Join us on the first episode of 2025 as we dive into the Game Awards 2024 highlights and announcements! We break down the big winners, discuss our top five most anticipated reveals, and provide an in-depth review of Dragon Age Veilguard.
Plus, we catch up on what we've been playing and watching over the holiday season. From indie gems to AAA blockbusters, here's everything you need to know: Slay the Spire 2, Helldivers 2, Metaphor, and so much more. Don’t miss out!
00:00 Welcome to the Grown Up Gaming Podcast 2025
00:36 Introducing the Gang01:13 Movie Marathons and Mob Films
02:27 Episode Overview and Game Awards
02:56 Sock Beer Tradition and Dragon Age Review
04:11 Games at a Glance: Steam Sales and Backlogs
06:48 The Witcher 3 and Gaming Strategies
10:23 Indie Love: Mini Shoot Adventures
14:36 Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive
22:38 Dead Island 2 and Other Games
34:57 Introduction to Infinity Nikki
35:55 Gameplay Mechanics and Features
37:12 Daily Activities and Customization
42:03 Gacha Game Explanation
49:11 Dragon Age Veilguard Review
50:20 Controversies and Criticisms
55:11 Gameplay and Mechanics Analysis
01:16:04 Final Thoughts and Ratings
01:18:01 The Disappointment of Dragon Age
01:18:31 Objective and Angry Gamer Scores
01:19:46 Mixed Feelings on Gameplay
01:20:46 Character Development in RPGs
01:21:52 Metacritic Scores and Wokeness
01:24:52 Expectations vs Reality
01:25:30 Final Thoughts on Dragon Age
01:26:53 2024 Game Awards Introduction
01:28:37 Most Anticipated Games
01:30:34 Best Multiplayer Game
01:31:30 Best Adaptation and Other Categories
01:34:42 Best RPG and Action Adventure
01:38:21 Best Action and Mobile Games
01:40:41 Best Indie and Ongoing Games
01:43:00 Innovation and Accessibility
01:44:29 Best Audio and Music
01:46:37 Best Art Direction and Narrative
01:48:14 Best Game Direction
01:49:57 Game of the Year 2024
01:52:32 Astro Bot: A Joyful Experience
01:54:03 Game of the Year Debate
01:57:17 Final Fantasy 7 and Replayability
02:00:57 Top 5 Game Announcements
02:02:34 Slay the Spire 2 and Indie Games
02:04:05 Dying Light and Zombie Games
02:09:38 Anticipation for Borderlands 4
02:16:14 Naughty Dog's New Game: Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet
02:21:10 Witcher 4: Medieval Fantasy Returns
02:25:02 Ninja Gaiden Metroidvania and Honorable Mentions
02:27:14 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
Game Awards 2024 Breakdown & Dragon Age Veilguard Review | Grown Up Gaming PodcastJoin us on the first episode of 2025 as we dive into the Game Awards 2024 highlights and announcements! We break down the big winners, discuss our top five most anticipated reveals, and provide an in-depth review of Dragon Age Veilguard. Plus, we catch up on what we've been playing and watching over the holiday season. From indie gems to AAA blockbusters, here's everything you need to know: Slay the Spire 2, Helldivers 2, Metaphor, and so much more. Don’t miss out!00:00 Welcome to the Grown Up Gaming Podcast 202500:36 Introducing the Gang01:13 Movie Marathons and Mob Films02:27 Episode Overview and Game Awards02:56 Sock Beer Tradition and Dragon Age Review04:11 Games at a Glance: Steam Sales and Backlogs06:48 The Witcher 3 and Gaming Strategies10:23 Indie Love: Mini Shoot Adventures14:36 Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive22:38 Dead Island 2 and Other Games34:57 Introduction to Infinity Nikki35:55 Gameplay Mechanics and Features37:12 Daily Activities and Customization42:03 Gacha Game Explanation49:11 Dragon Age Veilguard Review50:20 Controversies and Criticisms55:11 Gameplay and Mechanics Analysis01:16:04 Final Thoughts and Ratings01:18:01 The Disappointment of Dragon Age01:18:31 Objective and Angry Gamer Scores01:19:46 Mixed Feelings on Gameplay01:20:46 Character Development in RPGs01:21:52 Metacritic Scores and Wokeness01:24:52 Expectations vs Reality01:25:30 Final Thoughts on Dragon Age01:26:53 2024 Game Awards Introduction01:28:37 Most Anticipated Games01:30:34 Best Multiplayer Game01:31:30 Best Adaptation and Other Categories01:34:42 Best RPG and Action Adventure01:38:21 Best Action and Mobile Games01:40:41 Best Indie and Ongoing Games01:43:00 Innovation and Accessibility01:44:29 Best Audio and Music01:46:37 Best Art Direction and Narrative01:48:14 Best Game Direction01:49:57 Game of the Year 202401:52:32 Astro Bot: A Joyful Experience01:54:03 Game of the Year Debate01:57:17 Final Fantasy 7 and Replayability02:00:57 Top 5 Game Announcements02:02:34 Slay the Spire 2 and Indie Games02:04:05 Dying Light and Zombie Games02:09:38 Anticipation for Borderlands 402:16:14 Naughty Dog's New Game: Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet02:21:10 Witcher 4: Medieval Fantasy Returns02:25:02 Ninja Gaiden Metroidvania and Honorable Mentions02:27:14 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
00:00 Intro
04:30 Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
15:53 Diablo 4
31:26 Palworld
42:26 Warhammer 40K: Space Marines 2
56:28 The Plucky Squire
1:04:32 Crypt Custodian
1:08:21 Magic The Gathering
1:24:28 Lords of the Fallen
1:37:39 Assassins Creed 2
1:48:00 Black Myth: Wukong
2:13:20 Game Awards 2024
2:18:22 Outro
Pipsqueak! Steam Page! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2741550/Pipsqueak/ Subscribe to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growinupgaming 00:00 - Intro Last Week This Week In Gaming 03:07 - Sea of Stars DLC In the Works 11:24 - Xbox 360 Closes Digital Store 19:06 - GamePass Price Increases 24:18 - GamePass With NO Console! 33:39 - Xbox Limited Edition Deadpool Controller 33:49 - Pokemon Sleep is making $$ 37:40 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutants Unleashed Indie Love 43:11 - Pipsqueak Top 5 52:01 - Top 5 Intro 52:57 - Mike #5 54:56 - Erik #5 56:49 - Brandon #5 58:46 - Mike #4 1:02:32 - Erik #4 1:04:29 - Brandon #4 1:07:04 - Mike #3 1:10:20 - Erik #3 1:13:34 - Brandon #3 1:18:25 - Mike #2 1:21:58 - Erik #2 1:24:49 - Brandon #2 1:30:15 - Mike Honourable Mentions 1:32:19 - Mike #1 1:34:37 - Erik Honourable Mentions 1:35:53 - Erik #1 1:38:08 - Brandon Honourable Mentions 1:40:37 - Brandon #1 1:47:46 - Outro
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes of the critically acclaimed 2D Samurai hack and slash indie game "1,000 Cuts" by Banjo Toad Studio. In this interview, delve into the creative process with Donald, the lead writer, developer, and project lead, and Blue, the mastermind behind the stunning art direction. Explore the intricate world of samurai warriors, epic battles, and razor-sharp gameplay that sets "1,000 Cuts" apart in the indie gaming scene. With the game already exceeding its Kickstarter goal, discover the secrets behind the success of this captivating 2D adventure. Don't miss this chance to uncover the magic of "1,000 Cuts" and gain valuable insights into the world of 2D Samurai hack and slash indie games. 🐸 Banjo Toad Studios: https://banjotoadstudio.com/ 🦵 Support on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/banjotoadstudio/one-thousand-cuts 🎮 Play the Demo & Wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2412000/OneThousand_Cuts/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one.thousand.cuts/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 04:10 How BanjoToad Got Its Name 08:20 The 4 Members of BanjoToad 12:03 Concept Behind 1,000 Cuts 13:21 The Story Behind The Name 17:11 The Story of the Game 36:14 Bringing 1,000 Cuts to Life 46:41 Why Kickstarter 53:24 Kickstarter Rewards & Goals 59:29 BanjoToad LOVES Cats
We are back again, baby!!!!
In this brand new episode of Growin' Up Gaming we are returning to form with some of our classic segments. We kick things off with the GuG Gala where we run down all of the games we are playing and movies we have been watching.
After that, we dive into the hottest news articles of the past week in Last Week, This Week In Gaming.
Next in Indie Love we have a look at 1000 Cuts: Jomaku, a beautiful pixel art game that blends the atmosphere of Blasphemous with the difficulty of Sekiro.
Wrapping up the show, we have an AMAZING Top 5 as we dive into our Most Impactful Video Game Moments.
Articles Mentioned:
Games Industry.Biz - Square Enix Article
1000 Cuts: Jomaku
Intro:
0:00 - Intro
GuG Gala
1:59 - Animal Well
6:08 - Stellar Blade
8:08 - Guacamelee 2
8:30 - Megaman Battle Network
8:58 - Planet of the Apes
11:29 - X-Men 97’
14:21 - Guy Ritchie's The Covenant
15:23 - The Beekeeper
16:21 - Tunic
17:41 - Skul: The Hero Slayer
19:35 - Animal Well (2)
20:36 - What Remains of Edith Finch
22:53 - True Detective
23:53 - Helldivers 2
25:19 - Three Body Problem
26:29 - Baby Reindeer
27:49 - The Roast of Tom Brady
Last Week, This Week In Gaming
31:02 - Undisputed Release Date Announced!
34:01 - Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
39:10 - Square Enix Goes Multi-Platform
41:38 - Microsoft Shuts Down Multiple Studios
43:50 - Capcom Continues the Profit Train
47:22 - Suicide Squad Costs WB MILLIONS
50:05 - Helldivers 2 Becomes Sonys BEST SELLING Game
57:21 - Giving Flowers to Billy Basso & Animal Well
Indie Love
1:01:10 - 1,000 Cuts
Top 5: Most Impactful Video Game Moments
1:22:40 - Top 5 Kick-Off
1:25:01 - #5
1:32:38 - #4
1:38:39 - #3
1:45:04 - #2
1:52:00 - #1!!
Outro
1:59:06 - Outro
HELLO, and welcome to Episode 10 of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast. On today's episode, we are diving into our favourite TV, Movies & Books of the past few weeks.
Kick back and relax & grab a beer. 🍻
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:20) - The Gentlemen
(02:51) Dune 2
(08:23) - Road House
(12:59) - 1984
(13:34) - Mistborn: Book 1
(22:49) - Damsel
(26:00) - Poor Things
(29:04) - Alvin & The Chipmonks
(30:30) - Wolf Like Me
(36:03) - Physical 100
HELLO, and welcome to Episode 8 of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast. On today's episode, we are diving into Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, Prince of Persia, and of course, some good ol' fashion democracy with HellDivers 2!
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(02:23) - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Wrap Up
(09:20) Dragons Dogma 2 Review
(47:08) - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review
(01:16:46) - Berserk Boy First 5
(01:21:22) - Retroid Pocket 4
(01:25:45) - Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
(01:29:49) - Outro
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Ghost Wire Tokyo
12.49 - Need For Speed: Unbound
17.07 - Steelrising
22:49 - Yakuza: Infinite Wealth = GOTY
33:54 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
48:07 - PlayStation Portal Works over WIFI!
57:09 - VERSUS!: Evil West Vs. Artful Escape
1:03:42 - Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
1:11:53 - TMNT: Half-Shell Heroes: Blast to the Past
1:15:57 - The Boy & The Heron
1:18:56 - Oppenheimer
1:19:55 - The Shining: Book vs Movie
1:28:25 - Avatar: TLAB Live Action
1:39:35 - Pokemon Consierge
1:40:58 - True Detective Season 1
1:42:23 - Love Is Blind: Season 6
1:45:58 - Deadlock
1:50:07 - The Brothers Son
2:02:23 - Outro
We are back once again with another HUGE episode of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast.
With PlayStations State of Play hot off the presses it is time for a deep dive into the event, going over all of the news, and huge announcements that Sony had in store for its viewers.
From there, Brandon gives his PASSIONATE review of Final Fantasy 16, the game that started as a GOTY candidate, but where will it end up on his rankings!?
Lastly, in our newest segment "Platinum Report," Erik takes us through the fantastical tale of "The Artful Escape."
So kick-back, grab your favourite beverage, and LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
04.08 - Ghost Wire Tokyo
13:40 - PlayStation Plus Subscriptions
20:26 - Alan Wake 2
22:31 - Crypt Custodian
26:17 - Evil West
42:13 - Boy Swallows Universe
50:18 - The Boy and the Heron
58:26 - The New Little Mermaid
1:02:54 - Strays
1:06:58 - The Sound of Freedom
1:18:12 - In The News - PlayStation Showcase
1:19:43 - HellDivers 2
1:32:28 - Stellar Blade
1:42:54 - Sonic
1:45:33 - Zenless Zone Zero
1:47:01 - Foamstars
1:49:59 - Dave The Diver X Godzilla
1:54:41 - V Rising
1:59:07 - Silent Hills
2:10:05 - Judas
2:13:16 - Metro Awakening
2:17:53 - Dragon's Dogma 2
2:22:04 - Rise of the Ronin
2:31:38 - Until Dawn Remake
2:35:33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
2:53:08 - Ubisoft +
3:08:57 - Final Fantasy 16 Review
3:35:08 - Platinum Report - The Artful Escape
3:45:43 - Outro
It is time for a HUGE catch-up as the Guggernauts have a ton to get through after being off. From games to books, movies to board games, no medium is off limits on today's episode!
Skip ahead with the time stamps below. Otherwise, sit back, grab a beer, and join us for a new episode of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast
00:00 - Intro
05:47 - Resident Evil 4
21:14 - God of War DLC
37:56 - Fire Emblem: Three Houses
46:54 - Cradle Book 1
54:13 - Red Rising
1:03:59 - Rebel Moon
1:17:54 - You Are What You Eat
1:33:06 - Erik's Platinum Report
1:36:32 - Tacoma
1:43:47 - Dredge
1:55:51 - Onimusha
1:57:21 - Boy Swallows Universe
1:59:36 - Equalizer 3
2:06:37 - Tinder Box Board Game
2:53:20 - Mycelia Board Game
2:11:14 - Alan Wake 2
2:23:22 - PS Backbone
2:30:00 - Prince of Persia: Lost Crown
2:32:49 - Retro Handhelds
2:38:18 - Modern Family
2:45:41 - Outro
Welcome to the first annual Guggies Awards!!! After an incredible 2023, we at Growin' Up Gaming have sat down to discuss our favourite games, movies and TV shows of the year.
Sit back, grab a sock beer and join in on the conversation.
Who will win GAME OF THE YEAR for 2023? You will have to tune in and find out.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
07:22 - Best Sequel
13:43 - Best Game of Q2
18:00 - Biggest News Story
27:51 - Erik's Favourite Game
28:32 - Biggest Disappointment
37:08 - Best Game To Be Released 13 Times
37:55 - Brandon's Favourite Game
38:20 - Best Adaptation
45:40 - Best Game of Q1
47:55 - Best New IP
51:28 - Mikes's Favourite Game
53:40 - Erik's Favourite Game to Play With Ellen
55:34 - Brandon's Favourite Game to Play With the Kids
56:20 - Erik's Favourite Game That Isn't Baldur's Gate
58:03 - Mike's Favourite TV
1:01:02 - Favourite Moment of 2023
1:03:24 - Most Anticipated Game of 2024
1:06:34 - Best Toilet Game
1:08:51 - Best Game of Q4
1:12:29 - Mike's Favourite Movie
1:16:55 - Biggest Surprise
1:31:38 - Brandon's Favourite Game That Isn't Baldur's Gate
1:35:37 - Brandon's Favourite Movie
1:37:47 - Remake of the Year
1:44:54 - Erik's Favourite Movie
1:47:50 - Erik's Favourite TV
1:51:55 - Brandon's Favourite TV
1:59:27 - Best Game of Q3
2:03:09 - GAME OF THE YEAR!
2:04:06 - Best Indie Game
2:08:30 - Outro
00:00 - Intro
2:28 - Game Award Backlash
15:15 - Game Award Winners!
15:36 - Most Anticipated - Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
17:45 - Best Adaptation - The Last Of Us
18:46 - Best Multiplayer - Baldur's Gate 3
19:39 - Best Sports Game - Forza
21:01 - Best Sim & Strategy - Pikman 4
22:11 - Best Family Game - Super Mario Wonder
22:39 - Best Fighting Game - Street Fighter 6
23:45 - Best RPG - Baldur’s Gate 3
26:50 - Best Action Adventure - Zelda: TOTK
27:36 - Best Action Game - Armored Core VI
28:59 - Best VR/AR - Resident Evil 7
29:50 - Best Mobile Game - Honkai: Star Rail
33:10 - Best Debut Indie Game - Cocoon
35:36 - Best Indie Game - Sea of Stars
39:26 - Best Community Support - Baldur’s Gate 3
41:34 - Best Ongoing - Cyberpunk 2077
43:09 - Games For Impact - Tchia
43:49 - Innovation In Accessibility - Forza Motorsport
45:46 - Best Performance - Baldur’s Gate 3
47:28 - Best Audio Desing - Hi-Fi Rush
48:02 - Best Score & Music - Final Fantasy 16
49:37 - Best Art Direction - Alan Wake 2
53:13 - Best Narrative - Alan Wake 2
53:45 - Best Game Direction - Alan Wake 2
56:55 - GAME OF THE YEAR! - Baldur’s Gate 3
59:05 - Outro
Hello and welcome to Growin' Up Gaming!
On today's episode, we are discussing Sabotage Studios 'Sea of Stars'
Come with us on this wild adventure with Valere, Zale and of course, the KING OF KINGS, Garl
It's time to grab a beer and join the Peacock, Platypus and Muskrat (Positive Possum!?! 🙌) on another Top 5 Review!
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Be sure to Subscribe and follow along on:
It's the most wonderful time of the year - no, we aren't talking about the Holidays, we are talking about the VIDEO GAME AWARDS!!
Join us as we go through the nominees of the 2023 Game Awards as we cast our vote for each category.
Be sure to check the poll to give your vote on the 2023 GOTY!
-----------------------
[2:37] - Most Anticipated Game
[8:49] - Best Multiplayer
[15:06] - Best Sports Game
[15:43] - Best Sim & Strategy
[18:37] - Best Family
[19:58] - Best Fighting
[23:14] - Best RPG
[24:47] - Best Action Adventure
[30:23] - Best Action Game
[33:14] - Best VR/AR
[33:44] - Best Mobile Game
[34:53] - Best Debut Indie Game
[36:56] - Best Independent Game
[43:23] - Best Community Support
[46:57] - Best Ongoing
[48:08] - Games For Impact
[49:58] - Innovation in Accessibility
[51:42] - Best Performance
[54:49] - Best Audio Design
[57:01] - Best Score & Music
[58:01] - Best Art Direction
[58:37] - Best Narrative
[01:01:41] - Best Game Direction
[01:02:35] - GAME OF THE YEAR
[01:16:32] - Our Bets
[01:20:03] - Loser has to do what?!
Hello and welcome to another edition of Cuddles & Catch Up!
-Starbucks PSL nutrition
-Brandon finishes Spider-Man 2......does he love it even more than he initially did?!
-Mike has never seen Lethal Weapon
-A Haunting in Venice
and SO MUCH MORE
So jump in and tag along for another wacky and wild C&C
Hello and welcome to GROWIN' UP GAMING!
In this episode, we dive into the epic world of Baldur's Gate 3!
Brandon & Erik take us behind the scenes of one of this year's GOTY nominees.
Who is this game for, is it really that good, and should you be spending your hard-earned money on this RPG epic?
Join us and find out on this episode of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast.
🎮 Join us as Mike and Brandon dive into the world of Spider-Man 2 on the PlayStation 5! 🕸️ In this in-depth review, Mike hesitates but ultimately upgrades his score from 8.5 to 9, while Brandon showers the game with a solid 9.3! 🚀 Discover the unique dynamics of playing as both Miles Morales and Peter Parker, shared skill trees, and the intriguing gadget upgrades that add a new layer to the gameplay. Don't miss the discussion on the epic suits, including the iconic Nightcrawler Spider-Man and the hilarious Bodega catsuit! 🦸♂️🐱 Who has the better costume? Join the debate and swing into action with Spider-Man 2 on PS5!
Introduction
[00:00] Opening Music
[00:15] Welcome back message
[01:30] Recap of the break and anticipation for Season 2
Segment 1: Literary Dive
[02:16] Discussion on "Fall of the House of Usher"
Segment 2: Netflix Highlights
[04:58] Review of "Choose Love"
Segment 3: Reality TV Corner
[07:15] Insights into "F Boy Island"
Segment 4: Indie Gem
[13:14] Spotlight on "Dave the Diver"
Segment 5: Entertainment Unleashed
[22:53] Unraveling "Sax X"
Special Announcement
[26:48] Welcoming Erik to the Podcast
Segment 6: Cinematic Journey
[36:50] Reviewing "Doors" (2021)
Segment 7: Retro Rewind
[40:53] Throwback to "Dog Soldiers"
Conclusion
[42:35] Outro and Thank You
Closing Music
Join us next time for more exciting discussions on gaming, literature, movies, and everything in between! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Thanks for Growin' Up Gaming with us!
Greetings, Guggernauts! The moment you've been waiting for has arrived – Season 2 of the Growin' Up Gaming Podcast is about to hit the airwaves and rock your gaming world! We've been on a quest, levelling up and fine-tuning our potions, and now we're ready to embark on this epic journey with you.
🌟 Meet Erik, Your New Co-op Partner! 🎙️ The party just got bigger! Introducing our newest co-host, Erik – a fellow Guggernaut and a true gaming aficionado. He's here to share his wisdom, banter about games, and maybe even challenge you to a duel or two.
🗓️ Triple the Fun, Triple the Excitement! 📅 Gear up, Guggernauts! Brace yourselves for a tri-weekly adventure as we drop fresh episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. That's right, three times the gaming goodness to fuel your passion and keep your gaming thumbs in tip-top shape.
🆕 New Quests, Classic Raids! 🔄 Season 2 isn't just a sequel; it's a whole new expansion pack. Expect brand-new segments to spice up your gaming routine while still enjoying the classic news, reviews, and previews you know and love. It's like finding a hidden level in your favourite game – surprising, exciting, and totally worth the journey.
So, power up your consoles, summon your spirit animal, and let's embark on a gaming adventure like never before.
Subscribe, rate, and review to ensure the Guggernaut community grows stronger with every episode. Ready your controllers – it's time to dominate the gaming realm together! 🎮💪✨