcraft Has Taken Over the Podcast 03:00 – Cowboy Played 50–60 Hours of WoW in Under a Week 05:05 – Why World of Warcraft Is So Addictive 08:36 – Is WoW Forever Going to Be Massive? 09:21 – Cowboy’s Wife, Plants & Retirement Plans 😂 11:33 – Cowboy’s WoW Forever Character Plans 13:27 – Every WoW Class Explained to Wheelie 18:49 – What Class Should a New WoW Player Choose? 21:27 – Wheelie Chooses Hunter 22:03 – Hunting Rare Pets in World of Warcraft 26:31 – Why Wheelie Is Waiting for Launch 29:44 – WoW Controller Support & Accessibility 31:39 – Who Else Is Playing WoW for the First Time? 34:38 – Fantasy Critic Update 36:04 – Silent Hill: Townfall’s Review Score Surprises Us 37:31 – Sarthe Finally Checks His Fantasy Critic Team 39:19 – Can Cowboy Still Win Fantasy Critic? 45:01 – Is 2026 the Best Year for Video Games? 47:03 – Why Control Resonant’s Reviews Are So Divided 47:49 – Does Control Resonant’s Combat Start Too Slowly? 49:18 – Did Remedy Go Too Far With No Hand-Holding? 52:35 – Is Control Resonant Less Forgiving Than Souls Games? 53:09 – Cowboy Discovers How Healing Actually Works 😂 55:18 – How Broken Can Control Resonant Builds Become? 56:25 – Is Control Resonant a Game of the Year Contender? 57:25 – Pragmata Is Still Cowboy’s GOTY 58:59 – Community Comments 1:02:25 – Does Wheelie Talk Too Much Trash? 1:06:00 – Did Cowboy & Sarthe Actually Twist Wheelie’s Words? 1:07:43 – Why Between Levels’ Banter Works 1:09:41 – Cowboy Challenges Wheelie in World of Warcraft 1:10:12 – The One-Handed WoW Fight Is Happening 1:15:22 – Waiting for WoW Forever Launch 1:17:07 – Cowboy Starts Judging Kids’ Pull-Ups 😂 1:20:06 – Somehow We Ended Up Talking About Parenting 1:20:16 – Outro & What’s Coming Next

  4. Sep 18

    Control Resonant Review & Wolverine Debate ft. Jesse From DayOne | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 12

    Between Levels is back with Episode 12! This week, Jesse from DayOne joins WheelieAverage and FightinCowboy, with Sarthe joining a little later in the show. The main event is Control Resonant. Having all reviewed Remedy’s latest game, we break down its new melee-focused combat, open-world structure, powers, build variety, puzzles and exploration, as well as Dylan Faden’s development as the new protagonist. We also compare our review scores and discuss why the combat has become one of the most divisive parts of the game. Before that, we revisit Marvel’s Wolverine, including its linear structure, player guidance and combat, before catching up on The Blood of Dawnwalker and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Sarthe then joins us fresh from BlizzCon to talk about Warcraft Forever, why it has pulled him back into World of Warcraft, and whether this could be the right time for new players to jump in. Plus, we discuss how reviewers and creators decide what games to cover, what actually counts as a first-party game, studio reputations, the return of the Wheelie vs Cowboy For Honor argument, and the latest Mortal Shell II accessibility discussion.

  5. Sep 4

    Onimusha: Way of the Sword Review & Dawnwalker Impressions | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 11

    Sarthe is back from Gamescom for Episode 11 of Between Levels, joining WheelieAverage and FightinCowboy to talk about what he saw and played in Germany, including Tides of Annihilation and more. Then we dive into Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Cowboy has finished the game, Wheelie is near the end, and Sarthe has spent several hours with it. We discuss the combat, Issen system, difficulty, open areas, surprising humour, story and whether Capcom has delivered another must-play action game. We also go deep on The Blood of Dawnwalker. Wheelie and Sarthe have completed the game while Cowboy has started his first playthrough, leading to a huge discussion about its directional combat, vampire and human builds, witchcraft, the 30-day time system, genuine choice and consequence, multiple endings and how dramatically different two playthroughs can become. Plus, we update Fantasy Critic, predict review scores for Marvel’s Wolverine, Silent Hill: Townfall and Control Resonant, and finally choose the three winners of our Mortal Shell II Steam code giveaway. Our next giveaway will happen when Between Levels reaches 2,000 subscribers, when we’ll be giving away a PC copy of The Blood of Dawnwalker. Featuring WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe.

  6. Aug 28

    Marvel’s Wolverine Hands-On & Gamescom’s Best Games ft. TheMavShow | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 10

    Sarthe is away at Gamescom this week, so TheMavShow joins WheelieAverage and FightinCowboy for Episode 10 of Between Levels! We’re breaking down our favourite reveals from Gamescom Opening Night Live, including The Witcher 3 remaster, Tides of Annihilation, Warlock, Fable and plenty more, along with some of the games that left us a little less convinced. Then Mav and Cowboy give their hands-on impressions of FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, explaining how its unusual multiplayer structure works, what surprised them after actually playing it, and when we think Nintendo could release the game. Finally, Wheelie has played three hours of Marvel’s Wolverine and gives his full hands-on impressions. We talk combat, optional stealth, Logan’s rage and healing mechanics, the more linear approach to storytelling, costumes and interchangeable claws, Jean Grey, Team X and whether Insomniac has successfully translated its Spider-Man formula into a Wolverine game. Plus, we answer your community questions, discuss whether Insomniac’s Marvel games are taking too much time and attention away from original PlayStation IP such as Ratchet & Clank, and get an unexpected Fantasy Critic update as Cowboy and Wheelie’s battle at the top gets increasingly competitive. Featuring: WheelieAverage FightinCowboy TheMavShow Check out TheMavShow: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMavShow Follow Between Levels: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetweenLevelsPodcast X: @BtweenLevels Instagram: @betweenlevelspodcast TikTok: @betweenlevelspodcast

  7. Aug 21

    Inside Mortal Shell II With the Developers | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 9

    The developers of Mortal Shell II join Between Levels! For Episode 9, WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe sit down with Mortal Shell II co-founders Vitaly Bulgarov, Andrew McLennan-Murray and Anthony for an in-depth conversation about the making of one of our favourite Soulslikes of 2026. We discuss the huge leap from the original Mortal Shell to Mortal Shell II, how Cold Symmetry’s creative process works, why a bug accidentally turned playing as a sheep into a full feature, the game’s original roguelite beginnings, Shell design, lore, memories, difficulty, community feedback and how player telemetry influences balancing decisions. The team also talks about the future of Mortal Shell II, including the possibility of expanding the existing world with new areas, Shells, weapons and more — and even gives us an interesting answer when FightinCowboy asks the all-important question: where is Solomon? We also have a deeper discussion about the Slayer Seal, achievements and accessibility, why Cold Symmetry prefers diegetic difficulty options, maintaining creative freedom as development budgets grow and what the team has learned from the response to Mortal Shell II. 00:00 – Welcome to Between Levels Episode 9 00:47 – Meet the Mortal Shell 2 Developers 02:46 – The Stress of Launching Mortal Shell 2 04:24 – How Cold Symmetry Came Together 06:31 – Leaving AAA Behind & Building Games Differently 10:16 – “We Have To”: How the Sheep Became a Feature 12:17 – Mortal Shell Started as a Roguelite 17:13 – Community Feedback, Balance & Telemetry 25:28 – The Developers’ Favourite Shells 31:06 – How Mortal Shell 2’s Shells Are Designed 41:36 – Improving Mortal Shell 2’s Storytelling 48:01 – Night Mode, Horror Areas & Missable Content 52:42 – How the Lute Became a Weapon 56:18 – Bigger Budgets vs Creative Freedom 1:03:49 – Why Slayer Seal Disables Achievements 1:08:39 – Why Mortal Shell 2 Doesn’t Have Difficulty Options 1:10:21 – The Developers React to Mortal Shell 2’s Reception 1:17:01 – Mortal Shell 2 Steam Code Giveaway We’re giving away THREE Steam copies of Mortal Shell II! To enter, leave a comment telling us why you want to play Mortal Shell II and/or what you enjoyed most about this episode. This episode contains some light discussion of Mortal Shell II story, bosses and late-game content. Let us know what you think of Mortal Shell II and what you’d like to see from its post-launch future! Featuring: WheelieAverage FightinCowboy Sarthe Vitaly Bulgarov Andrew McLennan-Murray Anthony Follow Between Levels: X: @BtweenLevels Instagram: @betweenlevelspodcast TikTok: @betweenlevelspodcast

  8. Aug 17

    Mortal Shell II Review: A MUST-PLAY Soulslike ft. Dom's RoundTable | Between Levels Podcast Ep. 8

    Mortal Shell II is finally here, and WheelieAverage, FightinCowboy and Sarthe are joined by Dom from Dom’s RoundTable for the first full Between Levels review roundtable. The four break down Mortal Shell II’s enormous evolution over the original, including its combat, Shell system, build diversity, exploration, bosses, lore, difficulty, performance and technical state. They also discuss how it compares to games like Elden Ring, Lies of P and Nioh 2, the best Shell for new players, some completely broken builds, whether the beta’s technical issues have been addressed and whether Mortal Shell II is ultimately worth your time and money. The opening section is spoiler-free before a clear warning marks the beginning of the spoiler discussion. Plus, the hosts answer questions submitted by the Between Levels community and reveal their final verdicts on Mortal Shell II.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Between Levels is a weekly gaming podcast hosted by WheelieAverage, Sarthe, and FightinCowboy. Each week, the trio dives into the latest releases, gaming news, industry trends, and audience questions, bringing together three distinct perspectives from across the gaming community. From blockbuster launches and hidden gems to in-depth discussions and special guests, Between Levels is where passionate gamers come together to talk about the games that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    Between Levels Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Between Levels Podcast

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