Critical Arcade

Hosted by Nick Hendrix

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Episodes

164

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the award-winning Critical Arcade Podcast, the ultimate destination for all things gaming. Every week, our hosts Nick and Dave will be taking you on a journey through the world of video games, where they’ll be reviewing the greatest releases through time, as well as diving into the rich history of gaming. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer looking for an in-depth analysis of the newest triple-A title or a casual player looking for some nostalgia-fueled fun, Nick and Dave have got you covered. They’ll be sharing their thoughts on the biggest and best games out there, from the latest indie darling to a classic from the past. But it’s not just about the games themselves; Nick and Dave will also be discussing the industry as a whole, covering the latest news and trends, and exploring the cultural impact that video games have on our society. They’ll also be talking to some of the biggest names in the industry, from developers to streamers, and getting their insights on the world of gaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 13, 202651 min

Hellraiser: Revival (2026) Pins & Needles

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick solve the worst puzzle box in history and discover that some doors are definitely better left closed as they descend into the nightmarish world of Hellraiser: Revival. Inspired by Clive Barker’s legendary horror franchise, this survival horror adventure plunges them into a twisted realm of pain, pleasure, and unspeakable horrors, where the Cenobites are always watching and the price of curiosity is considerably higher than anyone would like. Armed with the mysterious Genesis Configuration, they’ll have to navigate grotesque environments, confront terrifying enemies, and fight to survive a world where human suffering is practically an art form. As they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the shadows, Dave and Nick will discover that escaping this nightmare is easier said than done, especially when the inhabitants seem determined to turn every encounter into an extremely unpleasant experience. Will Dave keep his nerve when Pinhead and his Cenobite cronies come knocking? Can Nick resist the temptation to fiddle with mysterious puzzle boxes? And how long before the boys realise that, in the world of Hellraiser, solving your problems with a little box is probably the worst decision you could ever make? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 12, 202653 min

Star Wars: Galactic Racer (2026) This is the way...

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick fire up their engines, throw caution to the wind, and prepare to turn the Outer Rim into their own personal demolition derby in Star Wars: Galactic Racer! With the Empire gone and the galaxy looking for its next big obsession, an underground racing league has emerged where fortunes are won, rivalries are settled, and the only thing more dangerous than the tracks is the competition. Taking on the role of Shade, a lone racer with a score to settle, they'll enter the Galactic League in a high-speed battle for glory, revenge, and the chance to take down the ruthless champion Kestar Bool. From tearing across the dusty wastelands of Jakku to navigating treacherous alien landscapes, Dave and Nick will pilot everything from landspeeders and speeder bikes to good old-fashioned podracers. With dangerous shortcuts, customisable vehicles, rival racers, and plenty of opportunities to send the competition flying, winning isn't just about having the fastest ride — it's about knowing when to floor it and when to send your opponents into the nearest rock formation. Will Dave manage to keep his vehicle in one piece for more than five minutes? Can Nick resist treating every race like a personal vendetta? And how long before the boys discover that in a galaxy far, far away, road rage can involve several tonnes of machinery, a questionable braking strategy, and absolutely no insurance coverage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 11, 202655 min

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve (2026) Going Ballistic

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick strap themselves into the cockpit, fire up the afterburners, and prepare to turn the sky into their personal playground in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Taking to the skies as elite fighter pilots, they'll find themselves caught up in a high-stakes aerial conflict filled with enemy squadrons, massive battles, missile-filled dogfights, and enough explosions to make the world's air-traffic controllers quit on the spot. As they climb through the ranks, they'll take on increasingly dangerous missions, push their aircraft to the limit, and attempt to become the ultimate ace while uncovering the story behind the conflict. With spectacular aerial combat, huge set-piece battles, an impressive selection of aircraft, and the series' trademark radio chatter, Ace Combat 8 looks set to deliver plenty of high-flying action. Can Dave actually keep his aircraft in the sky? Will Nick spend more time admiring the jets than shooting them down? And how long before they realise that "just one more dogfight" is usually how you end up with a missile up your backside? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 6, 202654 min

Ghost of Yōtei (2026) Cold Cuts

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade in their modern conveniences for katanas, sake, and a serious case of revenge as they journey to the snowy wilderness of Ezo in Ghost of Yōtei. Taking on the role of Atsu, a wandering samurai seeking vengeance against the Yōtei Six who destroyed her family, they'll explore a beautiful and dangerous version of feudal Japan filled with samurai, ronin, deadly wildlife, and plenty of people who really don't appreciate being on the wrong end of a katana. As Atsu hunts down her targets, Dave and Nick will travel across frozen mountains, forests, villages, and breathtaking landscapes while mastering the art of the samurai. With brutal sword fights, new weapons, stealth, exploration, and plenty of opportunities to dramatically stare into the distance, revenge has never looked quite so gorgeous. Can Dave resist challenging every enemy to an honourable duel? Will Nick spend more time admiring the scenery than actually completing the mission? And how long before they realise that hunting six people across feudal Japan is probably going to be a very long weekend? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 21, 202658 min

Marvel's Wolverine (2026) Claw & Order

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pop their claws, crack their knuckles, and prepare to leave a trail of absolute carnage as they dive into Wolverine. Stepping into the boots of everyone's favourite foul-mouthed Canadian mutant, they'll follow Logan as he battles his way through a brutal world of mutants, mercenaries, and mysterious enemies while uncovering secrets buried deep within his violent past. Armed with an adamantium skeleton, a healing factor, and six very dangerous claws, Wolverine has never exactly been the diplomatic type. As Logan tears through his enemies, Dave and Nick will experience savage combat, brutal finishing moves, explosive set pieces, and plenty of opportunities to turn anyone standing in the way into mutant-shaped confetti. But will Dave remember that Wolverine can heal from practically anything? Can Nick resist solving every problem by simply popping the claws? And how long before they realise that when you're Wolverine, subtlety is less of a gameplay mechanic and more of a suggestion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 8, 202654 min

The Blood of Dawnwalker (2026) A Real Thirst Trap

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick find themselves plunged into a dark and brutal medieval world where the sun has gone down and the vampires have taken over. In Blood of the Dawnwalker, they step into the shoes of Coen, a young man who must balance his humanity with newfound vampiric powers while trying to save his family from the clutches of the mysterious vampire lord Brencis. With a world filled with bloodthirsty creatures, dangerous humans, ancient curses, and plenty of things that would rather eat them than talk to them, survival isn't going to be easy. As they explore the war-torn lands of Vale Sangora, they'll have to decide how to use Coen's powers while navigating a story where their choices can have serious consequences. Will Dave embrace the darkness or desperately cling to his humanity? Can Nick remember which enemies are better fought during the day? And how long before the boys realise that being a vampire sounds considerably cooler than it actually is? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 31, 202649 min

Onimusha: Way of the Sword (2026) Oni Fans

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick travel back to feudal Japan and prepare to face an army of demons in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Taking on the role of Miyamoto Musashi, they find themselves caught in a supernatural battle against the terrifying Genma, armed with a mystical Oni Gauntlet and a sword that is definitely going to see some action. As they fight their way through a dark and twisted version of Edo-period Japan, they'll uncover a story filled with samurai, demons, ancient magic, and some seriously unpleasant things hiding in the shadows. With brutal sword combat, spectacular finishing moves, monstrous enemies, and plenty of opportunities to make things significantly more violent than they probably need to be, Way of the Sword looks set to bring the classic Onimusha formula into the modern era. Will Dave remember to block before getting his face chopped off? Can Nick resist absorbing every soul he sees? And how long before they realise that, once again, Dave and Nick probably weren't the best people to send on a demon-slaying mission? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 27, 202647 min

Ys I & II (1989) No Button, Just Bonk

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their swords and head off on another grand adventure in Ys I & II Chronicles+. Taking on the role of legendary red-haired adventurer Adol Christin, they find themselves caught up in an ancient mystery involving magical Books of Ys, powerful priests, mysterious goddesses, and an army of demons that clearly need to find better hobbies. Their journey takes them from the peaceful town of Minea to dangerous mines, mysterious ruins, and the towering Darm Tower, before eventually uncovering the secrets of the ancient land of Ys. With fast-paced combat, colourful characters, charming visuals, and one of gaming's most memorable soundtracks, Ys I & II Chronicles+ shows why this classic action RPG series has stood the test of time. Will Dave master the legendary art of bumping into enemies until they explode? Can Nick keep track of all the ancient prophecies and mysterious characters? And how long before Adol's magnificent red hair becomes the most important character in the entire adventure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 12, 202640 min

Norco (2022) Southern Discomfort

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave the bright lights behind and head deep into the humid, industrial, and downright bizarre world of Norco. After the death of her mother, Kay returns to her hometown in the swamps of Louisiana, only to discover that her brother Blake has mysteriously disappeared. What starts as a search for a missing sibling quickly spirals into a strange mystery involving a powerful petrochemical company, religious cults, mysterious robots, surveillance technology, and a town that seems to be hiding more secrets than it has residents. As they explore the decaying streets, flooded swamps, abandoned buildings, and sprawling industrial facilities of Norco, Dave and Nick will slowly uncover a story about family, grief, corporate greed, environmental destruction, and the strange ways people try to survive in a world that seems determined to leave them behind. With its gorgeous pixel art, unsettling atmosphere, dark humour, and wonderfully weird characters, Norco is equal parts detective story, southern gothic nightmare, and surprisingly heartfelt family drama. Will Dave manage to piece together the increasingly bizarre mystery surrounding Kay's family? Can Nick keep track of all the strange characters, cults, conspiracies, and robots? And most importantly, how long will it take before they both start questioning whether anything happening in Norco actually makes sense? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 24, 202646 min

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (2002) Nostalgia Off The Rails

Is RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 really one of the greatest management games ever made, or are we remembering it through rose-tinted glasses? This week on Critical Arcade , The List sent us back to RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 , the legendary 2002 theme park simulator developed by Chris Sawyer and published by Infogrames . More than twenty years later, we revisit one of PC gaming's most influential tycoon games to see whether it still deserves its legendary reputation. We discuss everything from the complete lack of a narrative, the charming isometric visuals, authentic sound design, and the iconic custom roller coaster builder, to the surprisingly unstable performance we encountered on modern hardware. Along the way we compare it with games like Theme Park World , Planet Zoo , Zoo Tycoon 2 , and the modern Two Point series to ask whether management games have simply evolved beyond RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. Most surprisingly, we couldn't even agree on the final verdict. One of us still sees a timeless classic, while the other would rather revisit Theme Park World. Do you think RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 still holds up in 2026, or has nostalgia been doing the heavy lifting all these years? 🎮 New episodes every week. The List decides what we play. We decide whether history got it right. #RollerCoasterTycoon2 #RollerCoasterTycoon #ChrisSawyer #ThemePark #TycoonGames #PCGaming #RetroGaming #GamingPodcast #SimulationGames #CriticalArcade Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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