The Rookie Run Video Game Podcast

Joining us for this episode is Producedbycos, returning to The Rookie Run as the veteran, as we take a deep dive into Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

A stylish and cinematic sequel to Remedy's original third-person shooter, Max Payne 2 builds on the bullet-time action, noir atmosphere and hard-boiled storytelling of the first game. But does this darker, more focused sequel still hold up as one of the best action games of its era?

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story of Max Payne, Mona Sax and the conspiracy surrounding the Inner Circle • How Max Payne 2 improves on the original game's shooting, bullet time and movement • The game's iconic noir atmosphere, comic-book presentation and cinematic storytelling • The level design, enemy encounters, weapons and incredibly satisfying gunplay • The physics, ragdolls and interactive environments — and some of the game's funniest moments • Mona Sax, Vlad, Vinnie Gognitti and the game's memorable cast of characters • The game's darker themes, romance and Max's increasingly bleak outlook on life • How Max Payne 2 compares to the original Max Payne • Producedbycos' veteran perspective versus my experience playing it as the Rookie • Whether Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne still deserves its reputation as one of the greatest third-person shooters ever made

Released in 2003 for PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a landmark third-person action game known for its bullet-time mechanics, noir storytelling, cinematic presentation and stylish gunplay. We revisit Remedy's sequel to see how well it holds up over two decades later.

If you enjoy discussions about:

• Max Payne 2 • Max Payne • Remedy Entertainment • Third-person shooters • Bullet time • Video game history • Gaming retrospectives • Classic PC games • Action games • Noir games • Video game nostalgia • Game reviews

then this episode is for you.

The Rookie Run

ProducedbyCos

Joining us for this episode is Gman, our Jet Set Radio Future veteran, as we take a deep dive into one of the most stylish and unique games of the early 2000s: Jet Set Radio Future.

Released in 2002 for the original Xbox, Jet Set Radio Future took the graffiti-covered streets, cel-shaded visuals and rebellious attitude of Jet Set Radio and expanded them into a bigger, faster and more open-ended experience. But after all these years, does JSRF still live up to its cult classic reputation?

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story of the GG's, the Rokkaku Group and the fight to take back Tokyo-to

• What made Jet Set Radio Future such a unique game — from its cel-shaded art style and graffiti mechanics to its skating, grinding and movement

• The game's world, level design and exploration, including the iconic Shibuya-cho, Chuo and Sky Dinosaurian Square

• The incredible soundtrack, its legendary basslines and how the music contributes to JSRF's unmistakable atmosphere

• The game's combat, rival gangs, graffiti system and how the mechanics have aged

• The freedom and flow of skating around Tokyo-to, and why movement is such an important part of the JSRF experience

• Gman's veteran perspective versus my Rookie experience playing Jet Set Radio Future for the first time

• The game's more frustrating areas, including the sewers and skyscraper sections

• Jet Set Radio Future's cult following, its influence and why fans have wanted a modern remake for so long

• Whether Jet Set Radio Future still deserves its reputation as one of the most unique and memorable games on the original Xbox

Originally released for the Xbox in 2002, Jet Set Radio Future has gone on to become one of gaming's most beloved cult classics. With its incredible art direction, unforgettable soundtrack, distinctive characters and incredibly satisfying movement, we revisit Tokyo-to and ask whether this strange, stylish world still holds up decades later.

If you enjoy discussions about:

• Jet Set Radio Future • Jet Set Radio • Sega • Xbox • Original Xbox • Video game retrospectives • Video game history • Classic video games • Gaming nostalgia • Cel-shaded games • Open-world games • Action games • Sega games • Video game soundtracks • Gaming retrospectives

then this episode is for you.

The Rookie Run Links

Joining us for this episode is Dave Jackson, host of Tales From The Backlog, as we take a deep dive into one of the most beloved video games of all time: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, Ocarina of Time helped redefine 3D action-adventure games and set the standard for countless games that followed. But does it still live up to its legendary reputation today?

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story of Link, Zelda, Ganondorf and the battle for Hyrule

• What made Ocarina of Time such a groundbreaking 3D Zelda game • The transition from 2D to 3D and how Nintendo approached it

• The game's dungeons, puzzles, combat and exploration

• The importance of Z-targeting and how it influenced 3D games • The music, atmosphere and iconic world of Hyrule

• The game's time-travel mechanics and its adult/child Link system • Dave's veteran perspective versus my Rookie experience

• Whether Ocarina of Time still deserves its reputation as one of the greatest games ever made & Our thoughts on the upcoming remake

Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time became a landmark in video game history. From Kokiri Forest and Hyrule Field to the Water Temple, Shadow Temple and beyond, we revisit one of gaming's most influential adventures and ask whether its magic still holds up decades later.

If you enjoy discussions about:

• The Legend of Zelda • Ocarina of Time • Nintendo 64 • Nintendo games • Zelda retrospectives • Video game history • Classic video games • Action-adventure games • Gaming nostalgia • Video game retrospectives

then this episode is for you.

Tales From The Backlog

The Rookie Run

Joining us for this episode is Chris Taylor from Lightning Strikes Thrice as we take a deep dive into Silent Hill 4: The Room, the final Silent Hill title developed by the legendary Team Silent.

Often considered one of the most divisive entries in the franchise, Silent Hill 4 introduced major changes to the series formula while maintaining the psychological horror, disturbing atmosphere, and symbolism that made Silent Hill a survival horror classic.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Silent Hill 4 feels different from previous Team Silent games • The story of Henry Townshend and Room 302 • The game's themes, symbolism, and psychological horror • How the combat and gameplay mechanics compare to earlier Silent Hill titles • Chris' veteran perspective versus my Rookie experience • Whether Silent Hill 4 deserves a reevaluation among horror fans

Released in 2004, Silent Hill 4: The Room remains one of the most unique entries in the franchise. From its haunting apartment setting to its unforgettable villains and surreal storytelling, we explore what worked, what didn't, and why fans still debate its place in the series today.

If you enjoy discussions about:

• Silent Hill • Team Silent • Survival horror games • Horror game retrospectives • Psychological horror • Video game history

then this episode is for you.

Check out Chris Taylor and Lightning Strikes Thrice:

Lightning Strikes Thrice !

Social Media:

https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod

Joining for the first time today is Jon from Delayed Gaming News, taking on the role of the Rookie.

What begins as a routine repair mission aboard the USG Ishimura quickly descends into one of gaming's greatest survival horror experiences. Together, we explore why Dead Space remains a benchmark for the genre, how its atmosphere still holds up today, and whether EA and Motive's remake surpasses the 2008 original.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jon's Rookie impressions after playing Dead Space for the very first time
• Why Dead Space redefined survival horror in the HD era
• Isaac Clarke's journey through the USG Ishimura
• The Necromorphs, strategic dismemberment, and unforgettable encounters
• The game's incredible sound design, atmosphere, and environmental storytelling
• Combat mechanics, resource management, and horror pacing
• The Marker, Unitology, and Dead Space's deeper lore
• Whether Dead Space still deserves its place among the greatest horror games ever made

Originally released in 2008 by EA Redwood Shores (later Visceral Games), Dead Space combined cinematic sci-fi horror with tense survival gameplay to create one of the most influential horror games of its generation. We break down every chapter of Isaac Clarke's nightmare, discuss what still makes the game terrifying today, and examine why the series continues to have such a passionate fanbase.

If you're a fan of:

• Dead Space
• Survival horror games
• Sci-fi horror
• Resident Evil
• The Callisto Protocol
• Horror game retrospectives
• Narrative-driven games
• Deep game analysis
• Video game podcasts

then this episode is for you. Whether you're a long-time Dead Space fan or experiencing the horrors of the Ishimura for the first time alongside Jon, there's plenty to sink your teeth into.

The Rookie Run: https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod

Delayed Gaming News: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kRhUxI8LtzI4P6qmd4G6k

Joining for the first time today is Adam, from Spectre Approved, as the Rookie.

What begins as a routine rescue mission into a sandstorm-ravaged Dubai quickly unravels into a psychological descent unlike anything else in the genre. Together, we explore why Yager Development's 2012 cult classic continues to be discussed more than a decade after release—and whether it deserves its reputation as one of gaming's greatest narratives.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Spec Ops: The Line shocked players on release
• Adam's Rookie impressions playing the game for the very first time
• The haunting story of Captain Martin Walker and Delta Force
• The moral choices, controversial moments, and unforgettable twists
• Dubai as both a setting and a storytelling device
• Combat mechanics, presentation, sound design, and atmosphere
• The game's themes of war, PTSD, guilt, and player responsibility
• Whether Spec Ops: The Line still holds up in 2026

Originally released in 2012, Spec Ops: The Line takes the familiar military shooter formula and completely turns it on its head. Beneath its cover-based gunplay lies one of gaming's most thought-provoking stories, forcing players to question heroism, violence, and the role they play in interactive storytelling. We break down every major moment, discuss what still works today, and examine why the game has become a modern cult classic.

If you're a fan of:

• Spec Ops: The Line
• Military shooters
• Story-driven games
• Psychological thrillers
• Narrative-focused video games
• Third-person shooters
• Deep game analysis
• Gaming retrospectives
• Video game podcasts

...then this episode is for you.

The Rookie Run: https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod

Check out Spectre Approved: https://redcircle.com/shows/spectre-approved

Keywords: Spec Ops The Line podcast, Spec Ops The Line review, Spec Ops The Line ending explained, Yager Development, 2K Games, Captain Walker, Delta Force, Dubai, psychological horror games, military shooter, story analysis, gaming podcast, video game retrospective, cult classic games, Rookie Run Podcast.

Joining for the first time today is Matt, aka Stormaggedon, as they guide Lewbop through the twisting, mysterious world of Control, Remedy Entertainment's acclaimed supernatural action-adventure.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What makes Control one of the most unique games of its generation
• Matt's Veteran impressions and favourite moments throughout the journey
• The strange world of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and the Oldest House
• Jesse Faden's story, paranormal abilities, and unforgettable boss encounters
• How Control's gameplay, atmosphere, and worldbuilding hold up years after release
• Whether Control is still worth playing in 2026 and our thoughts on the upcoming sequel Control: Resonant

Originally released in 2019 by Remedy Entertainment, Control combines fast-paced third-person action with mind-bending supernatural storytelling. From shifting architecture and telekinetic combat to cryptic lore and memorable characters, we break down what makes this modern classic such a standout experience—and why it continues to attract new players years later.

If you're a fan of:

• Control
• Remedy Entertainment
• Alan Wake
• Story-driven games
• Third-person action games
• Sci-fi and supernatural adventures
• Gaming retrospectives
• Video game podcasts

...then this episode is for you.

Check out all of Matt's work: https://linktr.ee/dj_stormagedddon

Check out The Rookie Run social media: https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod

Welcome to the very first Bonus Run, a brand-new series from The Rookie Run! In these bonus episodes, the hosts dive into the latest and greatest games that haven't yet earned a Veteran review.

For this debut episode, Lewbop goes solo to share his first impressions of Reanimal. From its unsettling atmosphere and striking art style to its gameplay and scares, breaking down what makes this horror adventure so intriguing and whether it's one to keep on your radar.

If you're a fan of indie horror games, first impressions, gaming podcasts, and discovering exciting new releases, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• Reanimal first impressions
• Horror game gameplay and atmosphere
• The Rookie Run Bonus Run series

Social media:

https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod

Returning for Episode 4 is producedbycos as we revisit Max Payne, Remedy Entertainment's iconic noir action shooter that redefined cinematic storytelling in video games.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The tragic story of Max Payne and his quest for revenge• How the game's noir atmosphere and narration still hold up today• The introduction of Bullet Time and its impact on gaming• Our favourite levels, shoot-outs, and memorable moments• Whether Max Payne is still worth playing in 2026

Originally released in 2001, Max Payne combined hard-boiled detective storytelling with groundbreaking action mechanics to create one of the most influential shooters of its era. We break down what made the game a classic and why it continues to be remembered more than two decades later.

If you're a fan of:

• Max Payne• Remedy Entertainment• Third-person shooters• Noir stories• Gaming retrospectives• Video game podcasts

then this episode is for you.

Social Media⁠ Links:

https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod⁠

Returning for Episode 3 is @producedbycos as we revisit Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, the legendary zombie-themed expansion to Rockstar Games' classic Western.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story of Undead Nightmare and its supernatural take on the Wild West• Who was the true rookie during our playthrough?• How the gameplay holds up years after release• The zombies, side missions, and memorable moments that made the DLC a cult classic• Whether Undead Nightmare is still worth playing in 2026

Originally released as an expansion for Red Dead Redemption, Undead Nightmare transformed the frontier into a horror-filled world of zombies, mythical creatures, and survival challenges. We break down what made the DLC special and why it remains one of the most beloved expansions in gaming history.

If you're a fan of:

• Red Dead Redemption
• Rockstar Games
• Open-world games
• Zombie games
• Gaming retrospectives
• Video game podcasts

then this episode is for you.

Social Media Links:

https://linktr.ee/therookierunpod