TheXboxHub Official Podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 37 – Are games too long and too difficult nowadays?

Another week has passed by, which means TheXboxHub team are ready to delve into all things in the realm of gaming - and often beyond - once more. At the heart of the discussions during TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 37 is whether video games are becoming too long and too difficult these days. There’s also chatter about rumoured games potentially coming to Xbox Series X and the future unveiling of the Xbox Series S.

In this week’s episode, Richard joins Gareth and James, with the trio jumping straight into how they’ve been keeping occupied recently. It’s intriguing stuff as we hear about online arcade machines, an addiction to Police Interceptors and a recommendation to watch Amazon Prime’s Little Fires Everywhere. Somehow this goes off on a tangent towards difficult games and what level of difficulty they prefer when gaming. 

As for which games our team has played in the last seven days, and well, James found himself solving puzzles in Artifex Mundi’s Endless Fables: Dark Moor. Stalking animals is on the agenda for Richard as he shares his opinion on morally questionable Hunting Simulator 2. In stark contrast, Gareth spent some time pretending to be helpful in the role of a space station’s AI while playing Observation. 

Then, after talking about the likes of the upcoming Xbox Game Pass titles, the Xbox Series S and the Summer Game Fest Demo Event, they move on to the length of games nowadays. Are they really getting too long, with many new games featuring upwards of 20 hours of content, or are there other reasons why some big titles can become a chore?

As always, full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 36 – Goodbye Mixer, hello Facebook Gaming?

It’s been a surprisingly hectic week in gaming, but the reveals and announcements are relatively overshadowed by the news regarding the shutdown of Mixer. TheXboxHub team are ready to dive into the finer details of what’s going on and what the future holds for streamers. So, sit back and have a listen of TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 36, which also covers some exciting new information about Cyberpunk 2077, Crash 4, and much more.

This week we join Gareth, James and William, who have had a fairly busy few days themselves. They’ve watched a lot of football, seen a few films including The Raid, and have written a handful of interesting articles in order to keep occupied. Discussion about the imminent closure of Mixer soon arises though, with the trio sharing their opinion on the situation and whether people will welcome the move to Facebook Gaming. Could many streamers just head back to Twitch instead?

Talk eventually turns to the games they’ve played in the last seven days, which gives Gareth the chance to praise The Last of Us II very highly. Meanwhile, William spent time enjoying the beta versions of both Grounded and Crossfire X. James has been investigating a serial killer in Night Call as well as enduring the toxicity of Rocket League. And then finally they move on to the reveal of Crash 4, the release date for Project CARS 3, the story trailer of Marvel’s Avengers and the latest footage shown for Cyberpunk 2077.

As always, full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 35 – Did Skate 4 and Star Wars: Squadrons save EA Play Live 2020?

We've seen Xbox make the first moves with Xbox Series X before Sony followed up with PS5 goodies, but slap-bang in the middle of silly season EA have stepped up to the plate with their EA Play Live 2020 showing. But did they manage to excite gamers with reveals and announcements of their upcoming games? TheXboxHub team get back together for TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 35 to chat about how things played out. 

Full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 34 – Was the PS5 reveal event a success?

After a brief hiatus, TheXboxHub team have resurfaced for their weekly podcast once more and its sole focus this week is to delve into everything seen during the PlayStation 5 reveal event. As such, TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 34 features a four-piece ensemble of gamers willing to give their honest and unbiased opinions. So, when all is said and done, was the PS5 reveal event a success?

In this episode, Gareth, James, Richard and Edgar make up the scrupulous foursome sharing their thoughts in the immediate aftermath. Expect discussion about the tentative opening involving Rockstar, the next web-slinging instalment starring Miles Morales, a petrol head’s delight in Gran Turismo 7, and the return of Ratchet & Clank for Rift Apart. It wasn’t all big names though, with Stray delivering a cat protagonist in a cyberpunk world, a destructive driving and on-foot combat game full of pizzazz titled Destruction Allstars, and an adorable looking adventure coming courtesy of Kena: Bridge of Spirits.

The cavalcade of games didn’t stop there either; Agent 47 is ready for his last stand in Hitman 3, there’s another Resident Evil sequel lurking in the shadows, Horizon: Forbidden West is bringing luscious environments, and many others are showcased too. As the episode reaches its climax, talk turns to the actual design of the PS5 and a selection of peripherals.

Be sure to tune in and find out whether our team thought it was an overall success, or not.

As always, full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 33 – Do we really need Backwards Compatibility on Xbox Series X?

Episode 33 of TheXboxHub Official Podcast sees the triple threat of Gareth, Neil and Richard chat over some of the most important and intriguing issues of the last week - namely whether Maneater on Xbox One is actually any good and whether we really need to worry about Backwards Compatibility on Xbox Series X.

Join the team as they dissect the latest Xbox information, spend time talking games, and go deep with all thoughts on the latest videogames scene.

Full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 32 – The future of trade-ins and release schedules

After a relatively quiet week in the realm of gaming, TheXboxHub team still have plenty to discuss ahead of what’s expected to be a considerably busier few weeks. TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 32 welcomes a new guest to the podcast to help cover numerous hot topics. Aside from gaming, film, and TV news, there’s also a focus on the future of trade-ins and possible changes to release schedules in general.

This week, stalwarts Gareth and James are joined by newcomer William, so the opening segment sees us getting to know all about this TheXboxHub reviewer. Before long they’re sharing what’s been happening in the last seven days, which leads to Netflix’s After Life and Amazon Prime’s Upload being mentioned. Gareth then kick-starts a brainstorm about trade-ins after lockdown, factoring in how the physical market is currently struggling. 

Next on the agenda is an insight into the games they’ve been playing and it’s a real mixed bunch this week. Amongst those brought up by the trio are puzzle game SokoBunny, the crazy Golf With Your Friends, a Double Fine classic in Psychonauts, and the Definitive Edition of Mafia II. Unfortunately, not all of them come with a glowing review. And finally, there’s chatter regarding inXile using Unreal Engine 5 in their next RPG after Wasteland 3, the suspected PS5 console news in June, and what games they are expecting at launch for Xbox Series X as well as PS5.

As always, full show notes are available over at https://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 31 – Will Unreal Engine 5 just be used for remakes and remasters?

With the world of gaming being treated to more and more reveals each week, alongside insights into the next-gen tech we can look forward to, TheXboxHub team are back once again to digest the latest goings on. While TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 31 covers many aspects of the media, the big news this week involves the Unreal Engine 5 and a couple of remaster announcements. So sit back, relax, and please enjoy our musings.

On the podcast for Episode 31 are Gareth, James and Richard, with the trio kick-starting proceedings by divulging what they’ve been up to in the last seven days. They’ve been watching WWE’s recent Money in the Bank PPV and catching up with the Michael Jordan documentary on Netflix, The Last Dance. Most importantly though, all three saw the impressive Unreal Engine 5 tech demo and have an opinion on how promising it could be for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 games in the future.

After a few hypothetical questions conjured up by Gareth, things move on to more pressing matters such as what games they’ve been playing lately. These include the nostalgic Streets of Rage 4, the melancholic Spirit of the North, and the ball whacking fun of Super Mega Baseball 3. Then it’s all about the recent news of remasters, remakes and the odd brand new game; this segment touches on the likes of the Mafia trilogy, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and PGA Tour 2K21.

As the gang approach the latter stages of the podcast, there’s an exciting ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ style quiz. And last, but not least, is a reminder in regards our current giveaway – so be sure to enter the Cryogear giveaway to have a chance of winning an Xbox One code!

As always, full show notes are available over at http://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 30 – Did Inside Xbox and its Series X games line-up deliver?

What an eventful week for Xbox gamers; not only did they get an Inside Xbox episode showcasing a selection of Xbox Series X games, but now there’s a new instalment of our weekly podcast about all things gaming. As you can probably guess, TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 30 sets its focus on the most recent Inside Xbox and the many unveilings within it. After a fair bit of hype, did it deliver enough to tide us over or were TheXboxHub team disappointed?

Before delving into the Xbox Series X news and reveals though, Gareth and James welcome Edgar to the podcast. Due to it being his debut, we take time to get to know Edgar a little better through a sequence of varied questions. Once we figured out what some of his favourite things are, the attention turned to Inside Xbox and what had been featured.

Amongst the games discussed are the action-packed FPS Bright Memory: Infinite with its sword and gun combo, the bizarre atmospheric horror Scorn, Bandai Namco’s anime style sci-fi action game Scarlet Nexus, and DIRT 5 the thrilling next instalment of the off-roading series. That’s not all however, with plenty of buzz also surrounding the sadistic looking Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines 2, the creepy dual-worlds of The Medium, and the exciting next chapter of the Yakuza series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. There are even more games talked about, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, so be sure to give it a listen for the full low-down.

As always, full show notes are available over at http://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 29 – Nordic vibes as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla unveiled

Another week has passed and that means it’s time to give another instalment of our podcast a listen. While it’s mainly gaming focused, there’s always a chance that other hot topics in the media world and beyond are talked about too. TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 29 features information about and reactions to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, hype for upcoming Xbox and PlayStation events, and plenty more.

With regulars Gareth and James joined by Bentley, the podcast kicks off by delving into what the trio have been up to recently. Despite lockdown limitations, they’ve tried to keep busy by viewing new television shows like Gangs of London, exploring the wonders of VR using Oculus Quest, and passing the time on free-to-play mobile games. One thing all of the team managed to do this week was check out the world premiere of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which caused plenty of excitement. This is followed by what to expect from Ubisoft’s Viking themed offering that's due to release later on in the year.

As usual, the team have been playing all manner of Xbox One games over the last week and look to share their thoughts on them. Gareth focused on the frighteningly bizarre Inner Friend with its mixture of horror, stealth and puzzling; the Artifex Mundi connoisseur James has been solving crimes through completing mini-games in Path of Sin: Greed; and Bentley leapt into a tribute to Resident Evil, Daymare: 1998.

Aside from news regarding the release date of The Last of Us II, as well as some upcoming events for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the final point was about our current giveaway. So be sure to enter the Kingdom Two Crowns giveaway to have a chance of winning an Xbox One code!

As always, full show notes are available over at http://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast

TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 28 – Xbox Game Pass gets even better with Red Dead 2

Your weekly dose of our TheXboxHub podcast is here, discussing all sorts of gaming news, opinions about a selection of recent releases, and anything interesting going on in other forms of media. In TheXboxHub Official Podcast Episode 28 you can expect talk regarding Xbox Game Pass, lockdown activities, and ideas regarding films or TV shows that would possibly be worth adapting into video games.

This week the trio of Gareth, James and Richard launch almost immediately into the huge announcement that Red Dead Redemption 2 would be heading into the Xbox Game Pass library in May. It sparks speculation over the recent GTA 6 rumours and the way in which content is apparently going to be delivered periodically. Then the team discuss other non-gaming things they’ve been up to, including watching all the Pirates of the Caribbean (yes, all 5) movies and a new sci-fi show called DEVS.

In the past seven days, the guys have been playing a wide range of games on Xbox One and even the Nintendo Switch. Amongst those receiving genuine praise are the gothic survival RPG Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition, hidden object puzzle adventure The Secret Order: Shadow Breach, light-based puzzler Archaica: The Path of Light, and the exciting racer Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

The final discussion point sees a number of potential ideas bandied about for which of their favourite novels, films or TV shows they’d like to be made into video games. While there are a lot of terrible suggestions, a couple could actually turn out rather well if any gifted development teams ever gave them a go.

As always, full show notes are available over at http://www.thexboxhub.com/podcast