Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Does This Game Still Hold Up?

Batman Arkham City is one of the most beloved sequels in gaming history, but does Rocksteady's 2011 follow-up still hold up in 2026? In this episode, Lennon and David continue their Batman Arkham series with Arkham City to find out if the game that expanded Gotham into an open world super prison still delivers. They cover the layered story juggling Hugo Strange, the League of Assassins and the Joker, why the Batman and Joker dynamic remains the heart of the game despite the crowded rogues gallery, and whether Rocksteady threaded the needle with so many moving pieces. They also get into the expanded combat and gadgets, Catwoman as a playable character, the standout Mr. Freeze boss fight and its adaptive AI, the side content and how it handles iconic villains like Hush, Zsasz and Calendar Man without cluttering the main story, and whether the Joker's ending was the most shocking in gaming.

Batman Arkham Asylum kicked off one of the greatest trilogies in gaming history, but does Rocksteady's 2009 classic still hold up in 2026? In this episode, Lennon and David kick off their Batman Arkham series with Arkham Asylum to find out if the game that defined the superhero genre still delivers. They cover the claustrophobic island setting, the free-flowing combat system and why almost no game has matched it since, the predator stealth sections, and why the Scarecrow sequences are still some of the most unsettling moments in gaming. They also get into Mark Hamill's Joker, Kevin Conroy's final legacy as Batman, Killer Croc's genuinely terrifying design, the Riddler trophies, Batman's questionable commitment to his no-killing rule, and the hidden Arkham City concept art Easter egg that the developers had to point players towards themselves.

The Mass Effect trilogy ends here, but does it go out on a high? In this episode, Lennon and David close out their Mass Effect run with Mass Effect 3 to find out if BioWare's galaxy-wide finale still holds up in 2026. They cover the story, the Reaper invasion and why it loses some of its urgency, the changes to the Paragon and Renegade system, and the incredible character send-offs that make this game worth the journey alone. They also get into Javik as the standout companion of the trilogy, the controversial red, blue and green endings, the indoctrination theory, why the Illusive Man is a shadow of himself compared to Mass Effect 2, and the story payoffs that only land if you have played all three games.

Mass Effect 2 is widely considered one of the greatest sequels ever made, but does it still hold up in 2026? In this episode, Lennon and David continue their Mass Effect trilogy playthrough to find out if BioWare's magnum opus still delivers. They cover the story, the overhaul to combat and the Paragon and Renegade system, and why the loyalty missions carry more weight than the main story itself. We also get into every companion in the roster, the romance options, standout missions including the Derelict Collector Ship and the rogue VI quest, and why the suicide mission remains one of the greatest final missions in gaming.

The Mass Effect trilogy begins here, but does the game that started it all still hold up in 2026? In this episode, Lennon and David kick off their Mass Effect series with Commander Shepard's debut to find out if BioWare's landmark space opera is worth your time nearly two decades later. We cover the story, the Reaper threat, Saren as a villain, the Paragon and Renegade system, and what makes the companion roster so memorable. They also get into the combat, the Legendary Edition upgrades, standout missions, Easter eggs, and the big decisions that split their playthroughs from the start. If you grew up with the Mass Effect trilogy or are coming to it completely fresh, this is the honest verdict on whether the game that changed sci-fi RPGs forever still deserves the praise.

The Prince of Persia trilogy ends here, but does it go out with a bang or a whimper?

In this episode, Lennon & David revisit Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones to find out if the final chapter of the Sands of Time trilogy still holds up in 2026. They cover the story, the return of Farah and the Vizier, the Dark Prince mechanic, the new stealth kills and parkour additions, and whether the Babylonian setting can match what came before it. They also get into performance issues, Easter eggs and the eternal debate of where this game sits in the trilogy.If you grew up with the Sands of Time trilogy or are coming to it fresh, this is the honest verdict on whether The Two Thrones deserves its place as the grand finale.

In today's episode, Lennon and David are back on the Sands of Time trilogy and Warrior Within is a different beast entirely. The Dahaka, the dual-wield combat, the past and present time mechanics, two endings, a Monica Bellucci voice credit nobody talks about, and a game that somehow got made in one year. Does it hold up in 2026? Yeah. Yeah it really does.

In today's episode, Lennon & David revisit the 2003 classic to find out if this PS2 masterpiece still holds up, and the answer might surprise you. From the Dagger of Time's rewind mechanic to the surprisingly seamless parkour and combat, Sands of Time laid the foundation for Assassin's Creed and changed gaming forever. We're going through the story, gameplay, setting, and presentation to give our full verdict on whether this Prince of Persia trilogy opener deserves a spot in your 2026 playlist.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue might be the most underrated game in the entire Assassin’s Creed series. In today's episode, Lennon & David have replayed AC Rogue in 2026 to see if it actually holds up or if it was always overshadowed by Assassin’s Creed Unity.We break down Assassin’s Creed Rogue from start to finish, including Shay Cormac’s Templar story, the gameplay changes from Black Flag, the assassin hunter mechanics, ship combat, stealth upgrades, and how the game connects directly to Assassin’s Creed Unity.We also discuss why AC Rogue may secretly be the best entry in the Rebel Collection trilogy, how its story reframes the Assassin vs Templar conflict, and whether Ubisoft accidentally made one of the tightest Assassin’s Creed games ever.

Is Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag a better pirate game than an Assassin’s Creed game? In today's episode, Lennon & David dive into Edward Kenway’s character arc, the Assassin vs Templar conflict, the Sage storyline, and the controversial modern day sections. We also unpack the naval combat loop, upgrading the Jackdaw, hunting legendary ships, tailing missions, and why AC Black Flag still feels fresh more than a decade later.From Blackbeard and the Golden Age of Piracy to ship battles and sea shanties, this is our full discussion on whether Assassin’s Creed still works when it leans hard into pirates.Let us know if AC Black Flag is your favourite Assassin’s Creed and whether Edward Kenway carries this game for you.

Does AC3 still hold up in 2026? We revisit Assassin’s Creed 3 and Connor’s divisive story.In this video, we replay Assassin’s Creed 3 to see whether AC3 deserves its reputation or its criticism. From Connor’s monotone rage and the Haytham twist, to the American Revolution setting, naval combat foundations, and that controversial Desmond ending, we break down what works and what falls apart.Is Assassin’s Creed 3 underrated, or did Ubisoft derail the modern-day story here? We discuss the AC3 Remastered version, combat changes, mission design, multiplayer, and whether Connor holds up outside Ezio’s shadow.

Dead Island 2 drops you into a quarantined Hollywood and asks one question: is it actually good?In this episode, Lennon & David break down Dead Island 2 and whether this zombie sequel delivers on its brutal LA premise. Set in a quarantined, zombie-infested Hollywood, the game trades open-world sprawl for handcrafted zones like Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. We dive into the gore system, melee combat, card-based progression, story focus, and how its dark comedy tone reshapes the series.We also cover returning character Sam B, the Easter eggs hidden across Hollywood Boulevard, and whether the repetitive quest design and weak gunplay drag the experience down.Is Dead Island 2 just polished chaos, or does it lack depth beneath the blood-soaked surface?

In today's video, Lennon & David revisits Dead Island Riptide to see whether it deserves a second chance in 2026. What we found is a game that feels like a glorified expansion: clunky combat, aggressive difficulty spikes, padded mission design, poor navigation, buggy systems, and a paper-thin story stretched across an oversized map.We break down why Riptide feels worse than the original Dead Island, how its RPG structure clashes with its forced urgency, why co-op can’t save its core design, and how Techland’s later work on Dying Light highlights just how flawed this sequel is. From broken AI and recycled horde sections to baffling design choices and immersion-killing bugs, this is an unfiltered verdict.If you’re revisiting Dead Island Riptide, curious how it compares to Dead Island 1, or wondering whether it’s worth playing before Dead Island 2, this episode is for you.

Dead Island was a zombie game we all loved back in the Xbox 360 era, especially in co-op. But replaying it now in 2026 tells a very different story. In this episode, David & Lennon revisit Dead Island Definitive Edition to see how it actually feels today, from the clunky combat and awkward gunplay to the infamous voice acting, uneven story, and surprisingly influential design choices that eventually led to Dying Light.We break down what Dead Island gets right, where it completely falls apart, and whether nostalgia is doing most of the heavy lifting. We also talk about how the game compares to modern zombie titles, why the single-player experience struggles today, and why co-op might be the only reason to revisit it at all.

Crysis 3 still looks incredible in 2026, but does it actually hold up as a game?In this episode of Does This Game Still Hold Up?, we revisit Crysis 3, the final chapter in Crytek’s FPS trilogy, to see how it plays today. From Prophet’s return to a ruined New York trapped under the CELL dome, to the Alpha Ceph plot, the nanosuit upgrades, and the introduction of the bow, we break down what works and what really doesn’t.We talk refined gunplay, stealth vs power fantasy, semi-open level design, the short campaign length, and why Crysis 3 is still incredibly fun to play even when the story starts falling apart. We also compare it directly to Crysis 2, discuss which game handles its ideas better, and why this finale feels more polished mechanically but messier narratively.

In today's episode, Lennon & David revisit Crysis 2 to see if Crytek’s alien invasion, Nanosuit power fantasy, and Prophet’s legacy still land today.Set in a ruined New York City, Crysis 2 drops you into the boots of Alcatraz, fused with Prophet’s Nanosuit and thrown into a war between alien Ceph forces and the CELL corporation. We break down how the campaign plays now, from the tighter gunplay and console-focused controls to the shift away from Crysis 1’s open jungle design into dense, cinematic urban combat.This episode covers the story and its Prophet twist, the New York setting, gameplay feel, stealth vs guns-blazing playstyles, Nanosuit upgrades, presentation, music, Easter eggs, and whether the remastered version genuinely improves the experience. We also talk about pacing issues, standout set-pieces, and why Crysis 2 feels more accessible and satisfying than its predecessor.

In this week's episode, David & Lennon revisit Crysis (2007) to see whether its legendary visuals, sandbox gameplay, and iconic nanosuit still hold up today.We break down our full experience replaying Crysis 1, from its jungle-based open levels and experimental gunplay to the sudden alien twist that reshapes the campaign. We dig into what actually holds up, what feels dated, and why characters like Prophet remain memorable despite a paper-thin story.If you’re replaying the Crysis trilogy, considering the remastered version, or wondering how Crysis compares to modern FPS design, this is an honest, no-filter discussion.Does Crysis still hold up in 2026? Let us know where you land in the comments.

Does Far Cry 3 still hold up in 2025? In today's video, Lennon & David revisit Ubisoft’s most iconic open world FPS game featuring complex characters like Vaas, Hoyt, and Jason Brody.Far Cry 3 is often remembered as the moment Ubisoft perfected the open-world formula... but does it actually still deserve that reputation in 2025? In this episode of Does This Still Hold Up?, we revisit Far Cry 3 to break down its story, gameplay, villains, and legacy.We dive deep into Jason Brody’s controversial descent into madness, why Vaas became one of gaming’s most iconic antagonists, and whether Ubisoft’s design choices still feel innovative or painfully familiar today. From outpost captures and radio towers to set-piece missions, skill trees, hunting, and fire physics - we separate nostalgia from reality.We also cover Far Cry 3’s endings, its weaker third act, multiplayer and co-op modes, and a hand-picked selection of clever Easter eggs linking the game to Assassin’s Creed, BioShock, and more. If you’ve ever wondered whether Far Cry 3 was truly the peak of the series, or just the beginning of Ubisoft’s formula - this is the definitive revisit.

Does Far Cry 2 still hold up today? Well, in today's video Lennon & David revisit Ubisoft’s most unforgiving entry - the brutal, malaria-ridden hunt for the Jackal - to see whether this 2008 classic still works in 2025. From its immersive African setting to jamming weapons, chaotic fire physics, and a surprisingly bleak story, we break down how Far Cry 2 compares to modern open-world shooters.We cover the narrative, setting, gameplay systems, the buddy mechanics, weapon degradation, and why this game is still so divisive today. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this deep dive explores how Far Cry 2 became the most polarizing game Ubisoft ever released.#farcry2 #thejackal

Far Cry (2004) was the beginning of one of gaming’s biggest franchises, but does it actually hold up in 2025? In this episode, David & Lennon revisit the original Far Cry and Far Cry Classic games to see how Jack Carver’s first adventure plays today. From Crytek’s tech showcase roots to Ubisoft’s later remaster, we compare visuals, gameplay, AI, difficulty spikes, and the many re-releases and spin-offs this game spawned.We break down the story, the tropical island setting, the infamous stealth system, mutant enemies, and why this game feels so different from later Far Cry titles. If you played Far Cry back in 2004 — or only know the series from Far Cry 3 onward — this deep dive will show exactly how the franchise began.Stick around for the verdict on whether Far Cry 1 still holds up today, and let us know your experience with the original Crytek classic.

In today’s video, David & Lennon revisit Dead Space 3 and ask the big question: does it still hold up in 2025? From Isaac Clarke’s journey with John Carver to the icy surface of Tau Volantis, we break down the story, gameplay, co-op design, Brethren Moons, and why this sequel feels so different from the first two games. We also explore the ending, the DLC, the Unitologists, and whether this final chapter of the trilogy still earns its place.If you’ve played Dead Space 3, drop your thoughts below!

In today’s video, David & Lennon head back into deep space to revisit Dead Space 2, the iconic sci-fi horror sequel that drops Isaac Clarke into the chaos of The Sprawl—a living city torn apart by a new Necromorph outbreak. We explore its story, tense set pieces, Isaac’s haunting visions of Nicole, and the escalating influence of The Marker. From the frantic psych ward escape to the return of the USG Ishimura, this episode breaks down why Dead Space 2 still hits hard in 2025, blending action, atmosphere, and unforgettable sci-fi horror moments.

It’s time to step aboard the USG Ishimura. In today’s video, Lennon and David revisit Dead Space to see if this survival-horror classic still holds up in 2025. Playing as Isaac Clarke, an engineer trapped aboard the planet-cracking mining ship overrun by grotesque Necromorphs, we explore how the game’s eerie atmosphere, claustrophobic design, and innovative HUD made it a sci-fi horror masterpiece. From the haunting sound design to the strategic dismemberment combat, we break down what made Dead Space (2008) so revolutionary, and whether the 2023 remake truly perfects the formula.#DeadSpace #IsaacClarke

In today’s video, Lennon & David leave the depths of Rapture and take to the skies to find out if BioShock Infinite still holds up in 2025. This time you step into the shoes of Booker DeWitt, sent to the floating city of Columbia to rescue Elizabeth, a girl with the power to tear holes in reality itself. From the breathtaking art design and haunting barbershop quartets to the chaos of the Vox Populi uprising, we dive into what makes this one of the most ambitious BioShock games ever made.We cover everything. From the iconic Sky-Hook combat, Vigor powers, and Elizabeth’s revolutionary companion AI, to the mind-bending ending that ties Rapture and Columbia together. Does BioShock Infinite’s story, gameplay, and emotional punch still hold up more than a decade later? Let’s find out.Whether you’re a longtime fan of BioShock or discovering it for the first time, this is a full deep-dive into one of gaming’s most unforgettable worlds.#BioShockInfinite #BookerDeWitt #Elizabeth #Columbia #GamingDiscussion #VideoGameReview #DoesThisGameStillHoldUp #BioShock2025 #IrrationalGames #KenLevine

EA is shutting down Anthem for good... so Lennon decided to play it for the very first time before it disappears forever. After years sealed away on the shelf, Lennon finally broke open the case to see what BioWare’s most infamous looter-shooter really feels like in 2025.From the incredible flying and javelin design to the incredibly dull loot system and clunky combat, this is Lennon's honest look at Anthem’s rise and fall, and whether it actually deserved to fail. If this video hits 1,000 likes, Lennon will attempt to platinum Anthem before its servers go offline for good.Check out our Gaming Podcast here: - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5f68s9h9- Apple: https://tinyurl.com/565fh6r9#Anthem #Bioware #EAGames #Anthem2025 #AnthemShutdown #GamingDiscussion #AnthemReview #FirstTimePlaying #DestinyComparison

In today's video, David & Lennon are diving back into Rapture to see if BioShock 2 still holds up in 2025. This time the story has you stepping into the boots of Subject Delta, a prototype Big Daddy searching for his Little Sister, Eleanor, while facing the cult-like rule of Sofia Lamb. We explore how the sequel improves on gameplay, atmosphere, and storytelling, and whether its emotional core still resonates today. From tense Big Sister fights to the haunting ruins of Rapture, this video revisits everything that made BioShock 2 unforgettable.Check out our Gaming Podcast here: - Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/5f68s9h9- Apple: https://tinyurl.com/565fh6r9#BioShock2 #SofiaLamb #BigDaddy #LittleSister #GamingDiscussion #VideoGameReview #DoesThisGameStillHoldUp

In today's video, David & Lennon dive into the depths of the Atlantic ocean and explore BioShock (2007); the iconic underwater dystopia that introduced players to Rapture, the terrifying Big Daddies, and the haunting Little Sisters. Nearly two decades later, does BioShock still hold up in 2025? We explore its story, gameplay, plasmids, and one of gaming’s most unforgettable twists: “Would you kindly?” From Andrew Ryan’s vision to Frank Fontaine’s betrayal, this video is a full breakdown of why BioShock remains a masterpiece of atmosphere and storytelling.#Bioshock #Bioshock2007 #BigDaddy #LittleSister #Rapture #GamingDiscussion #DoesThisGameStillHoldUp

In today’s video, David and Lennon revisit Assassin’s Creed Revelations, emotional and climactic finale of the Ezio trilogy. Set in the stunning city of Constantinople, the game follows an older, wiser Ezio Auditore as he searches for the Masyaf keys and uncovers the final secrets of legendary assassin, Altair.We discuss everything that made Revelations unique, from the new Hookblade and bomb crafting to its reflective story, Altair flashbacks, and one of the most memorable endings in the series. Expect discussion on Constantinople’s design, the dual Ezio/Altair narrative, Desmond’s darker Animus arc, and whether this 2011 classic still holds up in 2025. Whether you’re nostalgic for the golden age of Assassin’s Creed or discovering it for the first time, this is the definitive send-off to the series' most beloved Assassin.#assassinscreedrevelations #ezioauditore #acrevelations

In today’s video, David and Lennon return to Renaissance Italy to revisit Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, Ubisoft’s ambitious follow-up to AC2. Picking up right where Ezio Auditore’s story left off, Brotherhood shifts from revenge to leadership as Ezio battles the Borgia family in Rome. We dive into its iconic gameplay additions, from recruiting assassins and the crossbow to chain kills and the series’ first multiplayer. Expect discussion on Rome’s open world, new missions, Christina’s memories, the Da Vinci machines, and the unforgettable ending with Desmond Miles and Lucy. Whether you’re nostalgic or new to the franchise, we explore why Brotherhood remains one of the best entries in the Assassin’s Creed series and if it still holds up in 2025.#assassinscreedbrotherhood #ezioauditore #acbrotherhood

In today's video, David and Lennon are diving back into Renaissance Italy to revisit Assassin’s Creed 2. The iconic game that introduced Ezio Auditore and cemented Ubisoft’s franchise as a blockbuster. In this episode, we break down the story, gameplay, and modern-day sections with Desmond Miles to see if Assassin’s Creed 2 still holds up in 2025. From Ezio’s revenge-driven journey to the iconic ending in the Vatican, we explore everything that made this sequel legendary. Expect discussion on combat improvements, parkour refinements, historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, and the unforgettable soundtrack. Whether you’re nostalgic or new to the series, this episode shows why Ezio remains one of the most beloved protagonists in gaming history.#assassinscreed2 #ezioauditore #ac2

Does the original Assassin’s Creed still hold up nearly 20 years later? In this video, Lennon and David revisit Ubisoft’s groundbreaking 2007 title and explore whether Altair’s journey (and the modern-day story of Desmond Miles) still stand the test of time. From the parkour mechanics inspired by Prince of Persia, to the repetitive mission structure, to the mysterious Pieces of Eden, we cover what made this game revolutionary and where it shows its age. Join us as we look back at the roots of the Assassin’s Creed franchise before diving into the Ezio Trilogy in future episodes.#assassinscreed #altairibnlaahad #ac1