Sifu | S1:E8

The Last of Us Part II | S1:E9

The long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us, Part II delivers an experience that no one could have anticipated. Subverting narrative expectations while polishing its survival gameplay to a tee, Naughty Dog Studio released a game that would go down in the annals of game history. Now being adapted into a live-action show on HBO, as well as having received a recent remaster featuring developer commentary, The Last of Us Part II’s legacy lives on. Join Sy and Gabriel as one revists the title, while the other gives their first impressions of this colossal title.

Sifu | S1:E8

Nominated for Best Fighting Game, Best Independent Game, and Best Action Game at the 2022 Game Awards, Sloclap’s post-Absolver title delivers a combat experience that is unrelenting in its presentation. Sifu is the embodiment of “mastery through practice,” as the player follows a protagonist that dedicates their life and martial art to vengeance (and then redemption) against the man who killed their father. In this episode, Sy and Gabriel unpack Sifu’s brutally precise combat system and deep narrative parallels.

Astral Chain | S1:E7

Directed by Takahisa Taura, lead game designer behind Nier: Automata, with supervision by Devil May Cry and Bayonetta series creator Hideki Kamiya, Astral Chain is an action-adventure title released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. The gameplay features a host of powerful legions that the player can utilize as they navigate an inter-dimensional astral plane. As part of their second official game swap, listen in as Gabriel responds to Astral Chain’s design and Sy’s second game recommendation.

Final Fantasy XVI | S1:E6

Hang on to your hats! The 16th main installment of the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XVI underwent 8 years of development persevering through the challenges of COVID-19. Square Enix’s Creative Business Unit III takes a never-before seen approach to fantasy, releasing FFXVI as its first Final Fantasy game with a Mature ESRB rating and a dark fantasy narrative with adult themes. While FFXVI was met with generally favorable reviews, Sy and Gabriel attempt to unpack the lingering feeling of dissatisfaction FFXVI left them with. You’ll simply have to tune in for this wild ride of an episode . . .

GOTY Awards 2024 | S1:E5

A show jam packed with new titles; talented, perseverent developers; and the first annual Game Changer Award, the Game of the Year Awards 2024 was a strong celebration for 2024’s gaming achievements. With a record 154 million livestreams, more gamers and developers tuned into the awards than ever. Join Sy and Gabriel as they break down their highlights, recap great moments from the ceremony, and break down the controversy regarding DLC’s eligibility for candidacy at the Game of the Year Awards.