The Game Deflators E326 | The Video Game Console Wars are Over +The Goblin Commander PS2 Review

The Game Deflators

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-was-the-no-1-games-publisher-in-the-world-last-month/

38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 46:34

MP3•Episode home

Join John and Ryan on the Game Deflators podcast as they dive into the latest gaming news and trends. In this episode, they discuss the end of the console wars as Microsoft and Sony reduce the number of exclusive titles on their consoles. They explore how this shift is changing the gaming landscape and what it means for gamers. Will consoles in general begin to see less sales, or will tariffs affecting PC pricing stifle growth?

They also analyze new data showing Microsoft as the number one video game publisher, thanks to their multiplatform strategy and the success stemming from its recent acquisitions. Plus, they review Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde on PS2, discussing its unique approach to real-time strategy games and how it stands out in the console market.

Articles covered:
https://www.cbr.com/playstation-xbox-no-console-wars/

Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com

Find us on Social Media

Twitter @GameDeflators

Instagram @TheGameDeflators

Facebook @TheGameDeflators

YouTube @The Game Deflators

Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

353 episodes

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Games and Gambling #Game Deflators

The Game Deflators E326 | The Video Game Console Wars are Over +The Goblin Commander PS2 Review

The Game Deflators

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Articles covered:
https://www.cbr.com/playstation-xbox-no-console-wars/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-was-the-no-1-games-publisher-in-the-world-last-month/

Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com

Find us on Social Media

Twitter @GameDeflators

Instagram @TheGameDeflators

Facebook @TheGameDeflators

YouTube @The Game Deflators

Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

353 episodes

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Games and Gambling #Game Deflators

All episodes

1
The Game Deflators E351 | Microtransactions Gone Wild + RPG Shenanigans 57:36

6 days ago57:36

57:36

John and Ryan are back at it with a jam-packed episode of gaming goodness and industry buzz. Things kick off with their latest gaming-related pickups and what’s currently stealing time from their backlogs. Then it’s onto the mystical halls of Strixhaven, as John leads a recap of their ongoing D&D campaign discussing enchanted puzzles, morally murky professors, and all the magical mayhem you'd hope for from an academic arcane adventure. After the fantasy fades, the duo dives into real-world drama—first tackling Ubisoft’s eyebrow-raising comments on microtransactions from its recent financial report and recent layoffs by Candy Crush makers King Games. Finally, the hosts wax nostalgic with a review of Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer on the Nintendo GameCube, revisiting wave mechanics, extreme sports culture, and whether this sleeper hit deserves a second ride. Articles covered: https://www.eteknix.com/ubisoft-says-microtransactions-make-games-more-fun/ https://www.thegamer.com/microsoft-king-layoffs-replaced-by-ai-they-trained/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E350 | Chaos Emeralds, Market Moves & Nintendo Noise 1:06:59

13 days ago1:06:59

1:06:59

This week on the Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan share what they've been playing lately, swapping thoughts on new digital adventures and long-time favorites. John recaps his Crit Hit experience packed with tabletop energy and provides an update from the duos ongoing Strathaven Dungeons and Dragons campaign—expect magical mayhem and unexpected twists. The discussion shifts toward the industry as they explore a new study showing younger gamers are cutting back on spending, and what that might signal for the future of game development and marketing. Nintendo’s latest consumer survey also takes the spotlight, with a spirited debate about the pros and cons of physical keycards versus digital downloads. To cap things off, there’s a nostalgic deep dive into Sonic Adventure , looking at how the game holds up across Dreamcast and GameCube. Was it ahead of its time or a beautiful mess? Tune in to find out. Articles covered: https://www.ign.com/articles/younger-americans-have-spent-25-less-on-video-games-this-year-than-last? https://www.gonintendo.com/contents/50671-nintendo-sending-out-game-key-card-surveys Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E349 | Anthem Ends, 3DS and Switch Bit Rot + Mario Swings for the Fences 56:51

20 days ago56:51

56:51

In this episode, John and Ryan bring a fastball of nostalgia and digital reckoning to your speakers. The duo dives into EA’s announcement to shut down Anthem's servers in January 2026, dissecting the legacy of a game that promised big but struggled to soar. Then it's a deep-tech discussion as they unravel the silent killer behind your favorite handheld and console games—bit rot in SSDs affecting Nintendo 3DS, Vita, Switch, and even the shiny new Switch 2. Should collectors be worried? To close things out on a high note (and a few strikes), they revisit the chaotic joy of Mario Superstar Baseball on the GameCube. Is it still a home run, or does it whiff in today’s gaming landscape? Articles covered: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/07/bioware-flop-anthem-dies-january-2026-servers-to-be-turned-off https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-3ds-game-cartridges-unplayable-data-loss-if-left-for-multiple-years/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E348 | Sonic Crossovers, Nintendo Vibes & Jet-Ski Nostalgia 40:57

27 days ago40:57

40:57

In this episode of the Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan unpack an action-packed week in gaming with a lineup that spans kart racing chaos, collectible card surprises, corporate culture wins, and a splash of retro nostalgia. They kick things off with the wild new Sonic Racing CrossWorlds where iconic franchises like Minecraft, TMNT, and Avatar: The Last Airbender collide on the track. The conversation then shifts to cardboard as Sonic speeds into Magic: The Gathering with an upcoming Secret Lair set—John and Ryan speculate provide their opinion on the quality of cards revealed and their interest in the video game franchise cards. They then take a thoughtful detour into the real-world side of gaming, discussing recent data that shows Nintendo’s impressively low employee turnover rate and what that says about its workplace culture in contrast to wider industry trends. Rounding out the episode is a retro review of Wave Race: Blue Storm for the Nintendo GameCube, as the duo discusses the game’s intense physics, water mechanics, and enduring difficulty curve. Articles covered: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/secret-lair-the-sonic-superdrop https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/sonic-racing-crossworlds-officially-reveals-nickelodeon-collaboration https://thenerdstash.com/while-layoffs-keep-hitting-the-industry-nintendo-retains-98-of-staff-including-78-with-disabilities/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E347 | Critical Picks & Racing Tricks: Daggerheart, MTG x FF, and Wave Race 64 56:36

5 weeks ago56:36

56:36

Strap in for a nostalgia-meets-news deep dive on this week’s episode of The Game Deflators! John and Ryan kick things off with a fresh batch of gaming pickups. Then it's time to roll initiative as the duo shares behind-the-screen updates from their latest Dungeons & Dragons campaign. In the tabletop world beyond their own, the guys examine big moves from the Critical Role team as they bolster their crew for the launch of Daggerheart —is this the next big leap in TTRPGs? And speaking of epic crossovers, John and Ryan discuss recent pulls of the Golden Chocobo serialized cards from Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy set and what it means for collectors and competitive players alike. Finally, the wave machines are primed for a retro review of Wave Race 64 —does this water racer still make a splash, or has time drained its shine? Articles covered: http://thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-dnd-critical-role-daggerheart-jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins/ https://kotaku.com/golden-chocobo-mtg-final-fantasy-price-foil-restock-1851784836 Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E345 | XBOX Handheld Rumored Cancelation and Switch 2 Sales + T&C Surf Designs NES Review 53:34

6 weeks ago53:34

53:34

John and Ryan are back on the mics with sand in their shoes and cardboard in their backpacks, kicking things off with a roundup of their latest video game and Magic: The Gathering pickups—some gems and some regrets. Then it's onto showcase season, where the duo dives into their most anticipated titles from the latest Xbox Showcase and Sony's State of Play. But not everything is sunny in hardware land. The guys break down the rumored cancellation of the Xbox handheld, chatting about what it could mean for Microsoft's third-party strategy and whether a hardware pivot is smart—or just sad. Next up, Nintendo’s out of the gates with early Switch 2 sales figures, and John and Ryan weigh in on whether lightning’s struck twice for the Big N. To round it all out, the guys fire up their NES and hit the pixelated waves with a retro review of Town & Country Surf Designs: Wood & Water Rage. Is it gnarly or just a wipeout? Articles covered: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/xbox-handheld-rumoured-to-be-essentially-cancelled-but-the-new-asus-xbox-ally-is-actually-a-preview-of-all-future-xbox-consoles-not-just-handhelds/ https://wccftech.com/nintendo-switch-2-set-another-record-by-selling-1-1-million-units-in-its-launch-week-in-the-us/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E346 | Cosmic Calamity & Congeon: A Crit Hit Update with Jim Miller 57:04

7 weeks ago57:04

57:04

This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, Ryan is joined by Jim Miller, the mastermind behind Crit Hit—Arizona’s premier tabletop convention! They kick things off by discussing their latest gaming pickups and what’s been keeping them glued to the table. Jim then shares exciting updates on Crit Hit 7: Cosmic Calamity, revealing what attendees can expect at this year's event—from epic game sessions to stellar surprises. But that’s not all—he also dives into the latest news on his gaming app, Congeon, offering insights into the creative thought process behind its development and the projects he's currently working on. Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E344 | Will the Switch 2 Flop? + Mr. Mosquito Review with PlayStation Aint Dead 1:22:22

8 weeks ago1:22:22

1:22:22

This week, John and Ryan welcome Sean and Will from PlayStation Ain’t Dead for a gaming-packed discussion! The crew kicks things off by sharing their latest gaming pickups and what they've been diving into lately. Then, the big debate: Will the Nintendo Switch 2 capture the same magic as its predecessor, or will casual gamers skip this one? The podcasters weigh in on the potential hurdles for Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid. Next, a former Sony executive has stirred controversy with comments on Xbox Game Pass—could the subscription model be hurting the industry more than helping? The team tackles the discussion from all sides. Finally, they take a deep dive into the bizarre and oddly compelling Mr. Mosquito for the PS2. Is this cult classic worth revisiting, or should it stay in the past? Articles covered: https://www.theverge.com/games/677301/the-switch-2s-promising-start-hides-an-uncertain-future https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/playstation/former-playstation-boss-says-subscription-services-like-xbox-game-pass-could-become-dangerous-for-devs-and-that-sony-delivers-a-healthier-model-with-ps-plus/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E343 | The Last Xbox & Pokémon’s Digital Domination + Cubivore GameCube Review 56:05

9 weeks ago56:05

56:05

In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dig into their latest video game pickups and some of the latest gaming news. They kick off the news week with Pokémon TCG Pocket and its $1 billion milestone—can it maintain its momentum, or is the digital TCG market headed for a shake-up? The conversation then turns to Xbox’s future, with a big question looming—could the next generation of Xbox consoles be Microsoft’s last? The duo examines industry trends, and the shifting landscape of hardware. Finally, they review Cubivore for the Nintendo GameCube, breaking down its quirky evolution mechanics, survival gameplay, and whether it deserves the $500 price point. Articles covered: https://www.pocketgamer.biz/pokmon-tcg-pocket-surpasses-1bn-in-just-over-200-days/ https://www.thegamer.com/xbox-gaming-insider-thinks-next-console-release-may-be-its-last-writing-on-the-wall-third-party-publisher/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E342 | Bungie’s Art Controversy and Palworld’s Modding Battle + Go Go Hypergrind GameCube 48:12

10 weeks ago48:12

48:12

Join the Game Deflators podcast as John and Ryan kick things off by sharing their latest gaming pickups and video games they are currently playing; including Shadow the Tomb Raider and Risk of Rain 2. The conversation takes a turn as they break down the recent controversy surrounding Bungie allegedly using an artist's work without permission—what does this mean for corporate accountability in game development? Next, the duo digs into the ongoing efforts by a modders to reverse Nintendo-influenced changes to Palworld . With the gaming industry constantly shifting, how far can modders push back before publishers crack down? Wrapping up the episode, they shine a spotlight on Go Go Hypergrind , the quirky and elusive GameCube skateboarding game developed with input from a legendary animation studio. Does this cult classic still hold up, or is it destined to remain a deep-cut oddity? Articles covered: https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-modders-are-restoring-mechanics-pocketpair-was-forced-to-patch-out-due-to-nintendo-and-the-pokmon-companys-patent-lawsuit https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/artist-accuses-bungie-of-stealing-her-designs-for-marathons-art-i-am-tired-of-designers-from-huge-companies-moodboarding-and-parasitising-my-designs-while-i-struggle-to-make-a-living/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E341 | Nintendo Switch 2 Price Increase? +The Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness GameCube 55:36

11 weeks ago55:36

55:36

John and Ryan are back with a Game Deflators Podcast episode breaking down the latest gaming and tech shake-ups. First up, they tackle Nintendo’s pricing strategy for the Switch 2—could tariffs and rising production costs lead to a price hike in the future? Next, they explore Apple’s latest courtroom maneuver in its ongoing Epic Games legal battle, as the tech giant seeks to pause a ruling that could reshape the App Store landscape. How will this impact developers, mobile gaming, and Apple's grip on its ecosystem? Finally, the duo dives into a review of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, the cult classic GameCube RPG that dared to shake up the franchise with Shadow Pokémon, dark twists, and a compelling villain. Is it a hidden gem or just a nostalgic throwback? Articles covered: https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-2-us-price-increase-possibile/ https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/apple-asks-us-appeals-court-pause-ruling-epic-games-case-2025-05-08/ Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E340 | Into the Madness: Loo Loo Lunacy & D&D Worldbuilding with Killian Davies 1:03:58

12 weeks ago1:03:58

1:03:58

On this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, John and Ryan are joined by Killian Davies of AZ Stolas to discuss his latest one-shot adventure, Loo Loo Lunacy , and his upcoming Kickstarter projects. Inspired by the popular web series Helluva Boss , Loo Loo Lunacy takes players into the chaotic depths of Loo Loo Land, a devilish amusement park filled with danger, intrigue, and dark humor. Killian shares insights into the publishing process and hurdles he overcame. Hi also goes in depth on the adventure’s design, including its unique race options—each with distinct subraces. With physical handouts like detailed maps and scavenger hunts, Loo Loo Lunacy offers an immersive tabletop experience unlike any other. Beyond the adventure, the guys explore the intricacies of D&D worldbuilding—discussing how to craft immersive settings, build dynamic narratives, and keep players engaged in unforgettable campaigns. Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E339 | Reactions for Clair Obscur and The Last of Us Season 2 + Chibi Robo GameCube 1:08:51

13 weeks ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Join John and Ryan on this week's episode of The Game Deflators Podcast as they dive into the intriguing world of Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Hear their thoughts on the The Last of Us Season 2, and explore the record-breaking success of the Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set, now the best-selling in history. Plus, don't miss their in-depth review of Chibi Robo for the GameCube, a hidden gem that deserves a closer look. Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E338 | Interview with Sly Cooper and Video Game Art Director Dev Madan 53:03

14 weeks ago53:03

53:03

In this episode, John and Ryan are joined by veteran artist and art director Dev Madan for an exclusive look behind the scenes of the video game industry. With 35 years of experience spanning video games, animation, and comics, Dev has worn many creative hats—serving as Art Director at Toys For Bob, Founder of Loose Cannon Studios, and Art Director at Sucker Punch Productions for the beloved Sly Cooper series. Together, they explore the artistic process, the evolution of game art, and the untold stories behind Dev’s work on major projects. From concept sketches to final visuals, Dev reveals insights that fans and aspiring artists won’t want to miss. He also shares his experiences collaborating with industry giants like Sony, Funko, Squaresoft, Marvel, and DC Comics. Whether you're an artist, gamer, or just curious about the creative magic behind your favorite games, this episode promises a fascinating deep dive into the world of art direction. Learn more about Dev at www.devmadan.com Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18…

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The Game Deflators E337 | PlayStation Price Hikes and Microtransaction Mayhem + Battletoads NES Review 49:18

15 weeks ago49:18