High Scores High Stakes
by High Scores High Stakes
The ultimate competitive PlayStation gaming podcast.Every week, MrLuvvaLuvva, Cardinal Smith, and Tomahawk go head-to-head in epic PlayStation and PS5 gaming challenges — all in pursuit of points, pride, and the legendary High Scores High Stakes Cup.From speedruns, permadeath runs, and Gran Turismo time trials to everything in between, no PlayStation game is off limits.Expect weekly showdowns, trash talk, hilarious failures, and clutch victories as the league’s best (and worst) gamer is decided.New episodes every Monday.New games. New challenges. Highwww.highscoreshighstakes.com
Episodes
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Silent Hill 2 Remake Deep Dive: Does It Beat the Original?
Silent Hill 2 (2024) is Bloober Team's remake of one of gaming's most revered horror games. Does it do justice to the original, or should some classics be left alone? In this deep dive, we revisit James Sunderland's journey into the fog and break down the Silent Hill 2 remake: the atmosphere, the...
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AI Is Decompiling PlayStation Games: Preservation or Piracy?
Game decompilation used to take teams of programmers years. Now AI tools can rebuild a game's code in weeks, and one of the biggest reverse-engineering communities has just shut down because it couldn't keep up. In this episode, we dig into what AI decompilation means for PlayStation, the…
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Favourite Racing Games Ever: Tomahawk & Luvva's Top 5s
This isn't a ranking of the best racers ever. It's the games they love most, and why. From arcade classics to modern sims, Tomahawk and Luvva count down their favourites and explain what keeps pulling them back. Expect SEGA Rally, Blur, Mario Kart, and plenty more. What's your favourite racing...
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Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Review: Best RE Movie Yet?
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil just became the franchise's biggest opening weekend ever; but is it actually the best Resident Evil movie, or just the least bad one? In this episode, we're reviewing Zach Cregger's 2026 Resident Evil reboot; following Bryan, a medical courier caught in the middle of…
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Big Walk Review: House House's Co-op Adventure Deep Dive
In this episode, we're diving into Big Walk, the 2026 co-op exploration game from the studio behind Untitled Goose Game. With up to 12 players trekking through an open-world bushland, solving puzzles, and communicating in increasingly chaotic ways, we break down what makes it work, what doesn't,...
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Hideo Kojima: Still a Genius or Is He Finished?
Hideo Kojima built his legacy on Metal Gear Solid — then got dropped by Konami, split from Sony, and built his own studio from scratch. So does he still have it, or has the magic finally run out? In this episode, we're breaking down Kojima's entire career — the games, the fallout, and the…
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Resident Evil's Best Characters: Luvva v Tom - You Decide
Resident Evil has no shortage of characters: but we are here to give our definitive Top 5 lists to name the best ones! It's Tomahawk vs Luvva; each with their Top 5 Character lists; we need a winner and you are the judge! In this episode Tomahawk and Luvva name and rank their favourite Resident...
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State of Play September 2026 Reaction: Was It Actually A Good Show?
Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Until Dawn 2, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance and more; PlayStation's September State of Play just dropped and we're breaking down every announcement! With new game announcements and new updates from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners; we're sharing the…
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The Division 1 & 2 Deep Dive Review: Are They Still Worth Playing?
The Division and The Division 2; two of Ubisoft’s most divisive looter-shooters. Are they still worth your time in 2026? In this deep dive, we’re revisiting both games in The Division series; the eerie, quarantined streets of New York in the original, and the political chaos of Washington D.C. in...
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WHAT IS HIGH SCORES HIGH STAKES?
The ultimate competitive PlayStation gaming podcast. Every week, MrLuvvaLuvva, Cardinal Smith, and Tomahawk go head-to-head in epic PlayStation and PS5 gaming challenges - all in pursuit of points, pride, and the legendary High Scores High Stakes Cup!
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Best Schools In Gaming: Hogwarts Legacy, TLOU, Silent Hill & More
The Last of Us, Hogwarts Legacy & Silent Hill contain three of the most iconic schools in all of video gaming; but they are not alone! Join Luvva & Tomahawk as they discuss the very best schools in gaming. With real life schools finally opening their doors after along Summer Holiday, we’re diving...
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Metal Gear Solid Ranked: Which One Is Actually The Best?
Which Metal Gear Solid game is actually the best? We ranked all 5 mainline games from the worst to the best in an attempt to settle one of gaming's biggest debates; which Metal Gear Solid game deserves the top spot? From the Original Metal Gear Solid and its undeniable PlayStation legacy all the...
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Games We Play As Parents: Lock in Or Chill Out? (174)
Being a parent means gaming time can be hard to come by. After a full day of work, parenting, and everything else life throws at you, sometimes you just want to sit down, switch off, and play something that hits the spot. In this short episode of High Scores High Stakes, we’re talking about the...
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Games We Want To See Next
What games deserve a sequel, remake, reboot, or adaptation? In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, we're joined by husband-and-wife gaming duo Flimosh and SierraKilo89 to talk about the games we'd love to see brought back to life. From long-forgotten classics that deserve modern remakes to...
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Baby Steps Review: What Is This Game Doing To You?
Bennett Foddy's Baby Steps is brutal, slow, and deliberately frustrating. So why can't we stop playing it? We dig into what the game is really doing to players, why it works, and what it says about pain as design. In this Deep Dive, we break down Baby Steps from every angle: the design choices…
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The Best Games to Cool Down With: Our Heatwave Picks
Can the right video game actually help you survive a heatwave? In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, we each pick the games we'd recommend for the hottest days of the year—but not always for the reasons you'd expect. From snowy landscapes and water parks to psychological horror, our choices...
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Game of the Year 2026: Our Mid-Year GOTY Contenders
The year isn't over... but the race for Game of the Year 2026 is already heating up. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, Luvva & Tomahawk look back at the biggest releases of the year so far and debate which games have earned a place in the Game of the Year conversation. From blockbuster...
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What’s Gone Wrong With The Gaming Industry? (169)
Following the dramatic conclusion of Season 6, Episode 169, Mr Luvva Luvva and Tomahawk take a break from the competitive gaming to tackle one of the biggest conversations in gaming. Xbox has announced another wave of layoffs. Studios continue to close. More publishers are pushing towards an...
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Stray Deep Dive – More Than Just a Cat Game?
Is Stray really just "the game where you play as a cat"... or is there something far deeper beneath its furry exterior? In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, we take a deep dive into one of the most celebrated indie games of recent years, exploring why Stray resonated with so many players…
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How We Would Save Xbox in 2026 (167)
The dust has settled after the dramatic conclusion of Season 6. Now it's time to ask a bigger question... What has gone wrong at Xbox? In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, Mr Luvva Luvva and Tomahawk dive headfirst into the ongoing discourse surrounding Microsoft's gaming division. From...
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Baby Steps - Who Will Win the Season 6 Cup? (S6 E12)
The Season 6 Cup comes down to one final challenge. In Episode 166 of High Scores High Stakes, Mr Luvva Luvva and Tomahawk enter the final episode of the season tied at the top of the league table. Just behind them sits Cardinal Smith, only 10 points adrift and still in with a chance of stealing...
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PlayStation State of Play Reactions: Biggest Reveals, Surprises & Disappointments
The latest PlayStation State of Play is here, and there’s plenty to discuss. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, the team break down the biggest announcements, surprise reveals, standout trailers, and talking points from Sony’s latest showcase. From highly anticipated releases to…
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The Ultimate Gaming Football Team – Who Makes the Starting XI? (164)
With World Cup 2026 right around the corner we ask who would make the ultimate football team from the world of video games? In this Side Quest episode of High Scores High Stakes, Tomahawk is joined by special guest TheMightyRyan to build their dream football (soccer) starting XI using characters...
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The Spell Brigade Deep Dive: Spellbinding or Spell Broken?
The party assembles for a deep dive review into the chaotic magical world of The Spell Brigade. In Episode 163 of High Scores High Stakes, Tomahawk, Mr Luvva Luvva, and Cardinal Smith discuss their time with the co-op roguelike where teamwork, spell combinations, and absolute chaos collide. From...
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Video Game Adaptations: Trash or Finally Worth Watching? (162)
Video game adaptations used to be a disaster… but are they finally worth watching? In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, Tomahawk is joined by special guest Hooke to dive into the long and chaotic history of video game adaptations. From infamous flops and questionable casting choices to...
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Why Indie Games Feel More Important Than Ever - 161
Game development is changing; have Indie games become more important than ever? In this solo episode of High Scores High Stakes, Mr Luvva Luvva explores the growing impact of indie titles on the modern gaming industry and discusses whether smaller studios are now delivering the creativity,...
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Star Wars: Demolition – Hunt-a-Droid (May the 4th High Score Battle) (S6 E11)
May the 4th be with you. In this special episode of High Scores High Stakes, we’re celebrating Star Wars Day by jumping into Star Wars: Demolition for a chaotic Hunt a Droid high-score challenge. Blasters are firing, droids are scrambling, and every second counts as the crew compete to rack up…
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Cairn Deep Dive: More Than Just A Climbing Game (Ft Hyoie O’Grady) (159)
It’s time for a full Deep Dive review of Cairn. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, we explore Cairn from every angle — from its climbing mechanics, challenge, controls, and soundtrack to the emotional themes, environmental storytelling, and symbolism woven throughout the mountain itself....
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Tomb Raider 3 - Assault Course Challenge! (S6 E10)
It’s time to head back to Croft Manor as the High Scores High Stakes (HSHS) hosts take on a classic Tomb Raider 3 challenge. In this episode, Mr Luvva Luvva, Tomahawk, and Cardinal Smith compete to complete Lara Croft’s assault course at the mansion in the fastest time possible. Precision,...
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R-Type Dimensions EX: 1 Life, No Mistakes (S6 E9)
It’s time to take on one of the toughest retro games ever made; R-Type Dimensions EX. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, the crew attempt a brutal 1 life challenge. No continues. No retries. Just one shot to survive as long as possible in this iconic shoot ‘em up. It sounds simple… until...
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Watch Dogs 2 – Hide and Seek Challenge (S6E8)
It’s time to play Hide and Seek in Watch Dogs 2. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, the crew take on a stealth challenge in the open world of Watch Dogs 2; in the Hacker Invasion multiplayer mode. Each player takes a turn hiding in San Francisco stealing the other players data, while the...
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Resident Evil (1996) Deep Dive: Does It Still Hold Up Today? (Ft. Johnny Beard)
It’s time to return to the Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil (1996). In this Deep Dive review on High Scores High Stakes, Luvva, Tomahawk and, special guest, Johnny Beard; revisit the original survival horror classic that defined a genre. From fixed camera angles and limited resources to puzzles,...
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Lonely Mountains: Downhill – Fastest Graterhorn Run Wins (S6E7)
It’s time for a high-speed descent in Lonely Mountains: Downhill. In this episode of High Scores High Stakes, the crew take on the dangerous slopes of Graterhorn in a precision-based downhill challenge. The goal is simple: set the fastest time to the bottom — but there’s a twist. A bonus point is...
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Ace Combat 7 Challenge: 3 Rounds, Triple Points, One Top Gun (S6E6)
It’s time to take to the skies in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown for a dogfight challenge. Luvva, Cardinal and Tomahawk strap into their cockpits for a high-speed aerial challenge with three rounds and triple points on the line. With the leaderboard at stake, every dogfight matters; one mistake and...
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Speedrunners Challenge - 3 Races, Triple points (S6E5)
Speed, sabotage, and serious stakes collide in this SpeedRunners challenge on High Scores High Stakes. Every race is a battle of reflexes, shortcuts, and perfectly timed sabotage. Grappling hooks, rockets, and traps can instantly change the outcome, and falling behind the pack means elimination....
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Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Horde Mode – Kill Count Showdown (S6E4)
It’s time for a full-blown Kill Count Showdown in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Horde Mode. In this brutal challenge episode of High Scores High Stakes, we dive into the retro-inspired FPS carnage of Boltgun and compete for one thing only: the highest kill count. No survival points. No style bonuses....
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Crash Bandicoot Deep Dive – Still A PlayStaton Classic?
🎮 Game of the Month – Crash Bandicoot Deep Dive! In this episode of the High Scores High Stakes (HSHS) Podcast, Mr Luvva Luvva and Tomahawk go full retro as they take a deep dive into Crash Bandicoot. From brutal platforming difficulty to PlayStation nostalgia, we break down: 🔥 Why Crash became…
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Human Fall Flat Challenge: Don’t Be The Weakest Link (S6E3)
We turned Human Fall Flat into a scored competitive challenge. In this chaotic co-op episode, every action counts: • Points for helping the team • Points deducted for being a liability From disastrous jumps to accidental sabotage, we test whether teamwork actually survives physics-based mayhem.…
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Tekken 7 Ultimate Tekken Bowl: 10 Frames, 1 Winner (S6E2)
It all comes down to the lanes in this Ultimate Tekken Bowl Challenge on High Scores High Stakes. After a full week of practice, it’s finally time to put everything on the line in Tekken 7’s Tekken Bowl. The rules are simple but brutal: 10 frames, one attempt each, and one winner. Highest score...
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Ridge Racer (PS1): Fastest Full Grid 3-Lap Race Challenge (S6E1)
Competitive gameplay is back — right where PlayStation began. We kick off Season 6 by returning to Ridge Racer (1994). The iconic PS1 launch title, for a pure skill challenge: the fastest 3-lap race. Same track. Same rules. No excuses. Each host takes on Ridge Racer’s short course, chasing the...
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Deep Dive - Is It Just A Tech Demo For PS5?
In this deep dive review, we’re breaking down Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, one of PlayStation’s biggest and boldest PS5 exclusives. From its instant rift-hopping gameplay and Dual Sense features to its visuals, level design, combat, story, and pure fun factor, we explore what makes Rift Apart…
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The Ultimate PlayStation Quiz Showdown
The competition is back for our ultimate PlayStation quiz showdown, and this time it’s bigger than ever. In our final side quest, we go head-to-head across a mix of challenges including PlayStation lists, game guessing rounds, links in gaming, and even PlayStation maths.Expect rivalry, chaos, and...
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Our Most Anticipated PlayStation Games of 2026
We’re looking ahead to 2026 and breaking down the PlayStation games we’re most excited for. From highly anticipated sequels and major first-party titles to new IPs and long-awaited releases, we discuss which upcoming PS5 games have us hyped and why they could define the next year of PlayStation....
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Game Of The Year 2025: Our Picks
It’s time to make the call. In this episode, Luvva, Cardinal & Tomahawk name their personal Game of the Year for 2025, breaking down why their pick stood above the rest. From standout gameplay and unforgettable moments to the games that stuck with us long after the credits rolled, we explain what...
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Astro Bot Deep Dive – Is This PlayStation’s Most Joyful Game Ever?
Happy Holidays from the High Scores High Stakes Podcast! In this festive episode, Mr Luvva Luvva, Tomahawk, and Cardinal Smith dive into Astro Bot, December’s Game of the Month and winner of The Game Awards 2024 Game of the Year. From pure joy and classic PlayStation nostalgia to the clever…
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A Very PlayStation Christmas - Holiday DLCs & Seasonal Events
It’s our PlayStation Christmas special. We chat about some of our favourite Christmas-themed DLCs and seasonal events, look back on 2025, and hear festive messages from friends of the show. We also share a bit of what’s coming in 2026 like Season 6, more deep-dive reviews, and lots more…
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PlayStation at 30: What is PlayStation's Most Iconic Moment? (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our deep dive celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, we pick up right where we left off and keep chasing the ultimate question: what is the most iconic moment in PlayStation history? From the era-defining PS2 boom to the wild marketing swings of the PS3, all the way through the...
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PlayStation at 30: Counting Down The 30 Most Iconic Moments (Part 1)
We’re kicking off our 30 Years of PlayStation celebration with Part 1 of our massive countdown: the 30 most iconic moments in PlayStation history, starting from #30 down to #16. This isn’t just a list of games; we’re diving into the twists, trailers, characters, shocks, adverts, reveals,...
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Jeopardy – Gaming Quiz Showdown! Featuring Leyoric
Get ready for a chaotic, video-game-themed trivia showdown! In this episode, Luvva, Cardinal, and special guest Lyoric face off in a competitive round of Jeopardy packed entirely with gaming categories. Who actually knows their classics? Who only pretends to know lore? And who button-mashes their...
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Cyberpunk 2077 Deep Dive Review – Welcome to Night City, Chooms!
It’s our Game of the Month, and we’re heading straight back into Night City. This episode is a full deep dive into Cyberpunk 2077; from its infamous launch to its current state. We answer the question: ‘Is Cyberpunk 2077 actually any good?’ From earning eddies to exploring Night City’s neon...
About this show
The ultimate competitive PlayStation gaming podcast.Every week, MrLuvvaLuvva, Cardinal Smith, and Tomahawk go head-to-head in epic PlayStation and PS5 gaming challenges — all in pursuit of points, pride, and the legendary High Scores High Stakes Cup.From speedruns, permadeath runs, and Gran Turismo time trials to everything in between, no PlayStation game is off limits.Expect weekly showdowns, trash talk, hilarious failures, and clutch victories as the league’s best (and worst) gamer is decided.New episodes every Monday.New games. New challenges. Highwww.highscoreshighstakes.com
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