We’re revisiting the golden age of 8-bit gaming to rank Capcom’s entire NES lineup! From timeless hits to forgotten experiments, we’re debating which classics still hold up and which fall short in our ultimate tier list showdown!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-384: Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES Capcom Game Tier List!

00:00 - Intro

03:04 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Katana Zero

05:53 - Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES Capcom Game Tier List!

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

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***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

We dive into the exciting world of video game creativity as we compare fan-made passion projects to official developer releases! From community-driven remakes and inspired reimaginings to big-budget sequels and reboots, we explore which ones capture the true spirit of gaming.

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-383: Fan Games vs. Official Releases: Who Did It Better?

00:00 - Intro

02:04 - Games Played Discussion - Absolum

06:58 - Al played Claire Obscure Expedition 33, Luminous

13:29 - Choc played Street Fighter 6, Marvel Rivals

20:52- Turb played Donkey Kong (Game Boy), Final Fantasy Tactics

27:30 - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 4, Ridge Racer (PSP)

35:27 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Vernal Edge, Dark Deity

46:13 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Cyber Shadow

49:42 - Survey reveals more players in the US and UK prefer single-player games over multiplayer

56:44 - Rumor: Rockstar Could Be Considering Switch 2 Port of GTA 6

1:01:09 - The first official photos from The Legend of Zelda live-action movie have been published

1:10:45 - Valve Claims Steam Machine Outperforms 70% of Current Gaming PCs

1:20:36 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder

1:25:18 - Fan Games vs. Official Releases: Who Did It Better?

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

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(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

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***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

We dive into the debate surrounding modern game remakes... are they revitalizing classic experiences or holding back innovation? From nostalgia-fueled reimaginings to one-to-one remasters, we explore whether the remake trend is helping or hurting the industry.

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-382: Do Video Game Remakes Promote or Stifle Creativity?

00:00 - Intro

03:57 - Al played Jitsu Squad, Claire Obscure Expedition 33

11:15 - Choc played Smash Ultimate, Marvel Rivals

17:00 - Turb played Kirby Forgotten Lamd NS2 Edition + StarCrossed World

22:57 - Stikz played Ninja Gaiden 4

30:20 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor

38:37 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

47:19 - Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser Says Red Dead Redemption 3 'Will Probably Happen' and He'd Feel a Bit Sad About It 'Because It Was a Cohesive Two-Game Arc'

57:04 - GTA 6 Is Delayed Again Until November 2026

1:02:08 - Halo Infinite's Next Major Update Will Be Its Last So Halo Studios Can Focus on 'Multiple Halo Titles in Development'

1:05:25 - Steam Machines have returned: all the news about Valve’s new hardware universe

1:21:00 - Do Video Game Remakes Promote or Stifle Creativity?

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

We call out and breakdown the games that launched as buggy messes but became beloved masterpieces, thanks to the dedication of hardworking, tenacious developers! Stick around as we sound off on this week’s biggest gaming headlines and share what’s been keeping our controllers busy!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-381: Broken at Launch: Games That Got Good After Release

00:00 - Intro

05:02 - Games Played Discussion - Double Dragon Revive, Army of 2: 40th Day

21:09 - Al played Claire Obscure expedition 33, Ninja Gaiden 4

34:01 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 remake, Marvel Rivals Zombie, Ghost of Yotei

44:22 - Turb played Final Fantasy Tactics, Hollow Knight Silksong

56:58 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West

1:02:56 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor

1:14:10 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Hollow Knight

1:19:26 - Halo: Campaign Evolved Is the Final Nail in the Coffin for the Xbox Exclusive — but in Truth the PS5 Version Comes as No Surprise

1:28:38 - We asked Phil Spencer about the "Xbox's Next Console", Kojima's "OD", the future of the "Halo" series, and other curious things.

1:38:24 - Crash Bandicoot Set to Return — as a Netflix Animated Series

1:41:57 - Nintendo Raises Hardware Forecast as Switch 2 Sales Hit 10.36 Million, Continuing Streak as the Biggest Console Launch of All Time

1:49:23 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder

1:54:50 - Broken at Launch: Games That Got Good After Release

2:38:10 - Game Giveaway Winner Announcement

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

We dive into the dark to rank the most iconic horror game series ever made in our very own tier list! 🎃 From terrifying classics to modern nightmares 👻, we decide which franchises are truly essential 🩸 and which ones deserve to stay buried ⚰️.

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-380: The Ultimate Ranked Horror Video Game Franchise Tier List!

00:00 - Intro

01:37 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splintered Fate

06:46 - The Ultimate Ranked Horror Video Game Franchise Tier List!

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

Local multiplayer is making a huge comeback! This week, we dive into why couch co-op experiences are resurging in popularity, what modern games are doing right, and why playing side-by-side still hits differently than online!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-379: The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback?

00:00 - Intro

05:06 - Games Played Discussion

07:20 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei, Marvel Rivals

17:31 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West

25:09 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Absolum

36:50 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Pico Park 1 + 2

41:08 - Marvel Rivals' First Ever PvE Mode Is Based on the Marvel Zombies Disney+ Show

46:57 - Resident Evil Zero Remake Reportedly Aiming For 2028 Release, With Guardians of the Galaxy Video Game Actor On Board

53:31 - Warner Bros. Discovery Mulls Outright Sale, Citing Interest From Multiple Buyers

1:05:02 - The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback? Part 1

1:43:05 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder

1:44:38 - The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback? Part 2

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel: https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

As we bear witness to gaming's price of admission becoming more expensive, we explore how profit-driven tactics from major publishers have reshaped the industry and determine if corporate greed is destroying the passion and creativity that once defined gaming.

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-378: Has Corporate Greed Ruined Modern Gaming?

00:00 - Intro

04:46 - Game Giveaway Winner Announcement

05:36 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Abathor

09:30 - Games Played Discussion - Heroes of Mount Dragon

11:18 - Al played Adventure of Samsara, Gears 5, Perfect Diamond

18:03 - Choc played Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei, Marvel Rivals

27:49 - Stikz played Horizon Forbidden West

31:28 - Stal played Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Absolum

39:17 - US Gamers Aren’t Buying Video Games Anymore, New Study Reveals

51:12 - Has Corporate Greed Ruined Modern Gaming?

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

This week, we dive into the biggest gaming showcases of the season with our full Tokyo Game Show 2025 recap and reactions to the latest Sony State of Play!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-377: Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better Show?

00:00 - Intro

03:04 - Games Played Discussion - Absolum, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Heroes of Mount Dragon, Iron Meat

17:04 - Al played Adventure of Samsara

21:45 - Choc played Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Ghost of Yotei

31:09 - Stikz played Donkey Kong Bananza, Horizon Forbidden West

39:47 - Stal played Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

47:09 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Ready Steady Ship

51:50 - There Is No Good Reason To Buy An Xbox Anymore

1:01:20 - Costco removing Xbox stock

1:04:04 - Doug Bowser retiring from Nintendo of America

1:09:17 - Electronic Arts to Go Private in $55 Billion Deal

1:14:39 - Microsoft Has Delayed Its Pricey Xbox Game Pass Subscription Increase In Multiple Countries

1:22:38 - Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better Show?

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

From Castlevania and Contra, we’re diving into Konami's best and worst, 8-bit classics that helped define the NES era! Which games still hold up as timeless masterpieces and which ones deserve to be left in the past? Find out as we build The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-376: We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List!

00:00 - Intro

03:45 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - It Takes Two

09:43 - We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List! Part 1

1:35:17 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder

1:37:34 - We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List! Part 2

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.

The Nintendo Direct 9.12.25 was packed with surprises so we're sharing our personal thoughts after we breakdown the best and the worst among what was announced!

Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-375: We Breakdown the Best and Worst of 9.12.25's Nintendo Direct!

00:00 - Intro

05:11 - Games Played Discussion

05:20 - Choc played Street Fighter 6

09:18 - Al played Army of Two: 40th Day

15:35 - Stikz played Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Bros. Remastered

23:03 - Al played Blueprints

27:08 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - Contra: Operation Galuga

31:38 - Nintendo DS Games May Be Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Soon

41:40 - Latest Pokémon Patent Designed to Kill Palworld & Every Knockoff For Good

48:52 - Atari launched its own Metroidvania on the same day as Silksong, but it’s only hit 12 concurrent players on Steam

57:55 - Break: Free Game Giveaway Reminder

1:02:03 - Nintendo Direct 9.12.25 Full Breakdown

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like to show support, feel free to do so in any of the following ways below:

(1) Subscribe and share this podcast with close friends/family

(2) Rate/Review us on your preferred podcasting platform:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/level857

(3) Become a member on either Fourthwall or Patreon for exclusive perks and discounts on merch!

https://www.857ent.com/#membership

(4) Hit the bell and subscribe to our live podcast and multiplayer, co-op gaming channel:

https://goo.gl/Zy9RTD

***Special shout out to all of our supporters, especially our Boss Level Members***

John L.