In this episode of Level With Me, the hosts discuss the anticipated launch of Star Citizen’s single-player campaign Squadron 42, alongside reviews of various new and indie games, industry challenges, and upcoming changes to Unreal Engine 6. They also share personal recommendations, including films, TV shows, and health tips, blending gaming insights with broader cultural reflections.
In this episode of Level With Me, the hosts discuss the exciting news that Star Citizen’s single-player campaign, Squadron 42, is reportedly launching soon. Content creators have been invited to the UK to playtest the game, signaling a significant step forward in its development. They reflect on the game’s lengthy and complex development cycle, noting how the scope expanded with increased funding and the challenge of building two games simultaneously. Despite past criticisms, they express hope that Squadron 42 will deliver a compelling and fun experience, especially given its impressive cast of actors and the high expectations set by its ambitious scale.
The conversation then shifts to various new game releases and demos the hosts have tried. They highlight Iron Nest, a unique logistics-based artillery game that combines puzzle mechanics with tactical gameplay, and Impulse, a movement-focused shooter reminiscent of Titanfall but without the backing of a major publisher. While they appreciate Impulse’s solid gunplay and mechanics, they express concerns about the niche market for movement shooters and the challenges of sustaining such games without live service models. Mortal Shell 2 also gets a mention, praised for its lore, world-building, and balanced difficulty, despite the hosts’ admitted struggles with Soulslike games.
Next, the hosts delve into several indie and smaller titles, including Corsair Cove, a vertical city-building pirate colony game with a charming aesthetic and strategic depth, and Dustfront, a grimdark RTS reminiscent of classic Command and Conquer games. Dustfront impresses with its artillery-focused combat and atmosphere but faces questions about AI sophistication and mission variety. They also discuss the challenges faced by AAA studios, particularly Microsoft/Xbox, which is experiencing multiple studio shutdowns despite the overall growth in game sales. This leads to reflections on the industry’s evolving landscape, the impact of backlogs, and the enduring appeal of older, well-crafted games.
The episode further explores broader industry topics, such as the failed “keep games alive” initiative aimed at preserving online games after developer support ends, primarily due to legal and IP challenges. They also discuss the unveiling of Unreal Engine 6, highlighting controversies around Epic’s push for Fortnite-style cross-game skins, AI integration, and the removal of the popular visual scripting system “Blueprint” in favor of a new coding language called Verse. The hosts express skepticism and concern about these changes, fearing potential backlash from developers accustomed to current workflows and the risk of alienating the engine’s user base.
Finally, the hosts share personal recommendations and reflections outside of gaming. They praise the World War II film “Pressure” for its unique focus on meteorology’s critical role in the D-Day invasion and discuss the wholesome UK farming show “Clarkson’s Farm,” which showcases modern agricultural technology and the challenges faced by farmers. They touch on the Lovecraft-inspired co-op horror game “The Mound,” highlighting its innovative gameplay mechanics involving differing player perspectives. The episode concludes with health advice emphasizing the importance of drinking enough water daily, underscoring the hosts’ commitment to practical wellness tips alongside gaming discussions.