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 for more information.

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 for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick solve the worst puzzle box in history and discover that some doors are definitely better left closed as they descend into the nightmarish world of Hellraiser: Revival. Inspired by Clive Barker’s legendary horror franchise, this survival horror adventure plunges them into a twisted realm of pain, pleasure, and unspeakable horrors, where the Cenobites are always watching and the price of curiosity is considerably higher than anyone would like. Armed with the mysterious Genesis Configuration, they’ll have to navigate grotesque environments, confront terrifying enemies, and fight to survive a world where human suffering is practically an art form.As they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the shadows, Dave and Nick will discover that escaping this nightmare is easier said than done, especially when the inhabitants seem determined to turn every encounter into an extremely unpleasant experience. Will Dave keep his nerve when Pinhead and his Cenobite cronies come knocking? Can Nick resist the temptation to fiddle with mysterious puzzle boxes? And how long before the boys realise that, in the world of Hellraiser, solving your problems with a little box is probably the worst decision you could ever make? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick fire up their engines, throw caution to the wind, and prepare to turn the Outer Rim into their own personal demolition derby in Star Wars: Galactic Racer! With the Empire gone and the galaxy looking for its next big obsession, an underground racing league has emerged where fortunes are won, rivalries are settled, and the only thing more dangerous than the tracks is the competition. Taking on the role of Shade, a lone racer with a score to settle, they'll enter the Galactic League in a high-speed battle for glory, revenge, and the chance to take down the ruthless champion Kestar Bool.From tearing across the dusty wastelands of Jakku to navigating treacherous alien landscapes, Dave and Nick will pilot everything from landspeeders and speeder bikes to good old-fashioned podracers. With dangerous shortcuts, customisable vehicles, rival racers, and plenty of opportunities to send the competition flying, winning isn't just about having the fastest ride — it's about knowing when to floor it and when to send your opponents into the nearest rock formation.Will Dave manage to keep his vehicle in one piece for more than five minutes? Can Nick resist treating every race like a personal vendetta? And how long before the boys discover that in a galaxy far, far away, road rage can involve several tonnes of machinery, a questionable braking strategy, and absolutely no insurance coverage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick strap themselves into the cockpit, fire up the afterburners, and prepare to turn the sky into their personal playground in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Taking to the skies as elite fighter pilots, they'll find themselves caught up in a high-stakes aerial conflict filled with enemy squadrons, massive battles, missile-filled dogfights, and enough explosions to make the world's air-traffic controllers quit on the spot.As they climb through the ranks, they'll take on increasingly dangerous missions, push their aircraft to the limit, and attempt to become the ultimate ace while uncovering the story behind the conflict. With spectacular aerial combat, huge set-piece battles, an impressive selection of aircraft, and the series' trademark radio chatter, Ace Combat 8 looks set to deliver plenty of high-flying action.Can Dave actually keep his aircraft in the sky? Will Nick spend more time admiring the jets than shooting them down? And how long before they realise that "just one more dogfight" is usually how you end up with a missile up your backside? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade in their modern conveniences for katanas, sake, and a serious case of revenge as they journey to the snowy wilderness of Ezo in Ghost of Yōtei. Taking on the role of Atsu, a wandering samurai seeking vengeance against the Yōtei Six who destroyed her family, they'll explore a beautiful and dangerous version of feudal Japan filled with samurai, ronin, deadly wildlife, and plenty of people who really don't appreciate being on the wrong end of a katana.As Atsu hunts down her targets, Dave and Nick will travel across frozen mountains, forests, villages, and breathtaking landscapes while mastering the art of the samurai. With brutal sword fights, new weapons, stealth, exploration, and plenty of opportunities to dramatically stare into the distance, revenge has never looked quite so gorgeous.Can Dave resist challenging every enemy to an honourable duel? Will Nick spend more time admiring the scenery than actually completing the mission? And how long before they realise that hunting six people across feudal Japan is probably going to be a very long weekend? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pop their claws, crack their knuckles, and prepare to leave a trail of absolute carnage as they dive into Wolverine. Stepping into the boots of everyone's favourite foul-mouthed Canadian mutant, they'll follow Logan as he battles his way through a brutal world of mutants, mercenaries, and mysterious enemies while uncovering secrets buried deep within his violent past. Armed with an adamantium skeleton, a healing factor, and six very dangerous claws, Wolverine has never exactly been the diplomatic type.As Logan tears through his enemies, Dave and Nick will experience savage combat, brutal finishing moves, explosive set pieces, and plenty of opportunities to turn anyone standing in the way into mutant-shaped confetti. But will Dave remember that Wolverine can heal from practically anything? Can Nick resist solving every problem by simply popping the claws? And how long before they realise that when you're Wolverine, subtlety is less of a gameplay mechanic and more of a suggestion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick find themselves plunged into a dark and brutal medieval world where the sun has gone down and the vampires have taken over. In Blood of the Dawnwalker, they step into the shoes of Coen, a young man who must balance his humanity with newfound vampiric powers while trying to save his family from the clutches of the mysterious vampire lord Brencis. With a world filled with bloodthirsty creatures, dangerous humans, ancient curses, and plenty of things that would rather eat them than talk to them, survival isn't going to be easy.As they explore the war-torn lands of Vale Sangora, they'll have to decide how to use Coen's powers while navigating a story where their choices can have serious consequences. Will Dave embrace the darkness or desperately cling to his humanity? Can Nick remember which enemies are better fought during the day? And how long before the boys realise that being a vampire sounds considerably cooler than it actually is? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick travel back to feudal Japan and prepare to face an army of demons in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Taking on the role of Miyamoto Musashi, they find themselves caught in a supernatural battle against the terrifying Genma, armed with a mystical Oni Gauntlet and a sword that is definitely going to see some action. As they fight their way through a dark and twisted version of Edo-period Japan, they'll uncover a story filled with samurai, demons, ancient magic, and some seriously unpleasant things hiding in the shadows.With brutal sword combat, spectacular finishing moves, monstrous enemies, and plenty of opportunities to make things significantly more violent than they probably need to be, Way of the Sword looks set to bring the classic Onimusha formula into the modern era. Will Dave remember to block before getting his face chopped off? Can Nick resist absorbing every soul he sees? And how long before they realise that, once again, Dave and Nick probably weren't the best people to send on a demon-slaying mission? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick grab their swords and head off on another grand adventure in Ys I & II Chronicles+. Taking on the role of legendary red-haired adventurer Adol Christin, they find themselves caught up in an ancient mystery involving magical Books of Ys, powerful priests, mysterious goddesses, and an army of demons that clearly need to find better hobbies.Their journey takes them from the peaceful town of Minea to dangerous mines, mysterious ruins, and the towering Darm Tower, before eventually uncovering the secrets of the ancient land of Ys. With fast-paced combat, colourful characters, charming visuals, and one of gaming's most memorable soundtracks, Ys I & II Chronicles+ shows why this classic action RPG series has stood the test of time.Will Dave master the legendary art of bumping into enemies until they explode? Can Nick keep track of all the ancient prophecies and mysterious characters? And how long before Adol's magnificent red hair becomes the most important character in the entire adventure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.