The Game Deflators

Welcome back to The Game Deflators Podcast! This week, John and Ryan break down a packed lineup of major RPG leaks, classic retro milestones, Sony corporate revelations, and retro gaming reviews.
Chapters:0:00 – Intro and show housekeeping3:21 – John's pickups7:40 – What we're playing: Ryan discusses Control, ICO27:45 – Quick News: Metacritic score for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake32:23 – Quick News: The Elder Scrolls VI: Sentinel location reveal41:00 – Quick News: PlayStation earnings call and skewed digital vs. physical sales metrics   44:27 – Main Article: Sony removes PSVR 2 from the PlayStation web store as stock dries up   51:00 – Main Article: Itch.io deletes terabytes of generative AI slop   1:03:42 – Inflation-Deflation Game Review: Tapper on the Atari 2600
In quick news, Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls VI makes headlines as new details point to the setting officially taking players to Hammerfell under the subtitle Sentinel, though a release date remains elusive. Meanwhile, the guys celebrate The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time maintaining its iconic 96 Metacritic legacy, and analyze Sony's latest earnings call where executive commentary raised eyebrows regarding how hardware and ecosystem numbers are framed.
Moving into full articles, Sony has quietly removed the PSVR 2 from the official PlayStation Web Store as inventory completely dries up across major retailers like Amazon. Is Sony winding down hardware support for their virtual reality headset? Plus, indie game platform Itch.io takes a massive stand against generative AI by purging terabytes of "AI slop" in an effort to save their catalog from low-effort asset dumps.
To close out the show, John and Ryan head back to 1984 for a full retro review of Bally Midway's arcade classic ported home: Tapper on the Atari 2600!
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The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

John & Ryan tackle the $350 PS Vita Budget Challenge! Sharing console history, personal memories, and building their ultimate Vita physical game collections on a strict budget.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro24:41 Persona 4 Golden25:04 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster28:28 The Wolf Among Us29:38 Luminous Electronic Symphony31:06 Gundam Breaker 332:40 Metal Gear Solid Collection34:30 Minecraft37:00 Tearaway40:18 Borderlands 242:56 Child of Light45:04 The Swindle47:15 Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational48:38 Wipeout 204850:31 Yomawari: Midnight Shadows52:25 Gravity Rush
 
Welcome back to The Game Deflators Podcast! This week, John and Ryan tackle the ultimate handheld collecting challenge: building the perfect PlayStation Vita physical library on a strict $350 budget. The guys look back at the history of Sony's legendary "Little Engine That Could," sharing their personal experiences, original launch memories, and nostalgia for the OLED screen era.
Then, the real battle begins as each host crafts their definitive $350 budget haul—balancing must-own first-party heavy hitters like Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Tearaway with incredible value pickups like Persona 4 Golden, Lumines: Electronic Symphony, Hot Shots Golf, and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster.
Whether you’re a long-time Vita owner or looking to get into retro handheld collecting today, find out who built the ultimate value-packed lineup without breaking the bank!
 
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

John & Ryan react to Xbox potentially ditching discs for cartridges, a former PlayStation boss comments about video game ownership, BioWare's shutdown, PS5 updates, and PS1's Alien Trilogy!
Chapters:0:00 – Intro and show housekeeping1:30 – John's pickups (Magic cards, books, the Resistance find)6:30 – What we're playing: Sea of Stars, Resident Evil movies, Silent Hill23:45 – Ryan's pickups and what he's playing (Animal Crossing, Legend of the Dragoon, ICO)27:45 – Wizards earnings and Magic's paper sales34:15 – Ken Kutaragi's comments on game ownership40:50 – PS5 firmware and the jailbreak scene46:50 – BioWare's closure52:55 – Microsoft's cartridge idea for Helix58:45 – Game segment: Alien Trilogy
In heavy industry news, Hasbro's latest Q3 earnings report reveals surging tabletop revenue driven by strong paper Magic: The Gathering sales, proving physical card gaming is as alive as ever. Meanwhile, "Father of PlayStation" Ken Kutaragi sparks heated internet debate after declaring physical game discs a "metaphor" for game ownership, prompting the guys to unpack what his comments mean for collectors and the future of physical media. 
Over on the console front, Sony rushes out a brand-new PS5 system update as the scene edges closer to jailbreak exploits, and Electronic Arts drops a bombshell by officially shutting down BioWare after 30+ years, shelving early development on Mass Effect 5. To wrap up the news, rumors circulate around Microsoft’s next-gen Project Helix hardware as reports suggest Xbox might explore proprietary cartridges over optical Blu-ray discs. 
Finally, John and Ryan close out the show with a full retro review of Probe Entertainment’s 1996 32-bit survival horror FPS classic, Alien Trilogy for the original PlayStation!
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

Legendary voice actor Tim Kitzrow joins the podcast to talk NBA Jam, NFL Blitz, arcade memories, iconic catchphrases, and his work on Mutant Football League.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tim Kitzrow01:38 The Legacy of NBA Jam03:55 The Impact of Voice Acting in Gaming06:45 The Evolution of Sports Games10:03 The Journey into Voice Acting12:34 The Intersection of Writing and Performance15:23 Creating Memorable Game Moments18:13 The Future of Gaming with Mutant Football League23:18 The Evolution of NBA Jam and Its Cultural Impact25:55 Behind the Scenes: The Journey of Game Development29:54 The Changing Landscape of the Gaming Industry33:13 The Future of Voice Talent and AI in Gaming36:34 Exciting New Projects and Collaborations41:22 The Importance of Indie Game Developers
On this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, we sit down with absolute arcade royalty—the legendary voice actor Tim Kitzrow!
From yelling "He's on fire!" and "Is it the shoes?" in NBA Jam to delivering brutal play-by-play calls in NFL Blitz, MLB SlugFest, and NHL Hitz, Tim's voice defined the Golden Age of 90s arcade sports games.
We chat with Tim about the origins of his most famous catchphrases, what it was like working in the wild days of Midway Games, voicing classic pinball machines and his return to video game commentary in Mutant Football League. If you grew up pumping quarters into arcade cabinets, you do not want to miss this interview!
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

John & Ryan dive into GameStop officially scalping pre-owned PS5 Pros for $1,400, Xbox rejecting GTA 6 streaming, the OLED Portal leak, and Wizards' AI backlash!
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:26 Show Format01:01 LEGO Harry Potter and Family Gaming01:44 Game Pickups and Family Gaming Experiences03:48 Sea of Stars Progress06:42 Recent Game Plays and Impressions06:59 Ace Combat 8 First Impressions08:38 Silent Hill Townfall First Look09:06 Adventures of Elliot on Portal11:23 Retroid and Threads of Fate15:26 Industry News and Rumors17:06 PlayStation Portal Updates21:11 Unionization Efforts in Gaming23:35 The Future of Gaming and AI25:03 Wizards of the Coast and Market Dynamics25:56 GameStop's Pricing Strategies31:00 The Resurgence of Physical Media36:22 Inflation and Game Pricing Trends46:12 Next Week: Alien Trilogy47:24 Closing
In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan break down the biggest breaking stories in video games, starting with a massive retail controversy that has the entire community up in arms!
First up, GameStop is caught in the crosshairs after leaked internal memos and online listings revealed they are intentionally scalping pre-owned PS5 Pro consoles. With a staggering $1,400 to $1,500 price tag—pricing used units hundreds of dollars above Sony's MSRP ahead of the GTA 6 launch—we unpack this predatory pricing strategy and what it means for game retail.   
Next, explosive reports claim Xbox rejected Grand Theft Auto 6 PC streaming and exclusivity deals. We look at Microsoft's evolving approach and the lingering questions surrounding the rumor.
Then, handheld gamers rejoice! New Wi-Fi Alliance certifications point to a rumored OLED PlayStation Portal revision on the horizon. Plus, we cover Wizards of the Coast facing a major internal union revolt over generative AI pushes.
Finally, the guys finish the episode with a review of Medievil for the PlayStation 1.
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

John & Ryan dive into PlayStation's disc surveys, the new PS5 hardware revision, Steam's haystack slop, MTG's Zeta Set disaster, plus a retro vs modern Resident Evil review!
Chapters:00:00 Intro01:37 Game Pickups and Collectibles05:56 Current Games and Experiences16:34 Discussion on New PS5 Model and Features21:28 Xbox's Future and Market Position25:42 Wizards of the Coast Update on Zeta Set31:09 The Shift to Print on Demand32:54 Sony's Digital Future and Developer Concerns39:54 The Challenges of Physical Media Availability43:00 The Rise of AI-Generated Games46:53 A Look Back at Resident Evil's Legacy
In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan tackle a massive week in gaming news, console hardware stealth updates, tabletop controversies, and take a trip down memory lane with a special retro-to-modern review!
First up, PlayStation is reportedly sending massive surveys to game developers following severe backlash over their push to eliminate physical game discs. Are fans and devs finally forcing Sony into a major course correction?
Speaking of hardware, Sony has quietly launched a refreshed PlayStation 5 Slim model featuring crucial internal design changes. We break down the updated components and what this means for console longevity.
Then over in PC gaming, Steam’s total "slopification" hits a hilarious new low. We look into the sudden rise of "Haystack Simulators"—a bizarre trend of developers spamming copycat asset flips.
Wizards of the Coast also breaks their silence on the Secret Lair x MSCHF: The Zeta Set disaster. Following severe server crashes and widespread community outrage, WotC has issued a formal apology and a print-to-order run back.
Finally, we shift gears for our feature review! We put the original 1996 survival horror classic Resident Evil on the PS1 head-to-head against its PS4 port/remaster. How well does tank controls and fixed camera angles hold up decades later compared to modern console play?
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

The Game Deflators discuss Sea of Stars, Chrono Trigger, Ori and the Blind Forest, Sony's PS5 payment patent, Pokémon scalper backlash, Xbox layoffs, Microsoft ads, and review Life is Strange on PS4.Chapters:00:00 Intro03:20 Magic: The Gathering Deck Strategies06:15 Game Pickups and Miniatures09:18 Transistor: A Unique Gaming Experience12:13 Lego Jurassic Park: A Family Gaming Experience15:18 Chrono Trigger: A Timeless Classic18:14 Sea of Stars: A New Adventure21:07 Current Gaming Trends and News35:55 The Patent Controversy in Gaming41:12 Xbox's Restructuring and Halo's Future47:57 The Fallout Franchise and Obsidian's Role56:28 Life is Strange: A Deep Dive into Choices and Consequences
John and Ryan return with another week of gaming talk, starting with the games currently occupying their time. John continues his journey through Sea of Stars while revisiting the RPG classic Chrono Trigger, and Ryan wraps up his playthrough of Ori and the Blind Forest, sharing his thoughts on the acclaimed platformer.
The news segment kicks off with a surprising Sony patent that could potentially turn PS5 controllers into payment devices, prompting discussion about where gaming hardware may be headed in the future. The conversation then shifts to the Pokémon TCG world, where scalpers are expressing frustration over the accessibility of the new 30th Anniversary Pokémon card set.
Microsoft also enters the spotlight with a newly discovered patent that could introduce advertising opportunities following boss fights, cutscenes, and multiplayer matches, leading to a discussion about the future of monetization in gaming. The guys then break down the latest wave of Xbox restructuring news, including layoffs affecting teams across Microsoft, Activision, and Halo Studios, as well as reports that Obsidian will join Bethesda while leadership insists the studio will maintain its creative identity.
To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Life is Strange on PS4, as John and Ryan revisit the narrative adventure and evaluate whether its current value matches its reputation.
 
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
 

The Game Deflators pick the greatest platformers ever then each builds a $200 ideal collection, balancing nostalgia and value in gaming.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Platformers and Budgeting Games01:14 Super Mario All-Stars Plus World06:14 Ratchet and Clank10:57 Sly Cooper13:02 Donkey Kong Country 316:36 Mario 6419:33 Crash Bandicoot22:34 Spyro26:21 GRIS29:17 Castlevania32:36 Rayman Legends36:29 Speedrunners 239:36 Little Big Planet44:20 Sonic Mega Collection46:55 Inside/Limbo51:08 Screen Bound
John and Ryan kick off the episode by debating their picks for the top platformer games in video game history. From timeless staples like Super Mario and Donkey Kong to cult favorites like Sly Cooper. Along the way, they provided current pricing breakdowns and shared why each game resonates with them, blending personal passion with collector insight.
Each host receives $200 to compile their ideal video game collection. They walk through their strategies, explain the titles they prioritized, and break down how they balanced nostalgia and value. It’s a fun exercise in budget collecting that highlights the different ways gamers approach building a library.
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

The Game Deflators cover Kojima’s canceled Physint, PSP 4K/8K rumors, Ubisoft/Square opting out of Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital, Sony’s disc backlash, Nintendo Direct 2026, and Princess Tomato NES review.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Game Deflators Podcast03:17 Game Pickups and Magic Cards06:10 Transistor Gameplay Experience12:19 Ori Gameplay Challenges17:07 Kojima and Sony's Decisions24:01 Console Generations and Market Dynamics30:11 Future of Gaming: Handhelds and Digital Trends42:23 Wolverine Game Mechanics and Critiques44:19 Pre-Order Caution and Consumer Advice45:18 Sony's Customer Support Controversy49:37 Digital Ownership and Consumer Rights51:25 Nintendo Direct Review and Game Announcements53:36 Ocarina of Time Remake Controversy58:37 Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom Review
John and Ryan kick off the episode with their recent video game pickups and what they’re currently playing, including John diving into Transistor and Ryan exploring Ori and the Blind Forest. John also shares updates on his D&D miniature painting and a brutal one‑shot he recently ran where the players were meant to die.
The news segment begins with reports that Hideo Kojima’s Physint project was canceled by Sony before eventually landing at Xbox, sparking discussion about Sony’s shifting priorities. The guys then react to rumors that the next PSP successor may feature USB‑C, 4K/120Hz, and even 8K output — an unexpectedly powerful handheld concept.
Next, they break down the growing controversy around Microsoft’s Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital program as Ubisoft and Square Enix opt out, raising questions about publisher cooperation and long‑term preservation. Meanwhile, Sony faces intensifying backlash over its physical disc phase‑out, with reports that the company threatened to cut off customer support and pursue legal action amid harassment claims — all while insisting it will move forward with its no‑disc strategy despite lawsuits.
The guys also recap every major announcement from the September 2026 Nintendo Direct, highlighting standout trailers, surprises, and what Nintendo’s lineup looks like heading into 2027.
To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom on NES, as John and Ryan revisit the quirky adventure classic and evaluate its current market value.
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

The Game Deflators cover Hasbro’s MTG/D&D takeover, PlayStation’s digital push vs Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital, Sony’s courtroom stance, the Zeta Set fiasco, State of Play, and Harvest Moon SNES review.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode01:44 Game Pickups and Miniatures Discussion02:08 Miniatures and Micro-Scale Gaming05:24 Current Games: Lost Ember and Chrono Trigger07:40 Dungeons and Dragons Session Recap10:11 The Cave of the Lost One-Shot15:45 Injury Mechanics in D&D and Campaign Planning23:30 Digimon Nostalgia and Collector's Items25:31 Collector's Edition Shipping Issues29:12 Sony's Digital Future and Market Rumors31:26 Sony, Xbox, and Physical Media42:26 Digital Ownership and Consumer Rights45:22 PlayStation State of Play Review and Community Reactions47:18 State of Play Community Reaction47:46 The Digital Gaming Debate53:09 Magic: The Gathering Controversies54:02 Secret Lair Launch Problems59:18 Print-on-Demand Card Releases01:01:53 Harvest Moon: A Cozy Gaming Experience
John and Ryan open the show with their recent pickups and games played, including John’s progress on D&D miniature painting and a one‑shot campaign designed for the players to meet their end.
The news kicks off with Hasbro’s CEO temporarily stepping in to oversee MTG and D&D, sparking discussion about leadership changes and their impact on two of the biggest tabletop franchises.
They then dive into console strategy: PlayStation rumored to push harder toward an all‑digital future in response to Microsoft’s Xbox Disc‑to‑Digital program. Adding fuel to the fire, Sony told a courtroom that reasonable gamers know they don’t own digital games — a statement that raises eyebrows about consumer rights and ownership.
The guys also cover the Zeta Set debacle from Secret Lair, analyzing what went wrong and how fans reacted, before breaking down the recent Sony State of Play showcase.
To wrap things up, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week spotlights Harvest Moon on SNES, as John and Ryan revisit the farming classic and evaluate its current market value.
Find us on TheGameDeflators.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflatorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflatorsInstagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators
The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18