Idle Game Chat: The Video Game Podcast

A whopping 8 games make the grade on this edition of Idle Game Chat. Skate Story was the surprise closer of 2025. Bolstered by its Day 1 inclusion on PlayStation Plus Extra, it seemingly came out of nowhere and landed immediate critical acclaim. A rocking soundtrack, a SimCade style skating system and an otherworldly art style brings it to the attention of Evan and Apps. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots has FINALLY been confirmed to be part of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.2, but before that Apps took the plunge to re-earn some missing trophies on the PS3. In what was supposed to be the game that ended the saga, it’s prison sentence on PS3 has been a source of frustration for many fans so brighter days are ahead, but one more round on the PS3 can’t be all bad…can it? The PS3 version of The Last of Us came out in 2013 and has been re-released a further two times. A remaster in 2014 and a remake in 2022 ensure that it is nicely preserved on modern hardware. How well does the original hold up? Adkins comes bearing a Resident Evil trifecta! With Resident Evil Requiem close at hand, Adkins turns back the clock to tackle the remake of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil HD Remaster (which is based on the 2002 Remake) and Resident Evil 0. From third person survival horror brilliance to fixed cameras and tank controls, how does Adkins cope with this jarring change? Giant Squid arrived with Abzu in 2016 and their latest title, Sword of the Sea came out in 2025. Apps takes a pitstop to fill in a gaming gap and get up to speed with all things Giant Squid by heading onto The Pathless. Taking influence from Breath of the Wild and expanding the players interaction it has the ingredients to be something special. Timestamps 00:00:00 Skate Story 00:53:28 MGS 4 & The Last of Us on PS3 02:03:36 Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil & Resident Evil 0 03:14:26 The Pathless 04:00:59 Outro & FGL Update

Normal service resume for Idle Game Chat as we have another edition, jam packed with gaming impressions! On the docket this time we have the record setting “indie” darling, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It picked up 9 awards at The Game Awards 2025 and is widely tipped to garner more big rewards for DICE, GDC and BAFTA. Adkins’ curiosity got the better of him and he dived two feet into this on Steam. Did it live up to all the hype? Adcock returns with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This 2024 release was widely praised for flipping the script, where you play as Zelda on a quest to save Link. It’s a complete departure from the current Zelda framework which begun with Breath of the Wild. We will find out if Adcock this is a worthy change. Palette cleansers are popular amongst the Dimp clan and this time it’s the turn of Gris! Nomada Studios’ debut title Gris was released in 2018 on PC and Switch with wider platforms being targeted in 2019. Apps takes up the mantle, with one eye on Nomada Studios latest game, Neva, he works his way this award-winning Platform-Adventure game. The game impressions are rounded out by South of Midnight. This 2025 release arrived to a decent reception, but wasn’t the breakout title that Xbox and Compulsion Games were hoping for. It certainly faired better than Compulsion’s last game, We Happy Few, but what does Adkins make of it all? The episode is wrapped up Gaming’s Most Wanted 2026. Each member of the Dimp clan was asked for the one game they are most looking forward to. Apps reveals the results! Sit back, relax and enjoy Timestamps 00:00:00 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 01:23:02 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 02:01:09 Gris 02:45:13 South of Midnight 03:19:43 Gaming’s Most Wanted 2026

We kick of 2026 with our Fantasy Gaming League draft! This year it is the Comedy Brothers, Paper and Adkins, going head-to-head to see who comes out on top! Will Paper get a hattrick of wins back-to-back or will Adkins make history and be the first person to land the Grand Slam?

Here we are then, the Festive Special of Idle Game Chat! In our final show of the year, we have a jam-packed episode with a bit of a twist. Gaming’s Greatest Quiz is the rebrand of our traditional annual quiz. To complement the name change we have also shifted format. All questions are multiple choice and competitors are scored on accuracy and also time. 12 months, 36 questions, 6 competitors, buckle up! Feel free to play along at home and you can find the quiz by heading over to Kahoot.it and searching for “Gaming’s Greatest Quiz 2025”. The Fantasy Gaming League is over and we are joined by the winner, Paper, to analyse where he got it right and where Hall got it wrong. We also tip our cap to Grand Prix winner Adkins who will be stepping up to challenge for a historic Grand Slam… We close things out with our traditional Year-In-Review with Logan. Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation are all put under the spotlight, accompanied by the usual unrelated waffle. It’s been a great year and we happy that you joined us on the ride. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Patreon.com/DimpDigital Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gaming's Greatest Quiz 2025 01:05:55 FGL 2025 Results Show 02:10:18 Year-In-Review 2025

In this episode of Idle Game Chat, we dive into our full impressions of some wildly different worlds. From the sprawling adventures of Pokémon Scarlet and the intriguing change of Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, to the quirky charm of Donut County, we share what stuck with us long after playing. We also hit the track with F1 23 and F1 25, breaking down how the series continues to evolve, before stepping into the mysterious cinematic journey of Death Stranding 2. It’s a mix of racing, rolling, catching, and connecting — all through our honest, in‑depth takes. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Pokémon Scarlet 00:53:00 Pokémon Legends: Z-A 01:48:32 Donut County 02:00:10 F1 23 02:18:18 Death Standing 2: On the Beach 03:23:44 F1 25

Another packed episode of Idle Game Chat is here, and this week we’re diving headfirst into a lineup that blends myth, stealth, and full-on action. We kick things off with Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, then unravel the chilling mystery of Ghost of Yōtei before stepping into feudal Japan once more with Claws of Awaji, the latest Assassin’s Creed Shadows expansion. We also take a long look at the enigmatic Hell Is Us, reflect on a newbies experience of Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, and close with a fresh take on a classic franchise through Gears of War: Reloaded. Stealth, steel, spirits, and nostalgia—get ready for another episode packed with sharp insights and questionable banter. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:58 Ghost of Tsushima: Legends 01:04:10 Ghost of Yōtei 01:59:49 Claws of Awaji - Assassin's Creed Shadows Expansion 02:18:29 Hell Is Us 03:01:18 Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (Minor Spoilers) 03:37:58 Gears of War: Reloaded

Hosts: Your Essex mates at Dimp Digital Episode: We've finished 'em all! Our complete verdict on Borderlands 4, plus deep dives into Snake Eater's remake, our F1 management shame, a Ninja Gaiden double bill and most anticipated Assassin’s Creed game in a while, Assassin’s Creed Shadows! Right, we've put the hours in so you don't have to! This month we're giving you our proper, final thoughts on some massive games we've played from start to finish. Here's the full breakdown: 🔫 Borderlands 4 We've completed the campaign, tried the endgame, and messed with the new Vault Hunters. Is it a worthy successor or did it drop the ball? Our no-BS verdict on the story, loot, and whether it's worth your time now it's out. 🔍 Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Does this legendary remake have us saluting or sulking? We break down the jungle gameplay, the graphics, and the pressure of remaking a classic. ⚔️ Ninja Gaiden 2 & 3: Razor's Edge We've suffered through every brutal minute. Our thoughts on which one holds up better, which is just plain unfair, and whether they're still essential action games. 🏎️ F1 Manager 2024 Another season in the bin. We've seen a full championship through and we're here to report on whether this year's game fixes the series' problems or if it's the same old story. 🗡️ Assassin's Creed Shadows Feudal Japan from start to finish. Our take on the dual protagonists, the new mechanics, and whether Ubisoft has delivered a return to form. [00:00:00] - Intro [00:00:26] - Housekeeping [00:01:03] - Community notes [00:01:53] - Transition [00:02:09] - Metal Gear Solid Delta [01:00:06] - Ninja Gaiden double feature [01:28:18] - Assassin’s Creed Shadows [02:19:11] - F1 Manager 2024 [03:09:41] - Borderlands 4 [03:58:54] - Outro [03:59:25] - Sign-off [04:00:09] - End

Three months in, is the Nintendo Switch 2 living up to the hype? We're cracking open the console's biggest talking points and giving you our proper, no-nonsense verdict. THE BIG DEBATE: We're nattering about all the stuff that matters: 💷 The Price: Was it worth the dent in our wallets? 🕹️ Game Costs: Are we being taken for a ride with these new release prices? 🤬 The Game Card Scandal: Physical games not having the full game on the card? Get outta here! 📺 How We Play: Are we docked on the sofa or handheld on the loo? 📸 Accessories: The new Pro Controller 2, that funky camera – worth the extra cash? FULL REVIEWS: We've put the hours in so you don't have to: 🏎️ Mario Kart World: More than just a graphical glow-up? 🍌 Donkey Kong Bananza: Does it capture the magic of the classics? ⚡ Pokémon Violet (Switch 2 Patched): Finally the game we were promised? QUICK FIRE IMPRESSIONS: ⛏️ Stardew Valley: How does it feel on the new hardware? 🕹️ Switch 2 Welcome Tour: Nintendo's pack-in demo – any good? New to Idle Game Chat? We're just a bunch of mates from Essex (and beyond) having a right good chinwag about games. No jargon, no nonsense – just honest opinions and a few laughs. 👉 Subscribe Now on your favourite podcast app 💰 Support Us by going to Patreion.com/DimpDigital YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/r_fuk3Ph3Q4 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:14 Nintendo Switch 2 Chat 00:49:53 Mario Kart World Chat 01:03:42 Donkey Kong Bananza Chat 01:21:04 Pokémon Violet (Switch 2 Update) Chat 01:35:19 Neva Chat 01:44:30 Stardew Valle | Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour 01:55:55 FGL Update 02:01:30 Mario Kart World Chat (Again) #IdleGameChat #NintendoSwitch2 #GamingPodcast #Essex

We've gone proper massive this week! Join us for: Battlefield 6 BetaDeath Stranding 2: On the BeachSchedule ILost Records: Bloom & RageSuper Mario Land 1+2Cairn DemoBaby Steps Demo As usual there is more, check the timestamps below for a full rundown! Why bother? We're just Essex lads nattering about games: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:35 Battlefield 6 Beta 00:17:40 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 01:34:25 Sable 02:25:52 Schedule I 02:58:50 Lost Records: Bloom & Rage 03:29:17 Super Mario Land 1 + 2 03:44:01 Cairn Demo 03:56:24 Baby Steps Demo 04:07:52 Outro YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ZET5Tc9_FcU

We’re back with another round of Idle Game Chat, and this week things get... weird. We’ve got thoughts on all sorts — from the medieval madness of Doom: The Dark Ages to the emotional punches of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home. We also take a dive into the strange (How Fish Is Made), the spooky (Castlevania Requiem), and the downright baffling (Mouthwashing). Oh, and Somerville popped up too, so we gave that a go. Then it's time for the big one: our 2024 Game of the Year rundown. Who made the cut, who got snubbed, and which game took the crown? There might be disagreements. There will definitely be waffle. Grab a brew, stick us on, and enjoy some proper game chat. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:21 Doom: The Dark Ages 01:07:07 Valiant Hearts: Coming Home 01:39:14 How Fish Is Made 01:45:40 Mouthwashing 01:56:50 Castlevania Requiem 02:26:49 Sommerville 03:02:17 Game of the Year 2024

🎙️ Episode Summary: Join us on Idle Game Chat as we dissect four iconic titles spanning debut titles, remastered brilliance, and AAA storytelling! This week, we’re debating: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Metroid Prime RemasteredThe Last of Us Part IIUncharted 4🔥 Hot Takes Inside: Expedition 33Metroid PrimeTLOU2Uncharted 4 Tune in for unfiltered opinions and our verdicts on which games deserve your backlog. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 01:02:15 Metroid Prime Remastered 01:49:49 Uncharted 4 - A Thieves End 02:08:15 The Last of Us Part II (SPOILERS FOR GAME AND SHOW)

GTA VI will not be making 2025! That's the big news of the month, but we prefer to talk about games, so after Apps brushes over the industries biggest delay, we have some idle chat about lots of video games, including: - Monster Hunter Wilds - A load of Super Mario Games - Mythwrecked Ambrosia Island - Fragpunk - CoD Warzone Sit back, relax and enjoy! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:29 GTA VI Delay 00:07:35 Monster Hunter Wilds 01:26:30 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass 01:38:30 Super Mario Bros. 01:43:35 Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels 01:47:56 Super Mario Bros. 2 01:55:45 Super Mario Bros. 3 02:02:10 Super Mario Bros. Wonder 02:11:00 Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island 02:50:19 Fragpunk - Season 0 - Wild Dawn 03:18:30 Call of Duty: Warzone YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1kWLytF1ApM

We used some AI Slop for the description, here is what it came up with: Welcome to Idle Game Chat, your monthly deep dive into the realm of video games where we blend past classics with tomorrow’s innovations. In this episode, we begin by demystifying the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. We’ll unpack the latest details—from hardware upgrades and display improvements to new features that could redefine portable gaming. Whether you're excited about a sleeker design or improved performance, we've got all the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve. Next up, we delve into our Avowed Review. Join us as we explore the rich narrative and deep gameplay mechanics of this intriguing title, examining what it brings to the table in terms of world-building and immersive storytelling. We dissect both its strengths and the areas that might have left fans wanting more. After that, it’s time to revisit a beloved series with our Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 Review. We take a nostalgic yet critical look at how the remake blends classic arcade excitement with modern enhancements, evaluating its renewed controls, level design, and overall balance between old-school charm and today’s gameplay expectations. Finally, we wrap up with an in-depth look at GTA V. Despite being a titan in the gaming industry for years, this title continues to captivate audiences with its sprawling open world and unforgettable narrative. We discuss why, even after all this time, GTA V remains a benchmark for excellence in interactive storytelling and design. Tune in to Idle Game Chat for a fresh, engaging look at these top topics and discover the conversations shaping the gaming landscape today. Christ, we are doomed if we let this take over! Anyway here are the timestamps, enjoy: 00:00:00 Intro 00:09:12 Nintendo Switch 2 01:52:28 Avowed Review 02:58:25 THPS 1+2 Review 03:18:12 GTA V Revisited (SPOILERS)

Packed show this month! Mr. Apps, Mr. Adkins, Mr. Biff and Mr. Adcock share their opinions on games both new and old. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro, FGL Update, Games of March 2025 00:12:10 Yakuza Kiwami 2 00:32:00 Shadow Warrior 00:43:32 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 00:58:37 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine 01:15:57 It Takes Two 01:31:16 Silent Hill 2 (2024) 02:27:00 Black Myth: Wukong 02:51:00 Wolfenstein: The New Order 02:59:15 Red Dead Redemption 2 03:18:58 Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigital Live Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigital Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital

Another biggie this month. Times SHOULD naturally reduce as we have got through Adkins' backlog, but as usual, take your time and digest this throughout the entire month! Here is what there is to look forward to: A discussion about the high-octane, action-packed game METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE, exploring its intense combat system and engaging storyline. Adkins delves into the emotionally-driven narrative of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, highlighting its unique gameplay mechanics and heartfelt story. A look at Astro Bot, a platformer that has charmed players with its delightful level design. A deep dive into the epic adventure of God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla, discussing its breathtaking visuals, immersive world, and gripping plot. Adkins explores the expansive open world of Far Cry 6, talking about its action-packed gameplay, vibrant settings, and intriguing characters. A segment dedicated to the monster-slaying adventures in Monster Hunter Rise, focusing on its cooperative gameplay and vast array of monsters. A look at the anticipated game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, discussing its storyline and the dynamics of playing as iconic villains. Was it really that bad? The hosts discuss Tekkan 8, examining its fighting mechanics, character roster, and what sets it apart from previous installments. We settle the debate of Tekkan vs Street Fighter vs Mortal Kombat. A segment on the PlayStation Portal, highlighting its features, user experience, and how it integrates with the gaming ecosystem. Does it work as well as it is advertised? An exploration of Death Stranding Director's Cut, discussing the enhancements and additional content in this expanded version of the original game. A nostalgic trip through the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, covering its remastered graphics, gameplay improvements, and the charm of the original series. The Games of February 2025 The episode wraps up with a look at the games being released in February 2025, offering insights and anticipation for what's to come. Take care! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigital Live Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigital Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:05 METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE 00:36:15 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons 00:48:56 Astro Bot 01:14:10 God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla 01:30:21 Far Cry 6 02:15:35 Monster Hunter Rise 02:32:06 Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League 02:53:52 Tekkan 8 03:08:31 PlayStation Portal 03:33:17 Death Stranding Director's Cut 04:37:17 Spyro Reignited Trilogy 05:07:07 The Games of February 2025

Here we go then, the January 2025 edition of Idle Game Chat has arrived. Coming in at almost 7 hours, this is a big one! I encourage you all to take your time in consuming this, we won’t be back until February so there is no rush to get through. Take your time and chip away at it! Let’s get into the run down. The Game Awards 2024 A new year and a new era? Maybe, but before we look forward at what 2025 is going to bring us let’s take a look back at 2024! The Game Awards had one of its better showings in terms of game reveals. Naughty Dog closed the show with their new IP, Intergalactic, The Witcher IV got itself a nice CG trailer, Okami is getting a sequel and much more. How many bollard ticklers did The Game Awards produce? Mr. Apps & Mr. Adkins run down their lists. Oh…we talk about the Awards too… Year-In-Review 2024 Mr. Logan takes us through a Year-In-Review for 2024. We all thought we would be sitting here with Pre-Orders for the Super Switch (this is the best name), ready for an early 2025 release but Nintendo had other ideas. Are people getting impatient waiting for new hardware, despite still having a decent slate of games in 2024? PlayStation had one of the biggest disasters in gaming history with the release and subsequent cancellation of Concord, but they also had the highest rated game of the year with Astro Bot. This is reinforced by other strong exclusive offerings like Hellblade 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade. Many of these were not First Party offerings, which begs two questions, does it actually matter and was it really a terrible year to be playing on PS5? Xbox on the other hand had one of the strangest years on record. They closed multiple studios down and their shift towards multiplatform releases only got more aggressive as the year went on. What does this mean for the Xbox brand and their future in hardware? What is an Xbox? Metaphor: ReFantazio Review Mr. Apps returns with another longform review of Game of Year contender, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Having played Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal all in the last 18 months, will he be feeling burnout or will the change of scenery be enough for another huge JRPG? How does it stack up with the Persona franchise and could Metaphor be another long-term IP for Atlus. All and more are answered. FGL 2025 – The Draft It’s that time of the year again, the Fantasy Gaming League Draft! It’s Mr. Paper vs. Mr. Hall as they compete for the coveted FGL Championship. Paper is looking to break the curse and become the first person to successfully defend the FGL title. Hall is looking to make history himself, by becoming the first person to win the Triple Crown. Having won the Grand Prix and the Quiz in the past, this is the last accoladed missing. Who will come out on top in this battle of the titans? Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:07 The Game Awards 2024 01:39:15 Year-in-Review 2024 03:18:17 Metaphor: ReFantazio Review 04:41:05 FGL 2025 Draft Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DimpDigital Live Streams: https://www.twitch.tv/DimpDigital Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimpDigital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DimpDigital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DimpDigital

It’s that time of year again. 12 months, 36 questions, 1 winner. Who will show their knowledge is unparalleled and win the world’s best gaming quiz? Mr. Adcock, Mr. Parky & Mr. Adkins battle it out in the ultimate game of wits. Play along at home, have fun and if you have one, enjoy your break.

Another season comes to a close, new champions crowned, new records set and new rivalries will spark up. Mr. Apps, Mr. Paper & Mr. Logan take you through the highs and lows of the FGL 2024! Enjoy.

Here we go, Idle Game Chat evolves once again! This time it is a shift to a monthly format. Consider this a soft launch (it was put together at relatively short notice) and to give you a flavour of what is to come. We have a nice juicy episode for you this month and here is the rundown: - Why is IGC going monthly? - Astro’s Playroom Review - The Golden Joysticks Results - The Game Awards Nominees - WWE 2K23 Review - Final Fantasy XVI Review - Helldivers 2 Review - Fallout 3: Game of the Year Review - Vampire Survivors Review - SIFU Review - Bluey: The Videogame Review - Your usual dose of Idle Chat! We hope you enjoy this magazine style podcast. We will tweak things as we go forward, so feel free to get in touch with any ideas you have. Have a great December and we will see you in 2025! Timestamps: 00:00 Why is IGC going monthly? 08:36 Astro's Playroom Review 46:43 Golden Joystick Awards 01:00:16 The Game Awards - Should DLC be allowed for GOTY? 01:29:15 WWE 2K23 Review 01:37:56 Final Fantasy XVI Review 01:48:32 Helldivers 2 Review 01:52:14 Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition Review 02:04:31 Vampire Survivors Review 02:16:57 SIFU 02:27:41 Bluey: The Videogame

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie In the very near future... When Polly returns home after a few years abroad, to look for her missing mother, she quickly realizes that her hometown has drastically changed. A megacorporation named MK is using its power to control the population, and her community is in danger. She soon discovers that she has a gift of clairvoyance that connects her to Reverie, the realm of the Aspirations of Humanity: Glory, Bliss, Power, Chaos, Bond, and Truth. In this world, Polly becomes Harmony, a goddess who has the power to choose the Aspiration that will ultimately rule over Reverie and restore the delicate balance between the deities’ world and ours. The fate of humanity is at stake. To which destiny do you aspire?