The Game Deflators

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts John and Ryan discuss a variety of topics including their recent game pickups, experiences with movie-based video games, and personal updates. They delve into the unique RPG mechanics of Valkyrie Profile, share their thoughts on the anime Record of Ragnarok, and review the indie game Iron Lung. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Magic the Gathering's secret layers, Valve's Steam Machine delays, and the announcement of a new Horizon game. The episode concludes with a review of The Page Master as part of their Inflation Deflation Challenge.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:26 Exploring Movie-Based Video Games05:05 Game Pickups and Drafting Magic The Gathering08:32 Valkyrie Profile: Gameplay Insights12:22 Record of Ragnarok: Anime Discussion16:26 Iron Lung: Indie Game and Movie Review21:04 Fighting Game Journey: Snackbox Micro and Guilty Gear Strive28:13 Walking and Gaming: Dragon Quest XI Experience32:37 The Evolving Landscape of JRPGs36:10 Wizards of the Coast and the Secret Layer Dilemma40:55 Final Fantasy Board Game Announcement44:11 Valve's Steam Machines Delayed55:13 New Horizon Game Announcement01:01:09 The Page Master Game Review
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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

On this week's Game Deflators podcast episode, John and Ryan are back with a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry hot takes, and a double dose of Highguard discourse.
The episode kicks off with fresh gaming updates as the guys break down what they’ve been playing, what’s caught their attention.
From there, they dive into Highguard’s rocky reception, comparing its early reviews to other notoriously low‑rated titles. Is the criticism fair, or is this another case of the internet dog‑piling a new release?
The conversation then shifts to censorship in gaming, with Nintendo’s recent decision to censor Dispatch taking center stage. John and Ryan break down why this move feels out of step with the company’s own history, especially considering similar or even more provocative titles that previously launched on Nintendo platforms without edits. They explore what might be driving this sudden change and whether it signals a new, less predictable approach to content approval going forward.
Next, the duo speculates on Switch 2 pricing, weighing hardware rumors, and market trends. They also turn their attention to the future of PlayStation 6, discussing delays, shifting expectations, and what Sony needs to do to regain momentum.
Finally, the guys return to Highguard for a full hero shooter review and critique, breaking down gameplay, design choices, and whether the title has the potential to grow—or if it’s destined to fade fast.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast03:12 3D Printing Adventures and New Gear06:03 Gaming Updates: Plucky Squire and Feedback09:11 Voice Acting in Games: A Discussion12:14 The Impact of AI in Gaming Voiceovers15:12 Speedrunning and Community Dynamics18:04 High Guard and Game Reception21:10 Censorship in Gaming: Nintendo's Decisions26:57 Nintendo's Innuendos and the Switch 2 Price Predictions33:16 The Future of PlayStation: Delays and Expectations44:08 Highguard: A Hero Shooter Review and Critique
 
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

In this episode of the Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed week of gaming chatter. They kick things off with their latest pickups and what’s been spinning in their consoles, including early impressions of the charming new adventure Plucky Squire. The conversation heats up as they break down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026, spotlighting standout announcements and examining how Ubisoft’s recent wave of project cancellations could reshape the industry.
Amid the news roundup, the duo tackles one of the week’s biggest talking points: rumors that the PlayStation 6 may launch as a hybrid console, blending traditional power with portable flexibility. They explore what this could mean for Sony’s strategy and how it might shift the competitive landscape.
To wrap things up, John and Ryan jump into a deep-dive inflation–deflation challenge featuring Final Fantasy XIII, dissecting its combat, visuals, legacy, and whether its current market value holds up today.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:54 Game Pickups and Current Playthroughs05:20 Challenges in Prince of Persia07:30 Exploring Plucky Squire10:51 Nostalgia and Movie References12:21 Speedrunning and Game Challenges17:09 Discussion on Game Licensing and Pricing20:45 The Future of Portable Consoles29:19 Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Insights38:46 The Evolution of Pokémon Games42:48 Excitement for Fable's Return45:36 The Future of Fable: Choice and Consequence47:35 Ubisoft's Project Cancellations and Studio Closures49:55 The Downward Spiral of Ubisoft: Management Issues54:32 Final Fantasy XIII: A Mixed Legacy
 
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 and Ryan return with a jam‑packed conversation that swings from tabletop quiet spells to the wild frontiers of modern gaming culture. They kick things off by digging into why Dungeons & Dragons has been unusually silent in 2025, exploring the slowdown in new book releases and what it might mean for longtime fans.
From there, the discussion shifts to the trading‑card world, where the duo reacts to the surprising new policy requiring One Piece card game products to be opened upon purchase at local game stores. That leads into a deeper look at the ongoing scalping issues plaguing the One Piece TCG and how scarcity, hype, and opportunism are affecting the community.
Collecting chaos doesn’t stop there. John and Ryan take a closer look at the cost of Pokémon LEGO sets and what’s driving their premium price tags. They wrap up with a breakdown of the GameStop digital game lawsuit.
Capping off the episode for their ongoing theme for January—Agonizingly Long Tutorials Month—is a spotlight on Red Dead Redemption 2. The guys reflect on the game’s famously slow, cinematic onboarding and how it sets the tone for one of the most immersive open‑world experiences ever made.
00:00 Intro11:48 Why Dungeons and Dragons has been quite in 2025 in terms of new books23:23 Ryan's Pokémon Emerald Legacy Update27:26 Pokémon Nostalgia and Gaming Adventures31:29 One piece card game now requiring to be opened upon purchase for local game stores39:06 Scalping Issues in the One Piece TCG45:01 The High Cost of Pokémon LEGO Sets54:58 GameStop's Digital Game Lawsuit
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John and Ryan return with a packed episode full of fresh pickups, tough gameplay impressions, and a look at the latest industry buzz. Ryan dives into his ongoing run through Returnal, breaking down the game’s relentless roguelike loops and the thrill of surviving its bullet‑hell chaos. John follows up with his experience playing Stellar Blade, sharing thoughts on its combat, pacing, and whether it delivers on its stylish promise.
The guys also tackle two big stories shaking up the gaming world. First, they discuss new data showing that the most‑played PlayStation and Xbox games of 2025 were virtually unchanged from 2024, with juggernauts like Fortnite, Roblox, GTA V, Minecraft, and Call of Duty continuing to dominate player time despite a wave of new releases. Then they dig into the heated debate surrounding the rumored PS6 price point, as speculation about a higher‑than‑expected launch cost has fans split and wondering what the next generation will look like.
To wrap things up, it’s time for this month’s theme: Video Games With Agonizing Tutorials. The Inflation Deflation Challenge spotlights The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Does its famously slow intro still drag the experience down, and where does the game’s value sit today?
00:00 Introduction14:14 Current Gaming Picks and Experiences25:04 Analysis of Most Played Games29:18 The Impact of Sandbox Games31:06 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entertainment33:57 The Evolution of Gaming Preferences36:44 Anticipating the Next Console Generation39:07 The Impact of Game Availability on Consoles42:05 The Future of Gaming and Streaming44:21 The Legacy of Zelda Games56:49 Collecting and Valuing Video Game Guides
 
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In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed week of gaming chatter, starting with a look at their latest pickups. John reveals an unexpectedly massive haul of Dungeons & Dragons books, while Ryan contemplates purchasing a PlayStation Portal.
The conversation then shifts to industry news, where John and Ryan unpack reports of rising RAM costs and what that could mean for a potential PlayStation 5 price increase. They also discuss the recent separation of GOG from CD Projekt’s corporate structure, exploring what this move might signal for the future of DRM‑free gaming and why it matters to players who value ownership and preservation.
From there, the duo jumps into this week’s game review, putting the original Driver for the PlayStation through its paces. They revisit the game’s notoriously tough tutorial, its cinematic car chases, and the legacy it left on the genre, all while debating whether its current market price truly reflects the experience it offers today.
 
00:00 Introduction and Game Picks09:53 D&D Book Collection and Value19:53 Current Gaming Experiences26:51 GOG's New Ownership and Future30:10 PlayStation 5 Price Hike Discussion32:30 Driver Game Review: Nostalgia vs. Reality
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry trends, and a retro review that hits all the right notes.
They kick things off with their latest game pickups and what’s been dominating their playtime, setting the stage for a broader look at how modern gaming continues to evolve. From convoluted pre‑order bonuses to the growing mess of fragmented game editions, the duo breaks down why these trends are frustrating players and reshaping expectations.
The conversation then shifts to the serious legal battles currently facing major video game companies. John and Ryan explore how these lawsuits raise tough questions about accountability, addiction, and the responsibilities developers have toward their audiences.
On a more uplifting note, the hosts spotlight Sandfall Interactive’s new DLC for Clare Obscure Expedition 33, praising its generous free content and thoughtful difficulty adjustments. They also take time to discuss AI’s expanding role in game development sparks a lively debate between the two — where it helps, where it hurts, and why opinions across the industry are so divided.
To wrap things up, John and Ryan revisit Lumines on the PSP for this week’s retro review, digging into why this rhythm‑puzzle classic still shines years later.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast01:24 Recent Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming05:19 Current Games and Gameplay Experiences23:00 Trends to End in 202633:03 News of the Week and Closing Thoughts33:42 The Impact of Video Games on Children46:14 The Role of AI in Game Development52:10 Game Difficulty and Player Experience01:05:22 Luminous Puzzle Fusion: A Classic Review
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts Jon and Ryan dive into their latest game pickups, including the cult favorite Sky Gunner and a stack of retro gaming books. They also share fresh updates from their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, highlighting new character arcs, unexpected encounters, and the chaos their parties have stirred up.
From there, the conversation shifts to their favorite games of the year—what stood out, what fell short, and which titles earned a spot on their personal lists. To wrap things up, they take on another round of the inflation‑deflation challenge, this time putting the holiday oddity Daze Before Christmas under scrutiny to see whether its current market price is naughty or nice.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast02:17 Game Pickups and Recent Acquisitions06:21 Dungeons & Dragons Updates and Campaign Recaps12:18 Homebrewing D&D Campaigns and Storytelling Techniques18:14 The Role of AI in Game Mastering26:06 Game Reviews and Recommendations28:40 The Plucky Squire: A Charming Adventure30:59 Games of the Year: A Reflection on Favorites40:39 Looking Ahead: New Games Resolutions47:29 Elder Gamers: A 92-Year-Old Champion51:59 Magic: The Gathering's New Casual Format56:42 Exploring Days Before Christmas Game01:03:21 The Lack of Christmas Games01:10:05 Looking Ahead to New Year's Games
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

In this week’s episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan bring a packed agenda to the table. The duo kicks things off with fresh updates from their ongoing Strixhaven D&D campaign, sharing the latest twists, character antics, and how the story is evolving.
Looking ahead, they set their New Games Resolutions for 2026, laying out the titles they’re determined to play, backlog goals, and what they hope to accomplish as gamers in the new year.
The conversation then shifts to the 2025 Game Awards, where John and Ryan break down the highlights of the show, their favorite (and least favorite) trailers, and whether the event lived up to the hype.
Adding a more analytical angle, the hosts dive into a new Boston Consulting Group report on gamer purchasing habits, exploring what the data says about how players are spending, and what it could mean for the industry moving forward.
Finally, they wrap things up with a retro spotlight: a review of Batman Returns for the SNES, revisiting the beat ’em up classic to see if it still holds up today.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:17 Recent Game Pickups and D&D Updates03:36 D&D Campaign Adventures and Challenges10:58 Future Campaign Plans and Game Mechanics19:39 Current Gaming Experiences and New Game Resolutions27:48 Nostalgia in Collectibles and Blind Boxes28:21 Exploring Metal Gear Solid: A Legendary Experience34:19 New Game Resolutions and Game Picks38:08 Game Awards Highlights and Reactions49:17 Exciting Game Trailers and Anticipations56:43 The Changing Landscape of Gaming Purchases01:01:03 Backlogs and Gaming Habits01:04:31 Inflation vs. Deflation: Game Pricing Discussion
 
Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com  
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, John and Ryan discuss their recent game pickups and titles they are currently playing. The guys then delve into the topic of nostalgia in gaming, questioning whether classic titles hold up to modern standards. The conversation shifts to industry news, including Mark Cerny's thoughts on Legend of the Dragoon and the ongoing lawsuit between Tencent and Sony. Finally, they finish things off with a review of Home Alone on NES.00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast03:15 Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming Plans06:12 Current Gaming Experiences: Stellar Blade and More09:12 Nostalgia in Gaming: Revisiting Classic Titles12:14 Mark Cerny's Thoughts on Legend of the Dragoon15:16 The Impact of Nostalgia on Game Quality18:10 Exploring Backlogs and Gaming Resolutions34:18 Industry Lawsuits and Game Clones39:17 Horizon Franchise Discussion46:16 Magic: The Gathering and Game Collaborations51:08 Home Alone NES Game Review
Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com  
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18