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 within the mansion in order to secure his inheritance. Failure to reach that room within the span of a single day means Simon must start the search fresh the next day, as the house's architecture is rearranged overnight. Can Dave stop barreling ahead with all the strategic grace of a caffeine-fueled raccoon? And will Nick's vast board gaming experience mean nothing will be left undiscovered? (Except maybe the sprint button!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:04:06
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 and Dave will have to guide the pair through shifting pathways, manipulate objects frozen in moments, and unlock the quiet stories hidden within the scenery.As they venture deeper into this emotional journey, they’ll encounter oversized swings, glowing lanterns, and long-forgotten treasures from the friends’ past. Why does Dave think every game like this must have some dark twist at the end? And can Nick put on monetary value to the warm fuzzies this game give you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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59:10
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 of peace, fostering alliances and trade with other civilizations? Will Nick decide that diplomacy is overrated and declare war on anything that moves? Can Dave resist the urge to genetically modify his entire population into something completely unrecognizable? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:05:00
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 squared circle in Universe Mode, or creating the most ridiculous custom wrestler imaginable, there’s no shortage of mayhem to be had. Will Nick finally land his dream match between a 10-foot-tall, 500-pound luchador and a suspiciously accurate recreation of himself? Can Dave resist the urge to turn every match into a chaotic no-rules brawl between himself and Logan Paul? Tune in as they find out if WWE 2K25 is a title-worthy champ or just another jobber in the franchise! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:12:08
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 persevere through the dark narrative when he thought it was a game about being a cute cat? And just how long will it take before one of them gets their head stuck in a paper bag? Find out as they experience one of the most unique perspectives gaming has to offer—whiskers, tail, and all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to The Critical Arcade Podcast, the ultimate destination for all things gaming. Every week, our hosts Nick and Dave will be taking you on a journey through the world of video games, where they’ll be reviewing the greatest releases through time, as well as diving into the rich history of gaming.Whether you’re a hardcore gamer looking for an in-depth analysis of the newest triple-A title or a casual player looking for some nostalgia-fueled fun, Nick and Dave have got you covered. They’ll be sharing their thoughts on the biggest and best games out there, from the latest indie darling to a classic from the past.But it’s not just about the games themselves, Nick and Dave will also be discussing the industry as a whole, covering the latest news and trends, and exploring the cultural impact that video games have on our society. They’ll also be talking to some of the biggest names in the industry, from developers to streamers, and getting their insights on the world of gaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
South Africa