Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

But can it run Doom? Join us for our first impressions on the Nintendo Switch 2, the long awaited sequel to the Nintendo Switch. With so many cool new features and a highly premium feel, this is one of the greatest console releases of all time. And what's a console without a fantastic launch title? We've got some thoughts on the incredible Mario Kart World. Just think, that's only half the episode, because there was also a State of Play and the Summer Game Fest show. It's "Not-E3" week on a whole other level! Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The A-Team of our day. A pair of two modern Doom games highlight this week's foray into FPS madness. First up, Doom 2016 brings us into the modern Doom era with a memorable and frantic campaign that started this whole new trilogy and is a true classic in every sense of the word. After that, we return to the Dark Ages with a completed campaign and some comparisons between 2016 and Eternal - the most different one of all. So many set pieces, so many crazy weapons, and more enemies than you can possibly fathom, this is, indeed, a Doom episode. Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Biker Mice From Mars, seriously. Join us as we discuss some closing thoughts on this initial run through Rockstar's Bully, including mechanics, the open world, and more. After that, we finally dive into Balatro, where the deck can and will be broken almost immediately. Synergies, strategies, and the luck or lack of luck that can destroy your run highlight this chill (yet addictive) roguelike. Plus, we're still counting down to the Switch 2 launch with some thoughts on Nintendo's new Game Chat feature. Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Medieval Doom featuring spaceships and robots. Let's introduce a few games here. First, comes Doom: The Dark Ages, id's new prequel to Doom 2016 and its sequel, the legendary Doom Eternal. It's a game that takes a little of what makes the others so good and gives it a unique identity, primarily from its incredible new shield mechanic. And then we take you back to the PS2 glory days with Rockstar's Bully, one of the company's more interesting takes. We've also got a thought or two on game key cards as the countdown to the Switch 2 continues! Check out our BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap!

Every good show has a season in space. Welcome to the third season of Markers on the Map! If you're new to the show, we set the stage each season with some lore, and delve into this constantly-shifting game industry, from the latest and greatest to the almighty classics that paved the way. This week, we've got Switch 2 pre-order stories, some familiar season premiere Fall Guys talk, and the return of a classic segment for a limited time. And Plok. We can't forget Plok! We're also on BlueSky if you'd like to keep up with the show @MarkersOnTheMap.

"The truth will set you free... and Knuckles." The season two finale of Markers on the Map is a celebration of some of the finest games to ever be released. But first, the biggest ever lore cutscene reveals just what happened on all of those fateful days, tying up loose ends, and finally bringing us to a brave new era. Twists, turns, and revelations abound as we head into the unknown. And then, we kick off this milestone episode with some reminiscing and some Monster Hunter Wilds. And in true season finale fashion, we discuss a couple of secret games, some of our absolute favorites. Full spoilers, full specials, and some of our most in-depth commentary on these two absolute classics are here in this legendary episode. A new season is coming, and you can always keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Gamekeeper here with a very special Tale from the Map. There lived an architect of games known as Dream, who one day found herself face-to-face with an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. This fearsome foe threatened to change the course of history as we know it, but Dream overcame this entity, and the world moved forward just as my brother's eyes foresaw. The big three existed in harmony, and total console war was prevented. A great new pirate game and a wonderful film are just the start in this strange little story I like to call, 'Alternate History,' which starts a little something like this... oh, and I'd be remiss not to let you know that @MarkersOnTheMap is on BlueSky."

“There was once a suburb called Gameland.” Over the course of nearly 200 episodes, the story of this fictional city has been the backdrop of Markers on the Map. A living, breathing world that is the stage that our gaming discussion and news takes place in. And what's a world without its lore? Over the first two seasons, we've had many cutscenes placed into the episodes that shed a little light on this fictional universe. For this one-time special, all of the cutscenes up to this point are here in one convenient place on the road to the epic scenes of the next two episodes. It's the first part of our season two finale, and the closest a podcast can get to “All Cutscenes 4K 60FPS.” Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

And one more thing... and another! This week, it's a classic "we've got so many things to talk about" episode that usually ends up coming out around the time we head into special episodes. So join us for a big catching-up hour where we delve not too deeply into Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC, Need for Speed Most Wanted, Tomb Raider, Jedi Power Battles, Prince of Persia for the SNES, Pikmin 1, and more... even Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, believe it or not. And since we've got some special episodes coming up, we've got three outfits to rate in Pokemon Drip! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The Delightful Game from 2008. This week, we're taking a look at Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, an updated version of one of the all-time great action games. A remaster that looks completely modern while playing like those mid-2000s action games we just don't get nowadays. We're also wrapping up a current playthrough of San Andreas with some final thoughts. After that, a big State of Play happened with tons of updates on things like Borderlands 4, Metal Gear Solid Delta, and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, along with some new reveals like Housemarque's Saros. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Raziel. CJ. Games together strong. This week, we're heading back to the world of Nosgoth through three time periods as we explore the world of The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2. Bigger puzzles, different combat, and an... interesting save system are all present as the lore gets deeper. And then, we return to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for more thoughts on CJ's adventures in Los Santos along with some of the game's defining features. Plus, a discussion on games we only wish we could love and some thoughts on Marvel Rivals. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Ah, Raziel... here we go again. Join us for some classics this week, as we dive deep into The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Remastered and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. One game sees a vampire battling against monsters and puzzles in the late-PS1 and Dreamcast era, and the other sees the refinement of the work Rockstar began years before in the early to mid-PS2 era. Both feature gripping stories with some fantastic performances, and both, as you'll hear, are very fun to talk about. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

A metaphor is not when it's "like" a good game, it's when it "is" a good game, and let us tell you, it is, in fact, multiple good games. The top games we both played last year include classics and modern games on a grand scale. A whole different hemisphere. A whole different world - shadow creatures, creatures hiding in shadows, and even a playable one. The sequel to a genre architect, improving it in every way, and the remake of a sequel beloved by so many. A pastiche platformer of a palatable plate and a little blue bot that ties it all together - it's the best games we played in 2024. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

We're gonna take you for a ride with this year's Top 10 Plays. So get ready to dive on in. The games we've selected are stellar, and gaming has definitely been reborn - or so some people say when the next great game drops. So don't get left behind, and get the ball rolling with us on the greatest games we played in 2024, be they old or new, reloaded, risen, or rushed. And have no fear, haunted or not, these picks are all delightful in their own way. That about covers all 10 games we talk about in this week's 10-6. Listen on in to find out just what they are! And we can't just ignore the Switch 2, can we? Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Rudolph's New Years Revolution. Once again, all references to real people or real games in this special are fictional. And what a special it is, as we take a look at one of gaming's finest achievements to wave goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025 with style. A legendary masterpiece in not only gaming, but media in general - a story for the ages, that inspired so much long, long after it. Yes, it's an RPG with the power of kings, and we're not talking about Metaphor. Happy New Year from Markers on the Map! We will be back with new episodes on January 22nd! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Commerce. The Gameland Christmas Toy Catalog 2024 is a fictional catalog featuring items that actually do not exist from games that have been played in the year 2024. It is found in the mailboxes of the fictional town of Gameland this Christmas, and is a great guide for all Gameland citizens' Christmas needs. Looking for gifts for the family? The catalog has you covered. How about friends? The catalog will deliver. And how about a little something for yourself? The catalog will undoubtably find a way. Items within the catalog include, but are not limited to pieces from Alan Wake 2, Silent Hill 2, Metaphor, Zelda, Pizza Tower, and a whole lot more. Merry Christmas from Markers on the Map! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Been a while since we had a fun title like that, but this week calls for it, as we're talking about a ton of games! We've got an overview of Alan Wake 2 - with a few spoilers on mechanics and DLC. We've got the recently-played triple threat of Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, Astro Bot, and Super Mario Party Jamboree in here, too. And, at long last, Darksiders 2. But the fun doesn't stop there, because Turok Evolution is here, Marvel Rivals is here, and a new battle pass mental health check-in is here. It's a packed episode! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Are we just the GameBoy version of Game Country? This week, we take a look at the categories for this year's Game Awards, and discuss what we want to win, and what we think will end up winning when all is said and done. From mega hits like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Astro Bot, to stunning surprises like Balatro, and even upsetting snubs like Infinite Wealth and Silent Hill 2, this is going to go down as one of the most interesting Game Awards in recent memory. Also, don't miss the premiere of Pokemon Drip: Scarlet and Violet at the end of the episode! And have a Happy Thanksgiving! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The dual screen gaming odyssey is here. This week, join us for a new installment of our Launch Lineup episodes, where we're taking an in-depth look at the rollout of Nintendo DS games, 20 years after the console released. It's a strange, small, and staggered release with a few major highs and some devastatingly lame lows (looking at you, Robots). The next generation of handheld gaming is here as mobile games have yet to truly take over. It's a simpler time, with the Nintendo DS, with comforts like PictoChat and Mario Kart DS keeping us entertained for weeks and years to come. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Back to our regularly scheduled everything. This week, we've got one our classic episodes where we talk about a ton of stuff we've been playing. This time, it's some closing, spoiler-free thoughts on Silent Hill 2, and that's not all. Sonic x Shadow Generations is finally here, and we delve into this refinement of Sonic's boost gameplay. We also have some positive thoughts on a mobile game in Pokemon TCG Pocket - and that's still just the start. At the end of the episode, we even have our first small dive into Metaphor spoilers. It's a little bit of a lot of things! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Campaign, and zombies, and multiplayer, oh my! It was inevitable - the Black Ops 6 episode. Did you know that in Black Ops 6, your skins from Modern Warfare 3 won't transfer? With that out of the way, it's a real deep dive into this year's Call of Duty. The campaign is being praised as the best in years... but is it really? Well, kind of. Zombies continues trends from the recent games while adding in some much appreciated quality of life features. And MP... let's just say the maps aren't where they need to be at right now. It's a big discussion. And we're reflecting on the state of gaming this year at the top of the episode! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The Quest for Peace. The Gamekeeper is here to host this year's Halloween special! This time, a movie tie-in game takes center stage, and it's one we've been meaning to get to for years at this point. Full spoilers are here for a game full of frightening ghosts, tricky puzzles, and just a dash of whimsy. With plenty of rooms, each with their own unique ideas and mechanics, our brave hero ventures into this wild ride-turned-movie-turned game with tons of heart. It's almost scary how great a movie tie-in can be when done properly. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Time marches on, and the age of a new king draws nearer. In Atlus' incredible new followup to the legendary Persona 5 - Metaphor: ReFantazio - a king must be crowned, and it's up to you and your comrades to get the job done. It's Persona mechanics on a grand scale as the team opts for a fantasy world over modern day cities. Systems, style, and substance collide in one of the year's best. Speaking of the year's best, we also delve into Silent Hill 2's remake a bit more. And how about a few final remarks on Modern Warfare 3 as the game draws to a close? All that and more headed your way! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Set your Alarmo, you won't want to miss this week's episode of Markers on the Map! It's got a little bit of everything, like an interesting new piece of equipment from the fine folks at Nintendo. It's also got a philosophical discussion on characters we want to play as in games we don't want to play. Plus, new updates on games like Diablo IV's Vessel of Hatred expansion and more thoughts on Silent Hill 2 - plus a brief look at the remake. All this and more coming right up! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Pre-order now for *Snow Leopard* pet! This week, we take a look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a great new game where you finally play as Zelda. It's an exercise in finding new and interesting ways to break the game as you stack beds, attach to birds, and send your enemies right back at others in this new take on 2D Zelda. We're also looking at the opening hours of the original Silent Hill 2, right as the remake is starting to hit store shelves. And how about a small tease of what's to come with Metaphor via it's massive, hours-long demo? Plus we rattle through some State of Play highlights. All that and more, and did we mention *Snow Leopard* pet in Diablo 4? Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Spawnic Underground. This week, delve back into the universe of Todd McFarlane's Spawn with the sixth generation's Spawn Armageddon. In this early-2000s hack 'n slash, Spawn wields an entire arsenal of weapons, powers, and a set of infinite chains that melt enemies like nothing. Join us for the first ten levels of this game, with more to come in future episodes. Demon hordes, smooth combat, and massive bosses await Spawn - and don't get us started on the spinoffs. All that and more as we begin October here on the podcast. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

It's the end of September, so it's basically Halloween. This week, join us for some updates on Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies, Red Dead Redemption, Astro Bot, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (and Dawn of Sorrow), Multiversus, and more. Plus, just how awesome is Universal Studios? You'll learn just how cool it is in the intro, including a look at Super Mario World. Plus, news is headlined with developments from the Pokemon Company, a new PS1-themed collection for PS5, and, perhaps most importantly, a new game in the Like a Dragon franchise with pirates. Yes, it's time for the real games to begin. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Bots, ghosts, and vampires... sounds like a semi-spooky time. This week, join us for a spoiler-free look into the gloriously joyful world of Astro Bot, one of the year's best new releases. We've also got some thoughts on Phasmophobia's creepy co-op gameplay, and the magic of rewind in the blisteringly hard Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. With news, it's the PS5 Pro as gaming's big topic, but we also take a look at some significant anniversaries, like Borderlands 3, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, and the Sega Dreamcast. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Not a good week for live service hero shooters. This week, we return to the Black Ops 6 beta for some more thoughts on maps and modes as Treyarch returns to the Call of Duty franchise. We're also looking at the in and outs of Gato Roboto, Doinksoft and Devolver's "mini Metroidvania" full of charm and classic tropes. We've got a glimpse at the Switch port of Pizza Tower here, as well. And then there's the topic of the hour, the fate of Concord, a game which lasted two weeks after its long, long development. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The Markers on the Map Jumbo Coloring and Activity Book 2 is the perfect companion for travelers making the trip back to Gameland. Inside, you will find pages full of classic scenes, word searches, and other exciting features. This includes, but is not limited to: discussions on strange decisions that games used to make, the upsetting launch of a brand new IP, a look at the beta for one of the year's most anticipated games, and a dive into back-to-back showcases from a company that also has a museum launching soon. Don't forget to check every page of the book, because you might also discover a brand new season of Pokemon Drip. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

A seventh generation anomaly. This week, join us for a look back at some seventh generation games as we revisit the middle of the year 2013. We discuss some absolute classics like Borderlands 2, Red Dead Redemption, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, and rattle off a few more favorites. Plus, we've got a classic game, too: Godzilla Monster War for the Super Famicom. Yes, a game only released in Japan. All this and more, as well as our latest big lore cutscene! New episodes of the show will return this September. For updates, please check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap!

E3 may be gone, but Anime Expo is stronger than ever. But first, take a look at the past in our latest lore cutscene! This week, we talk all about our trip to Anime Expo 2024, including what we did, what we saw, and what we bought. There was also tons of lore drops at the Sonic x Shadow panel, and a look at some upcoming games through demos. These include Metaphor Re: Fantazio, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Gundam Breaker 4, and Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. Plus, we're finally closing out the latest chapter of our battle pass mental health check-in. It's a packed episode as we head into the upcoming special! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

We cannot ignore the fact that there's a Bubsy collection now. This week, it's the return of the Launch Lineup! This time, we're taking a look at the rollout of GameCube launch titles across Japan, North America, and Europe - but only the actual launch titles, so you won't see things like Melee or Pikmin here. What you will see is Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, Batman Vengeance, and even Tarzan and Donald Duck. With three launches in the span of a handful of months, the GameCube does have one of our more varied lineups. So go back in time with us, and then look at Limited Run's future slate. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Marvel, baby. This week, it's the greatest Nintendo Direct of all time. It's got a little something for everyone. The grand reveal of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A new installment in the Mario and Luigi series. A Zelda game where you actually play as Zelda. A remaster of the one missing Donkey Kong Country game on Switch. A collection of seven legendary Marvel classics by Capcom. The English debut of Ace Attorney Investigations 2. A trilogy of HD-2D remakes for Dragon Quest. There's so much in this legendary Direct. Even in its eighth year, the Switch is going absolutely wild. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Activision, why? This week, we take an in-depth look at an admittedly great Xbox Showcase for this year's Summer Game Fest. There's lots to be excited about coming out of Microsoft Game Studios, Bethesda, and their partners such as Gears of War E-Day, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Interesting new IPs get thrown in the mix like the endearing South of Midnight and a new turn-based RPG in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. And of course, some third-party heavy hitters like Metal Gear Solid Delta. But let's talk about Black Ops 6 and a really irritating decision when it comes to skins. All this and more! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

A Valorant Moment. This week, we're delving straight into Summer Game Fest's opening showcases - the main show and Devolver's annual Direct. It's definitely a year that's light on surprises, but big on updates to things like Monster Hunter Wilds, Street Fighter 6, Alan Wake 2, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Anger Foot, Cult of the Lamb, Metaphor Re: Fantazio, Skate, Batman Arkham Shadow, Sonic x Shadow Generations and a whole bunch more. There's also a couple of smaller new announcements like Lego Horizon Adventures and Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind. We're also talking the Final Shape as Destiny's 10-year saga comes to its conclusion. Check us out on X and BlueSky@MarkersOnTheMap.

Just what we needed, another live service. This week, we're taking a look at Sony's latest State of Play, which featured 14 games from PC ports to live service worries, remakes, and highly anticipated sequels. Throw in a few VR games, some Soulslikes, and some free-to-play stuff, and you've got an okay show. That's not all this week, though, as we delve into the full release of Multiversus, discuss more of Rise of the Ronin, and revisit Sonic Superstars for a moment or two. Plus, it's the Sun and Moon finale of Pokemon Drip! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

At last, the glorious return of SNES Revival. This week, we take a super deep dive into Todd McFarlane's Spawn for the SNES. It's a short but memorable 2D platformer and beat 'em up hybrid that those who have played both Street Fighter and Mega Man X will feel right at home with. Big sprites, vivid visuals, interesting life systems, and even more unique powers translate very well from the moody inked pages of this tragic antihero to the 16-bit world of the SNES. We've also got a few news stories this week as we continue counting down to Summer Games Fest! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The time has come: Bigmode. This week, we take a look at the first game published by Bigmode, Animal Well, a puzzle-based Metroidvania where a tiny blob must navigate the mysteries and strange horrors of an underground world. It may not be perfect, but it's one of the most interesting games in the genre we've seen in a while. That's not all, though, as we return for more Stellar Blade, Rise of the Ronin, and even Overwatch 2. It's the last couple of weeks before the onslaught of Summer Games Fest news! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Come on, games industry. This week, it's a full episode of news as Microsoft is closing studios, including Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks and RedFall developer Arkane Austin. We go in-depth with our thoughts on these closures, as well as other closures, and the live service model. What's more, there's some wild news about Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League's missteps. It's not all bad, though, as we finally have confirmation on a brand new system from Nintendo. It's been a while since we had a whole episode about news, but the industry is in a strange place. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Directly in competition with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This week, we take a look at, among other Star Wars-related topics, many of the Star Wars video games over the years. From Battlefront, to Republic Commando, and even Episode I Racer on the GameBoy Color, we weave through the endless history of Star Wars in the gaming space. We've also got Shiny Pokemon, a Donkey Kong Country 2 replay completed, and a new development with Helldivers 2 on PC that we just don't get. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Our own little rock band. This week, we're delving into Stellar Blade, the latest PS5 action exclusive. EVE and her companions travel a ruined world full of monsters in an exciting blend of Devil May Cry and Dark Souls. It's stylish, it's fun, and it's one of the best first impressions in a while. We're also taking a look at the new PDP Riffmaster guitar controller - is it worth the asking price? After those topics, it's another one of our battle pass check-ins. All that and quite literally a bag of chips in this week's episode! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Join us for a few distractions. This week, we've got a special bit of lore for the world of the podcast before the episode begins. After that, we go down the rabbit hole of cartoons and old programming blocks. And if that's not enough, we both built a really cool model kit recently. We're battling some gaming burnout here at the start with a bit non-gaming-related goodness. Then, it's onto the indie game space. Balatro is on the menu with its creative new take on the deckbuilding roguelike, and Nintendo's newest Indie World is here with a lot to look forward to, like Animal Well, Antonblast, and a new TMNT adventure! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

You gotta parry every piece of the combo. This week, we've got a special segment with some big news on No Man's Sky. After that, it's right back into more Rise of the Ronin and the interesting things that Team Ninja's open world samurai game is doing. We're also discussing some more transformations in Princess Peach: Showtime. It's a blend of genres all around, and it doesn't stop, as we also talk about Stellar Blade's demo, and what this new action game takes from other modern day Soulslikes. It's another week of the latest big releases! New episodes will also return on April 24th! Check us out on BlueSky @markersonthemap.bsky.social.

Quite the unexpected duo. This week, we're looking at two brand new releases: Nintendo's Princess Peach: Showtime and Team Ninja's Rise of the Ronin. One is an exciting and ever changing romp through different plays with fresh, surprising, and simple gameplay. The other is a journey through 1850s Japan with complex systems, massive amounts of loot, and style that's hard to beat. From patisserie to pastiche, these are two of Q1 2024's biggest releases. All this and more in a week that's pretty low on news! We're now on BlueSky @markersonthemap.bsky.social.

It had to be done. This week, we delve into the complete overload of content that is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. It's overwhelming, it's exhausting, and it's also a pretty great game, all things considered. Combat, exploration, traversal and more highlight this extensive look at Square Enix's biggest game of 2024. We're also talking about the unfortunate aspects of Skull and Bones from back in the game's open beta, as well as the surprising facts that For Honor and Rainbow Six: Siege are still getting meaningful content updates. Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.

Rock the dragon. First this week, some words and memories on Akira Toriyama and his legacy. For both of us, Dragon Ball is a huge deal, so we have a big discussion at the start. After that, join us for more rants against the current state of battle passes. Then, we get into initial impressions of Helldivers 2, one of the year's biggest surprises so far. We wrap up with news on more announcements, more cancellations, and more upsetting DLC practices. It's a lot this week! It's also the return of Pokemon Drip with Sun and Moon! Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.

The stuff that dreams are made of. This week, the Launch Lineup finally returns with a look at all of the games that came out for Dreamcast back on 9/9/99. Sonic Adventure is there and SoulCalibur is there, but then you've got some real wild releases, like Blue Stinger, Pen Pen TriIceLon, Ready 2 Rumble, and no less than five or six racing games. Throw in your flying sims and multiple football releases and we have a launch lineup that's plentiful, while also still having some pretty great games on it. It's Sega's last console, but its beginning was decent! Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.

Top video game announcement betrayals of all time. This week, we take an in-depth look at a pretty big Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. We've got some remakes, like Epic Mickey's return, some long-lost series making a comeback, like Endless Ocean Luminous, and some rereleases of more recent games full of brand new content, like Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Battlefront and Monkey Ball are back, shadow drops are here, and the Switch just keeps going and going as it heads into another year of hybrid gaming action. But, seriously, what about Mother 3? Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.

It's time for the mid-generation check-in... already? This week, we look at three big news stories coming out of the major console manufacturers. Xbox is putting some of their games on other platforms, as well as discussing some of their future strategies. Playstation's going a year without their legacy franchises. Nintendo's potentially delaying their Switch successor to 2025. We go in-depth with each of these stories as the gaming industry continues to evolve in some interesting ways. Plus, a new No Man's Sky update has arrived! Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.

So you wanna be a Foamstar? A turtle? A superhero? Well, get that premium currency ready to go, because things are getting out of hand. This week, we go a little more in-depth with the recent State of Play. Then, we tackle some current goings-on in the game industry, such as the latest in overpriced microtranscations, the good and bad decisions of a few publishers, and a pretty great demo for a game that's definitely going to be swallowed up by the myriad releases happening around it, at least for our little show. The big news cycle continues! Check us out on X @MarkersOnTheMap.