Episode 237
2025 is coming to a close, and it's time to take stock of the games we played this year. Today, we discuss every single game we played this year and form a list of the top 16 games, which we will pit against each other at the end of the year in a tournament bracket to determine Game of the Year! As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Hitman VR, League of Legends, Until Dawn, I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine). This episode was recorded in December 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
4:54 - The Top Games We Played in 2025
1:14:16 - Hitman VR
1:28:07 - League of Legends
1:31:25 - Until Dawn
1:37:47 - I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine
Episode 236
On today's very special episode, we welcome Jim and Chris, the creators of TerraClash! TerraClash is an adaptable deckbuilding fantasy RPG that offers tons of replayability and fun with friends (or solo)! We chat with Jim and Chris about the design of TerraClash, their interesting backgrounds, how the game came to be, and much more! As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman VR). This episode was recorded in December 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Check out the TerraClash Kickstarter to reserve your copy now! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/terraclash/terraclashtm-roguelite-deckbuilding-and-dice-rpg
And check out the TerraClash website for more information: https://terraclash.co.uk/
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Introducing TerraClash!
17:02 - TerraClash Mechanics, Art, and Anecdotes
38:56 - TerraClash Kickstarter
49:14 - Cyberpunk 2077 and Games Jim and Chris Are Playing
58:13 - Hitman VR
Episode 235
The Game Awards 2025 nominees have been announced! What becomes evident after looking at the nominees is that 2025 is an extremely strong year for video games. Today, we predict the winners and losers, as well as predict some announcements that may be made at the show. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Cyberpunk 2077). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
12:04 - Predicting The Game Awards 2025 Winners
1:36:04 - Predicting Announcements at The Game Awards 2025
1:43:18 - Cyberpunk 2077
Episode 234
After months and months of rumors, Valve has finally dropped the bomb - new hardware is coming! With the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and new Steam Controller finally revealed, Valve looks poised to disrupt the status quo in a big way...if they nail the pricing. Today, we analyze Valve's latest hardware, speculate on the price, and compare the hardware to its contemporaries. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
3:34 - Steam Machine
41:34 - Steam Controller
50:51 - Steam Frame
1:18:24 - Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
1:21:03 - Mike's Tabletop Campaign
1:30:24 - Metroid Prime 4 Trailer Impressions
Episode 233
Over the decades, some game franchises have established themselves as champions of quality gaming, while others are more hit or miss with their entries. From Zelda to Mario to Resident Evil to Castlevania, we give our thoughts on all these storied video game franchises and many more. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Europa Universalis V, ARC Raiders, PEAK). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
14:56 - Franchise Discussion 1 (Mario, Zelda, Monster Hunter, Dark Souls)
33:44 - The Pokémon Franchise
45:20 - Franchise Discussion 2 (Castlevania, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy)
1:01:42 - Europa Universalis V
1:17:23 - ARC Raiders
1:37:26 - PEAK
Episode 232
Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market for a little under half a year, we have some concrete sales data, and spoiler alert - it's a juggernaut. Today, we examine the hardware and software numbers at this very early stage in the Switch 2 lifecycle, and then offer our opinions on the device and its ecosystem after using it for the past several months. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Alan Wake 2, Crusader Kings III, ARC Raiders). This episode was recorded in November 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
2:22 - Latest Switch 2 Sales Data
11:06 - Our Current Thoughts on Switch 2
37:49 - Alan Wake 2
1:02:00 - Crusader Kings III
1:09:40 - ARC Raiders
Episode 231
From Nintendo vs Sega to PlayStation vs Xbox, the so-called "console wars" have been raging for decades. Now, with the announcement of Halo coming to PlayStation, is it finally time to put the idea of console warring to rest? Where does Xbox go from here, and what could their future hardware look like? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Battlefield 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, Pokémon Legends: Z-A). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
10:42 - How The "Console Wars" Ended
21:12 - Halo Remake On PlayStation
27:56 - Next Generation Xbox/PC Hybrid?
36:32 - Future Console Wars / AI Tangent
51:21 - Battlefield 6
58:24 - Monster Hunter Wilds
1:03:11 - Pokémon Legends: Z-A
1:10:22 - Ending Banter
Episode 230
Electronic Arts (EA) is being purchased by a private equity consortium for 55 billion dollars. Today, we discuss the implications of this purchase - what will happen to high profile EA studios like Bioware and Dice? Will EA's new owners "trim the fat" and reduce EA to Madden/FIFA factory? How will Saudi Arabia's influence impact future EA games? Also, we talk about notable Steam Next Fest games. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Battlefield 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, Yooka-Replaylee). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
4:11 - The EA Acquisition
38:47 - Steam Next Fest
47:26 - Battlefield 6
58:43 - Monster Hunter Wilds
1:21:47 - Yooka-Replaylee
Episode 229
The seemingly unstoppable downward spiral of Xbox continues with the latest salvo of bad news - a drastic price increase for Game Pass. Today, we analyze how the Activision deal ultimately led to Xbox's current situation and examine the current state of Xbox and Game Pass after the price hike. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Ghost of Yōtei, Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, League of Legends). This episode was recorded in October 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
10:30 - Time to Cancel Game Pass?
20:42 - The Impact of the Activision Deal
27:58 - Xbox Leadership Has To Go
32:27 - Paid Online is a Scam
40:02 - Xbox Has Lost Consumer Trust
53:57 - Game Pass With Ads?
59:37 - The Xbox Brand is Dying
1:16:53 - Ghost of Yōtei
1:36:49 - Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut
1:46:16 - League of Legends
Episode 228
Sony's September State of Play has come and gone, and in addition to hotly anticipated first party games like Wolverine and Saros, they had an good variety of games to show. After we discuss the State of Play highlights and briefly go over the latest Monster Hunter Wilds update, we dive deep into another standout game released this year: Hades II. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Hades II, Cyberpunk 2077). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Check out Connor's game jam game, EAT ROLL REPEAT! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/eat-roll-repeat
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
8:11 - PlayStation State of Play
37:11 - Monster Hunter Wilds Update
46:56 - Hades II
1:27:51 - Mike's Vampire: The Masquerade Campaign
1:31:12 - Cyberpunk 2077
Episode 227
With the proliferation of modern graphics technologies like ray tracing, we increasingly see AAA games struggle to maintain respectable resolutions and frame rates. Silent Hill F and Borderlands 4 are the latest examples of new games using modern technologies that have image/performance issues. At what point do consumers decide they've had enough and demand better optimized products? Today, we dive deep into the image quality and performance issues that plague modern games, and discuss potential ways to course-correct. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (EAT ROLL REPEAT, Fortnite, Dragon Age: Origins). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Check out Connor's game jam game, EAT ROLL REPEAT! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/eat-roll-repeat
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
17:51 - Trading Performance/Resolution for Ray Tracing
25:20 - Consoles Becoming Too Expensive
29:55 - Image Reconstruction Techniques Have Become A Crutch
35:09 - Companies Lack Monetary Incentive To Optimize
45:22 - Optimization Woes and Future Technologies
59:26 - EAT ROLL REPEAT
1:03:39 - Fortnite
1:05:49 - Dragon Age: Origins
1:16:31 - Things We're Looking Forward To
Episode 226
We have completed Silksong, and what a game it was. Today, we talk about our full, spoilery, in-depth thoughts on the bosses, lore, and impactful moments from the game. Then, we briefly give our impressions of the latest Nintendo Direct. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Mario Kart World, Fortnite). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed by Christopher Larkin and owned by Team Cherry.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
6:59 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Discussion (SPOILERS)
50:54 - Thoughts On The Nintendo Direct
1:00:07 - Mario Kart World
1:02:53 - Fortnite
Episode 225
Silksong is out and it proves once again that Team Cherry stands at the pinnacle of their craft. We give our (relatively) spoiler-free impressions of the game and gush about the world design, new mechanics, and much more. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Victoria 3). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed by Christopher Larkin and owned by Team Cherry.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
10:47 - Silksong Launch and Initial Thoughts
21:00 - Difficulty and Mechanics
34:47 - Art, Music, and World Design
43:52 - Quests and NPCs
54:01 - Game of the Year?
1:10:42 - Victoria 3
Episode 224
One of the year's most anticipated games, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is imminent! As of this recording, it is two days before the game comes out and we have much to discuss! From the price to the release date to the "controversy" from indie devs around the release - we talk about the fervor surrounding Silksong and how it has immediately become the center of attention. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Victoria 3, Gears of War: Reloaded, Helldivers 2). This episode was recorded in September 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
11:48 - Anticipating Silksong
18:02 - Silksong Development, Pricing, and "Controversy"
45:48 - Connor's Spyro Update
52:12 - Victoria 3
58:42 - Gears of War: Reloaded
1:08:40 - Helldivers 2
Episode 223
Welcome to the first episode of a new series we're launching, "Games of Yesteryear"! In this series, we'll pick a year in the past, debate the best games, and crown a game of the year. We kick it off with one of the greatest years in gaming history, 1998. What was 1998's game of the year? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (MapleStory, Sword of the Sea, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalk
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
And chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
8:30 - Top 16
56:43 - Quarterfinals
1:13:25 - Semifinals
1:27:08 - Finals (Game of the Year 1998)
1:35:06 - Connor's Spyro Project
1:41:12 - MapleStory
1:44:14 - Sword of the Sea
1:49:08 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (SPOILERS)
Episode 222
From sequence breaks to randomizers to bingos, alternative ways to play are a great way to breathe new life into a game. What are some of our favorite ways to play, and what games do we enjoy playing in non-traditional ways? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Monster Hunter Wilds, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6 (Beta)). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalk
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
And chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
6:49 - Playing Games in Non-Traditional Ways
33:39 - Monster Hunter Wilds
48:32 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
54:54 - Battlefield 6 (Beta)
Episode 221
Battlefield is back with a vengeance! We played the highly successful beta and talk about how we enjoyed it and compare it to previous Battlefield entries. We then go on to reflect on other betas we have enjoyed over the years. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Donkey Kong Bananza). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase.
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalk
Or email us at gametalkpodcastofficial@gmail.com
And chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
16:38 - Battlefield 6 Impressions and Battlefield History
55:50 - Thoughts On Betas
1:14:21 - Donkey Kong Bananza
1:19:10 - Dungeon Crawler Carl
Episode 220
It's no secret that we at Gametalk (2/3 of us at least) are huge fans of FromSoft and Hidetaka Miyazaki. Today, we dive into our history with Miyazaki's games, and discuss what makes his projects so special. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Factorio). This episode was recorded in August 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and BlueSky at @PodcastGametalk
Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
8:33 - Dark Souls
19:38 - Demon's Souls and Miyazaki's Earlier Games
28:44 - Dark Souls II and FromSoft DLC
36:24 - Bloodborne
44:12 - Dark Souls III and Déraciné
53:10 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
59:16 - Elden Ring
1:08:00 - The Duskbloods and Miyazaki's Future
1:12:47 - Factorio
Episode 219
We (or at least 2/3 of us) are big fans of Hideo Kojima. Between Metal Gear, Death Stranding, and P.T., he has cemented himself as one of gaming's true auteurs. Today, we dive into our history with Kojima's games, and dissect his unique brand of weird genius. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Abiotic Factor). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and BlueSky at @PodcastGametalk
Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
1:41 - Our Fist Exposure to Kojima
14:04 - Kojima's Older Games and the Konami Fallout
25:42 - "Modern" Kojima
40:17 - Kojima's Quirkiness and his Future Projects
58:40 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
1:01:35 - Donkey Kong Bananza
1:08:39 - Abiotic Factor
Episode 218
In a controversial move, Steam has delisted scores of adult-themed games, spurred by external financial institutions to remove games deemed inappropriate. Is this move justified, or is this a slippery slope to something more sinister? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Warframe, Donkey Kong Bananza). This episode was recorded in July 2025. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase (dylan.robert.chase@gmail.com).
Questions or comments? Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @PodcastGametalk
Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Timestamps:
0:00 - Opening Banter
3:40 - Steam Delists Adult Games / Thoughts on Censorship
40:27 - Warframe
48:53 - Donkey Kong Bananza