Dual Comm Podcast

The Golden Age of Small Games Is Back

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.
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Chapters:00:00:00 – Why Haste Is One of the Best Games of the Year00:07:58 – Xbox’s New Handheld: ROG Ally X and What It Means00:18:32 – Steam Next Fest Demos That Blew Us Away00:38:51 – Game Preservation, Platform Walls, and Xbox on PlayStation00:52:42 – Google Search Is Basically Broken Now01:25:23 – Does Doom 2016 Actually Look Better Than The Dark Ages?
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The Dark Ages Of Console Gaming?

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 #gamingvideosSubscribe to @EposVox and @lostsaves
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Doom The Dark Ages First Impressions00:29:00 – Doom TDA Isn’t Really on the Disc—And That’s a Problem00:35:00 – The Death of Physical Media Is Hurting Console Gamers00:42:26 – Why PC Gaming Makes So Much Sense in 202501:10:45 – GameCube Decomp Projects Are Wild01:14:30 – Gears of War on PS501:24:30 – AA & Indie Games Shine on PC Handhelds01:30:00 – There’s Still So Much to Love in Gaming
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Expedition 33 and the Return of Amazing Games

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.
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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 Incredible00:15:00 – The Rise of Great AA Games00:22:27 – Game Pass Is Quietly Delivering00:29:00 – 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 Struggle01:21:55 – The Wild State of Mobile Gaming
 
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The Switch 2, $80 Games, and Growing Up as a Gamer

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
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00:00:00 Switch 2 Reveal and Hardware Impressions00:23:30 Switch 2 Price Point and Launch Game Expectations00:39:35 The $80 Physical Game Prices00:42:15 Why 2025 Might Be the Perfect Time to Play Old Games00:57:54 Are You Still Playing Games Because You Enjoy Them?01:09:00 How Gaming Changes When You Grow Up
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PSVR in 2025, Retro Gaming, and Why the Old Internet Was Better

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 Intro00:00:53 New Astro Bot Levels – Does It Still Hold Up?00:05:02 Experiencing PlayStation VR for the First Time – 10 Years Late00:18:28 Console VR vs. PC VR – Which Feels Better?00:26:00 The Power of VR – How Depth Changes Everything00:30:00 Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 in 2025 – Why It’s Still Incredible00:40:00 What Is a Retro Scaler? How They Work & Why They Matter00:50:00 The Joy of Retro Games – Timeless Gaming Without Distractions00:58:57 Why the Old Internet Was Better – A Look Back01:16:00 Gaming Feels More Fulfilling When It’s Earned
Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

Xbox Developer Direct Shines, Doom Leads the Charge

In this episode, we dive deep into the highlights of the recent Xbox Developer Direct, where Doom: The Dark Ages stole the spotlight with its bold reveal and exciting focus on a campaign-driven experience. We discuss what makes this new installment stand out and why the showcase set a high bar for future game reveals. We also explore Phil Spencer's vision for Xbox's multiplatform strategy, break down the latest news on the Horizon Zero Dawn MMO, and reflect on EA’s massive market loss and the challenges of balancing art and business in game development. To round it all out, we share what we’ve been playing lately and tackle a big real-life discussion: What gaming can teach us about focus and how those lessons apply to everyday life. Join us for a packed episode full of gaming news, insights, and thoughtful discussions!
 
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00:00:00 Xbox Developer Direct  
00:01:18 Doom: The Dark Ages Reveal  
00:12:40 Ninja Gaiden 4 Highlights  
00:16:30 South of Midnight Overview  
00:18:15 Expedition 33 Breakdown  
00:23:00 Spotlight on Studio Personalities  
00:26:35 Phil Spencer on Xbox’s Strategy  
00:39:50 EA’s $6 Billion Loss Explained  
00:45:00 Why You Can’t Manufacture Art  
01:00:12 How Life-Changing Games Are Made  
01:15:40 What We’ve Been Playing  
01:23:30 Cutting Through the Noise to Enjoy Gaming  
01:37:44 A Game That Changed Your Life  
 
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Switch 2 Unveiled and Sony’s Live-Service Cancellations

In this episode, we dive into the biggest gaming news of 2025: the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We break down everything you need to know about its design, features, and game lineup, including the much-anticipated new Mario Kart title. Next, we explore whether Astro Bot’s success was simply perfect timing or the culmination of a decade of innovation. Plus, we discuss why gaming on an OLED TV is a transformative experience you won’t want to miss. We also tackle a hot topic in the gaming community: Xbox exclusivity. Is Xbox losing its edge, or is it time to rethink the console wars? Other highlights include a look at PS Plus's impressive January lineup, the emulation quality of PS1 and PS2 games on the PS5, and why Baldur’s Gate 3 is shaping up to be a true 10-year game. Finally, we examine the shift from live-service games to singleplayer experiences and what it means for the future of gaming. Tune in for all this and more! #gaming #gamingvideos
 
00:00:00 Building the Perfect Morning: Journaling and Digital Minimalism
00:05:06 Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: Specs, Games, and What to Expect
00:35:37 Astro Bot: A Decade-Long Journey to Perfect Timing
00:46:23 Why OLED TVs Are Revolutionizing Gaming
01:02:07 Xbox Exclusivity: Is the Console’s Identity at Risk?
01:16:03 PS Plus January/February Lineup: Hits and Hidden Gems
01:27:30 PS1 & PS2 Emulation on PS5: Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech
01:34:12 Baldur’s Gate 3: Modding Brilliance and the 10-Year Game Legacy
01:51:00 From Live Service to Singleplayer: Sony Cancels Live Service Games
 
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The Biggest Games of 2025: Why We’re Hyped

In this episode, we dive into the biggest games of 2025, share bold predictions for the gaming industry, and explore how the PS5 has transformed the way we play. From exciting trends to anticipated blockbusters, we’re breaking down what makes this year special for gamers. Plus, we discuss the rise of the "Quadruple A" era, the future of game graphics, and how to tackle backlog dread. Which game or trend are you most excited for in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
00:00 Intro
01:38 Show Overview
03:08 2025’s Biggest Games and Trends
27:06 January to March 2025 Releases Breakdown
43:00 Bold Predictions for 2025 Gaming
54:38 Why the PS5 Changed How I Game
1:14:00 Are We in the Quadruple-A Era?
1:22:05 The Future of Game Graphics
1:39:26 Tackling Backlog Stress
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Your Holiday Gaming Guide + Why Replay Value Matters

In Episode 3 of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into the ultimate holiday gaming guide! From Steam Winter Sale steals like Celeste and Mass Effect Legendary Edition to must-play Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox titles, we've got something for every gamer this season. We also tackle the concept of replay value: What makes a game worth revisiting, and how do we decide when it’s time for another run? Plus, we explore why more gamers are watching content about games rather than playing them and share thoughts on remasters done right (Legacy of Kain, anyone?). Finally, we discuss the collapse of xDefiant and whether free-to-play shooters can ever dethrone the big players. Join us for another chill discussion! Thanks for all your support on this show and have a wonderful holiday and New Year!
 
Subscribe to Lost Saves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves
Amazon Prime Free Games: https://gaming.amazon.com/home
Gamers Watch More Than They Play: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-report-claims-gamers-spend-more-time-watching-videos-about-gaming-than-playing-games
Legacy of Kain Remaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5qzpSrd-ko
NPR Best Games Of 2024: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/16/g-s1-9554/best-games-2024-picked-by-npr-staff
 
00:00:00 Holiday Gaming Shopping Guide
00:03:50 Steam & Multiplatform Must-Haves
00:35:55 Nintendo Switch Holiday Deals
00:40:48 Best PlayStation Game Discounts
00:54:02 Top Xbox Game Bargains
00:57:19 Amazon Prime’s Free Game Picks
01:00:22 How Long Does It Really Take to Beat Games?
01:15:00 Do Gamers Watch More Than They Play?
01:28:50 The Replay Value Debate
01:35:11 Why Did xDefiant Shut Down?
01:51:29 Your Personal Game of the Year
 
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Are Backlogs A Bad Idea?

Are gaming backlogs a bad idea and a source of unnecessary stress? EposVox and I tackle this question in Episode 2 of the Dual Comm Podcast, diving into whether backlogs are helpful for staying organized or just another source of guilt. We also explore Sony’s PlayStation Mascot Problem, discussing what happened to beloved franchises like Crash Bandicoot, Sly Cooper, and Twisted Metal. Our conversation touches on holiday gaming memories, from unwrapping consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360 to the cozy vibes of old Pokemon games. Later, we debate the value of PC setups versus consoles for chill gaming, share why firsthand experience matters when discussing games, and say a heartfelt goodbye to Battlefield 3 on Xbox 360 and PS3 as we reflect on its multiplayer legacy.
Chapters:00:00:00 - Are Backlogs a Bad Idea?00:32:00 - The PlayStation Mascot Problem01:03:00 - Holiday Gaming & Memories01:29:34 - PC Setup vs. TV Gaming: Which Feels Better?01:38:58 - Hidden Gems in the Humble Bundle01:45:40 - Experiencing Games: Why Firsthand Matters01:55:36 - Goodbye to Battlefield 3 on Xbox 360/PS3
 
Music provided by https://backingtrack.gg/
 
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