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Respec: Video Game Ramblings

Respec.net

The official podcast of Respec, a website about video games and the other things that gamers love. Expect video game reviews, previews, and news, industry analysis and insight, random and meandering off-topic ramblings, and general hang-out nonsense -- all coming from a gang of video game critics and journalists with decades of experience and their finger on the pulse of the latest industry goings-on. Plus, we're just a good hang, if we do say so ourselves.

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Episodes 23

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#23
Today · 1 hr 11 min
PS3 is 20, Xbox is 25, Zelda breaks records, and does it matter that GTA6 is 'only' 30fps? | Respec Ramblings
Alex, Tom, and Mikhail are back to discuss a turbulent week in gaming, from the controversy surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and what leadership changes could mean for PC graphics, to the Ocarina of Time remake’s record-breaking launch and GTA 6’s 30 FPS target. Our motley trio also revisit console sales, debate what makes a 30 FPS game feel good, and mark anniversaries for games and hardware spanning decades. Useful Timestamps: 1:30 - Could Nvidia change direction without Jensen Huang? 1:30 - Could Nvidia change direction without Jensen Huang? 18:20 - Ocarina of Time Remake breaks sales records 35:20 - PS5 at 100 million shipped 40:23 - Ad Break 41:04 - GTA6 is 30fps (and more) 52:50 - Retrorespective feat. PS3, Xbox & Halo, Viva Pinata, Sonic 3D & 2006, and more Don't forget, Patreon backers get a bonus after hours podcast every week too. Over there this week, Mikhail watches American Psycho for the first time, Tom is trying to ignore Black Friday week or month or whatever the hell it is now, and Alex has found some very rare video game esoterica in his attic. See more on https://www.respec.net Support us on Patreon for bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/c/Respecnet We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#22
November 6 · 1 hr 16 min
The Elder Scrolls 6, God of War's Delay, Zelda chat, and Xbox's LinkedIn War | Respec Ramblings
What calm before the storm? It's been a busy week for video game news and we’ve had the release of one of the most anticipated games of this generation. There’s news on the next Pokopia DLC, we discuss what’s going on at Arkane and Xbox, the next Elder Scrolls now officially has a name, and Alex and James have been playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Plus Alex has been collecting swords, and we have the usual round-up of big gaming anniversaries and what else has been published on Respec.net. Useful Timestamps: 02:23 - Petit Planet is coming to Switch 2 (Sponsored). 08:11 - New Pokopia DLC in December. 10:12 - What games are outselling Wolverine? 16:15 - God of War: Laufey is pushed to May 22:45 - Xbox, Arkane and the future of the studio 34:13 - Bethesda names the next Elder Scrolls game 40:13 - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake review discussion 1:08:00 - Retrorespective featuring SSX Tricky and Elite Beat Agents 1:17:00 - How to leave us voice mail Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, Alex has injured his shoulder, James has seen the new Godzilla movie, Mikhail continues his run on pretentious films, and Tom is surprised by how much he’s enjoying Phantom Blade Zero. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#21
November 4 · 16 min
Has the classic been preserved? The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, reviewed | Bonus Ramblings
Alex is back flying solo for an all-audio review of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's hotly anticipated remake - Nintendo's big game for Christmas, the new Zelda release for next year's movie, and arguably one of the most important remakes the company will ever make. But is it any good? Alex is here to analyse, consider, and deliver his verdict after a 100% playthrough. Read the written verdict on https://www.respec.net/. We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#20
October 30 · 54 min
The mid generation, the price crisis, and do we even need a PS6 any time soon? | Respec Ramblings
It's half term here in the UK, which means Alex and Tom are both taking Guile's advice and attempting to be dedicated family men. That means this week's episode is a pre-record, but it's a strong topic: just how badly do we need a $1000+ PlayStation 6, when you look at what the PS5 and Xbox Series generation has delivered us so far? Useful Timestamps: 2:29 - Do we need a PS6? Tom's thesis on the next generation 7:55 - The seven first-party exclusives that justify the PS5 12:50 - Console price rises on the rise 30:56 - Alex's theory on Xbox's future 34:17 - Retrorespective feat. Pikmin, Civilization III, Crash, Vice City Stories, Need for Speed Carbon, Burnout and more Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Alex talks in detail about the game review process, lifting the curtain on early access, review copies, and debunking some of the total nonsense about reviews that's been cropping up on social media. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#19
October 23 · 1 hr 6 min
EA kills BioWare, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, GTA3 turns 25, and is Nikki in Fortnite wrong? | Respec Ramblings
It's another week of depressing video game news - can we have a week off yet? Alex, Tom, Rebecca, and James gather to discuss the brutal cuts at EA that involves the end of a legendary studio, plus some lighter chat about the future of The Sims, Obsession's Nikki in Fortnite, and Cyberpunk's endless updates. Useful Timestamps: 2:30 - The new EA & explaining a Leveraged Buyout 4:10 - BioWare to close 9:01 - BioWare's legacy 13:25 - What this means for Maxis and The Sims, and more BioWare chat 27:33 - Cyberpunk updates continue as Edgerunners 2 launches 32:20 - Final Fantasy Resonance review impressions 34:42 - Obsession's Nikki in Fortnite 45:30 - Retrorespective feat. Civilization, Virtua Tennis, Grand Theft Auto III, and more Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, even more movie chat, plus an update on Love and Deepspace dramas from Rebecca. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#18
October 17 · 19 min
Is the Street Fighter movie bad, good-bad, or just plain good? Alex has thoughts | Bonus Ramblings
Alex has seen the Street Fighter movie, and so he's hopped straight on the podcast feed for a bonus episode solely about his thoughts on this latest cinematic... masterpiece? Messterpiece? Or is the truth a little more complicated? This bonus ramble will help you to puzzle it out. We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#17
October 16 · 1 hr 13 min
GTA's Awards eligibility, vibe coded nonsense, and is Skylanders the pinnacle of 'Toys to Life'? | Respec Ramblings
The boys are back in town, with Tom, Alex, and Mikhail back again to discuss this week's events in the world of video games - with a heavy focus on various AI-related nonsenses going on, from games getting pulled to storefronts barely working. Useful Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Alex's eBay Adventures 6:10 - GTA6, The Game Awards, and awards season in general 14:30 - Epic's new AI-powered store launcher 24:45 - Control Resonant sales figures 30:45 - Sega pulls Total War from sale due to undisclosed AI 45:45 - Big Walk developers confirm why it isn't coming to Xbox 56:15 - Retrorespective feat. Skylanders, Bully, Rocksmith, and more Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we're feeling the pressure of preparing for Christmas finally beginning to ramp up, Tom has watched a bad movie about a primate, Mikhail's still on a Kurosawa and Lynch run, and somebody has crashed into Alex's car. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#16
October 9 · 1 hr 12 min
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen, Hellraiser: Revival, a Cyberpunk movie, & is PlayStation VR finished?
It's been a busy week for big new games, so Alex, James, and Mikhail talk about Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen, Tom is so-so about Hellraiser: Revival, and the team discuss the recently announced Cyberpunk 2077 movie and the newly announced GTA 6 radio stations. Useful Timestamps: 01:40 - Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen. 26:50 - Hellraiser: Revival. 37:00 - Cyberpunk 2077 movie 44:10 - GTA 6 radio stations 52:24 - PS VR patent transfer 57:57 - Retrorespective feat. Mafia 3 and Scarface: The World Is Yours. Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, James has watched Digger, Mikhail has been watching more Kurosawa movies, and Tom bought a tumble dryer, which somehow ends up with a discussion about companies compiling data on all of us. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#15
October 2 · 1 hr 9 min
Reviewing Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and The Witcher 3 Remastered | Respec Ramblings
We're back with more gaming rambling. Alex is joined by Tom Orry, Mikhail Madnani, and James Galizio. It's been a busy week for big new games, so Tom talks about Gears of War: E-Day and Star Wars: Galactic Racer, Mikhail has been playing The Witcher 3 Remastered, and we have the usual round-up of big gaming anniversaries and what else has been published on Respec.net. Useful Timestamps: 2:15 - Gears of War: E-Day review discussion. 22:56 - Star Wars: Galactic Racer review discussion. 36:30 - The Witcher 3 Remastered 44:26 - GTA 5 Switch port 46:15 - Suda 51’s Grasshopper goes independent 56:00 - Retrorespective feat. N64 (again), RAGE, and more. Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, Alex and James talk about the Zelda concert, Tom has been watching an Australian dark comedy crime show, James has seen a great movie, and Mikhail is once again watching classic movies. Also some chatter about British comedy being the best in the world. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#14
September 25 · 1 hr 26 min
Tokyo Game Show, Fire Emblem, Control Resonant, and appreciating the N64's tiny launch lineup | Respec Ramblings
We're back with more gaming rambling - with Alex talking about adventures in Japan after returning from Tokyo Game Show, joined by Tom Orry, Mikhail Madnani, and Dave Breens. Beyond the TGS chatter, the group also discuss review impressions of Fire Emblem: Fortunes Weave and Control Resonant, Xbox's continued devastating restructure, indie shump Birdcage, and appreciate the effectiveness of the truly tiny Nintendo 64 launch line-up. Useful Timestamps: 2:06 - Alex on Tokyo Game Show and the Japanese Market 16:35 - Xbox layoffs & Studio Reshuffling 35:45 - Control Resonant review chatter 48:50 - Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave review chatter 1:12:50 - Retrorespective feat. Dark Souls, Castlevania, and the N64 launch line-up Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, Alex shows off some of the tat he wasted money on in Japan, and Tom talks about his new shower head. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#13
September 24 · 34 min
Analysing Xbox's latest 'Reset' move with Christopher Dring | Bonus Ramblings
In this bonus episode of Respec Ramblings, Alex sits down with Christopher Dring of The Game Business to talk about the latest major movements at Xbox. What will the fate of Rare be? Is Activision the right home for Halo? What's the end game for Game Pass? All this and more, discussed. We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#12
September 18 · 52 min
Wolverine is just OK, Love and Deepspace community IRL, and Diablo 4 hits Switch 2 | Respec Ramblings
This week, Tom hosts once again, and is joined by Mikhail Madnani and Rebecca Jones as Alex is in Japan for the Tokyo Game Show. This week the team discusses Wolverine on PS5 just being OK, Love and Deepspace's community in real life, and some new Switch 2 games, including Diablo 4. Useful timestamps: 1:06 - Wolverine review chat 16:06 - Xbox TGS showcase 24:34 - Love and Deepspace - how is the community IRL? 33:34 - Diablo 4 on Switch 2, and a little Fire Emblem chat 42:48 - Retrorespectives feat. Luigi's Mansion and Persona 5 Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, the group discuss Tom's hate of terrible headlines, and Rebecca has completed horror movies. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#11
September 11 · 1 hr 26 min
Kojima switches to Xbox, a whole lot of Zelda, and something brings a tear to Tom's eye | Respec Ramblings
This week, Alex and Tom are joined by Mikhail Madnani and Dave Breens for discussion of what has been a pretty momentous week in game news. The gang discuss The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's remake, all the news from the Nintendo Direct, Kojima's surprising side switch, and overflow from Gamescom. Useful timestamps: 1:44 - Nintendo direct discussion begins - Zelda concerts, merch, movie 8:30 - Ocarina of Time Remake discussion & reaction 18:37 - Nintendo's preservation efforts via NSO 23:35 - More Zelda discussion 30:01 - General Nintendo Direct Discussion 47:27 - Kojima Productions' Physint departs PlayStation; now at Xbox (and Wolverine impressions) 1:09:43 - Retrorespective feat. Colin McRae, Lufia, Crash, and Advance Wars Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, the group discuss Tokyo Game Show plans, fantasy football, foldable phones, retro sports games, and another Tom Orry movie review. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#10
September 4 · 1 hr 13 min
Sony's disappointing State of Play, more Gamescom games, Onimusha, Dawnwalker, and Orbitals | Respec Ramblings
This week, Tom Orry (Alex is recovering from Gamescom) is joined by regular contributors James, Rebecca, and Kirk to talk about: Sony's State of Play Gamescom from Rebecca's point of view Onimusha, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and Orbitals Video game anniversaries in Retroretrospectives Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we chat about UK shop Primark, AI being everywhere, and Kirk's face hole. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#9
August 28 · 1 hr 2 min
GTA 6 gets its Netflix reveal, Gamescom has games, and how is Elden Ring on Switch 2? | Respec Ramblings
This week, Tom Orry (Alex is at Gamescom) is joined by regular contributors Mikhail, James, and Breens for a chat about: GTA's big reveal If Gamescom had any good games announcements Elden Ring on Switch 2 The oddness of Metal Gear Solid 4 Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we chat about Tom's latest holiday, bad tea making, the amount of games releasing in September, and more. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#8
August 21 · 1 hr 5 min
GTA 6 leaks, Retro Retail, Gamescom preview, and the sorry fate of Deus Ex | Respec Ramblings
In this week's Respec Ramblings podcast, Alex Donaldson is joined by Dave Breens and Mikhail Madnani for some technically-challenged discussions, as Alex hosts while in the middle of an internet signal-destroying storm. Despite the challenges, the group discuss the recent GTA 6 leaks, a major development for the retro gaming market in the UK, hopes for Gamescom, and sobering discussion of the fate of Deus Ex. Useful Timestamps: 01:52 - GTA 6 leaks are out - story spoiler-free discussion (mechanics only) 22:53 - CEX to open new Retro-specific stores 32:57 - Gamescom preview 49:35 - Switch 2 UK price rise 45:40 - Nintendo Switch Online & Nintendo archive chat 51:00 - Retrorespective feat. Devil May Cry, the worst Metroid Prime, and Deus Ex Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, with Gamescom around the corner, Alex gets in depth about preparing for a trade show. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#7
August 14 · 59 min
Gaming on a budget, Star Wars Zero Company vs XCOM, and the strange concept of Pokémon banks | Respec Ramblings
This week Alex Donaldson and Tom Orry fly as a pair, as if singing a beautiful duet, and chat about: Gaming on a budget Retro hardware options Star Wars Zero Company Pokémon Bank closing Nintendo Switch Online & Nintendo archive Retrorespective feat. Fruit Ninja Kinect, F-Zero and the SNES, and Ninety Nine Nights Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we chat about ear wax removal, a love of and desire to own a camper van, expensive windscreens, and more. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#6
August 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Price rises, GTA 6's Netflix deal, and how many Freddos is a high end graphics card worth? | Respec Ramblings
This week, Alex Donaldson and Tom Orry are joined by regular contributors Rebecca Jones and Mikhail Madnani for chat about: GTA's surprising Netflix exclusivity move Hardware price rises EA's new owners That ever-relevant method of measuring economic performance - the price of a Freddo. Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we chat about Bannanaphobia, Tom's holiday adventures, hot dog machines, and more. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#5
July 31 · 1 hr 10 min
FF14 fanfest recap, even more layoffs, and why Palworld is secretly a cookie clicker game | Respec Ramblings
Tom's away. but that doesn't stop the ramblings! This episode Alex Donaldson is joined by ronin games critic Dave Breens, RPG Site's James Galizio and Mikhail Madnani for chatter about: The reveals and vibe at Final Fantasy XIV Fanfest ahead of a new expansion Even more Xbox-adjacent layoffs Breens' impressions of Palworld, which just formally released in version 1.0 Anniversaries old and new, from Streets of Rage to Overcooked Remember, Patreon subscribers also get The Lock In, an exclusive after-hours casual hangout podcast, every week. Over there this week, we chat about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and how it connects to Silent Hill Townfall, kindly reviewing a game that the public then hates & Cyberpunk 2077, and Tom Orry's bankrupt-worthy coffee problem. And don't forget the website; Respec.net! We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript
#4
July 24 · 1 hr 22 min
Halo and Splatoon reviewed, Xbox classics hit PC, and is Super Circuit the worst Mario Kart? | The Respec Ramblings Podcast
This week, Alex Donaldson and Tom Orry are joined by Respec contributors Mikhail Madnani and James Galizio. This week's video game related chatter includes: Halo & Splatoon Raiders Review Xbox joins the in-game advertising foray Xbox backwards compatibility on PC Hardware costs & performance challenges Retro reflections Plus, is Mario Kart Super Circuit the worst one? We want to hear from you! Send us a voice note and you may even hear yourself on the next episode!
- Transcript

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