Skill Up

Thank you Manscaped for sponsoring this video. Get The Beard & Balls Bundle for 20% OFF + Free International Shipping with code SKILLUP at http://manscaped.com/skillup #ManscapedPartner

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Ubisoft listened.

My split fiction review: https://youtu.be/hajChij56Xo

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#thisweekinvideogames #Assassinscreed #monsterhunter

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If you want to check out Expelled! (or any other game I profile in the 'Put This On Your Radar segment) you can find a link to it on my Steam Curator page:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

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News collation and run-sheet by Edmond T.

Written and voiced by Ralph P.

Edited by Stuart K and Austin B.

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You can find all the Skill Up reviews, previews and episodes of This Week in Videogames over on Spotify (where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber): https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=c1fd44e1ff9a442b

If you want to check out the Friends Per Second Podcast, you can find all the links to it here:

https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

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Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup

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The absolute madlad - he's done it again.

#SplitFiction #Review #Coop

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Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

You can find all the Skill Up content (reviews, previews, This Week in Videogames & The Friends Per Second Podcast over on Spotify, where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber: https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=b651261f52c24e58

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skillup

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

--

Check out my curator page on steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

--

Recent vids:

Kingdom Come Deliverance II review:

https://youtu.be/_wFHtqKYMaM

Avowed review:

https://youtu.be/yxnyOmJzg_0

The best game of 2024

https://youtu.be/ShInfDuzl7A

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review:

https://youtu.be/HtbtcLxJTtY

STALKER 2 review:

https://youtu.be/BRCLRAJkqjg

PS5 Pro review:

https://youtu.be/BRCLRAJkqjg

Dragon Age: The Veilguard review:

https://youtu.be/QF-Kd2BBpx8

Silent Hill 2 review:

https://youtu.be/dBoU9SNFw9w

Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 review:

https://youtu.be/OZ6ur9NOkpE

Astrobot review:

https://youtu.be/JVAEWreFU0I

Star Wars Outlaws review:

https://youtu.be/sKo1owZzYcs

Concord review (RIP):

https://youtu.be/vRrWp_MVAxU

Marvel Rivals Impressions

https://youtu.be/7rhAYJM-Tho

Zenless Zone Zero review:

https://youtu.be/r-pvw1xGmKY

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review:

https://youtu.be/d1FQ3BiL-L8

Stellar Blade Review:

https://youtu.be/6NPvgtZ9pxc

Dragon's Dogma 2 review:

https://youtu.be/GWaPbEjjSqI

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review:

https://youtu.be/_LaI5Knv4wM

Helldivers 2 review:

https://youtu.be/5j4TsO8vngA

Skull and Bones review:

https://youtu.be/z_BKf5cdV_w

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League review:

https://youtu.be/reQKHNg0jh8

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review:

https://youtu.be/-mTbCsDQitU

I recommend: 2023 (This Year in Videogames)

https://youtu.be/26KzkLymUb4

The Day Before - A Scam To Remember:

https://youtu.be/tdQXfXm8rjg

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review:

https://youtu.be/QNKS3vkGAag

Final Fantasy XVI review:

https://youtu.be/PzfUardkloY

Diablo IV review:

https://youtu.be/_Vk7yrh_JhM

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum review:

https://youtu.be/E21qSEyRa88

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review:

https://youtu.be/BQFImTqvW8E

Redfall review:

https://youtu.be/YTpFvYbDuqA

Resident Evil 4 Remake Review:

https://youtu.be/iIXQ3sospSo

Calisto Protocol review:

https://youtu.be/mm8pxfU9c6E

God of War Ragnarok review:

https://youtu.be/QdqMpAV1A1s

Saints Row review:

https://youtu.be/T-hsMkWHMLU

Elden Ring review:

https://youtu.be/gfcJv3oZNcc

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends to get 20% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds! Brought to you by Raycon. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

12:01 What's Happening in the AAA Space?

27:46 How to Use Video Game Reviews

01:11:01 Raycon (ad)

01:13:33 What We've Been Playing

01:56:15 Show and Tell

02:05:26 Wrap Up

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If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons.

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.

Thank you Surfshark for sponsoring this video. Go to https://surfshark.com/skillup for 4 extra months of Surfshark

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Kingdom Come Deliverance II is the new benchmark for the first person, cinematic RPG genre.

#KingdomCome #Warhorse #Review

--

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

You can find all the Skill Up content (reviews, previews, This Week in Videogames & The Friends Per Second Podcast over on Spotify, where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber: https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=b651261f52c24e58

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skillup

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

--

Check out my curator page on steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

Thank you Incogni for sponsoring this video. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code SKILLUP and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/skillup

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Warner Bros. is cancelling game and closing studios, but don't worry - they're betting big on Game of Thrones, so everything's gonna be fine.

Ed's Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza review: https://www.patreon.com/posts/like-dragon-in-122554737

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#thisweekinvideogames #WonderWoman #Monolith

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If you want to check out Bachelair (or any other game I profile in the 'Put This On Your Radar segment) you can find a link to it on my Steam Curator page:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

--

News collation and run-sheet by Edmond T.

Written and voiced by Ralph P.

Edited by Stuart K and Austin B.

--

You can find all the Skill Up reviews, previews and episodes of This Week in Videogames over on Spotify (where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber): https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=c1fd44e1ff9a442b

If you want to check out the Friends Per Second Podcast, you can find all the links to it here:

https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

--

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

--

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

Thank you Manscaped for sponosring this video. Get The Chairman Plus for 20% OFF + Free International Shipping with code SKILLUP at https://manscaped.com/skillup. #ManscapedPartner--6 months after its 1.0 launch, Once Human has held its player base where so many other free to play launches have failed, and that's down to the simple fact that despite some odd choices and rough edges - it's pretty damn good. --Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt--You can find all the Skill Up content (reviews, previews, This Week in Videogames & The Friends Per Second Podcast over on Spotify, where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber: https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=b651261f52c24e58BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skillup--Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390--Check out my curator page on steam: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../--

Thank you Green Man Gaming for sponsoring this video. Pick up Monster Hunter Wilds and get a 16% discount: https://bit.ly/MHWILDSKILLUP--Phil Spencer says he's no longer trying to pull Playstation or Nintendo fans over to Xbox, marking the true end to the decades long console war. Ed's Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza review: https://www.patreon.com/posts/like-dragon-in-122554737--#thisweekinvideogames #StateofPlay #Xbox--If you want to check out After Love EP (or any other game I profile in the 'Put This On Your Radar segment) you can find a link to it on my Steam Curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../--News collation and run-sheet by Edmond T.Written and voiced by Ralph P.Edited by Stuart K and Austin B.--You can find all the Skill Up reviews, previews and episodes of This Week in Videogames over on Spotify (where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber): https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=c1fd44e1ff9a442bIf you want to check out the Friends Per Second Podcast, you can find all the links to it here: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond--Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt--Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390--Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup

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Ender Magnolia is one of the best metroidvanias you've never heard of.

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Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

You can find all the Skill Up content (reviews, previews, This Week in Videogames & The Friends Per Second Podcast over on Spotify, where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber: https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=b651261f52c24e58

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skillup

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

--

Check out my curator page on steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

Try Factor at FACTORMEALS.com/fps50off and get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

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This week we react to the Sony State of Play, take a deep-dive look at Avowed and chat with Jakub Szamałek, formerly a lead writer from CDPR who work on The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and now the Narrative Director at Rebel Wolves, the studio comprised of former CDPR talent who just revealed their first game: Blood of the Dawnwalker. Great to have Alanah Pearce along for the ride, too.

Note: This episode was recorded Wed 12th of Feb, 2025.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Guest Host Alanah Pearce

08:37 Sony State of Play Recap

46:55 Factor (ad)

50:24 User Question 1

01:06:22 Interview with Rebel Wolves Narrative Director Jakub Szamałek

01:42:26 User Question 2

01:48:03 What We've Been Playing

02:17:16 Avowed Discussion

02:56:27 Show And Tell

03:08:33 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons.

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.

Thank you Lost in Cult for Sponsoring this video. Click https://bit.ly/LoKTTRPG to pre-order on BackerKit. A very special Legacy of Kain Complete Edition will be available exclusively to backers during this pre-order period.

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Avowed is...fine, but from a studio as storied and as capable as Obsidian, that's a pretty big disappointment.

--

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you'd like to support the channel even more, the best way is through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skillupyt

--

You can find all the Skill Up content (reviews, previews, This Week in Videogames & The Friends Per Second Podcast over on Spotify, where you can listen ad-free if you're a Spotify premium subscriber: https://open.spotify.com/show/2w3Injyqj2VoxOxQg6ESbl?si=b651261f52c24e58

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/skillup.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillupyt/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skillup

--

Grab 12% off any SteelSeries peripheral by using offer code SKILLUP at checkout: https://steelseries.pbj2.net/c/2446303/1266556/2390

--

Check out my curator page on steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28625128-Skill-Up-Curates.../

--

Recent vids:

The best game of 2024

https://youtu.be/ShInfDuzl7A

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review:

https://youtu.be/HtbtcLxJTtY

STALKER 2 review:

https://youtu.be/BRCLRAJkqjg

PS5 Pro review:

https://youtu.be/BRCLRAJkqjg

Dragon Age: The Veilguard review:

https://youtu.be/QF-Kd2BBpx8

Silent Hill 2 review:

https://youtu.be/dBoU9SNFw9w

Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 review:

https://youtu.be/OZ6ur9NOkpE

Astrobot review:

https://youtu.be/JVAEWreFU0I

Star Wars Outlaws review:

https://youtu.be/sKo1owZzYcs

Concord review (RIP):

https://youtu.be/vRrWp_MVAxU

Marvel Rivals Impressions

https://youtu.be/7rhAYJM-Tho

Zenless Zone Zero review:

https://youtu.be/r-pvw1xGmKY

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review:

https://youtu.be/d1FQ3BiL-L8

Stellar Blade Review:

https://youtu.be/6NPvgtZ9pxc

Dragon's Dogma 2 review:

https://youtu.be/GWaPbEjjSqI

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review:

https://youtu.be/_LaI5Knv4wM

Helldivers 2 review:

https://youtu.be/5j4TsO8vngA

Skull and Bones review:

https://youtu.be/z_BKf5cdV_w

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League review:

https://youtu.be/reQKHNg0jh8

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review:

https://youtu.be/-mTbCsDQitU

I recommend: 2023 (This Year in Videogames)

https://youtu.be/26KzkLymUb4

The Day Before - A Scam To Remember:

https://youtu.be/tdQXfXm8rjg

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review:

https://youtu.be/QNKS3vkGAag

Final Fantasy XVI review:

https://youtu.be/PzfUardkloY

Diablo IV review:

https://youtu.be/_Vk7yrh_JhM

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum review:

https://youtu.be/E21qSEyRa88

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review:

https://youtu.be/BQFImTqvW8E

Redfall review:

https://youtu.be/YTpFvYbDuqA

Resident Evil 4 Remake Review:

https://youtu.be/iIXQ3sospSo

Calisto Protocol review:

https://youtu.be/mm8pxfU9c6E

God of War Ragnarok review:

https://youtu.be/QdqMpAV1A1s

Saints Row review:

https://youtu.be/T-hsMkWHMLU

Elden Ring review:

https://youtu.be/gfcJv3oZNcc