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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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Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003) So Dark It Missed The Mark
Episode 133
Monday, 8 December, 2025
This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick dust off their dual pistols, crank up the early-2000s angst, and step into the shadowy, conspiratorial world of Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness—the game that tried to reinvent Lara Croft… and occasionally forgot how legs work in the process.Fresh off being framed for the murder of her mentor Werner Von Croy, Lara finds herself plunged into the underbelly of Paris. She escapes through rain-soaked streets, dingy back alleys, and the world’s grumpiest cafés while trying to unravel a string of occult murders tied to a secret society known only as the Cabal. Their motives? Mysterious. Their fashion sense? Impeccably leather.As Lara goes on the run, Dave and Nick try to keep track of all the new “features” this game introduced: morality systems that don’t really matter, stealth segments that no one asked for, and strength upgrades that somehow require Lara to repeatedly push boxes like she’s training for the Olympics. Meanwhile, Nick insists the game’s moody Paris soundtrack is underrated, and Dave keeps asking why every locked door looks like it might actually be a puzzle but… isn’t.To complicate things further, the boys meet Kurtis Trent, the trench-coat-wearing, telekinesis-dabbling enigma who may or may not be flirting with Lara—or the player, depending on the mood. While Lara chases ancient artifacts tied to the Nephilim, Kurtis does his best to appear cool.Their journey eventually leads them from grimy nightclubs and abandoned museums to high-security compounds and eerie, centuries-old catacombs. They’ll face mutated monstrosities, secret experiments, and plot twists that feel ripped straight from an early 2000s sci-fi channel marathon.Find out as Critical Arcade tackles one of the most ambitious, bizarre, and surprisingly charming entries in the Tomb Raider saga—a game that may be flawed but still shines with atmosphere, attitude, and enough early-2000s energy to power a thousand leather jackets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
