The Level 857 Video Game Podcast

Co-Founders, James Alex Santoro (Creative Director) and Virginie Cabana (Art Director) of indie dev studio, Vertex Zero drop in to tell us all about their upcoming, gothic, sci-fi Metroidvania, Silent Planet - Elegy of a Dying World! Silent Planet - Elegy of a Dying World is Vertex Zero's first project which promises a polished, top-notch, Metroidvania experience, but some of what separates this game from the pack is its sci-fi, cosmic horror atmosphere, melee/ranged psychokinetic weapons, and dynamic environments which can be influenced directly by the player’s actions!Keep up-to-date with Vertex Zero and Silent Planet before it drops in the second quarter of 2027 from the links below:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2742920/Silent_Planet_Elegy_of_a_Dying_World/https://www.youtube.com/@UCLxsw_VW97rVM7Be1cHPUJw https://discord.com/invite/HxETqjNXF3https://twitter.com/VertexZeroGamesLevel 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-405: Inside the Dark World of Silent Planet with Vertex Zero!0:00 - Intro2:09 - Indie Game of the Week - Carrion4:35 - Inside the Dark World of Silent Planet with Vertex Zero43:18 - Jailbroken PS5s can now run Steam PC games46:02 - Gamers hunting for PS5 emulators on GitHub are downloading malware instead49:10 - The Elden Ring movie is reportedly A24's most expensive production ever59:45 - Stal played Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave1:04:14 - Stikz played Phantom Blade Zero1:08:52 - Turb played Winds of Viridia1:12:11 - Choc played Street Fighter 61:16:16 - Al played Castlevania Belmont's CurseIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family!2) Rate/Review us wherever you get your podcasts:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level8573) Become a member on YouTube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!https://www.857ent.com/#membership4) Get levelheaded merch here:https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/5) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD6) Join our Discord community:https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5**Special shout-out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members:**John L.DaBagel69Wrld of BZAR

We're hanging out with special guest Jalen Askins, the voice behind Kiroc in Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave! Join us as we chat with Jalen about his journey into voice acting, what goes into bringing a video game character to life, and his experience stepping into the role of Kiroc! We'll also dive into the latest gaming news and share what games we've been playing!Jalen's been professionally lending his commanding and engaging vocal talents for 8 years across a variety of projects spanning mobile, pc, console games all the way to anime and reality TV! In addition to Fire Emblem Fortune's Wave, a few notable projects he's featured in are Octopath Travler 0, Genshin Impact, Stranded With My Mother-In-Law, DC Heroes United and the Game Awards 2024 (Lenovo Legion Ad).Stay up-to-date with Jalen and all of his future developments from the links below:https://www.jalenaskins.com/http://www.linkedin.com/in/jalen-askins-ba641821ahttps://www.instagram.com/jalensvoices/https://twitter.com/JalensVoicesThe Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-404: The Voice Behind Kiroc! Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave with Jalen Askins0:00 - Intro2:06 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Superliminal4:16 - The Voice Behind Kiroc! Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave with Jalen Askins1:07:00 - EA Shuts Down Legendary RPG Developer BioWare1:10:56 - The Halo We Grew Up With Is Never Coming Back1:14:12 - Shenmue 3 Enhanced Has Been Delayed Into Next Year1:17:45 - Nintendo Switch 2 hacked... kind of.1:22:18 - Games Played Discussion - Orbitals1:24:38 - Stikz played Castlevania Belmont's Curse1:28:15 - Stal played Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave1:31:40 - Choc played Capcom Fighting Collection - Darkstalkers gamesIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family2) Rate/Review us wherever you get your podcasts:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level8573) Become a member on YouTube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!https://www.857ent.com/#membership4) Get levelheaded merch here:https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/5) 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., DaBagel696) Join our Discord:https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

We're discussing whether modern games are holding our hands too much! From constant tutorials and glowing waypoints to generous checkpoints, objective markers, and difficulty assists, are these features improving the gaming experience or taking away the challenge, exploration, and satisfaction of figuring things out ourselves? We debate where helpful guidance ends and excessive hand-holding begins!The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-402: Are modern video games turning hand-holding into an obsession?0:00 - Intro3:28 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Owlboy6:25 - Are Modern Games Holding Our Hands Too Much?49:21 - Nintendo has "no plans to ditch physical games," exec says amid PlayStation disc backlash: "We go off of what the consumer prefers"52:59 - As Xbox and PlayStation sales reach new lows, analyst says the "US hardware market has not been in a more precarious position since the early 80s"57:04 - A Native PC Port Of Kojima Productions’ P.T. Is Now Available1:01:36 - Stal played Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave1:04:44 - Stikz played Castlevania Belmont’s Curse1:10:05 - Turb played Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition1:13:17 - Choc played Street Fighter 61:18:25 - Al played Tunche, Bruisers 2D BoxingIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family2) Rate/Review us wherever you get your podcasts:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level8573) Become a member on YouTube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!https://www.857ent.com/#membership4) Get levelheaded merch here:https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/5) 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., DaBagel696) Join our Discord:https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

We debate whether classic games truly delivered better gameplay, creativity, challenge, and replay value than modern titles. Are older games timeless masterpieces, or have today's games surpassed them in ways we sometimes overlook? Join us as we compare generations of gaming, revisit what made the classics special, and determine whether our favorite childhood games still hold up today!The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-401: Are Classic Retro Games Better Than Modern Games?0:00 - Intro2:46 - Indie Game of the Week - One Finger Death Punch 27:22 - Are Older Video Games Better, or Is It Just Nostalgia?57:33 - PS5 hack delivers native PS2 & PS3 disc support where Sony refused1:01:00 - GameStop and Third-Party Resellers Raise Used PS5 Pro Price to $1,400 1:04:47 - State of Decay 3 PC Beta Confirmed, PS5 & XBOX Coming Soon1:08:11 - Best Buy to host late-night openings for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launch:1:12:49 - Games Played Discussion - Orbitals1:16:47 - Stal played Astral Ascent, Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave1:20:16 - Choc played Gears of War: E-Day1:23:16 - Al played Control ResonantIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Share our podcast with close friends and family(2) Rate/Review us wherever you get your podcasts:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member and support the podcast:https://857ent.com/#membership(4) Get your Level 857 merch:https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) Subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer gaming channel and hit the notification bell:https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD(6) Join our Discord community:https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

Matt Schulz - Owner and Executive Producer of indie dev/pub, Jurassic Sunset Games, drops in to discuss the studio’s latest upcoming project, Vice: Magic City Mayhem! We talk with Matt about the game’s development, the creative vision behind Jurassic Sunset Games and what players can expect as the project moves toward release!Vice: Magic City Mayhem is a top-down, retro action-adventure indie game which combines immersive exploration and puzzle solving elements inspired by the Zelda series mixed with dark humor and outrageous storylines inspired by GTA Vice City! Vice: Magic City Mayhem is slated for release in 2026 on most major platforms so download the demo on Steam now and add it to your wishlist below:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2972820/Vice_Magic_City_Mayhem/https://jurassicsunsetgames.com/#https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10019299https://store.epicgames.com/p/vice-magic-city-mayhem-4ae1aeThe Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-401 | Vice: Magic City Mayhem — Behind the Scenes with Jurassic Sunset Games!0:00 - Intro2:14 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Axiom Verge4:36 - Inside Vice Magic City Mayhem with Jurassic Sunset Games1:34:35 - Games Played Discussion1:34:51 - Stikz played Vice Magic City Mayhem1:35:14 - Al played Jitsu Squad1:37:46 - Choc played Gears of War: E-Day1:46:24 - Stal played Fire Emblem: Fortune's WeaveIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any support below:(1) Share this podcast with friends and family(2) Rate/Review us wherever you get your podcasts:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on YouTube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get Levelheaded merch here:https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) Subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer/co-op gaming channel and hit the notification bell:https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD***Special shout-out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***John L., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord:https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

We’re celebrating 10 years of Level 857 and our 400th podcast episode by looking back at the journey that brought us here. Join us as we react to a special retrospective montage filled with memorable moments, milestones, laughs, and highlights from the past decade.The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-400: 400 Episodes & 10 Years of The Level 857 Video Game Podcast!0:00 - Intro3:41 - Indie Game of the Week - Slipstream6:16 - Celebrating 10 Years and 400 Episodes 58:25 - Games Played Discussion - Mad King Redemption1:07:00 - Al played Denshattack, Noir Bloom, Control Resident1:15:58 - Stal played Fortune’s Weave1:23:38 - Stikz played Castlevania Belmont’s Curse1:28:57 - Turb played Final Fantasy ResonanceIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us where ever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on Youtube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get levelheaded merch here: https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) 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., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

Can you still trust video game reviews, or has the line between honest criticism, hype, sponsorships, and online outrage become too blurred? In this episode, we break down how professional critics, influencers, user reviews, review scores, embargoes, early access, and review bombing can all shape the way a game is perceived before you ever play it.Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-399: Can You Still Trust Video Game Reviews?0:00 - Intro2:06 - Indie Game of the Week - LIMBO5:20 - Can You Still Trust Video Game Reviews?57:26 - US gamers forced to cancel PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox subscriptions as costs climb 1:03:16 - Activision to take over Halo series as more Microsoft layoffs hit Halo Studios and others 1:06:42 - Final Fantasy VII Revelation Includes Auto Level-Up Option For Players Who Skip Side Quests 1:13:05 - Games Played Discussion - Orbitals1:17:19 - Stal played Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave1:23:24 - Stikz & Choc played Marvel's WolverineIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us where ever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on Youtube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get levelheaded merch here: https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) 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., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the games we’ve been playing and recently completed to answer one question: Are they actually worth your time? We’ll break down what we liked, what we didn’t, what kept us invested, and whether we’d ultimately recommend each game or tell you to pass.Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-398: Are These Games Actually Worth Your Time?0:00 - Intro1:30 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Inside6:20 - Are These Games Actually Worth Your Time?13:53 - Blasphemous 2 Third Sin DLC34:57 - Anomaly President39:27 - Forza Horizon44:21 - Resident Evil Requiem53:02 - Mind Over Magnet54:37: Midnight Fight Express57:46 - Marvel's Wolverine1:14:00 - Terminator 2D: No Fate1:20:24 - Ember Knights1:26:29 - General Practice1:29:03 - Street Fighter 61:31:34 - Super Tetris (Sega Master System)1:33:18 - Dead or Alive 21:35:29 - Screamers1:41:11 - Slash Zero If you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us where ever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on Youtube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get levelheaded merch here: https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) 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., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

Nintendo, PlayStation and Konami all dropped major announcements, so this week we're breaking down the biggest reveals from all three showcases! We dive into the latest Nintendo Direct, PlayStation State of Play and Konami Press Start, including the newly revealed. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and determine which reveals have us most excited!The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-397: Big reveals came from Nintendo, PlayStation & Konami: Who did it best?0:00 - Intro2:25 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Lies of P6:07 - Big reveals came from Nintendo, PlayStation & Konami: Who did it best?6:59 - Konami Press Start rundown17:02 - PlayStation State of Play impressions48:19 - The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake Nintendo Direct reactions59:20 - Nintendo Direct 9.9.26 thoughtsIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us where ever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on Youtube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get levelheaded merch here: https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) 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., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5

We break down the best reveals, biggest announcements, and standout games from the rest of Gamescom 2026 before reacting to the latest Grand Theft Auto VI news and what Rockstar’s highly anticipated release could mean for the gaming industry at large?The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-396 | Gamescom 2026: Best Reveals + GTA VI Reaction 0:00 - Intro2:02 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Pizza Tower7:20 - Mario on Sega master system8:53 - X-Men 97 costumes coming to Marvel Rivals10:46 - PlayStation debuts live TV12:15 - Gamescom 2026: Best Reveals 44:58 - GTA VI Reaction 1:05:48 - Castlevania appears to be getting a reboot1:10:08 - State of Decay 3 in good shape despite Xbox upheaval1:13:17 - Sonic Team head talks possibility of Sonic Mania 21:16:40 - Xbox boss confirms next gen Project Helix is more than one console1:20:56 - Al played Anomaly President, Midnight Fight Express1:23:59 - Stal played Aggelos, Street Fighter 61:28:07 - Stikz played Resident Evil Requiem1:31:32 - Turb played Onimusha Way of the Sword1:34:03 - Choc played Forza, Marvel RivalsIf you enjoyed the show, we'd be grateful for any show of support below:(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family(2) Rate/Review us where ever you get your podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857(3) Become a member on Youtube or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch! https://www.857ent.com/#membership(4) Get levelheaded merch here: https://level857-shop.fourthwall.com/(5) 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., DaBagel69(6) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/WHauNxQAM5