Advertise on podcast: Checkpoint Chat

We're finally back and ready for a new year of excellent games! But first, we dive into some 2025 gems we've played over the last few weeks, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Dispatch, ARC Raiders, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - A brand new generation of children 00:10:54 - Metroid Prime 4 is entirely fine 00:22:45​ - Dispatch surprised us with how good it is 00:37:10​ - Matty can't stop playing ARC Raiders... 00:55:20​ - ... while Sandy is hooked on Hollow Knight: Silksong 01:24:09​ - The Xbox Dev Direct was great! #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

It's that time again, and what a great gaming year it's been. What standouts have made the cut on Matty and Sandy's respective Top 5 lists, and which honorable mentions just didn't make it? Here's the best gaming experiences we fell in love with in 2025, which might influence what we see in the years to come. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Excel sorcery 00:06:17 - Matty's honourable mentions 00:12:38​ - Sandy's honourable mention 00:13:35​ - Sandy's #5 00:19:33​ - Matty's #5 00:23:15​ - Matty's #4 (Sandy's #3) 00:33:03​ - Matty's #2 (Sandy's #4) 00:41:15​ - Sandy's #1 (Matty's #3) 00:51:18​ - Matty's #1 (Sandy's #2) 01:07:55​ - THANK YOU!!! 💛💛 #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

It's that time of year again where Geoff Keighley emerges to dazzle and wow us with game trailers and celebrity appearances at his extravagant end-of-year show. Oh, and game awards, given that this is The Game Awards after all. Which games are walking away with all the Keighleys in hand, and which are going to cruelly miss out? Here's all our predictions for this week's show. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Jackhammers and tarring 00:04:50 - It's The Game Awards season! 00:10:36​ - Our predictions on winners... 01:07:10​ - What will be Game of the Year? 01:17:38​ - Are we seeing Bloodborne 2 and Half-Life 3? #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat, games are actually being finished! After many months Sandy is finally done with Death Stranding 2 and cannot contain how much he was into its earnest b******t. Meanwhile Matty has triumphed above and below in Hades 2, which might just be a big GOTY contender going into the last weeks of the year. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - The struggle of brushing teeth 00:11:40 - Sandy finished Death Stranding 2 00:54:03​ - And Matty finished Hades II #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat, we checked out the long-awaited return of Ryu in Ninja Gaiden 4 while avoiding the mess he's made on the walls, on the ceiling, and pretty much anywhere else you can think of. The Outer Worlds 2 is also out and reminding us that Fallout New Vegas was pretty damn good, and so is this latest Obsidian role-playing game set in capitalist space hell. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Does tea count as water and rare Monster flavours 00:14:06 - An actual story about eyedrops 00:21:51​ - Ninja Gaiden 4 surprised us (in a good way) 00:41:06 - The Outer Worlds 2 is also great (thus far) 00:59:04 - Halo 2 came out a long time ago #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

We're back and the game releases have not stopped. This week on Checkpoint Chat we finally get around to checking out Ghost of Yotei and its compelling, yet familiar revenge tale. Matty has finally started losing hours to runs in Hades II after Hollow Knight: Silksong released him from its grasp, while Sandy has been enjoying a different kind of kart racer with Sonic Racing Crossworlds. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Are monitor light bars any good? 00:14:36 - Ghost of Yōtei is more of the same thus far (but that's fine) 00:30:26​ - Matty is ready to be consumed by Hades II 00:48:13 - 56.5 hours later, we got 100% on Hollow Knight: Silksong 00:58:20 - Battlefield 6 is the best the franchise has been in years 01:07:06 - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a good alternate 01:16:22 - Are we upgrading anytime soon? #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat, we're still deep in the inset-filled catacombs while making our way through Team Cherry's Silksong, taking the fight to time itself in Hades 2, and enjoying the good "shooties" that Borderlands 4 is offering with some of the series' best action. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Matty meant Barry White, not Barry Manilow 00:15:35 - Xbox Game Pass is up in price and down in sentiment 00:22:13​ - 30 hours in and Hollow Knight: Silksong is fantastic 00:39:04 - Hades II is one of the best games you'll play this year 01:00:03 - Borderlands 4's shooties are real good! 01:13:13 - It's time to say goodbye (until next time) #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat it's finally happened; we've played Silksong and it's living up to all the lofty expectations its long development cycle promised. Speaking of expectations, Borderlands 4 is here and attempting to steer the franchise's ship straight again, Prince of Persia gets another great game that is hopefully not going to be overlooked, and Gears of War is... on PlayStation? Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Where exactly does Harry Potter live? 00:12:50 - Borderlands 4 feels great thus far 00:23:30​ - Hollow Knight: Silksong is real (and it's real good) 01:00:08 - The Rogue Prince of Persia is fantastic 01:08:58 - Gears of War Reloaded is old, but good 01:30:45 - Landing the plane (late) #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat, couriering packings has never been better as Death Stranding 2 continues to delight on many fronts. Mafia The Old Country returns the series to its linear roots, for better or worse, while Battlefield 6 feels familiar and modern in all the right ways. Finally, we check in on Metavoidal, a new metroidvania where you play as a drummer trying to escape and evil metal band! Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Internet has come a long way 00:10:10 - Death Stranding 2 is so strange (but we love it) 00:36:01​ - It's early days for us in Mafia: The Old Country 00:45:03 - the Battlefield 6 beta has us hooked 01:05:54 - We played a local game called Metavoidal! 01:14:57 - Goodbye shenanigans #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week on Checkpoint Chat, Matty is loading up cargo both physically and virtually as he concludes his thoughts on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Then there's monkey business on the horizon with the latest Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza, before we answer... a listener question?Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchatBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat-- SHOW NOTES --00:00:00​ - Moving vans, bed sizses, and cuddling00:16:44​ - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a GOTY contender for sure00:41:30 - Donkey Kong Bananza is packed with Nintendo goodness01:05:07 - Speaking of Nintendo... Silksong?01:08:56 - A QUESTION!#gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

On the latest episode of Checkpoint Chat, we've had out Nintendo Switch 2 consoles for over a month now and have a lot to say about its design, some pitfalls, and the value of Mario Kart World. Then it's off to Australia and its tar spider-infested forests in Death Stranding 2, all the feels we felt at the end of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the enduring pull of Elden Ring Nightreign. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Why is networking so complicated??? 00:11:45​ - So, is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth getting right now? 00:45:03 - Death Stranding 2 is all about the vibes 01:11:36 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 remains a GOTY frontrunner 01:20:43 - Elden Ring Nightreign is real good #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

It's a big week this week on Checkpoint Chat, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, a brand new Mario Kart, and the new satisfying clicks of a Joy-Con. There's also loads of other games to talk about, like Elden Ring Nightreign, Blue Prince, and a bunch of upcoming titles such as Resident Evil Requiem from Summer Game Fest. Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Resident Evil Games Fest 00:24:15​ - What are we seeing at the Xbox showcase 00:32:53 - We have the Nintendo Switch 2! 01:02:35 - Blue Prince is unbelievably good 01:17:18 - Elden Ring Nightreign is forcing us to GET GUD #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

This week in Checkpoint Chat, Matty and Sandy are still floored by how exceptional Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, turns out the demons of medieval times are just as fun to slaughter in Doom: The Dark Ages, and can you guess which of the characters in Final Destination are recurring ones? We sure can! Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchat Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat -- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - White noise and sides of the bed 00:16:13 - Matty is loving Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 00:43:45 - Doom: The Dark Ages is a welcome change01:05:35 - Frontlogs are the future 01:06:36 - Horror movies and the return of bed sides #gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

We're back at last and filled to the brim with nonsense discussions! This week we dive into Metroid Prime Remastered, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Monster Hunter Wilds. There's also talk of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is just around the corner... Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter:   / checkpointchat​​  Facebook:   / checkpointchat  Instagram:   / checkpointchat  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointch... Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...-- SHOW NOTES --00:00:00​ - The mystery behind blue light filters (SOLVED!)00:16:07 - South Africa really does rule00:19:42 - Metroid Prime Remastered absolutely holds up00:27:10 - Assassin's Creed Shadows is comfort food for sure00:28:37 - Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is dense (but good)00:39:12 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a surprise 2025 hit01:06:45 - Monster Hunter Wilds still has us hooked01:13:36 - The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is soon!#gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview

It's our last episode for a while, so pull up a seat for fresh impressions on 33 Immortals and final thoughts on Assassin's Creed Shadows! Bonus content this week includes: pigeons and their personal poop agendas, and the sun. Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChat​​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkpointchatBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/checkpointchat.bsky.social Want to listen to more gaming goodness, on other platforms? Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and more right here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/checkpointchat-- SHOW NOTES -- 00:00:00​ - Pigeons are assholes 00:06:28 - 33 Immortals is an interesting game for sure 00:30:04 - We rolled credits on Assassin's Creed Shadows! 00:54:36 - The sun is an asshole too (sometimes)#gamingpodcast #gamingchannels #gamingreview