Critical Arcade is a weekly gaming podcast hosted by Nick and Dave. They review video games from classic to modern titles, discuss industry news and trends, and explore the cultural impact of gaming. The show also features interviews with developers and streamers.
Episodes
Dragon Quest VIII: The Journey of the Curse King (2004) Neigh-ver Ending Story
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their trusty weapons, stock up on medicinal herbs, and set off on a grand adventure across the magical world of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Joining forces with a mysterious band of unlikely heroes, they'll follow the journey of a silent young hero, a mischievous bandit named Yangus, the fiery Jessica, and the ever-loyal Angelo
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026) A Tale of Price & Fire
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick lock and load as they dive into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. With covert operations, military conspiracies, and enough tactical jargon to make a dictionary surrender, they're heading into a world where trust is in short supply, the stakes are sky-high, and the fate of the world is once again hanging by a very thin thread. It's time to put thei
Trombone Champ (2022) I am Toot
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pick up their trombones, warm up their lungs, and prepare to unleash the most ear-splitting musical performance ever committed to gaming in Trombone Champ. Armed with absolutely no musical qualifications and questionable rhythm at best, they'll attempt to blast their way through a collection of classic tunes, marching band anthems, and musical master
Hellraiser: Revival (2026) Pins & Needles
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick solve the worst puzzle box in history and discover that some doors are definitely better left closed as they descend into the nightmarish world of Hellraiser: Revival. Inspired by Clive Barker’s legendary horror franchise, this survival horror adventure plunges them into a twisted realm of pain, pleasure, and unspeakable horrors, where the Cenobites are
Star Wars: Galactic Racer (2026) This is the way...
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick fire up their engines, throw caution to the wind, and prepare to turn the Outer Rim into their own personal demolition derby in Star Wars: Galactic Racer! With the Empire gone and the galaxy looking for its next big obsession, an underground racing league has emerged where fortunes are won, rivalries are settled, and the only thing more dangerous than th
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve (2026) Going Ballistic
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick strap themselves into the cockpit, fire up the afterburners, and prepare to turn the sky into their personal playground in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Taking to the skies as elite fighter pilots, they'll find themselves caught up in a high-stakes aerial conflict filled with enemy squadrons, massive battles, missile-filled dogfights, and enough expl
Ghost of Yōtei (2026) Cold Cuts
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade in their modern conveniences for katanas, sake, and a serious case of revenge as they journey to the snowy wilderness of Ezo in Ghost of Yōtei. Taking on the role of Atsu, a wandering samurai seeking vengeance against the Yōtei Six who destroyed her family, they'll explore a beautiful and dangerous version of feudal Japan filled with samurai, r
Marvel's Wolverine (2026) Claw & Order
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pop their claws, crack their knuckles, and prepare to leave a trail of absolute carnage as they dive into Wolverine. Stepping into the boots of everyone's favourite foul-mouthed Canadian mutant, they'll follow Logan as he battles his way through a brutal world of mutants, mercenaries, and mysterious enemies while uncovering secrets buried deep within his
The Blood of Dawnwalker (2026) A Real Thirst Trap
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick find themselves plunged into a dark and brutal medieval world where the sun has gone down and the vampires have taken over. In Blood of the Dawnwalker, they step into the shoes of Coen, a young man who must balance his humanity with newfound vampiric powers while trying to save his family from the clutches of the mysterious vampire lord Brencis. With a w
Onimusha: Way of the Sword (2026) Oni Fans
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick travel back to feudal Japan and prepare to face an army of demons in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Taking on the role of Miyamoto Musashi, they find themselves caught in a supernatural battle against the terrifying Genma, armed with a mystical Oni Gauntlet and a sword that is definitely going to see some action. As they fight their way through a dark and t
Ys I & II (1989) No Button, Just Bonk
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their swords and head off on another grand adventure in Ys I & II Chronicles+. Taking on the role of legendary red-haired adventurer Adol Christin, they find themselves caught up in an ancient mystery involving magical Books of Ys, powerful priests, mysterious goddesses, and an army of demons that clearly need to find better hobbies.Their journe
Norco (2022) Southern Discomfort
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave the bright lights behind and head deep into the humid, industrial, and downright bizarre world of Norco. After the death of her mother, Kay returns to her hometown in the swamps of Louisiana, only to discover that her brother Blake has mysteriously disappeared. What starts as a search for a missing sibling quickly spirals into a strange mystery inv
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (2002) Nostalgia Off The Rails
Is RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 really one of the greatest management games ever made, or are we remembering it through rose-tinted glasses?This week on Critical Arcade, The List sent us back to RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, the legendary 2002 theme park simulator developed by Chris Sawyer and published by Infogrames. More than twenty years later, we revisit one of PC gaming's most influential tycoon games to
Papers, Please (2013) One More Stamp
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave behind the power fantasies of saving kingdoms and slaying monsters to take on one of gaming's most mundane—and surprisingly stressful—jobs. As the newly appointed immigration inspector at the Grestin border checkpoint in the communist state of Arstotzka, they'll spend their days checking passports, stamping documents, interrogating suspicious trave
Descent (1995) The Forgotten Frontier
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick descend into one of gaming's most forgotten milestones: Descent. Released in 1995, this groundbreaking shooter dared to ask one simple question: what if "up" didn't exist? Armed with a tiny spacecraft, an ever-growing arsenal of futuristic weapons, and a map that somehow manages to make you more lost, our fearless duo blast their way through twisting min
Planet Zoo (2019) Nature, Nurture, And Numbers
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade apocalyptic wastelands and alien worlds for zookeeping spreadsheets as they dive into the wonderfully chaotic world of Planet Zoo. Armed with little more than a dream, a limited budget, and an alarming lack of veterinary qualifications, they set out to build the ultimate wildlife park. From designing sprawling habitats for majestic lions and playfu
SoulCalibur III (2005) Ring Outs And Rivalries
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick polish their weapons, choose their fighting styles, and step onto the stage of history once again as they dive into the world of Soulcalibur III. Set in a turbulent age where legends are forged in steel and destiny is decided by the sword, warriors from across the globe are drawn toward the cursed blade known as Soul Edge. Some seek its immense power, ot
Dear Esther (2012) Walking Through Grief
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave behind explosions, loot drops, and skill trees for something far stranger and far more introspective as they step onto the lonely shores of Dear Esther. Guided only by the sound of crashing waves and the voice of an unreliable narrator, they journey across a bleak and beautiful Hebridean island while uncovering fragments of letters written to a wom
Crazy Taxi (2000) A Real Fare Ground
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick slam the accelerator to the floor and dive headfirst into the loud, chaotic, and gloriously unhinged world of Crazy Taxi. Trading in safe driving practices for near-death shortcuts, they hit the streets of West Coast City as a group of wildly reckless taxi drivers determined to earn the biggest fares possible by any means necessary. Whether it’s launchin
Ninja Gaiden (1988) The Blueprint For Brutal
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick sharpen their blades and prepare for a brutal journey through the streets of America in Ninja Gaiden. They step into the role of legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa after returning home to discover his father has been killed in a mysterious duel with a man named Jaquio. Following clues left behind by his father, Ryu journeys to America where he becomes entangle
Saros (2026) Total Eclipse Of The Heart
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick are launched into the haunting sci-fi world of Saros, where they awaken on the lost colony world of Carcosa—a planet trapped beneath a permanent eclipse and crawling with horrors that seem determined to make their stay as unpleasant as possible. Taking on the role of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer searching for answers about a vanished colony
Ape Out (2019) Rhythm of Rage
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave go bananas as they charge headfirst into the explosive, jazz-fuelled madness of Ape Out. Locked away in captivity, they take control of a powerful gorilla determined to smash through cages, corridors, laboratories, and anyone foolish enough to stand in the way of freedom. Every level becomes a desperate breakout as guards swarm in with guns, traps close
Starfield (2026) In Space Nobody Can Hear You Yawn!
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave power up the grav drive, polish their space boots, and blast off into the sprawling universe of Starfield. Set hundreds of years in the future, humanity has left Earth behind and spread across the Settled Systems, where rival factions, ruthless pirates, shady corporations, and mysterious alien artifacts all compete for control. Joining the explorers of C
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss (2026) Whispers From The Deep
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick plunge headfirst into the terrifying depths of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. Set in 2026, this cosmic horror adventure sends them to a remote deep-sea research station after contact with the facility is mysteriously lost. What begins as a rescue mission quickly spirals into a nightmare as they uncover flooded corridors, broken laboratories, missing crew mem
Pragmata (2026) Smart Systems, Soft Story
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave Earth behind and head to a cold, silent lunar research station in Pragmata, where something has gone very, very wrong. What was meant to be a straightforward mission soon turns into a desperate fight for survival as they uncover a facility overrun by malfunctioning machines, dangerous security systems, and secrets buried deep beneath the moon’s sur
Screamer (2026) Style Over Substance?
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave strap themselves in and dive headfirst into the breakneck, neon-soaked world of Screamer (2026)—a high-speed reboot that takes street racing to a whole new level of chaos. Set in a gritty, dystopian future where corporations pull the strings and underground racing leagues rule the streets, the duo finds themselves battling through a brutal competition wh
The Long Dark (2017) Snow Way Out
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick bundle up, strike a match, and step into the frozen wilderness of The Long Dark. After a mysterious plane crash leaves them stranded in the Canadian wilds, survival becomes the only goal—and nature isn’t playing fair.With no zombies, no monsters, and no one coming to help, it’s just man versus the cold. Managing hunger, fatigue, and freezing temperatures
Monster Hunter Stories 3 (2026) The Splice Age
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their Rider gear, polish their Kinship Stones, and venture into the vibrant monster-filled world of Monster Hunter Stories 3. Unlike the traditional monster-slaying chaos of the main series, this time they’re building bonds instead of crafting boots out of everything that moves. Stepping into the role of a young Rider, they hatch monster eggs, raise
Marathon (2026) Worth the Run?
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave suit up, check their ammo, and step into the brutal corporate battleground of Marathon. Set on the mysterious colony world of Tau Ceti IV, they take on the role of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners—scavengers sent into dangerous zones to recover lost tech, alien artifacts, and anything valuable enough to make their corporate masters rich.The catch?
Resident Evil Requiem (2026) Requiem For A Scream
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick steel their nerves and step into the slow-burning dread of Resident Evil Requiem, a haunting new entry in Capcom’s iconic survival horror series. Set in a world rotting from the inside out, Requiem trades bombastic action for suffocating atmosphere, forcing the duo to creep through crumbling environments where every shadow feels suspicious and every soun
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) I Swear I Parried That
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick bow respectfully, immediately forget that respect mid-fight, and throw themselves headfirst into the merciless world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Set in a crumbling, blood-soaked version of Sengoku-era Japan, they take on the role of Wolf, a one-armed shinobi bound by duty, honor, and a prosthetic arm packed with far more gadgets than either host is cap
Code Vein II (2026) Hazed and Confused
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick once again wake up thirsty, overdesigned, and deeply unsure of what’s happening in the gothic anime apocalypse of Code Vein 2. Thrown back into a dying world of Revenants, blood codes, and coats with more belts than structural integrity, the pair find themselves navigating the aftermath of humanity’s last stand against extinction. Society has fractured,
Perfect Dark (2000) Nearly Perfect, Absolutely Extra
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave adjust their sensitivity sliders (and immediately regret it) as they dive deep into the stylish, suspicious, and surprisingly prophetic world of Perfect Dark. Set in the far-flung future of 2023, the game casts them as elite Carrington Institute agent Joanna Dark, a super-spy with a cooler name than everyone else in the building and an arsenal that seems
Harmony’s Odyssey (2022) Puzzles Over Plot
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave drift off into the calm, colourful, and deceptively tricky universe of Harmony’s Odyssey. A puzzle game that looks like a bedtime story but thinks like a logic exam, Harmony’s Odyssey sends them hopping between floating constellations inspired by ancient myths, musical patterns, and cosmic folklore. Each world is a handcrafted diorama where perspective i
Fatal Frame (2001) Exposed and Afraid
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave make the deeply questionable decision to wander into the suffocatingly quiet, deeply cursed world of Fatal Frame, a survival horror series that proves the scariest weapon imaginable is a camera. Set across abandoned mansions, forgotten villages, and ritual sites soaked in tragedy, the duo must rely on the mysterious Camera Obscura to confront vengeful sp
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003) So Dark It Missed The Mark
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick dust off their dual pistols, crank up the early-2000s angst, and step into the shadowy, conspiratorial world of Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness—the game that tried to reinvent Lara Croft… and occasionally forgot how legs work in the process.Fresh off being framed for the murder of her mentor Werner Von Croy, Lara finds herself plunged into the underbe
Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku (2004) Jack To The Future
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick strap on their sandals, grab their gleaming katanas, and dive headfirst into the stylized, time-warped epic that is Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku. From the moment the boys hit “Start,” they’re hurled into a world where the future is corrupted, everything has an angular edge, and Aku’s voice echoes like a disappointed dad trying way too hard to sound in
Tails Noir (2021) Noir Gone Wild
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick dust off their detective hats, light a cigarette under the flickering glow of a neon sign, and step into the rain-soaked, crumbling streets of dystopian Vancouver in Backbone. This isn’t your average pixel-art adventure — it’s a smoky, jazz-drenched neo-noir where everyone’s an animal, the city’s rotting from the inside, and the truth is far more terrify
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (2025) Echoes of Erdrick
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave dust off their swords, shine their armor, and set out on a nostalgic journey through the land of Alefgard in “Dragon Quest I & II Remake.” Square Enix has taken two of the most important JRPGs ever made and given them the full HD-2D treatment—complete with shimmering pixel art, dynamic lighting, and a soundtrack that will make even the slimes tear up
The Outer Worlds 2 (2025) Capitalism Just Got Cosmic
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave blast off to the outer reaches of the galaxy and dive headlong into The Outer Worlds 2 — Obsidian’s long-awaited sequel that promises more satire, more chaos, and even more morally confusing decisions than before. Gone are the familiar worlds of Halcyon; this time, the duo find themselves in a brand-new star system, filled with fresh corporate colonies,
Ninja Gaiden 4 (2025) Being A Ninja Never Gets Old
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave dive headfirst into the relentless chaos of Ninja Gaiden 4 — a game that doesn’t just test your reflexes, it punishes your mistakes. This time Ryu is out and Yakumo, a skilled ninja of the Raven Clan, takes the hot seat. Sounds like a Tuesday for a Super Ninja.Armed with his ever-growing arsenal, new Bloodraven powers, and enough wall-running stamina to
Journey (2012) Sand, Sound, and Soul
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick set aside their usual chaos and step into something far more serene — Journey, the meditative, wordless adventure from thatgamecompany. Gone are the guns, gadgets, and dialogue trees. Instead, they don flowing red robes, a magical scarf, and head off into the endless desert toward a distant, glowing mountain that seems to call to them from across time it
Digimon Story: Time Stranger (2025) It's Finally Digivolving!
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick jack into the grid and find themselves in the glitchy, time-twisting world of Digimon Story: Time Stranger. What was supposed to be a casual dive into cyberspace quickly spirals into a full-blown temporal disaster when a mysterious program tears through the world, merging past, present, and future into one big, corrupted mess.Our intrepid hosts are dropp
Amnesia: Rebirth (2020) Stay Away From The Desert
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick stumble out of the safety of daylight and into the suffocating terror of Amnesia: Rebirth, Frictional Games’ 2020 return to psychological horror. Set in the vast, sun-scorched deserts of Algeria, this isn’t your average vacation. Taking control of Tasi Trianon, the duo must piece together a shattered memory, survive ancient ruins, and avoid the monstrous
Plants vs Zombies (2009) Lawn Of The Dead
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick swap out shotguns and swords for watering cans and fertilizer as they take on the quirky, strategic chaos of Plants vs Zombies. Released in 2009, this tower defense classic turns your backyard into the frontline of the undead apocalypse, where survival depends less on firepower and more on creative landscaping. The duo must carefully balance planting sun
Borderlands 4 (2025) Vault Hunting Is Back!
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick lock, load, and launch themselves back into the loot-splattered insanity of Borderlands 4. Once again, the galaxy is on the brink of chaos, and naturally, the only two people crazy enough to handle it are our lovable vault-hunting duo. With a whole new planet to explore, filled to the brim with outlaws, synthetic robot followers, and creatures that look
Hell Is Us (2025) Clues and Calamity
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick step into the desolate, war-torn world of Hell is Us. Set in a country ripped apart by years of civil strife and buried secrets, the game forces them to navigate a landscape where danger comes from both sides of the battlefield: hostile soldiers with guns and terrifying supernatural abominations with… well, whatever those fleshy nightmare appendages are
Lost Soul Aside (2025) Lost, Found, and Put Aside
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave finally get their hands on Lost Soul Aside, the game that spent longer in development than Dave did in college. They step into the boots of Kaser, a moody anime protagonist with more hair gel than common sense, and his wise-cracking dragon symbiote, Arena, who never misses an opportunity to roast his host. Together, they’ll stylishly hack, slash, and com
Gears of War Reloaded (2025) Revamped and Revved Up
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick lock and load as they stomp into the gritty, blood-soaked battlefields of Gears of War Reloaded. Humanity is on its last legs, cornered and desperate, after the ground splits open and unleashes the monstrous Locust Horde. Enter Marcus Fenix: soldier, survivor, and a man who probably only smiles when he’s chainsawing aliens in half. Alongside his brothers
Signalis (2022) Dreams of Flesh and Circuitry
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave stumble into the fractured, nightmarish depths of Signalis. Released in 2022, this indie survival horror blends the pixelated charm of the PS1 era with a surreal, haunting atmosphere straight out of a fever dream. Players take on the role of Elster, a Replika technician on a desperate search for her missing partner, wandering through abandoned mining fac
Mafia: The Old Country (2025) Vows & Vendettas
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave must grab their pocket knives, practice their Sicilian and pour themselves a glass on wine because they are taking on the role of Enzo Favara, an escapee of the Sicilian sulphur mines who trespasses onto the lands of Don Bernardo Torrisi the head of the local Mafia and a man who values trust above all else. Their lives become entwined with forbidden love
PaRappa the Rapper (1997) You Gotta Believe!
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick dust off their PS1 nostalgia goggles and dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird and rhythmically chaotic world of PaRappa the Rapper. Released in 1996, this cult classic rhythm game has players rapping their way through everything from martial arts lessons to cake-baking catastrophes—all in the name of love. Our hero, PaRappa, may be made of paper, bu
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) Blood, Bats and Bitmaps
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave don their finest velvet cloaks, pack an unreasonable number of throwing axes, and descend into the shadowy halls of Dracula’s castle in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Released in 1997, this genre-defining Metroidvania dropped players into a haunting, labyrinthine fortress as Alucard—Dracula’s half-human, half-vampire son who’s way too cool to run an
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (2023) Spray. Skate. Survive.
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick slip into their cyber-sneakers, juice up their Boost Packs, and plunge headfirst into the gravity-defying, tag-spraying, rhythm-blasting world of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Set in the vibrant, cel-shaded sprawl of New Amsterdam, this spiritual successor to Jet Set Radio throws our duo into a chaotic turf war between graffiti crews, corrupt cops, and one seriou
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (2025) Beached Things and Broken Heartstrings
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave reunite with their favorite melancholic porter in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima’s latest delivery of mind-bending narrative, cinematic excess, and very, very complicated backpacks. The world is still broken, the skies are still crying, and now—somehow—the ocean is even weirder. Sam Porter Bridges is back, but this time he’s not just deliv
FBC: Firebreak (2025) Burns Up and Fizzles Out
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick must strap on their badass welding masks, sign NDA papers, and grab the biggest squirt gun they can find because they are jumping into the shoes of the FBC's first responders. Tasked with keeping the endless paranormal threats under control and its never-ending deluge of spontaneous fires, overwhelming Post-it Notes, and aggressively growing pink stuff (
Indivisible (2019) Mind, Body and Metroidvania
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick tap into their inner chakras and dive headfirst into the gorgeously animated, spirit-infused world of Indivisible. When teenage hothead Ajna finds her village burned to the ground and a mysterious power awakened within her, she does what any emotionally stable protagonist would do—she sets off on a globe-spanning quest for vengeance and self-discovery. A
Elden Ring Nightreign (2025) Rain, Revives and Repeats
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick descend into Elden Ring: Nightreign—FromSoftware’s latest reminder that joy is fleeting and bosses have no chill. Set in the hauntingly beautiful Limveld, the duo trades the sunny plains of the world they used to know for a realm now soaked in gloom, grief, and gravestones. As they chase down and destroy the nightmare-fuelled Nightlords (Except for Augur
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025) Back To The Gates
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick find themselves waking up in the worst Airbnb in Tamriel—a damp prison cell with rats, bad lighting, and a suspicious lack of exit strategy. That’s right, it’s Oblivion Remastered, the shiny, modded, and lovingly overhauled return to Bethesda’s iconic 2006 open-world RPG. As Emperor Uriel Septim shows up in their cell to tell them they're the chosen ones
DOOM: The Dark Ages (2025) Born Of Fire, Bound In Iron
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade space marines for medieval mayhem as they dive headfirst into Doom: Dark Ages—the blood-soaked prequel we never knew we needed. Set centuries before the events of the modern Doom series, this brutal reimagining throws the Doom Slayer into a world of stone castles, haunted cathedrals, and hellspawn in chainmail. Armed with a fist forged in demonic f
Umurangi Generation (2020) Snapshots Of A Dying World
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their retro-futuristic cameras and slip on their skater shoes to explore the neon-lit, decaying world of Umurangi Generation—a first-person photography game where the apocalypse isn’t coming… It’s already here. Set in the last city standing after a slow-motion global collapse, they take on the role of a courier-slash-shutterbug tasked with documenti
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025) Brushstrokes And Battle Cries
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pack their best magical brushes and step into the hauntingly beautiful, surreal nightmare that is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In a world where death comes not from war or plague, but from a woman with a paintbrush and a god complex, they join the 33rd Expedition—one of humanity’s last desperate hopes to break a deadly cycle. Every year, the Paintress aw
Star Wars: The New Droid Army (2002) This Is Not the Game You're Looking For
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick polish up their lightsabers and take on Star Wars: The New Droid Army, a Game Boy Advance title that boldly asks the question: “What if Anakin Skywalker had a bad day, bad intel, and a worse run animation?” Set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, this pocket-sized adventure drops Anakin onto Tatooine with a mission to investigate a new
Blue Prince (2025) Gems, Keys and Mysteries
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave have to grab their notebooks, hold onto their rabbits' feet, and dive headfirst into the twisted, ever-changing corridors of Blue Prince. In this rougelike puzzle game, they play the role of Simon P. Jones, a young boy who is to inherit the estate of his great uncle Herbert S. Sinclair, but it comes with one catch: they must locate a hidden 46th room wit
The Gardens Between (2018) Beyond the Clock
This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave put away their weapons, slow down time, and step into the beautiful, contemplative dreamscape of The Gardens Between. In this surreal puzzle adventure, they join childhood friends Arina and Frendt as they explore a string of mysterious island gardens, each one crafted from fragments of their shared memories. With the power to control time itself, Nick an
Stellaris (2016) Cosmic Conquering
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick take to the stars in Stellaris, where diplomacy, warfare, and questionable ethics collide in a galaxy teeming with possibilities. As they forge their own interstellar empire, they’ll have to balance exploration, technological advancement, and the occasional existential crisis when a sentient AI starts asking too many questions. Will they embrace the path
WWE 2K25 (2025) Bringing The Pain
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick step into the ring, lace up their boots, and prepare to throw down in WWE 2K25! With an updated roster, improved mechanics, and enough over-the-top action to make even the most seasoned wrestling fan cheer, they’ll be suplexing their way through the latest entry in the legendary franchise. Whether it’s mastering the new MyRise story mode, dominating the
Stray (2022) A Cy-PURR-punk Journey
Critical Arcade is back and this week Dave and Nick ditch their usual two-legged protagonists for something far more nimble—an adorable stray cat. In Stray, they explore a breathtaking cybercity, abandoned by humans but repurposed by quirky, humanoid robots just trying to get by. Will Nick ever stop getting distracted by the sheer joy of the tone altering music and inorganic sound design? Can Dave
Sayonara Wild Hearts (2019) A Roller-coaster Of Closure
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 in
Astro Bot (2024) An Astro-nomically Good Time
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 thi
The Lego Movie Videogame (2014) Everything's Not Awesome
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 vi
Tales of Vesperia (2014) A Grand Chase at a Snails Pace
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 farth
Erica (2019) The Butterfly Defect
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 Eric
Crysis 2 (2011) Suit Up
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 corpo
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream (1995) I Game, Therefore I Am
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
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (2007) Tools, Fools And Jelly Pools
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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
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (2024) Deals, Demons And Deities
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
Gunstar Heroes (1993) Locked, Loaded And Goated
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
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