The Critical Spectrum

This week, Matt regales the boys about his dream journal. Meanwhile, Matt plays Fortnite the entire episode because his friend playfully dissed him and he's bitter because of it. Also, they all talk about movies. Check out Matt's friend on Twitch: GanwhoTwitch Donate to Point of Pride, providing life-saving health and wellness to the Trans community! Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: Sakura Sunrise and Sakura Shuffle --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Apologies for the audio problems. You'd think four years of radio would have given Matt the ability to not have the podcast sound like ass but guess not. This week, the boys talk about Cyberpunk Edgerunners and more from Trigger's panel at AnimeExpo. Later on, they talk about the game design of the Souls games and if they'd be as beloved without the wiki. ANN Trigger Panel Coverage: Trigger 10 Year Anniversary & Announcement Panel Matt's Assassin's Creed Article: Assassin's Creed: Why the Assassins Suck At Their Jobs Donate to Point of Pride, providing life-saving health and wellness to the Trans community! Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, the gang talks about people getting into AJR thanks to TikTok, Morbius' disastrous rerelease, Matt's recent comic book reads, and more! Donate to Point of Pride, providing life-saving health and wellness to the Trans community! Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Colin had whisky samples, so the whole gang decided to try them while having a totally normal discussion about Multiverse of Madness and Moon Knight. However once the alcohol started to kick in, the boys turned their attention to world affairs. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Matt wanted to pose the question of what the gang's theme song would be if they were the villain in a story. The choices ranged from bangers to some headscratchers, but no one will deny that these villains are still better than 90% of MCU antagonists. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, whoaanime.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, the gang gets hyped for Taika Waititi's next film. That's right, Matt likes the MCU again this week. Then, they decide they need to watch more movies together, talk about Elden Ring's lore, and ponder the bathing tendencies of heterosexual men. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, whoaanime.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, Colin gushes about Lego Star Wars while Matthew despairs the state of cinema after watching Everything Everywhere All At Once by Daniels. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, whoaanime.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The gang is back after an eight-month hiatus and they're here to blitz through what they missed while they were gone, explain their absence, and get straight back to shooting the shit like always. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, whoaanime.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | A Review of Black Widow 38:40 | A Review of Loki Black Widow came out and Loki finished its (first) season. Which is the superior product? I don't know, it's not a competition. They're practically different genres. The guys are just here to tell you if they're worth watching or not. Sorry, I didn't mean to lash out. The first half of the episode was lost. Crazy shit happened. Matt came out as bisexual, Michael and Colin got into a fierce debate about abortion, and then DJ Jazzy Josh had a knife fight with Alex From The Block to determine the true "friend of the show." Take my word for it, things got intense. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, animequarterly.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Star Wars Visions 01:02:42 | The Nintendo Switch OLED Model with Mike "The Merc" Murguia 01:07:53 | Assassin's Creed Infinity Star Wars is getting an anime from 9 directors at seven renowned studios in Japan and Matt has all of the details. Then, we call totally-not-host-on-vacation Mike "The Merc" Murguia to talk about the new Switch, before talking about the death (or rebirth?) of Assassin's Creed. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, animequarterly.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Missed opportunities for jokes and a discussion of rap names 5:58 | Evangelion 3.0+1.01 coming to Amazon internationally 31:05 | EA wants to put ads in games 01:01:31 | Amazon Games' New World We brought resident Warhammer expert Alex Stanczik back just for fun to discuss a whole bunch of random crap, including but not limited to EA continuing to pull their usual schemes, Amazon bringing the long-awaited Evangelion sequel to their service, and Amazon Games creating a new MMO. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, animequarterly.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The gang didn't have a set topic, so instead, they rambled about VR technology, music, Matthew's sex life, and Colin's hot takes about veganism. All this and more on a very special (and very stupid) episode. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, animequarterly.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

1:20 | Nonsense 9:09 | E3 01:18:00 | Netflix Geeked Week E3 happened, and while some have been quick to call it a disappointment, the boys found themselves quite impressed upon further inspection. Also, Matt runs down a list of the crazy number of Netflix announcements from Netflix Geeked Week. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog, animequarterly.com, and sakurashuffle.wordpress.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Michael Rants about Nvidia 28:20 | Army of the Dead Review 01:37:00 | Does Matt think Michael will like Death Stranding? Michael had some words about Nvidia's business practices in light of the scalping problem in the electronics industry. Then, the gang reviews Army of the Dead, before Michael throws a curveball and asks Matt if he would actually recommend Death Stranding. It's the gift that keeps on giving this week. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Absolute nonsense 07:06 | EA sucks 34:40 | We loved the Scarlet Nexus demo In the most strangely fatigued episode yet, the boys rant about EA and Colin's inability to play their multiplayer games. Then, they go in-depth about Scarlet Nexus after playing the demo released recently on Xbox. In-between all of that, they talk about dumb shit. Only the best for our fans here on our landmark 20th episode. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | In loving memory of John "TotalBiscuit" Bain 04:50 | Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids 54:40 | Matt reviews "I Think Our Son Is Gay" by Okura 01:07:46 | Castlevania Season 4 Matt's review of Castlevania Season 4 Castlevania Season 4's Sakugabooru Page! Although Michael was worried he wouldn't have much to say in this episode, he had quite a lot to share when the boys decided to talk about Assassin's Creed. Between that, Matt's manga review, a review of Castlevania's final season, and some timely memorials of some talented gentlemen taken far too soon, this is one packed episode. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Our thoughts on the Venom 2 trailer 42:40 | Culture Corner: Scott Pilgrim vs The World 01:35:55 | Some small news, and Alex talks about Warhammer Andy Serkis is directing the second Venom movie and it looks... interesting? The guys discuss the trailer in detail and share their hype levels on a scale of 1 Mrs. Chen to 10 Mrs. Chens. Next, the gang discusses Scott Pilgrim vs The World after its theatrical rerelease and then they round out the show with a discussion of news and the Warhammer series with special guest Alex Stanczik. Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Apex Legends' new mode is great! 15:40 | Mortal Kombat... not so much 54:40 | Netflix's Yasuke is... something Last week it was nothing but praise. This week, the universe balanced things out with two topics that weren't quite what the gang was hoping for. But first, Matt starts off positive, discussing Apex Legends and the brand new Arena mode. Then, the boys review Mortal Kombat and Yasuke alongside "Friend of the Show," Josh Mrowca (DJ Jazzy Josh as they call him). Matt's show recommendations based on Yasuke: Dororo (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video) Sword of the Stranger (Available on Blu-ray) Samurai Champloo (Hulu, FunimationNow, Blu-ray) Afro Samurai (Funimation, Blu-ray) Follow us on Twitter: @TheCritSpectrum Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Demon Slayer The Movie 55:30 | We talk about random crap 01:09:26 | Falcon and the Winter Soldier Series Review The boys were gonna watch Mortal Kombat, but Matt and Michael didn't watch it. Instead, the gang discusses the Demon Slayer Movie. In the second half, they gush about one of the MCU's best and most important stories in years! Matt's Demon Slayer Review: Is the Demon Slayer Movie Worth All the Broken Records? Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Netflix's new releases 49:45 | Culture Corner: Promare (2019) This week, the gang discusses the next coolest things coming to Netflix, including Studio MAPPA's Yasuke, Jordan Vogt Robert's live-action Gundam, and the fourth and final season of Castlevania, among others. Then, the boys talk about Promare, an action-packed (and appreciably queer-coded) animated film from the makers of Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. Castlevania Season 4 poster & teaser Promare Articles: The Shape of Queer Liberation: On the Geometry of Promare Are Promare and The Lighthouse 'Queer Cinema'? Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00:00 | AJR's OK Orchestra 01:13:00 | Marve's 2021 Lineup OK Orchestra was so good that we changed things up and decided to do an album review. Then, we talk about Marvel's The Eternals and Shang Chi because they are both coming out this fall and yet we know jack shit about them. All this and more on our very first studio-recorded episode of The Critical Spectrum! Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00:00 | The Snyder Cut Review 01:16:02 | Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Episodes 1 & 2 The gang finally discusses The Snyder Cut and opinions are mixed, but either way, Colin is gonna complain about fictional cities not being relatable enough (jk we love you, bro). Then, we all universally agree that Falcon and the Winter soldier is pretty based so far. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We didn't have a chance to watch the Snyder Cut and we recorded this before the first episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier came out, so we decided to just sit back and have a more relaxed episode. What resulted was one of the least relaxing, mentally taxing episodes yet. Anti-Asian Violence Resources: https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/ Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Xbox's deal with Bethesda 38:19 | Colin and Matt review Pacific Rim: The Black Xbox might actually be getting exclusives and the gang discusses it while Matthew continues to be the most respectful Sony fan in the console wars. Then, Colin and Matt discuss Polygon Pictures' Pacific Rim: The Black, a Netflix Original that might just be able to get this struggling franchise on its feet. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | The Trouble with Video Game Remasters 34:17 | The (Larger) Trouble with Video Game Movies 1:07:17 | WandaVision has ended and the boys have... words... to say about it Through the miracle of time travel (and working around scheduling conflicts), the boys give their final thoughts on Marvel's first Disney+ series, WandaVision. Before that though, the gang decides to talk about video games. Specifically, the issues with the overabundance of game remasters and the problems with video game movies. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Overwatch 2 (and a larger discussion of microtransactions and DLC) 36:22 | The gang discusses Pokemon while Matthew is present 01:22:34 | Matt has some questions loosely tied to news he thought was interesting 01:41:44 | WandaVision's new episode was great and everyone who thought otherwise is wrong Overwatch 2 is coming out and we continue to ask "why?" while discussing the merits of microtransactions and paid DLC. Then, they go to a happier place and talk about Pokemon. Matt has a couple of questions for the gang based on some recent news. Finally, they talk about WandaVision and why the newest episode was beautiful. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Scalping 25:52 | Falcon and the Winter Soldier 50:00 | [Spoilers] WandaVision episodes 6 & 7 This week, I try to see if y'all really are avoiding episodes with WandaVision in the title. But first, we talk about terrible people who scalp PS5s and Xbox Series Xs. Then, after a heated argument that got trimmed down, we discuss Falcon and the Winter soldier and the newest episodes of WandaVision. GOTCHA! - A Pokemon Special Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZ0Zwab6Oc Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Godzilla vs Kong 42:52 | Pacific Rim: The Black & Netflix Originals 1:18:00 | [Spoiler Alert] WandaVision is incredible The gang jumps into the Godzilla vs Kong debate because no one is safe. Then, they discuss the new Pacific Rim animated series and ponder why Netflix's content feels so manufactured. Finally, they can't resist talking about WandaVision once more because goodness gracious that cliffhanger. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | GameStonks 34:06 | Warner Bros. 2021 Lineup and other movie news 1:17:00 | [SPOILERS?] A brief discussion of WandaVision 1:20:00 | Culture Corner - Scooby-Doo Zombie Island & Dragonball Evolution The gang tackles the insane stock market news of the past week. Then, they talk about the surprising number of interesting movies coming out in 2021 and then discuss Scooby-Doo and a terrible Dragonball adaptation in the Critical Spectrum's very first Culture Corner. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Disclaimer 01:49 | The gang rants about a news story that was false 26:55 | Matt's Winter 2021 anime recommendations 42:12 | Batman The Animated Series is coming back? In a jam-packed episode, the gang talks about a story that was immediately invalidated an hour after recording, as well as anime and Batman. So overall, pretty fun. Matt's article on Winter anime recommendations: https://www.animequarterly.com/winter-anime-top-3-new-releases/ Matt's long-lost Modern Warfare Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrfyeR6eRCE Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00 | Lucasfilm Games 24:17 | DC Future State 47:27 | [SPOILERS] Wanda/Vision episodes 1 & 2 The first two episodes of Wanda/Vision are out and the gang is loving it! But first, they'll talk about EA no longer holding Star Wars by the balls and DC's ambitious new event, Future State. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00:00 | Call of the Sea 00:17:51 | NieR: Automata's final secret uncovered 00:33:13 | The Future of the MCU This week the gang discusses a cheat code that took three years to find, a new puzzle game for lovers of adventure, and everyone's favorite superhero universe. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00:00 | Wonder Woman 1984 Review 00:49:00 | The Best (Of What We Could Find) Of 2020 This week, the gang discusses Wonder Woman 1984 released in theaters and on HBOMax to mixed reception. Does it hold a candle to the first film or was it another DC misfire? Then, we discuss our favorite media from a year most would rather forget. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

00:00:00 - Mandalorian Season 2 finale and thoughts on series 01:03:50 (approximately) - Cyberpunk 2077 In the first episode of The Critical Spectrum, Michael, Frank, Colin, and Matt spoil the end of Mandalorian Season 2 and talk about how they are unabashedly in love with the series again. Then, the gang discusses their drastically different experiences playing Cyberpunk 2077 and whether or not the game is worth your precious time. Follow us on Instagram: thecriticalspectrum Matthew's written work: sakurasunrise.blog & animequarterly.com Hear Matt and Colin play D&D on twitch, occasionally on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM CST: twitch.tv/bigboibenjiboi --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app