Playing Catch-up

In which we watched the PlayStation State of Play, Summer Geoff Fest, Day of the Devs and the Future Games Show so you don't have to (although you probably did). Also, it's not even summer yet, but let's not get bogged down in that. We each pick our personal top three games from across the shows and sprinkle in a few honourable mentions too. Games discussed: Cairn Lumines Arise Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Stranger Than Heaven Romeo is a Dead Man Big Walk Sword of the Sea Escape Academy 2 Relooted Wheel World Hirogami Possessor(s) Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver ARC Raiders Mixtape TOEM 2 Call of the Elder Gods Deepest Fear

In which your hosts celebrate the launch of Nintendo's new console by talking about PlayStation Plus. Paul's been making the most of his two-week Premium trial, so let's dig in and find out what took his fancy, what was not so hot, and which Platinum trophy flex Tom has taken as a personal slight. (Switch 2 launch thoughts coming in due course!) Games discussed: Coffee Talk VA-11 Hall-A Sackboy: A Big Adventure Space Ace TMNT: Shredder's Revenge Rise of the Kasai   Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul explores the wonderful world of Musou games, with a particular focus on Samurai Warriors 5. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a grizzled Musou veteran, there's plenty here to get your teeth into.   Visit Chris Gildart's YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@chrisgildart Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which your hosts briefly discuss the latest news around little-known up-and-comer GTA VI, before getting into the meat of the episode with some Balatro chat. A year on from release, does the poker-themed deckbuilder live up to the hype it garnered at launch, or is it merely an excellent videogame? Next up, we turn to charming puzzle adventure TOEM before Paul goes full gumshoe with some more obscure detective games.   Games discussed: GTA VI Balatro TOEM Makoto Wakaido's Case Files Trilogy Deluxe Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul returns to the DS to play a franchise sequel that wasn't released outside of Japan, before both hosts cast off their cardigans and get down with the kids to check out a hella cool videogame. Games discussed: Chibi Robo: Clean Sweep Life is Strange The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom and Paul discuss Nintendo showing off (some) new details on Switch 2's flagship title, and the exciting new season of games coming to Panic's hipster handheld Playdate. Later, we circle back around to Blue Prince and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, before Paul tells us why Nintendo was right to bring out a sequel to a little-known franchise nearly three decades on. (We lost the second half of Paul's original audio, so the last 20 mins or so are sourced from our lower quality backup recording. Sorry about that; hopefully just a one-off!) Discussed: Mario Kart World Direct Playdate Season 2 Blue Prince Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul reveals which game convinced him to pick up PS5 a few years into its lifecycle, along with thoughts on a few of the titles he's been playing on Sony's behemoth. Next up, Tom ponders why the latest hotness is getting a lukewarm reception in some circles, before Paul plays us out with an ode to Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Games discussed: Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Snowrunner The Pathless Yakuza Series Blue Prince Fez Animal Well Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom and Paul return triumphantly to reflect on the latest Nintendo Direct which focused on the Switch 2. The show offered up an exciting twist on an old favourite, a head-scratching new way to control games, and a low-key confirmation of the impending arrival of one of the most anticipated games for years. Lots to dig into, so join us for the latest instalment of the podcast that has taken 11 years to reach 42 episodes. Cheers! Games discussed: Mario Kart World Mario Kart Tour Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Drag x Drive The Duskbloods Hollow Knight: Silksong The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Chibi-Robo! Kirby Air Riders Donkey Kong Bananza Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Bluesky Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by BigShimmeryWall

In which Weeks 2 and 3 of Playdate's Season 1 are experienced and discussed. Games covered: Crankin's Time Travel Adventure Boogie Loops Lost Your Marbles Pick Pack Pup Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Learn more about the Playdate at the official website. Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom and Paul finally receive their Playdate consoles and immediately get to cranking.   Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Learn more about the Playdate at the official website.   Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom and Paul tackle an FMV game in the hope it can possibly live up to the heady heights of Night Trap.   Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which three games fail to fully impress your intrepid hosts. Is that not selling this episode to you? Hmm. You won't believe what happens next! (It's the end theme. The end theme happens next.) Games discussed Balan Wonderworld (00:20) New Super Lucky's Tale (00:54) Death Come True (09:52) Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul channels his inner ballerina and Tom just about fits his PS5 in his living room. Games discussed Super Bomberman R Online (Starts 00:38) Astro's Playroom (Starts 24:36) Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom enjoys some traditional family activities like obliterating mummies, while Paul finds himself Planking Like The Best of Them. Games discussed Ring Fit Adventure (Starts 01:01) Strange Brigade (Starts 30:26) VA-11 Hall-A (Starts 49:50) Assassin's Creed 4 / Liberation (Starts 59:20) Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall

In which audio recorded almost a year ago finally sees the light of day. That’s right, we’re back whether you like it or not. In this episode: the pros and cons of camping, plus the long and storied career of The Undertaker. Oh, and a bit of games talk. Games discussed: Attack of the Friday … Continue reading 35: So Many Questions / Attack of the Friday Monsters, Wide Ocean Big Jacket & WWE SuperCard → The post 35: So Many Questions / Attack of the Friday Monsters, Wide Ocean Big Jacket & WWE SuperCard appeared first on .

In which we unleash an episode recorded well before we all got told to stay in and play games for the foreseeable future. That was the gist of the latest guidelines, right? Two flawed games give plenty to talk about but also plenty to enjoy. It’s almost as if we’re gluttons for punishment. Tom especially … Continue reading 34: Moonwalking NPCs / SOS: The Final Escape & Assassin’s Creed 3 → The post 34: Moonwalking NPCs / SOS: The Final Escape & Assassin’s Creed 3 appeared first on .

In which Paul gets to grips with a deeply flawed game from two decades ago which Tom remembered being much better than it was. Meanwhile, Tom gets to sample one of the most lauded games in recent memory. It almost doesn’t seem fair. Be sure to stick around to the end for perhaps the most … Continue reading 33: Any particular reason? / Undertale & Syphon Filter → The post 33: Any particular reason? / Undertale & Syphon Filter appeared first on .

In which Paul is 100% sure he’s played the first game on Tom’s list, until Tom starts talking about it. There’s also Wii Ware weirdness, trilogy-ending twists, Ridge Racer reprises and H2O-based happenings. Oh, and we open on the Playdate, which was fresh news when we recorded this 12 years ago. Games discussed: Stories Untold … Continue reading 32: Those words in a different order / Stories Untold, lilt line, Zero Time Dilemma, Ridge Racer 7 & The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human → The post 32: Those words in a different order / Stories Untold, lilt line, Zero Time Dilemma, Ridge Racer 7 & The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human appeared first on .

In which Paul gets a little less sneaky than he was expecting and Tom tackles his fear of disappointment head-on. Two huge games. Two wary podcast hosts. You won’t believe what happened next. Games discussed: Metal Gear Solid The Last Guardian Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) or send us an email: … Continue reading 31: I treated him badly / Metal Gear Solid & The Last Guardian → The post 31: I treated him badly / Metal Gear Solid & The Last Guardian appeared first on .

In which Paul gets physical with some PlayStation Move ‘classics’ from the PS3 days and Tom gets social with a new type of co-operative puzzle game. Games discussed: PlayStation Move Heroes The Shoot Sports Champions Medieval Moves Time Crisis: Razing Storm Tick Tock: A Tale for Two Tetris 99 Cleopatra Fortune Papers, Please Get in … Continue reading 30: Slash harder / PS Move, Tick Tock: A Tale For Two, Tetris 99, Cleopatra Fortune, Papers Please → The post 30: Slash harder / PS Move, Tick Tock: A Tale For Two, Tetris 99, Cleopatra Fortune, Papers Please appeared first on .

In which Paul gets rightly annoyed at the lack of Yorkshire accents in PS3 launch games and Tom plays a couple of multiplayer-focused online shooters. On his own. Games discussed: Chibi Robo! Zip Lash The Division Destiny 2 Resistance: Fall of Man Burly Men at Sea Get in touch with the show via Twitter (@catchuppod) … Continue reading 29: Not fun and not interesting / Chibi Robo! Zip Lash, The Division, Destiny 2, Resistance, Burly Men at Sea → The post 29: Not fun and not interesting / Chibi Robo! Zip Lash, The Division, Destiny 2, Resistance, Burly Men at Sea appeared first on .

In which your hosts suffer two of the worst fates known to man: being trapped on a spaceship with homicidal aliens, and being trapped playing a game with atrocious voice acting. Paul takes on Dead Space and finds a game that holds up superbly more than 10 years on, while Tom really quite enjoys Final … Continue reading 28: Did you oversleeeeep? / Dead Space & Final Fantasy Type-0 HD → The post 28: Did you oversleeeeep? / Dead Space & Final Fantasy Type-0 HD appeared first on .

In which indie developer Graham Goring discusses making the leap from writing for huge licensed games in the LEGO universe for TT Fusion to the relative uncertainty that comes with working on his own dream project: Phantom Island. Please note, because Tom is lazy and good-for-nothing, this is an interview from late 2018 that has … Continue reading 27: Chips you plug into your testicles / Graham Goring interview → The post 27: Chips you plug into your testicles / Graham Goring interview appeared first on .

In which two very similar games are discussed and dissected. After hearing an extensive list of things Tom doesn’t like about DOOM, learn why Paul feels that, for all its exciting gunplay, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as punching a demon in the face. Next up, after a very brief and exceedingly polite disagreement over … Continue reading 26: Always the shotgun / DOOM (2016) & Yoku’s Island Express → The post 26: Always the shotgun / DOOM (2016) & Yoku’s Island Express appeared first on .

In which your hosts continue last week’s conversation about the games they’ve played through in recent weeks. You’ll hear how Harmonix fared with their foray into tabletop gaming, why taking ‘What Should I Play Next?’ advice from a stranger on the internet isn’t always advisable, how two old remakes of two even older games manage … Continue reading 25: Lofty expectations / Dropmix, Pneuma: Breath of Life, Resident Evil, Samus Returns, The Playroom VR & 140 → The post 25: Lofty expectations / Dropmix, Pneuma: Breath of Life, Resident Evil, Samus Returns, The Playroom VR & 140 appeared first on .

In which your hosts belatedly kick off 2019 in the only way they know how: discussing old games everybody else played many moons ago. You’ll be served a Double Fine double header before it’s all aboard for a trip more grim than a book of fairy tales. And before you reach your final destination, find … Continue reading 24: Toady and Roadie / Day of the Tentacle, Headlander, The Final Station & Million Onion Hotel → The post 24: Toady and Roadie / Day of the Tentacle, Headlander, The Final Station & Million Onion Hotel appeared first on .

In which the co-founder of indie developer The Voxel Agents talks to Tom about what went into the making of their unique puzzle adventure The Gardens Between. From revealing that the initial idea for what became The Gardens Between stemmed from a Tom Cruise film to tales of discovering the wonders of Twitch streaming with … Continue reading 23: Simon Joslin of The Voxel Agents / The Gardens Between → The post 23: Simon Joslin of The Voxel Agents / The Gardens Between appeared first on .

In which your hosts continue to talk over the games they played during the show’s downtime. A highly regarded JRPG gets compared to Neighbours, there’s plenty of back-and-forth about the merits (or otherwise) of visual novels, and we hear why interviewing a wrestler backstage makes for a memorable gaming moment. Whoa, you go big guy! … Continue reading 22: Wubadubadub is that true? / Persona 4, Virtue’s Last Reward, Rhythm Paradise Megamix → The post 22: Wubadubadub is that true? / Persona 4, Virtue’s Last Reward, Rhythm Paradise Megamix appeared first on .

In which your hosts rise, Phoenix-like, to resume the very important business of talking about videogames. It’s been a while, so Tom and Paul talk over some of the more notable games they’ve played through since the last pod was launched. It was a long old chat, so the second half will be released next … Continue reading 21: Catching up / Sonic Mania, 140 & Kero Blaster → The post 21: Catching up / Sonic Mania, 140 & Kero Blaster appeared first on .

In which your hosts discuss a couple of games from yesteryear that brought both post-Christmas joy and frustration — featuring only one mention of sailors and, thanks to rare restraint, absolutely no talk of getting sweaty. Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast … Continue reading 20: The games of Christmas past / Sonic 2 & Shenmue → The post 20: The games of Christmas past / Sonic 2 & Shenmue appeared first on .

In which scores are literally settled in the opening moments before discussion turns to games with colons and disappointment rears its ugly head. Could colons and disappointment be linked somehow? Also: enjoy listening to one of us sniff and splutter a lot. You’re welcome. Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall To subscribe … Continue reading 19: The third Tweedle brother / Beyond: Two Souls & Spec Ops: The Line → The post 19: The third Tweedle brother / Beyond: Two Souls & Spec Ops: The Line appeared first on .

In which your hosts conclude their initial thoughts of Sony’s face-mounted thrill machine with a quick chat about how likely it is to catch on with the ‘mainstream’. Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to your favourite podcast app using this … Continue reading 18: PlayStation VR Special – Part 3 → The post 18: PlayStation VR Special – Part 3 appeared first on .

In which your hosts continue their ramble about the revolutionary new games sensation you wear on your head. (Hit us up Sony, you can have that one for a small fee.) Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to your favourite podcast … Continue reading 17: PlayStation VR Special – Part 2 → The post 17: PlayStation VR Special – Part 2 appeared first on .

In which two very different games are united by equally memorable soundtracks as Variable State’s debut Virginia and Terry Cavanagh’s VVVVVV come under the spotlight. Witness true podcast drama as gaming credentials are questioned and one team member is called out publicly for failing to adopt the appropriate control scheme for full nostalgia overload. Playing … Continue reading 16: The full keys experience / Virginia & VVVVVV → The post 16: The full keys experience / Virginia & VVVVVV appeared first on .

In which Tom and Paul, giddy with excitement from the PSVR launch, recount tales of shifting violently from VR indifference to steadfast support following game-changing debut experiences. Having both picked up the PlayStation VR headset on launch, they compare notes on the hardware itself and how it compares to PC-based virtual reality headsets before mulling … Continue reading 15: PlayStation VR special – Part 1 → The post 15: PlayStation VR special – Part 1 appeared first on .

In which the co-director of lauded first-person thriller Virginia joins Tom for a chat about forming his studio Variable State, signing with publisher 505 Games and developing a debut game that has raised eyebrows across the board. Read more about Virginia (and sample the excellent soundtrack) at Virginia.game The game and accompanying soundtrack are available … Continue reading 14: Interview – Jonathan Burroughs of Variable State → The post 14: Interview – Jonathan Burroughs of Variable State appeared first on .

In which your hosts discuss Resident Evil 7’s ‘teaser demo’ (by way of Project Zero, P.T. and Silent Hill 3) and the prospect of experiencing Capcom’s new direction for the series in the brave new world of VR. Or, you know, trying it for 30 seconds before flinging the sweat-soaked headset to the other side … Continue reading 13: Playing Catch-up Shorts – Resident Evil 7: Beginning Hour → The post 13: Playing Catch-up Shorts – Resident Evil 7: Beginning Hour appeared first on .

In which your hosts start putting out some bite-size morsels in-between the main episodes to try and maintain some semblance of consistency. Having spoken about his experience playing through Broken Age in last week’s episode, a presumably sleep deprived Paul reports back having consumed 20 episodes of the accompanying documentary series in a week. Meanwhile, … Continue reading 12: Playing Catch-up Shorts – Broken Age coda & Earth Defense Force 4.1 → The post 12: Playing Catch-up Shorts – Broken Age coda & Earth Defense Force 4.1 appeared first on .

In which our heroes point and click and jump and kick; pay tribute to Schafer, make Hekseville safer. Dialogue is repeated, some foes are defeated; dodgy outfits acquired, cute robots rewired. No more rhymes now, I mean it. Anybody want a peanut? (With apologies to Fezzik.) Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryWall … Continue reading 11: They all stink of fish / Broken Age & Gravity Rush → The post 11: They all stink of fish / Broken Age & Gravity Rush appeared first on .

In which the ever-revolving door of Playing Catch-up co-hosts thrusts Paul Thomas into the spotlight as he sets his sights high and pursues the impossible dream of a six-episode streak. Join your hosts on a rollercoaster journey as they run the gamut of emotions, experiencing fear and sadness over the insignificance of human existence only … Continue reading 10: Sexy Trojan Horse / The Talos Principle & 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand → The post 10: Sexy Trojan Horse / The Talos Principle & 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand appeared first on .

In which listeners skip straight to 15:08 to hear an in-depth interview with Her Story creator Sam Barlow covering important subjects such as the right time to introduce a child to Street Fighter II. SPOILER ALERT: The final half-hour section of this podcast contains spoilers for Her Story but there are plenty of warnings in … Continue reading 9: Her Story Special with special guest Sam Barlow → The post 9: Her Story Special with special guest Sam Barlow appeared first on .

In which yet another new co-host joins the fray as two Toms nonchalantly pump out a new episode as if there’s still an audience out there after a five-month hiatus. It’s something of a Telltale Games special as The Walking Dead: Season One and Back to the Future: The Game get the old once-over. Intro … Continue reading 8: The Telltale Formula / The Walking Dead & Back to the Future → The post 8: The Telltale Formula / The Walking Dead & Back to the Future appeared first on .

In which Chris lands the decisive blow in the age-old debate of ‘Is games art?’, drawing devastating parallels between the Call of Duty series and the oeuvre of JMW Turner. Plus free codes for everyone (six people)! Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to your favourite … Continue reading 7: Curly muffins / Thomas Was Alone & Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD → The post 7: Curly muffins / Thomas Was Alone & Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD appeared first on .

In which a new co-host arrives hell-bent on making the most of the spotlight and causing controversy by telling you why Ico was rubbish (even though it wasn’t). Oh, and the games we were actually supposed to talk about. Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to … Continue reading 6: I’m doing hand gestures / Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons & Outlast → The post 6: I’m doing hand gestures / Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons & Outlast appeared first on .

In which our heroes muse on how they gave games longer to impress them back when they were time-rich and cash-poor as if that’s an original observation and risk the wrath of niche game enthusiasts and PlayStation Vita fans in general. Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast … Continue reading 5: Suddenly you’ve got no arm / Soul Sacrifice & Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus → The post 5: Suddenly you’ve got no arm / Soul Sacrifice & Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus appeared first on .

In which mysterious forces use powers of evil to change one man’s Y-axis preferences overnight and a single redeeming feature saves an otherwise generic action game from the brink of tedium. Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to your favourite podcast app using this URL. The post 4: The repair grenade / Condemned & Red Faction: Armageddon appeared first on .

In which Britain’s manliest men reveal which games they were too scared to finish, decide that Dear Esther is definitely either a game or not a game and admire the relish with which Dark Souls mocks all who enter. Bonus: a laugh to haunt your dreams. Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click … Continue reading 3: I do like to look down and see my feet / Dear Esther & Dark Souls → The post 3: I do like to look down and see my feet / Dear Esther & Dark Souls appeared first on .

Two know-nothings play old video games. Special animal themed opening episode as Tim power-slides a warthog in Nier and Tom curses invincible dogs in Mark of the Ninja. Intro music by 5of6. To subscribe via iTunes click here. Alternatively, add the podcast manually to your favourite podcast app using this URL. The post 1: What’s Pumbaa in The Lion King? / Nier & Mark of the Ninja appeared first on .