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Gamertag Radio

Gamertag Radio

Step into the world of gaming with Gamertag Radio! As one of the most established gaming podcasts, we bring you twice-weekly episodes packed with breaking news, expert reviews, and exclusive interviews. Join hosts Danny Peña, Peter Toledo, Parris Lilly, and Riana Manuel-Peña as they dive into the latest gaming trends and topics. Podcasting since Feb 2005.

Business Email: podcast@gamertagradio.com

33 episodes
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 33

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S21 · E1583
Yesterday · 10 min
Tim Willits Interview: Hellraiser, Jurassic Park, John Wick, & Saber's Big Game Slate
We sat down at Gamescom with industry legend Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive and former id Software veteran (Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein), for an in-depth developer interview! In this conversation, Tim breaks down how Saber Interactive approaches massive IP adaptations including their upcoming Hellraiser game made in direct collaboration with creator Clive Barker, as well as high-profile titles for John Wick and Jurassic Park. He reflects on transitioning from 25+ years of making fast-paced first-person shooters to managing diverse genres like horror, simulators, and action games. Plus, Tim shares a powerful personal story about how Quake changed a player's life, addresses Saber's growing slate of projects, and reveals the one genre he still wants to make!
S21 · E1582
Yesterday · 16 min
The Wolf Among Us 2 Interview: Returning Voice Cast, Comic Canon, & Episodic Format
In this podcast exclusive interview, we sat down with Leslie Harwood (Principal Scene Coordinator) and Jessica Harra Campbell (Design Director) from Telltale Games to discuss the long-awaited development of The Wolf Among Us 2! During our exclusive interview, the dev team breaks down the decision behind their major tech reset—shifting away from Telltale's proprietary engine to Unreal Engine while building a custom "Telltale Renderer" to retain the iconic visual identity of the original. They also detail key gameplay evolutions, including moving to an over-the-shoulder third-person camera for exploration, how their choice and reactivity systems go deeper than simple "consequences," and why all episodes will release simultaneously despite keeping the episodic chapter structure.
S21 · E1581
Yesterday · 9 min
From Battletoads to Murals: Dlala Studios on Their First Single-Player Game in 13 Years
Danny Peña sat down with AJ Grand-Scrutton, CEO of Dlala Studios and Director/Co-Writer of Murals, to discuss their brand-new isometric action-adventure title! After building hit multiplayer experiences like Battletoads and Disney Illusion Island, Dlala Studios is pivoting to their first single-player game in 13 years. In this interview, AJ breaks down the creative process of building an original IP rooted in reimagined fairy tales, combining 2D and 3D visual styles inspired by Who Framed Roger Rabbit, why they decided to leave multiplayer behind for this project, and the sheer panic of setting their Steam page live during Opening Night Live!
S21 · E1580
Yesterday · 15 min
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse – Evil Empire & Konami Developer Interview
We sit down with the teams at Evil Empire and Konami to discuss the development of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. In this interview, Lead Level Designer Sandro Bordi, Marketing Director Béranger Dupré, and the Konami team break down how they balanced nostalgia for longtime fans with accessibility for newcomers. They explore: The Whip-Centric Gameplay: Modernizing traversal, combat, and exploration mechanics inspired by Super Castlevania IV. Story & Setting: Setting the game in 1499 Paris, 23 years after Dracula’s Curse, and introducing Rose Belmont. Design & Music: Drawing inspiration from Symphony of the Night, Order of Ecclesia, and classic series soundtracks. Collaboration: How Evil Empire’s work on Dead Cells shaped their approach to this original entry. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse releases on October 15th!
S21 · E1579
Yesterday · 14 min
PM Studios CEO Interview: The Wolf Among Us 2, Physical Games & PANAX
During Gamescom 2026, Danny Peña sat down with Michael Yum, CEO and co-founder of PM Studios, to chat about publishing, supporting indie games, and bringing back The Wolf Among Us 2. Michael discusses what PM Studios looks for in developer partnerships, why physical game preservation and collectors' editions matter, and how their new platform, PANEX, aims to unite PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox gamers.
S21 · E1578
Wednesday · 4 min
Conversation with Jason Ronald about the Xbox disc to digital program
Exclusive! Live from the Xbox booth at Gamescom, the team catches up with Jason Ronald (Vice President of Next Generation at Xbox) to break down major news for physical game collectors. Xbox is launching a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to convert physical discs into digital licenses directly tied to their accounts. In this episode, we cover: How it works: How inserting your physical disc unlocks a digital entitlement tied to your account. Supported titles: Initial availability for thousands of Xbox One and Xbox Series X games, with plans to expand over time. Disc sharing & secondary consoles: What happens if you lend your disc to a friend or sign into a digital-only console like the Xbox Series S. Future outlook: The team's game preservation goals, multi-disc backward compatibility, and the future of digital ecosystems. Tune in for the full scoop on Xbox's latest game preservation push straight from the show floor in Germany!
S21 · E1577
Wednesday · 24 min
Crazy Taxi World Tour Gameplay & Hands-On Preview! | Gamescom Impressions
We got our hands on Crazy Taxi World Tour at Gamescom! In this episode of Gamer Tag Radio, Danny Peña and Riana Manuel Peña share their full hands-on preview, first impressions, and gameplay breakdown after spending nearly an hour with the game. From exploring the Germany map to testing out new traversal mechanics like Crazy Drift, Crazy Boost, and Crazy Stop, we cover everything this updated Sega classic has to offer. Plus, hear our thoughts on side quests, arcade passenger pickups, hilarious characters, and classic soundtrack tunes!
S21 · E1576
Wednesday · 12 min
Stranger Than Heaven Gameplay Preview & Hands-On Impressions! | Gamescom 2026
Danny Peña and Riana Manuel Peña share their hands-on impressions of Stranger Than Heaven from Sega's press event in Los Angeles! From developer balance updates and revamped boss fights to the game's unique combat mechanics, photorealistic visual style, and 50-year narrative arc, we break down what makes this upcoming RGG Studio title stand out. Subscribe to Gamer Tag Radio for gaming previews, hands-on reviews, and event coverage!
S21 · E1575
Tuesday · 21 min
Gears of War: E-Day Hands-On Campaign Preview & Hands-On Impressions
Danny Peña, Parris Lilly, and Riana Manuel-Peña sit down to share their hands-on impressions of the single-player campaign preview for Gears of War: E-Day! The team dives deep into playing Chapter 1 and parts of Act 2, highlighting key gameplay updates, performance on Xbox Series S vs. PC, new class-based mechanics, and the return to the series' dark, gritty roots. In this episode, we cover: First Impressions: How Gears of War: E-Day feels on Xbox Series S and PC running on Unreal Engine 5. New Mechanics & Features: Dynamic destructible cover, class abilities (Marcus, Dom, Reyes, Mags), and verticality. Open Districts: Exploration, secondary side objectives, and earning weapon upgrades/mods. Tone & Narrative: A darker sci-fi tone, seeing a younger Marcus Fenix, and initial reactions to Emergence Day. Campaign Details: Single-player preview details vs. full release features (4-player online & 2-player split-screen co-op). Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1574
Tuesday · 12 min
NVIDIA Gamescom 2026 Announcements: DLSS 4.5, Ray Reconstruction & RTX Spark Laptops
Danny Peña and Parris Lilly break down all the major announcements from NVIDIA's GeForce event at Gamescom! From the rollout of DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction to the new RTX Spark laptops and GeForce NOW upgrades, here is everything you need to know about the future of PC gaming graphics. (Sponsored segment by NVIDIA GeForce) In this episode, we cover: DLSS 4.5 & Ray Reconstruction: Upgrades to lighting, image quality, and AI denoiser performance powered by NVIDIA's 2nd generation transformer model. Supported Titles: First look at DLSS 4.5 implementation in 007 First Light, Control Resonate, Cyberpunk 2077, and Pragmata. RTX 50 Series Specs: Dynamic multi-frame generation and hardware-level performance features. RTX Spark Laptops: Next-gen portable gaming performance offering 1440p at 100+ FPS. RTX Remix & Mods: Community projects getting DLSS 4.5 upgrades, including Painkiller RTX and Morrowind RTX. NVIDIA ACE & Cloud Gaming: AI-powered teammates via NVIDIA ACE and new GeForce NOW features, including Steam Machine support. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1573
August 21 · 32 min
Exclusive Interview: Xbox & Bungie Industry Veterans Reveal Their New Action RPG, Crimson Moon
Podcast exclusive! Danny Peña sits down with industry veterans Jerry Hook (former Xbox Live co-creator and Bungie executive) and Scott Brodie (design director and Xbox Live Arcade pioneer) from Team Metal / Probably Monsters to discuss their upcoming Gothic action RPG, Crimson Moon. In this exclusive interview, Jerry and Scott open up about leaving massive AAA studios to craft a focused, high-quality $19.99 co-op experience. Learn how the team blended souls-like melee combat, roguelike progression, and shapeshifting Nephilim power fantasies into an accessible, highly replayable game built with players' time and money in mind. In this episode, we cover: Industry Vets Return to Basics: Why Jerry Hook and Scott Brodie shifted from AAA giants to build focused, high-value experiences. Crimson Moon Overview: Exploring the city of Gilden Arc, transforming into Nephilim angel forms, and tackling Gothic action solo or in co-op. Accessible Roguelike Design: Balancing tough souls-like combat with 15–30 minute mission loops, procedural paths, and permanent progression. Respecting the Player: The decision behind the $19.99 price point and rejecting aggressive live-service models. Cross-Play & Co-Op: How revive mechanics, difficulty scaling, and cross-platform support bring friends together across PS5, Xbox, and PC. Crimson Moon launches on September 1st across PS5, Xbox, Steam, and Epic Games Store!
S21 · E1572
August 21 · 22 min
Gamescom Co-Founder Felix Falk: Inside the World’s Biggest Gaming Event
Danny Peña sits down with Gamescom co-founder Felix Falk to break down what makes the world's largest gaming event tick. From record-breaking exhibitor numbers to the massive growth of indie games and the evolution of international reach, get an insider's look at how the event comes together. In this episode, we cover: Record Growth: Gamescom's sold-out exhibition space, over 1,600 exhibitors, and a 16% jump in indie presence. First-Timer Advice: Tips on navigating over 30 football fields of space using interactive timetables. Opening Night Live & Speedrunning: The collaboration with Geoff Keighley and the European debut of Gamestown Quick. Global Expansion: How Gamescom is connecting markets with satellite events like Gamescom Latam and Gamescom Asia. Political & Social Impact: Why world leaders, politicians, and global organizations attend the event to understand games culture.
S21 · E1571
August 16 · 44 min
Elder Scrolls 6 Release Date Predictions & Gamescom 2026 Preview!
The crew discusses their upcoming trip to Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, and dives into rumors and realistic release timelines for Bethesda's highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls VI. Danny, Paris, and Pete get into a heated discussion about Rockstar Games potentially locking an extended look of Grand Theft Auto VI behind a timed Netflix exclusivity window. Was the Xbox One really as bad as people remember? The hosts look back at the 2013 launch, Kinect's downfall, backwards compatibility, and the games that made the era great. They also share their thoughts on Insomniac's Marvel's Wolverine, the open-world gameplay loop fatigue, and the massive wave of new video games dropping this Fall. Gamescom Prep & Logistics The crew prepares for their upcoming trip to Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, marking Danny's first time attending the event. Parris warns about the massive crowds and max-capacity public halls, recommending using Wednesday's media day to scout out business center appointments early. The Elder Scrolls VI Release Window Predictions Following Asha's visit to Bethesda to see an early build, the hosts discuss realistic expectations for The Elder Scrolls VI. While some speculate a 2027 launch, the consensus leans toward 2028 or 2029 to allow thorough QA testing and avoid past launch issues. GTA 6 Extended Look on Netflix Debate A heated debate breaks out over Rockstar Games potentially offering an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI on Netflix prior to a YouTube release. Danny defends the marketing strategy as smart industry expansion, while Parris expresses concern over setting paywall precedents and drawing attention away from Gamescom announcements. Reflecting on the Xbox One Era The hosts look back at the Xbox One, highlighting its strong games lineup (Titanfall, Sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break), the Xbox Controller, Xbox Play Anywhere, and the birth of Game Pass and Backwards Compatibility. They discuss how poor messaging, Kinect bundling, and the initial $500 price point overshadowed an otherwise solid console generation. Marvel's Wolverine & Fall Gaming Wave The team discusses Insomniac's Marvel's Wolverine, addressing preview feedback regarding potential open-world gameplay loop fatigue. They look ahead to the packed Fall release schedule, noting the overwhelming amount of big games dropping through September and beyond. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1570
August 9 · 22 min
Splatoon Raiders Is the Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game
In this episode of Gamertag Radio, Danny Peña and Riana Manuel Peña dive deep into their hands-on review of Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2! Danny breaks down why he believes it is easily the best exclusive title on the Switch 2 so far, praising its highly addictive single player adventure, massive customization, and slick drop-in co-op mechanics. Meanwhile, Riana shares her perspective as a first time Splatoon player. Highlights The Best Switch 2 Exclusive Yet? – Danny explains why Splatoon Raiders tops his list of Switch 2 games so far (even over Donkey Kong) and highlights its massive success with record-setting user scores on Metacritic. A Refreshing Single-Player Focus – Unlike past entries that prioritized competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders puts player experimentation and a deep single-player story campaign at the forefront. Tanks, Gadgets & Loadout Customization – A breakdown of the three core tank classes (Speed, Power, and Tactical), weapon varieties like paint rollers and chargers, and specialized gadgets like Blast Boots and Shot Pots. Sensory Overload & Visual Style – Riana shares her thoughts as a newcomer to the series, praising the kid-friendly aesthetic while noting how chaotic the screen can get on higher difficulties with timers, boss health bars, and ink everywhere. Co-op "Call for Help" Mechanics – How the game allows stuck players to call in random online players for assistance, earning bonus rewards together without needing voice chat or complex ping systems. Hideout & Base Progression – Insight into upgrading your player base, trying out new builds in the shooting range, discovering lore relics, and using compasses to hunt down hidden map locations.
S21 · E1569
August 6 · 21 min
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword Capcom’s Next Masterpiece?
Danny Peña and Riana Manuel-Peno share their hands-on impressions of Capcom's upcoming action-adventure game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword! Danny details his experience from a recent preview event in Los Angeles, including a tough boss battle and exclusive footage of the game running on the Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, Riana talks about her experience playing the game at Summer Game Fest as a newcomer to the classic Capcom franchise. The team also breaks down the combat rhythm, motion control features, gauntlet mechanics, and the convenience of playing major AAA titles on handheld systems. Episode Highlights Temporary Setups & Move Updates: Danny and Riana share a quick update on their temporary recording setups as they undergo a multi-month move. Onimusha: Way of the Sword Overview: Early impressions of Capcom's latest entry in the franchise ahead of its early September release. Hands-On Impressions & Combat Mechanics: Riana and Danny break down the accessible yet rewarding combat, parry timing, linear-world exploration, and the Oni Gauntlet system. Exclusive Switch 2 Gameplay & Performance: Danny walks through footage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword running on the Nintendo Switch 2 at 1080p/30fps. Handheld Gaming & Comfort: Discussion on using detached Joy-Cons versus Pro Controllers and the appeal of handheld gaming for busy schedules. Capcom's Recent Momentum: Praise for Capcom's strong slate of releases this year. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1568
August 2 · 48 min
Xbox Is NOT Leaving Steam + GTA 6 Hype & Gaming Price Increases
On this episode of Gamertag Radio, Danny Peña and Parris Lilly debunk the internet rumors about Xbox leaving Steam, discuss Rockstar's silent marketing approach for Grand Theft Auto 6, and react to Nintendo's recent releases, including hands-on impressions of Splatoon Raiders. Plus, a deep dive into the stacked late-2026 release schedule from Marvel’s Wolverine and Control Resonant to The Blood of Dawnwalker and what to expect at Gamescom. Key Highlights: Xbox & Steam Rumors: Why pulling Xbox games from Steam makes zero business sense. GTA 6 Hype & Pre-Orders: Can Rockstar really get away with showing minimal gameplay before launch? Nintendo Hits: Impressions of Splatoon Raiders and previews of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. Fall 2026 Release Traffic Jam: How publishers are shifting dates to avoid getting crushed by major blockbusters. Road to Gamescom: Event prep, scheduling, and survival tips for Cologne. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1567
July 30 · 18 min
Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Hand-On Impressions 12-Player Horde Siege Mode
The GTR crew got early hands-on access to the Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta! Join Danny Peña and Riana Manuel-Peña as they break down their experience testing out the brand-new 12-player Horde Siege Mode, updated gameplay mechanics, and full-launch details. From coordinating across three 4-player squads to testing out the new character classes (Assault, Breacher, Marksman, and Medic), we share our thoughts on what works, how the overall difficulty feels, and how movement mechanics like jumping and sliding change the game. Don't forget to Like & Subscribe for more gaming impressions, reviews, and podcasts! Highlights What is Horde Siege Mode? A hybrid of Horde and competitive co-op where 12 players across 3 squads fight Locust forces and fight for extraction points. Extraction Mechanics: Helicopters will not land if the landing zone is swarmed—strategic clearing and timing are vital to surviving. Character Class Breakdown: Detailed look at the four beta classes—Assault (Marcus), Breacher (Dom), Marksman, and Medic—and why distance revives make Medic indispensable. Game Modes Overview: Differences between Blitz (fast 5-minute sessions), Siege (objective-focused co-op), and classic endless Horde. Movement & Gunplay: How the new jumping and sliding mechanics feel, proper grenade trajectory aiming, and weapon upgrades in the pre-game lobby. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1566
July 29 · 25 min
Why Silent Hill: Townfall's '90s Setting Makes the Game Scarier
This week on Gamertag Radio, most horror fans are used to playing Silent Hill in third-person, but Silent Hill: Townfall changes how you play the series. Now a first-person experience, it's more terrifying and atmospheric than ever before. In this episode, Danny Pena shares his hands-on impressions and interviews with Jon McKellan (Writer and Director, Screen Burn) and Motoi Okamoto (Silent Hill Series Producer, Konami). Also joining this episode is Kahlief Adams from the Spawn On Me podcast. Main Topics: The decision to adopt a first-person perspective in Silent Hill Townfall and its impact on horror immersion How the game's 1990s Scotland setting influences atmosphere and storytelling Innovative mechanics like CRTV device interaction and puzzle-solving techniques Character representation: a Black protagonist navigating a terrifying world Visual fidelity on PlayStation 5 Pro, aspect ratio choices, and console-specific enhancements Multiple endings and how player choices influence outcomes Inspiration from prior horror titles like PT and Silent Hill 4, and creative direction behind the game Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1565
July 28 · 7 min
Spider-Man: Brand New Day - Non Spoiler Movie Reaction & Review
Danny Peña and Parris Lilly give their spoiler-free reactions live from The Grove in Los Angeles right after seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day! From Jackie Chan’s stunt team handling the ground-breaking fight choreography to the incredible dynamic between Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, we break down why this street-level, adult Peter Parker story might just be the best live-action Spider-Man film ever made. Thanks to Sony Pictures for inviting us to the screening Episode Highlights "Best Live-Action Spider-Man Ever": Both hosts agree that Brand New Day tops all previous films—even surpassing Spider-Man 2. Next-Level Stunt & Web-Slinging Action: Coordinated by Jackie Chan's stunt team, the film features peak street-level combat, practical effects, and dynamic first-person POV swinging. The Return of Frank Castle (The Punisher): Outstanding banter and genuine chemistry between Tom Holland and his co-star, keeping the core character intact without losing his edge. Sadie Sink & Bruce Banner: Sadie Sink shines as a breakout star in her MCU debut, alongside key appearances by Bruce Banner / The Hulk. A True Street-Level MCU Era: Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the story embraces an adult, independent Peter Parker operating in New York without Tony Stark or Doctor Strange holding his hand. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
S21 · E1564
July 26 · 18 min
MARVEL TŌKON: FIGHTING SOULS Interview with Mara Junot
This week on Gamertag Radio. Meet Mara Junot, the iconic voice behind Storm in Marvel’s Fighting Souls. From radio DJ to superhero legend, Mara reveals how she's breaking barriers for diversity in gaming. Dive behind the scenes as she shares audition secrets, balancing hero vs. villain roles, and essential advice for aspiring voice actors. Key Takeaways & Highlights Secret Auditions: Voice actors frequently receive audition scripts under code names and vague descriptions, requiring intuition to figure out the exact character. Heroes vs. Villains: Mara finds heroes trickier to voice because they undergo complex internal journeys, whereas villains usually have clearer motivations and immediate conflicts. Radio DJ Background: Working as a radio DJ for nearly eight years taught Mara essential mic techniques, commercial recording skills, and natural delivery before she transitioned into video game voice acting. Industry Advice: For newcomers entering a crowded market, success requires patience, deep research into demos and agencies, continuous training, and networking. Connect with us: Danny Peña Parris Lilly Pete Toledo Riana Manuel-Peña Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

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