Critical Arcade

Эпизоды

• 
  RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (2002) Nostalgia Off The Rails 24.07.2026 46мин

  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.
• 
  Papers, Please (2013) One More Stamp 16.07.2026 54мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave behind the power fantasies of saving kingdoms and slaying monsters to take on one of gaming's most mundane—and surprisingly stressful—jobs. As the newly appointed immigration inspector at the Grestin border checkpoint in the communist state of Arstotzka, they'll spend their days checking passports, stamping documents, interrogating suspicious travellers, and trying to spot forged paperwork before it slips through the cracks. Every mistake costs money, every fine comes out of their wages, and with a family relying on them back home, the pressure quickly begins to mount.But as the days pass, the simple routine of checking documents gives way to something far more sinister. Terrorist attacks, political unrest, underground resistance groups, and heartbreaking personal stories force them to question whether following the rules is always the right thing to do. Do they obey the state and protect their livelihood, or risk everything to help those caught in the gears of a brutal bureaucracy? Every decision has consequences, and there are no easy answers.Will Dave's soft heart bankrupt his family before the end of the month? Can Nick keep track of the ever-growing mountain of rules without accidentally letting a wanted criminal stroll into Arstotzka? And just how many times will they mutter "Papers, please" before they start saying it in real life? Glory to Arstotzka! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Descent (1995) The Forgotten Frontier 03.07.2026 53мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick descend into one of gaming's most forgotten milestones: Descent. Released in 1995, this groundbreaking shooter dared to ask one simple question: what if "up" didn't exist? Armed with a tiny spacecraft, an ever-growing arsenal of futuristic weapons, and a map that somehow manages to make you more lost, our fearless duo blast their way through twisting mines filled with rogue mining robots and enough laser fire to make any insurance company nervous.Along the way, they uncover why this little DOS game deserves far more credit than history has given it, from pioneering true 3D environments and six degrees of freedom to positional audio that could literally save your life. Will Dave finally find the exit before the reactor explodes? And will Nick ever figure out which way is actually up? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Planet Zoo (2019) Nature, Nurture, And Numbers 26.06.2026 55мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade apocalyptic wastelands and alien worlds for zookeeping spreadsheets as they dive into the wonderfully chaotic world of Planet Zoo. Armed with little more than a dream, a limited budget, and an alarming lack of veterinary qualifications, they set out to build the ultimate wildlife park. From designing sprawling habitats for majestic lions and playful otters to dealing with escaped animals, unhappy guests, and the ever-present threat of financial ruin, every decision could mean the difference between conservation success and complete catastrophe.Join them as they wrestle with the game's incredible attention to detail, marvel at the realistic animal behaviors, and spend far too much time trying to align paths that absolutely refuse to cooperate. Will Dave create a thriving sanctuary worthy of international acclaim, or accidentally build the world's most expensive petting zoo? And can Nick resist spending hours perfecting a single habitat while the rest of the zoo falls apart around him? Tune in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  SoulCalibur III (2005) Ring Outs And Rivalries 18.06.2026 58мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick polish their weapons, choose their fighting styles, and step onto the stage of history once again as they dive into the world of Soulcalibur III. Set in a turbulent age where legends are forged in steel and destiny is decided by the sword, warriors from across the globe are drawn toward the cursed blade known as Soul Edge. Some seek its immense power, others wish to destroy it, but all roads lead to conflict.From the disciplined strikes of Mitsurugi and Sophitia to the unpredictable antics of Voldo and Yoshimitsu, Dave and Nick battle their way through one of the most beloved entries in the franchise. Along the way they experience the game's extensive roster, beautiful fantasy settings, and enough weapon clashes to make a blacksmith nervous. But Soulcalibur III isn't content with simply being a fighting game. The duo also venture into the ambitious Chronicles of the Sword mode, where custom-created warriors command armies, capture strongholds, and become part of an entirely new story unfolding alongside the main narrative.Will Nick spend more time creating the world's most ridiculous custom fighter than actually learning combos? Can Dave survive five minutes without button-mashing his way into defeat? And how many times will the words "just one more match" be uttered before they realize it's three o'clock in the morning?Join them as they revisit a true PlayStation 2 classic to discover whether Soulcalibur III remains a legendary warrior worthy of its reputation, or if time has finally dulled the edge of its blade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Dear Esther (2012) Walking Through Grief 28.05.2026 45мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave behind explosions, loot drops, and skill trees for something far stranger and far more introspective as they step onto the lonely shores of Dear Esther. Guided only by the sound of crashing waves and the voice of an unreliable narrator, they journey across a bleak and beautiful Hebridean island while uncovering fragments of letters written to a woman named Esther. What begins as a simple walk soon spirals into a deeply atmospheric mystery involving grief, guilt, loss, drunkenness, and possibly something supernatural lurking beneath the island itself.As they traverse abandoned cottages, dark sea caves, and the remains of a wrecked ship, Dave and Nick attempt to piece together a story that refuses to give easy answers. Every landmark, strange chemical diagram, and half-whispered monologue seems to hint at hidden meaning, leaving the two desperately trying to determine what is real and what exists only in the narrator’s fractured mind. Is this a ghost story? A meditation on mourning? Or just the world’s saddest hiking simulator?Along the way, Nick struggles to stop overanalysing every rock pile like it belongs in an English literature exam, while Dave slowly loses his patience trying to figure out whether the game is profound genius or deliberately messing with him. Can the pair survive a game where the greatest enemy is symbolism itself? And how many times will Nick dramatically whisper “I think the island represents death” before Dave threatens to mute his microphone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Crazy Taxi (2000) A Real Fare Ground 22.05.2026 49мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick slam the accelerator to the floor and dive headfirst into the loud, chaotic, and gloriously unhinged world of Crazy Taxi. Trading in safe driving practices for near-death shortcuts, they hit the streets of West Coast City as a group of wildly reckless taxi drivers determined to earn the biggest fares possible by any means necessary. Whether it’s launching their cab off parking garages, drifting through packed intersections, or somehow treating public staircases as legitimate roads, every second becomes a battle against the clock, traffic, and basic human survival instincts.Along the way, Dave and Nick ferry a cast of increasingly demanding passengers across the city, all while the iconic punk soundtrack screams in the background and pedestrians dive for cover. From discovering absurd hidden shortcuts to accidentally sending their cab airborne for far longer than physics should allow, the mayhem only escalates as they chase bigger tips and higher scores. Can Dave resist the urge to obey actual traffic laws for more than thirty seconds? Will Nick spend the entire episode trying to recreate stunts that clearly were never intended by the developers? And most importantly, how many innocent lamp posts will survive their journey through one of arcade gaming’s most chaotic cities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Ninja Gaiden (1988) The Blueprint For Brutal 13.05.2026 50мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick sharpen their blades and prepare for a brutal journey through the streets of America in Ninja Gaiden. They step into the role of legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa after returning home to discover his father has been killed in a mysterious duel with a man named Jaquio. Following clues left behind by his father, Ryu journeys to America where he becomes entangled with the CIA, a shadowy criminal organization, and a plot involving two ancient demon statues said to hold unimaginable power. Along the way, he battles armed soldiers, mutant creatures, and an army of relentless birds that may be the game’s true final boss.As Ryu races to stop Jaquio from resurrecting an ancient evil, Dave and Nick will relive one of the NES era’s most notoriously difficult action games—complete with cinematic cutscenes that were way ahead of their time. Will Nick keep his cool when enemies respawn every two seconds? And how long before Dave starts a personal vendetta against those dive-bombing birds? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Saros (2026) Total Eclipse Of The Heart 05.05.2026 51мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick are launched into the haunting sci-fi world of Saros, where they awaken on the lost colony world of Carcosa—a planet trapped beneath a permanent eclipse and crawling with horrors that seem determined to make their stay as unpleasant as possible. Taking on the role of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer searching for answers about a vanished colony and a mysterious figure tied to his past, they’ll fight their way through shifting landscapes, crumbling alien ruins, and relentless waves of terrifying creatures that only get deadlier the deeper they go.But survival won’t come easy. In true roguelike fashion, every death resets their journey while permanently altering the world around them, unlocking new abilities, weapons, and upgrades that may—or may not—help them survive the next run. As the mystery of Carcosa begins to unravel, Dave and Nick will need quick reflexes, smart builds, and far more patience than either of them usually possesses. Will Nick become hopelessly addicted to creating the perfect build? Will Dave spend half the episode blaming the controls for his repeated deaths? And just how long will it take both of them to realise that running directly at giant alien monsters is rarely a winning strategy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Ape Out (2019) Rhythm of Rage 30.04.2026 41мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave go bananas as they charge headfirst into the explosive, jazz-fuelled madness of Ape Out. Locked away in captivity, they take control of a powerful gorilla determined to smash through cages, corridors, laboratories, and anyone foolish enough to stand in the way of freedom. Every level becomes a desperate breakout as guards swarm in with guns, traps close in from every angle, and the soundtrack erupts into chaotic drums that react to every shove, slam, and body sent crashing through windows.With its bold comic-book visuals and relentless pace, Ape Out turns every escape attempt into a violent rhythm of panic and destruction. Nick and Dave must use momentum, timing, and pure brute force to survive wave after wave of increasingly armed enemies while searching for the next route to freedom. Can Dave stay calm when bullets start flying from every direction? Will Nick spend the whole episode praising the soundtrack instead of actually playing? And just how many guards can one angry ape launch through a door before someone calls security? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Starfield (2026) In Space Nobody Can Hear You Yawn! 23.04.2026 55мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave power up the grav drive, polish their space boots, and blast off into the sprawling universe of Starfield. Set hundreds of years in the future, humanity has left Earth behind and spread across the Settled Systems, where rival factions, ruthless pirates, shady corporations, and mysterious alien artifacts all compete for control. Joining the explorers of Constellation, the boys set out on a journey across distant planets, crowded neon cities, dusty frontier outposts, and the endless black of space itself.From dogfights among the stars to tense firefights on forgotten moons, they’ll need to survive dangerous mercenaries, uncover ancient secrets, and somehow keep their ship from becoming a flying storage locker full of useless loot. Will Dave spend three hours decorating the captain’s quarters instead of saving the galaxy? And can Nick go five minutes without immediately siding with smugglers, bounty hunters, or anyone offering questionable side quests? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss (2026) Whispers From The Deep 16.04.2026 52мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick plunge headfirst into the terrifying depths of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. Set in 2026, this cosmic horror adventure sends them to a remote deep-sea research station after contact with the facility is mysteriously lost. What begins as a rescue mission quickly spirals into a nightmare as they uncover flooded corridors, broken laboratories, missing crew members, and evidence of something ancient stirring far below the ocean floor. Strange symbols cover the walls, voices whisper through the darkness, and the deeper they descend, the more reality itself begins to unravel.Forced to manage dwindling resources, solve unsettling puzzles, and survive encounters with grotesque creatures that should not exist, Dave and Nick must piece together the truth behind the station’s experiments and the monstrous entity awakening in the abyss. Every answer comes at the cost of their sanity, and some doors are better left unopened.Will Dave keep his nerve when the walls start breathing? Can Nick stop trying to befriend horrors beyond human comprehension? And just how many times will they ignore the obvious warning signs before summoning something with too many eyes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Pragmata (2026) Smart Systems, Soft Story 13.04.2026 49мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick leave Earth behind and head to a cold, silent lunar research station in Pragmata, where something has gone very, very wrong. What was meant to be a straightforward mission soon turns into a desperate fight for survival as they uncover a facility overrun by malfunctioning machines, dangerous security systems, and secrets buried deep beneath the moon’s surface.Along the way, they encounter Diana, a mysterious young android girl with abilities far beyond anything they expected. Teaming up with her, the pair must navigate collapsing corridors, solve high-tech puzzles, and outsmart hostile AI forces while trying to piece together the truth behind the station’s downfall and what it means for the future of humanity.Can Dave focus long enough to stop staring at the shiny sci-fi visuals? Will Nick lose patience the moment the first hacking puzzle appears? And just how many times will they confidently head the wrong way in zero gravity? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Screamer (2026) Style Over Substance? 08.04.2026 51мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave strap themselves in and dive headfirst into the breakneck, neon-soaked world of Screamer (2026)—a high-speed reboot that takes street racing to a whole new level of chaos. Set in a gritty, dystopian future where corporations pull the strings and underground racing leagues rule the streets, the duo finds themselves battling through a brutal competition where every race could be their last. This isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about survival, reputation, and uncovering the truth behind the engines.From the moment they hit the accelerator, it’s clear this isn’t your typical racer. With hyper-aggressive AI drivers, destructible environments, and vehicles that feel like they’re barely holding together at 300 km/h, Nick and Dave are pushed to their limits. They’ll customize their rides with experimental tech, push through hazardous tracks that weave through dense cyberpunk cities and scorched wastelands, and try to stay one step ahead of rival racers who are more than happy to knock them off the road.But beneath the screeching tires and explosive crashes lies something deeper. As they progress through the racing circuit, hints of a larger conspiracy begin to surface—one involving the corporations funding the league and the true purpose behind these deadly races. Nick attempts to piece together the story while still somehow winning races, while Dave is… mostly focused on how to drift with two analog sticks.Will Nick master the tight controls and finally dominate the leaderboard, or will one wrong turn send him spinning into last place? Can Dave resist the urge to turn every race into a demolition derby? Start your engines—this episode is loud, chaotic, and completely out of control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The Long Dark (2017) Snow Way Out 26.03.2026 50мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick bundle up, strike a match, and step into the frozen wilderness of The Long Dark. After a mysterious plane crash leaves them stranded in the Canadian wilds, survival becomes the only goal—and nature isn’t playing fair.With no zombies, no monsters, and no one coming to help, it’s just man versus the cold. Managing hunger, fatigue, and freezing temperatures, every decision matters as they scavenge, hunt, and try not to become wolf food. What starts as a simple search for answers quickly turns into a tense, methodical fight to stay alive.But here’s the twist—despite scoring it a C+, this game completely hooked them. Is The Long Dark proof that immersion matters more than individual parts? Or are Dave and Nick just one bad blizzard away from losing their minds?Light the fire… if you still can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Monster Hunter Stories 3 (2026) The Splice Age 17.03.2026 48мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their Rider gear, polish their Kinship Stones, and venture into the vibrant monster-filled world of Monster Hunter Stories 3. Unlike the traditional monster-slaying chaos of the main series, this time they’re building bonds instead of crafting boots out of everything that moves. Stepping into the role of a young Rider, they hatch monster eggs, raise powerful companions known as Monsties, and explore a sprawling world where something strange is causing normally peaceful creatures to turn aggressive.As the mystery unfolds, Dave and Nick team up with fellow Riders and researchers to investigate the growing disturbances affecting monsters across the land. From sneaking into dangerous monster dens to stealing eggs while the parents are definitely still nearby, the adventure quickly turns into a mix of exploration, strategy, and questionable decision-making. Along the way they’ll encounter familiar monsters from across the franchise, build powerful Kinship attacks with their Monsties, and dive into the series’ unique rock-paper-scissors battle system.But while the world is bright and charming, the stakes are anything but small. Strange environmental changes, rogue monsters, and a looming threat tied to ancient Rider legends begin to surface, forcing our heroes to uncover the truth before the fragile bond between humans and monsters collapses completely.Will Dave become emotionally attached to every monster he hatches? Will Nick spend more time optimizing battle strategies or laughing at the ridiculous names Dave gives his Monsties? And how many eggs can two Riders steal before an angry Rathalos finally catches them in the act? Saddle up and find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Marathon (2026) Worth the Run? 09.03.2026 47мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Nick and Dave suit up, check their ammo, and step into the brutal corporate battleground of Marathon. Set on the mysterious colony world of Tau Ceti IV, they take on the role of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners—scavengers sent into dangerous zones to recover lost tech, alien artifacts, and anything valuable enough to make their corporate masters rich.The catch? They’re not the only ones hunting. Rival Runners, hostile security systems, and whatever strange remnants were left behind after the colony’s disappearance all stand between them and extraction. Every mission is a high-risk dash for survival where teamwork, quick thinking, and a little bit of luck can mean the difference between walking away with a fortune… or losing everything you brought in.Will Nick actually manage to extract with some decent loot for once? Can Dave resist the urge to pick up absolutely everything that isn’t nailed down? And how long will it take before one of them realizes they’ve been loudly sprinting toward a squad of heavily armed Runners? Tune in as they dive headfirst into the chaotic, high-stakes world of Marathon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Resident Evil Requiem (2026) Requiem For A Scream 03.03.2026 52мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick steel their nerves and step into the slow-burning dread of Resident Evil Requiem, a haunting new entry in Capcom’s iconic survival horror series. Set in a world rotting from the inside out, Requiem trades bombastic action for suffocating atmosphere, forcing the duo to creep through crumbling environments where every shadow feels suspicious and every sound could mean death.As they piece together the aftermath of horrific experiments and long-buried secrets, Dave and Nick must carefully manage limited resources, solve unsettling puzzles, and survive encounters with nightmarish new creatures that seem designed purely to induce panic. Familiar Resident Evil tension is dialed up to uncomfortable levels, with narrow corridors, unreliable lighting, and enemies that refuse to stay down.Will Dave spend the entire episode insisting he’s “totally fine” while his health bar flashes red? How many healing items will Nick waste out of pure fear? And at what point do they both realise that checking every door might be a terrible idea? One thing’s certain: in Resident Evil Requiem, survival isn’t just about skill—it’s about keeping your sanity intact long enough to reach the next save room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) I Swear I Parried That 20.02.2026 52мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick bow respectfully, immediately forget that respect mid-fight, and throw themselves headfirst into the merciless world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Set in a crumbling, blood-soaked version of Sengoku-era Japan, they take on the role of Wolf, a one-armed shinobi bound by duty, honor, and a prosthetic arm packed with far more gadgets than either host is capable of using correctly.As Ashina teeters on the brink of collapse, Dave and Nick face off against ruthless samurai, terrifying monsters, and bosses who seem specifically designed to crush confidence and friendships. From perfectly timed deflections to deathblows that feel earned through sheer suffering, Sekiro demands focus, patience, and an acceptance that dying is not failure — it’s education. Very painful education.Will Dave finally break his Soulsborne habit of rolling when the game clearly wants him to stand his ground? How many times will Nick say “okay, I get it now” moments before being obliterated by a lightning-infused sword? And just how many resurrection nodes are too many before the game starts judging you silently?Expect heated debates about difficulty, accidental stealth disasters, dramatic grappling hook mishaps, and at least one boss fight that completely breaks the episode’s pacing. This is a journey about mastery, stubbornness, and learning when to stay aggressive — and when to accept that the game has absolutely won. Tune in as Critical Arcade learns that in Sekiro, hesitation really is defeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Code Vein II (2026) Hazed and Confused 12.02.2026 48мин

  This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick once again wake up thirsty, overdesigned, and deeply unsure of what’s happening in the gothic anime apocalypse of Code Vein 2. Thrown back into a dying world of Revenants, blood codes, and coats with more belts than structural integrity, the pair find themselves navigating the aftermath of humanity’s last stand against extinction. Society has fractured, memories are currency, and everyone they meet is either traumatised, mysterious, or moments away from a tragic sacrifice.As they carve a path through ruined cities, cathedrals, and blood-soaked wastelands, Dave and Nick experiment with expanded blood code systems, new weapon types, and combat that somehow feels faster, meaner, and more anime than ever before. Along the way, they uncover a story steeped in loss, rebirth, and the question Code Vein loves asking most: how much suffering is too much suffering before it loops back around to being cool again?But it wouldn’t be Critical Arcade without chaos. Can Dave resist spending hours in the character creator just to make someone emotionally devastating? Will Nick finally accept that dodging is mandatory and not “optional flavour”? And how many boss fights will end with one of them yelling “that move is absolute nonsense” while secretly loving every second of it?Tune in as they drain ichor, befriend companions who are definitely going to die, and roll their way through a sequel that doubles down on style, melodrama, and very large weapons. It’s Code Vein 2 — sharper, sadder, and somehow even more anime than before. 🩸⚔️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.