Episodes

  • Nintendo Partner Direct, Switch Price Increase, Summerslam, and Much More!

    Nintendo Partner Direct, Switch Price Increase, Summerslam, and Much More!
    Aug 5 2025
    Brad reviews two more of Digital Eclipse’s standout “docu-games” with in-depth impressions of Atari 50 and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, highlighting how these playable documentaries preserve game history in fresh, innovative ways. Carrie is deep into the Shin Megami Tensei multiverse, giving updates on her time with Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and Raidou Kuzunoha Remastered. We break down the biggest announcements from the latest Nintendo Partner Direct, including reveals for Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Octopath Traveler 0. In baffling hardware news, US tariffs have triggered a bizarre price increase on the original Nintendo Switch. We explain why this move was both predictable and unnecessary. Microsoft has become the top-selling third-party publisher on PlayStation, reinforcing the growing belief that console exclusivity may be fading into irrelevance. Meanwhile, Tencent may soon owe Sony big, as their game Light of Motiram is facing backlash for being a blatant clone of Horizon Zero Dawn. Finally, we talk about the Summerslam main event and why WWE seems determined to push away a portion of its core fanbase.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Donkey Kong Bananza, Video Game Censorship, Splitgate 2, and Much More!

    Donkey Kong Bananza, Video Game Censorship, Splitgate 2, and Much More!
    Jul 29 2025
    We’re still deep into Donkey Kong Bananza! Brad has already rolled credits, while Micah shares his early impressions of what could be the best game of 2025. The controversy surrounding the censorship of adult video games has now extended to Itch.io, where limited moderation resources have forced even broader content removals. Even worse, the backlash has led to journalistic censorship at Vice Media. We dive into a larger conversation about the dangers of censorship and the ongoing collapse of corporate-owned media as a credible news source. In a staggering case of self-sabotage, 1049 Games has effectively unreleased Splitgate 2, citing waning player interest and mismanagement. We unpack what went wrong. Microsoft appears to have walked back its decision to price The Outer Wilds 2 at $80, possibly due to underwhelming pre-order numbers. We explore what this reversal means for future AAA pricing strategies. We close with a candid discussion on the death of Hulk Hogan and our unfiltered thoughts on his legacy—both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Donkey Kong Bananza Impressions, Video Game Censorship on Steam, and Much More!

    Donkey Kong Bananza Impressions, Video Game Censorship on Steam, and Much More!
    Jul 22 2025
    We’re going absolutely bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza! We kick things off by gushing over Nintendo’s latest generational game and why we can't put it down. Valve has begun removing certain adult games from the Steam marketplace due to pressure from payment processors. We discuss how this sets a dangerous precedent for video game censorship and why it’s a slippery slope that players and creators alike should be watching closely. Ubisoft is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as Charlie Guillemot—yes, the CEO’s son—is appointed to lead their new Tencent-backed subsidiary. Generative AI continues its concerning rise in game development. Steam is reporting an 800% year-over-year increase in games disclosing GenAI usage. We also highlight the tragic irony of recently laid-off King developers who unknowingly trained the very tools that replaced them. In this week’s Post Office, what games do we wish we could delete from existence?
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Patapon 1+2 Replay, Subnautica 2 and Krafton's Shady Strategy, and Much More!

    Patapon 1+2 Replay, Subnautica 2 and Krafton's Shady Strategy, and Much More!
    Jul 15 2025
    Brad shares why Patapon 1+2 Replay stirs nostalgia for a bygone era of creative, experimental gaming from AAA publishers and why the industry may be worse off without it. We explore Roblox's massive influence on the modern gaming landscape, from platform dominance to its role in shaping young gamers’ habits and expectations. The Subnautica 2 controversy takes center stage as we break down how publisher Krafton appears to have delayed early access to dodge a $250 million payout to Unknown Worlds. We discuss the looming threat of Buy Now, Pay Later services entering the gaming space and how they will likely exploit the players most vulnerable to predatory monetization and microtransaction spending. In the Post Office, we debate whether the world actually needs a Superman video game and why WWE may be sabotaging their own momentum by not properly capitalizing on their current success.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Xbox Layoffs, New Battlefield Expectations, The Alters and GenAI, and Much More!

    Xbox Layoffs, New Battlefield Expectations, The Alters and GenAI, and Much More!
    Jul 8 2025
    Even amid widespread tech layoffs, Microsoft managed to surprise the industry by cutting over 9,000 employees last week—its fourth major layoff in just 18 months. We explore the impact on Xbox, why AAA game development keeps fueling these cycles, and what the Xbox brand might represent going forward. Helldivers 2 is heading to Xbox. Is Sony starting a new trend? EA appears to be setting up the next Battlefield title to fail—and possibly on purpose. 11bitstudios is under fire for using undisclosed generative AI in The Alters. We explain why this story is a new concern for folks who are opposed to the use of these tools in games. Borderlands 4 may win back long-time fans thanks to a crucial design change from Gearbox. Brad shares why Foundation might be his “just right” city builder in a crowded genre. In the Post Office, we dive into Street Fighter movie casting rumors and debate whether this upcoming trainwreck could still be worth watching.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • REMATCH, Mario Kart World, Gen-Z Gamers, and Much More!

    REMATCH, Mario Kart World, Gen-Z Gamers, and Much More!
    Jun 24 2025
    It’s a community show this week, but first we dive into the games we’ve been playing.
    Terrence shares his love-hate relationship with REMATCH, calling it both his most beloved and most infuriating game of the year. He also gives quick takes on FBC Firebreak and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die.

    Brad compares two action-packed brawlers—Midnight Fight Express and Dead as Disco—before digging into strategy with a breakdown of Age of Wonders: Planetfall versus Age of Wonders 4 to determine which entry speaks to him most.

    Carrie finally got her hands on Mario Kart World and is returning to Pokémon Scarlet, now running much smoother thanks to the Switch 2.

    Then we dive into listener questions from the Post Office, talking albums that peak early, the creepiest video game villains, and why Gen Z gravitates toward sandbox experiences.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins
  • The Alters, Manor Lords, Switch 2 Launch, WWE Product, Ron Killings, and Much

    The Alters, Manor Lords, Switch 2 Launch, WWE Product, Ron Killings, and Much
    Jun 18 2025
    Terrence has been diving into the new base-building game The Alters and shares his early impressions, along with his thoughts on Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dense Pixels' 2024 Game of the Year. Brad is working through his backlog and enjoying both Manor Lords and Shapez 2, with plenty of praise to go around.

    In news, we cover the massive launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike against major game publishers, and Embracer Group’s Lars Wingefors conveniently stepping into a new role that still gives him influence—likely not for the better.

    Then, in the Post Office, we go deep on the current WWE product and explore why recent portrayals of Black wrestlers may not be as progressive as they seem.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions and Summer Game Fest 2025 Recap!

    Nintendo Switch 2 Impressions and Summer Game Fest 2025 Recap!
    Jun 10 2025
    We’ve all finally gotten our hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 — even Micah — and we share our first impressions of the new console, along with thoughts on Mario Kart World and whether now is the right time to buy one.

    Summer Game Fest just wrapped, and we start by breaking down the one presentation that stood out for all the wrong reasons, plus what it says about the current state of the AAA gaming industry.

    We also highlight all of the games that grabbed our attention, including 007: First Light, The Outer Worlds 2, Persona 4 Revival, Clockwork Revolution, LUMINES Arise, Ratatan, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Resident Evil Requiem, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and many more.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins