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Vidjagame Apocalypse

Laser Time·Hosted by Mikel Reparaz and Anne Lewis·500 episodes

ComedyGamesHobbiesTechnologyTvGaming panelTop 5 lists2-3 hrs/epWeeklyIndustry veteransStandalone episodes

Videogame-industry veterans Mikel Reparaz and Anne Lewis rally their colleagues for weekly discussions about games, the industry, and the circus of egos and information that surrounds it all.

Why listen

Vidjagame Apocalypse is a long-running video game hangout where industry veterans Mikel Reparaz and Anne Lewis bring colleagues into funny, opinionated conversations about games, gaming culture, and the news around it. Most episodes pair a playful Top 5 topic with what the hosts have been playing and the latest industry chatter, so it works especially well for listeners who like game criticism with jokes, tangents, and deep familiarity.

Series(3)

Episodes

2 hr 27 min
Jul 18, 2026
Sending the PS3 off with Cam Hawkins

It's a new episode of VGA, this week, we are joined by Cam Hawkins as we talk about the top 5 games that will be no longer playable while the PS3 store goes down, and then we go over some of the new releases and news.

2 hr 30 min
Jul 11, 2026
Protecting your media

It's a new episode of VGA, this week, we are joined by Adam from Padouken and we look at how we can perserve our media in this new digital future. And we finally have the full fall out of the Xbox depatures.

2 hr 58 min
Jul 3, 2026
Digital Punch in the Face

It's a new episode of VGA! This week we are joined by Dr. Brooke (DocBrooke) as we look at their top 5 punchable faces in games, and then we have a long talk about the future of where we are going with the digital-only future.

2 hr 46 min
Jun 27, 2026
Steam Machine and GTA costs HOW MUCH?

It's a new episode of VGA.    This week we talk about the Top 5 Reasons why the Steam Machine will change gaming forever. editor's note: The top 5 was made before the episode was recorded. We did ask Chris not to do it, but what can you do?    Then we talk about GTA's release date and more   QOTW: What's a game that you didn't buy because you didn't care for the companies deciesions?

3 hr
Jun 19, 2026
Allow Us to DEMOnstrate

Emmett takes us on a trip through the top 5 video game demos of all time, according to his more...modern tastes. They cover new releases like The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales and Boxroom, and they talk about news like the rumored release window for the Steam Machine and the incoming layoffs and studio closures at Xbox.

3 hr 33 min
Jun 12, 2026
Summer Games Fest Blowout

It's a new episode and we talk all about the Press Conferences as the Top 5 is all about the news that was announced this week.

59 min
Jun 5, 2026
Bad Disney Covers

Hello from Disney, friends! This week as we prep to cover a lot of the stuff from Summer Games Fest, we have decided to bring up a  number of bad Disney covers in-game.

2 hr 54 min
May 29, 2026
Action on the Go

IT's a new episode of VGA! We are joined by Greg Moore! We look at the Top 5 "Tiny Adventure games," which are portable action games, inspired by Mina the Hollower! We then talk Lego Batman, 007, Dragon Quest news, the price of the Brick going up, and your responses to last weeks QOTW.

2 hr 23 min
May 22, 2026
I'm just going to copy your homework for a bit

Hey gang, it's a new episode of VGA! This week we are joined by Jarrett Green to talk about our top 5 gaming ripoffs. We talso talk Forza, Lego Batman, Sony's state of Play and more.

2 hr 48 min
May 15, 2026
anthropomorphic Characters and the Gamers who love them.

It's a new episode! This week, we look at our top 5 anthropomorphic  characters in games, also some new releases, the Switch Price incrase and more.

2 hr 50 min
May 8, 2026
Can't Let you do that, Congress!

It's a new episode of VGA!   This week, the gang look at game characters who would be worst infront of congress than the current Secretary of War. Then we talk about Star Fox, Gamestop, and more!

3 hr 3 min
May 4, 2026
You got Mail

In our first ever all comunity episode, we answer y'all's questions, and then catch up on the GOTW.

3 hr 6 min
Apr 26, 2026
This Controversy is a 7 out of 10

Hey guys, it's a new episode! This week, we talk about different gaming review controversies, and then go a bit into Mouse PI, Vampire Crawlers, and more!

1 hr 52 min
Apr 17, 2026
Trying to see something new

On this week show, we look at the 5 New IPs of this generation. We then look at some new games and news!

2 hr 32 min
Apr 15, 2026
This game was filmed front of a Live Studio Audience

It's a new episode of VGA, The Gang talks about the Top 5 Games that are shown on TV.

2 hr 33 min
Apr 3, 2026
We shifted Dimensions

It's a new episode!    We are joined by Greg Moore, and officially added Emmit to the group! We look at  5 great, and 5 not so great games that mvoed from 2d to 3D. Then we talk about the price increase of the PS5 and more!

3 hr 28 min
Mar 28, 2026
Maybe we got to Hyped

The gang is back baby! We are joined by Emmit Wakins Jr, and inspired by Crimson Desert, this weeks Top 5 is all about games that didn't live up to the hype at launch. Afterwards, we talk about a lot of games that came out, the discussion of AI, and a whole lotta other info.    It's a new day, and a new Pod

2 hr 26 min
Mar 16, 2026
Winning and Oscar and a Slammy

It's time for a new episode of VGA! This week we are joined by Jarrett Green. This week's Top 5, we look at the games that were made by famous directors. And then later we discuss the WWE 2k26

2 hr 30 min
Mar 1, 2026
The Origins

Hey gang, it's a new episode of VGA. We are joined by Anthony Abette,  as we discuss the top 5 orginal black innovators in gaming. Afterwards, we talk about the whole mess dealing with  Xbox and more.

Mar 1, 2026
The Origins

Hey gang, it's a new episode of VGA. We are joined by Anthony Abette, as we discuss the top 5 orginal black innovators in gaming. Afterwards, we talk about the whole mess dealing with Xbox and more.

2 hr 32 min
Feb 21, 2026
Black Excellence

It's a new episode, this week we are  joined by Jarett Green from Lifebar. This wee's Top 5, we talk about our favorite new black characters from the last 10 years. And then we talk about Sons of Sparta, Mario Tennis, and the  State of Play

2 hr 10 min
Feb 14, 2026
Remake Me Over

It's a brand new episode of VGA, This week we are joined by Sonya Ballentyne! On this episode, we dicuss the Top 5 Remakes and in the second half, we talk Dragon Quest, The Nintendo Showcase, and have you heard about a Steam Deck?

2 hr 42 min
Feb 6, 2026
Sonic the Hedgehog is for the Children

This week, we are joined by Emmitt Wakins Jr once again. We talk about the Top 5 reasons why black people love Sonic the Hedgehog. Then we talk about new releases, the horrid start of microtransatcions and more.

2 hr 22 min
Feb 1, 2026
I only like Anti RPG RPGS!

Hey everyone, it's a new episode! This week, we are joined by Greg Moore as we talk about Anti RPGS, and then in t he secound half we talk about some new games and some PC Gaming.

2 hr 5 min
Jan 23, 2026
This Arcade was filmed live in front of a Studio Audience

On this week's episode, we are joined by Adam from Pastblasters and Flipping Grates! We talk about our top 5 arcade games based off TV Shows. Later, we talk about Big Hops, Animal Crossing, and the price of Collection.

1 hr 51 min
Jan 16, 2026
We are on Island Time

This week we are joined by Anthony Abette, aka BruceWayneBrady. We decide to go off to talk about the best island in games, as we make our Top 5. Then we look at Animal Crossing's new DLC and we talk about the price of the Steam Box.

2 hr 38 min
Jan 10, 2026
New Year New Pod

It'2026, and we have a new pod.  Chris and TL are joined by Emmit Wakins Jr this wee, and the gang look at the Top 5 games that were great last year that you maybe didn't play.  In the secound half, we talk about what we want to see in gaming in 2026!

2 hr 49 min
Jan 1, 2026
Falure to Launch

Hey guys, the newest episode of the year is the last episode we recorded last year! Dylan joins Chris and TL as they talk about their favorite launches, and talk more about Metroid and Token Fighters.

2 hr 35 min
Dec 7, 2025
Pterodactyl Scientist

On this week's episode we are joined by Tony Wilson from Framework. We talk about the history of Metroid, and then later we talk a little bit about Metroid Prime 4   QOTW: What is a Metroid Memory that you have?

1 hr 9 min
Nov 28, 2025
A little Thanks

This week we talk about the Top 5 games where you can say thanks in,and give you some black friday deals.

2 hr 49 min
Nov 28, 2025
20 years of the 360

Hey gang, we are looking at the last 20 years of the 360! We are joined by Alex Faciane and Emmmet Wakins Jr.

2 hr 49 min
Nov 17, 2025
Turn the TV Off

It's a brand new episode of Vidja Game Apocolypse. We are Joined by Emmit Wakins Jr, as we look at games that are based off TV Shows.      We also talk about Chris's facination with Fortnite, The Steam Box and more

3 hr 13 min
Nov 5, 2025
Bats! W/ Alex Faciane

This week's episode we are talking about the spooky world of Bats! Joined by Alex Faciane, the gang talk about the different playbale bats in video games.

2 hr 36 min
Oct 24, 2025Episode 650
Having a Ball

The holiday release blitz continues, and we are having a ball – literally! With games like Ball X Pit, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Once Upon a Katamari all placing spherical shapes in prominent roles (or rolls, to be theme-appropriate), we wanted to take a look at the top games where you play as a ball.  After that, we give Ball X Pit some much-deserved praise, see what Double Fine has been up to with Keeper, and tell you about our time so far in Lumiose City with our initial takes on Pokémon Legends: Z-A.  Question of the Week: What is a gaming hardware brand, trend, or product that needs to be revived? Break Song is "I'm Having a Ball" by Steve Lang Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

3 hr 16 min
Oct 17, 2025Episode 649
The Best Pokémon Spin-Offs

The hits just keep on comin' with this week's big release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. As noted several times on this show, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was many people's first official foray into the Pokémon universe (one of our hosts included), so this week we are taking a look at the best Pokémon spin-off games of all time, which may have gotten some of you listeners to try to catch 'em all.  After that, we let you know if Battlefield 6 is a return to form for the big EA shooter franchise, come clean about our latest addiction, Ball X Pit, then see what people are saying about the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, and more! Question of the Week: What was your first exposure to Pokémon? Break Song is "The Pokémon Theme (Metal Cover Version)" by Skar Productions Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

3 hr 10 min
Oct 10, 2025Episode 648
Collectimals

This week's big release is Ghost of Yotei, which brings back one of our favorite features from its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima: the adorable foxes that lead you to Inari Shrines. These furry friends are essentially collectibles, which got us thinking about other games that let you collect animals. After that, we give our impressions of Ghost of Yotei and other big new releases, including The Super Mario Galaxy Collection, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and Digimon Story: Time Stranger. Then we talk about that Nintendo teaser animation and other news of the week.  Question of the Week: What is a spin-off game that got you into the main series? Break Song is "Animal" by Pearl Jam Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

3 hr 7 min
Oct 3, 2025Episode 647
Gifts from the Gods

Oh, the ancient gods. What fickle sorts they were known to be. But if you managed to curry favor with these gods, they could also be quite generous with their gifts. This week, in celebration of the release of Hades II 1.0, special guest DocBrooke joins us to take a look at games where the gods bestow their blessings and gifts upon your hero to help them along their journey.  After that, we talk all about Hades II, the new Super Mario Galaxy Collection, some big shakeups at Nintendo and EA, and how expensive gaming is getting.  Question of the Week: How has the increased cost of gaming affected the way you game? Break Song is "Zeus in the Architecture" by Art vs Science Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

3 hr 29 min
Sep 26, 2025Episode 646
First Is Worst

It's a big week for new game releases, and we have a whopper of a show to match. We start by taking a look back at game franchises where the first entry isn't necessarily a bad game on its own merits, but is probably the worst or least memorable of the bunch.  After that, we race into the second segment to talk all about Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Baby Steps, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, and Silent Hill f. Then we cover the recent State of Play, news coming out of Tokyo Game Show 2025, Xbox price hikes, and more!  Question of the Week: What's your favorite "black sheep" entry in a game franchise?  Break Song is "Worst Comes to Worst" by Dilated Peoples ft. Guru Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 58 min
Sep 19, 2025Episode 645
Best Loot Games

Borderlands 4 is here! Or, as we like to call it around these parts, FOURderlands. Or maybe Borderl4nds? We're still workshopping it. Regardless of what you want to call the latest entry in the long-running series, there's no denying its importance in the shlooter genre, where it made a name for itself combining best-in-class shooting mechanics with cool characters and, of course, LOOT! This week, we take a look at other loot games that leave you in constant pursuit of that legendary piece of gear you've been chasing, and the dopamine hit that comes with it.  After that, we give our impressions of Gearbox's latest, talk all about last week's Nintendo Direct, and more!   Question of the Week: What is the best piece of loot you've ever obtained in a game, and how did you get it? Break Song is "Gimme the Loot" by The Notorious B.I.G. Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 58 min
Sep 12, 2025Episode 644
Most Anticipated Games that Will Be Worth the Wait

After a long six years, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here. Was it worth the wait? You'll have to listen to our New Releases segment to find out. But before that, we talk about some of our other most anticipated game releases that have kept us waiting for years.  After that, we offer up our Silksong impressions and talk about other new releases, Street Fighter movie casting news, and more! Question of the Week: Inspired by Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, what mash-up of two franchises would you like to see?   Break Song is "The Waiting (Live)" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers featuring Eddie Vedder Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 23 min
Sep 5, 2025Episode 643
Best Ninja Games

We are very much still in a ninja type of mood around these parts, with the recent release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, the upcoming release of Ninja Gaiden 4, and the very ninja-like Hornet, star of this week's big new release, Hollow Knight: Silksong. So we decided to sneak up and surprise you with a top 5 all about our favorite ninja games.  After that, we talk about the recent Switch 2 upgrade pack for Kirby and the Forgotten Land, more Super Robot Wars Y, news about a new Rayman game in the works at Ubisoft, PlayStation 6 rumors, and more! Question of the Week: What's your favorite game that took forever to be released but was worth the wait?  Break Song is "I Am Ninja" by The Neu Tickles Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 34 min
Aug 29, 2025Episode 642
Best Mech Games

It's his birthday, so we're letting TL take over the wheel -- or the cockpit, as it were -- to walk us through a retrospective of sorts about the various genres of mech video games, inspired by this week's release of Super Robot Wars Y. From fighters to tactical RPGs and everything in between, if you like games about giant robots you pilot and punch things with, this top 5 is for you.  After that, we cover the other new releases this week, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, then offer up a few more thoughts on things we've been playing like Sword of the Sea, Mafia: The Old Country, and Death Stranding 2.  Question of the Week: Which famous mech from pop culture would win in an ultimate mech battle royale and why? Break Song is "When the Mechs Hit the Ground" by NerdOut Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

3 hr
Aug 22, 2025Episode 641
Next Best Movie Games

Summer movie blockbuster season may be winding down, but we still have movies on the brain around these parts. So much, in fact,  that we wanted to talk about movie tie-in games. And who better to help us with that than special guest Steve Guntli from the excellent CinemArcade podcast? We are all familiar with the games that are generally regarded as the best movie tie-in games. So Steve is here to offer up some of his favorite movie games that you may not have heard of, in what we're calling the top 5 next best movie games.   After that, we talk about Sword of the Sea, the recent PlayStation 5 price increases, Kirby Air Riders, Pokémon, and all the big news from Gamescom.  Question of the Week: What previously unadapted movie needs its own game?  Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 47 min
Aug 15, 2025Episode 640
Best Recent Changes in Gaming

Let's face it, the games industry hasn't exactly been all sunshine and rainbows lately. As the late, great Dusty Rhodes would say, the industry has been facing hard tiiiiiimes, daddy. And yet, as a game player, there's a lot of really cool stuff to be excited about, including some recent trends and changes to the hobby that are just plain awesome. The VGA crew is here to help celebrate some of those recent changes in games.   After that, we give our impressions of Mafia: The Old Country and Madden NFL 26, talk about news from the recent Nintendo Indie World Showcase, and more!  Question of the Week: What was the first online experience you can remember having? Break song is "Everything is Awesome (Tween Dream Remix)" by Garfunkel & Oates Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 49 min
Aug 8, 2025Episode 639
Best Prequel Games

This week's release of the prequel game Mafia: The Old Country is as good an excuse as any for us to get nostalgic and take a trip back in time to discuss games that did exactly that, as the VGA crew and special guest Greg Moore pick the best prequel games of all time.   After that, we talk about Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2, the new Shinobi: Art of Vengeance demo, the Fortnite Power Rangers crossover,  Nintendo price increase news, and more!  Question of the Week: What guest character or franchise do you want to see in Fortnite next? Break song is "Back in Time" by Huey Lewis & The News Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

1 hr 56 min
Aug 1, 2025Episode 638
Fantastic Four-Player Games

The recent release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps got us reminiscing about games where you get to team up with friends and create your own fantastic foursome. Whether it's huddling around an arcade cabinet, sharing a couch, or meeting up online, it doesn't take a brainiac like Reed Richards to know that some games are just more fantastic with friends, and the VGA Boyz are here to list our favorite four-player games.  After that, we talk more Donkey Kong Bananza, sneak in a little Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, break down this week's news, and more!  Question of the Week: What's your favorite four-player gaming experience? Break song is "We Ain't Came to Lose" by Raekwon and Ghostface Killa Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 37 min
Jul 25, 2025Episode 637
Best Donkey Kong Games

The VGA crew is going bananas for Donkey Kong Bananza, and we wanted to celebrate the best Donkey Kong game in years with a top 5 retrospective taking you through the various eras of games starring Nintendo's big, lovable ape.  After that, we dig deep and leave no fossil unturned as we talk all things Donkey Kong Bananza, cover this week's news, and more!  Question of the Week: What's your favorite Donkey Kong memory or experience? Break song is "Banana Man" by Tally Hall.  Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 26 min
Jul 18, 2025Episode 636
Best Character Redesigns

The recent Donkey Kong redesign featured in Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza got us thinking about other video game character redesigns. When companies decide it's time for a character to get a new outfit, haircut, or entirely new look, you can always count on people having strong opinions, and we're no exception as we list our favorite game character redesigns of all time.  After that, we talk about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, more EA Sports College Football 26, some Nintendo news, and Uno, for some reason.  Question of the Week: What's your least favorite character redesign, games or otherwise?  Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 54 min
Jul 11, 2025Episode 635
Best Superman Games featuring Chris Baker and Randy Ma

James Gunn's Superman flick just hit theaters, so the VGA Boyz grabbed not one but TWO super guests who happen to be comic book experts for this week's show. SUPERHEROdotVG's Chris Baker and DC's own Randy Ma join us this week to hash out the best video games featuring the Man of Steel.  Then it's on to way more sports talk than we're used to as TL breaks down the new EA Sports College Football 26, we discuss the state of the Forza franchise, and more! Question of the Week: What comic book character needs better or more representation in video games? Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.

2 hr 28 min
Jul 4, 2025Episode 634
Best Light Gun Games

This weekend America celebrates its Independence Day, so we're paying tribute to our beloved homeland with a show about one of the most American things we can think of: GUNS! Specifically light gun games. We're joined by arcade expert Pastblaster of the Podouken podcast to discuss those glorious games of yore where the only thing standing between polite society and murderous clowns, invading aliens, or generic 80s bad guys was you, a plastic firearm, and a fistful of quarters.  Then we talk about the new Raidou remaster, break down Mecha Break, string you along with more Death Stranding talk, get changed by The Alters, parse out the week's news, and more. Question of the Week: What's your favorite "gimmick" arcade game?  Vidjagame Apocalypse theme by Matthew Joseph Payne.