Ep 419 - It's Nintendo's turn to show off some fantastic indie games, including the reveal of SteamWorld Heist II. Meanwhile, we share our takes on Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and the new Alone in the Dark. (0:00) - Intro (2:23) - Keanu Reeves is Shadow the Hedgehog, Who's Next? (9:44) - Nintendo Indie World Highlights (34:10) - Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Preview (48:42) - Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide Impressions (1:17:42) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:20:37) - Alone in the Dark Impressions (1:32:42) - Also This Week (1:53:16) - L&R: Playing Your Own Game (1:58:27) - L&R: Dreaded Bosses (2:11:07) - L&R: Second Playthrough, Second Wind (2:19:14) - Bets (2:24:57) - Closing Use code ALLIES at https://incogni.com/ALLIES to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan.

Ep 418 - The latest on Star Wars Outlaws has us ready to navigate the criminal underworld. The Triple-i Initiative reveals a new Prince of Persia and a lot of fresh details on plenty more games. Isla checks out the creepy sniper puzzle game, and Huber finally gets hooked on Balatro. (0:00) - Intro (2:48) - Star Wars Outlaws (24:13) - Children of the Sun Impressions (32:35) - The Rogue Prince of Persia (44:35) - More from The Triple-i Initiative (1:27:10) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:30:01) - Saviorless Impressions (1:33:38) - Huber Gets Hooked on Balatro (1:52:16) - Also This Week (2:11:12) - L&R: Childhood Obsessions (2:26:25) - L&R: Unplayed Recommendations (2:29:37) - L&R: Bravia a Precursor to Samsung Gaming Hub? (2:37:37) - Bets (2:44:15) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 417 - Eternal Strands has some new takes on ideas similar to Shadow of the Colossus, but we aren't fully sold quite yet. Meanwhile, we've got our eye on the next game from the makers of Dead Cells, and Monaco 2 looks promising. Plus, impressions of Open Roads and Llamasoft, as well as our Discord's Top 10 Battle Songs. (0:00) - Intro (2:03) - Eternal Strands Reveal (15:05) - Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Impressions (39:55) - Open Roads Impressions (49:33) - Discord Top 10 and Game Recommendations (1:14:11) - Monaco 2 Preview (1:24:58) - Windblown (1:29:35) - Also This Week (1:52:56) - L&R: Any Game Art? (2:01:57) - L&R: Reviving Dead Console Features (2:11:56) - L&R: Faithful Throwbacks (2:19:53) - Bets (2:24:48) - Closing

Ep 416 - Spring is in the air as we look forward to see which new games are just around the corner. We share our thoughts on the Stellar Blade demo, Pepper Grinder, and Princess Peach. Plus, there's another new Marvel game announcement this week that goes full Overwatch. *Stellar Blade Preview Access Provided by PlayStation (0:00) - Intro (1:47) - April Game Preview (45:59) - Stellar Blade Demo Impressions (53:30) - May Game Preview (1:21:01) - Pepper Grinder Impressions (1:34:32) - June Game Preview (1:55:41) - Princess Peach: Showtime! Impressions (2:17:21) - Also This Week (2:31:23) - L&R: Best Time to Announce Microtransactions (2:41:19) - L&R Game: Hall of 8s (2:48:14) - L&R: Back to Basics (2:53:00) - Bets (2:58:17) - Closing Games discussed in this episode: Saviorless Sons of Valhalla Children of the Sun Broken Roads Ereban: Shadow Legacy Harold Halibut Life Eater Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide No Rest for the Wicked Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Lunar Lander Beyond Phantom Fury Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Another Crab's Treasure Demon Slayer - Sweep the Board POOLS Sand Land Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago Abiotic Factor Endless Ocean Luminous Indika Animal Well Crow Country Surmount Homeworld 3 Paper Trail Hauntii Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door World of Goo 2 Destiny 2: The Final Shape Blockbuster, Inc. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance #BLUD Still Wakes the Deep Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

Ep 415 - It's a huge week as we finally get to gush about Dragon's Dogma 2, Rise of the Ronin, and Unicorn Overlord. We get our first look at Amy Hennig's Marvel game with Captain America and Black Panther. Plus tons of GDC announcements and more. *Rise of the Ronin provided by PlayStation. (0:00) - Intro (2:13) - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra (10:36) - More GDC News (28:37) - Dragon's Dogma 2 Impressions (1:05:34) - Future Games Show Highlights (1:23:58) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:28:35) - Rise of the Ronin Impressions (1:55:54) - February Sales Report (2:12:28) - Unicorn Overlord Impressions (2:36:26) - Also This Week (2:53:20) - L&R: Dragon's Dogma Pawns (2:57:45) - L&R: I Need to Talk to Someone (3:04:40) - L&R Game: Can It... Super Mario? (3:13:45) - Bets (3:22:40) - Closing Use code ALLIES at https://incogni.com/ALLIES to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 414 - HipHopGamer is finally in the house for our longest episode ever, with no shortage of stories, as we talk about using cheat software, the new studios, Contra, Outcast, Pools, and more. (0:00) - Intro (2:05) - Get to Know HipHopGamer (39:19) - Is It Cheating If You're Alone? (1:17:17) - Triple A or Triple I? (1:52:42) - POOLS (1:58:14) - Contra: Operation Galuga Impressions (2:09:29) - Outcast - A New Beginning Impressions (2:36:09) - Also This Week (3:00:50) - L&R: Favorite Soundtracks (3:15:07) - L&R Game: And the Other One? (3:28:11) - L&R Game: Dragon Ball or Mixed Drink? (3:32:28) - Bets (3:39:05) - Closing

Ep 413 - The games at this week's Xbox Partner Preview are even better after getting a closer look. We share our thoughts on The Outlast Trials and Slave Zero X, we check out our patrons' Top 10 Detectives, and we shake our heads at the mess Warner Bros. is leaving in its wake. *The Wrong Question was submitted by Andy Schreiner. (0:00) - Intro (1:33) - The Wrong Question (3:47) - Unknown 9: Awakening Preview (17:27) - Xbox Partner Preview (1:10:46) - The Outlast Trials Impressions (1:23:58) - Live Service vs Life Eater (1:35:11) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:37:11) - Patrons' Top 10 Detectives in Games (1:49:14) - Slave Zero X Impressions (1:58:54) - Also This Week (2:13:05) - L&R: Why the Spoilers? (2:18:52) - L&R: Nintendo is in the Same Race (2:24:02) - L&R Game: Identify the Smash Trophy (2:29:59) - Bets (2:37:28) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 412 - The year's historic round of layoffs hits harder this week as PlayStation and EA make massive cuts. Meanwhile, we check out Balatro, No Rest for the Wicked, and the Splatoon 3 DLC, speculate on that new Pokemon announcement, and go through January sales. (0:00) - Intro (1:52) - Balatro Impressions (15:23) - Pokemon Presents (36:07) - No Rest for the Wicked Preview (48:33) - January Sales Report (1:06:03) - Splatoon 3: Side Order Impressions (1:17:22) - Layoffs at PlayStation, EA, and More (1:44:33) - Also This Week (1:51:35) - L&R: Is Another Crash Coming? (2:04:01) - L&R: A Lull in the Generation (2:19:05) - L&R: Dream Reimaginings (2:26:42) - Bets (2:32:42) - Closing

Ep 411 - We recap the fabled Nintendo Direct with its Xbox titles and shadow drops, share our hands-on thoughts on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and check out the Elden Ring DLC trailer. Plus, impressions on Ultros, Pacific Drive, Bloodworth's trip to DICE, and more. (0:00) - Intro (2:16) - The Wrong Question (5:01) - Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase (1:00:02) - The Four Xbox Multiplatform Games (1:02:30) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Impressions (1:24:57) - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (1:33:55) - Ultros Impressions (1:48:38) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:50:22) - Pacific Drive Impressions (2:08:30) - Bloodworth at DICE (2:30:35) - Also This Week (2:40:51) - L&R: Beautiful Consoles, Ugly Consoles (2:47:39) - L&R: Wait for GTA? (2:56:46) - L&R: Late Coming Expansions (2:59:12) - Bets (3:04:25) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 410 - Janet Garcia joins us to discuss Xbox's multiplatform plans. Don raises the black flag for Skull & Bones. Plus we have impressions for Helldivers 2, Banishers, Islands of Insight, and more. *Helldivers 2 Provided by PlayStation (0:00) - Skull & Bones Pirate Radio (10:46) - Intro (14:28) - Get to Know Janet (22:12) - The Real Xbox News (55:06) - Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden Impressions (1:08:50) - Islands of Insight Impressions (1:19:49) - Helldivers 2 Impressions (1:37:19) - Also This Week (2:04:13) - L&R: Games Connected with Loved Ones (2:17:03) - L&R: Idle Animations (2:19:43) - L&R: No-Hit Playthrough (2:27:56) - L&R Game: Lost in Translation (2:33:00) - Bets (2:40:26) - Closing

In this special discussion, sponsored by Square Enix, we look back at our anticipation and memories for the release of the original Final Fantasy VII, the teases and explosive hype of FF VII Remake, and the journey leading up to FF VII Rebirth. #ad https://bit.ly/EasyAllies_FF7R Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmQYh1Af9hY

Ep 409 - We examine what the future could hold if Xbox starts porting first party games to PS5 and Switch, Tim Schafer stops in to tell us what's new with Day of the Devs, and we've got fresh impressions of some recent and upcoming releases. (0:00) - Opening (1:51) - The Wrong Question (5:41) - Is Xbox Done with Exclusives? (32:50) - Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Impressions (39:53) - Tim Schafer Day of the Devs Chat (55:55) - Nintendo Financial Report (1:07:50) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:09:53) - Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior Impressions (1:19:02) - Suicide Squad Check-In (1:23:23) - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Check-In (1:28:51) - Also This Week (1:43:12) - L&R: Lost Media (1:50:27) - L&R: Subscription Usefulness (1:59:55) - L&R: The Expense of Exclusivity (2:03:49) - Bets (2:11:03) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 408 - Death Stranding 2 has our heads spinning with possibilities and it's just one of several great games in this week's State of Play. Meanwhile, we share our thoughts on Suicide Squad, Persona 3 Reload, Penny's Big Breakaway, and more. (0:00) - Opening (1:25) - Death Stranding 2 and PHYSINT (17:12) - Suicide Squad Impressions (35:48) - The Rest of State of Play (1:20:05) - Silent Hill: The Short Message Impressions (1:26:58) - Patrons' Top 10 Eating / Drinking Establishments in Games (1:34:22) - Persona 3 Reload Impressions (1:46:10) - Penny's Big Breakaway Preview (1:55:55) - Deus Ex Canceled Again (2:08:54) - Also This Week (2:20:54) - Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 (2:26:23) - L&R: Positive Suicide Squad Takeaways (2:30:27) - L&R: RPG Romance (2:41:05) - L&R: Best Starter Weapons (2:44:25) - Bets (2:49:16) - Closing

Ep 407 - This week we're joined by Mitch Saltzman to chat about the fantastic duo of Tekken 8 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the unbelievable success and controversy of Palworld, Suicide Squad seasonal updates, and more. (0:00) - Opening (1:52) - The Wrong Question (4:07) - Catching Up with Mitch (7:15) - Tekken 8 (38:40) - Palworld Skyrocketing Sales and Controversies (1:10:00) - Suicide Squad - The Joker is Back (1:22:58) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:24:57) - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1:45:56) - Layoffs at Xbox, Blizzard, Riot, and More (1:56:21) - Also This Week (2:07:44) - L&R: Favorite LAD Mini-Games (2:09:21) - L&R: Limits on Early Access (2:13:27) - L&R: Old Game, New Levels (2:15:39) - Bets (2:22:19) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 406 - Xbox gives a closer look at their 2024 lineup, including Indiana Jones, and we bring in Brandon Jones to chat about everything we saw. Plus, we share our thoughts on the new roguelite mode in The Last of Us, Warframe, December sales, and more. *The Last of Us Part II Remastered Provided by Playstation (0:00) - Opening (2:14) - The Wrong Question (4:19) - Indiana Jones and The Great Circle (36:08) - Avowed (48:52) - Hellblade 2 (57:46) - Visions of Mana (1:10:06) - Ara: History Untold (1:23:26) - The Last of Us Part II Remastered (1:47:46) - Warframe (2:01:35) - Dec and 2023 Sales Reports (2:24:06) - Momodora: Moonlit Farewell (2:36:53) - Also This Week (2:49:46) - L&R: Vaporware Awards (2:51:44) - L&R: Anticipation for 2024 (2:55:44) - L&R Game: 2023 Reactions (3:03:46) - Bets (3:13:22) - Closing

Ep 405 - It's time to shake up the format a bit as we fold more gameplay impressions into the podcast, starting with thoughts on Prince of Persia and Pacific Drive, as well as some of the crazier stories coming from CES. (0:00) - Opening (3:15) - The Wrong Question (7:43) - Switch 2 in September? (13:47) - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (32:03) - Pacific Drive Preview (49:28) - Bloodworth's Zelda Diaries (57:35) - A Word From Our Sponsors (59:35) - Lies of P (1:08:55) - Sony's CES Press Conference (1:22:45) - New Hardware Announcements (1:29:26) - Also This Week (1:42:27) - L&R: Another Xbox Shadow Drop? (1:46:54) - L&R: Opportunity Cost (1:51:22) - L&R Game: Gonna Take You for a Ride! (1:59:58) - Bets (2:17:49) - Closing Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.

Ep 404 - After a December lull, the wave of games comes crashing back in the new year. Join as we chat about what we're looking forward to in the next three months, from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Dragon's Dogma 2, and many more! (0:00) - Opening (2:33) - Corrections (5:07) - Holiday Catch-Up (15:09) - January Game Preview (38:05) - February Game Preview (1:27:39) - March Game Preview (1:48:58) - Also This Week (1:57:22) - L&R: Gaming Catharsis (2:00:36) - L&R: Future of EZA Reviews (2:02:24) - L&R: AAA Release Dates (2:11:21) - Bets (2:13:10) - Or Wars (2:20:36) - Closing Games Featured This Episode: Momodora: Moonlit Farewell Bulletstorm VR Turnip Boy Robs A Bank Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Another Code: Recollection The Last of Us Part II Remastered Howl Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy Unforetold: Witchstone (Early Access) Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Tekken 8 Granblue Fantasy: Relink Persona 3 Reload Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Helldivers II Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden Fight Crab 2 Ultros Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore Solium Infernum Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Mario vs Donkey Kong Skull and Bones The Thaumaturge Last Epoch Slave Zero X Nightingale Open Roads Pacific Drive Sons of the Forest Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster Final Fantasy VII Rebirth The Outlast Trials Homeworld 3 Unicorn Overlord Outcast - A New Beginning Alone in the Dark Dragon's Dogma 2 Princess Peach: Showtime! Rise of the Ronin South Park: Snow Day

Ep 403 - 2023 was an amazing year for game releases and a terrible year of layoffs. We look back on many of this year's big announcements and wish Bradley Ellis a fond farewell in his final episode. (0:00) - Opening (2:44) - Unending Layoffs (16:14) - 2023 in Review: Jan - Mar (39:54) - 2023 in Review: Apr - Jun (1:08:34) - 2023 in Review: Jul - Sep (1:35:47) - 2023 in Review: Oct - Dec (1:52:03) - L&R: Impactful Trends and Industry Resolutions (1:59:02) - L&R: Easy Allies in 2024 (2:10:32) - L&R: Last Signs of Life (2:22:01) - L&R: What's Up with the 55 Meme? (2:24:31) - Or Wars (2:30:45) - Closing This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - go to http://betterhelp.com/allies to get started today.

Ep 402 - In our annual tradition, we take a full episode to respond to your questions, games, and comments as we get ready for the holiday break. (0:00) - Opening (1:50) - Gaming Gifts (7:21) - Brad Appreciation Post (8:31) - 2024 Anticipated Games (13:20) - Return of the King (17:53) - Game: Does It Rumble? (27:16) - Underappreciated E3 Moments (34:13) - More Great Years in Gaming (52:15) - Horror Tips for Scaredy Cats (54:15) - Better With An Audience? (58:39) - Samsung Gaming Hub with Game Pass (1:02:39) - Game: Complete, Keep, Delete (1:08:10) - A Word From Our Sponsors (1:10:18) - Huber Hosting Shout Out (1:10:42) - Game on Your Favorite Movie (1:14:39) - Christmas Gifts You Didn't Get (1:20:58) - Game Recommendations for New Parents (1:23:58) - Game: Smaller Map Size (1:28:41) - One of These Days Or Sorry Folks (1:35:11) - Best Year for DLC (1:38:12) - Baldur's Gate III Updates (1:42:56) - Game: The Price is Relatively Correct (1:51:48) - Or Wars (1:57:02) - Closing This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp — go to http://betterhelp.com/allies to get 10% off your first month.

Ep 401 - After years of struggles E3 officially calls it quits. Meanwhile, we get Brad's thoughts on the new details released by Atlus for Metaphor: ReFantazio, Huber and Don talk Avatar, and it's time for the November sales report. (0:00) - Opening (2:27) - Corrections (5:40) - E3 is Dead, Officially (35:52) - An Extended Look at Metaphor: ReFantazio (43:19) - November Sales Report (58:04) - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Impressions (1:17:35) - Also This Week (1:26:00) - L&R: Gamer Archetypes (1:30:09) - L&R: Infiltration Mission (1:33:10) - L&R Game: The Sequel is Always Worse (1:41:52) - Time for Bets (1:47:17) - Closing This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - go to http://betterhelp.com/allies to get started today.