The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators
  • 5.0 (23)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Game Deflators E380 | Is Valve's Steam Machine in TROUBLE?!?

    In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts John and Ryan discuss a variety of topics including their recent game pickups, experiences with movie-based video games, and personal updates. They delve into the unique RPG mechanics of Valkyrie Profile, share their thoughts on the anime Record of Ragnarok, and review the indie game Iron Lung. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Magic the Gathering's secret layers, Valve's Steam Machine delays, and the announcement of a new Horizon game. The episode concludes with a review of The Page Master as part of their Inflation Deflation Challenge. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast 01:26 Exploring Movie-Based Video Games 05:05 Game Pickups and Drafting Magic The Gathering 08:32 Valkyrie Profile: Gameplay Insights 12:22 Record of Ragnarok: Anime Discussion 16:26 Iron Lung: Indie Game and Movie Review 21:04 Fighting Game Journey: Snackbox Micro and Guilty Gear Strive 28:13 Walking and Gaming: Dragon Quest XI Experience 32:37 The Evolving Landscape of JRPGs 36:10 Wizards of the Coast and the Secret Layer Dilemma 40:55 Final Fantasy Board Game Announcement 44:11 Valve's Steam Machines Delayed 55:13 New Horizon Game Announcement 01:01:09 The Page Master Game Review Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 10m

  2. FEB 2

    The Game Deflators E379 | Switch 2 Price Panic and Highguard’s Heroic Faceplant

    On this week's Game Deflators podcast episode, John and Ryan are back with a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry hot takes, and a double dose of Highguard discourse. The episode kicks off with fresh gaming updates as the guys break down what they’ve been playing, what’s caught their attention. From there, they dive into Highguard’s rocky reception, comparing its early reviews to other notoriously low‑rated titles. Is the criticism fair, or is this another case of the internet dog‑piling a new release? The conversation then shifts to censorship in gaming, with Nintendo’s recent decision to censor Dispatch taking center stage. John and Ryan break down why this move feels out of step with the company’s own history, especially considering similar or even more provocative titles that previously launched on Nintendo platforms without edits. They explore what might be driving this sudden change and whether it signals a new, less predictable approach to content approval going forward. Next, the duo speculates on Switch 2 pricing, weighing hardware rumors, and market trends. They also turn their attention to the future of PlayStation 6, discussing delays, shifting expectations, and what Sony needs to do to regain momentum. Finally, the guys return to Highguard for a full hero shooter review and critique, breaking down gameplay, design choices, and whether the title has the potential to grow—or if it’s destined to fade fast. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast 03:12 3D Printing Adventures and New Gear 06:03 Gaming Updates: Plucky Squire and Feedback 09:11 Voice Acting in Games: A Discussion 12:14 The Impact of AI in Gaming Voiceovers 15:12 Speedrunning and Community Dynamics 18:04 High Guard and Game Reception 21:10 Censorship in Gaming: Nintendo's Decisions 26:57 Nintendo's Innuendos and the Switch 2 Price Predictions 33:16 The Future of PlayStation: Delays and Expectations 44:08 Highguard: A Hero Shooter Review and Critique   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    55 min

  3. JAN 26

    The Game Deflators E378 | PlayStation 6 Rumors Explode: Is Sony Copying the Switch?

    In this episode of the Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed week of gaming chatter. They kick things off with their latest pickups and what’s been spinning in their consoles, including early impressions of the charming new adventure Plucky Squire. The conversation heats up as they break down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026, spotlighting standout announcements and examining how Ubisoft’s recent wave of project cancellations could reshape the industry. Amid the news roundup, the duo tackles one of the week’s biggest talking points: rumors that the PlayStation 6 may launch as a hybrid console, blending traditional power with portable flexibility. They explore what this could mean for Sony’s strategy and how it might shift the competitive landscape. To wrap things up, John and Ryan jump into a deep-dive inflation–deflation challenge featuring Final Fantasy XIII, dissecting its combat, visuals, legacy, and whether its current market value holds up today. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast 01:54 Game Pickups and Current Playthroughs 05:20 Challenges in Prince of Persia 07:30 Exploring Plucky Squire 10:51 Nostalgia and Movie References 12:21 Speedrunning and Game Challenges 17:09 Discussion on Game Licensing and Pricing 20:45 The Future of Portable Consoles 29:19 Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Insights 38:46 The Evolution of Pokémon Games 42:48 Excitement for Fable's Return 45:36 The Future of Fable: Choice and Consequence 47:35 Ubisoft's Project Cancellations and Studio Closures 49:55 The Downward Spiral of Ubisoft: Management Issues 54:32 Final Fantasy XIII: A Mixed Legacy   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 19

    The Game Deflators E377 | Why Pokémon LEGO Is EXPENSIVE and GameStop Is in HOT WATER

    John and Ryan return with a jam‑packed conversation that swings from tabletop quiet spells to the wild frontiers of modern gaming culture. They kick things off by digging into why Dungeons & Dragons has been unusually silent in 2025, exploring the slowdown in new book releases and what it might mean for longtime fans. From there, the discussion shifts to the trading‑card world, where the duo reacts to the surprising new policy requiring One Piece card game products to be opened upon purchase at local game stores. That leads into a deeper look at the ongoing scalping issues plaguing the One Piece TCG and how scarcity, hype, and opportunism are affecting the community. Collecting chaos doesn’t stop there. John and Ryan take a closer look at the cost of Pokémon LEGO sets and what’s driving their premium price tags. They wrap up with a breakdown of the GameStop digital game lawsuit. Capping off the episode for their ongoing theme for January—Agonizingly Long Tutorials Month—is a spotlight on Red Dead Redemption 2. The guys reflect on the game’s famously slow, cinematic onboarding and how it sets the tone for one of the most immersive open‑world experiences ever made. 00:00 Intro 11:48 Why Dungeons and Dragons has been quite in 2025 in terms of new books 23:23 Ryan's Pokémon Emerald Legacy Update 27:26 Pokémon Nostalgia and Gaming Adventures 31:29 One piece card game now requiring to be opened upon purchase for local game stores 39:06 Scalping Issues in the One Piece TCG 45:01 The High Cost of Pokémon LEGO Sets 54:58 GameStop's Digital Game Lawsuit Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators

    1h 15m

  5. JAN 12

    The Game Deflators E376 | The PS6 is Already Doomed and the Gaming Industry Is Stuck

    John and Ryan return with a packed episode full of fresh pickups, tough gameplay impressions, and a look at the latest industry buzz. Ryan dives into his ongoing run through Returnal, breaking down the game’s relentless roguelike loops and the thrill of surviving its bullet‑hell chaos. John follows up with his experience playing Stellar Blade, sharing thoughts on its combat, pacing, and whether it delivers on its stylish promise. The guys also tackle two big stories shaking up the gaming world. First, they discuss new data showing that the most‑played PlayStation and Xbox games of 2025 were virtually unchanged from 2024, with juggernauts like Fortnite, Roblox, GTA V, Minecraft, and Call of Duty continuing to dominate player time despite a wave of new releases. Then they dig into the heated debate surrounding the rumored PS6 price point, as speculation about a higher‑than‑expected launch cost has fans split and wondering what the next generation will look like. To wrap things up, it’s time for this month’s theme: Video Games With Agonizing Tutorials. The Inflation Deflation Challenge spotlights The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Does its famously slow intro still drag the experience down, and where does the game’s value sit today? 00:00 Introduction 14:14 Current Gaming Picks and Experiences 25:04 Analysis of Most Played Games 29:18 The Impact of Sandbox Games 31:06 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entertainment 33:57 The Evolution of Gaming Preferences 36:44 Anticipating the Next Console Generation 39:07 The Impact of Game Availability on Consoles 42:05 The Future of Gaming and Streaming 44:21 The Legacy of Zelda Games 56:49 Collecting and Valuing Video Game Guides   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators

    1h 1m

  6. JAN 5

    The Game Deflators E375 | PS5 About to Get MORE Expensive as RAM Prices SURGE?!

    In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed week of gaming chatter, starting with a look at their latest pickups. John reveals an unexpectedly massive haul of Dungeons & Dragons books, while Ryan contemplates purchasing a PlayStation Portal. The conversation then shifts to industry news, where John and Ryan unpack reports of rising RAM costs and what that could mean for a potential PlayStation 5 price increase. They also discuss the recent separation of GOG from CD Projekt’s corporate structure, exploring what this move might signal for the future of DRM‑free gaming and why it matters to players who value ownership and preservation. From there, the duo jumps into this week’s game review, putting the original Driver for the PlayStation through its paces. They revisit the game’s notoriously tough tutorial, its cinematic car chases, and the legacy it left on the genre, all while debating whether its current market price truly reflects the experience it offers today.   00:00 Introduction and Game Picks 09:53 D&D Book Collection and Value 19:53 Current Gaming Experiences 26:51 GOG's New Ownership and Future 30:10 PlayStation 5 Price Hike Discussion 32:30 Driver Game Review: Nostalgia vs. Reality   Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com     Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators   Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    50 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    The Game Deflators E374 | Video Game Trends to End and AIs Impact on Video Games

    This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry trends, and a retro review that hits all the right notes. They kick things off with their latest game pickups and what’s been dominating their playtime, setting the stage for a broader look at how modern gaming continues to evolve. From convoluted pre‑order bonuses to the growing mess of fragmented game editions, the duo breaks down why these trends are frustrating players and reshaping expectations. The conversation then shifts to the serious legal battles currently facing major video game companies. John and Ryan explore how these lawsuits raise tough questions about accountability, addiction, and the responsibilities developers have toward their audiences. On a more uplifting note, the hosts spotlight Sandfall Interactive’s new DLC for Clare Obscure Expedition 33, praising its generous free content and thoughtful difficulty adjustments. They also take time to discuss AI’s expanding role in game development sparks a lively debate between the two — where it helps, where it hurts, and why opinions across the industry are so divided. To wrap things up, John and Ryan revisit Lumines on the PSP for this week’s retro review, digging into why this rhythm‑puzzle classic still shines years later. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast 01:24 Recent Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming 05:19 Current Games and Gameplay Experiences 23:00 Trends to End in 2026 33:03 News of the Week and Closing Thoughts 33:42 The Impact of Video Games on Children 46:14 The Role of AI in Game Development 52:10 Game Difficulty and Player Experience 01:05:22 Luminous Puzzle Fusion: A Classic Review Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com     Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators   Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 14m

  8. 12/22/2025

    The Game Deflators E373 | Our Games of the Year Are NOT What You Expect

    In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts Jon and Ryan dive into their latest game pickups, including the cult favorite Sky Gunner and a stack of retro gaming books. They also share fresh updates from their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, highlighting new character arcs, unexpected encounters, and the chaos their parties have stirred up. From there, the conversation shifts to their favorite games of the year—what stood out, what fell short, and which titles earned a spot on their personal lists. To wrap things up, they take on another round of the inflation‑deflation challenge, this time putting the holiday oddity Daze Before Christmas under scrutiny to see whether its current market price is naughty or nice. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast 02:17 Game Pickups and Recent Acquisitions 06:21 Dungeons & Dragons Updates and Campaign Recaps 12:18 Homebrewing D&D Campaigns and Storytelling Techniques 18:14 The Role of AI in Game Mastering 26:06 Game Reviews and Recommendations 28:40 The Plucky Squire: A Charming Adventure 30:59 Games of the Year: A Reflection on Favorites 40:39 Looking Ahead: New Games Resolutions 47:29 Elder Gamers: A 92-Year-Old Champion 51:59 Magic: The Gathering's New Casual Format 56:42 Exploring Days Before Christmas Game 01:03:21 The Lack of Christmas Games 01:10:05 Looking Ahead to New Year's Games   Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com     Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators   Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 12m
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.

Information

  • Creator
    The Game Deflators
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    382
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024
  • Show Website
    The Game Deflators