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PS This is Awesome! A PlayStation Podcast
380 - Gandalf, Game Fest, and Getting to the End
Episode 380 – “Gandalf, Game Fest, and Getting to the End”
Fred finally put a bow on Octopath Traveler II, clocking in at a hefty 76 hours. He’s now stuck in that post-game limbo, unsure what to dive into next—and somewhere along the way, he saw Gandalf, which we’ll unpack. Jake, meanwhile, is still going strong in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, now 31 hours deep and not letting up.
Listener feedback this week was short but sweet. Big Box gave us props for our thumbnail game, and 1blktalon chimed in with a time-stamped shoutout for Jake’s "Amen" moment from Episode 378, also weighing in on Jade Raymond. Appreciate the love—and the laughs.
As for the news, Summer Game Fest 2025 is right around the corner. Geoff Keighley will host on June 6th, and PlayStation is officially on board as a partner. Expect big reveals, including WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, and a post-show indie showcase from Day of the Devs. Meanwhile, IO Interactive is gearing up to unveil 007 First Light during their own showcase the same day, teasing Bond’s origin story with the tagline "Earn the number."
CD Projekt Red is offering a first look at the tech behind The Witcher 4 at the State of Unreal on June 3rd, showing off what Unreal Engine 5 will bring to the franchise. Tango Gameworks is back in action too—thanks to KRAFTON—and already hiring for a new action project following their reboot.
Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will get the spotlight during a June 8th live event hosted by Keighley, with a gameplay demo and surprise guests promised. In less celebratory news, Borderlands 4 found itself in hot water after Randy Pitchford suggested that “real fans” would pay $80 for the game. After backlash, he walked the statement back with a public apology.
Also this week, we learned that The Order 1886 was originally meant to be a trilogy—plans for The Order 1891 and 1899 were scrapped after poor reviews and the eventual closure of Ready at Dawn. A small nod lives on in Astro Bot, where Sir Galahad appears as a collectible.
And finally, MindsEye continues to stir controversy. Developer Mark Gerhard blames targeted attacks and bots for the game’s rocky reception. Whether that’s true or not, the game launches June 10th, so we’ll see for ourselves soon enough.
Let’s get into it.
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408. 408 - Studio Shutdowns, Arc Raiders’ Breakout Success & Resident Evil Requiem on the Horizon
01:09:08||Ep. 408Episode 408 of PS This Is Awesome! is a wide-ranging conversation that captures both the highs and lows of the current PlayStation landscape. Fred and Jake discuss the sobering news of multiple studio shutdowns, including Sanzaru Games and other Oculus-backed teams, and what it says about the volatility of the industry — even for well-regarded developers tied to beloved PS3-era classics. The conversation continues with Ubisoft’s layoffs at Massive Entertainment, raising questions about how major publishers balance big-budget franchises like The Division 3 amid ongoing restructuring.On a brighter note, the guys celebrate Arc Raiders surpassing 12 million copies sold, breaking down why the game has become such a standout multiplayer success within the PlayStation ecosystem. They also look ahead to Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil showcase and what fans can realistically expect from Resident Evil: Requiem as anticipation continues to build. The episode wraps with some fun speculation around a potential Wolfenstein 3 from MachineGames, making this a balanced episode full of reflection, excitement, and classic PS This Is Awesome discussion.Visit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content — or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one — come back. We try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
407. 407 - PS Plus January 2026 Revealed, PS6 Rumors & Silent Hill’s Future
01:10:53||Ep. 407Episode 407 – PS Plus January 2026 Revealed, PS6 Rumors & Silent Hill’s FutureThis week on PS This Is Awesome, Fred and Jake break down a packed slate of PlayStation news as 2026 kicks off. We run through the newly announced PlayStation Plus Essential games for January, including Need for Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper, and talk about how this lineup sets the tone for the year ahead. The conversation shifts to reflection and fun with PushSquare’s PlayStation Quiz of the Year 2025, sparking discussion about just how much happened in gaming over the past twelve months — and how easy it is to forget some big moments.We also dive into fresh PS6 speculation, as reports around component and RAM shortages raise questions about how long Sony might stretch the PS5 generation and what that means for future hardware plans. Horror fans get some exciting news as the Silent Hill producer shares a goal of releasing one new Silent Hill game per year, building on the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake and reigniting hope for the franchise’s future. The episode closes on a somber but important note, as we honor the legacy of Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and a major force behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series, whose impact on modern shooters and the industry at large cannot be overstated.We also highlight new releases hitting PlayStation this week, including the action-packed Bunny Rampage: History of Revenge and the cozy survival builder I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival. It’s a balanced episode of reflection, speculation, and excitement as PlayStation heads into a new year.Visit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content — or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one — come back. We try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
406. 406 - Our Most Anticipated Games of 2026
02:22:37||Ep. 406Episode 406 - Our Most Anticipated Games of 2026In this week’s episode of PS This Is Awesome!, Fred and Jake break down their most anticipated PlayStation games of 2026, sharing personal hype levels, early impressions, and why these titles are must-plays. From Marvel’s Wolverine’s intense action and cinematic storytelling to the massive open-world spectacle of GTA 6, the guys hit all the big names that will dominate next year. They also dive into Resident Evil: Requiem, Crimson Desert, Nioh 3, and other PS5 exclusives and multiplatform releases, giving listeners a sense of what to expect from both blockbuster and story-driven experiences.Fred shares his time with Silent Hill 2 Remake, the Corpo Intro on Cyberpunk 2077, and the Arizona Sunshine remake, while Jake discusses Silent Hill 2, Stardew Valley, The Outworlds 2 and his early thoughts on how these upcoming games stack up against classics. The episode also touches on PlayStation Plus changes in 2026, with PS4 titles being dropped from the Essential tier and a focus on PS5 and cross-gen games — plus speculation around a potential new Witcher 3 DLC nearly ten years after the original.It’s a jam-packed episode for fans looking to plan their 2026 gaming calendars, mixing personal playtime, deep dives into upcoming releases, and news that could shift how PlayStation players experience their consoles next year.Visit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
405. 405 - That's a Wrap!
01:45:55||Ep. 405Episode 405 - That’s a Wrap!In today’s episode of PS This Is Awesome!, Fred and Jake dive headfirst into everything revealed at The Game Awards 2025, with the spotlight firmly on the announcements rather than just the winners. From massive new reveals to unexpected surprises, they break down what actually matters for PlayStation fans and which games left the biggest impression. The conversation also briefly touches on the major award winners to give context, but the real focus is on what’s coming next for PS5.Fred shares impressions from his time with Silent Hill 2, discussing its atmosphere, pacing, and why it still hits so hard, while Jake brings his usual perspective on this beloved game and how new announcements stack up against what’s already on the horizon. Jake also tried the Pragmata Demo The guys also work through listener feedback, responding to thoughts, questions. Saving the best for last, the guys go over their 2025 PlayStation Wrap!It’s a packed episode full of reactions, speculation, and PlayStation passion, blending industry-wide hype with personal playtime and community voices. If you want a clear, thoughtful breakdown of The Game Awards through a PlayStation-first lens, this one’s for you.By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
404. 404 - Game Awards Raider
01:31:56||Ep. 404Episode 404 - Game Awards RaiderIn this week’s episode of PS This is Awesome! we kick things off with Games We’re Playing: 🎮 Fred has wrapped up the Battlefield 6 campaign and is digging further into Arc Raiders. 🎮 Jake has been replaying Dispatch to check out its alternate endings.From there, we jump into a packed news cycle. Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada is leaving the series after 30 years and has dropped a 60-minute celebratory music mega-mix for fans. The Game Awards are shaping up to be huge with a new Tomb Raider reveal confirmed and Phantom Blade Zero finally promising a release date.We also cover leaked gameplay from Sony and Deviation Games’ cancelled PS5 project — a gritty fusion of Gears of War and Dead Space. Sony’s rolling out new DualSense controllers with improved battery life, though some buyers are still getting older stock.New announcement Sol: Shogunate brings stylish samurai-in-space action to PS5, and an industry-wide RAM shortage may impact PS6 production and late-gen PS5 availability. Plus, the corporate earthquake continues as the Saudi PIF looks set to own over 93% of EA, while Netflix reportedly plans to buy Warner Bros. with Paramount potentially gearing up for a hostile counter-move.By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
403. 403 - Witcher One Is It?
01:15:27||Ep. 403Episode 403 - Witcher one is it?In this week’s episode, Fred and Jake break down a surprisingly stacked batch of PlayStation news. Rockstar has dropped a free PS5 upgrade for Red Dead Redemption, now included with PS Plus Extra, giving the classic western a fresh coat of paint and making it easier than ever for newcomers to jump in. The guys also celebrate indie success as Ball X Pit crosses one million sales on PS5, with major free updates announced for 2026 — proof that smaller games are thriving alongside the big hitters.Fighting game fans get a boost with Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s new “Smart” and “Super-Ultimate” control modes, aimed at helping new players get comfortable without dumbing down the game. Ubisoft also sparks fresh hope by bringing back the original director for the long-dormant Splinter Cell remake, suggesting the project may finally be getting back on track.Jake and Fred also touch on CD Projekt RED teasing more about the upcoming Witcher trilogy, plus PushSquare’s new “Five Years of PS5” quiz — perfect for testing how well longtime fans really know the console. It’s a fun, info-packed show full of speculation, industry chatter, and the usual friendly back-and-forth.By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
402. 402 - Trophy Hunters Anonymous
01:34:57||Ep. 402Episode 402 - Trophy Hunters AnonymousThis week on PS This Is Awesome!, we dig into a packed slate of PlayStation updates and industry chatter. First up, Jason Schreier reports that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet won’t land until 2027, which actually lines up with Naughty Dog’s habit of dropping major releases near the end of a console cycle — just like The Last of Us Part I and II. We also take a look at Zoopunk, the newly announced prequel to F.I.S.T., bringing third-person action to that universe in a way that already looks surprisingly slick.Bungie’s Marathon is running another closed playtest this month, and we discuss what that might mean heading into 2026. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 just posted its worst Japanese retail launch in two decades, prompting us to question the series’ future dominance.Jake breaks down the massive Ghost of Yōtei 1.1 patch, packed with New Game+, new armor, and plenty more. We also react to Skate Story launching day one on PS Plus Extra, and we wrap things up with the wild new gameplay trailer for Hellraiser: Revival, which looks absolutely unhinged in all the best ways.Another fun, news-heavy week of PlayStation talk — let’s get into it.By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
401. 401 - MMO You Didn't
01:39:40||Ep. 401Episode 401 - MMO You Didn’tThis week on PS This Is Awesome!, Fred is still deep in Arc Raiders, pulling loot, dodging chaos, and trying to convince Jake it’s secretly one of the best co-op loops on PS5. Meanwhile, Jake continues carving his path through Ghost of Yōtei, sharing new impressions, story beats, and a few surprises the game threw at him since last episode.We also catch up on the latest PlayStation news, react to the week’s updates across the PS5 ecosystem, and talk through what’s coming up that has us excited (or nervous). After the huge Episode 400 celebration, Episode 401 is a return to classic PSTIA: two dudes, two games, and all things PlayStation.By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome
400. 400 - The Big One
01:24:17||Ep. 400Episode 400 - The Big OneWe made it — 400 episodes of PS This Is Awesome! Ten years of PlayStation talk, bad takes, great games, and plenty of laughs. This week, Fred and Jake rewind through the show’s history — from Episode 1’s Tomb Raider and PlayStation Plus chatter, to the Episode 250 PushSquare Quiz showdown — and look at how far PlayStation (and the podcast) have come.We’re also digging into the latest PS5 news: a new State of Play Japan, GTA VI is pushed back, PS Plus November lineup, the PlayStation Portal’s cloud streaming update, and what Sony means by the PS5 being “mid-generation.”Fred’s been in Arc Raiders, Jake’s still in Ghost of Yōtei, and we’re celebrating the games, the listeners, and the journey that got us here. Here’s to another 400!By joining our Patreon community for ONLY $1.00 per month, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:Early AccessPersonalized ShoutoutCustom Die-Cut Vinyl StickerVisit www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome to support the show and help us continue producing the content you love!Please, if you enjoyed the content or even if you didn’t quite enjoy this one, come back — we try to offer something for everybody. Share with your friends and help us grow our awesome PlayStation community!As always you can support our show at our Patreon Page. Thanks for listening.http://www.patreon.com/psthisisawesome