In Episode 123 (Record October 15, 2025) of Unqualified Game Chat, Azario and Spencer talk about why indie developers deserve more credit, how gamers obsess over graphics, and why social media has made real discussions about games harder. They also go off on a few weird tangents. It's raw, funny, and maybe a little too honest.

In this episode, Spencer and I dive deep into the existential dread of digital-only game ownership, the impending Switch 2 cartridge dilemma, and our full-on descent into the pixelated trenches of Digimon Story: Time Stranger. We reflect on the good, the grind, and the goofy, plus a little love for physical media, 7 years of Noisy Pixel, and why Angela Anaconda might've scarred us more than SkullGreymon. 0:00 – Intro & Disgaea 7 Unboxing Tease 1:15 – Concerns About Switch 2 Game Keys & Digital Ownership 10:00 – The Mental Burnout of Reviewing Long Games (Digimon + Atelier) 12:40 – Digimon Fugue State: Playing Until Your Brain Melts 17:00 – Noisy Pixel Turns 7 & Relaunching Noisy Newsweek 24:00 – Digimon Movie Nostalgia, Soundtrack Talk, and Being DigiDestined 27:00 – Digimon Story Time Stranger: Plot, Operators, and Voice Acting 33:00 – Game Design Streamlining and Digivolution Mechanics 36:00 – Hitting Rank 5 and the Deep Digivolution Grid= 40:00 – Adult Life vs. Weekend-Long Game Binges

This week on Unqualified Game Chat, Azario and Spencer attempt to define the chaotic "Dragon Frequency" while battling embargo exhaustion. We dig into the surprising addictiveness of Atelier Resleriana, break down the unexpected joy of Sonic Racing Cross Worlds, and tease some spicy thoughts on Death Stranding 2. Also: Canadian Thanksgiving lore, back pain, and one very tall coworker. 00:00 Intro 01:48 – Defining the Dragon Frequency 07:57 – The Curse of September & Canadian Thanksgiving 10:27 – Mark's Tallness & Camera-Induced Back Problems 11:10 – Atelier Resleriana Impressions 16:41 – Spencer's Early Thoughts on Death Stranding 2 18:48 – Sonic Racing Cross Worlds Review Talk 21:58 – Comparing Sonic Racing to Kirby Air Ride and Mario Kart World 23:45 – Hades 2, Favorite Series Hints, Too Many Games 24:33 – Wrap-up & See You Next Week

In Episode 120 of Unqualified Game Chat, Azario and Spencer return with stories from the chaos of PAX: 50+ meetings, behind-the-scenes team hustle, and turning exhaustion into comedy. From hunting down the Red Bull Content Creator Club to filming a dream bit with Mega64's Rocco, it's a mix of grind and fun. They also dive into Yoshida-san's surprise FFXIV interview, new reviews, Death Stranding impressions, and Gorillaz' wild arrival in Fortnite.

In this episode of Unqualified Game Chat, Spencer and I reunite to talk all things Switch 2, including the surprisingly low-key launch, our hands-on impressions (or lack thereof, in my case), and Nintendo's ever-questionable release strategy. We also touch on our favorite games to play on the new hardware, debate the effectiveness of "mouse mode," and explore the eternal frustration that is Joy-Con drift. Later in the episode, I dive into my review of Stellar Blade on PC (yes, it's sexy, and yes, I talk about it), and close things out with my thoughts on Summer Game Fest, including a raw, personal reflection on what it's like to enjoy games while facing real-world chaos just outside the venue. This episode is a mix of laughs, insight, and a touch of heartfelt commentary on immigration and labor in America. One of our more balanced and real convos to date.

Spencer and I rip through the freshly announced Switch 2 lineup and decide which games get a day-one preorder and which earn a polite shrug. From Mario Kart World's lackluster debut to the welcome return of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD, we talk shop about platformers, RPGs, and every oddball reveal in between, plus some very serious flip-flop discourse. Join our chaotic deep-cut chat and see whether your hype meter matches ours.

In this week's episode of Unqualified Game Chat, Spencer and I dive deep into our shared passion for weird and wonderful physical PlayStation games. I show off four recent pickups, from the speculative buy of Expedition 33 to the nostalgia-fueled Grandia 3, and we chat about the legacy of cult publisher Agetec and their early support of FromSoftware. We also discuss prepping for events like Summer Games Fest, our evolving thoughts on AI in game development, and the ethical tightrope of game coverage. Plus, I share early impressions of Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo, a rad little Yo-Yovania I can't stop playing. It's a chill, reflective episode that reminds me why I love doing this show. Also, Spencer's shirt has Sonic on it. Iconic.

This week on Unqualified Game Chat, I talk about my recent trip to PAX East, the madness of trying to cover 47 games with a lean crew, and the anxiety (or lack thereof) that came with it. Spencer and I dive into the pressure of playing demos in front of devs, the value of indie game coverage, and why waiting for a sale might just be the smartest move in modern gaming. Plus, I share the chaotic journey I endured to get back home from Boston, complete with mechanical delays, missed flights, and a $500 United voucher. As always, we mix real talk with ramen recipes and nostalgia bombs.

Hey, everyone! In Episode 109 of Unqualified Game Chat, Spencer and I cover everything from my 10-day streak on Duolingo learning Japanese (Nihongo for the win!) to a deep dive into Nintendo's recent reveal of the Switch 2. We reflect on how the original Switch revolutionized hybrid gaming but can't help critiquing the unimaginative name and lack of exciting innovations in the sequel. While the original Switch nailed the balance between portability and home gaming, the Switch 2 feels more like an incremental upgrade, raising questions about whether Nintendo is playing it too safe. We also chat about how much we miss the charm and personality of older consoles, like the Wii and 3DS, with their quirky themes and fun features. Beyond that, we get into some real talk about the challenges content creators face when it comes to sponsorships and journalistic integrity. To wrap things up, we look ahead with cautious optimism, hoping the Switch 2 will push developers to optimize games better—even if it's missing the fun, creative spark we've come to love from Nintendo's past. Key Topics * 00:00 – Intro * 13:09 – Live Streaming Reflections * 15:13 – Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal * 20:31 – The Charm of Past Consoles * 35:37 – Switch 2 Speculations * 41:13 – Closing Thoughts

The episode kicks off with Spencer and me addressing the wildfires affecting Los Angeles. We share our empathy for those impacted, reflecting on the challenges faced by residents and the inspiring unity shown during such crises. From there, we shift gears into a lighter mood, diving into our usual banter about gaming and streaming. Spencer shares his recent streaming adventures with Sonic Adventure and his ongoing quest to become a Twitch affiliate. Meanwhile, I talk about the technical hurdles I've faced setting up a multi-person stream and our exciting plans to dive into Hyper Light Drifter together. We also take a deep dive into our reviews of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, breaking down its narrative focus, gameplay mechanics, and how it manages to stand out from previous entries in the series. To wrap things up, we chat about upcoming projects and games we're excited about—like Citizen Sleeper 2 and Sand Land—and reflect on some nostalgia-soaked moments from gaming culture.

In Episode 106 of Unqualified Game Chat, Azario Lopez and Spencer dive into the highs and lows of the Game Awards 2024, discussing everything from cringy moments to game-changing announcements like Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, The Witcher 4, and Elden Ring's co-op expansion. The duo also talk about their current gaming adventures, including Spencer's terrifying dive into Alien: Rogue Incursion on PSVR2 and Azario's ongoing attempts to crack the code of mobile gaming with Girls' Frontline 2. Plus, reflections on gaming nostalgia and a hint at future projects for Noisy Pixel. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:10 Game Awards 2023: Initial Impressions 06:00 Spencer's VR Adventures with Alien: Rogue Incursion 09:15 Azario's Journey into Mobile Gaming (Girls' Frontline 2) 12:40 Silent Hill 2 Remake and Bloober Team's Redemption 22:26 Game Awards Recap: Best and Worst Moments 26:29 Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Announcement 29:16 Koei Tecmo's Ambitious 2025 Plans 34:02 The Witcher 4 Reveal Sparks Online Debate 37:40 Elden Ring's Co-op Expansion, Night Rain 40:44 Excitement for The Outer Worlds 2 42:18 Clive Joins Tekken – A Strange Crossover 43:08 Randy Pitchford Announces Borderlands 4

In Episode 105 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spentopia dive into a spirited discussion on nostalgia, gaming preferences, and the challenges of modern game development. They reflect on memorable gaming moments, dissect criticisms of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Star Wars Outlaws, and explore Square Enix's evolving approach to game design. The episode blends humor, insight, and personal anecdotes, creating a lively conversation for gaming enthusiasts. Timestamps & Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - Navigating Social Interactions 04:04 - Seasonal Gaming Reflections 09:00 - Square Enix's Visual Shift 14:15 - Star Wars Outlaws: A Smuggler's Perspective 25:00 - Game Criticism and Immersion 32:01 - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 42:00 - The Charm of Nostalgia in Games 44:00 - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy dive into gaming nostalgia, personal anecdotes, and industry news. Key highlights include reflections on gaming executive Shuhei Yoshida's impactful career as he departs from Sony, a discussion of industry icons and formative gaming experiences, and Azario's personal encounter with Yoshida. They also explore the cultural significance of long-running series and share insights on recent games like Metaphor, Stalker 2, and Shanghai Summer. The episode balances humor, heartfelt stories, and deep appreciation for gaming history, making it a delightful listen for fans. Timestamps of Significant Topics: * 00:01 – Introduction and recap: Azario and Spencer discuss returning after a missed week. * 01:27 – Thanksgiving plans and Patreon updates. * 03:15 – Shuhei Yoshida's legacy and emotional reflections on his career. * 06:00 – Impact of gaming icons leaving the industry (e.g., Sean Layton, Mark Cerny). * 11:20 – Nostalgia: E3 memories and legendary gaming moments. * 17:25 – What Spencer is playing: Metaphor and its standout features. * 19:41 – Game reviews and development transparency, with examples like Stalker 2. * 21:10 – Azario's December project: Revisiting Sandland, Bandai Namco's best anime game. * 27:51 – Insightful interview with Kento Jobana, writer of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero. * 30:49 – Shanghai Summer: Underrated storytelling and the value of niche games. * 37:41 – Closing thoughts: Gratitude for fans, Patreon plugs, and farewell.

In Episode 101 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy delve into the major layoffs at Bandai Namco and what it means for anime games. They also discuss the preview of Fairy Tail 2, with Azario sharing his experience of pulling an all-nighter to get the review done. The deep dive into Unknown 9: The Awakening explores its narrative flaws, gameplay, and lack of character development. Plus, some fun Survivor talk for fans of the show! Tune in for thoughtful gaming commentary with plenty of humor.

In Episode 100 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy celebrate their 100th episode with a breakdown of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, discussing the nostalgia, gameplay mechanics, and why this title stands out. The duo also reflects on Bandai Namco's recent gaming trends and industry insights. Plus, hear Azario's story about running his first 5K race and the lessons learned! Join them for an insightful and lighthearted episode as they celebrate this milestone.

In Episode 99 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy celebrate the six-year anniversary of Noisy Pixel, reflecting on the journey so far, milestones, and community. They also explore the exciting October gaming releases, from hidden indie gems to anticipated titles like Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream. Tune in for industry insights, funny banter, and a glimpse of what's next in the world of gaming!

Remember get the show a week early on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/noisypixel In Episode 98 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy discuss the latest layoffs in the gaming industry and share their thoughts on Sony's recent State of Play announcements. They highlight upcoming titles like Fantasia: Neon Dimension and dive into the emerging trend of cozy horror games, with a focus on Fear the Spotlight. Tune in for industry insights, humor, and more from the world of gaming! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and Noisy Pixel's 6-year anniversary celebration 01:28 - Assassin's Creed delay and Ubisoft avoiding holiday launches 05:01 - Survivor talk and reality show banter 10:00 - Layoffs in the gaming industry and how AI is changing content creation 25:29 - Discussing State of Play: Thoughts on the announcements 30:00 - Gamestalk 35:50 - Horror genre discussions: Favorite horror movies 45:12 - Gamestalk 59:20 - Wrapping up and future podcast plans

In Episode 97 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy dive deep into the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, discussing gameplay improvements and nostalgic elements. The duo also unpacks the latest lawsuit drama between Nintendo and the developers of Palworld, exploring the implications for the gaming industry. Tune in for insightful commentary, funny banter, and another exciting episode of unfiltered gaming talk from Noisy Pixel! Timestamps: * 00:00 - Introduction and technical difficulties * 02:54 - Nintendo files lawsuit against Palworld * 09:45 - Touch Arcade's influence and closure * 14:05 - Dealing with online comments and community feedback * 22:25 - The dynamics of PR and the gaming industry * 28:50 - Detailed impressions on Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster * 38:20 - Nostalgic moments in Dead Rising gameplay * 43:15 - Closing thoughts and episode wrap-up

In Episode 96 of Unqualified Game Chat, hosts Azario Lopez and Spencer Legacy dive into their chaotic experiences at PAX West 2024, including flight mishaps, missed dinners, and the joys of meeting fans. The duo reminisces about the golden age of gaming, comparing classic consoles and games to today's scene, while exploring the emotional highs and lows of creating content in the digital age. Join them for another round of unfiltered conversation, filled with nostalgia, humor, and deep industry insights. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening banter and the Final Fantasy XV debate 05:38 - Discussing Guardians of the Galaxy and gaming updates 09:07 - Spencer's journey through various living spaces and career transitions 10:43 - The challenges of content creation and the realities of Patreon 14:05 - Spencer's PAX West travel disaster and missed Japanese dinner with Azario 21:12 - Gaming nostalgia: Dragon Quest, Budokai Tenkaichi, and more 28:25 - Modern gaming: the evolution of arena fighters like Budokai Tenkaichi 31:23 - Reflecting on how McDonald's and gaming experiences have changed over the years 38:23 - Mental health struggles in the gaming industry 44:48 - Reconnecting with the gaming industry and the love-hate relationship

Here it is, the ninety-fifth episode of Unqualified Game Chat! This is where two friends, Azario and Spencer, talk about the games they're playing and the most requested gaming news.  This week, the two talk about the best games of 2023. Unqualified Game Chat is posted across podcast services for your entertainment.