The Easy Allies Podcast

Ubisoft's controversial decision to disband the Prince of Persia team sparks a lively discussion about the disconnect between critical acclaim and commercial success. Excitement is in the air as the potential sequel to Tales of Kenzera is revealed. The hosts share thoughts on the eerie narrative of Alan Wake 2 and its DLC, while also exploring market dynamics from the September sales report. With insights into puzzle-solving in Wilmot Works It Out and reflections on the evolving landscape of gaming, the conversation captures both nostalgia and innovation.

Ep 445 - Xbox bookends their showcase with glimpses of the new Alan Wake 2 DLC and the multiplayer Control game. We get our hands on Khazan, Neva, RetroRealms, and more. Plus, it's time for the August sales report. (0:00) - Intro (3:31) - Xbox Partner Preview Highlights (42:37) - Sunderfolk Revealed (47:59) - August Sales Report (1:00:01) - The First Berserker: Khazan Preview (1:04:28) - Neva Impressions (1:13:20) - RetroRealms Impressions (1:20:18) - Nikoderiko Impressions (1:30:40) - Unknown 9: Awakening Impressions (1:37:24) - Also This Week (1:54:22) - L&R: Horror Cooking Class (2:02:57) - L&R Game: Game That Name (2:10:26) - L&R: Frightful Gaming Stories (2:18:14) - Bets (2:22:42) - Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep 444 - Fall is here, and it's time to talk about the many games coming out before the end of the year. Plus, the studio behind Halo gets an overhaul, Nintendo wants you to wake up, and we share our thoughts on Metaphor: ReFantazio, Phoenix Springs, and the new Diablo IV expansion. (0:00) - Intro (6:11) - October Game Preview (1:36:01) - November Game Preview (2:08:23) - December Game Preview (2:20:50) - A Word From Our Sponsors (2:22:35) - Metaphor: ReFantazio Impressions (2:55:42) - Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Impressions (3:07:19) - Phoenix Springs Impressions (3:18:57) - Are You Waking Up for Alarmo? (3:28:38) - Big Changes for Halo (3:33:25) - Also This Week (3:43:07) - L&R: Inspirations for Games (3:47:47) - L&R: Never Remake This (3:58:29) - L&R: Confessions (4:04:49) - Bets (4:11:40) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Games discussed in this episode: Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Europa Metaphor ReFantazio Starship Troopers: Extermination Neva Nikoderiko: The Magical World MechWarrior 5: Clans A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead Super Mario Party Jamboree RetroRealms: Halloween and Ash VS Evil Dead Unknown 9: Awakening Wayfinder Amanda the Adventurer 2 Fear the Spotlight Kong: Survivor Instinct Wilmot Works It Out Card en Ciel Date Everything! Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Sonic X Shadow Generations Ys X: Nordics Fruitbus Sulfur (Early Access) Clock Tower: REWIND Life is Strange: Double Exposure Dragon Age: The Veilguard Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered [Redacted] Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered Planet Coaster 2 Empire of the Ants Mario & Luigi: Brothership Metro Awakening VR Slitterhead Antonblast In Sink Behemoth Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake LEGO Horizon Adventures Sorry, We’re CLOSED Path of Exile 2 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 STALKER 2 On Your Tail Nine Sols (console) Fantasian Neo Dimension Marvel Rivals Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered Monument Valley 3 Alien: Rogue Incursion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep 443 - Jason Schreier joins us to chat about his new book on the comprehensive history of Blizzard. There's a new studio from an unexpected collaboration. Plus we chat about Zelda, the Mortal Kombat expansion, Iron Meat, and more. (0:00) - Intro (2:33) - Get to Know Jason (17:05) - Jason's Book - Play Nice (1:07:56) - Iron Meat Impressions (1:17:31) - Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Impressions (1:28:38) - Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Impressions (1:53:30) - Mario + Rabbids + Red Dead? (1:59:57) - AAA Avatar: The Last Airbender (2:06:14) - Also This Week (2:21:20) - L&R: Maps in Open World Sequels (2:30:40) - L&R: Disconnected Favorites (2:39:58) - L&R: Reporting Advice (2:42:21) - Bets (2:50:09) - Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the latest gaming reveals from PlayStation and Xbox, including the much-anticipated Ghost of Yotei sequel. Dive into whimsical gameplay with 'What the Car?' and unravel mysteries in 'Shadows of Doubt'. Explore the identity crisis facing the Final Fantasy series amid a discussion of its PC launch and performance. Enjoy a humorous debate on the top schools in gaming and navigate the shifting landscape of the industry, from delays to nostalgic re-releases.

The developers of the beloved video game series, Life is Strange, join the conversation to discuss their upcoming project, Double Exposure, and the character evolution of Max Caulfield. They share insights on integrating emotional storytelling and meaningful choices in gaming, while reflecting on the challenges of bringing beloved characters back. The conversation also touches on AI's role in the industry and the balance between innovation and nostalgia in gaming design, providing a fascinating look behind the scenes of a franchise that resonates with fans.

While I was at the Dragon Age preview event, EA also offered the chance to interview the Game's Director and Producer. I hadn't planned on doing a formal interview, but I put my phone on the table and recorded it anyways, thinking maybe I'd type up some highlights or something. Once I got home, the audio quality turned out to be a lot better than I expected. So we cleaned it up a little, and now you can listen to our Dragon Age chat, including thoughts on character customization, art style, combat, level design, and more. -Bloodworth Corinne Busche, Game Director Jen Cheverie, Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The announcement of the PS5 Pro, priced at a jaw-dropping $699, has gamers buzzing about its advanced features. The hosts share impressions of the fast-paced shooter 'I Am Your Beast,' perfect for speedrunners. They dive deep into the recent resignation of Annapurna Interactive staff, questioning its impact on indie gaming. Other discussions include reviews of 'Hollow Body' and the 'Castlevania Dominus Collection,' along with nostalgic reflections on classic titles like 'Yars.' The episode wraps up with trending game industry insights and quirky collaborations.

Ep 439 - Astro Bot is here, and it is absolutely incredible. Sony takes Concord offline, and Brandon Jones is back on the desk to talk more Star Wars Outlaws. *Astro Bot and Concord Provided by PlayStation (0:00) - Intro (4:37) - Astro Bot Impressions (26:08) - Concord Goes Offline (51:06) - Xbox, Check Your Emails! (1:02:11) - Zelda Gets a Sword! (1:14:41) - Top 10 In-Universe Musical Performances (1:26:44) - Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Impressions (1:36:59) - Star Wars Outlaws Runback (1:53:58) - Black Myth: Wukong Runback (2:02:46) - Also This Week (2:13:59) - L&R: Real-Life Game Mechanics (2:20:38) - L&R: Are Games Less Valuable? (2:31:27) - L&R: Best Backwards Compatability (2:37:44) - Bets (2:43:00) - Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep 438 - Huber is back from Germany, and we're ready to talk about Black Myth Wukong, Concord, Star Wars Outlaws, Visions of Mana, Bakeru, Nintendo Directs, and more! *Concord Provided by PlayStation (0:00) - Intro (1:55) - Huber's Trip to Gamescom (13:50) - Deathsprint 66 Preview (22:14) - Concord Bombed, But It's Good (57:06) - Nintendo Direct Double Feature (1:27:08) - July Sales Report (1:37:07) - Bakeru Impressions (1:51:09) - Star Wars Outlaws Impressions (2:05:29) - Visions of Mana Impressions (2:25:23) - Black Myth Wukong Impressions (2:36:26) - Also This Week (2:51:03) - L&R: German Food (2:59:21) - L&R: PS5 Pro? (3:04:48) - L&R Game: Franchise Duel (3:14:23) - Bets (3:20:12) - Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices