Kat jumps into the hosting role this week to lead a conversation about Once Upon a Katamari and Power Wash Simulator 2! Plus, what even are the "Console Wars" and does GameStop have any standing to declare them "over" now that Microsoft is bringing Halo to PlayStation?
ALSO in this episode:
– ENJOYING: Death Stranding 2
– CELEBRATING: Masahiro Sakurai
– RETCONNING: The Star Wars sequel trilogy through Hunt for Ben Solo
– FREE: Steam DLC for first to cash in the codes!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Kat Riley, Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Heroes,” “Arcade Stories,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Legendary Nintendo game designer and creator of Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Starfox – basically everyone's gaming childhood – is taking nerd fire for a roughly translated quote that seemed to say video games are temporary while film is timeless. We dare to ask...is he wrong?
After we also ruffle the feathers of insecure fanboys, we talk about the lack of voice acting and general AAA polish in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's currently getting a thumbs up in one of our households and it'll still sell a bajillion copies, so we dare to ask...are they wrong?
ALSO in this episode:
– READING: Automatic Noodle by Analee Newitz
– WATCHING: The Day the Earth Blew Up is a love letter to classic Looney Tunes
– FREE: Steam DLC for first to cash in the code!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Fourhman and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Look, we're noted buyers. We've been doing a podcast about our ridiculous pop culture favorites and dumb buying habits since 2011, and we're on the record as saying gaming isn't a cheap hobby. You don't play video games to save money. But SHEESH, everyone's feeling the insane prices of everything now - and we have to ask, is even the vaunted Game Pass worth it anymore? PLUS:
– PLAYED OUT: Did you know there was a PlayStation Gear store? Emphasis on the "was."
– CIVIL WAR 2.0: Not in this political climate, says Ubisoft.
– WORRIED ABOUT: Wonder Man
– LEARNING ABOUT: Blippo+ co-creator Claire L. Evans
– SURPRISED ABOUT: Progressive TV from 50 years ago.
– FREE: Steam game for first to cash in the code!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
There is nothing bigger in pop culture right now than Taylor Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. 2 out of 3 hosts have been listening to it since launch and are ready to share their thoughts on the album and the somewhat mixed critical and cultural reaction to it. Kat also went to a screening of the TLOAS film, so she shares memorable moments from that! PLUS:
– KPOP DEMON HUNTERS: Fourhman has played the Fortnite HUNTR/X event, plus we talk SNL cameo and Fallon performance.
– SWIPED: Tony talks about the debut novel by the creator of web comic Blind Data.
– BLIPPO+: Do we like it on Switch, in binge form?
– CHVRCHES: Kat is finding faves in up on Death Stranding 2!
– WE SALUTE YOU: RIP, Rock Band 4.
– BLIPPO+: Do we like it on Switch, in binge form?
– FREE: Steam game for first to cash in the code!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Kat Riley, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Tons of gaming news to talk about this week with Tokyo Game Show, an Xbox event, and the latest State of Play video from Sony! But the big question...do we actually want to play any of it? Also highly questionable, the GameStop Shiny Miraidon giveaway code fiasco. PLUS:
– KPOP DEMON HUNTERS: Fortnite bound?
– DEMON SLAYER: That is one infinite castle...
– BLIPPO+: Binge in color now on Switch!
– GATEKEEPING: The Office comes to Magic: The Gathering
– FREE: Steam game for first to cash in the code!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
A 60-minute Nintendo Direct packed full of games, goofy gizmos, and Galaxy-themed goodies is the focus of our skeptical glares this week. There was a LOT to talk about, but how much of it are we excited to play? And we may have hit the price point in gaming where even Fourhman turns his nose up at collectables he'd usually scoop right up. The lousy economy isn't exactly helping the video game industry's case. PLUS:
– VIRTUAL BOY: Was always bad!
– DOUBLE DRAGON: Was once deadly serious!
– JUMP SCARE: Fatal Frame II & Resident Evil Requiem!
– NO MAN'S SKY: Keeps on giving!
– SKITTLE: Not the candy, the board game doc!
– FREE: Steam game for first to cash in the code!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Kat Riley, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
K-Pop Demon Hunters mania continues on YLTWS, as Haygood finally gets around to seeing it! What did he think? We talk about plans for turning the hit film into a franchise, sticking the sequel landing, and then dunk on an article arguing that Disney needs to start catering to Gen Z boys. PLUS:
– LIT: Fourhman gets a HUNTR/X light stick
– LATE: Helldivers 2
– LIES: Tony talks the latest album by The Beths
– LUCK: A free Steam game for first to cash in the code!
We posted this episode a little early because we're actually topical for a change! It was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
K-Pop Demon Hunters continues to dominate the pop culture landscape! A #1 Billboard hit, two others in the Top 10, and four more in the Top 26. Oscar buzz. Careening toward the all-time Netflix most-watched position. And now, #1 at the box office with a limited-engagement theatrical sing-along event!
Tony and Fourhman were there and lived to podcast the tale of their KPDH Sing-Along experience. PLUS:
– GAMESCOM LIVES: And Haygood reviews the highlights. Or...midlights?
– NO WINNERS: Behind-the-scenes look at The Biggest Loser
– SAKURAI FTW: How to make a 45-minutes Kirby Air Riders Direct watchable.
– CREDITS ROLLED: Donkey Kong Bananza
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
We posted this episode a little early because we're actually topical for a change! It was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Good news, Millennials - it's Gen Z's turn to take the blame for ruining everything! We talk about the many factors at play in the Gen Z video game sales dip. Next question, will ANYONE pay $130 for a set of wooden blocks in Nintendo's new My Mario children's product line? PLUS:
– GOLDEN: K-Pop Demon Hunters quickly climbs the all-time Netflix streaming charts! Tony celebrates the social media fandom and roots for the demise of the other films in the way of it becoming #1!
– GAMES TO PLAY: To at T, Umamusume: Pretty Derby
– EEW, READING?: No, e-Reader! Someone's making new games for an ancient Nintendo handheld gizmo.
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Two new Katamari Damacy games in the same year? And that year is 2025?! Not sure why the King of All Cosmos has smiled upon us like this, but we'll take it. We sift through the wreckage of the recent Pokemon Direct and Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, and talk about the Switch 1 and Alarmo price increase. But wait, there's MORE!
– STILL PLAYING: Tears of the Kingdom
– PLEASE PLAY: Battle Train (Fourhman is lonely)
– JUST FINISHED: George Takei's graphic novel memoir, It Rhymes with Takei
– WIN: A free game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Kat Riley, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Put down your Playdates, it's time for another action-packed thrill-ride with your Worst Pals! Fourhman reports on his not-at-all-creepy visit to the Cartoon Network Hotel, Haygood reviews Fantastic Four, and Tony talks Happy Gilmore 2! PLUS:
– SOON IN COLOR: Blippo+
– MOVIES NOWHERE: Microsoft gets out of TV & movie distribution
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
From the legal drama and fan uproar surrounding Subnautica 2 to the death of Nintendo's Game Voucher program to an honest-to-goodness mention of Anthem, we're weirdly focused on things happening (or not) in 2026 this week! And if you're listening because we mentioned K-Pop Demon Hunters a few episodes ago...welcome! We're STILL watching and listening to the soundtrack, too. PLUS:
– THE KIDS LOVE: Minecraft
– THE OLDS LOVE: Roberta Williams
– READING: Good Game, No Rematch by Mike Drucker
– HATING: YouTube shenanigans
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Kojima giveth, in the form of Death Stranding 2, and Microsoft taketh away, in the form of a lot more layoffs and canceled games.
Join the plucky trio of Haygood, Kat, and Tony as they look for light in dark gaming times. PLUS:
– READ: Free Piano (Not Haunted)
– RIP: To a Food Network legend
– FINISHED: Indiana Jones & The Great Circle
– ENJOYED: Extraordinary Attorney Woo
– QUANTUM BROKE: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Kat Riley, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Week two Switch 2 dust check! Are Tony and Fourhman still playing? Did they make any shameful purchases? Listen and learn. But honestly, this week was dominated by K-Pop Demon Hunters. Have you watched it? Bought the soundtrack? Ordered every Huntrix shirt on the Netflix Shop? Given your soul over to the Saja Boys?
Find out why we think it's such a special piece of cinematic creativity and get yourself a chance to win a free STEAM game, courtesy of your Worst Pals!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Our two Switch 2 owners cozy up for some couch co-op takes on the new console! How are Tony and Fourhman enjoying the ONE game that exists for it? Listen and learn! PLUS:
– DELAYED: Zelda movie
– PLAYED: Summer camp returns
– DISPLAYED: Hitman Showcase
– FAVORITE SAGED: Kat's TOTK update
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Kat Riley, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
It's a no-frills episode this week, as Mssrs Haygood and Fourhman try to survive E3 2025. Good presentations, bad presentations, and all of the $80 games in-between!
Oh yeah, Fourhman has a Switch 2 now!
The whole Worst crew is here this week to wax poetic about PlayStation Stars as it fades into the night sky. It was a weird way for Sony to give Fourhman $50. PLUS:
– OLD: Xbox Retro Classics
– NEW-ISH: Lilo & Stitch
– GREAT: Tears of the Kingdom
– WEIRD: Robocop
– WIN: A free code for a game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Kat Riley, Joe Fourhman, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Tony and Haygood dig into the 2025 Video Game Hall of Fame inductees, where they were in 1996, how King is using AI on Candy Crush, and more potential tariff-related console price hikes. Even Dreamcast gets name-checked! PLUS:
– MEMETASTIC: A Minecraft Movie
– GOING APE: Better Man
– SLAPPERS ONLY: Tony's favorite Goldeneye settings
– SCORE: Beavis & Butthead Do America
– WIN: A free code for a RARE game on Steam!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
Your Worst Pals are talking...tariffs? Hey, we want to live up to our name! Seriously though, it's about video game industry price hikes. Also:
– RIP: Polygon & Giant Bomb
– YAHAHA: Kat plays Breath of the Wild
– Haygood talks South of Midnight
– FROGGER: Tony digs Ribbet Rogue on Playdate
– WIN: A free Skype game! Uh, wait. Steam game!
This episode was mixed by Tony Sadowski and includes Joe Haygood, Kat Riley, and Tony Sadowski on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
We live through the preorder launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 Family of Devices, Accessories and Services! Who got one? Also in this episode:
– WITCH SISTERS: Tony reads a book!
– MASCOT AGENCY: Joe plays a game!
– AND FOR YOU: a free Steam code!
This podcast is mixed by Joe Fourhman and includes Joe Haygood, Tony Sadowski, Joe Fourhman and Kat Riley on vocals. You can download the podcast directly from here or click on one of the links below to subscribe. This episode features “Arcade Puzzler,” “Arcade Heroes,” and “Coin Op Chaos” by Eric Matyas, www.soundimage.org.
