John and Ryan return with a packed episode full of fresh pickups, tough gameplay impressions, and a look at the latest industry buzz. Ryan dives into his ongoing run through Returnal, breaking down the game’s relentless roguelike loops and the thrill of surviving its bullet‑hell chaos. John follows up with his experience playing Stellar Blade, sharing thoughts on its combat, pacing, and whether it delivers on its stylish promise.

The guys also tackle two big stories shaking up the gaming world. First, they discuss new data showing that the most‑played PlayStation and Xbox games of 2025 were virtually unchanged from 2024, with juggernauts like Fortnite, Roblox, GTA V, Minecraft, and Call of Duty continuing to dominate player time despite a wave of new releases. Then they dig into the heated debate surrounding the rumored PS6 price point, as speculation about a higher‑than‑expected launch cost has fans split and wondering what the next generation will look like.

To wrap things up, it’s time for this month’s theme: Video Games With Agonizing Tutorials. The Inflation Deflation Challenge spotlights The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Does its famously slow intro still drag the experience down, and where does the game’s value sit today?

00:00 Introduction 14:14 Current Gaming Picks and Experiences 25:04 Analysis of Most Played Games 29:18 The Impact of Sandbox Games 31:06 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entertainment 33:57 The Evolution of Gaming Preferences 36:44 Anticipating the Next Console Generation 39:07 The Impact of Game Availability on Consoles 42:05 The Future of Gaming and Streaming 44:21 The Legacy of Zelda Games 56:49 Collecting and Valuing Video Game Guides

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In this episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed week of gaming chatter, starting with a look at their latest pickups. John reveals an unexpectedly massive haul of Dungeons & Dragons books, while Ryan contemplates purchasing a PlayStation Portal.

The conversation then shifts to industry news, where John and Ryan unpack reports of rising RAM costs and what that could mean for a potential PlayStation 5 price increase. They also discuss the recent separation of GOG from CD Projekt’s corporate structure, exploring what this move might signal for the future of DRM‑free gaming and why it matters to players who value ownership and preservation.

From there, the duo jumps into this week’s game review, putting the original Driver for the PlayStation through its paces. They revisit the game’s notoriously tough tutorial, its cinematic car chases, and the legacy it left on the genre, all while debating whether its current market price truly reflects the experience it offers today.

00:00 Introduction and Game Picks 09:53 D&D Book Collection and Value 19:53 Current Gaming Experiences 26:51 GOG's New Ownership and Future 30:10 PlayStation 5 Price Hike Discussion 32:30 Driver Game Review: Nostalgia vs. Reality

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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry trends, and a retro review that hits all the right notes.

They kick things off with their latest game pickups and what’s been dominating their playtime, setting the stage for a broader look at how modern gaming continues to evolve. From convoluted pre‑order bonuses to the growing mess of fragmented game editions, the duo breaks down why these trends are frustrating players and reshaping expectations.

The conversation then shifts to the serious legal battles currently facing major video game companies. John and Ryan explore how these lawsuits raise tough questions about accountability, addiction, and the responsibilities developers have toward their audiences.

On a more uplifting note, the hosts spotlight Sandfall Interactive’s new DLC for Clare Obscure Expedition 33, praising its generous free content and thoughtful difficulty adjustments. They also take time to discuss AI’s expanding role in game development sparks a lively debate between the two — where it helps, where it hurts, and why opinions across the industry are so divided.

To wrap things up, John and Ryan revisit Lumines on the PSP for this week’s retro review, digging into why this rhythm‑puzzle classic still shines years later.

00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast 01:24 Recent Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming 05:19 Current Games and Gameplay Experiences 23:00 Trends to End in 2026 33:03 News of the Week and Closing Thoughts 33:42 The Impact of Video Games on Children 46:14 The Role of AI in Game Development 52:10 Game Difficulty and Player Experience 01:05:22 Luminous Puzzle Fusion: A Classic Review

Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com

Find us on Social Media

Twitter @GameDeflators

Instagram @TheGameDeflators

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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18