Unlocked

IGN's Doom: The Dark Ages reviewer (and Doom superfan) Mitchell Saltzman joins fellow Doom superfan Ryan McCaffrey to discuss id software's just-released prequel: how it compares to Doom Eternal, why we love it, where the series goes from here, and more. Plus: Mitchell talks about his visit to From Software to play a ton of Elden Ring Nightreign as part of our exclusive IGN First coverage, Mafia: The Old Country makes a surprising pivot on price and game direction, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:16 - IGN Live & Xbox Games Studio Publisher Bundle 00:07:53 - Doom: The Dark Ages Reactions 00:28:14 - Elden Ring Nightreign Reactions 00:44:17 - Mafia: The Old Country 00:53:56 - Job cuts at Microsoft 00:57:28 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed 01:07:11 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a huge week of Xbox news, we're discussing Xbox's massive, demoralizing, and unprecedented price increases five years into the console generation. Plus: we gush over the new GTA 6 trailer, celebrate the return of Gears of War 1 via a new remaster, discuss the just-leaked images of ROG's officially licensed Xbox handheld PC, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Lord Cognito 00:03:54 - Xbox Price Hike 00:45:01 - IGN Live Is Back! & Humble Bundle 00:48:19 - GTA 6 Trailer 2 Impressions 01:03:41 - Would you pay $100 for GTA 6? 01:09:28 - Gears of War: Reloaded Announced 01:20:36 - First Pictures of Asus' Xbox-branded Handheld Leak Online 01:30:17 - Outro & Where to Find Us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss how Borderlands 4's release date just moved up, and whether or not it means it's getting out of GTA 6...possibly in October? But maybe there's another game it's avoiding... Plus: Assassin's Creed Shadows' strong sales debut, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gets a hilarious new playable Operator, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is selling great, and more – including a bonus interview with the Obsidian team about The Outer Worlds 2 at the end of the podcast! 0:00:00 - Intro , IGN Live, Humble Bundle Deals 00:04:45 - Borderlands 4’s Release Date Moves Up, Marathon, & GTA 6 00:22:37 - FBC Firebreak Release Date & Black Ops 6 adds Seth Rogen 00:33:59 - AC: Shadows Best-selling game in the U.S 00:43:45 - Clair Obscur has sold over a million copies 00:54:36 - EA cancels another incubation project at Respawn 01:03:49 - The Outer Worlds 2 Developer Interview 01:48:03 - Outro & Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The long-awaited remaster of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has exceeded expectations, sparking discussions about its impact on future Bethesda titles like Fallout 3 and Elder Scrolls VI. Excitement is also brewing for Claire Obscura: Expedition 33, hailed as a potential Game of the Year contender. The hosts reflect on the nostalgic charm of Oblivion’s improved graphics while contemplating the future of gaming technology. Furthermore, they explore how remastering classic games shapes player engagement and community support in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

Bethesda's "secret" remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion keeps leaking. We'll talk about what we learned from this week's leak, when you can play it (hint: VERY SOON), how it'll hit for a generation of Elder Scrolls fans that have only ever known Skyrim, and more. Plus: our Mount Rushmore of RPGs, Xbox Game Pass's incredible second wave in April, the new Star Wars game and the somewhat surprising developer involved, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The excitement around The Outer Worlds 2 is palpable as the hosts share exclusive gameplay insights. They dive into Doom: The Dark Ages, detailing its unique mechanics that set it apart from its predecessor. The success of the Minecraft movie sparks a discussion on future adaptations of Xbox franchises. Controversial new AI tech, like Microsoft's Copilot, raises questions about creativity and job security in game development. With new titles heading to Game Pass, the conversation stays vibrant and engaging!

This week on Unlocked, Michael and Miranda are joined by GameSpot's Jordan Ramée to talk all about the latest Xbox exclusive, South of Midnight, now that we have reviewed it and we explore our own connections to American South. We also touch on previews for Doom: The Dark Ages and the ongoing saga of where Hollow Knight Silksong is. And we find a way to make the Nintendo Direct about Xbox (lol) before talking about Asus and Xbox teasing their handheld collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unlocked, Miranda and Michael go over the biggest reveals for Minecraft Live 2025 (new mobs!), discuss the Backbone One Xbox Edition and how they hope Xbox's latest neat peripheral designs influence their next major device releases, and round out the show by discussing two games coming to Xbox shown during the Nintendo Direct.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the excitement of the new Assassin's Creed Shadows game! The hosts chat about the nostalgic buzz surrounding the imminent remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. They explore how this beloved classic could blend surprise releases with effective marketing strategies. Plus, there's a deep dive into the narrative successes of Hazelight's Split Fiction and reflections on the anticipated Knights of the Old Republic remake. Get ready for a vibrant mix of gaming innovations and heartfelt nostalgia!

The crew is joined by Ash Parrish from The Verge to discuss the reports of Xbox handhelds (from OEMs) coming later this year and the prospect of a next-gen Xbox coming in 2027 (and how weird time works because it feels like the Series X|S came out just yesterday). But first, we revisit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demo for Miranda's final thoughts, and get Ash's insights on South of Midnight from her preview and interview with actor and developer Ahmed Best.Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices