<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Hades 2 feels like the rare sequel that actually earns its extra systems. We dig into the above world’s health-drain tension, smart spellcrafting, and why a simple fishing rod supports progression without padding the grind. Then we pivot into Red Dead Redemption’s PS5 upgrade and make the case for “gentle touch-ups” over full remasters—60 fps and cleaner presentation that keep the dust, silence, and tone intact. If you just finished Red Dead 2, this is a powerful continuation that respects the original’s shape. The retro itch takes over when a pristine DualShock 2 turns chaos into control. Scarface suddenly steers straight, The Getaway’s no-HUD vision clicks, and that infamous indicator-based navigation becomes a bold, flawed slice of immersion. We talk how a good controller restores developer intent, and how that changes your read on difficulty, pacing, and fairness. We also revisit Illusion of Time on SNES, using save states to balance adult lives with classic design. It plays like a bridge between Secret of Mana and A Link to the Past, with transformation doors, light upgrades, and dungeons that respect your time. We round things out with tech talk that actually helps you play. Digital Foundry’s take on Red Dead for Switch 2—DLSS to 1440p docked, mostly 60 fps—shows how smart engineering stretches older worlds, even with minor flicker and shadow quirks. Along the way we tackle licensed curios like the X-Files and LOTR, when graphics analysis enlightens vs distracts, and how preservation can sometimes beat ambition. If you care about game feel, respectful upgrades, and the small fixes that make big differences, you’ll feel right at home. Enjoyed the ride? Follow, share with a friend who loves retro done right, and drop your hottest “one small tweak that saved a game” tip in a review or on our Discord.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support">Support the show</a>Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we&apos;ll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hades 2 feels like the rare sequel that actually earns its extra systems. We dig into the above world’s health-drain tension, smart spellcrafting, and why a simple fishing rod supports progression without padding the grind. Then we pivot into Red Dead Redemption’s PS5 upgrade and make the case for “gentle touch-ups” over full remasters—60 fps and cleaner presentation that keep the dust, silence, and tone intact. If you just finished Red Dead 2, this is a powerful continuation that respects the original’s shape.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The retro itch takes over when a pristine DualShock 2 turns chaos into control. Scarface suddenly steers straight, The Getaway’s no-HUD vision clicks, and that infamous indicator-based navigation becomes a bold, flawed slice of immersion. We talk how a good controller restores developer intent, and how that changes your read on difficulty, pacing, and fairness. We also revisit Illusion of Time on SNES, using save states to balance adult lives with classic design. It plays like a bridge between Secret of Mana and A Link to the Past, with transformation doors, light upgrades, and dungeons that respect your time.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We round things out with tech talk that actually helps you play. Digital Foundry’s take on Red Dead for Switch 2—DLSS to 1440p docked, mostly 60 fps—shows how smart engineering stretches older worlds, even with minor flicker and shadow quirks. Along the way we tackle licensed curios like the X-Files and LOTR, when graphics analysis enlightens vs distracts, and how preservation can sometimes beat ambition. If you care about game feel, respectful upgrades, and the small fixes that make big differences, you’ll feel right at home.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Enjoyed the ride? Follow, share with a friend who loves retro done right, and drop your hottest “one small tweak that saved a game” tip in a review or on our Discord.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join our fantastic discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;or DM us on instagram or X and we&amp;apos;ll send you an invite.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cheers gamers!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Subscription Tiers&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$5&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$8&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$10 &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch t-shirt&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text Hades 2 feels like the rare sequel that actually earns its extra systems. We dig into the above world’s health-drain tension, smart spellcrafting, and why a simple fishing rod supports progression without padding the grind. Then we pivot into Red Dead Redemption’s PS5 upgrade and make the case for “gentle touch-ups” over full remasters—60 fps and cleaner presentation that keep the dust, silence, and tone intact. If you just finished Red Dead 2, this is a powerful continuation t...

From Switch 2 Shine To PS2 Grit: Hades 2, Red Dead Redemption, And The Getaway Revisited

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Ever have a week where you just want a straight hit of games, news, and honest opinions without the fluff? That’s the energy today. I kick things off with Hades 2 on Switch 2 and why its small, thoughtful touches—like audio cues that swell into boss fights—make it the perfect half-hour loop when life is busy. The Switch 2 port holds steady in handheld and docked, and those fast runs keep piling up because the friction is basically gone. From there, we dig into three stories that matter. Tiny Bookshop is set for a physical console release, and its traveling store premise feels tailor-made for cozy, stress-free play with just enough management depth to hook you. Xbox Winter Demo Fest is rolling out early demos—and yes, Contraband Police, Froggy Hate Snow, Crystalla, and a mech-deck roguelike are on my radar. Demos are back in a big way, and transferring progress into full releases makes discovery meaningful again. Then we take a measured six-month check-in with Switch 2: the hardware impresses with a bigger, cleaner screen and a Pro Controller that finally rivals the best, while the software library still needs more true Switch 2 exclusives to define the generation. The back half gets personal with a packed Q&amp;A. I’m ready to revisit Gran Turismo 7 after Spec 3; that sim-lite feel still nails the balance. We cover disappointments that stung—Grid Legends’ shallow career, Need for Speed Unbound’s grind under a stylish hood, and the heartbreaking promise of Tales of the Shire. I also own my blind spots: Gears of War, classic Final Fantasy, and Castlevania are all on deck. And yes, Lance Vance remains public enemy number one. I close with the origin story: seaside arcades, Operation Wolf on a milk crate, and a Spectrum 128K that turned the living room into a neighborhood hub. That’s why I love portable power, cozy sims, tough roguelikes, and communities that keep curiosity alive. If this mix of gameplay, news, and community Q&amp;A hits the spot, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop your one-console-forever pick in a review. Your recommendations and questions shape where we go next—come be part of it.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support">Support the show</a>Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we&apos;ll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ever have a week where you just want a straight hit of games, news, and honest opinions without the fluff? That’s the energy today. I kick things off with Hades 2 on Switch 2 and why its small, thoughtful touches—like audio cues that swell into boss fights—make it the perfect half-hour loop when life is busy. The Switch 2 port holds steady in handheld and docked, and those fast runs keep piling up because the friction is basically gone.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;From there, we dig into three stories that matter. Tiny Bookshop is set for a physical console release, and its traveling store premise feels tailor-made for cozy, stress-free play with just enough management depth to hook you. Xbox Winter Demo Fest is rolling out early demos—and yes, Contraband Police, Froggy Hate Snow, Crystalla, and a mech-deck roguelike are on my radar. Demos are back in a big way, and transferring progress into full releases makes discovery meaningful again. Then we take a measured six-month check-in with Switch 2: the hardware impresses with a bigger, cleaner screen and a Pro Controller that finally rivals the best, while the software library still needs more true Switch 2 exclusives to define the generation.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The back half gets personal with a packed Q&amp;amp;A. I’m ready to revisit Gran Turismo 7 after Spec 3; that sim-lite feel still nails the balance. We cover disappointments that stung—Grid Legends’ shallow career, Need for Speed Unbound’s grind under a stylish hood, and the heartbreaking promise of Tales of the Shire. I also own my blind spots: Gears of War, classic Final Fantasy, and Castlevania are all on deck. And yes, Lance Vance remains public enemy number one. I close with the origin story: seaside arcades, Operation Wolf on a milk crate, and a Spectrum 128K that turned the living room into a neighborhood hub. That’s why I love portable power, cozy sims, tough roguelikes, and communities that keep curiosity alive.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If this mix of gameplay, news, and community Q&amp;amp;A hits the spot, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop your one-console-forever pick in a review. Your recommendations and questions shape where we go next—come be part of it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join our fantastic discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;or DM us on instagram or X and we&amp;apos;ll send you an invite.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cheers gamers!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Subscription Tiers&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$5&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$8&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$10 &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch t-shirt&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text Ever have a week where you just want a straight hit of games, news, and honest opinions without the fluff? That’s the energy today. I kick things off with Hades 2 on Switch 2 and why its small, thoughtful touches—like audio cues that swell into boss fights—make it the perfect half-hour loop when life is busy. The Switch 2 port holds steady in handheld and docked, and those fast runs keep piling up because the friction is basically gone.  From there, we dig into three stories th...

Solo Save: Games, News, And Q&A

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms">Send us a text</a>This week George and the infamous RGT get stuck in with your latest weekly dose of the worlds favourite gaming podcast. They touch on what they’ve been playing with RGT struggling with a burgeoning Hades 2 addiction and George being George and he’s playing a broken simulator from 5 years ago that no one played even then. The boys bring you the latest news such as Switch 2 going head to head with PS5 , Call of Dury coming  to switch  and so much more  So sit down tune in and drop out to the best show in gaming <a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support">Support the show</a>Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we&apos;ll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week George and the infamous RGT get stuck in with your latest weekly dose of the worlds favourite gaming podcast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They touch on what they’ve been playing with RGT struggling with a burgeoning Hades 2 addiction and George being George and he’s playing a broken simulator from 5 years ago that no one played even then.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The boys bring you the latest news such as Switch 2 going head to head with PS5 , Call of Dury coming  to switch  and so much more &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So sit down tune in and drop out to the best show in gaming &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join our fantastic discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;or DM us on instagram or X and we&amp;apos;ll send you an invite.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cheers gamers!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Subscription Tiers&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$5&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$8&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$10 &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch t-shirt&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text This week George and the infamous RGT get stuck in with your latest weekly dose of the worlds favourite gaming podcast.   They touch on what they’ve been playing with RGT struggling with a burgeoning Hades 2 addiction and George being George and he’s playing a broken simulator from 5 years ago that no one played even then.   The boys bring you the latest news such as Switch 2 going head to head with PS5 , Call of Dury coming  to switch  and so much more    So sit...

Switch 2 unable to outsell PS5 !!?!? 

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms">Send us a text</a>A shooter can live or die by how it feels in your hands. That’s where we start: unpacking why Halo’s air control and sticky mid-jump chaos still feel unmatched, while Resistance 2’s heavier, cover-first design delivers a different kind of tension. From checkpoint pain to flow states, we break down how movement, framerate, and responsiveness shape the stories we remember long after credits roll. Then we jump into Hades 2 on Switch 2, running at a buttery 120 FPS at 1080p. We dig into why roguelikes benefit more from cadence than pixels, how the new gathering and upgrade wrinkles freshen the loop, and when it’s smarter to pick 1080p120 over 4K60. Along the way we revisit Infamous Second Son’s slow-burn unlocks, GTA 4’s moody Liberty City that still feels singular, and Fallout 3’s love-hate dance with VATS, save-crawls, and PS3-era performance quirks that can’t dim sharp storytelling. We don’t shy away from platform takes. The PS5 Welcome Hub promises animated flair, but cluttered widgets and random screenshots often bury good art direction. UI should amplify anticipation, not drown it. And we tackle Valve’s Steam Machine value case: priced like a comparable PC, potentially less powerful than a PS5, and launching amid AI-driven RAM demand that’s pushing costs north. If it can’t be the cheapest path to your TV or the most powerful box under it, it needs to win on frictionless access to Steam’s ecosystem and a crystal-clear pitch to console-first players. If you’re here for strong opinions rooted in hands-on play and a healthy dose of gaming nostalgia, you’re in the right place. Stick around for community updates, a big push for our new retro show Flashback, and plenty of practical insights on what to play next and why. Enjoy the ride, then help us grow: follow, subscribe, drop a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves games as much as you do.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support">Support the show</a>Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we&apos;ll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A shooter can live or die by how it feels in your hands. That’s where we start: unpacking why Halo’s air control and sticky mid-jump chaos still feel unmatched, while Resistance 2’s heavier, cover-first design delivers a different kind of tension. From checkpoint pain to flow states, we break down how movement, framerate, and responsiveness shape the stories we remember long after credits roll.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Then we jump into Hades 2 on Switch 2, running at a buttery 120 FPS at 1080p. We dig into why roguelikes benefit more from cadence than pixels, how the new gathering and upgrade wrinkles freshen the loop, and when it’s smarter to pick 1080p120 over 4K60. Along the way we revisit Infamous Second Son’s slow-burn unlocks, GTA 4’s moody Liberty City that still feels singular, and Fallout 3’s love-hate dance with VATS, save-crawls, and PS3-era performance quirks that can’t dim sharp storytelling.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We don’t shy away from platform takes. The PS5 Welcome Hub promises animated flair, but cluttered widgets and random screenshots often bury good art direction. UI should amplify anticipation, not drown it. And we tackle Valve’s Steam Machine value case: priced like a comparable PC, potentially less powerful than a PS5, and launching amid AI-driven RAM demand that’s pushing costs north. If it can’t be the cheapest path to your TV or the most powerful box under it, it needs to win on frictionless access to Steam’s ecosystem and a crystal-clear pitch to console-first players.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you’re here for strong opinions rooted in hands-on play and a healthy dose of gaming nostalgia, you’re in the right place. Stick around for community updates, a big push for our new retro show Flashback, and plenty of practical insights on what to play next and why. Enjoy the ride, then help us grow: follow, subscribe, drop a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves games as much as you do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join our fantastic discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;or DM us on instagram or X and we&amp;apos;ll send you an invite.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cheers gamers!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Subscription Tiers&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$5&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$8&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$10 &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch t-shirt&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text A shooter can live or die by how it feels in your hands. That’s where we start: unpacking why Halo’s air control and sticky mid-jump chaos still feel unmatched, while Resistance 2’s heavier, cover-first design delivers a different kind of tension. From checkpoint pain to flow states, we break down how movement, framerate, and responsiveness shape the stories we remember long after credits roll.  Then we jump into Hades 2 on Switch 2, running at a buttery 120 FPS at 1080p. We di...

Steam Machine Priced Like A PC? Our Wallets Just Rage Quit

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms">Send us a text</a>What if the best gaming experiences aren’t the biggest, but the most focused? We kick off with Resistance 2 and talk through how creepier enemies, smarter encounters, and a tighter campaign deliver more satisfaction than bloated epics. It’s a reminder that balance matters, and 12–15 hour games still hit a sweet spot when your schedule doesn’t. That idea comes alive when we return to Liberty City. Replaying Grand Theft Auto IV feels like opening a time capsule and finding it sharper than you remember. We compare its mood, story, and grounded city to GTA V’s technical fireworks and multi-protagonist ambition. IV still stands tall: cab rides, heat haze, and side characters that linger. V dazzles, but can feel like a bridge to online systems. When art direction and cohesive narrative lead, the experience endures. We also dig into the magic of quick-run design with Ball X Pit on Switch: a roguelike that fuses twin-stick control, breakout chaos, and a hub-world that’s a game of its own. Seven-minute sessions add up, choices evolve, and progress feels constant—perfect for real life. From there, we zoom out to the industry: a rumor about Sony scaling back PC ports, the arrival of the Steam Machine, and whether a Series S–ish box at a friendly price is a smart way to bring console players into the Steam library. Great for indies and AA hits? Probably. Future-proof for the next wave of blockbusters? That’s trickier. Finally, a small win sparks a bigger wish. Red Dead Redemption’s free upgrade on Switch 2 (and other platforms) is welcome, but it raises the question: where is the GTA IV remaster? With its enduring reputation and complete editions waiting in the wings, it feels like the perfect bridge to GTA 6. Until then, we’re choosing escapism over exhaustion—games that respect our time, stories that stick, and worlds that feel crafted rather than monetized. If this resonates, tap follow, share with a friend who loves thoughtful game talk, and drop a review. What short, focused game would you champion right now?<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support">Support the show</a>Join our fantastic discord https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com or DM us on instagram or X and we&apos;ll send you an invite. Cheers gamers! Subscription Tiers $3 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up $5 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch $8 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug $10 Name read out on every show Access to unglorious chat section of discord Quarterly Zoom meet up A single item of yearly limited art merch Yearly art merch mug Yearly art merch t-shirt Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/276201/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What if the best gaming experiences aren’t the biggest, but the most focused? We kick off with Resistance 2 and talk through how creepier enemies, smarter encounters, and a tighter campaign deliver more satisfaction than bloated epics. It’s a reminder that balance matters, and 12–15 hour games still hit a sweet spot when your schedule doesn’t.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;That idea comes alive when we return to Liberty City. Replaying Grand Theft Auto IV feels like opening a time capsule and finding it sharper than you remember. We compare its mood, story, and grounded city to GTA V’s technical fireworks and multi-protagonist ambition. IV still stands tall: cab rides, heat haze, and side characters that linger. V dazzles, but can feel like a bridge to online systems. When art direction and cohesive narrative lead, the experience endures.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We also dig into the magic of quick-run design with Ball X Pit on Switch: a roguelike that fuses twin-stick control, breakout chaos, and a hub-world that’s a game of its own. Seven-minute sessions add up, choices evolve, and progress feels constant—perfect for real life. From there, we zoom out to the industry: a rumor about Sony scaling back PC ports, the arrival of the Steam Machine, and whether a Series S–ish box at a friendly price is a smart way to bring console players into the Steam library. Great for indies and AA hits? Probably. Future-proof for the next wave of blockbusters? That’s trickier.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Finally, a small win sparks a bigger wish. Red Dead Redemption’s free upgrade on Switch 2 (and other platforms) is welcome, but it raises the question: where is the GTA IV remaster? With its enduring reputation and complete editions waiting in the wings, it feels like the perfect bridge to GTA 6. Until then, we’re choosing escapism over exhaustion—games that respect our time, stories that stick, and worlds that feel crafted rather than monetized.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If this resonates, tap follow, share with a friend who loves thoughtful game talk, and drop a review. What short, focused game would you champion right now?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/276201/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join our fantastic discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;https://discord.gg/v7RFSUcG&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If link has expired then message us at questions@unofficialcontrollerpodcast.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;or DM us on instagram or X and we&amp;apos;ll send you an invite.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Cheers gamers!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Subscription Tiers&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$3&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$5&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$8&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;$10 &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Name read out on every show&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Access to unglorious chat section of discord&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Quarterly Zoom meet up&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;A single item of yearly limited art merch&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch mug&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Yearly art merch t-shirt&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thanks to all who subscribe, it means the world to us and really helps us keep the shows going. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text What if the best gaming experiences aren’t the biggest, but the most focused? We kick off with Resistance 2 and talk through how creepier enemies, smarter encounters, and a tighter campaign deliver more satisfaction than bloated epics. It’s a reminder that balance matters, and 12–15 hour games still hit a sweet spot when your schedule doesn’t.  That idea comes alive when we return to Liberty City. Replaying Grand Theft Auto IV feels like opening a time capsule and finding it sh...

Games Were Better When They Were Bold

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