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Sihoo make ergonomic furniture, because you're at your best when you're comfortable. Use code YT6OFF at checkout when you get your own Sihoo Doro C300 Pro with "Self Adaptive Lumbar Support - https://sihoooffice.com/NerdNesthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ5KDNHQ?maas=maas_adg_C3957751DE436E287E32A283AD7123B2_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas___________________________Subscribe to the Panel - @baldlyrudy @RetroGameCorps
The challengers have arrived. The rules are set. The battle has begun. Enjoy!
The boys celebrate the spooky season by reviewing a small collection of horror demos and then sharing thoughts on a wide array of horror themed video games. Recorded 10/21/2025.
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 Reminder1:44:38 - The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback? 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.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, especially our Boss Level Members***John L.
The boys are joined by Trevor from the Catching Up On Cinema podcast to discuss movies that they would like to see turned into video games. Recorded 10/8/2025. AI Generated Chapter List00:00 Introduction and Anticipation05:51 Planning the Podcast Topic12:01 Diving into Video Games18:08 Exploring Indie Horror Games24:40 Diving into Baldur's Gate 330:01 The Challenge of Honor Mode37:49 Movies and TV Series as Video Games50:37 Godzilla: A Game Concept01:00:07 Game Mechanics and Design Ideas01:10:51 Exploring Alternate Storylines01:19:58 Fury Road: The Game Concept01:28:51 The Power of Music in Film and Gaming01:37:45 Reimagining The Thing: A Narrative-Driven Experience01:48:39 The Potential of Army of Darkness in Gaming01:57:56 Die Hard: A Game Built on Uncharted's Engine02:04:50 Creative Game Concepts and Adaptations02:11:15 Exploring Iconic Franchises for Game Adaptations02:20:15 Innovative Game Mechanics and Narrative Structures02:31:48 Upcoming Events and Personal Projects
Jason joins the group for a chat on a plethora of topics on this episode. Episode!
Supercell's CEO releases a rare open letter calling for more industry collaboration, while Ubisoft's nepotism controversy reignites debates around leadership culture. Netflix Games kicks off its Battle for the Living Room with a push into Smart TV party games, and early buzz around PlayStation 6 points to an AI-driven leap in graphics and efficiency. Meanwhile, Battlefield's launch performance goes head-to-head with Call of Duty once again, and Disney enters the overcrowded match-3 market with Magic Match. All that and more, as we unpack the business behind the biggest moves in games this week.00:00 - Intro & Guest Welcome07:17 - China's Gaming Policy Shifts & Market Access22:00 - Sponsor: Sensor Tower23:55 - China's Game Development & Publishing Landscape38:35 - India's Gaming Market: Growth & Monetization55:00 - Sponsor: AppCharge55:45 - India: Western Success Stories & Localization1:12:20 - MENA Region: Female Gamers & Genre Trends1:28:10 - Sponsor: AppsFlyer1:28:45 - MENA: Cultural Sensitivities & Mature Content1:47:30 - Southeast Asia: Monetization & Payment Trends2:05:00 - Southeast Asia: Generative AI in Gaming2:15:00 - Final Thoughts & How to Access Asian/MENA Markets2:20:00 - Outro & Community Call-to-Action
The boys gather to shoot the shit and then begin an enlightening conversation about the value of a video game. Enjoy!
The boys discuss video games that took started slow but picked up momentum along the way. Recorded 9/22/2025.AI Generated Chapter ListChapters00:00 Introduction to Slow Rollers in Gaming07:19 Exploring Baldur's Gate 3 Experience11:46 Contrasting Role-Playing Experiences: Diablo 4 vs. Baldur's Gate 314:48 Disappointment in Mortal Kombat 120:10 Diving into Lies of P20:58 Jack's Indie Game Highlights25:01 Nostalgia and Hidden Gems in Sports Friends26:18 Jack's Experience with Silksong28:51 The Journey Begins: UFO 50 and Slow Rolling Games33:15 Exploring Slow Rollers: Final Fantasy Tactics and Beyond36:47 Outer Wilds: The Challenge of Mastering Flight39:33 The Contrast of Slow Starts: Jedi Fallen Order vs. Baldur's Gate 355:18 The Painful Beginnings: Red Dead Redemption 2 and Fallout 301:03:10 The Challenge of Slow Game Introductions01:09:04 Character Development and Narrative Engagement01:15:03 Exploring Game Mechanics and Player Experience01:21:09 The Impact of Game Design on Player Immersion01:29:42 Final Thoughts on Game Recommendations and Experiences
Mappyman talks about his Big 20 experience and they we have a rousing chat about the games we've been playing. Enjoy!
We did it: our once-a-year in-person episode! Trevor and Jeff awkwardly remember how to record without Zoom, swap Toronto trip stories, and dive into dad-mode gaming topics: Hades II's launch, whether it breaks our “no new games” pact, accessibility/difficulty debates (Hollow Knight: Silksong, Elden Ring), letting a 15-year-old buy games on Steam, and the most dad-brained Fortnite setup ever (Xbox cloud streaming, Moonlight/Sunshine, PS Remote Play, and split-screen drama). If you're a gaming parent juggling time, tech, and teens—this one's for you. Join the conversation What's your ruling on “no new games” if you paid during Early Access? When did you let your teen buy their own games—any ground rules? Your best (or worst) living-room co-op/streaming setup?
Jarrod, Nick, Aaron and Ian talk all the games.
The boys share their thoughts on insects (bugs) in video games. Recorded 9/6/2025.
The boys talk about a couple hot releases from the past couple weeks. Enjoy!
Scott shares his trip to Super Nintendo World. We chat about our favorite turn-based rpgs and some other gaming goodness. Enjoy!
The boys weigh in on the 2012 edition of the "Spike Video Game Awards." Recorded 8/24/2025. AI Generated Chapter List Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 03:34 Current Gaming Experiences 20:29 Looking Back at the 2012 Video Game Awards 32:20 Best Performance and Game Categories 59:42 Reflections on Game Studios and Industry Trends 01:21:05 Final Thoughts on 2012 Gaming Landscape
The boys discuss maps in video games from a variety of perspectives. Recorded 8/11/2025. AI Generated Chapter List 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions 03:00 Navigating Video Game Maps 05:59 The Importance of the 'Glue Guy' in Gaming 09:00 Gaming Experiences and Recent Plays 11:58 Exploring New Game Releases 12:59 Diving into Maps in Video Games 19:40 Exploring Game Builds and Strategies 21:29 Beta Testing and Multiplayer Experiences 23:39 Challenging Boss Fights in Gaming 24:50 The Frustration of Difficult Games 28:35 Doom: The Dark Ages and Its Unique Mechanics 34:01 The Importance of Maps in Gaming 40:46 Navigating Complex Game Worlds 52:38 Exploring the Fog of War in Elden Ring 55:37 The Art of Map Navigation 01:00:01 Crafting Maps in Minecraft 01:03:40 Unique Map Mechanics in Gaming 01:08:45 Dynamic Maps in Mass Effect and Beyond 01:12:15 The Impact of Map Design in Open World Games 01:18:44 Comparing Iconic Game Maps 01:28:19 The Last of Us: A Study in Map Design 01:35:28 Immersive Game Environments 01:36:28 Map Design and Tactical Gameplay 01:37:27 Dynamic Battlefield Structures 01:42:57 Strategic Map Advantages 01:43:20 Verticality in Game Maps 01:46:36 Map Size and Player Strategy 01:49:28 Exploration vs. Combat in Game Maps 01:51:36 Classic FPS Maps and Their Impact 01:53:05 Game Mechanics and Map Design 01:56:35 Innovative Map Design in RPGs 02:00:41 Transformative Map Experiences 02:02:14 Time Travel and Map Exploration 02:04:30 Indecent Proposals and Game Choices
Jason joins Jarrod, Aaron and Drunk Ian for a chat about The Alters and other video games. Enjoy!
I think summer is over. I think we'll get back to recording regularly. Enjoy!
Matt and Jack team up without resident "Glue Guy" Dave to discuss "Nine Sols" and other games with parry mechanics. Recorded 8/4/2025AI Generated Chapter ListChapters00:00 Introduction and Gaming Updates03:24 Project Zomboid: Survival and Hilarious Deaths06:59 Exploring New Games: The Alters and Doom Dark Ages10:00 Doom Dark Ages: A Grizzly Bear Experience12:44 Xbox vs PlayStation: The Next Generation Debate16:41 Vacation Gaming: Vampire Survivors and Deus Ex24:11 Nine Souls: A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Mechanics33:47 Mastering Combat Mechanics36:21 Navigating Game Design Challenges39:55 The Thrill of Boss Fights45:47 Exploring the Story and Characters51:52 Thematic Depth and Political Undertones55:07 Counter Mechanics and Gameplay Dynamics59:29 Favorite Parry Systems in Gaming01:06:21 The Evolution of Combat Mechanics01:12:02 Exploring Unique Gameplay Experiences01:17:15 The Impact of Parry Mechanics in Gaming01:23:34 Honorable Mentions and Personal Favorites01:26:03 The Pinnacle of Parry Systems: Sekiro01:39:19 Nostalgia for Retro Games01:40:05 Boss Fights in Nine Souls01:42:32 Final Boss Dynamics01:43:32 Game Design and Replay Value01:44:51 Village Rescue Mission Experience01:46:35 Platinum Trophy Aspirations01:47:09 Frustrations with Game Mechanics01:48:43 Studio's Future and Game Recognition01:50:40 Parrying Mechanics in Gaming01:51:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Games
Dave is away and you know what that means?!?!?!? We must give him a list of games to play! LFG!!! Enjoy!
The boys are back in town! And Jackson saw Superman AND Fantastic Four. TOGETHER, ON A COUCH! patreon.com/itdangerpod
It's summer time and time for a vacation. Lets go camping! Enjoy!
The boys are joined by Dark/Smart Matt to check in on the leaderboard for the inaugural Fantasy Video Game tournament. Recorded 7/7/2025.AI Chapter List 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Games06:04 Discussion on Doom Dark Ages and Its Mechanics12:11 Fantasy Draft Recap and Game Ratings28:59 Game Predictions and Expectations34:26 Analyzing Game Releases and Delays41:34 Team Selections and Strategies47:14 Multiplayer Dynamics in Night Rain56:20 Community Development and Gameplay Mechanics01:01:46 Community Engagement in Elden Ring01:08:02 Character Classes and Strategies01:14:12 Accessibility and Onboarding in Gaming
We are on the beach! The Couch is here to share their opinions on Kojima's latest game. Enjoy!
The boys deep dive into the presumptive 2025 Game of the Year, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Recorded 6/23/2025AI Generated Chapters00:00 Introduction and Game of the Year Discussion08:38 Exploring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle17:24 Transitioning to Other Games and Experiences31:35 Deep Dive into Clear Obscure: Expedition 3338:11 Combat Systems and Gameplay Mechanics46:23 Final Thoughts and Recommendations46:52 Balancing Power and Gameplay Mechanics49:44 Combat Systems and Synergies54:41 Streamlined Gameplay Experience59:19 The Essence of Game Development01:04:33 Narrative Depth and Character Development01:09:41 Exploring Themes of Sacrifice and Morality01:33:54 Exploring Character Depth and Moral Choices01:36:20 The Nature of Reality in Gaming01:39:32 Empathy and Emotional Impact of Choices01:42:18 The Haunting Endings and Their Significance01:45:23 Critiques and Gameplay Mechanics01:50:40 Navigating the Game World and Exploration01:58:47 Boss Fights and Combat Mechanics02:05:35 Final Thoughts and Ratings
The boys look back at the 2018 Game Awards, one of the most packed years in gaming ever. Recorded 6/2/2025. AI Generated Chapter List05:57 Exploring New Games and Genres08:51 The Impact of 2018 Game Awards12:06 Best Ongoing Game Discussion23:15 The Evolution of Ongoing Games27:16 Exploring VR and AR Gaming31:27 Best Action and Independent Games36:19 Survival Games and Unique Experiences42:51 Role-Playing Games and Their Impact50:01 Best Performance in Gaming54:24 The Impact of Iconic Game Moments56:57 Musical Masterpieces in Gaming01:00:09 The Art of Audio Design01:01:00 Art Direction: Aesthetic Choices in Gaming01:06:05 Narrative Depth in Video Games01:09:04 Game Direction: Crafting Unique Experiences01:12:00 Indie Game Innovations01:14:00 Game of the Year Controversies01:19:09 Final Thoughts on the 2018 Game Awards
The boys take a look back at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards and weigh in on a truly amazing year in gaming. ]-Recorded 5/20/2025. Topic begins at 7:50
We had plans but we had to pivot! Lets shoot the shit. Enjoy!
Jack's subjects Dave and Matt to his choice title for 2025, "Blue Prince." Does it live up to the critical acclaim that it has received? Recorded 5/5/2025. AI Generated Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation08:53 Exploring Recent Gaming Experiences21:04 Diving into Blueprints: Game Overview30:01 Gameplay Mechanics and Player Experiences33:17 Personal Preferences in Gaming34:39 The Importance of Note-Taking36:22 Immersion and Engagement in Gameplay40:54 Ratings and Personal Experiences46:21 Comparative Analysis with Other Games49:41 Diverse Perspectives on Game Enjoyment55:10 Quality of Life Improvements in Gaming01:01:09 Memorable Puzzles and Rooms01:15:44 Unlocking the Foundation: Key Moments in Gameplay01:18:00 Puzzle Frustrations: The Pushcart Sequence01:21:01 Strategic Room Management: The Importance of Drafting01:25:57 The Joy of Discovery: Unraveling Game Mysteries01:30:47 The Impact of Environmental Storytelling01:50:00 Narrative Depth: The Lore of the Game01:52:47 The Myth of the Mansion and Family Ties01:59:17 Unraveling the Heist and Political Intrigue02:01:05 The Red Prince: A Story Within a Story02:07:43 Game Mechanics and Narrative Depth02:14:18 The State of Gaming: Unique Experiences vs. Mediocrity02:20:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Gaming
The Couch final talks about the indie darling of 2024 thanks to PS Plus. Enjoy!
The boys run through a plethora of games that they have been enjoying before Jack and Dave regale Matt about their experiences with early Game of the Year contender "Split Fiction." Recorded 4/14/2025. AI Generated Chapters00:00 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Setup03:11 Gaming Updates and Recent Plays05:52 Exploring New Game Releases08:50 Game Recommendations and Reviews11:57 Nostalgia in Gaming and Franchise Connections15:01 Indie Game Discoveries and Steam Deck Experiences17:55 Developer Insights and Game Modifications20:59 Upcoming Titles and Community Challenges30:31 Exploring New Game Titles33:08 Unique Gameplay Mechanics36:06 Diving into Split Fiction46:06 The Strengths and Weaknesses of Split Fiction53:53 Gameplay Experiences and Replay Value59:54 Dialogue and Storytelling in Games01:08:33 Game Mechanics and Side Stories01:11:11 Immersive Soundtracks and Visuals01:14:06 Unique Level Designs and Boss Fights01:18:36 Innovative Gameplay Mechanics01:21:33 Final Level Dynamics and Collaboration01:28:39 Game Design Philosophy and Player Experience
It happens to every podcast... After 125+ episodes we finally had an issue with recording that cost us an episode. This episode is lost, but at least Jack's ranting about minimalism will live on! Recorded 3/31/2025
Matt and Jack finally experience Dave's most beloved video game franchise and share their thoughts. Is this a contender for Game of the Year 2025? Recorded 3/17/2025AI Generated Chapters02:03 Gameplay Experiences and Initial Impressions04:58 Diving into Monster Hunter Wilds08:08 Combat Mechanics and Weapon Choices10:45 Menu System and Learning Curve13:58 Weapon Mechanics and Player Strategies17:05 The Role of Multiplayer and Cooperation20:07 Wound System and Combat Dynamics22:49 Monster Design and Fight Experiences43:54 The Impact of Soundtracks in Gaming45:29 Memorable Dragon Fights and Combat Mechanics48:21 The Role of Companions in Combat50:27 Frustrations with Game Mechanics53:11 Narrative and Character Development in Monster Hunter56:19 The Aesthetics of Monster Design59:06 The Co-op Experience and Multiplayer Dynamics01:02:17 Open World Exploration vs. Structured Gameplay01:08:19 Collecting and Crafting Mechanics in Monster Hunter01:19:10 Character Dynamics and Positivity in Gaming01:24:19 Gameplay Mechanics and Community Engagement01:29:40 Personal Experiences and Game Ratings01:37:35 Future of the Game and Community Expectations
Is AC: Shadows worth your time? Find out on this episode of Couch Co-Op!
The boys weigh in on the inaugural 2014 Game of the Year Awards with the benefit of hindsight. Recorded 3/3/2025AI Generated Chapter List00:00 Introduction to Indie Games and Telltale's Legacy05:34 Exploring Recent Game Experiences15:31 Diving into Monster Hunter Wilds25:28 The Evolution of Game Awards and Developer Recognition45:08 The Evolution of Indie Games47:29 Best Shooter Games of 201449:55 Debating the Best Shooter55:35 Titanfall's Struggles57:43 Best Performance in Gaming01:01:58 Games for Change and Impactful Titles01:05:34 Best RPGs of 201401:14:11 The Changing Landscape of Game Development01:20:52 Game of the Year Contenders01:29:42 Reflections on 2014's Game Awards
Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman step into their simulators and share their spoiler-free reviews of Hazelight's latest co-op opus, ‘Split Fiction.' After discussing the highs and lows of the genre-bending adventure, they name their all-time favorite local co-op games (01:28). Finally, Ben talks to Hazelight founder and ‘Split Fiction' director Josef Fares about the new game's development, the keys to co-op success, the future of gaming, and more (01:00:29). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Josef Fares, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Shane answers your questions about gaming execs pushing for service games, the death of couch co-op, conducting great interviews, the Tush Push/Brotherly shove in the NFL, and more!
Back to our stupid antics and $#.!+ !!! Enjoy!
I'm sure we all have a lot to say. Enjoy!
We are all back doing what we do best!
Merry Christmas!!! Be excellent to each other!!!
Shane explains why local couch cooperative play is dying! Plus, his relationship with board games (or lack thereof), the reason behind levelling up and interest points on siftd.net, and more!
Just another serving of greatness! Enjoy!
Be Excellent To Each Other!!!
Show Open Package Intro/Welcome/Info - Ian Beer Battle - Nick This day in gaming history. - Jarrod Buy-Try-Die with Dr Demo - Dave Topic - Shoot the Shit! Beat list & Watcha been playin' Couch Co-Optionals Trivia! - Jarrod Goodbyes/Info - Ian Show Closing Package
Show Open Package Intro/Welcome/Info - Ian Beer Battle - Nick This day in gaming history. - Jarrod Buy-Try-Die with Dr Demo - Dave Topic - In honor of our “The Saboteur” replay we are getting ready to do. Top 3 games you've completed ONCE but would really love to play through and COMPLETE again. Couch Co-Optionals Trivia! - Jarrod Goodbyes/Info - Ian Show Closing Package
The guys are talking Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon Age The Veilguard. Enjoy!
This is gonna be good!
COUCH CO-OP!!! Be excellent to each other!