Hype Factor: A Fantasy Critic Podcast

In Episode 16, Jon and Marcus preview the 2026 fantasy critic draft and provide their locks, booms or busts, sleepers and games to avoid. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:1:53 - Topic of the Month: 2026 Draft Preview1:20:18 - Hype Check1:35:40 - Pixel Prognostications1:41:28 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

Jon and Marcus dive into the thrilling wrap-up of the 2025 fantasy critic season. They reveal surprising game releases like Expedition 33 and the unexpected impact of Donkey Kong Bonanza. They reflect on their biggest misses, celebrate indie sleepers that turned the tide, and advise on cautious picks. Highlights include debating Metroid Prime 4’s low score and the excitement of upcoming titles like Pragmata. With a dash of humor and insights, they prepare for the challenges ahead in 2026 while keeping listeners hyped!

Jon and Marcus dive into their gaming journeys, recalling classic consoles and impactful titles that shaped their love for gaming. They share recent favorites and explore the appeal of indie games. The duo discusses exciting news from Sony's State of Play, including potential fantasy picks for 2026, and the implications of major game delays like GTA 6. They also tackle the controversy surrounding AI-created assets in games and highlight listener questions about bidding strategies. Get ready for a lively conversation packed with gaming insights!

In Episode 13, Jon and Marcus bring on Dan from Canada to talk about Critics Royale and the Fantasy Critic Super League. He also sticks around to discuss news, look back at October's releases and look forward to what's coming up. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro1:59 - Topic of the Month: Interview with Dan from Canada36:43 - News/Announcements1:09:50 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:41:59 - Pixel Prognostications 1:51:17 - Listener Questions1:56:32 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialFollow Dan on Blue Sky: @fielderschoice9.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

In Episode 12, Jon and Marcus welcome Carpool Gaming's Sean Capri to chat Fantasy Critic. Sean gets into how he builds his fantasy teams and the role fantasy critic can play within an online community. He also sticks around to discuss news, look back at September's releases and look forward to what's coming up. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:35 - Topic of the Month: Interview with Sean Capri25:46 - News/Announcements59:29 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:27:07- Pixel Prognostications 1:43:49 - Listener Questions1:50:39 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialCheck out Carpool Gaming at https://carpoolgaming.com and follow Sean on Blue Sky: @cpgsean.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com    

In Episode 11, Jon and Marcus dig deep into DLC and attempt to answer whether they are worth adding to your roster. They also discuss fantasy relevant news, announcements, look back at August's releases and look forward to what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro12:15 - Topic of the Month: DLC36:02 - News/Announcements1:09:27 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:25:38 - Pixel Prognostications1:35:16 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.social OR on Twitter: @hypefactorfcIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com    

In Episode 10, Jon and Marcus do a deep dive into publisher, 2K Games. They also discuss fantasy relevant news, announcements, look back at July's releases and look forward to what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro9:33 - Topic of the Month: 2K Games29:00 - News/Announcements46:49 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:04:08 - Pixel Prognostications1:14:00 - Listener Questions1:19:38 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com    

In Episode 9, Jon and Marcus welcome SixOneIndie co-founder and co-host of The Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast, Kyle Stephenson to chat Fantasy Critic. Kyle dives into his hands on experiences at SGF and how he chooses indies for his fantasy critic teams. He also sticks around to discuss news, look back at June's releases and look forward to what's coming up in July. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:18 - Topic of the Month: Interview with Kyle Stephenson33:36 - News/Announcements56:07 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:26:11 - Pixel Prognostications1:35:02 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialFollow Kyle on Blue Sky: @MrKStep.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com    

In Episode 8, Jon and Marcus rundown all the 2025 fantasy critic relevant announcements from Summer Game Fest. GET HYPED!!! Follow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com    

In Episode 7, Jon and Marcus take a stab at ranking the best options among the unannounced games on the Fantasy Critic website for the remainder of the 2025 season. They also discuss fantasy relevant news, announcements, look back at May's releases and look forward to what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Special shout out to @‪mattbrookbank.bsky.social for the topic suggestion!Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:15 - Topic of the Month: Ranking Unannounced Games35:45 - News/Announcements1:02:50 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:19:37 - Pixel Prognostications1:29:14 - Listener Questions1:38:10 - Closing