Lost Sparks Gaming

Send us Fan MailA Zelda launch that pulls people into midnight queues in 2026 tells you everything you need to know about gaming culture and Nintendo’s grip on nostalgia. We start on Zelda Day with a proper catch-up on what we are playing, including classic Call of Duty Modern Warfare campaigns on older discs, a tempting jump into the new Modern Warfare 4, and why Uncharted 4 still feels like one of Sony’s most obvious “where is the sequel?” moments.Then we get into the kind of gaming joy subscriptions are built for: Doodoo Ducky, a small Xbox Game Pass surprise with a clever 2D to 3D mechanic that makes exploration feel fresh without demanding your whole week. We also talk Xbox Rewards points, the slow grind towards a million, and how those points quietly shave real money off big releases.The news hits hard and fast. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 lands with huge Metacritic scores and that rare shared hype that makes gaming feel communal again. We also react to the blink-and-you-miss-it Elder Scrolls VI tease confirming Sentinel, and we do the practical maths on GTA 6’s reported 212GB install plus preload dates, because storage is about to become everyone’s problem. Finally, we unpack the God of War delay to May, laugh at Xbox’s wild “Series X Byte” alligator console, and debate whether physical media is sliding towards a more expensive, rarer future as Switch cartridge manufacturing shifts.If you enjoy honest chat about games, hardware, and the weird economics of this hobby, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.Support the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailSomething feels different when a game gets its hooks in you, and we’ve both got that feeling this week. We kick off with a surprisingly deep chat about IKEA’s “Xbox inspired” accessories, why the collaboration looks cool but the missing branding is confusing, and how easily gaming merch slides from tasteful to strange. From there we detour into travel whiplash, saving LEGO builds for Christmas, and the never ending “where is my order?” struggle.On the games front, we’re all over the map in the best way. Steve is back in the Uncharted Collection, reminding us why Uncharted 2 and Uncharted 3 still nail pacing, puzzles and blockbuster set pieces, even when the occasional old school bug shows up. Stu digs into Pokemon ZA and the way it retools the classic Pokemon formula with more active combat and a very different capture and battle flow. We also shout out two very different Xbox Game Pass wins: Shell Diver for that quick upgrade loop addiction, and Forever Ago for a slower, emotional story that lingers.Then it’s time for the big one: Gears Of War E Day. We talk campaign feel, how fluid it is compared with older Gears, how incredible it looks on OLED, what works in the semi open sections, and the little design quirks that can still get you killed. After that we hit Controller Corner, Microsoft Rewards, and the news topics we cannot ignore: collector’s editions that do not include the game, a new Call of Duty sub franchise, GTA 6 spoiler panic, PS6 AI frame generation patents, and Epic’s AI pivot after layoffs.If you enjoy honest gaming chat with hype where it’s earned and scepticism where it’s needed, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a mate. What are you playing right now that you cannot stop thinking about?Support the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailGears of War E-Day finally lands and it does exactly what we hoped: it looks incredible, it feels punchy, and it sends our adrenaline through the roof. We talk through our first hour with the campaign, what works straight away, and why the multiplayer can leave you feeling like you’ve chugged a stack of energy drinks. If you’ve been waiting for a big Xbox Game Pass moment, this is the one we can’t stop thinking about. We also go to the other extreme with Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Pokopia, a cosy, zen take on the Pokémon universe that’s all about rebuilding, attracting Pokémon, and playing at your own pace. From there we get into what we’ve been playing across platforms, including Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resync, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Wolverine on PS5 Pro, and the tactical highs and frustrating difficulty spikes of Star Wars Zero Company. Then we get a bit too real about collecting, because Controller Corner returns with limited edition hardware, plus a warning sign for anyone tempted by vinyl and gaming merch. We also unpack Disc-to-Digital, the future of physical games, and the uncomfortable backdrop of industry layoffs, including concerns around Xbox studios even as Gears launches to strong reviews. Add in Uncharted rumours, the argument for longer console generations, and a chunky free 007 First Light DLC update, and you’ve got a packed gaming podcast that balances hype with the bigger questions. If you enjoy the chat, subscribe, share it with a gaming mate, and leave us a review so more people can find the show. What game has your attention right now: something cosy or something chaotic?Support the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailWolverine has been hyped for years, so when the reviews landed as “mid”, I didn’t want to write it off on hearsay. We’re missing the usual podcast this week because Steve isn’t very well, so I’ve recorded a quick, honest check-in that starts as a Wolverine game review and turns into something bigger: how we buy games, how much risk we accept, and why physical media still matters.I explain why I chose a physical disc over a digital download, how UK pricing can swing between Amazon UK and PlayStation Direct, and why resale value changes the psychology of spending £70 on a new release. If I can finish a game and sell it on, I’m more willing to take a punt. If discs disappear and we head towards a digital-only future, I’m far less likely to gamble on anything with mixed word of mouth, even when I really want to love it.Then we get into the gameplay. The controller feels great and the visuals are solid, but playing Spider-Man on a PS5 Pro right before Wolverine makes the gaps hard to ignore. I talk about the “rails” feeling, the sense that it could have been more open, and why the combat leans into button mashing with forgiving inputs that reduce challenge and consequence. I’m uploading the full playthrough to YouTube in bite-sized parts, so you can see exactly what I mean before you spend your money.If you’ve played Wolverine, I want your take. Subscribe, share the episode with a mate who’s on the fence, and leave a review to help more UK gamers find us, then drop a comment with your verdict: physical disc or digital download?Support the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailGTA 6 doesn’t just look bigger, it looks smarter. We sit down after the extended look and properly mull over what Rockstar is building, because the footage hints at a game where relationships, systems, and moment-to-moment detail finally feel as important as set-piece missions. Jason and Lucia aren’t just two playable characters you swap between; we talk about how their partnership could shape the story, change how missions play out, and give GTA 6 real replay value through choices that actually matter.Before we get there, we catch up on what we’ve been playing and testing across PlayStation and Xbox: trying PlayStation Plus for the month, bouncing off Big Walk when we realise it’s designed around co-op voice chat, poking at Fortnite’s new gaming-themed season, and jumping into Robocop on Game Pass. We also chat about the Call of Duty beta, why it’s tempting, and why it still struggles to win a day-one purchase when GTA is on the horizon. There’s also a quick look at a new A Plague Tale prequel that leans into Tomb Raider-style traversal and cinematic adventure.Then it’s full GTA 6 deep dive: a more reactive Vice City, better animations and gunplay, smarter police with witnesses and disguises, richer interiors, and the “everyday life” layer like clothes, fitness, cash vs bank, and vehicle storage that could make the world feel lived in. We also debate the big practical question: do you buy GTA 6 on Xbox for achievements and your existing ecosystem, or on PS5 Pro for the best performance?Subscribe, share the episode with a mate who’s counting the days to GTA 6, and leave us a review. What do you think: will GTA 6 change what we expect from open world games?Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailTwo hours of wheelspins. A retro Call of Duty campaign that still hits harder than most modern shooters. And a week of news where Xbox turns up with McDonald’s UK rewards, IKEA gaming cushions, and a proper attempt to bridge physical discs with digital ownership. If you like your gaming chat grounded in what people actually play and how they actually live, we’ve got you.We start with what we’ve been playing and why we keep drifting back to “comfy slippers” games when time is tight. Stephen revisits Call of Duty World at War for its gritty World War II atmosphere, then surprises himself by finishing Watch Dogs and finding its hacking and surveillance story more relevant in today’s AI and tracking-heavy world. We also talk about when games lose us, from Darksiders boredom to Planet Crafter’s cryptic progression, and why good guidance is not a dirty word.From there we jump into the good stuff: the Gears E-Day beta and how co-op design can feel fresh again, plus Stuart’s deep dive into Forza Horizon 6 as a living, breathing social platform complete with auctions, community creations, and an absolutely ridiculous wheelspin marathon. Then it’s Gamescom highlights, the PS3 price spikes, and the bigger question hanging over everything: are we buying games or renting licences?Hit subscribe for more weekly gaming talk, share this with a mate who still loves older games, and leave us a review with the one game you always return to when you just want to switch off.Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx  Support the show

Send us Fan MailYour favourite hobby should not feel like a luxury purchase, yet that is exactly where console gaming in the UK seems to be heading. We start with the fun stuff: what we are playing right now, why going back to Final Fantasy X still lands emotionally, and how the PlayStation Portal can actually shine when your home network is set up well. We also talk about the pull of older games, the reality that some classics have not aged gracefully, and why sometimes you just want comfort gaming rather than the newest shiny release.Then we jump into Halo Combat Evolved rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, including the nostalgia hit, the gorgeous presentation, and the part nobody warned us about: the difficulty spikes, especially in the new missions. We chat about sales across platforms, what Halo on PS5 could mean for the future, and why we still crave something genuinely new from the franchise, not just another remaster.From there, it is full obsession mode with Forza Horizon 6. We break down the wheel spin grind, skill point farming, car mastery loops, and the oddly satisfying logic of turning time into credits, credits into cars, and cars into more wheel spins. If you have ever chased achievements, tried to “complete” a car list, or felt the pull of one more run, you will recognise yourself.We finish with big industry stories: Xbox Series X and Series S price rises in the UK, the wider tech cost squeeze driven by the AI arms race, Sony refusing to budge on ending PlayStation physical discs, and the worrying push towards adverts in games. We also dig into the rumoured Xbox disc-to-digital feature as a possible compromise for ownership in a digital-only future. If you care about Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, physical media, resale value, and what the PS6 era might cost, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave us a review so more gamers can find the show.Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Earn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiGet up to 86% of Surfshark One - https://linkly.link/2t8zXGreat deals on Zen Broadband - https://linkly.link/2SXqbSupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx Support the show

Send us Fan MailWatch our First Plays and streams on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WA single crash shouldn’t be able to erase a week of progress, but that’s exactly what pushes us into a proper rant about Forza Horizon 6. We go from happily “mopping up” online races, rivals, seasonal challenges and car photos to the kind of save sync rollback that makes you question the whole idea of always-online progression. If you’ve ever chased a clean lap, a three-star speed trap, or that one last achievement, you’ll understand why this one stings. From there, we zoom out to the bigger picture of subscription gaming. Game Pass still shines when it puts weird and wonderful games in front of you, and we’ve got a stack of examples: Junkster’s charming platforming and building puzzles, Quarantine Zone’s Papers, Please-style infection checkpoint with brutally final choices, and Moss delivering that rare cosy platformer energy where two hours disappear in a blink. We also talk first-hour, no-commentary uploads for games like Doom DLC and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, plus why we’re considering showing gameplay footage on the video version of the pod. Then it’s news time: Xbox layoffs and fan backlash, a reported Halo multiplayer cancellation, GameStop shrugging at physical game discs, and Bethesda teasing Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remasters while Fallout 5 sits on the horizon. We round it out with the latest PS Plus catalogue additions including Rise of the Ronin and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and the real question underneath it all: which subscription model actually respects your time and money? If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a mate, and leave us a review. Do you want the video version to keep our faces on screen, switch to gameplay footage, or mix both?Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WEarn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Support the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx An award-winning VPN deal from Surfshark - https://linkly.link/2cM3BStart your own podcast and receive $20 - https://linkly.link/2acMfSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEarn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiA lighthouse keeper searching for his son, a LEGO Gotham that feels oddly like Arkham, and a game that literally asks you to dig a hole until you hit the surprise at the bottom. That’s the kind of week we’ve had, and it turns into a bigger chat about why “chill gaming” matters when life is busy, hot, and your free time comes in 20-minute slices.We talk about Fortnite’s latest chapter and the reality of streaming when tech decides to betray you. Then we get into what’s actually worth your time: 007 First Light as a standout modern James Bond game with proper set pieces, smart stealth, gadgets, and combat that makes you think, even if the hand-to-hand balance can feel brutal. LEGO Batman gets a lot of love, too, not just for the humour but for the open-world structure, co-op-friendly design, and the way it weaves movie moments into something that still feels fresh.There’s a big Forza Horizon 6 “mop-up” session as well: clearing races, hunting XP boards, chasing speed zones, and finding that sweet spot between relaxing progress and full-on frustration. We also shout out Will Follow The Light for its calm, spooky puzzle-walking-sim vibe, and we admit A Game About Digging A Hole is far more addictive than it has any right to be, especially as an easy Game Pass-style palate cleanser.The mailbag question hits home: is dropping games to easy mode cheating, or just sensible? From there, we tackle the bigger gaming industry news: reports about Sony moving away from physical discs, GTA 6 going digital-first and the money it could pull in, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 not landing on Game Pass day one, and worrying signs around Xbox restructuring and layoffs. We end on the big one: should PlayStation and Xbox embrace PC ports and a more open future, or are we heading into a more expensive, locked-down era?Subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave us a review if you want more honest gaming chat like this. Where do you stand on easy mode and digital-only games?Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WEarn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links, it costs you no extra:Support the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx An award-winning VPN deal from Surfshark - https://linkly.link/2cM3BStart your own podcast and receive $20 - https://linkly.link/2acMfSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEarn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiAR glasses that put a “TV” in front of your eyes sound like sci-fi nonsense until you try to picture them on a flight, on a train, or in a hotel room with a handheld. We talk through the ROG X-Real glasses, how they connect over USB-C, what surprised us about using them, and why this kind of portable gaming tech is starting to feel genuinely practical. We also get nerdy about the home setup side, docking a handheld into a proper capture and streaming chain with HDMI switching and a 4K capture card.Game chat is stacked this week. Lego Batman lands as a real joy, with Arkham-flavoured combat, stealth, brilliant voice work, and that “one more objective” pull after the credits. Forza Horizon 6 remains the perfect comfort game for clearing maps, chasing seasonal rewards, and zoning out in the best way. We also check back in on the James Bond game, where the stealth and set pieces sing, but the scraps can be punishing, and we make the case for a photo mode because the visuals deserve it. Plus: Junkster arrives on Game Pass and completely wins us over with comic-book levels, clever building and an adorable robot lead.Then we get serious. We recap the big showcase moments and pivot into the tougher headlines: Lunar Abyss layoffs, rumoured Microsoft studio shutdowns, and what all this means for the future of Xbox and exclusivity. If you care about Game Pass, Xbox hardware, and where the industry is heading, there is a lot to chew on here. Subscribe for more, share the episode with a mate, and leave us a review: what game or piece of kit has surprised you most this year?Watch our Previous Episodes on YouTube - https://linkly.link/2dG8WEarn Microsoft Points to spend on Games - https://linkly.link/2gVsiSupport the Podcast by using our Affiliated links it costs you no extra:Equipment we use:Buy a Shure SM7B - https://amzn.to/4nynrQpBuy a RodeCaster Duo - https://amzn.to/4tFNczOBuy a RodeCaster Pro II - https://amzn.to/4dh0spESupport the podcast by shopping on Amazon - https://geni.us/npUEx An award-winning VPN deal from Surfshark - https://linkly.link/2cM3BStart your own podcast and receive $20 - https://linkly.link/2acMfSupport the show