Playing Catch-up

In which your hosts mark the release of Saros by playing Housemarque's previous PS5 game, Returnal. Is it a certified five bagger? You better believe it is. After that, they round up a spiritual successor to the CD-i Zelda games, an audio-based mystery puzzle game with Her Story vibes, and an oft overlooked gem from the PSP days. Finger on the pulse as ever, us. Games discussed: Returnal Arzette:...

In which your hosts check out some more short games on the PlayStation Plus service because Paul's gone and snagged himself another trial. Games discussed: The Exit 8 by Kotake Create Indika by Odd Meter Somerville by Jumpship Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky Intro / outro music by Princess Stephen Artwork by  BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul and Tom rummage through the games likely to make it to their grubby little mitts in the coming year. They select three each that they're particularly looking forward to, before making a mockery of the format and namechecking a bunch more at the end. Games discussed in the main section: Earth Must Die by Size Five Games Mina the Hollower by Yacht Club Games The Incident at Galley Hous...

In which your hosts each pick their top five favourite games of the past 12 months.  Games discussed (in alphabetical, not ranked, order): Absolum by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games & Supamonks Blue Prince by Dogubomb Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive Promise Mascot Agency by Kaizen Game Works Sektori by Kimmo Lahtinen Silver Bullet by 1CC Games Sonic Racing: Crossworlds by Sonic T...

In which the boys briefly cover the recent Nintendo Direct before Tom learns just what a Boost Era Sonic game is and Paul makes the most of a three-month Apple Arcade trial. Games discussed: Sonic Dream Team puffies. Katamri Damacy Rolling LIVE Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time   Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky Intro / outro musi...

In which your hosts tackle creeping horror on a doomed oil rig, shed light on a sequel done right, and just about navigate talking about two games from VERY similar sounding developers. Games discussed: Still Wakes the Deep Everybody's Gone to the Rapture (a little bit) Anodyne 2: Return to Dust Roto Force Opus: The Day We Found Earth Device 6  Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playing...

In which Tom plays through a couple of games Paul enjoyed experiencing back in 2024. But did he get on with them? Or will this be the recommendation-based betrayal that ends the podcast once and for all? Games discussed: Thank Goodness You're Here! Tinykin Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky Intro / outro music by Princess Stephen Ar...

In which your hosts explore four more games from the Playdate's second season. There's one clear standout, but plenty more to enjoy along the way. Games discussed: Chance's Lucky Escape Shadowgate PD CatchaDiablos Tiny Turnip Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky Intro / outro music by  5of6 Artwork by  BigShimmeryWall

In which Paul and Tom continue to explore the latest season of games for Panic's quirky handheld console Playdate. They're delighted to find a couple of great new releases (and update on one from Week 2 that they're less enamoured with). Games discussed: The Whiteout Otto's Galactic Groove!! Long Puppy Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Blu...

In which your hosts celebrate the big five-oh by playing with Panic's tiny yellow handheld. Season 2 of the Playdate is here, so Paul and Tom dig through Week 1's games before turning their attention to (half of) Week 2. Games discussed: Blippo+ Fulcrum Defender Dig! Dig! Dino! Wheelsprung Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky Intro /...

In which we watched the PlayStation State of Play, Summer Geoff Fest, Day of the Devs and the Future Games Show so you don't have to (although you probably did). Also, it's not even summer yet, but let's not get bogged down in that. We each pick our personal top three games from across the shows and sprinkle in a few honourable mentions too. Games discussed: Cairn Lumines Arise Marvel Tokon: Fight...

In which your hosts celebrate the launch of Nintendo's new console by talking about PlayStation Plus. Paul's been making the most of his two-week Premium trial, so let's dig in and find out what took his fancy, what was not so hot, and which Platinum trophy flex Tom has taken as a personal slight. (Switch 2 launch thoughts coming in due course!) Games discussed: Coffee Talk VA-11 Hall-A Sackboy: A...

In which Paul explores the wonderful world of Musou games, with a particular focus on Samurai Warriors 5. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a grizzled Musou veteran, there's plenty here to get your teeth into.   Visit Chris Gildart's YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@chrisgildart Check out our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Bluesky...

In which your hosts briefly discuss the latest news around little-known up-and-comer GTA VI, before getting into the meat of the episode with some Balatro chat. A year on from release, does the poker-themed deckbuilder live up to the hype it garnered at launch, or is it merely an excellent videogame? Next up, we turn to charming puzzle adventure TOEM before Paul goes full gumshoe with some more ob...

In which Paul returns to the DS to play a franchise sequel that wasn't released outside of Japan, before both hosts cast off their cardigans and get down with the kids to check out a hella cool videogame. Games discussed: Chibi Robo: Clean Sweep Life is Strange The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit Check out the Twitch channel at  www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via  Blu...

In which Tom and Paul discuss Nintendo showing off (some) new details on Switch 2's flagship title, and the exciting new season of games coming to Panic's hipster handheld Playdate. Later, we circle back around to Blue Prince and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, before Paul tells us why Nintendo was right to bring out a sequel to a little-known franchise nearly three decades on. (We lost the seco...

In which Paul reveals which game convinced him to pick up PS5 a few years into its lifecycle, along with thoughts on a few of the titles he's been playing on Sony's behemoth. Next up, Tom ponders why the latest hotness is getting a lukewarm reception in some circles, before Paul plays us out with an ode to Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Games discussed: Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Snowrunner...

In which Tom and Paul return triumphantly to reflect on the latest Nintendo Direct which focused on the Switch 2. The show offered up an exciting twist on an old favourite, a head-scratching new way to control games, and a low-key confirmation of the impending arrival of one of the most anticipated games for years. Lots to dig into, so join us for the latest instalment of the podcast that has take...

In which Weeks 2 and 3 of Playdate's Season 1 are experienced and discussed. Games covered: Crankin's Time Travel Adventure Boogie Loops Lost Your Marbles Pick Pack Pup Check out the Twitch channel at  www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @catchuppod ) or send us an email:  hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Learn more about the Playdate at the official website . Intro / o...

In which Tom and Paul finally receive their Playdate consoles and immediately get to cranking.   Check out the Twitch channel at  www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @catchuppod ) or send us an email:  hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Learn more about the Playdate at the official website .   Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by  @BigShimmeryWall

In which Tom and Paul tackle an FMV game in the hope it can possibly live up to the heady heights of Night Trap.   Check out the Twitch channel at  www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @catchuppod ) or send us an email:  hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by  5of6 Artwork by  @BigShimmeryWall

In which three games fail to fully impress your intrepid hosts. Is that not selling this episode to you? Hmm. You won't believe what happens next! (It's the end theme. The end theme happens next.) Games discussed Balan Wonderworld (00:20) New Super Lucky's Tale (00:54) Death Come True (09:52) Check out the Twitch channel at  www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @ca...

In which Paul channels his inner ballerina and Tom just about fits his PS5 in his living room. Games discussed Super Bomberman R Online (Starts 00:38) Astro's Playroom (Starts 24:36) Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @catchuppod ) or send us an email:  hello@playingcatchup.co.uk Intro / outro music by 5of6 Artwork by @BigShimmeryW...

In which Tom enjoys some traditional family activities like obliterating mummies, while Paul finds himself Planking Like The Best of Them. Games discussed Ring Fit Adventure (Starts 01:01) Strange Brigade (Starts 30:26) VA-11 Hall-A (Starts 49:50) Assassin’s Creed 4 / Liberation (Starts 59:20) Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Get in touch with the show via Twitter ( @ca...

In which audio recorded almost a year ago finally sees the light of day. That’s right, we’re back whether you like it or not. In this episode: the pros and cons of camping, plus the long and storied career of The Undertaker. Oh, and a bit of games talk. Games discussed: Attack of the Friday Monsters Wide Ocean Big Jacket WWE SuperCard Check out the Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/playingcatchup Ge...