Dual Comm Podcast

This week in the Dual Comm Podcast we discuss the games we've been playing recently, and the TV & movies we've been watching. We then shift to discussions about the PlayStation 5's unique features and why PlayStation 6 may be facing an uphill PR battle to earn buy in. Then we talk about the absolute immense value the PlayStation 4 offers players right now. Finally we talk about gaming nostalgia and the current algorithm trends, finishing with the discussion of reflection and third places and memories. Thanks for listening.     Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro - 1 Year Of Dual Comm Almost   00:04:31 What Games & Media Have You Been Playing And Watching   00:16:33 PlayStation 5 Graphics Discussion   00:28:57 Does PlayStation 6 Have Perception Challenge?   00:39:11 The Amazing Value Of The PS4 00:46:54 Are Creators Turning Nostalgia Into A Meme?   01:04:17 We Leave A Part Of Ourselves Behind Dual Comm Party Chat Episode 2:   https://youtu.be/-1dOITdMaOk?si=IQL5Pzqb6qQyvUOQ    We leave a part of ourselves behind:   https://youtu.be/vejSywwFq7Q?si=wTyOAtv8MeuWqhi6    Links discussed in today's show:   https://insider-gaming.com/ea-shuts-down-call-of-duty-inspired-battlefield-6-portal-maps/    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/ps5-has-been-special-thanks-to-ssd-dualsense-features-rather-than-visuals    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/even-i-cant-tell-the-difference-shuhei-yoshida-thinks-ps6-needs-something-other-than-just-more-power    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking    

The hosts dive into the recent Xbox Game Pass price hike and discuss the freedom of owning physical media like Jellyfin. They explore why old games spark joy and how subscription fatigue is reshaping the gaming landscape. Personal choice in gaming gets a spotlight, as short, casual play sessions are lauded for enhancing enjoyment. Viewer comments ignite debates on game franchises and the nature of live service games, highlighting the contrast between lengthy commitments and the satisfaction of single-player experiences.

Discover the challenge of tackling Souls games and the joy found in overcoming difficulty. Explore how Steam's dominance has reshaped console gaming, leading to diminished platform uniqueness. Delve into whether gaming is truly relaxing or just another form of stimulation. Hear thoughts on the Switch 2 and the pull of FOMO, as well as reflections on different gamer identities. Finally, learn why prioritizing intrinsic fun over external rewards can lead to healthier gaming habits as adults.

Discover why our focus feels constantly challenged by distractions and the joy of doing one thing at a time. The discussion highlights the resurgence of buying physical media as a satisfying alternative to endless streaming choices. Explore the dangers of multitasking and how it leads to brain fog, while nostalgia for classic gaming like Halo 3 evokes feelings of freedom and creativity. Embrace the importance of being bored and cultivating a mindful relationship with technology to protect your attention span.

Dive into the world of gaming as the hosts reveal surprising player engagement with classics like StarCraft II and Age of Empires, challenging the idea of 'dead genres.' They discuss the flaws in $70 controllers versus more affordable options and examine the issues of disposable hardware. Discover the value of community-driven Steam reviews over mainstream sources, and hear personal tales of finding hidden gaming gems. Finally, explore the dilemma of tech FOMO while appreciating the joy of current gaming experiences, spotlighting nostalgia and intentionality in gaming choices.

The golden age of small games is officially back. In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we kick things off with Haste—a tiny game with massive heart that might just be our game of the year. We dive into why it’s such a perfect session experience, how the new Disaster Mode changes things up, and what makes it feel like a future classic. We also break down the Steam Next Fest demos and highlight our favorite upcoming indies, from VOID/BREAKER to Dead as Disco to Pipistello and the Cursed Yo-Yo. This Next Fest felt like a true renaissance for handheld-friendly, creative games that don’t waste your time—and we’re here for it. Other topics include the reveal of the Xbox ROG Ally handheld, the rise of PC handhelds and how they’re reshaping where and how we play, and why Google Search is quietly becoming unusable. We talk about what’s broken, what’s changing, and how we’re shifting our habits away from algorithm rot and back toward intentional play. Plus: the decline of live service FPS games and why Doom 2016 still looks incredible. Subscribe to @bbkdragoon @EposVox @lostsaves @NeuroSpicy.Cooking Chapters: 00:00:00 – Why Haste Is One of the Best Games of the Year 00:07:58 – Xbox’s New Handheld: ROG Ally X and What It Means 00:18:32 – Steam Next Fest Demos That Blew Us Away 00:38:51 – Game Preservation, Platform Walls, and Xbox on PlayStation 00:52:42 – Google Search Is Basically Broken Now 01:25:23 – Does Doom 2016 Actually Look Better Than The Dark Ages? Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321

Doom The Dark Ages looks great—but the way it’s being released tells us a lot about where console gaming is headed. In this episode, we share our impressions of Doom's latest entry, the physical disc controversy, and how this all ties into the growing divide between PC and console ecosystems. We also break down why PC gaming in 2025 feels smarter than ever, the slow death of physical media (and who’s to blame), Xbox’s pricing moves, Nintendo’s new Switch terms, the rise of GameCube games on PC, and the future of game development. Thanks for listening! #gaming #gamingvideos Subscribe to @EposVox and @lostsaves Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Doom The Dark Ages First Impressions 00:29:00 – Doom TDA Isn’t Really on the Disc—And That’s a Problem 00:35:00 – The Death of Physical Media Is Hurting Console Gamers 00:42:26 – Why PC Gaming Makes So Much Sense in 2025 01:10:45 – GameCube Decomp Projects Are Wild 01:14:30 – Gears of War on PS5 01:24:30 – AA & Indie Games Shine on PC Handhelds 01:30:00 – There’s Still So Much to Love in Gaming Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

Expedition 33 genuinely reminded us why we love games — not because it's a massive AAA production, but because it has soul, smart systems, and feels like it was made by people who actually care. That kicked off a much bigger conversation: are we entering a quiet renaissance of great AA games? In this episode, we talk about how mid-budget games like Expedition 33 are doing what the big-budget blockbusters often don’t. These are games that respect your time, play great out of the gate, and remind you what makes gaming fun in the first place. We also look at how Game Pass, especially on PC, is quietly delivering some of the best value in gaming right now — from day-one drops like Indiana Jones and the Oblivion Remaster to upcoming hits like Doom: The Dark Ages. Xbox Series X, though? It might be feeling a little left behind. Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  Topics in this episode: Expedition 33 and the rise of soulful AA games Game Pass is quietly crushing it for PC players Is the Xbox Series X already aging out? Do you need to beat a game to truly appreciate it? EA layoffs and why AAA development keeps struggling The absurd state of mobile gaming in 2025 Our thoughts on the Marathon alpha and the direction of multiplayer FPS games Timecodes: 00:00:00 Expedition 33 Is Incredible 00:15:00 – The Rise of Great AA Games 00:22:27 – Game Pass Is Quietly Delivering 00:29:00 – Is the Xbox Series X Already Aging Out? 00:40:39 – Do You Need to Beat a Game to Truly Appreciate It? 01:01:45 – EA Layoffs & the AAA Struggle 01:21:55 – The Wild State of Mobile Gaming   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and we’ve got thoughts—on the hardware, the price point, and the $80 games. In this episode, we break down what we know about the next generation of Nintendo’s console and how it fits into the current gaming landscape. We also explore the growing tension between modern gaming habits and real adult life. Are games too long now? Are we forcing ourselves to play out of guilt? And is there a better way to experience games in 2025—maybe by going back to the past? From retro gaming to emotional burnout, this episode is all about finding meaning and balance in a hobby we love. #gaming #gamingvideos Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  00:00:00 Switch 2 Reveal and Hardware Impressions 00:23:30 Switch 2 Price Point and Launch Game Expectations 00:39:35 The $80 Physical Game Prices 00:42:15 Why 2025 Might Be the Perfect Time to Play Old Games 00:57:54 Are You Still Playing Games Because You Enjoy Them? 01:09:00 How Gaming Changes When You Grow Up Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into a stacked lineup of topics that blend nostalgia, modern gaming tech, and internet culture. PSVR in 2025 – Trying PlayStation VR for the first time a decade late! Does it hold up, or does the novelty wear off? We break down the best games (Ace Combat 7, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection) and whether VR still has a future. Retro Gaming in 2025 – Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 on original hardware still feels amazing. We discuss scalers like the Framemeister, OSSC, and RetroTINK, and why retro gaming delivers a distraction-free experience that modern games often lack. The Old Internet Was Better – Why does the internet feel so different now? We reflect on the pre-algorithm era, how online spaces used to be more personal and exploratory, and what changed around 2017-2018. Can we ever go back? Gaming Feels Better When You Earn It – Shoutout to TheRetroDen for an amazing take: https://youtu.be/br7TF52W8TA?si=ETq_HeFdv37BHe5y. Gaming feels more rewarding when it’s treated as a break after real-life productivity. We discuss whether gaming sessions become more fulfilling when they’re earned instead of being mindless escapism. Join us for another deep dive into gaming, tech, and internet culture. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you still enjoy retro gaming? Is VR the future or a gimmick? And do you miss the old internet? Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:53 New Astro Bot Levels – Does It Still Hold Up? 00:05:02 Experiencing PlayStation VR for the First Time – 10 Years Late 00:18:28 Console VR vs. PC VR – Which Feels Better? 00:26:00 The Power of VR – How Depth Changes Everything 00:30:00 Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 in 2025 – Why It’s Still Incredible 00:40:00 What Is a Retro Scaler? How They Work & Why They Matter 00:50:00 The Joy of Retro Games – Timeless Gaming Without Distractions 00:58:57 Why the Old Internet Was Better – A Look Back 01:16:00 Gaming Feels More Fulfilling When It’s Earned Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc