Video Games 2 The Max

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison are once again joined by The Outerhaven’s Keith Mitchell. Keith and Marc dish on the games they’ve been playing which includes Keith talking quite a bit about his time with Outriders. What he enjoyed about it, the server problems, and what the dwindling player numbers could mean for the future of the game. Marc has been playing some Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 and Sean checked out the Retro Machina demo too. That’s not all though, as both Keith and Marc have played some hours of Returnal. Marc even got through and defeated the Boss of the second biome. The guys discuss what they enjoy about the game so far. Some of the early story, the shooting mechanics, the Roguelike elements, and give thoughts, on the whole, save controversy too. The guys also discuss the decision from Microsoft to lower their cut to match the Epic Games Store’s 12 percent and make improvements to the Windows Store. Will this move entice developers to bring games to the p

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison are joined by fellow W2M staff member Randy Isbelle as he discusses his thoughts on It Takes Two and MLB The Show 21. He’s also been playing Yakuza: Like A Dragon so he and Marc discuss their progress through the game so far. Sony has reversed course on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita store closings for the foreseeable future. Randy gives his thoughts on the entire ordeal as the guys discuss if Sony may have any plans to bring more games from those stores to PlayStation NOW or another type of service. What Sony could do with PS NOW to improve it, and more. They also talk about the recent comments from Jim Ryan concerning PlayStation 5 exclusives, their cloud gaming initiative, and the comments from Days Gone creative director about frugal gamers. This also leads into a conversation about should games cost $70?Microsoft also started their beta for X-Cloud on IOS devices via the Safari browser and also PC browsers as well. (Sean

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss the games they are playing such as Marc finally trying out Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Taiko No Tatsujin, although he got some bad news about his drums. Sean also played Another Eden a mobile JRPG that was put on Steam and how he’s so glad his PC has a touch screen. The NPD numbers from March 2021 are also out too, Sony being the fastest-selling console ever, Monster Hunter Rise and Outriders selling well, and more. They also discuss the games they are excited about from the Nintendo Indie World Showcase. Sean is happy about seeing more from Last Stop, There is No Game: Wrong Dimension hitting the Switch, more on Cris Tales, and the big announcement of Oxenfree 2. While Marc liked Never Yield and Aztech Forgotten Gods. Marc is also a bit befuddled by Konami’s latest indie title Getsufumaden and this leads to a discussion on a rumor flying around that Microsoft may have purchased the rights to Konami franchises. If it is even re

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX we have way better audio for one, also hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss the news from Bloomberg that The Last of Us Remake is in production and is now being headed by Naughty Dog but it was actually once the task of another studio Visual Arts Service Group. The guys discuss the history of that studio, the news that Bend Studio tried to pitch a Days Gone 2, if Last of Us Remake will follow the HBO show or be super faithful to the original game, and of course there’s a discussion on should it be even made in the first place. The PlayStation 5 news continues as Bethesda delays Deathloop until September 14, 2021 and a new Survival Shooter Abandoned is begrudgingly announced too. Will Marc give that game a shot? There are also rumors that Hideo Kojima could partner with Xbox for his next big game. Would he actually do it? Or this all just a big rumor to stir the pot? How major of a move is it for Microsoft if they can pull it off? Also, Sony dealt a blow to Disn

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss Narita Boy, Theatrythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival, Dirt 5 and more. After talking about some games, the duo discuss the closure of the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita online stores. This is a heartfelt topic for Sean from a game preservation perspective and from a digital buyer perspective. There’s a lot of good conversation here about why this is important and if Sony would actually use PlayStation NOW as a way to put more of these libraries on the service, along with some PS3 games you should totally check out and buy before the store shuts down. There’s also a discussion on why MLB The Show 21 being Day 1 on Game Pass is a big deal beyond just that it is a Sony San Diego developed game. How this is possibly a disruptive strategy that Microsoft and Xbox will continue to employ in the future, and what Sony could do to combat it as well. Other topics discussed on the show: Microsoft interest

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss the major highlights of the Square-Enix presents showcase such as Life is Strange: True Colors and Forspoken. Not to mention, the other announcements from the show including the Tomb Raider anniversary collection, Sean being into Outriders and the Xbox Game Pass announcement, and more. The guys also discuss Sony surprising everyone and buying EVO. Does Nintendo leave the tournament now that a competitor owns it? Will it change much with Sony putting money into it? Or is it the same show with more PlayStation branding? Plus, Sony helps fund a new IP from the recently formed Haven studios led by Jade Raymond as well. Sony also announced the PSVR 2 controllers modeled after the Oculus Quest ones. Why they are way better than the Move wands, why Sean is enticed by them, and how long until we see the actual VR unit. Also, Sony adds more to the Play From Home list, including Horizon Zero Dawn in April. There’s also a wrap-up on Per

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss more on Bravely Default II and Persona 5 Strikers, while Sean also gives his initial thoughts on Retromania Wrestling as well. Next, the duo gets into the major news involving the finalization of the partnership between Xbox and Bethesda. Did Phil Spencer really make things clearer with his statement on exclusives? Or is just further muddying the waters for more open interpretation? Also, they discuss the 20 games announced for Xbox Game Pass, (although most of them were already on the service anyway), and the possible upcoming Xbox events including one that could be happening as early as March 26. After that, a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat-em-up game was announced by Dot Emu and it looks very much like the old arcade titles. Sean is super excited and ready to jump in at the moment of release. While Marc is a bit more reserved on the announcement. Plus, the latest NPD numbers and what is known and what could be ann

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss the information coming from Bloomberg concerning a possible Nintendo Switch Pro. This states that the updated console would include a 7-inch 720p OLED display and the ability to play in up-rezzed 4K on televisions. While there are a lot of inferences to other upgrades as well, nothing is explicitly stated either. Sean and Marc wonder what those could be if the Pro will just be a simple upgrade or mean much for the portable hybrid? Next, they also get into the games they are playing with Marc delving deeper into Persona 5 Strikers. While also trying out Breathedge and Everspace 2. Find out why Marc is super into Everspace 2 and what makes it different from the first game. Sean has finished Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and gives his final thoughts. However, he’s started another long adventure in Bravely Default II. He gives his early impressions and why a certain sleep mode feature is pretty awesome. After that, there’s some discussio

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison are joined by Jens Dietrich in discussing various things. Firstly, Marc and Jens have both been playing Persona 5 Strikers. So, Sean asks questions and they provide answers to gameplay aspects, exploring dungeons if playing the original Persona 5 is required, how much does the game varies from typical Musou gameplay, and much more. After that, everyone gets into the latest Pokemon news with a Pre-Pokemon day direct that showed off more on New Pokemon Snap and delivered on the rumored Pokemon Diamond and Pearl remakes featuring a Chibi art style similar to the one used in the Link’s Awakening remake from last year. There was also a big surprise in Pokemon Legends Araceus. Featuring an entire open-world Pokemon game for the first time using a past version of the Sinnoh region. Sean is very much excited and wonders if a Nintendo Switch Pro launch is connected to it. Sony also had a State of Play and showed off new gameplay of Returnal

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison deal with a double whammy of announcement showcases. Blizzard had a lot of announcements on Day 1 of Blizzcon headlined by a Diablo IV introducing the Rogue class and the Diablo II Resurrected remaster.  Not to mention, more stuff gets added to World of Warcraft: Shadowlands and the Blizzard: Arcade Collection too. After that, the duo moves on to discussing the big and some small announcements from the Nintendo Direct.  Sean is happy about Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s Pyra and Mythra being in Smash Bros Ultimate. While some surprises like Splatoon 3, Project Triangle Strategy and Stubbs The Zombie caught his eye too. The guys also discuss the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and if there’s going to be more coming for Link this year. Plus, they wonder where the heck is the Metroid announcement. Sean praises Microsoft’s FPS boost addition and their continued support of accessibility with their new guidelines and the release of the accessi

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison are joined by Randy Isbelle in discussing two games he’s been reviewing. First is Randy’s thoughts on Bloober Team’s The Medium. He discusses what he likes from the gameplay, setting, and how the dual world aspect doesn’t hit as great as intended. Overall, he did find it enjoyable and liked the game. Randy has also started tinkering with Little Nightmares II on Xbox Series X and he talks about his thoughts so far on the game. Sean also tested out Amazon Luna on PC with Control and Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. This also creates an avenue for Marc and Randy to talk about Control: Ultimate Edition on PlayStation 5 too.Before Randy departs, the guys ask him about his thoughts on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order since it is the next game he’s discussing with Jens on their podcast Chapter Select. Plus, Randy watched the Star Wars films for the first time and his favorite may surprise you. Next, they also get into some casting news with the lea

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss more on Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, Control: Ultimate Edition, and Marc even checked out the Xbox 360 version of Goldeneye. As well as the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker, the new class, and the PlayStation 5 information. There’s also discussion on Google closing Stadia’s internal studios and if it should worry subscribers and game owners about the future of Stadia. Marc thinks their days are numbered, while Sean believes they can still exist as a service to buy games for people that just want streaming. Also, Embracer Group makes another purchase in Gearbox Software and Publishing. Taking the Borderlands developer into their conglomeration of studios. The guys wonder who’s left out there that Embracer Group could target next and if Gearbox would keep being the developer for any future Borderlands titles even with Take-Two being the actual publisher of the games. Not to mention, the duo wonders if anything is going to c

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss some games they are playing. Marc is reviewing Skul: The Hero Slayer. While Sean is reviewing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and he gives his first thoughts on that. While he has also checked out Cybershadow and The Medium thanks to Xbox Game Pass. Sean has enjoyed The Medium so far albeit in its early stages and Cybershadow is fun but also difficult. But man that music rules. After that, they move on to the Xbox Games With Gold and PlayStation Plus Games for February. There is definitely a lot to pickup there. There’s also much to talk about in the headlines this week, aside from The Gamestop stuff. Nintendo apparently owns the Astral Chain IP and what is going on with Bayonetta 3? Konami still has a games division despite the misunderstanding from their earnings call. What IP’s could use a new game that Konami is not capitalizing on? Also, The Returnal and Lord of the Rings Gollum are delayed. At least Returnal’s is only one mon

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison start out by giving out their reactions to the Resident Evil Village: Maiden PS5 demo. What they liked about the setting and story aspects of it and also wonder what the story could actually be about as you move further into the game itself. In this section there’s also discussion on the rest of the Resident Evil Showcase reveals which were not as glamorous or meaningful. Marc also talks about playing some Immortals Fenyx Rising and how he’s enjoying it, but that it also feels empty and flying isn’t the best. The guys also give some thoughts on the major praise Hitman 3 has received. Plus, thoughts on the news about Resident Evil 4 Remake being switched to Capcom Division 1 as they figure out what’s the best course to take on it.After that, it is all about the drama surrounding the price increase to Xbox Live Gold and the eleventh hour decision to reverse it. While also subsequently making free-to-play games actually free without hav

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison enjoy the return of the full-fledged gaming news week, as this week featured quite a lot to talk about from various spectrums from another Cyberpunk 2077 apology to the return of Lucasfilms Games. The guys get to it all and still find time to talk some Wandavision at the end too. Firstly though it is about actually playing the video games. Sean and Marc describe the folly of playing Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Game - Complete Edition in four-player co-op. Marc also talks about why he may not be the biggest fan of the game. Sean is enjoying the Little Nightmares II demo too. Sales charts from the entirety of 2020 are out and the duo discusses the insanity of how the Nintendo Switch has succeeded and how they could continue that in 2021. While also examining what could be left as far as Wii U ports to bring over now that Super Mario 3D World is getting its time in the spotlight very soon. They also discuss some of the reveals from the

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison ponder the latest rumors around the Switch Pro, Nintendo’s acquisition of Next Level Games, and Microsoft’s laughable attempt to acquire Nintendo. The mystery of why Microsoft continues to use AA batteries in their controllers is finally revealed, and it will shock you almost as much as the PS5’s sales underperformance in Japan. Also: Marc rants about Chris Chibnall again.

On this final and special episode of Video Games 2 the MAX for 2020 hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison are joined by Randy Isbelle and Jens Dietrich in discussing and debating what belongs on the list of this year's 25 Best Games. This is our second of two podcasts looking back at the year that was 2020. Although we do nominate some new games that weren't previously discussed, please make sure to listen to our previous episode where we discussed our Personal Top 10 Games to get a more in-depth reasoning as to what games wound up making the majority of the list, as this episode is mostly about ranking those games. The discussion as to what we loved about them happened on the previous episode. There are still some fun debates here and passionate speeches, but don't go in expecting a ton of talk about the games themselves. Also, the last 10 minutes or so is a discussion on some highlights from the gaming year.

This special episode of Video Games 2 the MAX is the first of two that focus solely on celebrating the gaming year that was. This one features Jens Dietrich and Randy Isbelle joining hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison along with a list provided by Daniel Anderson in discussing it all about their Personal Top 10 Games of 2020. There’s also some talk interspersed about games that didn’t make the lists at all like Bugsnax, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Deadly Premonition 2, and a few more. Timestamps:11’s: The games that just missed out (5:00) 10’s: (10:50)9’s: (19:20)8’s: (32:50)7’s: (41:09)6’s: (46:45)5’s: (58:25)4’s: (1:03:45)3’s: (1:12:00)2’s: (1:30:15)1’s: (1:35:20)

This episode of Video Games 2 the MAX features a guest in The Outerhaven founder and writer for Tom’s Hardware Keith Mitchell as he joins Sean Garmer, Marc Morrison, and regulars, Jens Dietrich, and Randy Isbelle. Keith talks about his origins with gaming and games writing. While also discussing some of his favorite genres, conversing extensively with Jens about how much he enjoys the Soulsborne games and his favorite Resident Evil titles too. Keith also talks about some of his favorite games from 2020, especially the Demon’s Souls Remake. Once again gaming conversation surrounds the uber popular Cyberpunk 2077 as new news items surface regarding enlarged save files due to too much crafting, which causes them to become corrupted. Not to mention, CD Projekt Red could also face class action lawsuits due to misleading investors. This also leads to discussion on the entire saga as a whole from both a consumer and reviewer perspective. Plus, Defector and Paste Magazine took the controversy involving Cyberpunk 2

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX hosts Sean Garmer and Marc Morrison discuss the entire saga surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 from the apology post to being delisted from the PlayStation Store by Sony and everything in-between. They discuss if Sony went too far, should digital return policies be changed after this debacle, and where does the buck stop with CD Projekt Red management. There is a lot of great discussion here about the situation. Also, Marc talks about how the game has improved after Hot-Fix 1.05 and what he is enjoying about the game. Plus, why he may miss some of the actual glitches that exist currently. While Sean is almost done with Yakuza: Like a Dragon and he also played Chapter 1 of the Gears 5: Hivebusters DLC and it is damn good. Finally, they also get into some news such as EA buying Codemasters, Hades getting cross-save, Yu Yu Hakusho getting a live action adaptation, GOG removing Devotion and also PS4 Pro possibly being discontinued. Timestamps: Major Topic: CD Projekt Red Bun