105: Hot Games Summer ft. Amy Mallett

108: Go To (Buy) Armoured (Core) 6 ft. Luke Westaway and Shay Thompson

Jul 7, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of Press X to Continue, hosts Stefan and Shay are joined by games YouTuber Luke Westaway to explore the latest industry developments and share some personal gaming recommendations. The conversation kicks off with a look at the Unsung Hero segment, where Luke champions Armoured Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Despite its high production value and engaging mech-based combat, the hosts discuss why this FromSoftware title may have struggled to reach the broader mainstream audience many expected, especially given the developer's massive success with their fantasy RPGs. The group also dives into the growing conversation surrounding the upcoming launch of GTA VI. The hosts weigh in on the controversial decision to release the title as a digital-only experience, debating the implications for game preservation, the secondhand market, and the overall consumer experience. Beyond the logistics, they touch on the broader tension between viewing blockbuster titles as both artistic cultural commentary and high-revenue products. The episode concludes with a round of community-sourced trivia, sparking a lively debate about common mechanics that players often find frustrating in modern gaming.

106: The Man With The Golden Game ft. Amy Mallett

Jun 30, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of Press X to Continue, the hosts are joined by writer and content manager Amy Mallett to discuss gaming achievements, cooperative play, and their early impressions of the latest James Bond title. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at the podcast’s recurring in-jokes before transitioning into a segment on unsung hero games. Amy highlights Splinter Cell: Conviction for its groundbreaking stealth co-op mechanics, noting how the game’s synchronized execution and proximity audio systems created an unmatched level of immersion. The group reflects on the evolution of tactical co-op and the nostalgia surrounding classic titles, including brief detours into the history of Fighting Fantasy gamebooks. The bulk of the episode is dedicated to a spoiler-free review of the new James Bond game. The hosts praise the title’s lived-in world, strong ensemble cast, and successful departure from fantasy-heavy trends. While they find the immersive MI6 environment and performance capture impressive, they do offer critical notes on the clunkiness of the cover system and gunplay. Ultimately, they conclude that the game effectively captures the essence of a younger, more reckless Bond.

104: BRING BACK BLOCKBUSTER

Jun 16, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Press X to Continue, hosts Stefan Powell and Ineel Tomlinson sit down for a casual discussion, reflecting on their recent experiences and addressing a variety of listener questions submitted via their community channel. The conversation kicks off with a look back at a previous guest’s trivia challenge, sparking a fun debate about the intensity of the competition and the community's performance. A major focus of this episode is the segment on unsung hero games. The hosts share their appreciation for titles that may have been overlooked or deserve more recognition today. They dive into the legacy of Jonah Lomu Rugby, praising its simplicity and iconic commentary, while also reminiscing about the culture of renting games from places like Blockbuster. Additionally, they discuss Quantum Break, analyzing its ambitious, ahead-of-its-time approach to cross-media storytelling. The hosts also offer valuable advice on navigating the gaming industry, recommending newsletters and journalists for those seeking reliable, high-quality news. They conclude by exploring whether the gaming community values awards as much as the film industry, debating the role of star power, developer recognition, and the overall perception of gaming in mainstream media.

103: THE GAMING QUIZ SPECIAL ft. Ali Plumb

Jun 9, 202654 minSummary

In this special episode of Press X to Continue, the hosts invite renowned quizmaster and film critic Ali Plumb to lead a high-stakes gaming trivia challenge. Taking a break from their standard format, the team engages in a spirited head-to-head competition covering three rounds: legendary gaming franchises, film adaptations, and BAFTA-nominated titles. Throughout the episode, Plumb tests the hosts’ knowledge on everything from character lore to industry history, all while maintaining his signature calm and engaging delivery. Before diving into the quiz, the hosts share their unsung hero game, focusing on Marvel’s Midnight Suns. They discuss why this tactical deck-builder—often unfairly dismissed by the public as a mobile-style game—deserves more recognition for its addictive gameplay loop and deep character interactions. The discussion highlights the strategic depth of its card-based combat and the charm of its social elements. Whether debating the challenges of Marvel game marketing or navigating the pressure of tricky trivia questions, the conversation captures the fun, competitive energy of the community. It is a lighthearted, insightful episode that celebrates both niche gaming gems and the broader history of the medium.

102: BIG LAD ft. Sam Cornforth

Jun 2, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Press X to Continue, hosts Stefan Powell and Ael Tomlinson are joined by actor and comedian Sam Cornforth to discuss the shifting landscape of modern gaming and the evolution of their own playing habits. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted look at parental gaming, as Cornforth shares his experiences playing Angry Birds with his young son, highlighting the surprising dexterity kids develop with game mechanics. The discussion shifts toward the concept of unsung hero games, with the trio revisiting strategy titles like Full Spectrum Warrior and the detective-thriller L.A. Noire. They reflect on how their personal priorities have changed over time, moving away from long, completionist grinds toward experiences that offer quick, high-quality engagement. This leads to a thoughtful debate on the value proposition of modern games. They contrast the rising costs of production and the price of new releases against the entertainment value of shorter, linear experiences compared to the expansive, time-consuming games of their youth. The episode also includes a recurring trivia challenge, keeping the competition within the community lively as the hosts and their guest test their knowledge of gaming history.

101: The Muskiest Main Characters ft. Sam Cornforth

May 27, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of Press X to Continue, the hosts welcome actor, comedian, and content creator Sam Cornforth to the show. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of Sam’s background in RPGs, specifically his nostalgic connection to Oblivion, which helped shape his creative approach to gamifying everyday life in his viral videos. A major theme of the episode is the enduring appeal of cooperative gaming. The group shares personal stories of growing up with "couch co-op" experiences, debating the merits of titles like Theme Hospital, Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and the high-octane action of the Warhammer title Space Marine 2. They highlight how cooperative play serves as a vital social experience, whether it is building an empire in a rogue-like or navigating the stressful, collaborative chaos of Overcooked. The conversation also touches on the nature of digital culture, specifically the phenomenon of review bombing. The hosts analyze how performative negativity on platforms like Steam often backfires, inadvertently drawing more attention to the quality of the games in question. The episode concludes with a lively exchange about recent television hits, cementing the show's focus on deep-diving into community-driven gaming topics and cultural trends.