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Critical ArcadeTwo white dudes talk about video games, but better Author: Nick Hendrix
Welcome to the award-winning Critical Arcade Podcast, the ultimate destination for all things gaming. Every week, our hosts Nick and Dave will be taking you on a journey through the world of video games, where theyll be reviewing the greatest releases through time, as well as diving into the rich history of gaming.Whether youre a hardcore gamer looking for an in-depth analysis of the newest triple-A title or a casual player looking for some nostalgia-fueled fun, Nick and Dave have got you covered. Theyll be sharing their thoughts on the biggest and best games out there, from the latest indie darling to a classic from the past.But its not just about the games themselves; Nick and Dave will also be discussing the industry as a whole, covering the latest news and trends, and exploring the cultural impact that video games have on our society. Theyll also be talking to some of the biggest names in the industry, from developers to streamers, and getting their insights on the world of gaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Leisure, Technology, Video Games Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Tails Noir (2021) Noir Gone Wild
Episode 131
Wednesday, 12 November, 2025
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick dust off their detective hats, light a cigarette under the flickering glow of a neon sign, and step into the rain-soaked, crumbling streets of dystopian Vancouver in Backbone. This isn’t your average pixel-art adventure — it’s a smoky, jazz-drenched neo-noir where everyone’s an animal, the city’s rotting from the inside, and the truth is far more terrifying than it first appears.Players take on the role of Howard Lotor, a weary raccoon private investigator barely scraping by, whose latest case — finding a missing husband — leads him into a web of corruption, crime, and existential horror. What starts as a simple domestic investigation quickly unravels into a conspiracy involving the city’s oppressive class system, grotesque secrets hidden by its powerful elite, and a mystery that forces Howard to confront his own humanity… or what’s left of it.As Dave and Nick follow Howard’s trail through smoky jazz bars, shadowy back alleys, and the towering decadence of the rich, they’ll face moral dilemmas and uncomfortable truths. Dave spends half the episode trying to figure out if raccoons can get PTSD, while Nick insists on narrating every line like a 1940s gumshoe. The two debate everything from the meaning of the game’s shocking transformation in its final act to whether or not the raccoon trench coat counts as “drip.”Will Dave keep his cool as the story descends into surreal, body-horror-infused madness? Can Nick make sense of the game’s philosophical curveball ending — or will he just blame it on “art”? And most importantly, can anyone really find hope in a world built on lies and fur?Find out as the Critical Arcade crew peel back the layers of Backbone — a haunting, beautifully realized descent into noir, nostalgia, and nihilism that asks not just who we are, but what we’re willing to become. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
