The Single Player Experience

The Single Player Experience

By Sebastion Mauldin @SDM3LeisureVideo Games
Download on the App Store

The Single Player Experience episodes

  • Is Destiny 2 Rising or On it's Last Leg After Concord Ft. Alec Tuab

    Is Destiny 2 Rising or On it's Last Leg Ft. Alec Tuab (Audio)

    In this conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Alec Taub delve into the world of gaming, focusing on Destiny and its evolution, as well as the impact of Star Trek on their lives. They discuss the challenges faced by Destiny players, the philosophical themes in Star Trek, and the shift in storytelling from episodic to serialized formats. The conversation highlights the importance of character development and the influence of these narratives on personal worldviews. In this conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Alec Taub delve into the current state of Destiny 2, focusing on the challenges faced by Bungie, especially in the PvP arena. They discuss the implications of Sony's acquisition of Bungie, the failure of the game Concord, and the future of live service games. The duo also explores the unique position of Destiny in the gaming market, the potential for a Destiny 3, and the significant barriers to entry for new players. They highlight the community dynamics and the player experience, emphasizing the need for better onboarding for newcomers. In this conversation, Alec Taub and Sebastion Mauldin explore the complexities of gaming experiences, particularly focusing on their love for real-time strategy games and the intricacies of Destiny 2. They discuss the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Indiana Jones game, weighing its potential against the nostalgia of past titles. The dialogue delves into the mechanics of gaming, the emotional impact of strategy, and the balance between stealth and action in game design, all while reflecting on the enduring appeal of iconic franchises. In this conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Alec Taub explore the nostalgia surrounding iconic film moments, particularly from the Indiana Jones franchise, and discuss the excitement and trepidation surrounding new content in established franchises. They delve into their gaming preferences, upcoming titles, and the evolution of RPGs, particularly focusing on the changes in Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate. The discussion highlights the balance between tradition and innovation in game design, emphasizing player expectations and the desire for meaningful content. In this episode, Alec Taub and Sebastion Mauldin dive deep into the latest Call of Duty campaign, discussing its engaging design, character development, and the overall player experience. They explore the impact of microtransactions on gaming, particularly in relation to FIFA's Ultimate Team, and share their thoughts on accessibility in games. The conversation wraps up with their gaming plans for the week and recommendations for shows and games to check out.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Takeaways:

    • Destiny has experienced significant ups and downs over the years.
    • Star Trek, particularly Deep Space Nine, offers profound life lessons.
    • Character flaws in Star Trek make the narratives more relatable.
    • The evolution of storytelling in television reflects changing audience expectations.
    • Episodic storytelling allows for standalone experiences, while serialized storytelling builds deeper narratives.
    • Destiny's community is passionate and vocal about their gaming experiences.
    • Star Trek's philosophical discussions can shape personal worldviews.
    • The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities.
    • Players often seek new games when their main game becomes stale.
    • The future of Destiny looks promising with new expansions and gameplay mechanics. The PvP side of Destiny 2 feels like an afterthought.
    • Bungie's history shows a pattern of ups and downs.
    • Sony's acquisition of Bungie has created pressure for success.
    • Concord's failure raises concerns for Bungie's future projects.
    • Live service games are facing a challenging market.
    • Destiny has a unique niche that keeps players engaged.
    • The community can be unwelcoming to new players.
    • The barrier to entry for Destiny is frustratingly high.
    • There is a strong desire for a Destiny 3 among fans.
    • The player experience can vary greatly based on community involvement. It's a hard place to live in the gaming world.
    • When a game hits, it can be unbeatable.
    • Gaming can invade your dreams and thoughts.
    • Spending time on game mechanics can be more engaging than playing.

    28 min
  • Game of the Year Awards: The Controversies Unveiled

    Game of the Year Awards: The Controversies Unveiled

    In this episode, Sebastion Mauldin discusses the ongoing controversies surrounding the Game of the Year nominations, particularly focusing on the inclusion of Top Spin 2K25 over more deserving titles like College Football. He also addresses the debate over whether DLCs and expansions should be eligible for Game of the Year awards, citing Elden Ring's Shadow of the Urge Tree as a prime example. Additionally, he highlights the winners of the Golden Joystick Awards and concludes with a game recommendation for Age of Mythology: Retold, emphasizing its engaging gameplay and nostalgic value.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Takeaways:

    • Game of the Year nominations spark significant debate.
    • Top Spin 2K25's nomination is widely questioned.
    • College Football's impact this year was substantial.
    • DLCs like Elden Ring's expansion should have separate categories.
    • Golden Joystick Awards showcased fan-favorite titles.
    • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth dominated the Golden Joystick Awards.
    • Game expansions deserve recognition without overshadowing new titles.
    • Age of Mythology: Retold is a must-try for RTS fans.
    • Controversies in gaming awards are a yearly occurrence.
    • The gaming community is passionate about award nominations.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Game of the Year Controversies
    • 09:51 DLC and Expansion Nominations
    • 14:33 Golden Joystick Awards Highlights
    • 18:48 Game Recommendation: Age of Mythology

    28 min
  • Metaphor Refantasio thoughts and FOMO in Gaming Ft. Antonio The Hypecaster

    Metaphor Refantasio thoughts and FOMO in Gaming Ft. Antonio The Hypecaster (Audio)

    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Antonio Aka Hypecaster delve into the world of gaming, exploring themes such as the immersive experience of VR gaming, the phenomenon of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in gaming, and their current gaming experiences. They discuss the innovative indie game 'Bellator', the anticipated 'Metaphor: Refantasio', and share their thoughts on the recent 'Starfield' DLC, reflecting on the highs and lows of their gaming journeys. In this conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Antonio Aka Hypecaster delve into the gaming landscape, comparing titles like Starfield and Baldur's Gate, discussing the evolution of quest design, and expressing their thoughts on Bethesda's future. They explore the concept of FOMO in gaming, the impact of Game Pass, and share their anticipation for upcoming releases, including the Indiana Jones game. The discussion also touches on missed opportunities in gaming and the narrative depth of titles like Diablo IV and Silent Hill 2. In this engaging conversation, Antonio Aka Hypecaster and Sebastion Mauldin delve into the current state of Xbox, discussing game releases, review scores, and upcoming titles. They explore the intricacies of the Flight Simulator and its technological advancements, share concerns about the new Dragon Age game, and reflect on the Steam Deck's performance and potential improvements. The discussion culminates in thoughts on the future of gaming, particularly the integration of PC gaming and console experiences, along with personal recommendations for games and movies.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Takeaways:

    • VR gaming offers unparalleled immersion and experiences.
    • FOMO in gaming can influence purchasing decisions.
    • Indie games can provide comfort and replayability.
    • Character development and writing quality enhance gaming experiences.
    • The evolution of game mechanics can lead to innovative gameplay.
    • Voice acting can significantly impact player engagement.
    • The balance of challenge and reward is crucial in game design.
    • DLCs should elevate the base game experience.
    • Gaming preferences can change with life circumstances.
    • The importance of community and shared gaming experiences. Starfield's writing feels static compared to Baldur's Gate.
    • Modern RPGs have evolved in quest design and player engagement.
    • Bethesda's future may rely on overhauling existing systems or new titles.
    • FOMO in gaming drives players to seek out the latest releases.
    • Game Pass offers a budget-friendly way to experience new games.
    • Many gamers feel they miss out on titles due to financial constraints.
    • Diablo IV's story is engaging but can feel repetitive.
    • Silent Hill 2's horror elements may not appeal to all players.
    • The Indiana Jones game raises questions about its target audience.
    • Upcoming games like Flight Simulator 2024 and Stalker 2 are highly anticipated. Xbox needs to step up its game this generation.
    • Review scores have become more generous lately.
    • Flight Simulator is a meticulous yet rewarding experience.
    • The Steam Deck offers a surprisingly comfortable gaming experience.
    • OLED screens significantly enhance gaming visuals.
    • Bioshock is a must-play for any gamer.
    • Alien Romulus is a standout film of the summer.
    • The future of gaming may lean towards PC integration.
    • Concerns about Dragon Age's gameplay direction persist.
    • Community-made control schemes enhance the Steam Deck experience.

    1 hr 38 min
  • Gameplay Vs Game Experiences Ft. Alejandro Segovia

    Gameplay Vs Game Experiences Ft. Alejandro Segovia

    In this conversation, Sebastion and Alejandro delve into their experiences with God of War Ragnarok, discussing its narrative structure, gameplay mechanics, and the evolution of gaming experiences. They explore the balance between gameplay and narrative, the impact of game length on enjoyment, and the future of story-driven games in the industry. Alejandro reflects on how his gaming preferences have shifted over time, emphasizing the importance of replay value and efficient storytelling in modern games. In this conversation, Alejandro Segovia and Sebastion Mauldin explore the intricate relationship between narrative and gameplay in modern gaming, discussing how franchises like God of War, Uncharted, and Crash Bandicoot have evolved over time. They delve into the impact of nostalgia on gaming preferences, the importance of supporting beloved IPs, and the current state of PlayStation as a brand. The discussion highlights the disconnect between player expectations and publisher decisions, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to game development that honors both gameplay and narrative. In this conversation, Alejandro Segovia and Sebastion Mauldin delve into the complexities of gaming acquisitions, particularly focusing on Xbox's purchase of Activision and the implications for classic IPs like Crash Bandicoot and Call of Duty. They discuss the financial pressures within gaming companies and how these affect creative decisions. The dialogue shifts to the future of beloved franchises, the potential for reviving dormant IPs, and the evolution of game development practices. They also reflect on the legacy of Uncharted and Metal Gear Solid, debating the need for more high-adventure games in the current gaming landscape. Finally, they analyze perceptions of the PlayStation 5 generation, arguing that it may not be as lackluster as some believe, especially when compared to the PS4 generation.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Go Check out our Guest at:

    Alejandro Segovia:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/a_drosegovia

    Check out his Written Work: thecriticalcorner.com

    Takeaways:

    • God of War Ragnarok was a highly anticipated sequel for Alejandro.
    • The pacing and structure of Ragnarok felt more rigid compared to 2018's God of War.
    • Alejandro's relationship with Ragnarok has evolved, feeling both love and frustration.
    • Replayability is crucial for Alejandro; he values games that stand the test of time.
    • The conversation highlights the tension between gameplay and narrative in modern games.
    • Alejandro feels that many recent games suffer from bloat and pacing issues.
    • The Iron Woods section of Ragnarok is often cited as a low point.
    • Alejandro appreciates games that use their time efficiently in storytelling.
    • The discussion touches on the impact of production costs on game design.
    • There is a growing desire for more gameplay-focused experiences in the gaming community. Returnal's gameplay and storytelling are impressively intertwined.
    • Ragnarok's emotional journey reflects the complexity of gaming experiences.
    • Uncharted 2 remains a standout title in the series.
    • Astrobot showcases the importance of nostalgia in gaming.
    • The current state of PlayStation evokes a sense of melancholy.
    • Supporting beloved IPs is crucial for their survival.
    • The disconnect between players and publishers affects game development.
    • Nostalgia can both enhance and hinder gaming experiences.
    • Crash Bandicoot's sales success doesn't guarantee future titles.
    • The evolution of gaming franchises reflects changing player expectations. Xbox's acquisition of Activision highlights financial pressures in gaming.
    • Call of Duty's sales overshadow other franchises, creating unfair comparisons.
    • The gaming industry needs to explore reviving classic IPs through indie studios.
    • Franchise management is crucial for the longevity of beloved games.
    • Uncharted and Metal Gear Solid represent significant gaming legacies.
    • The PS5 generation's perception may be skewed by cross-gen releases.
    • High-adventure games are essential for a balanced gaming landscape.
    • The future of gaming may rely on innovative approaches to IP management.
    • Naughty Dog's versatility is key to their success in storytelling.
    • Analyzing past generations can provide insights into current trends.

    2 hr 13 min
  • Playstation's 2024 Fall State of Play is.... Ft. Alejandro Segovia

    Playstation's 2024 Fall State of Play is.... Ft. Alejandro Segovia

    In this episode of the Single Player Experience Podcast, host Sebastion Mauldin and guest Alejandro Segovia discuss the current state of gaming, focusing on PlayStation's busy yet quiet year, the impact of exclusives, and the recent State of Play announcements. They explore the contradictions of 2024 in gaming, the future of PlayStation's exclusives, and the significance of the PS5 Pro. The conversation also delves into the highlights of the State of Play, including game announcements and updates, and the overall pacing and structure of the presentation. In this engaging conversation, Alejandro Segovia and Sebastion Mauldin delve into the world of gaming, discussing the impact of nostalgia on consumer behavior, the excitement surrounding upcoming titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin's Creed Shadows, and the nuances of game comparisons. They also share their thoughts on recent gaming news, including the PS5 Pro and various game releases, while providing insightful recommendations for gamers looking for their next single-player experience.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Go Check out our Guest at:

    Alejandro Segovia:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/a_drosegovia

    Check out his Written Work: thecriticalcorner.com

    Takeaways

    • PlayStation's year has been busy yet quiet, with many games released.
    • The perception of a 'dry year' often reflects personal gaming preferences.
    • Exclusives play a crucial role in PlayStation's success and audience expectations.
    • Nintendo's strategy differs from PlayStation's, focusing on remakes and delays.
    • The future of PlayStation's exclusives is uncertain, with a need for more content.
    • The State of Play showcased a variety of games, appealing to different tastes.
    • Pacing and structure of presentations can significantly impact audience engagement.
    • Horizon franchise faces challenges in gaining mainstream recognition.
    • The PS5 Pro aims to enhance existing games rather than introduce new titles.
    • The gaming landscape is increasingly varied, catering to diverse player preferences. Nostalgia plays a significant role in consumer excitement for gaming products.
    • The reveal of Ghost of Tsushima's sequel has generated mixed feelings among fans.
    • Assassin's Creed Shadows faces tough competition from Ghost of Tsushima.
    • The gaming landscape is becoming increasingly competitive with upcoming releases.
    • The PS5 Pro's value proposition is under scrutiny among gamers.
    • Game comparisons can influence consumer expectations and excitement.
    • DLCs can provide significant value and enhance the gaming experience.
    • The importance of polish and quality in game releases cannot be overstated.
    • Single-player experiences remain a vital part of the gaming ecosystem.
    • Recommendations for new games can help guide players in their choices.

    1 hr 55 min
  • Upcoming Indie Game Preview: Ascent Rivals ft. Michael Yagi

    Upcoming Indie Game Preview: Ascent Rivals ft. Michael Yagi

    Summary

    In this episode of the Single Player Experience podcast, host Sebastion Mauldin interviews Michael Yagi, one of the key developers of the game Ascent Rivals. They discuss the inspiration behind the game, its unique gameplay mechanics, and the vision of creating a competitive and spectator-friendly experience. The game is described as a high-speed racing and shooting hybrid, with elements of Star Wars Pod Racing, Mad Max, and Hunger Games. The studio behind the game, Genuine Games, aims to bring innovation to the racing genre and create a game that is easy to watch and fun to play. They also discuss the studio's focus on high-quality visuals and the future plans for the game, including spectator interaction and esports integration. Ascent Rivals is a competitive esports game with a high skill ceiling. The game allows players to perform unique drifting maneuvers and offers a time trial challenge for the community. The development team consists of two core developers, a designer, and an artist, with additional support from others. Michael Yagi, the designer, got into games through esports and competitive gaming. He enjoys playing League of Legends and Brawl Stars. The game has received feedback about the onboarding experience and the difficulty of turning right. The community is highly valued, and the team is focused on creating a competitive and engaging experience for players.

    Takeaways

    • Ascent Rivals is a high-speed racing and shooting hybrid game inspired by Star Wars Pod Racing, Mad Max, and Hunger Games.
    • The game features a unique control scheme where each stick controls each engine, creating a tank-like driving experience.
    • The studio, Genuine Games, aims to bring innovation to the racing genre and create a game that is easy to watch and fun to play.
    • The game has a strong focus on high-quality visuals and is constantly evolving and improving.
    • The studio plans to integrate spectator interaction, esports features, and sponsorships to enhance the competitive experience. Ascent Rivals is a competitive esports game with a high skill ceiling and unique drifting mechanics.
    • The development team consists of two core developers, a designer, and an artist, with additional support from others.
    • Michael Yagi, the designer, got into games through esports and competitive gaming.
    • The game has received feedback about the onboarding experience and the difficulty of turning right.
    • The community is highly valued, and the team is focused on creating a competitive and engaging experience for players.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 06:48 The Unique Gameplay of Ascent Rivals
    • 10:30 The Racing Mode and Objective of Ascent Rivals
    • 12:41 Innovation in the Racing Genre
    • 26:10 Spectator Interaction and Future Plans
    • 29:15 Mastering the Skill Ceiling
    • 31:38 The Role of the Community
    • 34:11 The Development Team
    • 36:37 Michael's Gaming Background
    • 37:42 Playing Games Outside of Ascent Rivals
    • 39:53 Underrated Games and TV Shows
    • 43:52 Ascent Rivals: For Competitive Gamers and Spectators
    • 45:02 Feedback and Improvements
    • 47:36 Looking Forward to Future Games


    50 min
  • The Future of Todd Howard-Style Games ft. Reggie Johnson

    The Future of Todd Howard-Style Games ft. Reggie Johnson

    Summary

    In this part of the conversation, Sebastian and Reggie discuss their gaming experiences and the current state of AAA games. They talk about the abundance of content on platforms like Netflix and Game Pass, and how it can sometimes feel overwhelming. They also discuss the different approaches of Xbox and PlayStation in terms of game releases, with Xbox focusing on quantity and PlayStation focusing on quality. They touch on the disappointment of games like Starfield and the importance of delivering on the hype. They also discuss the future of Todd Howard-style games and the need for innovation and improvement in game mechanics. Reggie shares his experience with Elden Ring and the satisfaction of spending over 200 hours in the game. They also discuss the difficulty level of From Software games and the love-hate relationship players have with them. The conversation covers various games and their experiences playing them. They discuss the different types of gamers and the importance of understanding one's preferences. They also touch on the expectations of game releases and the impact of remakes and remasters. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their personal all-star lineup of games for the year. In this part of the conversation, Reggie and Sebastion discuss upcoming games and their potential to make it onto their top five lists. They mention games like Black Myth: Wukong, Visus: The Last Song, Assassin's Creed: Shadows, Avowed, and Dragon Age: The Veil Guard. They also discuss their expectations for these games and how they might compare to previous installments in the series. Reggie expresses mixed emotions about Dragon Age: The Veil Guard and wonders if it will live up to his expectations. In this final part of the conversation, Reggie and Sebastion discuss their predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Reggie predicts a winning season for the Falcons and highlights the importance of health in making accurate predictions. They also discuss potential contenders in the AFC and NFC, including the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, and Steelers. They play a game of blind rankings, where Reggie ranks various game franchises, including The Last of Us, Bloodborne, Mass Effect 2, NBA Street Volume 2, God of War 2018, and Pokemon Gold and Silver. They also discuss their social media presence and where listeners can find them.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Go Check out our Guest at:

    REG in ATL LInks: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dxokp32cIDij8via5NpCd

    Takeaways:

    • The abundance of content on platforms like Netflix and Game Pass can sometimes feel overwhelming
    • Xbox focuses on quantity of game releases while PlayStation focuses on quality
    • Delivering on the hype is important for game developers
    • There is a need for innovation and improvement in game mechanics
    • From Software games are loved by many but can be difficult and not recommended for everyone Understanding your gaming preferences is crucial when recommending games to others.
    • Expectations for game releases should be managed to avoid disappointment.
    • Remakes and remasters can enhance the gaming experience for both new and old players.
    • Creating a personal all-star lineup of games can be a fun way to reflect on the year's gaming experiences. Reggie and Sebastion discuss upcoming games and their potential to make it onto their top five lists
    • They mention games like Black Myth: Wukong, Visus: The Last Song, Assassin's Creed: Shadows, Avowed, and Dragon Age: The Veil Guard
    • Reggie expresses mixed emotions about Dragon Age: The Veil Guard and wonders if it will live up to his expectations Reggie predicts a winning season for the Falcons and highlights the importance of health in making accurate predictions.
    • The Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, and Steelers are potential contenders in the AFC, while the 49ers and Eagles are potential contenders in the NFC.
    • Reggie and Sebastion play a game of blind rankings, ranking various game franchises.
    • Reggie discusses his social media presence and where listeners can find him.


    1 hr 35 min
  • Star Wars Outlaws is Mid ft. Retro Gamer Thomas

    Star Wars Outlaws is Mid ft. Retro Gamer Thomas

    Summary

    In this conversation, Sebastian and RGT discuss their gaming origins, their favorite consoles, and the challenges of collecting retro games. They also share their recent gaming experiences, including playing Trials of Mana, Vampire Survivors, and Bioshock Infinite. They touch on the pricing and accessibility of retro games, as well as their thoughts on Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the world of retro gaming and the current gaming landscape. In this conversation, Sebastion and RGT discuss their thoughts on the game Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, the stealth mechanics, and the potential of the game. They also review the game Concord and its lack of popularity, as well as the upcoming game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. They share their opinions on the hot takes surrounding these games and discuss their own gaming plans for the future.

    Takeaways

    • The hosts discuss their gaming origins and their love for retro games.
    • They share their recent gaming experiences, including Trials of Mana, Vampire Survivors, and Bioshock Infinite.
    • They talk about the challenges of collecting retro games and the pricing and accessibility of retro games.
    • They provide their thoughts on Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws and its comparison to other games like Uncharted. Star Wars: Bounty Hunters has mixed reviews, particularly regarding its stealth mechanics
    • Concord has not gained popularity and is seen as unnecessary in the competitive shooter genre
    • The upcoming game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is generating excitement, but some fans are concerned about the absence of Kojima
    • Dungeons of Hindenburg is recommended as an indie open-world game with Zelda-like elements
    • RGT is looking forward to playing Witcher 3, Trials of Mana, Vampire Survivors, and Bioshock Infinite

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

    Head to Discord to join the FREE Single Player Experience Discord Server! https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv

    For more episodes, head here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295

    Connect with Sebastion: https://twitter.com/SebastionPNR

    Write In Here: https://pronerdreport.com/contact/

    Go Check out our Guest at:

    Social: https://www.instagram.com/retrogamerthomas/

    Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rjBi7h3vpioTJM9M40Ohg

    1 hr 26 min
  • Gamescom News and The Perception of a Dry Year for Game Releases ft Alejandro Segovia

    Gamescom News and The Perception of a Dry Year for Game Releases ft Alejandro Segovia

    In this part of the conversation, Sebastion and Alejandro discuss their most pleasant surprise game of 2024, which is Black Myth Wukong. Alejandro explains that he initially hesitated to play the game because he was tired of Souls-like experiences, but he was pleasantly surprised by its unique gameplay and action-packed nature. They also discuss the lineup of games in 2024 and how Japanese developers have dominated the release calendar, while Western developers have been relatively quiet. They touch on the importance of exclusives and the perception of a dry year for game releases. They also mention the impact of cross-platform games and the justification for purchasing a next-gen console. The conversation in this segment revolves around the perception of Sony's PR and the release of Borderlands 4 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The hosts discuss the disconnect between Sony's image and the reality of their offerings, as well as the mixed reactions to the announcement of Borderlands 4. They also address the misconception about the availability of physical copies for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Overall, the segment highlights the importance of understanding the facts before forming opinions. The conversation discusses the release date of upcoming games and the relevance of the Indiana Jones franchise. It also explores the potential success of the animated anthology series 'Secret Level' and the announcement of 'Mafia: The Old Country'. In this final part of the conversation, Alejandro and Sebastion discuss their thoughts on the upcoming Mafia game and their hopes for future gaming experiences. They also share the games they are looking forward to playing, including Star Wars Outlaws and 1000X Resist. They discuss the marketing strategies of PlayStation and Xbox and shout out their respective projects, including Alejandro's work at Season Gaming and the x-Button Podcast.

    Takeaways

    - Black Myth Wukong is Alejandro's most pleasant surprise game of 2024, as it offers a unique and action-packed experience.

    - Japanese developers have dominated the release calendar in 2024, while Western developers have been relatively quiet.

    - The perception of a dry year for game releases can vary depending on personal preferences and the availability of exclusives.

    - Cross-platform games and the justification for purchasing a next-gen console are important factors to consider in the gaming landscape. There is a disconnect between Sony's image and the reality of their offerings.

    - It is important to understand the facts before forming opinions.

    - The announcement of Borderlands 4 received mixed reactions.

    - The availability of physical copies for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was misunderstood. The release date of a game can impact its success, but December releases have had mixed results in the past.

    - The Indiana Jones franchise may face challenges in remaining relevant in the modern gaming landscape.

    - The 'Secret Level' animated anthology series has generated excitement and curiosity among gamers.

    - The announcement of 'Mafia: The Old Country' has sparked discussions about the previous games in the series and expectations for the new installment. Alejandro and Sebastion discuss their thoughts on the upcoming Mafia game and the importance of cars in the game's open world.

    - They share their excitement for playing Star Wars Outlaws and 1000X Resist.

    - They discuss the marketing strategies of PlayStation and Xbox and how they influence game perception.

    - Alejandro mentions his work at Season Gaming and the Exponent Podcast, and encourages listeners to check them out.

    1 hr 26 min
  • The Landscape of AAA Shooters Ft. Alec Taub

    The Landscape of AAA Shooters Ft. Alec Taub

    Summary

    In this conversation, Sebastian Maldon and video game developer Alec Taub discuss their gaming experiences and preferences. They talk about the releases of 2024 and compare them to the previous year, noting that while there have been good games this year, last year had better variety and market share. They also discuss their experiences with games like College Football, Destiny, and Helldivers. Alec shares his love for Destiny and the sense of community it provides, while also expressing skepticism about other games like Starfield and GTA 6. They speculate about the future of Destiny and the potential for a Destiny 3. The conversation explores the desire for both simple and complex gaming experiences, the frustration with overly monetized and complex AAA multiplayer shooters, and the longing for nostalgic and pick-up-and-play FPS games. They discuss the lack of simplicity and linear gameplay in current FPS games and the overwhelming amount of information and customization options. They also touch on their excitement for upcoming shows and movies, such as Strange New Worlds and the Borderlands movie. In this final part of the conversation, Alec and Sebastion discuss their excitement for upcoming games and share their thoughts on movies and TV shows. They talk about their love for campy and absurd movies like the Indiana Jones series and the anticipation for the new Indiana Jones game. They also mention their interest in other games like Twisted Metal, Silent Hill 2, and Black Myth Wukong. Alec shares updates on his own game development project, a large-scale dungeon crawler. They end the conversation with a shoutout to Alec and a closing message to the listeners.

    Sebastion and The Single Player Experience Links:

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    Takeaways

    • Last year had better variety and market share in terms of game releases compared to this year.
    • Destiny provides a strong sense of community and has kept Alec engaged for a long time.
    • Alec is skeptical about other games like Starfield and GTA 6 and is waiting to see more before committing to them.
    • The future of Destiny is uncertain, but there is speculation about a new expansion and the potential for a Destiny 3.
    • Sebastian and Alec discuss their gaming preferences and the games they have enjoyed playing. There is a desire for both simple and complex gaming experiences.
    • Many AAA multiplayer shooters have become overly monetized and complex, leading to frustration.
    • There is a longing for nostalgic and pick-up-and-play FPS games.
    • Current FPS games lack simplicity and linear gameplay.
    • There is excitement for upcoming shows and movies, such as Strange New Worlds and the Borderlands movie.
    • Wrestling can be an entertaining and enjoyable form of escapism. Excitement for upcoming games like the new Indiana Jones game
    • Love for campy and absurd movies like the Indiana Jones series
    • Interest in other games like Twisted Metal, Silent Hill 2, and Black Myth Wukong
    • Updates on Alec's game development project, a large-scale dungeon crawler
    • Closing message and shoutout to Alec

    1 hr 40 min

About The Single Player Experience

From the publisher's feed

We all know that being a gamer is a lifestyle. We also know that gaming as a single-player gamer comes with its own set of problems. We have to worry about if a game is worth our time. If a game is worth its price tag. Not to mention the backlog of games that seem like an ever-growing boss fight that we just can't win.