Video Games 2 The Max

Originally recorded in the early morning of 09/08/22. Sean had a death in the family shortly before recording this episode which delayed the release of it. As the gaming world gears up for some big announcements within the next few weeks, the acquisitions and stock purchases of companies continue, as Tencent and Sony make payments to up their stake in Elden Ring developer From Software, while Tencent even does the same with Ubisoft making the rumors from a few weeks ago come true. Not to mention, Net Ease ups their stake into a full-on acquisition as they have made it their intention to purchase Quantic Dream. The battle still rages on between Sony and Microsoft in the fight with the review boards, as Sony gets a small victory in forcing an in-depth review of the Activision-Blizzard-King acquisition in the UK. While also fanning the flames of social media with Jim Ryan’s statement that “Microsoft’s offer is inadequate.” Is it really a bad deal? Would this actually weaken Sony’s place in the gaming industry?

It's another week in video games and one that created controversy with Sony deciding that the PlayStation 5 should see a price hike in basically all major regions except the United States. Sean, Marc, and Daniel give their views on the decision if it's really needed, and what it says about Sony, especially in the face of Microsoft and Nintendo both stating they would not raise the price of their consoles. Sony also made another purchase, this time in the form of a Mobile game studio, Savage Games, furthering their previously stated intent to go into mobile gaming. Is this a good idea for Sony? Phil Spencer also stated that their still pending acquisition of Activision-Blizzard-King is due to a greater push towards mobile and PC. Should primarily console gamers be worried about this? Or is this just the way of the times? Also in this episode, the guys discuss if there could be a gaming world with no Third-Party exclusives, the first two episodes of She-Hulk, the latest with Assassin's Creed Mirage, could Ba

Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022 had plenty of trailers and gameplay reveals, but what did Sean and Marc find most interesting from the showcase? How does it stack up to what Geoff Keighley has done with Summer Game Fest and Opening Night Live in the past? And what are the guys looking forward to for the rest of this year? Embracer Group made HUGE news with the purchase of the Lord of the Rings IP, Limited Run Games, Tripwire Interactive, and a whole lot more. Could there be more in store? And what could this mean for LOTR? There are also the latest NPD sales, the canceled Iron Man game, SEGA, and Sony making more movie news with four movies on four known franchises including Space Channel 5, Comix Zone, Days Gone, and Gravity Rush. PSVR 2 coming in 2023, the KOTOR Remake officially switches studios, and much more.You can also watch this episode on video through our Youtube channel, W2M Network. You can go subscribe and ring the bell there to get notified when there's a new episode: https://youtu.be/p2iJiDpK8

Sony and Microsoft are in a now second week of the war of potshots and statements. Microsoft alleges Sony makes deals that effectively block big third-party games from appearing on Xbox Game Pass. While Microsoft proves just how unprofitable it would be to keep COD off Sony's platform. This will certainly have Sean, Marc, and Daniel in their feelings.Game Delays continue as now Hogwarts Legacy is the next big game that moves its release date to 2023. Some other smaller games also have to take the hit and head into 2023 as well. There are some major game-related events on the horizon with a recently announced Disney + Marvel showcase and Gamescom's Opening Night Live too. All of this, plus Marc has some thoughts on PlayStation maybe having their own PC game launcher too.You can also watch this episode on video through our Youtube channel, W2M Network. You can go subscribe and ring the bell there to get notified when there's a new episode: https://youtu.be/ERfrRGXl2Q4Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMg

It is certainly a mixed bag of a week in gaming with yet another major third-party release seeing a delay, this time it is Marvel's Midnight Suns. While the EVO Live event possibly teased Tekken 8 and the first Fatal Fury game in 23 years. Plus, is Marvel doing too much content between their films and TV Shows?Sean, Marc, and Daniel give their thoughts on that, plus Xbox may be rolling out a new feature for Cloud Gaming Soon, an Xbox Game Pass Family Plan is actually being tested, and Ubisoft is in the news again and it involves Tencent. Also, one of its games, Beyond Good & Evil 2, actually has good news for once. Sean has more thoughts on Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as he approaches the 40-hour mark with the game and also finally gets to talk about all the announcements in the Pokemon Direct too.You can also watch this episode on video through our Youtube channel, W2M Network. You can go subscribe and ring the bell there to get notified when there's a new episode: https://youtu.be/aFn3jJ8PqSIJoin us on Disco

On our latest episode, so is Call of Duty "nothing special?" or is it "indescribable?" These are the statements put out by Microsoft and Sony concerning whether or not it would be ok for Call of Duty to be owned by Xbox. Sean and Marc debate on who's right considering some other factors at play involving the franchise as well. Is it a good idea to have them skip a year? And is there really no way to have a COD competitor? Warner Bros. Discovery has apparently shelved Batgirl and it may be due to monetary reasons. Why not just release it on HBO Max instead? And was there any interest in this film? Does it further the negative narrative about DC Films? Also, it is finally here, Sean has initial impressions of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the game he's been waiting for all year. Does it live up to the hype and all of the praise from critics? What about the story, the characters, and how is the battle system? Plus, the duo have their say on the reports that Grand Theft Auto VI is set in Miami and will feature a La

This episode was originally recorded on July 27. Apologies for taking a little long to get it out to you all. We also do the podcast in video form on our Youtube channel and it gets out much quicker there: https://youtu.be/tpY5ZXpYmxoOn this episode, there's quite a lot going on between the KOTOR remake having major issues to Ubisoft continuing to have delays and cancelations. VR also is a big fixture this week with Meta announcing a price hike and PSVR 2 getting another info drop as well. SDCC just happened too. Sean and Marc discuss some of their favorite announcements from the big convention. Plus, there's also a Black Panther open-world game in the works too. Sean's excitement for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 reaches a fever pitch as it's only a few days away. While Marc is playing Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9dVisit Our Website: https://w2mnet.com/Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2mnetworkSean Twitter: https://twitter.com/W2MSeanMarc Twitter: h

This episode was originally recorded on July 20. Apologies for taking so long to get it out for audio listeners. We also do the podcast on our Youtube channel and it gets out much quicker there: https://youtu.be/rzGsdb2VoEkOn this episode, is a double dose of impressions from Sean regarding Stray and As Dusk Falls, two games currently on PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass respectively. Sean enjoys both games, one for being a great cat simulator, and the other for telling a terrific suspense tale with narrative game aspects. In the news, Bayonetta 3 finally gets a release date, Sony finishes their acquisition of Bungie and then acquires Repeat.gg, as the guys discuss what PlayStation's strategy could be for making so many varied acquisitions in a short span of time. Plus, what are some Konami franchises that could use a revival? Could Nintendo be doing more with CG in their games and maybe even push into TV series after buying a Japanese company Dynamo? What are some shows that work in this type of vein? Mar

Sean, Marc, and Daniel discuss the announcement of Kirby's Dream Buffet, Sean has initial thoughts on Bright Memory Infinite, as he's reviewing the game. Plus, God of War Ragnarok has a release date, Forspoken is Delayed Again, Supermassive Games getting acquired, Haven being fully acquired by Sony, should Last of Us Part 1 Remake cost $70, Rockstar confirming GTA 6 development is the priority, and much more. Due to some news items involving Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Liberation HD and Sony, the guys also debate the merits of buying physical media versus digital media, does it really make a difference at this point? And what is everyone's preference now? You can watch the podcast in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel here:  https://youtu.be/i49QNAV9l_kTimestamps: Intro & Games We Are Playing -(00:01:10) Fire Emblem: Three Hopes - Marc(00:05:25) Bright Memory Infinite First Impressions - Sean* A Digital Code was Provided For Review by the PR Company * What’s in the News -(00:10:45) Forspoke

Now that the first six months have passed in 2022 it serves as a great halfway point to examine how things have been up to this point in the gaming year. Sean, Marc, and Daniel give out their Best Games of 2022 So Far with each person dishing out their Top 5. You’d obviously expect major games such as Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West to be on there, but what surprises could be there for some games to check out this summer. Sean also checked out some games this week, namely the newly released DLC Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, the Live a Live Demo, and Neon White as well. Sean discusses why he absolutely loves Neon White. How the Live a Live Demo gets you hyped for the remaster’s release in a few weeks. Plus, Marc also has a lot more thoughts on Fire Emblem: Three Hopes as well. In the news, Sucker Punch finally quells rumors of a new Sly Cooper or InFamous game, Nintendo opens up a monthly subscription warranty program for the Switch, HALO Infinite Co-op Campaign progression and why it is a good thi

On the latest episode, Sean, Marc, and Daniel discuss early thoughts on Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes and a little more on TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge in the Games Being Played. The trio also goes through the highlights of the latest Nintendo Direct Mini which featured Persona 3, 4, and 5 finally being announced as coming to the Switch. Sean is excited, but Marc thinks Persona 3 Portable was not the right version to bring over. Of course, Sean has plenty of indies he wants to check out now including the cute puzzle game Blanc, RPG Time: The Legend of Wright, Return to Monkey Island, and more. Marc also isn’t impressed by the footage of Sonic Frontiers and is now turned off by the game entirely, here is why he feels this way and how this sort of has something to do with Sonic Origins. But at least there’s the awesome announcement of a Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection. Marc and Daniel also have a pretty interesting conversation about how to save World of Warcraft in light of the newest expansion Dragon

This episode was originally recorded on 06/21/22. Apologies for taking long to edit it and get it out to you all. It certainly was one heck of a celebration week for both Final Fantasy VII and Dragon’s Dogma. Square-Enix and Capcom respectively showed off new games in both of these franchises. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is certainly really in development. And not only are known games such as Ever Crisis getting a beta. But also there’s a remaster of Crisis Core coming and also the second game in the Remake series, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth was shown off as well. Sean, Marc, and Daniel discuss their thoughts on all these reveals and also if Square-Enix’s heavy reliance on Final Fantasy will pay off or end up backfiring instead. Also, Sean and Daniel played some TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and they loved the game. Is it even going to be Game of the Year contender? Plus, the Gran Turismo movie gets a synopsis, is God of War: Ragnarok actually coming out in November 2022? Marc’s despair over the shelving of Tony Hawk 3 &

Originally Recorded on 06/15/22. Sorry for taking a little too long to get this edited and out.On this episode, Sean, Marc, and Daniel give their thoughts both positive and negative on the Summer Games Fest Opening, Capcom Showcase, and Xbox + Bethesda Showcase, (and Extended too). This includes looking at each showcase in general, the big games like Resident Evil 4 Remake, Redfall, Starfield, Last of Us Remake, and a lot more. Sean also has thoughts on some standout games from the smaller indie showcases too. They also discuss some of the games they are looking forward to for the rest of the year as well.

This episode was originally recorded on 06/07/22. Apologies for taking so long to edit it and get it out. On this episode, Daniel has played quite a bit of Diablo Immortal. He discusses the game itself, how Diablo Immortal's Pay to Win strategy is a total detriment to gaining good vibes with gamers and it actually makes Sean and Marc not want to play it at all. Will this prove to be a winner for Blizzard? And could any of this bleed into Diablo IV as well? Marc also laments Jeff Gertsmann leaving Giant Bomb, his legacy in gaming, and what he could do next. (Turns out he's doing his own thing including a Solo podcast called the Jeff Gertsmann Show.)They also go through the highlights of the most recent PlayStation State of Play which featured the surprise of Final Fantasy XVI and even included a release window of Summer 2023. The Resident Evil 4 Remake also got show time too. Could this be the best State of Play ever? Also on this show: The latest Pokemon Scarlet & Violet trailer, the SEGA Mega Drive 2 an

This episode was originally recorded on 05/31/22. Apologies on taking so long to edit it and get it out. On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean, Marc, and Daniel discuss playing V Rising, Warcraft 3 Reforged supposed roadmap and the overall picture of Blizzard heading into the release of Diablo Immortal. PlayStation also seems to be on this big turn to changing how many think of them. Moving away from only being known as a place for the big tent pole AAA games and doing more in the PC, VR, and games as service spaces. Will this wind up as a major win for Sony? Other things discussed on the show: The reveal of the Jedi Fallen Order sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. The Marvel MMO that never was. Horizon Zero Dawn getting a Netflix show, and more.

This episode was originally Recorded on 05/24/22. Apologies that it took so long to edit and come out. On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean, Marc, and Daniel discuss whether the sentiment that Xbox Game Pass is not living up to its billing of delivering on the AAA titles is truly warranted. Do gamers just need to be playing more indies? Or do gamers have a point? Is it time to start unsubscribing from the service? There's also discussion on how EA's deal to merge with NBC Universal falling through is a major statement about where the state of AAA gaming is at? And should we worry for other big publishers like Ubisoft and Square-Enix as well? Also on the episode: Would the Spider-Man games be as big a deal if they were an Xbox exclusive? Norman Reedus sort of confirming the existence of Death Stranding 2. Thoughts on the HALO TV Show and more.

The show goes through a little bit of a reboot to introduce a third co-host with Daniel Anderson making his return and Marc Morrison takes the reigns as host, with Sean not being on this one.In this episode, Marc and Daniel discuss the announcement of the first classic titles heading to the PlayStation Plus Premium service, the tiers, and the outlook of the service as a whole as it heads into launch. There’s also discussion on what’s happening at Blizzard, Activision putting on a front about Call of Duty Vanguard’s lack of sales, the EA and FIFA split, the possibility of several Silent Hill titles in the works, Square-Enix selling off much of their western studios, the WATA lawsuit, and much more.

After an unintended long layoff, Video Games 2 the MAX has returned with Sean and Marc joined by Jens Dietrich to talk about, you guessed it, more Elden Ring. Marc also has final thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West as he's beaten the game. Sean's also been playing some games too, with Tunic and Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin being the two main ones. There are quite a few things to discuss since the last episode, as CD Projekt has announced a new saga of The Witcher series is in development. Although scarce details are available as they are basically in the beginning stages. At least it is being made with Unreal Engine this time. Moon Studios is hugely toxic according to many former employees. We discuss some of the aspects of why this is so concerning and how it played a role in why Microsoft did not push to acquire them. Sony had not one, but two State of Plays since our last episode, and they've also acquired yet another studio in Haven. Supermassive has a new game, Gotham Knights is actually c

Well, there certainly have been a lot of big games that have come along lately to keep everyone busy, as Triangle Strategy now joins the list of yet another game someone on the podcast is playing. Sean discusses his very brief time with the game so far and also more on A Musical Story as well. Marc continues trekking through the huge open worlds in Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, and Lost Ark. As the War in Ukraine has intensified over the last week, gaming companies have done everything from donating money and game sale proceeds to even stopping their games and products from being sold in Russia too. EA even made sure to remove Russian teams from NHL 22 and FIFA 22 as well. New Pokemon games are coming THIS YEAR and it is in fact generation nine of the series as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were revealed in a Pokemon Presents last week. Is Sean excited for more Pokemon? Or is there some Pokemon fatigue possibly setting in? Plus, Forspoken has been delayed into the fall, Switch Online subscribers get a semb

We are joined by The Outerhaven.net's Head Man and EIC Keith Mitchell and Jens Dietrich to discuss their spoiler-free thoughts on Elden Ring. Keith reviewed the game for The Outerhaven and is pretty far in the game, while Jens is still early on in his adventure. Being two major Soulsborne lovers will their ideas match? Marc is also playing the game too. Will there be a big difference of opinion? Plus, Marc also has more thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West as well.There's also discussion on the latest rumors surrounding Project Spartacus, the price tiers, and what they could offer. Is this worth it? Will there be changes to what's there? Or is this all a bunch of nothing that won't even happen? Not to mention, Street Fighter 6 has officially been announced, the PSVR 2 has some real images, Call of Duty skipping a year in 2023, Bethesda closes their launcher, another Western developed game doesn't sell well enough for Square-Enix, and more.