The Gaming Aroma Podcast

I am BACK after an unplanned break, and as if by some beautiful poetic irony, episode 33 of The Gaming Aroma Podcast has a big focus on Expedition 33 and the many conversations surrounding it. Game dev, game pricing, game pass and more. The year's biggest surprise hit so far is a looking to be a watershed moment for gaming... will it change anything? Probably not, but we can hope for those who come after, a better industry lies ahead. Grab your coffee, and let's catch up - KDBFind me on BlueSky: Find on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

Did someone at Xbox accidentally put out an image which revealed their future intentions, or is Xbox testing the water to see everyone's reactions? Plus I muse on the perceptions of video game to TV and film adaptations, and give you my initial impressions of new release Assassins Creed Shadows. Find me on BlueSky: Find on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

New Robocop and Terminator games in 2025? - I get hyped. Plus Sony are being anti-consumer as always so let's call them out on that...and the biggest news of the week - I've finally joined the PC realm.

Is AI going to ruin video games? The tools are here to stay and everyone hates them. What possible good could AI do?! I give some thoughts on the latest reason for everyone to hate xbox, get excited about new Tony Hawk games, and talk trips to CEX and more time with Avowed. 00:00 Intro and Fantasy Critic update06:40 - Xbox unveils Muse AI32:45 - Tony Hawk's 3+4 teases39:31 - Marvel Rival's lay offs44:09 - CEX bargains47:54 - Avowed, still playing!Find on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

There was plenty of great stuff on show at the Playstation State of Play, so why is the internet so mad about it? I give some thoughts on the highs and lows of their latest showing. I also discuss Ubisoft's commitment to live service, and give some first impressions on Avowed, the new RPG from Obsidian - and more!00:00 - Intro (What do Americans call Squash?)06:19 - Fantasy Critic update08:44 - Ubisoft all-in on GAAS21:36 - PS5 hits 70m sold24:10 - State of Play35:00 - What I've been playing (Uncharted)40:35 - Avowed impressionsFind on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

The trappings of modern gaming strike again as the playstation network was down for almost an entire 24 hours. Do service providers like Sony and Microsoft need to do better in offering a contingency for times like this? I ramble about the digital service and why we're seeing a spike in physical in other mediums.Plus I've been playing A LOT of Ninja Gaiden on Xbox and Nintendo DS, and I have news of my Cybperunk 2077 journey. Enjoy.00:00 - intro03:30 - Fantasy Critic update08:27 - PSN outage and physical importance29:30 - More xbox games going to playstation32:10 - What I've been playingFind on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

The first episode of 2025 is here and there is no shortage of topics as the games industry tectonic plates continue to shift. Sony Playstation has cancelled more games, including a new god of war game, but it's ok because Xbox is apparently still porting all their heavy hitters like Halo and Gears to other platforms. Plus, at long last, The Switch 2 is official - was it good? was it bed? I get into it, and what I've been playing. Enjoy! 00:00 - intro / fantasy critic 09:33 - More Xbox games everywhere 20:30 - Playstation cancels more games 35:08 - Was the Switch 2 reveal rubbish? 49:19 - What I've been playing Find on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kdb-innit.bsky.social

2024 is wrapping up, so I take some time to reflect on the biggest news stories from the gaming industry of 2024, while also spotlight my own games of the year... it doesn't stop there though, this episode also features many special guests for a 2024 Games of the Year 'call-in' section, where everyone gets to share their own personal gaming highlights. Thank you for the support of this little show in 2024, bring on 2025! 00:00 - Intro 03:25 - Industry layoffs and shifts 11:41 - Less exclusives than ever 21:33 - Concord failure 27:10 - Launch of PS5 pro 35:43 - My games of the year 1:02:41 - Guest Call-ins! 1:39:55 - Honourable mentions and outro Find on me threads: @kd_buck

Is it the most wonderful time of the year? It is now, as the 'christmas special' of The Gaming Aroma Podcast is upon you. I go through some of my favourite games set at Christmas, what I like to play at Christmas, and give some thoughts on the latest entry into the Sonic movie franchise. 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - Sonic 3 & Cinema closing 21:33 - Christmas video games 47:05 - What I've been playing Find on me threads: @kd_buck

The Game Awards are in the rearview and I give my thoughts on the winners and the reveals. I've also been playing alot of Indiana Jones and wanted to WHIP up some impressions for you all. Enjoy! 00:00 - Intro 05:30 - Game Awards GOTY winner 10:05 - Can awards be fair? 16:57 - Game Awards show general reaction & reveals 39:44 - What I've been playing (Indy) Find on me threads: @kd_buck

Are the game awards silly? The nominations are here and it's only right I complain about them. Plus I talk some of the latest gaming news in cloud gaming, flight simulator 2024, my visit to a retro arcade, and how I'm back playing Alan Wake 2... 00:00 - Intro (podcasting, storm bert) 08:35 - Game Awards nominations talk 25:00 - Stream (some) xbox games you own 30:45 - Flight Sim 2024 crash lands 35:09 - Minecraft movie trailer 37:37 - Arcade visit 40:19 - What I've been playing Find on me threads: @kd_buck

It's a bit of a Kojima infused episode with lots of news around him and his games this week. Is it the end of exclusives? Plus some long awaited updates on the Nintendo Switch 2. Also, the Greggs festive menu has arrived... 00:00 - Intro / I love Greggs 06:25 - Metal Gear Solid 3 voice actor 18:02 - Switch 2 will be backwards compatible 23:30 - Death Stranding on Xbox 31:23 - My first impressions of Death Stranding Find on me threads: @kd_buck Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

It's the most terrifying time of the year, so of course it makes sense to talk Halloween themed games, and I express my undying love for the incredible Alan Wake 2 DLC, all things Alan Wake and the Remedy-verse. 00:00 - Intro - It's Halloween Season! 04:10 - Inscryption 08:27 - Legoland 12:00 - Zombies Ate My Neighbours! 15:34 - Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Zombies 17:00 - Alan Wake 2 DLC The Lake House & Remedy-verse 41:23 - Outro and coming up Find on me threads: @kd_buck Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

This week brought the sad news that Play Magazine (formerly The Official Playstation Magazine UK) is being shut down by Future Publishing. I share thoughts on the news, and video game magazines in general. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Musings on my biggest takeaways from the Playstation state of play, and Xbox Tokyo Game Show presentation... plus, Sept28th was the unofficial Resident Evil 3 day, and I've got some memories to share on the survival horror classic. 00:00 - Intro 2:50 - Playstation State of Play 13:00 - Xbox TGS 23:30 - Simpsons Tapped Out shutting down 32:50 - Keanu Reeves is Shadow 35:17 - Resident Evil 3 day Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

I have returned to your ears after a summer break from the show. Back now to muse about video games and such. The PS5 pro revealed, and then revealed again, has it convinced me? Concord cost a lot of money, and I've been playing lots of Ubisoft games such as Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar, and Assassin's Creed - hear some thoughts! Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

The big news this week was that Xbox is increasing the price of its game pass subscription service, and oh wow did people have a lot to say about this. I talk about my use of game pass, if I feel it still have value, and what else I think might be causing harm to the gaming industry. ALL GOOD FUN. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Back after a few weeks to catch up with lots of gameplay talk! Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

It's a Father's Day edition of the gaming aroma podcast! I ramble about gaming as a dad, plus give thoughts on all the showcase season hype, or lack thereof - did Xbox have the best showing? I also talk about what I've been playing, in the form of a classic N64 game, and the wild Alan Wake 2 DLC. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Not a lot of news this week so instead there's a lot of gameplay talk! I go through my experiences with Crow Country and Hellblade 2. Enjoy! Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

After a week break (because who wanted to talk about the games last week), I bid farewell to Hi-Fi Rush and lament the lack of nurturing from Xbox towards Tango Gameworks. Did the Fallout TV show play a part in all this? Plus Call of Duty and Game Pass = price rises. And I talk a lot about what I've been playing, including my NEW XBOX 360 CONSOLE, and the brilliant Jedi Survivor. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Video game leaks were in the news again this week, and it's probably time we had a discussion about how they're doing more harm than good. Sony and Helldivers were also a hot topic of the week, and I give my completed thoughts on Tales of Kenzera: Zau now having finished the game. 00:00 - Intro 04:00 - Sony requires PSN accounts for Helldivers 2 13:00 - Video game leaks. Stop it. 40:55 - What I've been playing Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Review scores have got people mad yet again, and this time Stellar Blade is the catalyst. Do scores matter these days? What do they even achieve? I rant about reviews, touch on Xbox financials being apparently "deceptive", and give some impressions on a new game - Tales of Kenzera: Zau 00:00 - Intro 04:30 - Stellar Blade & Review Scores 39:20 - Xbox Financials are "deceptive" 45:40 - Tales of Kenzera Impressions Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

We continue to receive more signals that the gaming industry of our youth is no more, things continue to change, except war... war never changes. 00:00 - Intro 04:20 - Xbox dominates Sony store 25:35 - Where is it all going 31:00 - Fallout is having a moment 38:38 - Final Fantasy Flop? 41:40 - Gameplay and Outro Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

This week I'm joined by podcast veteran and video game writer David Smillie to discuss the the ups and down of UK games retailer GAME. Where did it all go so wrong for what was once the no.1 provider of games on the high street. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find David on Twitter https://twitter.com/DavidSmillie1 and via https://stickflickers.com/ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

A few bits of news this week about retro games, old games, and game preservation. As always, the gaming industry seems to be shifting faster than ever... also, I might be fully back into mobile gaming... 00:00 - Intro 05:11 - Retro games are more popular than ever 13:25 - 2023 was dominated by old games 19:50 - 30fps discourse is back again 26:12 - Xbox announce preservation team 39:06 - Gameplay talk - MOBILE? Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Happy Egg day everyone! Are my days of defending Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League over? Analysis of the Season 1 drop, plus lots of musings on the gaming industry headlines and my reaction on South Park Snow Day. Enjoy! 00:00 - Intro. Time isn't real. Holiday math. 08:10 - Phil Spencer & Gaming industry 'growth' 26:41 - Suicide Squad Season 1 debacle 47:42 - Alone in the Dark wrap up 53:24 - South Park Snow Day reaction Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

The new ALONE IN THE DARK game is here and I've been playing it! Do review scores do more harm than good? Who should you even trust? Does 60fps matter in games, and are microtransactions in Dragon's Dogma 2 as bad as people are making them out to be? Lots to chat about. 00:00 - Intro 02:40 - 60fps vs 30fps 15:06 - Xbox handheld? 19:38 - Dragon's Dogma 2 & Microtransactions 33:38 - Alone in the Dark 2024 Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Live service is apparently a good thing when it's a cancelled Spider-Man game? Marketing for the Fallout TV show vs the Halo tv show, and some reignited love for one of the GAMES OF THE GENERATION...Starfield. If you enjoy the show please do subscribe! Bringing you weekly episodes, every Sunday, fuelled by my coffee. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Is the end really nigh for the game console 'box' and platform exclusives? Some industry vets had a lot to say this week on Xbox consoles and Playstation exclusives... also, KNEEL as I now proclaim myself Elden Lord. (apologies for the ghost apparently breathing into my mic for the first 5 minutes. NO IDEA what the hell that is) 00:00 - Intro fuelled by Red Wine and Pepsi Max 05:40 - Peter Moore on Consoles - is he right? 32:05 - Shawn Layden on Exclusives - is he right? 45:09 - Gameplay talk If you enjoy the show please do subscribe! Bringing you weekly episodes, every Sunday, fuelled by my coffee. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Will indies save the gaming industry? Both good and bad news in gaming this week, from layoffs, to going independent, but also, is Balatro an early GOTY contender? If you enjoy the show please do subscribe! Bringing you weekly episodes, every Sunday, fuelled by my coffee. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

The STREAK continues! Episode 2 is here for some Sunday morning gaming musings. This week I talk all digital consoles, Elden Ring DLC trailer, the Borderlands movie trailer, and the happy fun time I'm having with Tomb Raider Remastered 00:00 - Intro (Suicide Squad addendum) 06:00 - Xbox Series X Digital this year? 14:20 - Shadow of the Erdtree trailer 23:10 - Borderlands movie trailer 28:49 - Tomb Raider Remastered 42:19 - Upcoming games If you enjoy the show please do subscribe! I aim to be bringing you weekly episodes, every Sunday, fuelled by my coffee. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod

Welcome to the very first episode of a new weekly intended gaming chat podcast from the guy who does a few other podcasts. Listen on to find out more about what this is and why it exists, and to hear ravings on some gaming news and gameplay. 00:00 - What is this podcast? 11:55 - Xbox Business Update 28:30 - PS5 in latter stage of life 42:57 - Alan Wake 2 sales 48:29 - Switch 2 in 2025 55:30 - Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League thoughts If you enjoy the show please do subscribe! I aim to be bringing you weekly episodes, every Sunday, fuelled by my coffee. Find on me twitter: https://twitter.com/K_D_B_ Find other stuff I do! Tapes From The Wastes (Fallout): https://twitter.com/TFTWpod Gears Intel (Gears of War): https://twitter.com/gears_intel First Aid Spray (Resident Evil): https://twitter.com/FASprayPod Two Carrots: https://twitter.com/TwoCarrotsPod Starfield Sandwich (Starfield): https://twitter.com/StarSandPod