This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave strap on their heart-shaped sunglasses and ride into the neon dreamscape of 'Sayonara Wild Hearts.' Described as a "pop album video game," this dazzling rhythmic adventure takes them through a kaleidoscope of vibrant worlds filled with motorcycles, skateboards, laser duels, and heartbreak. As they follow the journey of a heartbroken woman transforming into a masked biker named "The Fool," they'll have to dodge obstacles, collect hearts, and face off...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave take on the role of everyone's favorite byte-sized robot Astro Bot. After bumping into the galaxy's infamous Space Bully Nebulax, they are tasked with rebuilding their spacefaring PS5 and rounding up all their little robot pals from over 100 different planets some inspired by Playstation's most memorable franchises. Can Dave stop accidentally calling this game 'Astro Boy'? And why does Nick believe this game is a true contender for Game of the...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave dive into the colorful and creative world of The Lego Movie Videogame! Released in 2014, this game tries to capture all the charm, humor, and endless possibilities of the Lego universe, offering players a chance to relive the adventures of Emmet, Wyldstyle, Batman, and a whole host of other iconic characters from the hit movie. As they journey through vibrant locations like Bricksburg, Cloud Cuckoo Land, and the Wild West, our hosts must use their...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave set sail for adventure in the sprawling world of Tales of Vesperia. They take on the mantle of Yuri Lowell, a former Imperial Knight who’s more comfortable solving problems with his fists than following orders. They stumble upon a plot involving the misuse of ancient technology called "blastia," they must journey through the slums of Zaphias to the farthest reaches of Terca Lumireis. Along the way, they’ll meet a colorful cast of characters:...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave take a deep breath and dive headfirst into the cinematic and suspense-filled world of Erica. Playing as Erica Mason, a young woman haunted by the brutal murder of her father finds herself entwined in the inner workings of the mental institution her mother was sent to. They must make split-second decisions that could alter the course of the story—and Erica’s fate—forever. Does Dave actually consider this a video game? And will Nick ever save the...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave suit up in nano suits to take on the role of Alcatraz, a Marine left for dead but given a second chance thanks to an advanced nanofiber suit. They must battle through the ravaged cityscape and traverse various environments, from the flooded streets of Lower Manhattan to the crumbling skyscrapers of Midtown. All this while engaging the sinister CELL corporation and the terrifying Ceph alien invasion that threatens humanity’s survival. Will Nick ever...

In this episode, Nick and Dave step into the roles of Gorrister, Benny, Ellen, Nimdok, and Ted. Each with their own uniquely torturous scenario designed by AM, an Artificial Intelligence, to exploit their deepest fears and regrets. They'll have to explore the dark and twisted environments AM creates, ranging from a desolate wasteland to a gruesome meat processing facility, all while grappling with themes of guilt, survival, and redemption. Will Nick manage to navigate the absurd puzzles? And...

In this episode of Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on an epic intergalactic journey with everyone's favorite Lombax and his trusty robotic sidekick. They must uncover the sinister plot of Emperor Percival Tachyon, a tyrannical Cragmite hell-bent on destroying Ratchet and reclaiming the galaxy for his race. Along the way, they learn about the mysterious disappearance of the Lombaxes and Ratchet’s role in this ancient conflict. Does Nick's heart have room for a slick, thieving raccoon and...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick venture into the beautifully pixelated yet perilous world of 'Children of Morta.' Delving deeper into the ever-changing caverns, forests, and temples, they'll need to harness the strengths of each Bergson—whether it's John's steadfast sword and shield, Linda's precise archery, or Lucy's powerful spells—to survive the relentless onslaught of enemies. Is this the first Indie game to disappoint Nick? And will this game be able to point and click its...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave find themselves in the bustling, post-apocalyptic metropolis of New Eridu, the last urban civilization standing. In Zenless Zone Zero. They step into the roles of Proxies, guiding survivors through dangerous anomalies and battling mysterious, interdimensional entities known as the Ethereal. As they navigate the vibrant streets and shadowy alleyways, they'll need to harness their combat skills and strategic prowess to protect the city's inhabitants...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick step into the shoes of a high school student who merges with a mysterious being to turn into a Nahobino, gaining incredible powers to help navigate post-apocalyptic Tokyo transformed into Da'at, a realm where angels and demons clash in an eternal struggle. They'll encounter a vast array of supernatural beings, from the familiar Jack Frost to the menacing Lucifer, each with their own motives and potential alliances. Will Dave recover from his massive...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick are locked and loaded as they blast their way through the action-packed world of Gunstar Heroes. Originally released in 1993, this adrenaline-fueled run-and-gun shooter pits our dynamic duo against the evil forces of the Empire. With a variety of weapons at their disposal and the ability to combine them for devastating effects, Dave and Nick embark on a high-octane adventure to save the galaxy from destruction. Will Dave become the Fire bender he's...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on a journey through the gritty, neo-noir world of Gemini Rue. Set in a distant future where corruption reigns supreme, players are thrust into the roles of two protagonists: Azriel Odin, a former assassin seeking redemption, and Delta-Six, an amnesiac seeking to uncover the truth of his identity. As they navigate the dark alleys and shadowy dealings of the Gemini system, they'll encounter dangerous criminals, shady corporations, and a...

In this week's thrilling installment of Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick venture into the clandestine world of international espionage with Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. Join them as they slip into the shadowy persona of Sam Fisher, a seasoned operative tasked with thwarting a deadly biological threat poised to unravel global stability. Together, they must navigate treacherous environments from sun-soaked cityscapes to dimly lit catacombs, employing cutting-edge gadgets and...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave find themselves in the high-heeled boots of Eve, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad sent to Earth to help defeat the Naytiba and reclaim what was once theirs. But everything isn't quite what it seems, with the origin of humans in question and not knowing if they're fighting for good or evil. They will find themselves locked in an impossible situation. Has Dave spotted the subtle hints of a story that's already been told? And can Nick find earrings...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick shrink down to pint-sized proportions as they embark on a wacky adventure in Tiny Toon Adventures! They enter the zany world of Acme Acres, where Buster Bunny, Babs Bunny, Plucky Duck, and the rest of the gang are gearing up for some wild escapades. From dodging Elmyra's affectionate clutches to outsmarting Montana Max's schemes, our dynamic duo must navigate through a series of colourful levels filled with classic platforming challenges and...

Meet the dynamic duo behind The Critical Arcade Podcast, a gaming podcast like no other. Nick, the lively and immersive gamer, pairs his boundless energy with a knack for diving headfirst into the gaming universe. On the other side of the controller is Dave, the seasoned gaming pro who has seen it all and values the art of storytelling in games. Together, they bring a unique blend of gaming insights and humor to every episode. Critical Arcade is your gateway to the gaming world with a comedic...

In this electrifying episode of Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on a mesmerizing voyage through the riveting world of Close to the Sun. Set against the backdrop of an alternate history where Nikola Tesla's inventions have reshaped the fabric of society, they find themselves thrust into a thrilling adventure aboard the Helios, a colossal ship conceived as a utopian haven for the world's greatest minds. As they assume the role of Rose Archer, a courageous journalist in search of her...

This time on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on a wild, time-traveling adventure with Ape Escape 2. Our dynamic duo finds themselves equipped with futuristic gadgets to catch mischievous monkeys that have traveled through time, wreaking havoc. From bustling cities to prehistoric landscapes, the guys swing, jump, and dash their way through various eras in pursuit of those elusive primates. Will Dave master the time-net controls? And can Nick handle the barrage of noise that is the...

In this episode of Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on an expansive odyssey through the feudal landscapes of ancient Japan in Rise of the Ronin. Set against the backdrop of a nation torn apart by conflict and political intrigue, they assume the mantle of a masterless samurai, known as a ronin, navigating a world of shifting alliances, treacherous warlords, and ancient traditions. But the path of the ronin is fraught with peril, and they must navigate not only the physical dangers of...

This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave are gearing up for a spine-chilling adventure as they journey back to the eerie world of survival horror with Alone in the Dark 3. This installment of the classic franchise plunges players into a Wild West setting filled with supernatural terrors. They are tasked with unraveling the mysteries of Slaughter Gulch. Will Dave ever find out why the cuckoo clock needs meat? And can Nick find a keyboard old enough to play the game? Tune in to find out if...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick embark on an epic journey through the fantastical realm of Dragon's Dogma 2. They must step into the shoes of the Arisen, accompanied by their trusty Pawn companions, brave the treacherous lands of Gransys, facing off against mythical beasts and ancient evils that threaten the realm's very existence. Will Dave discover why the game's greatest enemy seems to be waist-high water? And can Nick resist the temptation to climb every monster? Support the...

This week on Critical Arcade, join Dave and Nick as they delve into the harrowing depths of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. This psychological horror masterpiece plunges players into the shoes of Daniel, an amnesiac protagonist navigating through a sinister castle. With a lantern in hand and their sanity teetering on the edge, our intrepid duo must solve puzzles and evade otherworldly terrors. Will Dave maintain his grip on reality and not pee his pants? And can Nick endure the invisible fish...

This time on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave embark on a chaotic and explosive mission in the highly anticipated Helldivers 2. Strapped into their exosuits, they'll dive headfirst into a relentless war against alien forces, armed with an arsenal of high-tech weaponry and strategic teamwork. Facing procedurally generated challenges on hostile planets, our dynamic duo must coordinate airstrikes, deploy automated turrets, and unleash hell to protect Super Earth. Will Nick overcome his PTSD from...