Swapping Joysticks: Recent Episodes

Ben Austwick & Ed Nightingale

Swapping Joysticks is your home for LGBTQIA+ gaming content presented by Twitch streamer Ben Austwick (BiggusBennus) and games journalist Ed Nightingale (ed_nights).

This week we're looking at what happens when Game Freak steps outside the world of Pokémon with Beast of Reincarnation, before getting hands-on with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls.

Ed has also dug out his PS3 to revisit Final Fantasy XIII. Has one of the series' most divisive entries aged better than its reputation suggests? We discuss its linearity, battle system, soundtrack and why some parts hold up considerably better than others.

Elsewhere, we chat about Sonic Dream Team and Sonic Frontiers, the new Pokémon Pokopia DLC, Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2, Star Wars Galactic Racer, what actually makes a great "summer game", and GTA VI's unusual Netflix reveal.

Plus, Ben makes a rather embarrassing discovery about Horsea.

Timestamps

00:00 Cold Open

00:19 Intro

03:42 Taskmaster Charity Special

10:43 Beast of Reincarnation

17:32 Sonic Dream Team & Sonic Frontiers

19:22 Star Wars Galactic Racer

20:49 Pokémon Pokopia DLC

30:41 Final Fantasy XIII Revisited

48:03 Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2

54:10 What Makes a Summer Game?

01:01:41 Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

01:06:15 GTA VI's Netflix Reveal

01:11:40 Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We weren't expecting Splatoon Raiders to become one of our favourite games of the summer, but Nintendo surprised us. We also dive into 007 First Light, discussing why IO Interactive might have nailed the James Bond formula while still making something very different to Hitman.

Elsewhere we chat about our recent trips to Barcelona and Copenhagen, cinema arguments (what's new?), the other games we're currently playing, and answer your comments on you've been enjoying recently.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro

00:12:43 007 First Light review

00:36:48 Splatoon Raiders impressions

00:59:20 Nintendo's future for Splatoon

01:00:30 What we've been playing recently

01:21:50 Your comments: What are you playing?

01:24:27 The biggest releases in August

SplatoonRaiders #007FirstLight #NintendoSwitch2

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We've both been hooked by how incredible Forza Horizon 6 is. Ed, a non-racing game fan, and Ben who does dabble in them are loving this latest installment. Plus, we've both watched the latest Kylie doc and have mixed views.

We also chat about games we're still playing 10 years later and ones we really ought to go back and finish.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:17:00 - Kylie Minogue documentary

00:27:20 - Forza Horizon 6

00:52:05 - SAROS

00:56:12 - What games we ought to go back and finish

01:12:20 - Are you still playing the same type of games now?

01:15:40 - Outro

ForzaHorizon6

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

In between challenging SAROS runs, Ed's played and completed Mixtape in one sitting and he's got a lot to say about it (and all the topics surrounding it). He's also get very strong opinions about the new Star Fox designs and Ben's been in a Satisfactory shaped hole that's swallowed every second of his time.

We also chat about game difficulty and which games respect your time.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:04:29 - Mixtape

00:32:13 - Satisfactory

00:46:47 - Star Fox

00:56:12 - Game difficulty Q of the Week

01:15:40 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

There's only one game we've been playing this week and it's a good one - SAROS. Ed's even had a chance encounter with Rahul Kohli himself and has obviously whizzed past Ben in the game.

We also chat about games where the sequels are better than the original, as well as looking ahead at games coming out this May.

Your weekly dose of gaming news, views and inane chatter.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:13:41 - SAROS

00:42:55 - Sequels better than the original

00:57:29 - Games coming out this month

01:04:14 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Your weekly dose of gaming news, views and inane chatter.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:32 - Final Fantasy XIV - EverCold announcement

00:31:42 - SAROS very early impressions

01:05:01 - Pragmata

01:21:10 - What you've been playing

01:27:27 - Outro

Thank you to PlayStation for the SAROS code.

SAROS

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky -

https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We've both started new games this week - Ed's a couple of hours into Pragmata, and Ben's had a few cursed hours of playing Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. We also chat through some surprising BAFTA Games Awards winners and this week's discussion is all about physical v digital games.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:09 - BAFTA Games Awards Winners

00:17:58 - Pragmata

00:26:00 - FC Pro 2 update

00:28:20 - Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

00:43:10 - Pikmin 1

00:45:03 - Digital v Physical games

01:06:07 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Ed’s become a bit of a platinum hunter - he’s picked up Mass Effect 2, 3, and is close to finishing Returnal. Ben’s fully leaning into his weird management sim phase and is now hooked on CURE - A Hospital Simulator. We also have a go at predicting next week’s BAFTA Games Awards and judge your top 9 games of all time.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:15:15 - BAFTA Games Awards

00:35:42 - Mass Effect 2 & 3

00:40:28 - Returnal

00:44:47 - FC Pro 2 update

00:47:00 - CURE - A Hospital Simulator

00:53:43 - Judging your top 9 games

01:22:20 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Ed's finished Mass Effect 2 and has the platinum! He's now playing through Plus we chat about what's coming out in April and what you've been playing this month.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:08:30 - Dreamhack and gaming cons

00:38:50 - Mass Effect 2 & 3

00:45:24 - Forza Horizon (series chat)

00:57:44 - The Division Resurgence

01:05:28 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Similar mix of games as last time, but with some actual endings this time round. Ben has rolled credits on Pokémon Pokopia, while Ed has some strong opinions about it. He’s also finished Resident Evil Requiem and, because he feels like it, has started playing through Mass Effect 2.

Plus we chat about what's coming out in April and what you've been playing this month.

00:00:00 - Intro & chit-chat

00:15:15 - Resident Evil Requiem

00:20:40 - Pokémon Pokopia

00:34:07 - Mass Effect 2

00:45:07 - What you've been playing

00:51:25 - Xbox Partner Showcase

01:03:05 - Games coming out in April 2026

01:25:45 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Pokémon Pokopia has grabbed Ben by the Pokéballs and will not let go. Also, Ed's been attached to Resident Evil Requiem and Minishoot' Adventures when he wanted a palette cleanser. After last week's gaming drought, we've made up for it now.

Also - a chat about Reading and chicken restaurants.

Plus we chat about what you've been playing.

00:00:00 - Intro & chit-chat

00:32:15 - Resident Evil Requiem

00:46:38 - Pokémon Pokopia

01:07:00 - Minishoot' Adventures

01:13:25 - What you've been playing

01:25:45 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We've not been playing a ton of games this week in anticipation of the Marathon Server Slam and Resident Evil Requiem, so let's talk about what's coming up in March!

Plus this week's gaming news and what you've been playing.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:12:15 - Ed catch-up (Nioh 3 & Resident Evil 3)

00:13:13 - FC Pro 2

00:21:17 - Denshattack!, The Eternal Game of Goldman, Sledding Game & People of Note

00:38:55 - What you've been playing

00:55:40 - Games coming out in March

01:14:00 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

This time it's Ben's turn to play some Nioh 3 and unsurprisingly he's having a lot more trouble with it. Ed's been playing Resident Evil 3 Remake in anticipation of Requiem, and they also chat about what demos they're looking forward to playing during Steam Next Fest next week.

Plus this week's gaming news and what you've been playing.

00:00:00 - Intro including Dreamhack and Guildford Games Festival

00:31:25 - Resident Evil 3 Remake

00:41:40 - Steam Next Fest Preview

00:47:54 - Nioh 3

00:55:51 - Gaming news

01:12:46 - What you've been playing

01:20:20 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We're back and hopefully better than ever! We chat about what we've been up to the past 6 months and chat about everything revealed at last night's PlayStation State of Play.

00:00:00 - Intro and life updates

00:32:00 - PlayStation State of Play

01:25:45 - Outro

StateofPlay

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.socia

We're back and it's time to explain everything to those who haven't been watching the Twitch streams.

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

It’s been a little while since our last regular episode, but we’re back and there’s plenty to catch up on. We’ve both been fully immersed in Death Stranding 2, and we’re loving every minute of it. Ed has also wrapped up the Lies of P DLC, Overture, and has been enjoying Fast Fusion on the Switch 2. Meanwhile, Ben’s found his next cosy obsession in Fantasy Life i, and he’s also really into The Alters. Lots of games, lots of thoughts - let’s dive in.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:50 - Death Stranding 2

00:20:10 - Maestro VR

00:25:32 - Lies of P: Overture DLC & the 'Soulslike' genre

00:39:55 - The Alters

00:52:10 - Fantasy Life i

00:57:10 - Fast Fusion

01:01:24 - What you've been playing

01:09:40 - News: Mario Kart World's update & other news

01:15:30 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We've had the Switch 2 in our hands for a week, so what do we think? Is the hardware up to scratch? Is Mario Kart World's open world a waste of time? Why would anyone play the Welcome Tour? Tune in and find out!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:15 - Initial console impressions & Welcome Tour

00:37:54 - Mario Kart World

00:53:17 - Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2

01:02:43 - What you think

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We're back to regular episodes, and this week we're chatting about just how impressive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is. Ben's only just reached Act 2, so no spoilers here - just a relaxed look at what makes the game stand out so far.

We also talk about South of Midnight, the chaos of Grandma, No!, and the stylish Neon-Noir vibes of The Precinct.

Plus, a quick round-up of what you've been playing and a few headlines from the week.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:08:13 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

00:39:27 - Grandma, No!

00:43:56 - The Precinct

00:56:05 - South of Midnight

01:03:16 - What you've been playing

01:14:30 - Gaming news (speedrun)

01:20:00 - Twitter **** of the Week

01:21:40 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We're back and we’ve got something special. Ed just returned from Japan, where he spent 30 hours playing Death Stranding 2. We've got exclusive details and fresh impressions you won’t hear anywhere else. He also got time with the Switch 2, but let’s be honest - you’re here for Kojima.

00:00:00 - Intro & catch up

00:10:44 - Death Stranding 2 hands-on impressions

00:44:36 - Switch 2 hands-on impressions

01:27:07 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Ed is back from San Francisco with plenty to share about his time at GDC! From the games he played to the developers he interviewed, there's a lot to cover. Plus, he'll be sharing his thoughts on the city itself - the bars, the clubs, and of course, all the gaming. Tune in for the full rundown!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky -

https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We’re back with a special episode featuring Elden Ring expert (and gaming aficionado) Doms Roundtable! Both Ed and Dom attended an exclusive Nightreign preview event recently, and they’re here to share everything they learned. Plus, we dive into the art of creating in-depth video guides for challenging games, chat about Final Fantasy 7, and discuss the most exciting upcoming releases of the year!

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Dom's links ▼

● Follow on YouTube - http://youtube.com/domsroundtable

● Follow on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/domsroundtable

● Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/domsroundtable.bsky.social

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We're recording this live following the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 and we go through all the games mentioned there. Also, Ed's been playing Returnal, Metroid Other M, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, and Ben discusses Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:04:44 - Ninja Gaiden 4

00:13:36 - South of Midnight

00:19:02 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

00:26:30 - DOOM The Dark Ages

00:41:40 - Metroid: Other M

00:48:09 - Returnal

00:51:15 - Yakuza 7 Like a Dragon, The Man Who Erased His Name, Infinite

Wealth

01:13:17 - What you've been playing

01:24:28 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

It's time for an emergency podcast that's luckily at the same time we do our normal podcast and of course there is only one thing to talk about - the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We delve into that trailer, what we'd like to see, what we expect, and a whole lot more.

Plus, we talk about what you thought of the trailer!

No chapters, it's Switch 2 from start to finish

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

It's the big one - our Game of the Year 2024 podcast! Find out what we thought of all the games we played this year, a final top 10 ranking, and also your top 10 games voted by YOU!

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

In this very special episode we're joined by PlayStation Access's Rosie Caddick, The Gamer's Meg Pelliccio and Eurogamer's Victoria Kennedy to chat about their favourite 3 games of 2024. If you don't have a list of games you must play/finish by the end of this episode I'll be stunned.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:30 - Meg Pelluccio's top games of 2024

00:41:23 - Rosie Caddick's top games of 2024

01:22:49 - Victoria Kennedy's top games of 2024

01:55:53 - Honourable mentions

02:24:19 - What we're looking forward to in 2025

02:35:43 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Meg's links ▼

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/megpelliccio.bsky.social

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/megpelliccio

▼ Rosie's links ▼

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rosiecaddick.bsky.social

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Caddick

▼ Victoria's links ▼

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/lilchopshopgal.bsky.social

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/LilChopShopGal

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

We're joined by gaming industry journalist Issy Van Der Velde for the first in our special episodes over the next couple of weeks. We chat about what we've been playing, including Dragon Age The Veilguard, F1 Manager 24, and a whole movie section. We also chat with Issy about his top games of 2024 and what he'll be playing over the festive break.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:09:15 - Wicked Movie
00:18:21 - The Game Awards

00:43:00 - Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Movie

00:53:05 - Hot Frosty

00:59:24 - F1 Manager 24

01:03:37 - Dragon Age The Veilguard

01:19:32 - What you've been playing

01:36:38 - Issy's favourite games of 2024

02:09:25 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Issy's links ▼

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/veedztweets.bsky.social

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/veedztweets

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/biggusbennus.bsky.social

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/ednights.bsky.social

Ed can finally talk about Fantasian Neo Dimension, the game he reviewed, and Ben's actually finished Dragon's Dogma 2. We also chat about Infinity Nikki and gacha games, and we finish with a PS1 quiz for its 30th anniversary.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

Ben's CALM fundraiser: https://tiltify.com/@biggusbennus/biggus-bennus-jingle-jam-2024

00:00:00 - Intro

00:23:43 - Fantasian Neo Dimenson

00:48:28 - Infinity Nikki & gacha games

01:05:05 - Dragon's Dogma II

01:30:45 - What You've Been Playing

01:39:34 - The PlayStation 1 30th Anniversary Quiz

01:51:48 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's been playing a game for a review so can't talk about that, but Ben's been getting lost in No Man's Sky (literally) and Dragon's Dogma 2 on the PS5 Pro. There's also a return to Musical Corner.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:14:39 - PS5 Pro update

00:17:15 - No Man's Sky

00:30:33 - Dragon's Dogma II

00:46:53 - What You've Been Playing

00:54:55 - The News Quiz: Music Edition

01:16:41 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We've got a PS5 Pro and played a bunch of PS4, PS5 & PS5 Pro enhanced games to test out its capabilities. Ed's also finally got time to chat about Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Ben does a nice DanTDM name drop. And, as always - The News Quiz!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:20 - PS5 Pro

00:29:27 - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

00:42:47 - What you've been playing

01:05:10 - Weekly Gaming Quiz!

01:16:41 - Outro

PS5Pro #EchoesofWisdom

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We're sadly back from Japan and in the spirit of an aunt who's just walked the Inca Trail, we've got a lot of stuff to show and tell. We chat about our time at the Godzilla hotel, Super Nintendo World at Universal, a traditional ryokan, Ben's embarrassing toilet moment, and a whoooole lot more.

Let us know in the comments if you've been, or if you have any questions!

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Recorded just after Ben completed the first two episodes of Life is Strange: Double Exposure and minutes after the Xbox Partner Preview, this podcast is certified fresh! ...if people still use that phrase.

Also, it's the return of musical corner, as Ben and Ed went to see MJ the musical last night.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:45 - MJ the Musical

00:25:51 - Xbox Partner Preview

00:42:12 - Life is Strange Double Exposure

01:05:25 - What you've been playing

01:11:24 - Weekly Gaming Quiz!

01:18:05 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's 5* review of Metaphor: ReFantazio is out on Eurogamer, but what does he REALLY think about it? We have an in depth discussion as I've also played it for more than a dozen hours. We also chat about Lord of the Rings Online and have a brand new feature, THE NEWS QUIZ!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:07:48 - Peter Kay Live at The O2

00:21:03 - Metaphor: ReFantazio

00:54:44 - What you've been playing

01:10:39 - News Quiz! NEW

01:24:03 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's been playing a game for review this week so can't talk about it just yet! However, both Ben & Ed have been hooked to their phones playing Balatro at every opportunity and Ben's also hooked on TCG Card Shop Simulator. They also played the incredible Synapse.

Plus, we talk bout what you’ve been playing, which seems to be a lot of Zelda Echoes of Wisdom!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:15:26 - Balatro on mobile

00:25:47 - TCG Card Shop Simulator

00:37:02 - Synapse

00:41:42 - What you've been playing

00:54:24 - Top Zelda games of all time

01:01:37 - News including Tokyo Game Show

01:15:00 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Recorded the day after the PlayStation State of Play, we chat about everything revealed there. We've also finished The Plucky Squire and Ben's finally got bored of Elder Scrolls Castles.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:58 - PlayStation State of Play

00:46:29 - Ghost of Yōtei

00:53:53 - The Plucky Squire

01:01:55 - Elder Scrolls Castles & Marvel Snap

01:17:07 - Black Myth Wukong

01:21:21 - What you've been playing

01:30:36 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Another week off between episodes (we won't make a habit of this) and we're back with the long-promised FFXIV Dawntrail review. We also have a long discussion about the incredible Astro Bot and the PS5 Pro.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro & @FinalFantasyUnion Pub Quiz

00:14:14 - FFXIV Dawntrail

00:50:03 - ASTRO BOT

01:03:58 - PS5 Pro

01:32:33 - What you've been playing

01:52:54 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_night

After a week off and a Gamescom special, we've got plenty of games to talk about, and end up focusing on two. Ben played Concord before it was yeeted for good and has some very strong opinions on why it failed, plus Ed's been hooked on Star Wars Outlaws, despite not loving it. We also chat a little about Deadlock, Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Beta, Monument Valley+, and Black Myth Wukong

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing (and correct some awful opinions on Citizen Sleeper and Final Fantasy 9)!

00:00:00 - Intro & what's coming out this month

00:08:45 - Concord

00:43:02 - Star Wars Outlaws

01:15:19 - Monument Valley+

01:18:40 - Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Beta

01:20:10 - Deadlock (not Deathlock, Ben)

01:26:13 - Black Myth Wukong

01:29:39 - What you've been playing

01:57:35 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We're finally back from Gamescom and we've got a TON of games to discuss. Check out the timestamps below if there are particular games you're interested in and look out for the individual YouTube videos for each of the games we played a lot of!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:31:12 - Metaphor: ReFantazio

00:45:14 - Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

01:01:10 - Life is Strange: Double Exposure

01:19:12 - Atomfall

01:32:18 - Monster Hunter Wilds

01:52:30 - Phantom Blade Zero

02:02:42 - Sonic x Shadow Generations

02:16:10 - Two Point Museum

02:21:08 - The Eternal Life of Goldman

02:24:25 - Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

02:28:50 - The Precinct

02:33:13 - The First Berserker: Khazan

02:38:16 - Crimson Desert

02:43:26 - Sniper Elite Resistance

02:48:12 - Towerborne

02:49:46 - Fragpunk

02:51:24 - Spine

02:53:17 - The Jackbox Naughty Pack

02:54:53 - Civilization VII

02:57:38 - Critter Cafe

03:00:27 - Planet Coaster 2

03:01:15 - Kaiserpunk

03:04:19 - Deathsprint 66

03:07:42 - Star Wars Outlaws

03:08:33 - Tavern Keeper

03:10:50 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We're back from Austria and Ed's even had a sneaky trip to NYC in the past week too, cranking up a bigger carbon footprint than Taylor Swift herself. Ed's been playing some retro Final Fantasy Tactics on Ben's Vita, and Ben's finally got round to playing Link's Awakening. Ed also chats about his exclusive preview opportunities with Two Point Museum and Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis. There won't be a regular podcast next week as we're heading to Gamescom!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro (NYC & Austria)

00:36:53 - Final Fantasy Tactics

00:48:10 - Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

01:01:05 - What you've been playing

01:15:02 - Games coming up & news

01:29:23 - Two Point Museum

01:39:32 - Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis

01:47:03 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Recorded hours before we head to Vienna for our cancelled Taylor Swift concert, we chat about Thank Goodness You're Here, comedy games in general, Ben's finished Elden Ring, and there's a new Zelda trailer!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro & Austria/Taylor Swift

00:13:52 - Thank Goodness You're Here & comedy games

00:37:25 - Ben finished Elden Ring!

00:49:15 - What you've been playing

01:12:00 - Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Trailer

01:19:31 - FFXVI PC Port & Queens Blood

01:22:10 - PS VR2 PC cable

01:23:40 - Fall Guys in Fortnite

01:24:35 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_night

We've finally allowed ourselves to talk about FFXIV Dawntrail, now that Ben is halfway through and Ed's a good chunk into it. Join us as we also discuss Ed finishing Dungeons of Hinterberg and Dark Souls Remastered DLC, as well as the awful layoffs affecting Bungie, and what they replaced Mario & Sonic at the Olympics with!

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:20:39 - Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

00:50:41 - Dungeons of Hinterberg

00:54:44 - Dark Souls Remastered DLC

00:57:15 - Another Crab's Treasure

00:58:58 - What you've been playing

01:05:45 - Fallout soccer controversy

01:09:25 - Bungie layoffs

01:13:19 - Twitch concerns

01:19:17 - The Jackbox Games Mega Picker

01:21:35 - Dragon Age: The Veilguard release date

01:23:00 - Mario & Sonic at The Olympics & NFTs

01:25:26 - Outro

It's been a busy week and we've played pretty much nothing! We start off as a very artsy podcast, showcasing our vast knowledge of the art world, and then Ed has a little chat about Dark Souls, before we talk about the Slaystation Crystal Ball and what's been in the news.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro & Art

00:18:14 - Dark Souls Remastered

00:31:51 - Slaystation: The Crystal Ball

00:42:59 - What you've been playing

00:51:05 - This week's news including Fortnite, Game Pass, Apex Legends. Dragon Age The VeilGuard

01:03:13 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_night

A huge thank you to Elgato for sending us a Facecam Neo to record the podcast with.

We've done a lot of gaming this week and Ben's finally got another platinum trophy! He's been knee-deep in Ghost of Tsushima, including the Iki Island DLC, and Ed's been up in the mountains playing Dungeons of Hinterberg. He's also been levelling up his pictomancer in FFXIV and Ben's got his spooks on in The Exit 8.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:06:08 - FFXIV - Pictomancer job

00:13:59 - Dungeons of Hinterberg

00:26:01 - Gestalt: Steam & Cinder

00:29:31 - Ghost of Tsushima (+ Iki Island DLC)

00:41:22 - The Exit 8

00:46:37 - What you've been playing

00:52:50 - This week's news

01:05:05 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We've been swamped the past couple of weeks, but we're back! Let’s catch up on everything: TwitchCon highlights, a few concerts, and all the games we've been playing, including Balatro, Elden Ring, and Ghost of Tsushima. We'll also cover the latest news about Xbox Game Pass and Planet Coaster 2.

Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro & Twitchcon

00:21:58 - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (final chat)

00:35:18 - Balatro

00:40:40 - Stellar Blade, FFXIV Dawntrail, Elden Ring (Ben)

00:58:02 - What you've been playing

01:02:20 - Xbox Game Pass price update

01:09:35 - Planet Coaster 2 Announcement

01:14:11 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's been playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and is mightily impressed. He's also had a hands-on look at the upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake. Ben's back on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and also played Kingdom Hearts to thousands of people on Steam!

Plus, what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:13:47 - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

00:33:09 - Kingdom Hearts on Steam

00:13:48 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

00:48:12 - What you've been playing

00:59:20 - Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

01:07:00 - Nintendo Direct Roundup

01:12:20 - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

01:20:19 - Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

01:23:27 - Outro

With Steam Next Fest demos and the Xbox Games Showcase, we've got a ton to talk about. Both Ben and Ed have been playing a bunch of demos, and thoroughly enjoyed the showing at the Xbox Games Showcase. Join us for a debrief and chatter about some really cool indies coming out in the next year or two.

Plus, what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:06:27 - Sonic X Shadow Generations

00:13:48 - Tiny Bookshop

00:18:01 - Albatroz

00:22:14 - Dungeons of Hinterberg

00:27:23 - Demonschool

00:32:56 - EbiTapes

00:38:56 - REKA

00:44:37 - Aero GPX

00:50:57 - Fruitbus

00:56:34 - Minami Lane

01:02:45 - What you've been playing

01:06:15 - Xbox Games Showcase

01:29:50 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Join us for a 'cosy and chaotic' live recording as I mark my 4-year partnerversary on Twitch! We dive into highlights from Summer Game Fest and Wholesome Direct, share Ed’s thoughts on Dawntrail after playing in Berlin, and chat about the demos for The Crush House and Thank Goodness You’re Here.

Plus, what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:04 - FFXIV Dawntrail Preview

00:23:10 - Destiny 2 - The Final Shape

00:32:54 - Thank Goodness You're Here

00:37:24 - The Crush House

00:45:29 - What you've been playing

00:47:32 - Wholesome Games Wholesome Direct

01:06:36 - Summer Game Fest

01:18:14 - Xbox Showcase Preview

01:25:55 - Chat with chat

01:14:00 - Outro

Dawntrail preview: https://www.eurogamer.net/dawntrail-is-final-fantasy-14-at-its-most-colourful

Sponsored by Elgato and recorded with the brand new Elgato Wave Neo.

Join Ben & Ed as they dive into Keigh-3! We’ll be discussing the highly anticipated events of Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Showcase, and Ubisoft Forward. And guess what? We’re doing it all while using the cutting-edge Elgato Wave Neo microphone! 🎮🎤

We record this just a few hours after they announced a general election for July, and obviously we do our best to make it about video games! Ben and Ed give updates on their Elden Ring, Dark Souls Remastered and FFXIV journeys, and Ed gets wound up about Paper Mario.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:56 - General Election video game politics special!

00:27:58 - FFXIV update

00:34:42 - Elden Ring & Dark Souls Remastered

00:43:20 - Ghost of Tsushima

00:49:40 - What you've been playing

01:01:30 - Elden Ring story trailer

01:04:47 - Twitch content filters

01:07:20 - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door & Vivian's trans translation

01:14:00 - A miserable outro

We chat about the latest production of Romeo & Juliet featuring Tom Holland, Animal Well, Ed's playthrough of Dark Souls Remastered, that vile, misogynistic clip from Valorant, and some breaking news about GTA6.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:33 - Romeo & Juliet with Tom Holland

00:36:44 - The EDGE Game

00:44:57 - Animal Well

00:51:11 - Elden Ring & Dark Souls Remastered

01:07:37 - What you've been playing

01:11:35 - GTA6 release date - BREAKING NEWS

01:18:57 - Assassin's Creed Shadows reveal

01:28:02 - Square Enix financials

01:30:56 - Helldivers 2 sales

01:32:30 - Zelda and Animal Crossing Lego

01:34:35 - Dead by Daylight new stuff and Twitch shirts

01:38:55 - VALORANT streamer gets vile abuse & AI moderation

01:50:38 - Outro

Hades was shadow dropped and Ed has played it, Ben gives an update on his Elden Ring playthrough, and we have a long discussion about Microsoft, Phil Spencer, and the future of Xbox.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:07:37 - Microsoft/Bethesda Layoffs

00:46:10 - Frontier's new games!

00:49:44 - Elden Ring

00:46:18 - Stellar Blade & FFXIV

00:58:55 - Hades 2

01:11:11 - What you've been playing

01:18:08 - Outro

Right, we're back to regular weekly episodes now that Ben's had his root canal. There's a lot to catch up on including the Elden Ring Symphony Concert at the Royal Albert Hall and Stellar Blade controversy. Also, Ben's been playing Manor Lords and a pretty fun tennis game!

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and all things gaming and streaming in the news!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:52 - Elden Ring Symphonic Adventure

00:22:12 - Ben's root canal

00:26:44 - Top Spin 2K25

00:36:21 - Stellar Blade

00:57:30 - Manor Lords

01:12:08 - FFXIV update

01:15:14 - What you've been playing

01:19:03 - What's in the news (Xbox Direct, Fallout, Dungeons of Hinterberg)

01:30:18 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep 132: We're joined by acclaimed actor Abubakar Salim, voice of Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins and man behind the brand new game Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Listen as we discuss his journey making this game, what inspired him, and what the future holds. Plus, a whole lot of everything else!

▼ Abubakar's links ▼

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/abzybabzy

● Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abzysalim

▼ Surgent Studios' links ▼

● Follow on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/surgentstudios

● Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/surgentstudios

It's been a busy two weeks with a special trip to a Fallout on Prime screening, Ed's been pacing the red carpet at the BAFTA Games Awards, and we've both played a bit of Final Fantasy XIV!

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and all things gaming and streaming in the news!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:48 - BAFTA Games Awards

00:43:02 - Fallout TV show on Amazon Prime

00:59:51 - Persona 3 (and a bit of Persona 5)

01:05:40 - Final Fantasy XIV

01:13:30 - What you've been playing

01:23:49 - FFXVI crossover event in FFXIV

01:26:25 - Outro

We may have chatted about Dragon's Dogma 2 a fair bit last week, but now Ben's played it constantly for the past couple of days, we've got a lot more to talk about. Ed's been playing Final Fantasy V and we explain what we got up to over the last week!

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and all things gaming and streaming in the news!

00:00:00 - Intro & our past week

00:17:52 - Dragon's Dogma 2

00:41:40 - Final Fantasy V

00:51:14 - What you've been playing

01:00:16 - Gaming news (inc. Monster Hunter Wilds, Twitch ToS, Digital-only Xbox Series X)

01:06:02 - Outro

It's been a whole 4 weeks since our last regular show, so we've got a lot to chat about. Ed's started Dragon's Dogma II and the more he talks about it, the more hyped we both get. Also, Ben's completely hooked by Stardew Valley, especially with the 1.6 update!

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and everything else we might have missed!

00:00:00 - Intro & catch-up

00:17:45 - Dragon's Dogma 2 on PS5

00:46:29 - Stardew Valley 1.6

00:53:56 - What you've been playing

01:05:25 - Gaming news (inc. The Sims 4 movie, Stardew Valley's concurrent peak on Steam, Amy Hennig's new game)

01:14:08 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

After last week's technical disaster, we're back with Swapping Joysticks LIVE, a special episode roughly once a month where we chat with a couple of good friends. This time we're joined by Joesephyr and Marignetic and talk about everything from Final Fantasy to Balatro and from Persona 3 Reload to Tomb Raider Remastered.

Let us know what you think of SJ LIVE and if you want to see more of them!

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Marignetic's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/Marignetic

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/Marignetic

▼ Joesephyr's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/joesephyr

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/joesephyr

Ahead of the launch of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we sat down with Cait Sith's voice actor, Paul Tinto, for a chat about everything Final Fantasy and more.

Join as we discuss voicing the iconic Cait Sith, meeting other Final Fantasy voice actors, going to Japan, and even the future of gaming!

Ed's Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review: https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-review

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ed's been incredibly busy this week, reviewing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Eurogamer, and interviewing Souls legend Hideta Miyazaki. We chat in depth about both, with some titbits you won't have heard elsewhere.

Speaking of Final Fantasy, Ben's finally finished XIV's Endwalker expansion and has mixed feelings. He's also briefly started playing Fortnite again. Lord help us.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and everything else we might have missed!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:47 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Review (spoiler-free)

00:37:55 - Ed's exclusive interview with Hideta Miyazaki

00:51:25 - Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

01:02:35 - What you've been playing

01:13:21 - Gaming news (Nintendo Direct, Xbox games, PS VR 2 on PC)

Ed's Rebirth review: https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-review

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep125: A special episode this week where we're joined by our good friend Juan Hidalgo, a Localisation Project Manager at PlayStation who has worked on games such as Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: A Rift Apart.

Join as we chat about casting actors, cultural differences, Spider-Man 2, and a whole lot more!

It's been 2 weeks since our last regular podcast and we've missed quite a lot! Ed's interviewed Yoshinori Kitase, the director of the original FFVII (plus a million other credits) and asked him about Tifa joining Tekken, with an interesting response! Ben's also been playing a ton of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League and has been enjoying it far more than he expected. A

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and everything else we might have missed!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:47 - Tifa in Tekken & Ed's interview with Kitase

00:27:13 - PlayStation State of Play

00:44:30 - Xbox games on PS5?

00:49:15 - Chants of Sennaar

00:57:29 - Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

01:09:00 - What you've been playing

01:16:15 - More Suicide Squad & Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼
● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

It's a very special episode of Swapping Joysticks as we're in the studio chatting to two incredible actors, Peter Bramhill and Colin Ryan. They have a rich history of acting, but you probably know them best as the voice actors for Thancred and Alphinaud in the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV.

Join us for a chat about their experience as Dadcred and Alphie, how they reacted when they first got the job, why Peter Capaldi is so great, and a whole dose of fatherly humour, plus much more.

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼
● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep 122:

There's only one game everyone is talking about, and that's Palworld. Ben's been playing and loves it, and Ed has no idea but has been writing a fair bit about it. Put those together and you get all the impressions and news about the hottest game of the moment

Ed's been playing more Prince of Persia and Ben's also played and finished Chants of Sennaar!

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing and the latest streaming and gaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro
00:10:20 - Palworld
00:47:20 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
00:54:10 - Chants of Sennaar
01:05:25 - What you've been playing
01:17:29 - Gaming & streaming news, including WWE 2K24, Death Stranding 2, Splatoon 3, and Twitch Partner Plus changes
01:43:35 - Announcement about next week's podcast

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼
● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep121: Recorded minutes after the Xbox Developer Direct finishes, we discuss everything we've seen, including Avowed, Hellblade II Senua's Saga, Visions of Mana, Ara: History Untold, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Plus we chat about what we've been playing - Ed's finished DREDGE, Ben's close to platinuming Death Stranding, and they're both loving Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.

Also, what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:39 - Cbox Developer Direct 2024
00:40:46 - DREDGE
00:48:50 - Death Stranding: Director's Cut
00:58:28 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
01:13:50 - What you've been playing & outro

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Quick Look: https://youtu.be/h76bFiC8fX0

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼
● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep120: Ed tells us all about his preview of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League and what he really thought of Rocksteady's latest game. Ben's got an early code for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (thank you to Ubisoft for this) and they've both played a bit of it before recording. Ben's also somehow got a Platinum in a game he's finished!

Also, we chat about gaming and streaming news, including Twitch layoffs, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth crossover in Apex and the SAG AFTRA AI / VO controversy.

Plus, what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:18 - Steam Deck OLED

00:12:55 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

00:29:15 - Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

00:50:54 - Other games & what you've been playing

01:05:35 - This week's gaming & streaming news

Ed's Eurogamer preview: https://www.eurogamer.net/suicide-squad-kill-the-justice-league-sees-rocksteadys-trademark-world-building-held-back-by-trend-chasing

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Quick Look: https://youtu.be/h76bFiC8fX0

Inbox: New year, new us! We discuss 6 games we're really hyped for in 2024, including:

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
Demonschool
Dungeons of Hinterberg
The Plucky Squire
Flight Simulator 2024
Thank Goodness You're Here

Inbox is a weekly bite-sized show where we discuss a different topic each week. Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/biggusbennus or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SwapJoysticks to be notified when we're looking for topic questions!

Ep119: It's a new year, and a whole 3 weeks since our last regular podcast! We've been playing a bunch of games over the Christmas period, including Dredge, Dave the Diver, God of War Valhalla, Final Fantasy 7, and Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.

Ben drops a bombshell on Ed during the podcast about the Steam Deck.

Also, we chat about gaming news, including Square Enix AI, Nazi Mickey mouse, and the boy who beat Tetris.

Plus, what you've been playing!

All the awards have been handed out, so let's turn to the biggest discussion of the year.

What is our top 10, and what wins the Swapping Joysticks Game of the Year 2023?

Also, to take part in the giveaway, answer the questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/competition

It's that time of year again and we hope you're ready for The Swapping Joysticks Awards 2023! We choose a winner from 8 different categories and reveal the Community Games of the Year Top 10.

Also, pay close attention for part one of our game giveaway!

00:00:00 Intro

00:06:20 Hottest mess

00:18:43 Biggest surprise

00:35:00 Best new IP

00:53:52 Catchiest Song

01:04:34 Best boss fight

01:17:26 Sexiest voice

01:33:05 Best old game

01:52:43 Best remaster

02:10:35 Community Game of the Year Top 10

02:18:22 Wrap up

What a week it's been since The Game Awards! So much for an end-of-year lull. Ed's played Echoes of the Fallen, the first DLC from Final Fantasy XVI and he's also played through Final Fantasy 2, the Pixel Remaster version. Ben's been playing Marvel's Spider-Man 2, with a fair chunk on the PlayStation Portal!

Also, we chat about gaming news, including The Day Before (which Ed played), linear Zelda games, and Twitch's new nudity guidelines.

Plus, what you've been playing!

We've just watched The Game Awards 2023! Let's run through everything that got announced, what we loved, what we didn't care about, what we thought of the winners, and everything else (except the SEGA news, which we forgot about - blame the fact that we're recording this at 6am). Plus, what you've been playing!

We mention:

Baldur’s Gate 3
The Finals
Final Fantasy 16: Echos of the Fallen
Lego Fortnite
Rocket Racing
God of War Ragnarök Valhalla
Dave the Diver x Dredge
Skull and Bones
Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
Tales of Kenzera Zau
Rise of the Ronin
Black Myth Wukong
Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide
Thrasher
No Man’s Sky new expansion
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Visions of Mana
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus
Big Walk
Monster Hunter Wilds
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remake
Harmonium the Musical
Exodus
No Rest for the Wicked
The Casting of Frank Stone
OD
Jurassic Park Survival
Marvel’s Blade
Exoborne
Light No Fire

Inbox: It's the return of Inbox, and we're discussing your questions all about Mario. From what side characters we think deserve their own games to why they never need to come to any other platform, and how Untitled Waluigi Game needs to happen, this is the Mario chatter you've been waiting for.

Inbox is a weekly bite-sized show where we discuss a different topic each week. Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/biggusbennus or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SwapJoysticks to be notified when we're looking for topic questions!

Oh wow, no sooner had a leaker shared the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer all over the internet, Rockstar released it in full HD glory!

Join us as we chat about the trailer, what we want to see from the game, how they keep it fresh for another decade, and much more.

Ep 113: We've had a week off in Cape Verde and are back feeling fully refreshed. Ed's played (and finished) the remastered Super Mario RPG, and Ben's been playing a lot of the original Final Fantasy VII.

We also have a long debate stemming from a big bit of Twitter drama when we were away regarding whether content creators should be paid to produce sponsored videos and the ethics behind it.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro & holiday chat

00:16:51 - Super Mario RPG

00:30:50 - Super Mario Wonder

00:34:29 - Final Fantasy VII (Original)

00:53:29 - What you've been playing

01:07:43 - Is it ethical for content creators to receive money to make content?

01:57:38 - Outro

Ep 112: It's been busy week full of gaming and Ed's finally completed Alan Wake 2. He's got a lot to say on it, especially after completing Alan Wake Remastered earlier this month.

Ben's also bought a PlayStation Portal and found it's more than adequate for what he wants from it. He's also fully finished Pikmin 4, which is a feat in itself (for him). Plus, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

Podcasts will be released on Fridays from now on, with the first on December 1st

00:00:00 - Intro

00:04:30 - PlayStation Portal

00:13:07 - Pikmin 4 00:19:22 - Lies of P

00:26:32 - Alan Wake 2

00:47:57 - What you've been playing

01:06:37 - Headlines (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth update, The Last Of Us Part 2 Remake, Steam Autumn Sale)

01:16:09 - Outro

Ep 111: We're joined by the MMORPG creator, caster, host and streamer, Rook to chat all things MMORPGs. We discuss the state of FFXIV, Dawntrail, WoW, Guild Wars 2, and the future of FFXIV and other MMORPGs.

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:50 - Our MMO history

00:09:02 - Casting for FFXIV & WoW (including PvP)

00:24:23 - Las Vegas & London Fanfests 00:40:59 - The FFXIV community

00:49:12 - Dawntrail & new job(s) 01:06:23 - The red suit and cosplaying!

01:10:20 - The music of FFXIV

01:15:48 - The future of FFXIV and MMOs

01:28:35 - WoW on Xbox

01:33:07 - Thank yous & outro

Ep 110: We've both been playing some fantastic games this week. Ed has been stuck into a Marvel's Spider-Man 2 web and can't put the game down, while Ben is trying his hardest to save it for a YouTube let's play. Meanwhile, Ben has found himself in marathon gaming sessions with Cities Skylines 2. With recommended settings found on Reddit, he's having no issues with performance and can fully enjoy this incredible sequel. Ben has also played a bit of Super Mario Wonder and, as expected, it's pretty awesome too.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro & future guests announcement

00:11:22 - Marvel's Spider-Man 2

00:25:33 - Cities Skylines II

00:40:01 - Super Mario Wonder

00:43:54 - What you've been playing

00:53:18 - News (Pokemon DLC & Blizzcon announcements)

01:09:00 - Outro

Ep 109: After a weeklong break, we're back and we're chatting all about the Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festival in London. We talk about what we got up to, what was announced, and all the incredible people we were lucky enough to meet. We've also both just started Spider-Man 2, Ed's finished Alan Wake Remastered, and Ben's put down Cocoon for good.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news, including the Xbox Partner Showcase!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:31 - Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023 London Debrief

00:37:30 - Marvel's Spider-Man 2

00:43:44 - Sonic Superstars

00:47:35 - Alan Wake Remastered

00:54:50 - Cocoon

01:01:41 - What you've been playing

01:05:55 - News (Xbox Partner Preview, big Capcom announcement, TwitchCon announcements)

01:29:06 - Outro

Ep 108: Ed wrote the Eurogamer Lords of the Fallen review and extensively shares his reasoning behind the score, as well as diving into what went right for it, and what didn't. We also compare it to the superior Lies of P, Elden Ring and Dark Souls. Ed's also in love with Cocoon and hopes Ben perseveres with it.

Plus, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news, including the Activision Blizzard King deal!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:40 - Lords of the Fallen (plus other Soulslikes)

00:52:11 - Cocoon

01:01:29 - Madden NFL 24

01:09:28 - EGX (Mario Wonder, Prince of Persia, Billie Bust Up)

01:14:05 - What you've been playing

01:26:00 - News (Xbox purchasing Activision Blizzard & new PS5 model)

01:35:03 - Outro

Ep 107: Devora Wilde and Jennifer English, the voice actors behind Baldur's Gate 3's Lae'Zel and Shadowheart join us for an extra special chat about voice acting, representation in games, working through lockdown, and even a bit of Kylie.

▼ Devora Wilde's links ▼

● Follow on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Devora_Wilde

● Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/devorawilde/

▼ Jennifer English's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/jenniferjenglish

● Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjenglish/

Ep 106: Ed's able to talk about his hands-on with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and has a lot to say about it. We've also both played Lies of P and Party Animals, and have been frustrated by them in different ways. We also discuss the latest Kick / Ice Poseidon drama.

Plus, we chat about the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro
00:10:34 - Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Hands-on!
00:21:57 - Lies of P
00:33:39 - Party Animals
00:49:45 - Gaming and streaming news
00:50:27 - Kick / Ice Poseidon controversy
01:08:34 - Special announcement!
01:12:23 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼
● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

▼ Ben's links ▼
● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus
● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1
● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus
● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼
● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights
● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ep 105: We've been playing a bunch of games this week - Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis, Marvel SNAP, Animal Crossing Pocket Camp, Baldur's Gate 3, Party Animals, F Zero 99...and we've also had a Nintendo Direct AND a Playstation Showcase. What a week!

Also, we chat about what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:08:00 - Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis

00:16:43 - Marvel Snap

00:21:58 - Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

00:31:03 - F Zero 99

00:40:39 - Party Animals

00:51:37 - Baldur's Gate 3 Early Act 1 spoilers

01:01:21 - What you've been playing

01:10:47 - News (Unity debacle, Nintendo Direct & PlayStation Showcase)

01:31:12 - Outro

Ep 104: Ben's finished Starfield and has found it tough to enjoy when it comes to exploration. The main mission and city exploration are a different story, however. Also, Ed's finished Sea of Stars, and has had his previous doubts about the game quashed. He's also been getting terrified in Pikmin too!

Also, what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:24 - Pikmin

00:15:38 - Starfield

00:37:54 - Sea of Stars

00:43:18 - What you've been playing

00:48:10 - News section

00:58:33 - Outro

It's a big topic for a bite-sized podcast but let's chat difficulty in video games. Seems impossible to squeeze into 30 minutes but we'll try!

Join us for Inbox, our weekly Q&A podcast where we discuss a different topic each week and answer your Qs from the Discord.

Ep 103: We wanted this to be a little shorter, but were unsuccessful. Turn out there's a lot to talk about when you've just started playing 3 new games. We chat a lot about Starfield, Sea of Stars, and Armored Core 6.

Also, what you've been playing, and the latest in gaming and streaming news!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:05:10 - Starfield

00:48:30 - Sea of Stars

01:00:08 - Armored Core 6

01:14:43 - What you've been playing

01:18:30 - News section

01:41:56 - Outro

It's a new format for Inbox and we're talking all about cons! Our favourite ones, tips for new con goers, and our worst experiences with con food!

Ep 102: It’s our bumper Gamescom special!

Ben and Ed spent last week in Cologne for Gamescom and got to try out a bunch of games, and chat to some incredible people in the industry. Check out the list below to see all the games we discuss, plus our eventful trips there and back, and checking out the Cologne nightlife!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:18 - Gamescom

00:16:43 - Black Myth: Wukong

00:36:50 - The Plucky Squire

00:51:28 - Lords of the Fallen

01:01:37 - Lies of Pi

01:09:42 - Thank Goodness You're Here

01:25:20 - Starfield

01:29:18 - Dungeons of Hinterberg

01:32:05 - Sonic Superstars

01:37:48 - Persona 5 Tactica

01:42:03 - Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles

01:46:11 - Gori: Cuddly Carnage

01:49:04 - Like a Dragon Gaiden

01:53:01 - Mortal Kombat 1

01:53:57 - Broken Sword

01:58:13 - Resistor 02:00:54 - Where Winds Meet

02:05:52 - Cities Skylines II

02:17:31 - Thoughts on Cologne

02:30:13 - Outro

▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼

● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com

Ep 101: It's Ed's birthday week and we've been to the theatre as well as the cinema seeing Cabaret and Barbie, respectively. One was amazing, the other more mixed. You can probably guess who enjoyed it more.

Ben explains why he's finally deleted Marvel Snap from his phone, and what his new obsession is, and Ed's finally getting back into TotK, despite having a very grumpy 24hrs thanks to one shrine.

We also discuss games coming out in the next couple of months, and preview Gamescom, which we're both going to in Cologne next week!

All this, plus what you've been playing, and the latest gaming news.

Now available in video form on http://youtube.com/biggusbennus

Ep 100: It's a very special milestone and we've got a bumper show for you. We've seen Oppenheimer and Red, White & Royal Blue, and have some strong opinions on both.

We've also been playing some video games! Ed's been playing Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Baldur's Gate 3, and Stray Gods, while Ben's been obsessed with Pikmin 4.

All this, plus what you've been playing, some very special Swapping Joysticks questions, and the latest gaming news. Now available in video form on http://youtube.com/biggusbennus

Ep 99: Like everyone else, we're both knee deep into Baldur's Gate 3 and have some very early impressions on this D&D masterpiece. We've also seen the new Gran Turismo movie and been to a Final Fantasy themed drag night. Quite the different evenings...

All this plus the games you've been playing and the latest in gaming news.

Ep 98: It's a very special podcast as Ed is freshly back from Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas and has had a fantastic time. Find out what he got up to, how the festival was, the people there, and also his thoughts on Vegas as a host city.

What we've been playing and the latest gaming news will be back next week!

Ep 98: It's a very special podcast as Ed is freshly back from Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas and has had a fantastic time. Find out what he got up to, how the festival was, the people there, and also his thoughts on Vegas as a host city.

Ben and Ed have also just come back from a screening of the Gran Turismo and will let you know what it's like in this spoiler-free discussion.

What we've been playing and the latest gaming news will be back next week!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:19 - Final Fantasy XIV Fanfest 2023 Debrief

01:01:15 - Gran Turismo Movie Impressions

Ep 97: We're a little tender after a night out partying, but we still manage discuss No Man's Sky, Diablo IV, and Divinity: Original Sin 2! Also, Ed reveals he's going to Las Vegas next week for FFXIV Fanfest and we get attacked by a moth!

All this plus the games you've been playing, the latest in gaming news, and a whole dollop of everything else.

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week:

The last few years have seen us finally get openly queer characters in mainstream games. Which historical gaming characters do you think would be LGBTQ+ if their games were released today?

Did you see a cream pie at the theatre on Tuesday evening, Ed?

Which thirsty tweets were too filthy for Ben Starr to read?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox or on our Discord (https://discord.gg/biggusbennus) and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

Ep 96: We've been to TwitchCon Paris and Develop: Brighton and it's time for a debrief. We chat about everything that went down there and what we've been playing over the past two weeks. Ed's got the FFXVI platinum and is now hate-playing through Diablo IV, while Ben is obsessed with his diving/sushi management indie game, Dave The Diver.

All this plus the games you've been playing, the latest in gaming news, and a whole dollop of musicals, Pride, and everything else.

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week:

Some pundits might say games in recent years have gotten more graphically violent - Callisto Protocol with its DLC of 52 additional death animations, the recently released Outlast Trials where you nail a naked man to a cross and then proceed to saw off his legs in real time . Do you see that as more gratuitous violence or do they have a value in pushing against societal comfort zones?

Will Final Fantasy 16 be remembered as one of the series' best?

What's the perfect gaming snack?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox or on our Discord (https://discord.gg/biggusbennus) and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

Ep 95: In this extra-special episode of Swapping Joysticks, we have an in-depth chat with Ben Starr, voice of Final Fantasy 16's Clive Rosfield. Join us as we dive into the world of voice acting and unravel the secrets behind bringing Clive to life.

Also, prepare yourself for platinum trophy hunting, thirsty tweets, and a Final Fantasy Quiz!

▼ Ben Starr's links ▼

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/The_Ben_Starr

● Follow on Instagram - http://twitter.com/The_Ben_Starr

▼ Other Ben's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join the Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ep 94: It's the first episode since Ben's birthday and we've got a LOT of Final Fantasy to talk about. We've both been playing more, with Ed playing through New Game+ and Ben preparing our Swapping Joysticks review. Ben's also been playing more F1 23 and we have a lot of announcements, including news about a very special episode later this week.

All this plus the games you've been playing, the latest in gaming news, and a whole dollop of musicals, Pride, and everything else.

Ep 93: We've both finished Final Fantasy 16 and have our spoiler-free impressions. We chat about what we love, don't love, and opinion on everything else. Ben's also been playing some F1 23 and is completely obsessed with the story mode, Braking Point.

Plus, we chat about this week's news and what you've been playing!

Ep 92: The Final Fantasy XVI demo is out and we're not the only people blown away - the number of people who've never played one before and bought it after playing the demo is astronomical.

Also, Ed's finished Final Fantasy XIV Shadowbringers, Ben's got into Sea of Thieves, and we've both fallen off the Diablo wagon!

Plus, we chat about the Summer Games Fest and Xbox Showcase, as well as what you've been playing!

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week:

You’re settling in for a weekend of uninterrupted gaming. Do you want to replay an old favourite, start a new game in a known franchise, or start an entirely new game?

If you could have any game remastered for PC/Current gen, what game would it be and why. Also where do you go for gaming news? Websites/social media or mags etc?

f you could play through any video game as a character NOT from that game, what game would you play and as which protagonist?

What game would you recommend to your worst enemy?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

Ep 91: We and everyone else in the world have been obsessed with Diablo IV over the past week and we're loving it, despite its missing humour.

Ed's also been really enjoying Street Fighter 6 too - what a time for games!

Plus, we chat about the Summer Games Fest, as well as what you've been playing!

Ep 90: Bobby Kotick, Beyoncé, Planet of Lana and Final Fantasy XIV patch quests. We really do talk about everything on this podcast.

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

Ep 89: We've watched the PlayStation Showcase and were left a little empty... We definitely had our favourites, but where were all the Sony exclusives?

Also, Ed can finally talk about his preview of Final Fantasy 16 and give his honest opinion on what could be the best game out this year.

That said, we've both been playing a lot of Tears of the Kingdom. Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week: Is the argument "it's get better after 200 hours" valid? What's a critically acclaimed game that you don't like at all? What are the best music moments in video games?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

Ep 88: We've finally got our hands on Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and we have a lot to say on it. Ben's not too far into the game but our Zelda obsessive Ed has played pretty much all week. He wasn't impressed at first, but listen to find out what he thinks of it now.

We also chat about Final Fantasty XIV as a summoner, the ending of Bloodborne, and whether the Spanish Eurovision entry deserved any points.

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week: Do reviews help, dissuade or accelerate the success of a game? What 2023 game could be made into a successful mainstream movie or TV series? Can Ed give a quick 'Zelda for Dummies' runthrough?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

Ep 87: It's the day before Zelda Tears of the Kingdom releases and the reviews are out! Unfortunately, we don't have a copy of it yet, but we still have opinions from 1:22:49.

We also chat about Eurovision, which we went to on Tuesday, as well as our thoughts on Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor and FFXIV Shadowbringers (as usual). Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

Your weekly bite-sized podcast where we answer any Qs you might have.

This week: What's the best game for non-gamers? What are the gayest gaymes? What "good" game from your childhood do you think doesn't hold up?

Submit questions at http://swappingjoysticks.com/inbox and we'll include as many as we can on future episodes!

It's Star Wars Day and we've both been playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor! Check out or impressions of that, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, FFXIV Shadowbringers (Ed's finally there), and much more.

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

Which TV shows would make brilliant video games, what game is objectively bad but we still love it, and why is Frog Detective 3 the best game of 2023? We answer all these questions and more.

Submit questions whenever and wherever across any of our socials. Just slide into our DMs and we'll add them to the list!

It's an audio-only podcast this week as Ben and Ed have been to a party. Hear how we popped our D&D cherry in the filthiest way possible, plus Ben's thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West and Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

I can't guarantee that we're joined by the real Ed Nightingale as Twitter has ripped verification away from the poor man, but whoever he is, he has some very strong opinions on Disney Illusion Island. We also chat about Slay the Spire, Octopath Traveler 2 (again), and Breath of the Wild!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

We've been to see the Mario Movie and have some strong opinions on it (and cinema in general). We also chat about the Zelda trailer, which was released a few hours ago, Resident Evil 4, and Octopath Traveler 2.

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing.

We went to WASD Live at the weekend and tried a bunch of games including System Shock, Dead Island 2, Viewfinder, and many more. Ben also took part in a not-very-PG Jackbox panel and Ed hugged a giant yellow willy. We also chat about what we've been playing this week: Octopath Traveler 2, Resident Evil 4, Zelda Breath of the Wild and FFXIV Stormblood!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

We've both played the same game for once this week - Resident Evil 4 Remake! Hear what we think of the game (Ben had a less stressful time playing on easy), plus Celeste, Octopath Traveler II, Golf With Your Friends, and Breath of the Wild!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We've been playing a bunch of games this week - Moss and Tetris Effect on PS VR2, Tchia, Octopath Traveler II, Blossom Tales, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ben's got some good personal news and Ed's been the one playing all the games as usual. Join us as we chat about the Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells, Metroid Fusion, and MARVEL SNAP!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We managed to get Eurovision tickets, somehow, and Ben was interviewed on national radio. Ed's also been playing Legend of Dragoon on PS5 and Ben's actually finished Destiny 2 Lightfall on Legendary difficulty!

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed was lucky enough to play Final Fantasy 16 recently, so we discuss his thoughts and Yoshi-P's comments on the term 'JRPG'. He's also learned a very rude Swedish word!

Meanwhile, Ben's started Destiny 2 Lightfall on Legendary difficulty and has been playing fairground games all evening. Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:17:19 - Final Fantasy 16 impressions & accessibility

00:38:20 - Destiny 2 Lightfall

00:46:54 - What you've been playing

00:56:24 - Gaming and streaming news

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We've spent the last few hours playing around with the PlayStation VR2 and have a lot to say about it. It's a remarkable upgrade compared to the original PSVR and some of the launch titles are incredibly impressive.

We chat about Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge, and Kayak VR - Mirage.

Plus, all the latest gaming news & views, as well as what you've been playing!

▼ My links ▼

● Follow me on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

● Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

● Follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/biggusbennus

● Join my Discord - http://discord.gg/biggusbennus

▼ Ed's links ▼

● Follow Ed on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

● Follow Ed on Twitter - http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ben's continuing his slog through the FFXIV MSQ and Ed gushes the Metroid Prime Remastered. We also talk about Watch Dogs Legion and a very interesting mod that was removed from The Witcher 3.

All this plus the latest gaming and streaming news!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's absolutely had it with FFXIV during the Stormblood expansion, but Ben assures him that it's worth the slog to get to Shadowbringers.

They also chat about how great Forspoken is, plus the latest gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA+ twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We've all watched THAT episode of The Last Of Us and have some opinions! Also, we chat about the Metaverse, Hi-Fi Rush, Fire Emblem Engage, and all the latest gaming news!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's Twitter account is locked and Ben's been dressed up as a bear! It's been an eventful week.

We talk about Fire Emblem Engage, Forspoken and all the other games we and the community have been playing, plus the latest gaming & streaming news in a bitesize podcast due to the Xbox Dev Showcase!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ben and Ed have been watching real life Among Us aka The Traitors this week while struggling with which video games to play - Elden Ring it is!

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ben and Ed are fresh from an advanced preview of The Last Of Us, Ben's got a new job, and Ed's been playing Persona 4 Golden, which is really showing its age.

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Happy New Year! It's the first podcast of 2023 and 69th podcast together! We chat about Citizen Sleeper, Horizon Forbidden West and Destiny 2 is back...

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

It's time for the big one - the final podcast of the year and it's our Game of the Year Awards!

Find out what our top 10 games of 2022 are, plus community-voted other awards in this huuuuge episode.

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

It's a bumper episode ahead of Christmas as we dissect The Game Awards. Ben gets his (Steam) Deck out and talks about all the games he can't wait to play (but probably won't). Ed's getting nostalgic with new JRPG Chained Echoes, and we list our GotY award categories ahead of the GotY show in 2 weeks' time.

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's finished Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion and has a lot to say about it! Ben's bought a Steam Deck and won't stop banging on about it, plus final thoughts on Sonic Frontiers.

Plus, what you've been playing and this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ed's had a promotion!

There's one game that everybody's been playing this week and it's Marvel Snap! We sing the praises of the game that's grabbing the mobile gaming world by storm, as well as God Of War Ragnarok and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.

We also have a lengthy debate about theme parks and discuss all this week's gaming and streaming news with an LGBTQIA twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

With Twitter going down in flames, Ben and Ed discuss their recent move to Hive Social and whether that's the future for social media. They also chat about the games they've been playing, including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Plus all the latest in gaming and streaming news!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

Ben & Ed have been to see The Book Of Mormon and have some very strong feelings about it. We also chat about the games we've been playing, including Sonic Frontiers, God Of War, Pokemon Pearl and Elden Ring! All this plus the latest gaming news with an LGBTQIA+ twist!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

For some reason, this seems to be the poo episode. Lots of talk about that and farts. Oh and video games! Apparently one called God Of War Ragnarok came out, so we chat about that, along with Sonic Frontiers, Persona 5 Switch, Blossom Tales and all the latest gaming news, including the lack of diversity in FFXVI!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We're recording this on the day the PSVR2 release date and are both pretty floored by the price. We also chat about what we've been playing, including Silent Hill 2, Immortals Fenyx Rising and Skyrim. Plus, all the latest gaming news and opinions!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus

http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights

http://twitter.com/ed_nights

It's a Wednesday, which means it's time for Swapping Joysticks? Ben and Ed discuss the games they've been playing, including Observer System Redux, Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope and all the latest gaming news!

There are no timestamps for this week's show - sorry!

We're back on our new podcast day - Wednesday! We go straight into talking about games we've been obsessed with lately, including Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and Pokemon Shining Pearl, plus the latest gaming news (including the Bayonetta VA drama) and some intense hatred for Crocs!

00:00 Intro

03:07 Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope

18:57 Pokemon Shining Pearl

25:49 Crocs

28:18 Final Fantasy XIV

33:57 What you have been playing

42:50 The Sims 5 announced?

46:10 Bayonetta voice acting drama

1:00:59 Resident Evil Showcase + Silent Hill Transmission

1:04:30 PS5 Pro controller + custom Xbox Elite controller

1:08:05 Outro

Don't forget to like & subscribe, and follow us on our social media platforms!

Ben: http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus http://twitter.com/biggusbennus1

Ed: http://twitch.tv/ed_nights http://twitter.com/ed_nights

We're live from the same room and same mic! The first in-person podcast we've ever done quickly descends into chaos as we discuss the games we've been playing and all the latest news in gaming over the past week.

00:00 Intro

03:23 Big news!

11:31 Horizon Forbidden West

16:40 Mario vs Rabbids

19:14 DORFROMANTIK on Switch

23:08 Overwatch 2

31:12 What has the community been playing?

47:05 Back-breaking at TwitchCon

52:28 Twitch responds to 70/30 revenue split

1:01:28 FFXIV Fan Festival is returning

1:14:40 Among Us VR is out soon

1:16:04 Kingdom Hearts TV series canned

1:17:25 Xbox Accessibility Showcase

1:19:02 Disney Dreamlight Valley new content date

1:19:37 Brain grown to play Pong

1:20:49 Outro

Our podcast is recorded mere hours after the death knoll for Stadia is rung (if it wasn't DOA), so Ed & Ben give their opinion on that. We also chat about our trip last week to EGX and the games we've been playing, including Sonic Frontiers, The Last Of Us Part 1, Trombone Champ, and all the latest gaming news.

00:00 Intro

04:20 Interview with Yoshi-P

09:25 EGX 2022 including Sonic Frontiers and Unstoppable

26:00 Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator

30:22 Splatfest

34:17 The Last Of Us Part 1

41:05 Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

44:25 Trombone Champ

47:22 What's everyone playing?

55:55 Stadia is shutting down!

59:14 Netflix creates a first-party studio

1:00:43 Wild Hearts announced

1:03:42 Sackboy announced for PC

1:05:40 Chef Kawasaki’s Microbikini Karuta shut down

1:07:32 Outro

It's a theatre special as we discuss our trip to see Dear Evan Hansen on the West End before it closes as well as our opinions on pretty much every musical out there! Games?

Oh, we played Horizon Forbidden West, Splatoon 3 and a bunch of Switch demos, as well as discussed all the latest Twitch news.

00:00 Intro

01:51 Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

08:22 Dear Evan Hansen & theatre talk!

55:00 Tales Of Arise

56:52 Horizon Forbidden West

1:06:17 Splatoon 3

1:16:19 VALKYRIE ELYSIUM, DioField Chronicles & Harvestella

1:24:51 What have you been playing?

1:31:56 GTA VI leaks

1:36:45 TheRealInsider unmasked!

1:38:51 Twitch gambling 'ban'

1:44:37 Twitch introduces 50/50 cap on payouts over $100k

1:53:07 Twitch has a problem with predators

1:58:51 Trombone Champ goes viral

2:02:24 Outro

We took a week off after The Queen passed away 30 minutes before last week's podcast but we're back with more to talk about than ever before! Ed's spent the day at the Square Enix Plays event in London and Ben's been knees-deep into Disney Dreamlight Valley!

00:00 Intro

01:15 Queen Elizabeth II's death

09:03 Square Enix Plays

10:13 Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core tease

15:33 VALKYRIE ELYSIUM

18:34 Harvestella, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, Dragon Quest Treasures & more (including Japanese food!)

41:49 Ed's finished some games!

51:55 Donut County

56:27 Disney Dreamlight Valley

1:07:15 What everyone's been playing

1:12:10 This week's Nintendo Direct

1:29:33 Playstation State Of Play

1:40:13 Outro

This week, Ben's played Farthest Frontier while Ed's suffering some JRPG burnout. Plus what's next in Assassin's Creed and will there be a Zelda Nintendo Direct this month?

00:00 - Intro

03:12 - Ed hates northern music

13:33 - Gaming burnout

25:55 - Cult Of The Lamb

27:48 - Cuphead

31:10 - Farthest Frontier

38:40 - Episodic games, movies and bingeing

47:20 - Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and obscure game mechanics

50:57 - New Assassin's Creed Mirage leaked!

54:23 - Pride in Fortnite & music ramble

1:05:20 - New Pokemon announced

1:07:11 - Call Of Duty on GamePass

1:09:00 - New Playstation Plus games

1:12:29 - Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix

1:13:35 - Transphobic rant in patch notes of DOMINA game.

1:15:41 - Switch ports of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess?

1:12:10 - What have the community been playing? (Atomicrops, FFXIV 6.2, Horizon Zero Dawn, Graveyard Keeper, Bloons TD, Immortality, Bear & Breakfast

1:31:40 - Outro

Ed and Ben discuss the news of Sony increasing the PlayStation 5 cost, as well as F1 Manager 2022 and LGBT+ music game We Are OFK.

00:00 - Intro (Ed's birthday week) 13:50 - Final Fantasy XII 16:49 - F1 Manager 2022 27:06 - We Are OFK 35:23 - What have you been playing? (Hearthstone, Cult Of The Lamb, Destiny 2) 51:55 - PS5 price-hike 1:10:41 - GamesCom Opening Night Show 1:19:07 - Offensive comments by developer of Black Myth: Wukong 1:22:23 - Monster Hunter Rise selling 11 million copies 1:24:30 - Outro

We chat about Two Point Campus, the new Mario Kart tracks, Final Fantasy XII and all the latest gaming news with an LGBTQIA+ twist!

Ben & Ed chat about Two Point Campus and their time at the London e-Prix.

Join Ben and Ed as they do their best to talk about everything but video games.

Ben & Ed are back from TwitchCon Amsterdam and it's time for the debrief! Find out what went on and what we thought of the panels and events we went to, as well as some very stern words for certain Minecrafters.

It's TwitchCon Eve! Ben and Ed chat about their plans for the weekend, what they've been playing and all the important gaming news!

Ben & Ed are joined by Kelsey Hansen from Annapurna Interactive for a chat about everything video games!

Ben & Ed introduce Swapping Joysticks - a brand new place for all your LGBTQIA+ gaming content! In this episode you'll find, amongst many other things, Red Dead Redemption, Cyberpunk 2077, Monster Hunter Rise and whether pigeons can watch movies.

After 18 months it's finally time to say goodbye to Split The Screen. We've really enjoyed podcasting over the past 18 months and it's time we changed into something bigger and more us. We discuss everything at the start of this podcast.

From next week we'll be podcasting under the brand Swapping Joysticks, a platform for podcasts, reviews, quick looks and IRL videos with a heavy LGBTQIA+ focus. Please go check out the Split The Screen Twitter (or SwapJoysticks if after June 30th) to find our YouTube channel and see what we're up to.

Thank you to everyone for the support and I can't wait to continue with Swapping Joysticks

Ben and Ed go through all the major and minor announcements at Keigh 3, as well as take a deep dive into The Quarry and Cyberpunk 2077. Get your queer gaming podcast right here!

Ben and Ed discuss what happened in last week's Playstation State Of Play, what we think is going to be mentioned at the Summer Games Fest tomorrow and if Ed will ever finish Elden Ring. Answers on a postcard.

Who knew that good mobile games existed? Ben and Ed chat about the games they've been playing this week, including a lengthy discussion on the best mobile games out at the moment and also what might appear at the Playstation showcase later today. See if their predictions were right!

Ben and Ed have vastly different tastes in movies, as evidenced by what they saw the past week. They also chat about their plans for Pride Month on Twitch, Death Stranding 2, and Ed's still trying to finish Elden Ring.

We're back with a slightly new format! Ben and Ed chat for an hour about the latest games they've been playing and what's in the news this week. Ed's been playing a fancy music-based game while Ben's got addicted to Call Of Duty like he's 15 again.

Ed's back from the BAFTAs and gives us a full run down on what went down there. We also chat about the incredibly relaxing PowerWash Simulator, FF Origins Stranger Of Paradise (or however it's styled) and all the latest gaming news!

Ed's at the BAFTA Game Awards so Ben is joined by the wonderful MoniDoesStuff. We chat about #DORFROMANTIK, Xenoblade Chronicles and discuss what awards should be added to future game awards.

Ben and Ed are joined by Urbanbohemian for a talk about all things video games. We end up in a deep conversation about Destiny 2 as Ben finally gets to chat to someone who also loves it, as well as what we think about Ghostwire Tokyo, Tunic and all the latest gaming news!

Get ready for the filthiest episode we've ever recorded. In amongst the chat about love toys, relationships and the Tinder Swindler is a podcast loosely centred around video games! Join Ben, Ed and GeekyCassie for the longest podcast yet as we chat about what we've been playing, the latest gaming news and gaming franchises we think were unnecessary.

Ben and Ed are joined by PleasantlyTwstd for an in depth chat about everything Elden Ring. Tune in for spicy takes, speedrunning discussion, what other Souls games we've loved, and all the latest news in the gaming world!

Ben and Ed are joined by a Soulsgame newbie SoulBodyGeek to chat about everything Elden Ring. Find out what we all thought of this potential Game Of The Year contender, as well as all the latest gaming news and what games we find the most underrated and overrated.

Ben and Ed are joined by DonaTarte for the latest instalment in your favourite LGBTQIA+ gaming podcast! We chat about the latest Destiny 2 expansion - The Witch Queen, Ed's confusion playing Telling Lies, Dona's love of Horizon Zero Dawn, and all the latest gaming headlines in the news this week.

Ben and Ed are joined by CafeEla for the latest instalment in your favourite LGBTQIA+ gaming podcast! We chat all things accessibility in the gaming and streaming world, as well as what games we've been playing and the latest gaming news.

Anime and JRPG enthusiast AnnieMayPlay joins Ben & Ed to dissect the Nintendo Direct. We discuss all the latest headlines, games we've been playing and chat about what life is like as an old school JRPG lover on Twitch.

Pokémon enthusiast ErinusTV joins Ed and Ben for a Split The Screen talking everything Pokémon (and a fair bit more). Check out what they all think of Pokémon Legends: Arceus and what it means for the series going forward. They also chat about other games they've been playing and what's in the news this week!

Twitch's first ambassador or 2022, Eevoh joins Ben & Ed for this week's episode! We chat about Eevoh's career and experience streaming on Twitch, discuss the games we've been playing and what we're looking forward to in 2022!

Ben and Ed are joined by industry insider, drag artist and streamer Rik (Wortermelon) in a week where one news story really dominated the agenda. We chat about the Microsoft takeover of Activision Blizzard, Final Fantasy pornography being streamed in the Italian Senate and the games we've been playing - Titanfall 2, Final Fantasy XIV, Demon's Souls and more!

We're joined by MoniDoesStuff as she locks horns with Ed on whether Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart was a good game or not. Ben waxes lyrical about that brand new video game The Witcher 3 and we also talk about our gaming resolutions for 2022.

Ed & Ben return for regular weekly podcasts with a look back at the games we've played in 2021 and ordering them into a very neat top 10.

Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale return for a 'second season' of the greatest gaming podcast in the world (according to some). We discuss our recent hiatus and our plans for the future in a bumper episode!

Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Resident Evil Village, sci-fi video games and Ben's esports shenanigans are up for discussion in the latest edition of the greatest gaming podcast in the world. Join Twitch Partner Biggus Bennus & UK games journalist Ed Nightingale for all the latest news, views & video game reviews!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Resident Evil Village, Returnal, the Xbox Series X and we answer all your weird and wonderful questions!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Pokemon Snap, The Sims 4, Fortnite and video game characters we'd like to step on us. Yep, you read that right!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Fortnite, Resident Evil 7, Star Wars and we chat about games we are ashamed to admit we haven't got round to playing yet.

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about the latest games we've been playing and our gaming guilty pleasures!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Nier: Automata, Oddworld: Soulstorm, Lost Words: Beyond The Page and we have a VERY heated discussion on controversial gaming opinions.

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Monster Hunter Rise, Balan Wonderworld, Outriders and our favourite platformers!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Story of Seasons Pioneers of Olive Town, Control, Signs of the Sojourner and a special Resident Evil anniversary/horror game section!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Final Fantasy 14, Littlewood, Control and the Square Enix presents showcase, including out favourite Square Enix memories!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about The Outer Worlds, Story of Seasons and what makes video games the best medium of telling certain stories!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Story Of Seasons, Bravely Default 2, Yakuza Like A Dragon on PS5 and what what our memories are of the Nintendo Switch, which turned 4 years old yesterday!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat more about what games we've been playing and what games we expect & hope to see at the State Of Play later that evening.

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat more about what games we've been playing and what games we'd like to see turned into movies and TV shows!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat more about Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Zelda Age Of Calamity and what our favourite LGBT+ video games are!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat more about Tell Me Why, Astro's Playroom, Destruction All Stars and what our biggest gaming regrets are. Also, Ed has a very big announcement!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Tell Me Why, Hitman 3, Resident Evil Village's demo and what games we'd love to see remastered.

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Minecraft and our favourite chilled games!

Join Ben Austwick and Ed Nightingale for Split the Screen, a weekly podcast on all things gaming related and what’s been splitting opinions. This week we chat about Murder by Numbers, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Pokemon Snap and gaming anniversaries!

Ed & Ben discuss the games they've been playing this week and a look ahead at those scheduled for release in 2021. Expect chats about Ghost of Tsushima, If Found, Ikenfell and Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity.

It's the final day and final podcast of 2020! Ed & Ben discuss a load of games that came out and come up with a ranked top 10 from all the ones they've played. What will be the first ever Split The Screen Game of the Year?

A very special episode where we hand out 12 awards to games that fully deserved it. From prestigious titles such as Best Narrative and Best LGBTQIA2+ Game to Biggest Fad and Hottest Mess. Ben & Ed go through it all ahead of next week's big Game Of The Year podcast!

We're in the festive season so Ben and Ed are reminiscing about Christmas gaming stories. Aside from those, we've got the latest gaming news and what we think of the winter update of Animal Crossing, Death Stranding and some more Demon's Souls.

It's all about open world games today! Ben and Ed chat about what their favourite open world games are, from GTA 3 to Breath Of The Wild and everything in between. Also included in this episode is chatter about Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Haven and... Tetris.

It's the first episode! This week, Ed and Ben chat about their favourite PS5 launch games, Nintendo news and the best launch games ever made.