Explore every episode of the podcast Pixel Parents | Video Game Podcast

On this week's podcast we ask if it’s time for a shake-up in annually released games, and discuss what the best game soundtrack is and why. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we crown the best football game. All this and more on the Pixel Parents Podcast

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Listener Mail: Best Video Game Soundtrack

- Weekly topic: Annual Releases: Time For Change?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Football game (non-hand egg)

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s podcast we are celebrating the Legend of Zelda and ask what still makes the series so special after all these years. And we try to name the best game in the Zelda series on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown. All this and more on the Pixel Parents Podcast

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Zelda: What Makes It Legend?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Zelda game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

We’ve played the hottest beta of the summer, Marvel Rivals, and share our full impressions on the (super)hero shooter. We also played Valorant and bring you our thoughts on what we think will reign supreme. Also this week, we officially marked the end of the Xbox 360, and we give Microsoft’s best console the eulogy it deserves with a trip down memory lane! And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we decide the best puzzle platformer (spoiler: it’s not Portal!)

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Marvel Rivals Impressions

- Marvel Rivals, Valorant and Concord, who wins?

- Weekly topic: RIP Xbox 360

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Puzzle Platformer game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Do we tend to lean towards single-player or multiplayer games? We take a deep dive into this and share some heartfelt opinions on how both can be helpful for parent gamers. We also dig into Game Pass’s latest releases, sharing our impressions on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, and we review Flintlock: Siege of Dawn. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it is time to name the best JRPG game! Advantage Scott? Check out the show to find out!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Impressions

- Flintlock: Siege of Dawn Review

- Weekly topic: Single or Multiplayer

- Pixel Picks Showdown: JRPG game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

This week we share our impressions on Concord after playing the beta and Liam gets on his soapbox about hero shooters in general. With the Nintendo Switch officially becoming their longest-lasting console we dedicate our main topic this week to discussing its legacy… is it Nintendo’s best console ever? And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we get stylish and debate the best Hack and Slash game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Concord: Beta Impressions

- Weekly topic: Legacy of the Nintendo Switch

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Hack and Slash game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

On the show this week we discuss our Game of the Year picks so far, and what upcoming games we think have a chance at taking it. We also give our final review of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (and Liam may have a few choice words for THAT final boss). Also, on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, one developer splits us as we name the best Immersive Sim game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree final score

- Our thoughts on the Situational Disability debate in gaming

- Weekly topic: GOTY (So far)

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Immersive Sim Game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

This week we welcome our special guest Alex from Cross Button VR to discuss the future of VR and we also take a look ahead at the rest of 2024 and share what our most anticipated games are left this year. Alex joins us in a very special Pixel Picks Showdown as we all debate to crown the best Cinematic game!

Show order:

- Kick-off (feat special guest, Alex from Cross Button VR)

- What you playing?

- Most anticipated games in rest of 2024

- Weekly topic: Future of VR

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Cinematic Game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

Check out Alex each week on the Cross Button VR podcast - @CrossButtonVR - https://linktr.ee/crossbuttonvr

This week we share our thoughts on exploring the Shadow Realm in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, so of course we wade into the great difficulty debate - should we take it easy with hard difficulty? And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it’s all about thrills and glory as we decide the best Adventure game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree impressions

- Weekly topic: Taking it easy on Difficulty?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Adventure game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

This week we ask the big question - is the cost of gaming getting too high? So we share our thrifty tips on how we keep the costs down. Scott finally plays a Rare classic, and Liam shares how he has connected with an old pastime courtesy of Xbox Game Pass. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it’s Nintendo’s turn as we decide the best NES game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: How to reduce the Cost of Gaming

- Pixel Picks Showdown: NES game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

This week we journey back to the Land’s Between and share how we are getting ready for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. We also take a look back at what our parents got right and wrong in our early gaming years and ask ourselves… would we do the same? And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, debate has no limits as we go head-to-head to decide the best PlayStation (PS1) game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Returning to Elden Ring

- Weekly topic: Rating our parents' approach to our gaming

- Pixel Picks Showdown: PlayStation (PS1) game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

The Pixel Parents crew reacts to all the reveals and announcements from the Xbox Games Showcase and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct (2024)! 

Produced by Sean Murray

Music by Sean Murray

The Pixel Parents crew reacts to all the reveals and announcements from Summer Game Fest (2024)! 

Produced by Sean Murray

Music by Sean Murray

The Pixel Parents crew reacts to all the reveals and announcements from PlayStation State of Play (September 2024)! 

Produced by Sean Murray

Music by Sean Murray

This week we reveal our review scale and share our verdict on Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. We also discuss and share our tips for getting the kids set up with a new console, and on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it’s all about deciding the best game on the ever-so-chunky original Xbox!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Review: Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga

- Weekly topic: Next-Gen hacks for parents

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Xbox (OG) game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

The Pixel Parents crew reacts to all the reveals and announcements from PlayStation State of Play (May 2024)! 

Produced by Sean Murray

Music by Sean Murray

How long do we see ourselves still playing games? We ponder this question and preview yet another summer presented to us by Geoff Keighley. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it’s all about good vibes with friends as we decide the best Party game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- Our shouts for Geoff Keighley Presents: Every Gaming Show

- Weekly topic: Still Game?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Party

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

It’s time to chat about the state of Xbox, how Rise of the Ronin has lifted us out of a gaming funk and we speculate what future gaming habits will become the norm for our kids. On the Pixel Picks Showdown, we lock and load our picks to decide what is the best First Person Shooter!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- The Big Xbox Chat

- Weekly topic: Future Habits

- Pixel Picks Showdown: First-Person Shooter

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

We share our recommendations for the best games out there to get your kids into gaming,  what our experience returning to the world of Fallout has been like, and on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, it's a battle for the ages as we declare the best RPG game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Readying Player Two

- Pixel Picks Showdown: RPG

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

With limited time to game as a parent, this week we explore what games are best for respecting your time. Scott shares his thoughts on Dragon’s Dogma 2 that may surprise you, and on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we go head-to-head to decide what is the best mascot game… that doesn’t feature Mario.

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Games and respecting time

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Mascot game (non-Mario)

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

This week we discuss how we handle gaming burnout and how we get back into the swing of gaming. Liam finally finishes Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and we both share our theories on THAT ending (spoilers!). Also on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we turn to the shadows and debate the best stealth game to sneak onto the Pixel Picks List!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Our thoughts and theories on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (SPOILERS)

- Weekly topic: Dealing with games burnout

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Stealth game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

On this week’s episode we share some wisdom on managing screen time with the kids - is there a right way? Scott shares his thoughts as he moves on from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. And on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we each make our case on the best challenging game to add to the Pixel Picks List!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Managing Kids Screentime

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Challenging game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray

This week we take a look at some of the best and worst parents in video games. Is Liam falling out of love with Marvel Snap? And on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we debate the best sports game to feature on our list!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: The best and worst parents in video games

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Sports game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Join Liam and Scott this week as they chat about some of their old gaming habits they enjoyed before becoming dads and ask the question, do they ever miss them? How did Scott earn his new nickname via Final Fantasy 7? And on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we don our capes and debate the best superhero game to add to our list!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Desperate Times. What lengths have you gone to enjoy some gaming time as a parent? (as shameful as they may be!)

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Fighting

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

This week on the podcast we discuss our changing tastes in gaming as we get older, and ask why this is the case. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we light the bonfires and crown the best Soulsborne game. All this and more on the Pixel Parent Podcast.

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Liam’s Fantastic Pokemon Card Voyage

- Weekly topic: Changing Gaming Tastes

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Soulsborne game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Join Liam and Scott as they discuss some of the lengths they have gone to get some gaming time in as parents. Has Final Fantasy 7 finally clicked for one of us? And on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, we debate the best fighting game to feature on our list!

Show order:

- Kick off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Desperate Times. What lengths have you gone to enjoy some gaming time as a parent? (as shameful as they may be!)

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Fighting

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Liam and Scott kick off the Pixel Parents Podcast with a chat about how gaming habits change since becoming parents and we debate the best platformer game in the inaugural Pixel Picks Showdown!

Show order:

- Kick off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: How your gaming habits change when you become a parent

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Platformer

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s podcast we review Astro Bot and ask if the cute little mascot can kickstart a change in the industry for us… and our kids. We also react to the PS5 Pro announcement. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we crown the best Nintendo 64 game.. All this and more on the Pixel Parent Podcast.

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- PS5 Pro announcement: Reaction and what you need to know

- Astro Bot Review

- Weekly topic: Astro Bot, the Champion we deserve?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Nintendo 64 game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s episode Alex from Cross Button VR returns! We talk about the games that made us the gamers we are today, and what ones might shape our kids' love for them… will it be the same? And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we name the best 2D fighting game. All this and more on the Pixel Parent Podcast.

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Concord is dead: What next?

- Weekly topic: What Made Us Gamers And Will It Be The Same For Our Kids?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: 2D Fighting game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s episode we review both Star Wars: Outlaws and Black Myth Wukong. We also discuss Star Wars’ very long legacy in gaming. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we use the force to decide the best Star Wars game. All this and more on the Pixel Parent Podcast.

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Black Myth Wukong Review

- Star Wars Outlaws Review

- Weekly topic: The Gaming Legacy of Star Wars

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Star Wars game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s podcast, it’s all about the PlayStation 2, as we discuss what made it so special and where we rank it among other consoles. We also share our reactions to Gamescom Opening Night Live. And on this week's Pixel Picks Showdown, you guessed it, we take on the small task of naming the best PS2 game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Gamescom Opening Night Live Reactions

- Weekly topic: PlayStation 2 - In Review Special

- Pixel Picks Showdown: PS2 game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

We’ve seen the Borderlands movie. It’s not great, and this week we discuss what the future of video games adaptations should look like. Should Hollywood give up the ghost? Is it best for TV? How do they stop being so terrible? Scott finally plays Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Liam continues his obsession with dead games. Also, on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we go back to the best Xbox and crown the greatest 360 game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Borderlands Movie Review

- Weekly topic: Video Game Adaptations: Fix or Forget?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Xbox 360 game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Blockbuster season is upon us at the cinema, and it’s got us remembering the glorious days of the movie tie-in game. This week, we have some fun and pick our favourite movie IP and game developers to make the game of our 6/10 dreams. Liam also reviews Thank Goodness You’re Here, and Scott declares his love for Unicorn Overlord. Also, on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it is getting tense as we crown the best Survival Horror Game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Thank Goodness You’re Here Review

- Weekly topic: Dream Movie Tie-In’s

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Survival Horror game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

This week we share our impressions as we kick off our epic journeys with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and how Pokemon cards are taking over the world again in digital form. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, dim the lights as we crown the best Romance game. All this and more on the Pixel Parents Podcast

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Opening Impressions

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Romance game

Follow us on BlueSky @pixelparents.bsky.social and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

Episode 32 - Gaming, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Pixel Parents Podcast

This week on the podcast we take a beat to talk about how gaming can support our mental health and wellbeing. We also share our verdict on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we name the best Cozy game. All this and more on this week’s Pixel Parents Podcast

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Gaming, Mental Health and Wellbeing

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Cozy game

Follow us on BlueSky @pixelparents.bsky.social and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this week’s episode it’s our Halloween special, as we bring you our most horrific gaming takes to shock and terrify you! We also discuss what makes a good horror game, and on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, we name the best Halloween game. All this and more on the Pixel Parents Podcast!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Most Horrific Gaming Takes

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Halloween game

Follow us on BlueSky @pixelparents.bsky.social and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

On this episode we share all the gaming characters and IP we think are well overdue a comeback. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, it’s a slobber knocker as we name the best wrestling game. All this and more on the Pixel Parents Podcast

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Games overdue a comeback

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Wrestling game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray 

This week on the show we chat about why being a streamer is the top ambition for kids today, what it means for parents, and how the games media has paved the way for this. And on this week’s Pixel Picks Showdown, teamwork makes the dream work as we crown the best co-op game!

Show order:

- Kick-off

- What you playing?

- Weekly topic: Game Careers: Why Streaming?

- Pixel Picks Showdown: Co-op game

Follow us on Twitter (X) @Pixel_Parents and write to us to be part of the show - pixelparentspodcast@gmail.com

Music and Production by Sean Murray