Level 857 - Video Game Podcast

We’re looking ahead to the future of gaming! In this episode, we share our bold predictions for what 2026 might bring across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the industry and beyond!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-387: What’s Next for Gaming? The Time Has Come For 2026 Predictions!00:00 - Intro03:16 - Al played Terminator 2D No Fate07:56 - Choc played Marvel Rivals, Clair Obscur Expedition 3315:11 - Turb played Ace Attorney Investigations, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection 1&221:28 - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 428:38 - Stal played Absolum29:46 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Celeste41:50 - Talking Point: With Expedition 33 Winning Best Indie Game, What Does 'Indie' Mean to You?49:08 - Xbox U.S. Console Unit Sales Just Reached an All-Time November Low49:50 - Larian publishing lead says Divinity dev is not "the ideal target" for your AI outrage57:09 - What’s Next for Gaming? The Time Has Come For 2026 Predictions! P11:24:02 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder1:25:23 - What

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-386: Chillin and Chattin! - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - The Messenger - Netflix Considers Warner Bros. Games To Be Pretty Much Worthless - Skyrim’s Nintendo Switch 2 Port Faces Backlash From Fans - Games Played Discussion - Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Neon Inferno - - Choc played Marvel Rivals, Claire Obscure Expedition 33 - Stal played Claire Obscure Expedition 33 - Turb played Metroid Prime 4, Sonic Racing Crossworlds - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 4If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD***Special sh

We break down our picks and predictions for each major category at the 2025 Game Awards! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-385: Our Shocking Predictions for the 2025 Game Awards!00:00 - Intro02:41- Games Played Discussion - Absolum, Double Dragon Revive10:20 - Stal played Claire Obscure Expedition 33, Marvel Cosmic Invasion19:58 - Al played Assassins Creed Shadow22:53 - Choc played Street Fighter 6, Ninja Gaiden 4, Marvel Rivals28:30 - Turb played Final Fantasy Tactics, Octopath Traveler 035:58 - Stikz played Burnout Revenge, Guitaroo man44:48 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - My Friend Pedro49:14 - Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners1:21:05 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder1:23:21 - Our Shocking Predictions for the 2025 Game Awards!2:37:05 - Game Giveaway Winner AnnouncementIf you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/R

We’re revisiting the golden age of 8-bit gaming to rank Capcom’s entire NES lineup! From timeless hits to forgotten experiments, we’re debating which classics still hold up and which fall short in our ultimate tier list showdown!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-384: Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES Capcom Game Tier List!00:00 - Intro03:04 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Katana Zero05:53 - Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES Capcom Game Tier List!If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especiall

We dive into the exciting world of video game creativity as we compare fan-made passion projects to official developer releases! From community-driven remakes and inspired reimaginings to big-budget sequels and reboots, we explore which ones capture the true spirit of gaming. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-383: Fan Games vs. Official Releases: Who Did It Better?00:00 - Intro02:04 - Games Played Discussion - Absolum06:58 - Al played Claire Obscure Expedition 33, Luminous13:29 - Choc played Street Fighter 6, Marvel Rivals20:52- Turb played Donkey Kong (Game Boy), Final Fantasy Tactics27:30 - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 4, Ridge Racer (PSP)35:27 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Vernal Edge, Dark Deity 46:13 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Cyber Shadow49:42 - Survey reveals more players in the US and UK prefer single-player games over multiplayer56:44 - Rumor: Rockstar Could Be Considering Switch 2 Port of GTA 61:01:09 - The first official photos from The Legend of Zelda live-action movie have been publ

We dive into the debate surrounding modern game remakes... are they revitalizing classic experiences or holding back innovation? From nostalgia-fueled reimaginings to one-to-one remasters, we explore whether the remake trend is helping or hurting the industry.Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-382: Do Video Game Remakes Promote or Stifle Creativity?00:00 - Intro03:57 - Al played Jitsu Squad, Claire Obscure Expedition 3311:15 - Choc played Smash Ultimate, Marvel Rivals17:00 - Turb played Kirby Forgotten Lamd NS2 Edition + StarCrossed World22:57 - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 430:20 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor38:37 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap47:19 - Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser Says Red Dead Redemption 3 'Will Probably Happen' and He'd Feel a Bit Sad About It 'Because It Was a Cohesive Two-Game Arc'57:04 - GTA 6 Is Delayed Again Until November 20261:02:08 - Halo Infinite's Next Major Update Will Be Its Last So Halo Studios Can Focus on 

We call out and breakdown the games that launched as buggy messes but became beloved masterpieces, thanks to the dedication of hardworking, tenacious developers! Stick around as we sound off on this week’s biggest gaming headlines and share what’s been keeping our controllers busy!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-381: Broken at Launch: Games That Got Good After Release00:00 - Intro05:02 - Games Played Discussion - Double Dragon Revive, Army of 2: 40th Day21:09 - Al played Claire Obscure expedition 33, Ninja Gaiden 434:01 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 remake, Marvel Rivals Zombie, Ghost of Yotei44:22 - Turb played Final Fantasy Tactics, Hollow Knight Silksong56:58 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West1:02:56 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor1:14:10 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Hollow Knight1:19:26 - Halo: Campaign Evolved Is the Final Nail in the Coffin for the Xbox Exclusive — but in Truth the PS5 Version Comes as No Surprise1:28:38 - We asked Phil Spencer about the "Xbox's Next Console&qu

We dive into the dark to rank the most iconic horror game series ever made in our very own tier list!

Local multiplayer is making a huge comeback! This week, we dive into why couch co-op experiences are resurging in popularity, what modern games are doing right, and why playing side-by-side still hits differently than online!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-379: The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback?00:00 - Intro05:06 - Games Played Discussion07:20 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei, Marvel Rivals17:31 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West25:09 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Absolum36:50 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Pico Park 1 + 241:08 - Marvel Rivals' First Ever PvE Mode Is Based on the Marvel Zombies Disney+ Show46:57 - Resident Evil Zero Remake Reportedly Aiming For 2028 Release, With Guardians of the Galaxy Video Game Actor On Board53:31 - Warner Bros. Discovery Mulls Outright Sale, Citing Interest From Multiple Buyers1:05:02 - The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback? Part 11:43:05 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Remin

As we bear witness to gaming's price of admission becoming more expensive, we explore how profit-driven tactics from major publishers have reshaped the industry and determine if corporate greed is destroying the passion and creativity that once defined gaming.Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-378: Has Corporate Greed Ruined Modern Gaming?00:00 - Intro04:46 - Game Giveaway Winner Announcement05:36 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Abathor09:30 - Games Played Discussion - Heroes of Mount Dragon11:18 - Al played Adventure of Samsara, Gears 5, Perfect Diamond18:03 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei, Marvel Rivals27:49 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West31:28 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Absolum39:17 - US Gamers Aren’t Buying Video Games Anymore, New Study Reveals51:12 - Has Corporate Greed Ruined Modern Gaming?If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/fa

This week, we dive into the biggest gaming showcases of the season with our full Tokyo Game Show 2025 recap and reactions to the latest Sony State of Play! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-377: Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better Show?00:00 - Intro03:04 - Games Played Discussion - Absolum, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Heroes of Mount Dragon, Iron Meat17:04 - Al played Adventure of Samsara21:45 - Choc played Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei31:09 - Stikz played Donkey Kong Bananza, Horizon Forbidden West39:47 - Stal played Shinobi: Art of Vengeance47:09 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Ready Steady Ship51:50 - There Is No Good Reason To Buy An Xbox Anymore1:01:20 - Costco removing Xbox stock1:04:04 - Doug Bowser retiring from Nintendo of America1:09:17 - Electronic Arts to Go Private in $55 Billion Deal1:14:39 - Microsoft Has Delayed Its Pricey Xbox Game Pass Subscription Increase In Multiple Countries1:22:38 - Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better

From Castlevania and Contra, we’re diving into Konami's best and worst, 8-bit classics that helped define the NES era! Which games still hold up as timeless masterpieces and which ones deserve to be left in the past? Find out as we build The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-376: We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List!00:00 - Intro03:45 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - It Takes Two09:43 - We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List! Part 11:35:17 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder1:37:34 - We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List! Part 2If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www

The Nintendo Direct 9.12.25 was packed with surprises so we're sharing our personal thoughts after we breakdown the best and the worst among what was announced!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-375: We Breakdown the Best and Worst of 9.12.25's Nintendo Direct!00:00 - Intro05:11 - Games Played Discussion 05:20 - Choc played Street Fighter 609:18 - Al played Army of Two: 40th Day15:35 - Stikz played Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Bros. Remastered23:03 - Al played Blueprints27:08 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Contra: Operation Galuga31:38 - Nintendo DS Games May Be Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Soon41:40 - Latest Pokémon Patent Designed to Kill Palworld & Every Knockoff For Good48:52 - Atari launched its own Metroidvania on the same day as Silksong, but it’s only hit 12 concurrent players on Steam57:55 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder1:02:03 - Nintendo Direct 9.12.25 Full BreakdownIf you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways

We dive into the worst parts of our favorite games, highlighting the mechanics, levels, and design choices that almost ruin otherwise amazing experiences!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-374: What Are The Worst Parts of Your Favorite Games?00:00 - Intro04:10 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Crystal Crisis09:51 - Games Played Discussion - Fallen City Brawl14:34 - Al played Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Ruffy and the Riverside24:04 - Choc played Smash Ultimate, Mecha Break, Vampire Survivor33:19 - Stikz played Shinobi Art of Vengence, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Donkey Kong Bananza45:36 - Stal played Dark Deity 2, State of Decay 255:39 - Hollow Knight: Silksong's Release Has Broken Steam, Xbox, And the Nintendo eShop 1:03:40 - Helldivers 2 split-screen co-op is “technically feasible,” says CEO — 8-player mode would be “cool but messy”1:10:01 - Sophie Turner confirmed as Lara Croft in upcoming Prime Video new series Tomb Raider 1:19:16 - Sega’s Tokyo Game Show 2025 plans include four mystery games 1:24:40 - Break

We're joined by Radical Reggie once again but this time we answer all of your gaming questions live and discuss the games played, current events in gaming and everything game related.Radical Reggie's a renowned and well respected YouTube Gaming content creator, avid retro game collector, and former army vet, who's success has taken him from commercials to starring in his very own video game! In addition to sharing a background arena with us in Retromania Wrestling (https://www.retromaniawrestling.com), he's also affiliated with likeminded radically charged game enthusiasts as a member of the Metal Jesus Crew and game review click, Media Glitch!To keep up-to-date with the latest developments from Radical Reggie, check out his links below:https://www.youtube.com/@The_RadicalOnehttps://www.tiktok.com/@radicalreggie1?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/the_official_radicalreggiehttps://www.patreon.com/ReggieRadicalhttps://www.twitch.tv/radicalreggiehttps://twitter.com/Radical_Reggiehttps://www.linktr

We rank gaming’s biggest one-hit wonders, the ambitious titles that came out swinging but never got a sequel! From cult classics like Heavenly Sword and L.A. Noire to forgotten experiments like Rockstar Table Tennis, we break down which games still hold up and which ones deserve to stay in the past.Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-372: Epic Mainstream Video Game One-Hit Wonder Tier List!00:00 - Intro03:27 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Oxyjet06:12 - Epic Mainstream One-Hit Wonder Tier List!If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership (4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD*

Mike Wells, indie dev of the hard-hitting, upcoming retro-inspired beat'em up Fallen City Brawl, joins us for an inside look at what makes this gritty, hand-drawn brawler a must-play for fans of the genre! If you’re into arcade-style beat 'em ups or love supporting passionate indie devs, this is a game you’ll want on your radar and an episode you won’t wanna miss!To stay updated with the latest developments from Fallen City Brawl, check out his links below:

We’re putting the biggest open world game franchises to the test… from sprawling action RPGs to chaotic sandboxes… and ranking them once and for all in our ultimate AAA open world franchise tier list! Which series are genre defining legends, and which ones never lived up to the hype? Let’s tier up!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-370: The Ultimate AAA Open World Franchise Tier List00:00 - Intro06:14 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Among Us15:00 - The Ultimate Triple A Open World Franchise Tier ListIf you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Z

Before the Genesis took off, Sega had already entered the console war with the 8-bit powerhouse known as the Master System. In this episode, we dive into its underrated library, surprising innovations, and why this forgotten console still holds up today!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-369: Why the Sega Master System Deserves More Respect!00:00 - Intro04:28 - Games Played Discussion - Helldivers 211:54 - Choc played Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, Robocop Rogue City17:44 - Stikz played Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Donkey Kong Bananza26:55 - Turb played Donkey Kong Bananza35:52 - Stal played Portrait of Ruin, Dawn of Sorrow, Fallen City Brawl44:51 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Bombfest48:55 - Analogue's 4K-ready Nintendo 64 remake ships this August56:44 - Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake will launch 'very soon,' Ubisoft exec says, but he also namedropped Splinter Cell for no apparent reason so maybe he's still just messing with us1:05:44 - A New Fire Emblem Sequel Is Seemingly In Develop

We dive into the growing debate: Is AAA gaming in trouble? And talk about what indie developers are doing right that big-budget studios keep getting wrong!Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-368: Is AAA Gaming in Trouble? What Indies Are Doing Right That Big Studios Aren’t00:00 - Intro04:22 - Games Played Discussion - Marvel Rivals09:02 - Al played Helldivers 2, Suit For Hire15:53 - Choc played Smash Bros Ultimate18:35 - Stikz played Granblue Fantasy24:57 - Stal played Castlevania Portrait of Ruin31:32 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - CD-RUN36:27 - The Switch 2 is the perfect example of why console launches don’t feel special anymore48:02 - GTA 6 rumored Lucia actor deletes social media, and we all know why54:26 - Ken Looks Wild In Fatal Fury City of the Wolves58:15 - Nintendo Confirms Actors Set to Play Link and Zelda in Live-Action The Legend of Zelda Film1:05:10 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder1:10:00 - Is AAA Gaming in Trouble? What Indies Are Doing Right That Big Studios Aren’tIf you enjoyed the podc