Video Game Tango

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Mecha Mecca - Steam Next Fest 02/28/2025

Maybe We Should See Other Playstations 02/21/2025

AI 02/07/2025

AI Thank God Uncle Ben isn’t alive to see the PC port of Marvel’s Spider Man 2 because it’s a hot mess! Speaking of hot mess, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth seems to have fixed there’s! Then we answer a voicemail from a viewer about AI in video games! The release of Spider-Man 2 on PC was supposed to be a triumphant moment for Sony, but instead, it quickly became a cautionary tale about the state of modern AAA game launches. Players reported severe optimization issues, crashes, and performance instability, even on top-tier gaming rigs. Reviews flooded in, with many calling the game unplayable, while others acknowledged its potential but urged gamers to wait for patches. Comparisons were drawn to The Last of Us Part Two’s troubled PC release, reinforcing a trend where major studios rush out unfinished products, relying on post-launch fixes instead of delivering a polished experience from the start. While Spider-Man 2 struggles, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth serves as a counterexample of how rapid post-launch support can turn things around. Initially plagued with performance issues, the game received a major patch within two weeks that drastically improved optimization. This led to a broader discussion on whether investors and publishers are pushing developers to release games prematurely. With titles demanding $70 upfront, players are frustrated that they’re often paying for an unfinished product, essentially funding a beta test disguised as a full release. While studios may argue that hardware variability makes perfect optimization difficult, the frequency of these issues suggests deeper systemic problems within the industry. Beyond performance woes, the conversation touched on the increasing role of AI in gaming, particularly in NPC dialogue, procedural content generation, and competitive balancing. AI-powered tools like DLSS are already shaping the way games run, but there are also concerns about AI replacing human developers, artists, and designers. While AI can enhance game development by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing performance, and improving accessibility, its rapid adoption also raises ethical concerns—particularly when it comes to job security and the potential decline of handcrafted artistry. As gaming continues to evolve, the balance between AI-driven efficiency and human creativity will be a defining challenge for the industry. /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/35188125

DOOM, SPIDER-MAN, SEPHIROTH, AND AI 02/02/2025

DOOM, SPIDER-MAN, SEPHIROTH, AND AI This week we’ve got Doom: The Dark Ages and the rest of the XBOX direct showcase Including some Ninja on Ninja action! Spiderman 2 launches on PC right after we finish recording this podcast! Endless Legend 2 might be exactly what you need while you wait for Civilization VII. Speaking of Roman numeral’s, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launched on PC this last week, you don’t have to cast Blizzard to freeze Avalanche in their tracks! Then we talk about Murky Divers, and check our voicemails, which raises the question “What does AI mean for gaming?” - DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage. Players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell. - id Software (, May 14th, 2025) - Be Greater. Together. The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter Parker and Miles Morales into a desperate fight as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect in an exciting chapter of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man franchise on PC. - Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software (, Available Now) - With a mysterious ever-changing world, unique factions and epic storytelling, the much-awaited sequel to the strategy game classic ENDLESS™ Legend is here, opening a new chapter of the award-winning ENDLESS™ universe. - AMPLITUDE Studios (, Coming Soon) - The Unknown Journey Continues... After escaping from the dystopian city of Midgar, Cloud and his friends set out on a journey across the planet. New adventures await in a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry to the FFVII remake trilogy! - Square Enix (, Available Now) - Solo or up to 8 players. Get rid of your employer's failed experiments in abandoned underwater labs. Navigate your submarine, avoid abyssal terrors, and remove all corpses. - Embers (Steam, Available Now) During the podcast, Andy, Nick, and Josh respond to a voicemail from HyphySaiyan about the growing role of AI in the video game industry. They immediately recognize the vastness of the topic, agreeing that it could easily span multiple episodes. AI’s influence isn’t just limited to game development—it’s becoming a part of everyday life, from phone algorithms to even traffic lights. The discussion touches on how AI is already embedded in gaming in ways people might not expect, shaping both development processes and gameplay experiences. Nick playfully warns against the dangers of recursive AI implementation, joking about the possibility of a time bubble ripping open or a gun that fires typewriters, adding a bit of levity to the conversation. Ultimately, the hosts decide to dedicate more time to the topic in their next episode, while still covering any major news. AI’s role in gaming is evolving rapidly, and they’re eager to explore its implications further. /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/35113190

SWITCH 2 GAME ANNOUNCEMENTS! 01/24/2025

SWITCH 2 GAME ANNOUNCEMENTS! War Tales: The Perfect Strategy Escape Discover War Tales, a low-fantasy strategy game blending elements of Dungeons & Dragons, XCOM, and Mount & Blade. Here’s why it’s worth your time: Grim Medieval Charm: Navigate a world of mercenaries, plague, and survival with unique professions like fishing, brewing, and barding. Tactical Combat: Engage in turn-based skirmishes fueled by strategic resource management. Replayability: Explore diverse regions, playstyles, and storylines. Whether you're virtuous or villainous, the choice is yours! While some mechanics feel incomplete, War Tales offers incredible value at under $20, making it a must-try for fans of tactical RPGs. GTA 6: Breaking the Price Ceiling? With GTA 6 rumors in full swing, anticipation builds for a new trailer on January 30th. But there’s a twist—reports suggest a potential price point of $80 to $100. Justified Hike? Rockstar argues its massive scope and development time warrant the premium price. Industry Ripple Effect: Could this normalize higher prices across all AAA titles? Consumer Backlash: Critics point to rising revenues from microtransactions and question the need for costlier base games. While GTA 6 may justify its price tag, its impact on future game pricing remains to be seen. Nintendo Switch 2: Next-Gen Magic Awaits Nintendo fans, rejoice! The Switch 2 promises exciting upgrades and a stellar game library. Here’s what we know so far: Hardware Upgrades: Sleeker design, durable Joy-Cons, a larger LCD screen, and powerful Nvidia Tegra T239 processing. Quality-of-Life Features: Enhanced kickstand, 256GB storage, and DLSS tech for 1080p or 4K gaming. Launch Titles: New exclusives like Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4, plus ports like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Elden Ring. With a rumored price of $300–$400, the Switch 2 balances innovation with affordability, making it a must-watch for Nintendo enthusiasts. #GamingNews #WarTales #GTA6 #NintendoSwitch2 /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/35000540

New Movies and Gaming Tech Announced at CES 2025! 01/11/2025

GTA 7 BILLION, CES, and MARVEL Rivals! 01/03/2025

Valve's Secret Hardware 12/13/2024

Valve's Secret Hardware Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play hero shooter that draws inspiration from Overwatch, featuring 33 Marvel characters such as Squirrel Girl, Moon Knight, and Doctor Doom. The game offers familiar gameplay mechanics like payload delivery and point defense but introduces unique elements like destructible maps and team-up powers, where characters like Rocket Raccoon gain tactical advantages when paired with Groot. While the game shares a similar feel to Overwatch, it also adds fresh mechanics, such as interactive map elements, to keep gameplay engaging. Although there are some criticisms around tank mechanics and balancing, players get all characters upfront, and the battle pass is affordably priced at $5. The Guys expressed excitement about the game’s nostalgic appeal and innovative Marvel-themed features. While acknowledging concerns like high cosmetic costs and early balancing issues, they agreed that Marvel Rivals is worth trying due to its accessible, free-to-play model and dynamic gameplay. They plan to delve deeper into the game and share more detailed impressions after further playtime, showcasing their optimism despite the few growing pains the game is experiencing. The discussion also covered rumors and speculation regarding Valve’s potential new hardware, including a new VR headset and controller. Based on data mining and industry leaks, Valve seems to be ramping up its hardware initiatives, likely to capitalize on its strong presence in PC gaming through Steam. As Steam continues to break concurrent player records, fueled by major game releases, Valve’s focus on expanding its hardware catalog may further strengthen its position in the market. The success of the Steam Deck and Index VR headset indicates a growing demand for portable and immersive gaming devices. Valve’s potential move into dedicated gaming consoles was also explored, with leaks suggesting a new device featuring a built-in GPU, hinting at a shift from the Steam Deck model. Coupled with the development of SteamOS 3, new controllers, and third-party peripheral assets, Valve seems poised to expand beyond just software into a full-fledged hardware ecosystem. This push could position Valve as a competitive force in the console market, challenging the dominance of Sony and Microsoft with a more affordable, Steam-integrated alternative. The growing popularity of PC gaming and Valve’s focus on user-friendly experiences suggest that the company could disrupt the market with a new console offering at a lower price point. /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/34427050

Indy Games & System Requirements 12/07/2024

Indy Games & System Requirements Summary provided by summarization of the YouTube transcript, generated by ChatGPT, reviewed by Andy For the full show notes check out the blog at Video Game Tango! --- https://www.videogametango.com --- Indiana Jones Game and High PC Requirements The guys expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Indiana Jones game, but the discussion quickly shifted to concerns over its demanding PC specs. The game requires an Intel i7 10700K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16–32GB of RAM, and high-end GPUs like the RTX 2060 or RX 6600, even for minimum settings. For ultra settings, players would need top-tier GPUs like the RTX 4080. The high system requirements are seen as indicative of poor optimization. Comparisons were drawn to Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, with Red Dead praised for its visuals and optimization despite being older. Frustration was voiced about the increasing trend of prioritizing hardware power over optimization. Blizzard Updates – Warcraft and WoW Additional updates from Blizzard included news about Warcraft 1 & 2 remakes and player housing in World of Warcraft. Warcraft 1 & 2 are being remastered with higher resolutions and updated art. However, the original versions are being removed from platforms like GOG, sparking criticism. Blizzard announced that World of Warcraft would finally introduce long-requested player housing, although details are scarce. The discussion touched on GOG's legacy of successful optimization and their approach to preserving classic games for modern audiences. Updates on AAA Gaming Bubble and Laura Frier’s Commentary Laura Frier, a former executive in the gaming industry, was discussed for her YouTube videos analyzing the AAA gaming space. Her videos touch on key issues like the mismanagement of major projects, "toxic positivity", and the industry’s inability to align with gamer feedback. She criticizes AAA studios for not listening to gamers and instead relying on overly positive reviews from gaming media. The conversation also delved into societal issues like backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in gaming. Toxic masculinity and resistance to changes in the gaming industry were highlighted as ongoing challenges. Ubisoft’s Decline and X Defiant Cancellation The guys discussed Ubisoft’s decision to discontinue development on X Defiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter, due to poor market performance and profitability concerns. Ubisoft also shut down production studios in San Francisco, Osaka, and Sydney, with layoffs affecting 150 employees. The company’s ongoing struggles were attributed to over-reliance on the games-as-a-service model, which is unpopular with many gamers. Broader criticism of Ubisoft included the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws and declining investor confidence, with their stock losing half its value in 2023. Intel’s New Graphics Cards (Battle Mage Series) Intel’s upcoming line of Arc graphics cards, code-named Battle Mage, was introduced as a potential disruptor in the graphics card market. The B570 and B580 models aim to compete with Nvidia’s RTX 4060 at significantly lower prices. The B580 could offer a 10–40% performance boost over the RTX 4060 while being $100–$150 cheaper. These cards are targeted at the mid-tier budget market, making PC gaming more accessible. The guys expressed hope for Intel’s success to increase competition in the GPU space and lower inflated prices. Indie Game Spotlight – Gnomes A unique indie game called Gnomes was highlighted for its creative mix of gameplay styles. Gnomes is a tower-defense game with roguelike elements and strategic resource management. Players build gnome villages while defending against waves of invading goblins. The game features a modular map system, synergies between different upgrades, and quirky aesthetics. Gameplay blends elements of Lemmings (UI), Loop Hero (strategic loop mechanics), and Luck Be a Landlord (meta-progression and upgrades). The guys praised the game’s demo for its balance, fun mechanics, and whimsical vibe. They encouraged players to try the free demo available on Steam and speculated on a release within the coming months. Broader Gaming Industry Trends and Community Plans The discussion concluded with reflections on the gaming industry’s struggles with innovation, reliance on PR over quality, and the need for more competition. The guys expressed nostalgia for the golden age of gaming when the market offered more diverse and polished titles. They plan to stream the PC Gaming Show on December 5th and the Game Awards on December 12th. Social games like Jackbox may be hosted during the holidays for friends and community members alike! /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/34323865

EVERYTHING IS ASTRO BOT 11/22/2024

EVERYTHING IS ASTRO BOT Arcane Season 2 is a worthy continuation of the critically acclaimed first season, though it struggles to fully match its predecessor's brilliance. Season 1, celebrated as perhaps the greatest video game adaptation ever, captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and world-building. Season 2 builds on this foundation but stumbles with its hurried pacing, an overload of new characters, and reliance on montages that dilute emotional depth and scene development. Despite these flaws, the season shines through breathtaking visuals, an even more impressive soundtrack, and deeper integrations of League of Legends lore. Longtime fans of the franchise may find this chapter even more rewarding, as it enriches the universe with polished animation and memorable moments. While Season 2 feels overshadowed by the excellence of the first, it remains a triumph of storytelling and animation, ensuring its place as a must-watch for both fans and newcomers. Citizen Sleeper is a narrative-driven sci-fi RPG that blends tabletop mechanics with a deep, emotionally engaging story. You play as an escaped android worker struggling to survive on a lawless space station while evading hunters. Inspired by tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), its gameplay revolves around time-sensitive actions and resource management, using mechanics like clocks from Blades in the Dark. Each decision carries weight, with a palpable sense of pressure as you navigate the station's challenges. The game stands out for its excellent writing, where relationships with NPCs evolve dynamically, and decisions can lead to betrayal or blackmail. The mechanics are simple, letting players focus on impactful choices while the narrative explores themes like survival in a hypercapitalist society. The aesthetic combines a retro-futuristic vibe with striking character art reminiscent of Kill Six Billion Demons. Developed by Gareth Damian Martin, Citizen Sleeper offers 6–10 hours of gameplay, with plenty of replayability. Though multiple endings are possible, the richness of each playthrough makes even a single experience deeply satisfying. A sequel is planned for release next year, building anticipation for more from this thoughtful and immersive series. The Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct celebrated the franchise's legacy with exciting updates across its games. World of Warcraft marked its 20th anniversary with new events, rewards, and expansions like The War Within and Season of Discovery. Classic players can anticipate Mists of Pandaria Classic in 2025 and nostalgic content from Cataclysm Classic. Hearthstone unveiled expansions exploring the Emerald Dream, Un’Goro Crater, and alternate-reality adventures, while Warcraft Rumble introduced “split Leaders” and announced a PC beta. Charitable efforts included the Reven Pack to support CureDuchenne. The event teased more updates, keeping fans eager for the franchise's future. Meanwhile, the Video Game Tango team expressed mixed feelings about The Game Awards. They enjoy the show’s game reveals and announcements but critique the awards as often favoring popularity over merit. In their latest episode, Andy, Nick, and Josh dissect nominees for categories like Game of the Year and Best Multiplayer Game, offering insights on the awards' strengths and shortcomings. Despite criticisms, they agree the spectacle is worth watching. /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/34112151

WE HAVE TO STOP THEM! 11/01/2024

The Good, the Bad, and the Next Fest 10/25/2024

The Good, the Bad, and the Next Fest We’re digging deep into Steam’s Next Fest with As We Descend, Tinkerlands, and Permafrost! Sony has announced the release date for the launch of Spider-Man 2 on PC! Netflix closes its studio: Codename Blue before they ever put out a game, 343 Studios is now Halo Studios, and it looks like Combat is being Evolved again, but this time in Unreal Engine 5! And then we wrap things up with DayZ Frostline! - The roguelike deckbuilder with the soul of a strategy game. Recruit and upgrade your forces. Deploy them to counter monstrous foes in card-slinging battles. Play your cards carefully in the treacherous city. Against all odds, will you bear the torch of humanity? - Box Dragon (, TBA, Demo Available) (PC) - Be Greater. Together. The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter Parker and Miles Morales into a desperate fight as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect in an exciting chapter of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man franchise on PC. (, January 30th 2025) - Embark on a brutal journey of survival in a perpetual winter. Hunt and gather resources for building and utilize deep survival mechanics to craft your way through a harsh, unforgiving landscape. Forge alliances or dominate the remnants of humanity in this chilling open world saga. (, TBA 2025, Demo Available) - Explore, craft, and fight your way on the uncharted islands solo or in co-op! Tinkerlands is an exciting survival adventure where you will build your settlement, craft useful tools to survive, and even use magic! - (, TBA, Demo Available) - Article by Forbes - YouTube - Article by GameRant - How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story. - Bohemia Interactive (, , ) /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/33609982

DRAGON BALL Sparking! ZERO 10/11/2024

DRAGON BALL Sparking! ZERO In the grim darkness of far future there is only quarterly profits and our opinions on Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader! After 14 years Red Dead Redemption finally escorts it’s cattle onto PC! Then we comment on comments! Next, Little Red Riding Hood’s got a shotgun! That’s Ravenswatch! Then Discord is issued the ban hammer in Russia and Turkey! After that our power level’s all reach above 9000 with DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO! And we deeply fear Mouthwashing. - Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games, developers of the critically acclaimed game, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. - Owlcat Games (, available now) - Article by IGN - Experience the story of former outlaw John Marston as he tracks down the last remaining members of the notorious Van der Linde Gang in the PC debut of the critically acclaimed predecessor to Red Dead Redemption 2. - Rockstar Games, Double Eleven (, Available October 29th) “” - Source of comments for discussion on this weeks episode. - The Forever Winter is a co-op tactical survival horror shooter where you and your squad must loot the dead to survive under the shadow of terrifying and gargantuan war machines locked in a never-ending conflict. - Fun Dog Studios (, Early Access) - Fallen heroes of old folk tales and legends: you are on the verge of a crucial battle against the Nightmare invading and corrupting your world. A roguelike action game from the creators of Curse of the Dead Gods©, playable solo or in online co-op. - (, available now) - DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels. Make yours the destructive power of the strongest fighters ever to appear in DRAGON BALL! - Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. (, , ) - The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching. - Wrong Organ (, available now) /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/33416507

It's Gonna Be a Long Winter 09/27/2024

New Consoles are Coming! 09/20/2024

We don't talk about the Minecraft movie 09/06/2024

The War Within 08/30/2024

The Gamescom K-Hole 08/24/2024

It's Time to Talk Half-Life 3 08/16/2024

Throne and Liberty Kills the MMO 07/26/2024

About the Ban 06/28/2024

Brothershippin' 06/21/2024

THE BIGGEST 06/15/2024

THE BIGGEST If your’e a fan of words like Indie, Doom, Gears, Metal, Battle, Mecha, Tactics, Aces, Dark, Darker, and Flintlock, then this is the show for you! Kick back and relax as we discuss some choice favorites, and some controversial showcases from Summer Game Fest and Steam Next Fest! - Screenbound is a game about being distracted, but totally in control. Crescent Moon Games, Those Dang Games (, TBA) - In Tactical Breach Wizards, you lead a team of renegade wizards in kevlar through turn-based battles to unravel a modern conspiracy plot. Combine their unique spells in clever ways, or rewind time to try every crazy plan you can think of to punch a Traffic Warlock through a 4th story window. - Suspicious Developments Inc. (, Demo Available, Planned Release Date August 22nd 2024) - Welcome to a fast paced and action-oriented real time strategy game where you defend your base, advance your tech and attack the enemy’s core. Customize your Unit Deck by deploying strategic compositions and fight your way to become one of the best-in-class drone pilots, known as Battle Aces! - Uncapped Games (, Coming Soon) - An unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure. Band together with your friends and use your courage, wits, and cunning to uncover mythical treasures, defeat gruesome monsters, while staying one step ahead of the other devious treasure-hunters. - IRONMACE (, Free to Play, Early Access) - The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! Full reveal of its exciting new features coming August 2024. - Firaxis Games (, 2025) - Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes. - Saber Games (, September 9th 2024) - Mecha BREAK is a multiplayer mech game that allows players to choose from diverse mechs, customize appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain. Get ready for the ultimate showdown—blitz, brawl, blaze! - Amazing Seasun (, TBA) - From games studio A44, makers of Ashen, comes an explosive Souls-lite, where Gods and guns collide in a battle for the future of humanity. - A44 Games (, PS5, XBOX Series, July 18th 2024, Demo Available Now) - Explore an emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. Play as Jan Dolski, a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly. - 11 bit studios (, PS5, XBOX Series, 2024, Demo Available Now) - Soar the skies in Aloft, the co-op sandbox survival game set in a world of floating islands. Build any island into a skyship, your home in the clouds. Find lost knowledge, cure the fungal corruption, and brave the hurricane to restore the ecosystem. - Astrolabe Interactive Inc. (, Q3 2024, Demo Available Now) Gears of War E-Day - Perfect Dark - Doom: The Dark Ages - Metal Gear Solid Delta - Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - , Releases November 19th 2024 Stalker 2 - , Releases September 25th 2024 Fallout 76: Skyline Valley Expansion - , June 12th 2024 World of Warcraft: The War Within - , August 26th 2024 The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road - , June 18th 2024 for Consoles Sea of Thieves Season 13 - , July 25th 2024 Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred - , October 8th 2024 /episode/index/show/balconytimepodcast/id/31754737

THE BIGGEST 06/15/2024

HOW MANY NEW GAME ANNOUNCEMENTS!? 06/07/2024

PS5 ON PC AND TWITCH PLAYS! 05/31/2024

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