Podcast exclusive! Danny Peña sits down with industry veterans Jerry Hook (former Xbox Live co-creator and Bungie executive) and Scott Brodie (design director and Xbox Live Arcade pioneer) from Team Metal / Probably Monsters to discuss their upcoming Gothic action RPG, Crimson Moon.

In this exclusive interview, Jerry and Scott open up about leaving massive AAA studios to craft a focused, high-quality $19.99 co-op experience. Learn how the team blended souls-like melee combat, roguelike progression, and shapeshifting Nephilim power fantasies into an accessible, highly replayable game built with players' time and money in mind.

In this episode, we cover:

• Industry Vets Return to Basics: Why Jerry Hook and Scott Brodie shifted from AAA giants to build focused, high-value experiences.

• Crimson Moon Overview: Exploring the city of Gilden Arc, transforming into Nephilim angel forms, and tackling Gothic action solo or in co-op.

• Accessible Roguelike Design: Balancing tough souls-like combat with 15–30 minute mission loops, procedural paths, and permanent progression.

• Respecting the Player: The decision behind the $19.99 price point and rejecting aggressive live-service models.

• Cross-Play & Co-Op: How revive mechanics, difficulty scaling, and cross-platform support bring friends together across PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Crimson Moon launches on September 1st across PS5, Xbox, Steam, and Epic Games Store!

Danny Peña sits down with Gamescom co-founder Felix Falk to break down what makes the world's largest gaming event tick. From record-breaking exhibitor numbers to the massive growth of indie games and the evolution of international reach, get an insider's look at how the event comes together.

In this episode, we cover:

• Record Growth: Gamescom's sold-out exhibition space, over 1,600 exhibitors, and a 16% jump in indie presence.

• First-Timer Advice: Tips on navigating over 30 football fields of space using interactive timetables.

• Opening Night Live & Speedrunning: The collaboration with Geoff Keighley and the European debut of Gamestown Quick.

• Global Expansion: How Gamescom is connecting markets with satellite events like Gamescom Latam and Gamescom Asia.

• Political & Social Impact: Why world leaders, politicians, and global organizations attend the event to understand games culture.

The crew discusses their upcoming trip to Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, and dives into rumors and realistic release timelines for Bethesda's highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls VI. Danny, Paris, and Pete get into a heated discussion about Rockstar Games potentially locking an extended look of Grand Theft Auto VI behind a timed Netflix exclusivity window. Was the Xbox One really as bad as people remember? The hosts look back at the 2013 launch, Kinect's downfall, backwards compatibility, and the games that made the era great. They also share their thoughts on Insomniac's Marvel's Wolverine, the open-world gameplay loop fatigue, and the massive wave of new video games dropping this Fall.

Gamescom Prep & Logistics

• The crew prepares for their upcoming trip to Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, marking Danny's first time attending the event.

• Parris warns about the massive crowds and max-capacity public halls, recommending using Wednesday's media day to scout out business center appointments early.

The Elder Scrolls VI Release Window Predictions

• Following Asha's visit to Bethesda to see an early build, the hosts discuss realistic expectations for The Elder Scrolls VI.

• While some speculate a 2027 launch, the consensus leans toward 2028 or 2029 to allow thorough QA testing and avoid past launch issues.

GTA 6 Extended Look on Netflix Debate

• A heated debate breaks out over Rockstar Games potentially offering an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI on Netflix prior to a YouTube release.

• Danny defends the marketing strategy as smart industry expansion, while Parris expresses concern over setting paywall precedents and drawing attention away from Gamescom announcements.

Reflecting on the Xbox One Era

• The hosts look back at the Xbox One, highlighting its strong games lineup (Titanfall, Sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break), the Xbox Controller, Xbox Play Anywhere, and the birth of Game Pass and Backwards Compatibility.

• They discuss how poor messaging, Kinect bundling, and the initial $500 price point overshadowed an otherwise solid console generation.

Marvel's Wolverine & Fall Gaming Wave

• The team discusses Insomniac's Marvel's Wolverine, addressing preview feedback regarding potential open-world gameplay loop fatigue.

• They look ahead to the packed Fall release schedule, noting the overwhelming amount of big games dropping through September and beyond.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

In this episode of Gamertag Radio, Danny Peña and Riana Manuel Peña dive deep into their hands-on review of Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2! Danny breaks down why he believes it is easily the best exclusive title on the Switch 2 so far, praising its highly addictive single player adventure, massive customization, and slick drop-in co-op mechanics. Meanwhile, Riana shares her perspective as a first time Splatoon player.

Highlights

• The Best Switch 2 Exclusive Yet? – Danny explains why Splatoon Raiders tops his list of Switch 2 games so far (even over Donkey Kong) and highlights its massive success with record-setting user scores on Metacritic.

• A Refreshing Single-Player Focus – Unlike past entries that prioritized competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders puts player experimentation and a deep single-player story campaign at the forefront.

• Tanks, Gadgets & Loadout Customization – A breakdown of the three core tank classes (Speed, Power, and Tactical), weapon varieties like paint rollers and chargers, and specialized gadgets like Blast Boots and Shot Pots.

• Sensory Overload & Visual Style – Riana shares her thoughts as a newcomer to the series, praising the kid-friendly aesthetic while noting how chaotic the screen can get on higher difficulties with timers, boss health bars, and ink everywhere.

• Co-op "Call for Help" Mechanics – How the game allows stuck players to call in random online players for assistance, earning bonus rewards together without needing voice chat or complex ping systems.

• Hideout & Base Progression – Insight into upgrading your player base, trying out new builds in the shooting range, discovering lore relics, and using compasses to hunt down hidden map locations.

Danny Peña and Riana Manuel-Peno share their hands-on impressions of Capcom's upcoming action-adventure game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword! Danny details his experience from a recent preview event in Los Angeles, including a tough boss battle and exclusive footage of the game running on the Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, Riana talks about her experience playing the game at Summer Game Fest as a newcomer to the classic Capcom franchise. The team also breaks down the combat rhythm, motion control features, gauntlet mechanics, and the convenience of playing major AAA titles on handheld systems.

Episode Highlights

• Temporary Setups & Move Updates: Danny and Riana share a quick update on their temporary recording setups as they undergo a multi-month move.

• Onimusha: Way of the Sword Overview: Early impressions of Capcom's latest entry in the franchise ahead of its early September release.

• Hands-On Impressions & Combat Mechanics: Riana and Danny break down the accessible yet rewarding combat, parry timing, linear-world exploration, and the Oni Gauntlet system.

• Exclusive Switch 2 Gameplay & Performance: Danny walks through footage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword running on the Nintendo Switch 2 at 1080p/30fps.

• Handheld Gaming & Comfort: Discussion on using detached Joy-Cons versus Pro Controllers and the appeal of handheld gaming for busy schedules.

• Capcom's Recent Momentum: Praise for Capcom's strong slate of releases this year.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

On this episode of Gamertag Radio, Danny Peña and Parris Lilly debunk the internet rumors about Xbox leaving Steam, discuss Rockstar's silent marketing approach for Grand Theft Auto 6, and react to Nintendo's recent releases, including hands-on impressions of Splatoon Raiders. Plus, a deep dive into the stacked late-2026 release schedule from Marvel’s Wolverine and Control Resonant to The Blood of Dawnwalker and what to expect at Gamescom.

Key Highlights:

• Xbox & Steam Rumors: Why pulling Xbox games from Steam makes zero business sense.

• GTA 6 Hype & Pre-Orders: Can Rockstar really get away with showing minimal gameplay before launch?

• Nintendo Hits: Impressions of Splatoon Raiders and previews of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort.

• Fall 2026 Release Traffic Jam: How publishers are shifting dates to avoid getting crushed by major blockbusters.

• Road to Gamescom: Event prep, scheduling, and survival tips for Cologne.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

The GTR crew got early hands-on access to the Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta! Join Danny Peña and Riana Manuel-Peña as they break down their experience testing out the brand-new 12-player Horde Siege Mode, updated gameplay mechanics, and full-launch details. From coordinating across three 4-player squads to testing out the new character classes (Assault, Breacher, Marksman, and Medic), we share our thoughts on what works, how the overall difficulty feels, and how movement mechanics like jumping and sliding change the game. Don't forget to Like & Subscribe for more gaming impressions, reviews, and podcasts!

Highlights

What is Horde Siege Mode? A hybrid of Horde and competitive co-op where 12 players across 3 squads fight Locust forces and fight for extraction points.

Extraction Mechanics: Helicopters will not land if the landing zone is swarmed—strategic clearing and timing are vital to surviving.

Character Class Breakdown: Detailed look at the four beta classes—Assault (Marcus), Breacher (Dom), Marksman, and Medic—and why distance revives make Medic indispensable.

Game Modes Overview: Differences between Blitz (fast 5-minute sessions), Siege (objective-focused co-op), and classic endless Horde.

Movement & Gunplay: How the new jumping and sliding mechanics feel, proper grenade trajectory aiming, and weapon upgrades in the pre-game lobby.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

This week on Gamertag Radio, most horror fans are used to playing Silent Hill in third-person, but Silent Hill: Townfall changes how you play the series. Now a first-person experience, it's more terrifying and atmospheric than ever before. In this episode, Danny Pena shares his hands-on impressions and interviews with Jon McKellan (Writer and Director, Screen Burn) and Motoi Okamoto (Silent Hill Series Producer, Konami). Also joining this episode is Kahlief Adams from the Spawn On Me podcast.

Main Topics:

• The decision to adopt a first-person perspective in Silent Hill Townfall and its impact on horror immersion
• How the game's 1990s Scotland setting influences atmosphere and storytelling
• Innovative mechanics like CRTV device interaction and puzzle-solving techniques
• Character representation: a Black protagonist navigating a terrifying world
• Visual fidelity on PlayStation 5 Pro, aspect ratio choices, and console-specific enhancements
• Multiple endings and how player choices influence outcomes
• Inspiration from prior horror titles like PT and Silent Hill 4, and creative direction behind the game

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

Danny Peña and Parris Lilly give their spoiler-free reactions live from The Grove in Los Angeles right after seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day!

From Jackie Chan’s stunt team handling the ground-breaking fight choreography to the incredible dynamic between Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, we break down why this street-level, adult Peter Parker story might just be the best live-action Spider-Man film ever made. Thanks to Sony Pictures for inviting us to the screening

Episode Highlights
 
"Best Live-Action Spider-Man Ever": Both hosts agree that Brand New Day tops all previous films—even surpassing Spider-Man 2.

Next-Level Stunt & Web-Slinging Action: Coordinated by Jackie Chan's stunt team, the film features peak street-level combat, practical effects, and dynamic first-person POV swinging.

The Return of Frank Castle (The Punisher): Outstanding banter and genuine chemistry between Tom Holland and his co-star, keeping the core character intact without losing his edge.

Sadie Sink & Bruce Banner: Sadie Sink shines as a breakout star in her MCU debut, alongside key appearances by Bruce Banner / The Hulk.

A True Street-Level MCU Era: Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the story embraces an adult, independent Peter Parker operating in New York without Tony Stark or Doctor Strange holding his hand.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

This week on Gamertag Radio. Meet Mara Junot, the iconic voice behind Storm in Marvel’s Fighting Souls. From radio DJ to superhero legend, Mara reveals how she's breaking barriers for diversity in gaming. Dive behind the scenes as she shares audition secrets, balancing hero vs. villain roles, and essential advice for aspiring voice actors.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

Secret Auditions: Voice actors frequently receive audition scripts under code names and vague descriptions, requiring intuition to figure out the exact character.

Heroes vs. Villains: Mara finds heroes trickier to voice because they undergo complex internal journeys, whereas villains usually have clearer motivations and immediate conflicts.

Radio DJ Background: Working as a radio DJ for nearly eight years taught Mara essential mic techniques, commercial recording skills, and natural delivery before she transitioned into video game voice acting.

Industry Advice: For newcomers entering a crowded market, success requires patience, deep research into demos and agencies, continuous training, and networking.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

The Gamertag Radio crew reviews Halo Campaign Evolved! Danny, Parris, and Riana break down the Unreal Engine 5 visuals, modern mechanics like sprint, and the brand new bonus prequel missions featuring Sergeant Johnson. Plus, they share platform performance details and discuss what this means for the future of Halo.

Episode Highlights

• Visuals & Engine: Built in Unreal Engine 5 (4K, 60+ FPS) featuring improved visuals, richer sound, and added environmental details like wildlife.

• Modern Mechanics: Adds sprint, clamber, ground pounds, vehicle hijacking, and improved enemy AI.

• Rebalanced Arsenal: Weapons feel refreshed; the Needler and Needle Rifle are far more effective, while the iconic pistol remains strong.

• Bonus Prequel Levels: Set one year before the main story, these new missions omit Cortana, feature Sergeant Johnson, and support chaotic four-player co-op.

• Performance: Plays great on PC and ROG Ally X, but performance is poor on the original white ROG Ally.

• No Microtransactions: All cosmetics, such as alternate Master Chief skins, are earned strictly through gameplay.

Connect with us:

• Danny Peña
• Parris Lilly
• Pete Toledo
• Riana Manuel-Peña

Send us questions - [email protected] | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.