Welcome to the Dual Comm Podcast, hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, where gaming, tech, and life intersect in thoughtful and exciting conversations. As creators...
PSVR in 2025, Retro Gaming, and Why the Old Internet Was Better
In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into a stacked lineup of topics that blend nostalgia, modern gaming tech, and internet culture.
PSVR in 2025 – Trying PlayStation VR for the first time a decade late! Does it hold up, or does the novelty wear off? We break down the best games (Ace Combat 7, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection) and whether VR still has a future.
Retro Gaming in 2025 – Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 on original hardware still feels amazing. We discuss scalers like the Framemeister, OSSC, and RetroTINK, and why retro gaming delivers a distraction-free experience that modern games often lack.
The Old Internet Was Better – Why does the internet feel so different now? We reflect on the pre-algorithm era, how online spaces used to be more personal and exploratory, and what changed around 2017-2018. Can we ever go back?
Gaming Feels Better When You Earn It – Shoutout to TheRetroDen for an amazing take: https://youtu.be/br7TF52W8TA?si=ETq_HeFdv37BHe5y. Gaming feels more rewarding when it’s treated as a break after real-life productivity. We discuss whether gaming sessions become more fulfilling when they’re earned instead of being mindless escapism.
Join us for another deep dive into gaming, tech, and internet culture. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you still enjoy retro gaming? Is VR the future or a gimmick? And do you miss the old internet?
Subscribe to Lost Saves https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:53 New Astro Bot Levels – Does It Still Hold Up?
00:05:02 Experiencing PlayStation VR for the First Time – 10 Years Late
00:18:28 Console VR vs. PC VR – Which Feels Better?
00:26:00 The Power of VR – How Depth Changes Everything
00:30:00 Playing PlayStation 1 & 2 in 2025 – Why It’s Still Incredible
00:40:00 What Is a Retro Scaler? How They Work & Why They Matter
00:50:00 The Joy of Retro Games – Timeless Gaming Without Distractions
00:58:57 Why the Old Internet Was Better – A Look Back
01:16:00 Gaming Feels More Fulfilling When It’s Earned
Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc
--------
1:33:09
Xbox Developer Direct Shines, Doom Leads the Charge
In this episode, we dive deep into the highlights of the recent Xbox Developer Direct, where Doom: The Dark Ages stole the spotlight with its bold reveal and exciting focus on a campaign-driven experience. We discuss what makes this new installment stand out and why the showcase set a high bar for future game reveals. We also explore Phil Spencer's vision for Xbox's multiplatform strategy, break down the latest news on the Horizon Zero Dawn MMO, and reflect on EA’s massive market loss and the challenges of balancing art and business in game development. To round it all out, we share what we’ve been playing lately and tackle a big real-life discussion: What gaming can teach us about focus and how those lessons apply to everyday life. Join us for a packed episode full of gaming news, insights, and thoughtful discussions!
https://analogdreams.zip/
Subscribe to lost_saves on YouTube
00:00:00 Xbox Developer Direct
00:01:18 Doom: The Dark Ages Reveal
00:12:40 Ninja Gaiden 4 Highlights
00:16:30 South of Midnight Overview
00:18:15 Expedition 33 Breakdown
00:23:00 Spotlight on Studio Personalities
00:26:35 Phil Spencer on Xbox’s Strategy
00:39:50 EA’s $6 Billion Loss Explained
00:45:00 Why You Can’t Manufacture Art
01:00:12 How Life-Changing Games Are Made
01:15:40 What We’ve Been Playing
01:23:30 Cutting Through the Noise to Enjoy Gaming
01:37:44 A Game That Changed Your Life
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE
Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc
--------
1:44:38
Switch 2 Unveiled and Sony’s Live-Service Cancellations
In this episode, we dive into the biggest gaming news of 2025: the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We break down everything you need to know about its design, features, and game lineup, including the much-anticipated new Mario Kart title. Next, we explore whether Astro Bot’s success was simply perfect timing or the culmination of a decade of innovation. Plus, we discuss why gaming on an OLED TV is a transformative experience you won’t want to miss. We also tackle a hot topic in the gaming community: Xbox exclusivity. Is Xbox losing its edge, or is it time to rethink the console wars? Other highlights include a look at PS Plus's impressive January lineup, the emulation quality of PS1 and PS2 games on the PS5, and why Baldur’s Gate 3 is shaping up to be a true 10-year game. Finally, we examine the shift from live-service games to singleplayer experiences and what it means for the future of gaming. Tune in for all this and more! #gaming #gamingvideos
00:00:00 Building the Perfect Morning: Journaling and Digital Minimalism
00:05:06 Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: Specs, Games, and What to Expect
00:35:37 Astro Bot: A Decade-Long Journey to Perfect Timing
00:46:23 Why OLED TVs Are Revolutionizing Gaming
01:02:07 Xbox Exclusivity: Is the Console’s Identity at Risk?
01:16:03 PS Plus January/February Lineup: Hits and Hidden Gems
01:27:30 PS1 & PS2 Emulation on PS5: Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech
01:34:12 Baldur’s Gate 3: Modding Brilliance and the 10-Year Game Legacy
01:51:00 From Live Service to Singleplayer: Sony Cancels Live Service Games
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE
Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc
--------
2:08:26
The Biggest Games of 2025: Why We’re Hyped
In this episode, we dive into the biggest games of 2025, share bold predictions for the gaming industry, and explore how the PS5 has transformed the way we play. From exciting trends to anticipated blockbusters, we’re breaking down what makes this year special for gamers. Plus, we discuss the rise of the "Quadruple A" era, the future of game graphics, and how to tackle backlog dread. Which game or trend are you most excited for in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
00:00 Intro
01:38 Show Overview
03:08 2025’s Biggest Games and Trends
27:06 January to March 2025 Releases Breakdown
43:00 Bold Predictions for 2025 Gaming
54:38 Why the PS5 Changed How I Game
1:14:00 Are We in the Quadruple-A Era?
1:22:05 The Future of Game Graphics
1:39:26 Tackling Backlog Stress
Subscribe to lostsaves on YouTube
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE
Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc
--------
1:50:07
Your Holiday Gaming Guide + Why Replay Value Matters
In Episode 3 of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into the ultimate holiday gaming guide! From Steam Winter Sale steals like Celeste and Mass Effect Legendary Edition to must-play Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox titles, we've got something for every gamer this season. We also tackle the concept of replay value: What makes a game worth revisiting, and how do we decide when it’s time for another run? Plus, we explore why more gamers are watching content about games rather than playing them and share thoughts on remasters done right (Legacy of Kain, anyone?). Finally, we discuss the collapse of xDefiant and whether free-to-play shooters can ever dethrone the big players. Join us for another chill discussion! Thanks for all your support on this show and have a wonderful holiday and New Year!
Subscribe to Lost Saves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsaves
Amazon Prime Free Games: https://gaming.amazon.com/home
Gamers Watch More Than They Play: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-report-claims-gamers-spend-more-time-watching-videos-about-gaming-than-playing-games
Legacy of Kain Remaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5qzpSrd-ko
NPR Best Games Of 2024: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/16/g-s1-9554/best-games-2024-picked-by-npr-staff
00:00:00 Holiday Gaming Shopping Guide
00:03:50 Steam & Multiplatform Must-Haves
00:35:55 Nintendo Switch Holiday Deals
00:40:48 Best PlayStation Game Discounts
00:54:02 Top Xbox Game Bargains
00:57:19 Amazon Prime’s Free Game Picks
01:00:22 How Long Does It Really Take to Beat Games?
01:15:00 Do Gamers Watch More Than They Play?
01:28:50 The Replay Value Debate
01:35:11 Why Did xDefiant Shut Down?
01:51:29 Your Personal Game of the Year
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE
Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321
Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc
Welcome to the Dual Comm Podcast, hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, where gaming, tech, and life intersect in thoughtful and exciting conversations. As creators who grew up during the golden age of gaming, we dive into everything from nostalgic throwbacks and modern trends to the deeper connections games foster in our lives. Each show, we explore topics like multiplayer memories, the evolution of gaming culture, the latest in tech, and how games continue to shape the way we experience the world. Whether it’s debating old vs. new graphics, reliving LAN party glory days, or exploring the value of physical vs. digital media, we try to bring fresh perspectives to the table. Join us for casual chats, fun insights, and a celebration of what makes gaming and tech so impactful. Press start and listen now!