587: Steve Vegvari: Avowed, Civilization VII, Rift of the Necrodancer, Sony State of Play, Saros, Borderlands 4, Days Gone Remaster, MindsEye, Shinobi, Tides of Annihilation, Overwatch 2 updates
Feb 17, 2025
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Join Steve Vegvari, host of Console Creatures, and Daanish Syed, art director at Bit Reactor, as they dive into the latest gaming news. They discuss the exciting announcements from Sony's State of Play, future developments in Overwatch 2, and the intriguing VR version of Civilization VII. The duo also explores the rich narrative and flexible gameplay of the anticipated RPG Avowed, and shares thoughts on the innovative rhythm-based game Rift of the Necrodancer. Expect a lively conversation about the evolution of gaming incentives and emerging trends!
Sony's State of Play showcased significant game announcements, raising expectations for PlayStation's upcoming offerings following Xbox's recent event.
The remaster of Days Gone sparked mixed feelings, as hosts questioned its necessity amidst the uncertainty of future sequels.
Saros, a new title by Housemarque, generated excitement due to its impressive visual elements and potential narrative depth in gameplay.
Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment impressed hosts with its visual fidelity and fluid combat, highlighting strong worldbuilding for player exploration.
Civ 7's updated systems elicited diverse reactions, balancing accessibility for newcomers with the complexity long-time fans cherish in the franchise.
Deep dives
Podcast Introduction and Context
The episode begins with a vibrant introduction, welcoming listeners and setting an enthusiastic tone. The hosts express their gratitude for their patrons who support the podcast, and they announce winners of a recent contest for new patrons, creating excitement around community engagement. The show promises a comprehensive discussion on gaming news and current events, exciting fans who tune in for deep dives into their favorite topics. The hosts also highlight a special guest joining the conversation, adding even more anticipation for the episode ahead.
Sony State of Play Overview
The hosts delve into the highlights from the recent Sony State of Play event, expressing excitement over the announcements made regarding upcoming games. They discuss how the event followed the Xbox Developer Direct and brought much anticipation from fans eager to learn more about PlayStation’s offerings. Notable announcements include gameplay previews and details of various high-profile titles, capturing the listeners' interest as the hosts reflect on their significance in the gaming landscape. The conversation emphasizes the audience's expectation for PlayStation to provide robust content in the way Xbox has been doing lately.
Key Highlights from Sony's Presentation
Conversations around the standout moments from the State of Play include the debut of a new game by Housemarque, Saros, which appears to be a follow-up to the well-loved Returnal. The hosts share their impressions of the game's striking visual elements and its potential narrative depth, raising curiosity around its release timeline which extends to 2026. The excitement surrounding Saros acts as a counterbalance to a sense of concern regarding the overall output from Sony studios in the near future, drawing parallels to recent cancellations affecting their game portfolio. This exploration reveals the expectations that players have for first-party titles and how the quality of these announcements can shape their perception of Sony’s gaming landscape.
Reflections on Days Gone Remaster
One of the significant announcements during the show was the remaster of Days Gone, which elicited mixed feelings among the hosts. They questioned the reasoning behind this remaster, especially in light of reports indicating that a sequel to the original game was not in development. The hosts ponder whether this remaster could spark renewed interest in the game or simply serve as a means for the developers to monetize previously existing content. They also discuss the potential lack of a substantial audience for a remaster of a game that had a lukewarm reception upon its original release, showcasing the complexities of remastering legacy titles in the current market.
The Unique Approach of Miniature Racing Games
The discussion shifts to the new game announcement for Tides of Annihilation, described as having a unique mix of modern-day aesthetics with fantastical elements. The hosts express curiosity about its gameplay mechanics, likening its style to hack-and-slash action-adventure games reminiscent of titles they have previously enjoyed. The visuals catch their attention, generating excitement over the potential of this new title and how it introduces the fusion of genres in an engaging manner. They also highlight the importance of innovative art direction in making games appealing on initial reveals, showcasing the anticipation for future details.
Client Dynamics in Satisfactory
Satisfactory receives attention as a game that exemplifies the fun in building factory systems and automation. The hosts delve into their personal experiences with the game, discussing the rewarding nature of manufacturing and managing the various systems present in the game. They comment on the ease of accessing building mechanics while also allowing for creativity and complexity when engaging in construction. This experience resonates with the hosts and creates a sense of nostalgia for simpler building games.
Open World Exploration in Avowed
Conversations then turn to Avowed, the latest offering from Obsidian Entertainment. The hosts express deep admiration for the game’s visual fidelity and the strong worldbuilding that allows players to explore a vibrant open world filled with lore and detail. They commend the fluidity of the combat system, marking it as a high point in their experience. Additionally, there is an exploration of how the game invites players to engage deeply with its systems and mechanics, encouraging a sense of discovery throughout the gameplay.
Civ 7 Game Mechanics and Dynamics
The podcast explores key aspects of Civ 7, detailing its updated systems and streamlining of mechanics. The hosts discuss how notable features from previous iterations have been altered or removed, which has generated varied responses from loyal fans and newcomers alike. They emphasize that while some of these changes aim to make the game more accessible, they can also alienate longtime players seeking the depth and intricacy that defined earlier versions. The analysis sparks a discussion on the balance between innovation and tradition in game design, particularly within well-established franchises.
Wrap-Up and Future Expectations
As the episode comes to a close, the hosts highlight their excitement for the titles discussed and the potential impact on the gaming community. They express a desire for developers to find a strong balance between making games accessible while retaining the complexity players have come to love. The conversation leaves off with a sense of optimism regarding the future of gaming and how upcoming releases could shape the landscape, cultivating anticipation for what’s next in the world of video games. The closing remarks reiterate the importance of engaging with games and communities that foster enjoyment and bring players together.
Daanish Syed joins Jeff this week to welcome Steve Vegvari from Console Creatures to the show. They discuss Sony's State of Play announcements, as well as a VR version of Civ 7, and big changes to Overwatch 2 caused by Marvel Rivals.
The Playlist:
Steve: Avowed
Daanish:Civilization VII, Rift of the Necrodancer, Minishoot Adventures, Satisfactory,
Jeff: Civilization VII, Avowed
Parting Gifts!
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