Video Games 2 The Max

Sean is joined this week by GetSelious of TheOuterhaven.net, you can also watch his streams over at (https://www.twitch.tv/getselious), as he discusses his time with the newly released (for the West anyway), Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie. Where does it land in the Trails pantheon of titles? Could you start with Reverie and go from there with the whole series? The duo also gets into their final thoughts on the Xbox vs. FTC trial and also give predictions on where Judge Corley's ultimate decision may lie in a case that could change the state of gaming forever. They also hit some highlights from the last few days including the big statements from Satya Nadella and Jim Ryan. Could we actually live in a world with no Third-Party exclusives? Is Xbox Game Pass actually "Value Destructive?" and should Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X always have to share everything? GetSelious & Sean have plenty to say on these topics, so get ready for a very interesting discussion to say the least.Plus, Sean has more thou

This week, Sean is joined by Hayes Madsen, Trends Writer at Inverse Gaming (https://www.inverse.com/profile/hayes-madsen-85654992) and a freelance writer extraordinaire (Check out all his work in one place: https://muckrack.com/hayes-madsen).Hayes has been writing a lot about and reviewed Final Fantasy XVI. Sean also has been playing as much as possible, so both of them give their thoughts on the game, what they enjoy about it (which is a lot about it,) and perhaps some things that are lacking about it as well. Also on this episode, the guys discuss their favorite games from the latest Nintendo Direct, and thoughts on what's happened in the first two days of the Microsoft vs. FTC court case that could literally determine whether the Xbox and Activision-Blizzard-King merger actually goes through. Plus, Hayes gaming origins, Alan Wake 2 leading to the further lessening of physical gaming media, and more!You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over t

Sean is joined by Steve Esposito, Senior Editor at Seasoned Gaming (https://seasonedgaming.com/) in discussing more on the Final Fantasy XVI Demo since both of them have completed it and especially because the game finally releases THIS WEEK! Do they both feel the hype that everyone else seemingly feels? And do they think it will be a GOTY contender too? Steve also gives his thoughts on Diablo IV and Sean has started his journey into playing Steam Next Fest demos with Eternights the Indie Dating Sim Action RPG. Since gaming is still in fallout mode from Summer Game Fest, the duo are going to examine some of the non-showcase banter and news that has cropped up in the last week, such as who has the best strategy when it comes to their streaming service and PC Gaming. Is it Xbox? Is it PlayStation? Or does it not really matter? There's also a lot of discussion going on surrounding long-game development cycles and if we need to go back to a world where there's more of a middle ground. Should we see more of a res

Although there are still some showcases left to come, the major ones from Summer Game Fest have all aired by this point. Sean is joined by Jeff Young of Analog Stick Gaming (https://www.analogstickgaming.com/) in a last-minute save situation to discuss and grade the Not E3 showcases. This will include the Summer Game Fest Kickoff, Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, Capcom Showcase, and a few of the indie ones as well. Don't worry, these aren't complete breakdowns of what was shown, more of like a Greatest Hits version of them. In discussing each showcase, the duo also discusses some of their favorite reveals, games they are looking forward to, and what lies ahead for them for the rest of 2023. Summer Game Fest also led to some demo releases as well, namely Lies of P and Final Fantasy XVI. Sean and Jeff discuss both of these and how they feel after playing both games. Are they more hyped or less hyped for both titles? Surely there will be some current news and other things sprinkled in as well, so whether you

This week, Sean is joined by the head man at https://www.theouterhaven.net/ Keith Mitchell, as Keith gives his thoughts and impressions of the newly released Street Fighter 6. How does it stack up to SFV? Does it bring back the glory of the series? How's the World Tour Mode? And is it something that can bring in newcomers? Also, Summer Games Fest looms on the horizon as it begins this week with not only the SGF Showcase itself, but other big events such as the Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft Forward, and even smaller ones like the Guerilla Collective, Day of the Devs, and more. Sean discusses his hype level as a gamer and a little of the anxiety of covering it all as a Journalist too. Plus, both Sean gives his thoughts on the One Piece Odyssey DLC, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, Square-Enix worried about Final Fantasy XVI sales, Arkane devs wishing that Microsoft would have canceled Redfall, Nintendo shadow announcing a game, and could Microsoft actually close the ABK Merger already? All of this and more on this

Sean is joined by Jordan Andow, a game developer and game journalist for The Outerhaven and soon also of Analog Stick Gaming in discussing their thoughts on the highly criticized PlayStation Showcase. Does it really deserve all of the "disappointment" discourse? Did everyone just get overhyped? Or is it a case of Sony setting too high expectations? We also give out some of our favorite games from the showcase as well. One game that was not shown was the much anticipated Last of Us Factions, which according to a report from Bloomberg, has been scaled back after Sony's newly acquired major studio and makers of Destiny 2, Bungie, informed Naughty Dog that the game would not keep players interest for very long. Was this the right move? Hasn't Naughty Dog earned enough cache to do their own thing? Does this worry you about Sony's new live-service direction?Plus, Jordan shares his gaming origins, more discussion on Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, thoughts on Sony's Cloud direction, why games have come out

Sean is joined by Jeff Young, Reviewer and Owner of Analog Stick Gaming, (which you can check out at (https://t.co/qRtFHRH3wG). Jeff gives his thoughts on Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and another game he's playing called Showgunners as well. There's a PlayStation Showcase happening in a matter of days and both of them give three major predictions for the show, along with some hopes and dreams for it too. The duo also gets into some big topics such as whether releasing day and date on PC actually hurts sales for consoles or its first-party games, should we read anything into the lack of exuberance over PSVR 2 from Jim Ryan, and is the gaming media biased against Xbox? Plus, Sean saw Fast X in RDX, Jeff's Gaming origins, MK 1 DLC and Alan Wake release window have leaked, should there be a PS5 Pro? Sonic music is going on the road and much more!You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel. Please like and subscribe to us over there as well: https://youtube.com/live/Edub5L

Perhaps the biggest release of the entire year is finally here! @TheOuterhaven's Scott Adams (find him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sithscott) joins Sean to discuss his first impressions of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, thoughts on what's being done to all of the Korok's, and of course if this is the correct way forward for Link and company in the future. Although there are some other Nintendo news bits to get to, The EU handed down their decision in the Microsoft Activision-Blizzard Deal and it has passed with a few remedies, one of them is that Microsoft must provide access to ABK titles to any and all Cloud streaming companies for at least the initial 10 years. Does this provide an avenue to pass the deal in the USA and UK? What did the CMA have to say? And will Cloud Gaming even matter in 10 years anyway? Speaking of new gaming habits, Nintendo's Switch and Valve's Steam Deck have spurred quite a few competitors, but Asus ROG Ally looks to perhaps be the closest one yet, and it is releasing Ju

Sean is joined on this week's Video Games 2 the MAX by Andrew Orozco of the Duosense Podcast and geeknewsnow.net, to discuss Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Redfall, the fallout for Xbox and what it means for the future, and also PlayStation's future as well. You can check out Andrew's podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QXKfCJcRxzL5E6GdBDNlD and Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/duosense-podcast/id1581531371) as well as many other places too.Redfall launched last week in a bad state. Still, unlike another game, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, where it was clearly just performance issues that mired the game, Redfall suffered from creative and gameplay issues that are intrinsic to its experience. Since its launch, the game's reception has spurred thoughts on Xbox and Microsoft's direction of the brand as a whole. The guys discuss highlights of Phil Spencer's recent candid interview he did on the Kinda Funny Xcast and use that as a way to analyze what to expect from Xbox and if there was m

Sean is joined this week by the host of another W2M Network pod, Chapter Select's Randy Isbelle to discuss the CMA blocking the Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard Merger, the Super Mario Bros. Movie passing the $1 Billion mark globally, the disappointing issues with Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and several other topics. The guys have also played some games with Sean diving into the newly released story DLC, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed. He also has some impressions on the indie investigative Metroidvania The Last Case of Benedict Fox. Randy has played more Resident Evil 4 Remake, MLB The Show 23, and some of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters too. The duo also gives out their hype levels for various games and gaming-related media that are coming out soon such as the Twisted Metal Peacock Show, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV, and Final Fantasy XVI to name a few.You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel. Please like and subscribe to us over there as

This episode was originally recorded on 04/25/23. Apologies I'm putting it out late on the audio side. I (Sean) had to work a lot this last week... Well, it has officially begun the gaming calendar is getting clustered again and it will remain that way for the foreseeable future as major heavy hitters release alongside indie darlings, and at times, even all on the same day.Dead Island 2 is the first of those, and the long-delayed game has actually seen impressive sales numbers in its first few days and encouraging reviews as well. Can it revitalize the franchise and spawn more sequels out of its early success? Also, another big game releasing soon has a demo, Street Fighter 6, and Marc played it. Marc gives his thoughts on its content and if it leaves him encouraged for the game’s release on June 2. Diablo IV is also getting one final beta May 12-14, (which wouldn’t you know it, is when Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases). Horizon Forbidden West not only just released its Forbidden Shores DLC, but

With the big controversy of the week still looming concerning the upcoming Redfall, Sean and Marc discuss if it is ok to release a new game AAA game at 30 FPS? Or does it always have to have the 60 FPS option.The Super Mario Bros Movie has stuck around for another week at #1 passing $700 Million at the worldwide box office and breaking more records. Surely, $1 Billion is firmly in its grasp, but how far could the Nintendo flagship film soar? The guys give some predictions on where it could make its final landing.And if you haven't had enough of the Super Mario Bros Movie yet, be sure to go check out not only our thoughts on the film from last week's episode but also reviews from the Radulich in Broadcasting crew on Damn You Hollywood and Randy Isbelle and Jens Dietrich also reviewed it on Chapter Select as well... Our Review: https://youtube.com/live/fnXiIXFPW-4Radulich in Broadcasting (Damn You Hollywood): https://youtube.com/live/p55RaRgjXz4Chapter Select: https://youtu.be/W9TVM1I0lxQ You can also go l

While we don't have any new games to discuss this week, Sean and Marc saw a certain box office smash on Sunday (The Super Mario Bros Movie) that they'll have some NON-SPOILER thoughts on for this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX. Yes, the long-awaited Super Mario Bros film has been released and it has broken quite a few records in its wake. Sean and Marc discuss why they enjoyed the film, Sean's experience watching it in 4DX, and their thoughts on why Movie critics apparently severely dislike it. The guys also debate whether there will be a Nintendo Cinematic Universe made around the success of the film, or if it should just remain centered around Mario and his part of the Nintendo clan. What films could realistically spin off of it? And should there be any other type of media made as well? There's also some other movie news as well since the Five Nights at Freddy's Movie has a release window, Opening Night Live and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters finally have a date, no more Alice games says EA, Persona 3

It's another week in video games, which means another episode of Video Games 2 the MAX. Well, the inevitable has occurred, pretty much as soon as we posted last week's show, SEGA, and Tencent also announced they were not going to E3 2023 and it didn't take long for organizers Reed Pop to release a statement definitively canceling the gaming industry event for this year. Can we officially call E3 Dead? Is there really a place for an event like E3 anymore in modern gaming? And what is lost without its presence? Also, Legendary has acquired the TV show and Film rights to the Street Fighter franchise. Could they take a stab at another live-action film? And what would it need to actually be good? Marc gives some thoughts. Marc has played a lot more of Resident Evil 4 Remake and he gives some thoughts on how it is better than the original, what changes exist, and they also discuss what comes next for the series too. Plus, Japan approved the Activision-Blizzard merger with Xbox, although now Activision-Blizzard i

With GDC 2023 and PAX East 2023 in the rearview mirror, there's been plenty of announcements coming off the heels of those events taking place such as Counter Strike 2, Sonic Origins Plus, and a dark TMNT game based on the Last Ronin comic too? Not to mention, Blizzard put out two versions of a Diablo IV beta, which Marc played, and he has some thoughts on the game that is a little more than three months away from launch. The UK's CMA has also reached a form of a verdict in relation the console portion of the potential Xbox and Activision-Blizzard-King merger. Ruling that they are no longer concerned about it as relates to consoles. However, there are still concerns regarding Cloud Gaming. Does leave rival PlayStation in a bad position? Do you think they'll eventually sign a 10-year agreement? And what does it say that the $1 Game Pass trial no longer exists? Plus, Sean now has all eight characters in Octopath Traveler 2, does this further enhance his thoughts from last week? And how are more of the stories p

On a week that is kind of lite on actual gaming news, Sean and Marc have quite a few video games to discuss on this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX. Marc has been playing WWE 2K23, how is it compared to last year's game? What about the John Cena showcase and My GM Mode? And what's with this crazy version of the WWE roster that's in the game? Sean has also put about 10 hours into Octopath Traveler 2 and gone through several Chapter 1 stories and one Chapter 2 story, is it truly worth all the hype that it has received? Do the characters blend together better? Or is Octopath 2 really just more of the same as Octopath 1? Sean has been playing the soon-to-be-released indie title Have a Nice Death, what stands out about this Roguelike title starring the Grim Reaper? And should you check it out? He also delved into the Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And the Lost Demon Demo, and well... find out why he absolutely adores the game. Plus, Microsoft keeps making more 10-year deals, and there's a chance they will actually op

We have a guest on this week's Video Games 2 the MAX, as Kyle Simcox writer from theouterhaven.net (@TheOuterhaven) joins Sean and Marc to give his review of the PlayStation VR 2. He's also been playing Wild Hearts and Hogwarts Legacy too. Sean has initial impressions on Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni and he has final thoughts on A Space For the Unbound after beating the game. Also, he enjoyed the RE 4 Remake Chainsaw demo too. Marc also explores the wacky world of having a PS3 dev kit. In the news, the guys discuss the rest of the Capcom Spotlight with things like Exoprimal and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective got release dates. The major delay for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Square-Enix once again announced a game, (Forspoken), that had lackluster sales. Starfield's release date. Plus, new and at times comedic developments from Sony and Microsoft's battle with the CMA over the Activision-Blizzard deal.You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel. Please like and

Final Fantasy XVI received big previews, and a new Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi and Elden Ring DLC were announced since the last show, so that means Sean and Marc have plenty to discuss on this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX. While Marc ponders what could be in the Elden Ring DLC, Shadows of the Erd Tree, Sean wonders if Final Fantasy XVI will sell the outrageous numbers that Square-Enix desires by going full Action RPG and finally shedding the last of its roots. Or could this complete embrace of something new actually backfire on them instead? And where are the guys at with feelings on the game after the major previews? There's even more Square-Enix business news with a potential replacement of their President very soon and Luminous Productions being merged into Square-Enix itself. Sony has to reveal some of its exclusive deals to the courts, Detective Pikachu 2 may actually be happening, Telltale Delays Wolf Among Us 2, and much more!You can also watch this episode on video via the W2M Network Youtube channel.

Sean and Marc go through another week in Video Games with both having early impressions of Like a Dragon: Ishin and the retail version of Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. Does Ishin continue the fun and crazy legacy of the other formerly Yakuza games? Does the Samurai aspect translate to more than just fans of the series? How much of an entry point into the wide world of Like a Dragon is this? Sean also has some early thoughts on the controversial Atomic Heart. The Bioshock-inspired game dropped last week on consoles and Xbox Game Pass. Does it make Marc excited to play it? How much Russian propaganda is in the game? And is the government of Ukraine correct in wanting to take it down? The guys also go through the important stuff from the Pokemon Presents broadcast and the highlights of the most recent Sony State of Play. Plus, more Assassin's Creed games are in development, Phil Spencer says the future of Xbox doesn't hinge solely on the Activision-Blizzard deal, console warriors getting clowned by the developers

Well, it is again that time of the week for a new Video Games 2 the MAX. Sean and Marc discuss some of the games they’ve been playing, what’s in the news and more. Sean has put a chunk of time into Wanted: Dead the newest title from developers behind two of his favorite franchises, Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. Should this be another celebrated title from them? Or is it more of a misfire? The truth lies probably somewhere in the middle actually. He also gave the Wild Hearts trial a go and the demo for Like a Dragon: Ishin’s combat too. How does it compare to others in the series? Can Wild Hearts truly be called a worthy Monster Hunter clone? Plus, the guys discuss how much validity is there to the report from Gamesindustry.biz (https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-confirms-game-pass-cannibalizes-sales) regarding Xbox Game Pass cannibalizing sales. Speaking of sales, Sonic Frontiers had some impressive numbers and there are the January NPD numbers too. Also, Marc gives his thoughts on a new Civilization g