Critical Arcade

About Critical Arcade

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 they’ll be reviewing the greatest releases through time, as well as diving into the rich history of gaming. Whether you’re 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. They’ll be sharing their thoughts on the biggest and best games out there, from the latest indie darling to a classic from the past. But it’s 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. They’ll 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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Nick Hendrix

Category

leisure · leisure · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Aug 2022

Latest episode

6 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

170 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2026

   Dragon Quest VIII: The Journey of the Curse King (2004) Neigh-ver Ending Story

   This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their trusty weapons, stock up on medicinal herbs, and set off on a grand adventure across the magical world of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Joining forces with a mysterious band of unlikely heroes, they'll follow the journey of a silent young hero, a mischievous bandit named Yangus, the fiery Jessica, and the ever-loyal Angelo as they attempt to track down the evil jester Dhoulmagus. Having stolen an ancient sceptre and unleashed a terrible curse upon the kingdom of Trodain, Dhoulmagus has transformed the king into a troll, the princess into a horse, and the entire castle into a rather unfortunate collection of plants and vines. Their journey will take them across vast landscapes, bustling towns, dangerous dungeons, and mysterious ruins as they uncover the secrets behind the curse and the true power of the sceptre. Along the way, they'll battle all manner of bizarre monsters, hunt for treasure, level up their abilities, and probably spend far too much time exploring every barrel and cupboard they come across. With its charming cel-shaded visuals, memorable characters, wonderfully quirky humour, and a soundtrack worthy of a grand adventure, Dragon Quest VIII is a classic JRPG experience packed with charm. Will Dave manage to keep the party alive, or will he spend all their gold on unnecessary equipment? Can Nick resist searching absolutely every pot and barrel in the kingdom? And how long before the boys realise that travelling around with a horse princess, a bandit, and a suspiciously handsome ex-templar is probably not the strangest thing they'll encounter on this adventure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026) A Tale of Price & Fire

   This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick lock and load as they dive into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. With covert operations, military conspiracies, and enough tactical jargon to make a dictionary surrender, they're heading into a world where trust is in short supply, the stakes are sky-high, and the fate of the world is once again hanging by a very thin thread. It's time to put their tactical skills to the test and see whether they've got what it takes to join the elite, or whether they'd be better off sticking to the safety of the barracks. As they tackle dangerous missions, navigate hostile territory, and uncover the secrets behind the conflict, they'll need sharp reflexes, quick thinking, and the ability to follow orders without accidentally making everything considerably worse. With international tensions rising and enemies lurking around every corner, there's very little room for mistakes. Will Dave keep his cool when the pressure is on? Can Nick remember the difference between a flashbang and a grenade? And how long before the boys start questioning why saving the world always seems to involve questionable leadership, suspiciously vague mission briefings, and absolutely no hazard pay? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   25 Oct 2026

   Trombone Champ (2022) I am Toot

   This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pick up their trombones, warm up their lungs, and prepare to unleash the most ear-splitting musical performance ever committed to gaming in Trombone Champ. Armed with absolutely no musical qualifications and questionable rhythm at best, they'll attempt to blast their way through a collection of classic tunes, marching band anthems, and musical masterpieces while trying to hit the right notes. Unfortunately, between the wobbly controls, questionable timing, and some truly horrific honking, this might be less Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and more two angry elephants fighting over a tuba. As they work their way through the tracks, they'll earn points, unlock new trombones, collect bizarre cards, and uncover the mysterious lore surrounding the legendary Trombone Champ. With its ridiculous animations, wonderfully chaotic gameplay, and a soundtrack that can go from recognisable tune to absolute musical catastrophe in seconds, this is one rhythm game that takes itself about as seriously as a trombone falling down a flight of stairs. Can Dave actually play a tune without making it sound like a goose being strangled? Will Nick discover the secret to musical greatness, or will he simply honk his way into oblivion? And who decided that giving two grown men virtual trombones was a good idea in the first place? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

104,978

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

77

Contact Critical Arcade

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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