The Level 857 Video Game Podcast
by 857 Entertainment
The Level 857 Video Game Podcast is a gaming podcast hosted by a crew of five, lifelong friends who come together weekly to 1) discuss the latest video game news/developments, 2) put a spotlight on indie game gems and 3) give recommendations for recently played games, spanning retro to current platform offerings from Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, Xbox, PC gaming to just about everything else in between.So sit back and join us for drinks as we talk with fellow YouTubers, game developers, streamers and contributors from all corners of the industry during our live, interactive, weekly episodes!
Episodes
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Are modern video games turning hand-holding into an obsession?
We're discussing whether modern games are holding our hands too much! From constant tutorials and glowing waypoints to generous checkpoints, objective markers, and difficulty assists, are these features improving the gaming experience or taking away the challenge, exploration, and satisfaction of...
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Are Classic Retro Games Better Than Modern Games?
We debate whether classic games truly delivered better gameplay, creativity, challenge, and replay value than modern titles. Are older games timeless masterpieces, or have today's games surpassed them in ways we sometimes overlook? Join us as we compare generations of gaming, revisit what made…
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Vice: Magic City Mayhem — Behind the Scenes w/ Jurassic Sunset Games!
Matt Schulz - Owner and Executive Producer of indie dev/pub, Jurassic Sunset Games, drops in to discuss the studio’s latest upcoming project, Vice: Magic City Mayhem! We talk with Matt about the game’s development, the creative vision behind Jurassic Sunset Games and what players can expect as…
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400 Episodes & 10 Years of The Level 857 Video Game Podcast!
We’re celebrating 10 years of Level 857 and our 400th podcast episode by looking back at the journey that brought us here. Join us as we react to a special retrospective montage filled with memorable moments, milestones, laughs, and highlights from the past decade. The Level 857 Video Game…
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Can You Still Trust Video Game Reviews?
Can you still trust video game reviews, or has the line between honest criticism, hype, sponsorships, and online outrage become too blurred? In this episode, we break down how professional critics, influencers, user reviews, review scores, embargoes, early access, and review bombing can all shape...
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Are These Games Actually Worth Your Time?
This week, we’re taking a closer look at the games we’ve been playing and recently completed to answer one question: Are they actually worth your time? We’ll break down what we liked, what we didn’t, what kept us invested, and whether we’d ultimately recommend each game or tell you to pass. Level...
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Big reveals came from Nintendo, PlayStation & Konami: Who did it best?
Nintendo, PlayStation and Konami all dropped major announcements, so this week we're breaking down the biggest reveals from all three showcases! We dive into the latest Nintendo Direct, PlayStation State of Play and Konami Press Start, including the newly revealed. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of...
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Gamescom 2026: Best Reveals + GTA VI Reaction
We break down the best reveals, biggest announcements, and standout games from the rest of Gamescom 2026 before reacting to the latest Grand Theft Auto VI news and what Rockstar’s highly anticipated release could mean for the gaming industry at large? The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-396 |...
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Gamescom 2026 came out swinging on opening night!
Gamescom 2026 is underway! We break down the biggest Opening Night Live reveals, share what impressed us most, and discuss what we still hope to see before the event wraps up. The Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-395: Gamescom 2026 came out swinging on opening night! 00:00 - Intro 1:29 - Indie…
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Are AAA Games Getting Too Big for Their Own Good?
Are AAA games getting too big for their own good? We discuss ballooning budgets, longer development cycles, massive teams, cutting-edge graphics, monetization, and whether the modern AAA model has become unsustainable. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-394: Are AAA Games Getting Too Big for Their…
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Does the Perfect Game Exist?
Is there really such a thing as a perfect video game? In this episode, we debate what it actually takes for a game to earn that label, whether a 10/10 score should mean flawless, and how much personal taste factors into the equation. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-393: Does the Perfect Game…
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Is There Room for Another Player in the Console Wars?
We discuss whether there is room for a new game console manufacturer and examine the chances of whether Sega, Apple, Samsung, Panasonic, and other companies would have competing against PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC gaming. We also debate what a new platform would need to offer, which…
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These Are The Very Best Co-Op Games on the 8-Bit NES!
This week, we revisit the Nintendo Entertainment System to discuss the best co-op games that made sharing the couch, coordinating attacks, and occasionally sabotaging Player 2 unforgettable! Special shoutout to @Massproduc3 for suggesting this week’s main topic! Level 857 Video Game Podcast…
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Games You Beat as a Kid but Probably Can’t Beat Now!
We revisit the games that felt manageable when we were younger but seem nearly impossible to beat now! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-390: Games You Beat as a Kid but Probably Can’t Beat Now! 00:00 - Intro 1:35 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - SIFU 5:14 - Games You Beat as a Kid but Can’t…
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Is this the end of Gaming's Golden Age?
With rising prices, studio closures, mass layoffs, declining console sales, and a growing frustration from players, it makes you wonder: Is this truly the end of Gaming's Golden Age? Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-389 - Is this the end of Gaming's Golden Age?🔥 00:00 - Intro 02:20 - Indie Game…
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We’re Back! Catching Up On Everything We Missed!
After a 5-month break, we return with a bombastic, leveled-up podcast experience and kick it off with our favorite announcements that came out of Summer Game Fest, Sony's latest State of Play, the Xbox Games Showcase and 6.9.26's Nintendo Direct!! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-388 - We’re Back!...
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What’s Next for Gaming? The Time Has Come For 2026 Predictions!
We’re looking ahead to the future of gaming! In this episode, we share our bold predictions for what 2026 might bring across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the industry and beyond! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-387: What’s Next for Gaming? The Time Has Come For 2026 Predictions! 00:00 -...
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Chillin and Chattin!
Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-386: Chillin and Chattin! - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight - The Messenger - Netflix Considers Warner Bros. Games To Be Pretty Much Worthless - Skyrim’s Nintendo Switch 2 Port Faces Backlash From Fans - Games Played Discussion - Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Neon…
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Our Shocking Predictions for the 2025 Game Awards!
We break down our picks and predictions for each major category at the 2025 Game Awards! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-385: Our Shocking Predictions for the 2025 Game Awards! 00:00 - Intro 02:41- Games Played Discussion - Absolum, Double Dragon Revive 10:20 - Stal played Claire Obscure…
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Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES Capcom Game Tier List!
We’re revisiting the golden age of 8-bit gaming to rank Capcom’s entire NES lineup! From timeless hits to forgotten experiments, we’re debating which classics still hold up and which fall short in our ultimate tier list showdown! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-384: Our Ultimate Ranked 8-Bit NES...
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Fan Games vs. Official Releases: Who Did It Better?
We dive into the exciting world of video game creativity as we compare fan-made passion projects to official developer releases! From community-driven remakes and inspired reimaginings to big-budget sequels and reboots, we explore which ones capture the true spirit of gaming. Level 857 Video Game...
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Do Video Game Remakes Promote or Stifle Creativity?
We dive into the debate surrounding modern game remakes... are they revitalizing classic experiences or holding back innovation? From nostalgia-fueled reimaginings to one-to-one remasters, we explore whether the remake trend is helping or hurting the industry. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-382:...
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Broken at Launch: Games That Got Good After Release
We call out and breakdown the games that launched as buggy messes but became beloved masterpieces, thanks to the dedication of hardworking, tenacious developers! Stick around as we sound off on this week’s biggest gaming headlines and share what’s been keeping our controllers busy! Level 857…
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The Ultimate Ranked Horror Video Game Franchise Tier List!
We dive into the dark to rank the most iconic horror game series ever made in our very own tier list! 🎃 From terrifying classics to modern nightmares 👻, we decide which franchises are truly essential 🩸 and which ones deserve to stay buried ⚰️. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-380: The Ultimate...
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The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is Local Multiplayer Making a Comeback?
Local multiplayer is making a huge comeback! This week, we dive into why couch co-op experiences are resurging in popularity, what modern games are doing right, and why playing side-by-side still hits differently than online! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-379: The Return of Couch Co-Op: Is…
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Has Corporate Greed Ruined Modern Gaming?
As we bear witness to gaming's price of admission becoming more expensive, we explore how profit-driven tactics from major publishers have reshaped the industry and determine if corporate greed is destroying the passion and creativity that once defined gaming. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-378:...
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Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better Show?
This week, we dive into the biggest gaming showcases of the season with our full Tokyo Game Show 2025 recap and reactions to the latest Sony State of Play! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-377: Tokyo Game Show 2025 vs State of Play: Who Had The Better Show? 00:00 - Intro 03:04 - Games Played...
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We Concoct The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List!
From Castlevania and Contra, we’re diving into Konami's best and worst, 8-bit classics that helped define the NES era! Which games still hold up as timeless masterpieces and which ones deserve to be left in the past? Find out as we build The Ultimate Konami NES Video Game Tier List! Level 857…
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We Breakdown the Best and Worst of 9.12.25's Nintendo Direct!
The Nintendo Direct 9.12.25 was packed with surprises so we're sharing our personal thoughts after we breakdown the best and the worst among what was announced! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-375: We Breakdown the Best and Worst of 9.12.25's Nintendo Direct! 00:00 - Intro 05:11 - Games Played...
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What Are The Worst Parts of Your Favorite Games?
We dive into the worst parts of our favorite games, highlighting the mechanics, levels, and design choices that almost ruin otherwise amazing experiences! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-374: What Are The Worst Parts of Your Favorite Games? 00:00 - Intro 04:10 - Indie Game of the Week Spotlight -...
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We Talk Games, You Ask the Questions w/ Radical Reggie!
We're joined by Radical Reggie once again but this time we answer all of your gaming questions live and discuss the games played, current events in gaming and everything game related. Radical Reggie's a renowned and well respected YouTube Gaming content creator, avid retro game collector, and...
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Epic Mainstream Video Game One-Hit Wonder Tier List!
We rank gaming’s biggest one-hit wonders, the ambitious titles that came out swinging but never got a sequel! From cult classics like Heavenly Sword and L.A. Noire to forgotten experiments like Rockstar Table Tennis, we break down which games still hold up and which ones deserve to stay in the...
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Behind the Beatdowns: Mike Wells Talks Fallen City Brawl!
Mike Wells, indie dev of the hard-hitting, upcoming retro-inspired beat'em up Fallen City Brawl, joins us for an inside look at what makes this gritty, hand-drawn brawler a must-play for fans of the genre! If you’re into arcade-style beat 'em ups or love supporting passionate indie devs, this is…
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The Ultimate AAA Open World Franchise Tier List
We’re putting the biggest open world game franchises to the test… from sprawling action RPGs to chaotic sandboxes… and ranking them once and for all in our ultimate AAA open world franchise tier list! Which series are genre defining legends, and which ones never lived up to the hype? Let’s tier…
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Why the Sega Master System Deserves More Respect!
Before the Genesis took off, Sega had already entered the console war with the 8-bit powerhouse known as the Master System. In this episode, we dive into its underrated library, surprising innovations, and why this forgotten console still holds up today! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-369: Why…
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What Indies Do Right That Big Studios Keep Getting Wrong!
We dive into the growing debate: Is AAA gaming in trouble? And talk about what indie developers are doing right that big-budget studios keep getting wrong! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-368: Is AAA Gaming in Trouble? What Indies Are Doing Right That Big Studios Aren’t 00:00 - Intro 04:22…
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The Best Canceled Games We Were Hyped For!
We dive into the most anticipated games that were canceled before release—and share which upcoming titles feel like they're heading down the same road. We also react to the latest gaming news and talk about the games we've been playing lately. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-367: The Best…
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We Name Our Favorite, Most The Reliable Game Developers!
In this episode, we shout out the most consistent, dependable, and trusted game developers in the industry! Whether they've been crushing it for decades or recently earned our respect, we’re breaking down who’s earned our loyalty! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-366: We Name Our Favorite, Most…
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Our Ultimate First Party Mascot Ranked Tier List!
We’re ranking the most recognizable faces in gaming history with our ultimate video game first party mascot ranked tier list! From legendary icons to characters that never earned their stripes… it’s time to settle the debate! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-365: Our Ultimate First Party Mascot...
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From Classic to Cringe: Games That Haven't Aged Well
We dive into a brutally honest discussion on games that just didn’t stand the test of time — from beloved classics to cringe-worthy replays! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-364 - From Classic to Cringe: Games That Haven't Aged Well 00:00 - Intro 01:39 - Games Played Discussion - Mario Kart World...
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The Wins and Wastes of the Xbox Games Showcase and Summer Games Fest!
We break down every major announcement, awkward moment, and surprise reveal to decide if Summer Game Fest 2025 lived up to the hype or flopped! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-363: The Wins and Wastes of the Xbox Games Showcase and Summer Games Fest! 00:00 - Intro 01:53 - Games Played Discussion…
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We Say Farewell To The Groundbreaking Nintendo Switch!
We take a look back at the Nintendo Switch and reflect on how this hybrid console stole the spotlight with its innovations, unforgettable exclusives, and impact on gaming as a whole while also diving into the latest news and what we’ve been playing lately! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-362: We...
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Ranking Every Video Game Movie from 1993–2010!
In this episode, we rank every live-action video game movie released between 1993 and 2010! From cult classics to cinematic disasters, we break them all down and place them where they truly belong. Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-361: Ranking Every Video Game Movie from 1993–2010! 00:00 - Intro...
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What We Love And Hate About The Switch 2!
We share our thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2 and break down exactly what has us hyped... and what has us raising eyebrows! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-360: What We Love And Hate About The Switch 2! 00:00 - Intro 03:55 - Games Played Discussion - Shadow of the Ninja Reborn, Gal Guardians...
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Is Gaming Too Expensive Now?
Is the rising cost of gaming pushing players away? We break down the price hike trends across consoles, games, subscriptions, and accessories and debate whether the gaming experience still justifies the price tag. We also react to the latest gaming news and share what we’ve been playing recently!...
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Multiversus Saved? Behind the Scenes of MVS Infinite w/ Director Hakio!
Hakio, Game Director of the fan project MultiVersus Infinite, joins us as we dive deep into how the team plans to revive and build upon the MultiVersus experience and why fans of platform fighters should be excited! Get ready for a breakdown of the gameplay updates, community-driven changes, and...
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The Ultimate Street Fighter Ranked Tier List!
We’re building the ultimate Street Fighter ranked tier list by listing every mainline game in the series from worst to GOAT. Expect bold takes, heated debates, and a whole lot of Hadoukens! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-357: The Ultimate Ranked Street Fighter Tier List! 00:00 - Intro 03:18 -...
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What Are The Best Games That Never Got A Sequel?
Some games are so good that it's criminal they never got a sequel... and we're spotlighting the best of them in this episode! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-356: What Are The Best Games That Never Got A Sequel? 00:00 - Intro 01:46 - Games Played Discussion - Gal Guardians Servants of the Dark,...
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Has Nintendo Lost Its Mind With The Switch 2?
Nintendo's finally lifted the curtain on the Switch 2... and it looks like it's gonna be a game-changer (and a wallet-buster)! In this episode, we dive deep into all the confirmed features, the official release date, and why fans are freaking out! Level 857 Video Game Podcast Ep-355: Has Nintendo...
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Double Dragon Gaiden: Behind The Game w/ Raymond Teo!
Raymond Teo, Founder and Producer of indie dev studio Secret Base, drops in for the first time to share behind-the-scene details surrounding the development process extending to the free DLC content available for their latest indie beat'em up, sensation, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons!...
About this show
The Level 857 Video Game Podcast is a gaming podcast hosted by a crew of five, lifelong friends who come together weekly to 1) discuss the latest video game news/developments, 2) put a spotlight on indie game gems and 3) give recommendations for recently played games, spanning retro to current platform offerings from Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, Xbox, PC gaming to just about everything else in between.So sit back and join us for drinks as we talk with fellow YouTubers, game developers, streamers and contributors from all corners of the industry during our live, interactive, weekly episodes!
Hosted by
857 Entertainment
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