While we're out this week, we bring you another blast from the Never Been a Better past, all the way back in December 2022, when Abby Russell and Jeff Bakalar joined us to share tales of holiday mishaps, immortal pets, and much more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:01:10) Intro
(00:02:24) The Eagle Rare has landed
(00:03:26) Bakalar has been on some adventures
(00:14:55) Bakalar's fancy dishes
(00:16:42) The kids are getting older and online
(00:20:39) Is there any pinball regret?
(00:22:39) Some hot insider family gossip
(00:26:23) Abby, how was the Thanksgiving?
(00:27:16) Waxing on about candles and scents
(00:29:53) Alex discovers a possible hockey goon amongst his family
(00:33:56) The joys and innuendos of driving
(00:39:11) Thanksgiving with the Caravellas
(00:41:07) Avoiding the minefield of conversation at Thanksgiving...
(00:42:18) ...but stepping in it at Halloween
(00:47:33) Any dressing up for Halloween this year?
(00:49:33) Favorite candy that isn't a peanut butter cup
(00:51:34) Cheese crimes
(00:54:46) Time for a pet check
(01:03:45) Well, we've arrived at the Hemipenis
(01:08:38) One more pet thing...
(01:12:39) Wrapping up
(01:15:16) See ya!

It happened: They took the wraps off the Switch 2 (for real this time). Will Smith joins us to break down the price, hardware specs and features, backwards compatibility, and launch-ish games like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the most important launch title of all: the Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:01:10) Switch 2 news is coming in hot!
(00:02:56) What we know for sure... we think
(00:37:03) First Break
(00:37:07) More Switch 2 details and more questions
(01:08:25) Some First Party games
(01:08:41) Mario Kart World  |  [Nintendo Switch 2]  |  Jun 05, 2025
(01:20:04) *Future note during the edit. Seeing some folks now reporting that it may be $90 for physical
(01:22:37) Donkey Kong: Bananza  |  [Nintendo Switch 2]  |  Jul 17, 2025
(01:29:30) The Third Party games
(01:34:33) The Duskbloods  |  [Nintendo Switch 2]  |  2026
(01:46:41) What about that Japan only Switch 2?
(02:06:49) Second Break
(02:07:37) Atomfall  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5]  |  Mar 27, 2025
(02:12:10) Assassin's Creed Shadows  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 20, 2025
(02:30:35) Emails
(02:49:05) Wrapping up and content updates
(02:56:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:57:03) See ya!

We've got one week left before the big Switch 2 reveal, so hop in the ding-dong hole for one last round of rumors and speculation, plus plenty of other chatter about Atomfall, more AC: Shadows and 33 Immortals, Revenge of the Savage Planet, Josef Fares' Willy Wonka moment, a good week for games media, the landmark release of Big Rigs on Steam, and our exhaustive analysis of Apple Music's idea of "grunge."

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:32) Folks, what are we doing here?
(00:03:32) Thank goodness for video games
(00:05:04) It's Career Day time. Be interesting.
(00:09:52) Assassin's Creed Shadows  |  [iOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 20, 2025
(00:38:55) First Break
(00:39:01) 33 Immortals (Early Access) |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Mar 18, 2025
(00:45:36) Atomfall  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5]  |  Mar 27, 2025
(00:53:07) Split Fiction  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 06, 2025
(00:59:36) Alex Hill: Whispers at White Oak Inn  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Mar 07, 2025
(01:00:37) Revenge of the Savage Planet  |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  May 08, 2025
(01:06:37) Second Break
(01:06:42) The last of the Switch 2 rumors
(01:18:43) Game Informer is back!
(01:23:28) The Game Business' new publication
(01:26:45) Assassins Creed Shadows sold really well
(01:32:02) Why is Big Rigs coming to Steam?
(01:40:27) Emails
(01:53:41) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:55:07) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:56:25) Nextlander Content Updates
(01:58:32) See ya!

We talk for like an hour about Assassin's Creed Shadows this week, plus 33 Immortals, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (big week for 33 around here), Keita Takahashi's To a T, a $500 Switch 2, Xbox's gaming Copilot AI, the strange possibilities of an Oblivion remake, a little about GDC, and more.

Here's the essay about Oblivion's Radiant AI we talked about a bit: https://medium.com/@gatherer286/lost-features-a-critical-essay-on-tes-iv-oblivions-radiant-ai-a0150144ddef

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:27) What's going on with YouTube and our videos?
(00:09:25) Assassin's Creed Shadows  |  [iOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 20, 2025
(00:10:37) [Possible Minor Spoilers] There are some story elements in our talk but they are very early and broad.
(00:57:19) First Break
(00:57:24) 33 Immortals (Early Access) |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Mar 18, 2025
(01:14:38) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Apr 24, 2025
(01:22:42) To a T  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S]  |  May 28, 2025
(01:32:37) Second Break
(01:33:09) Switch 2 news is coming soon but for now let's speculate!
(01:44:30) Microsoft wants to use AI to help you with games
(02:00:53) Oblivion comes for us all and maybe in the form of UE5
(02:10:23) Emails
(02:32:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:35:55) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:38:20) See ya!

There might be an Xbox handheld launching this year (?!), plus the actual next Xbox in 2027, and we get together to talk all about that, along with the fairly unhinged new Death Stranding 2 trailer, WWE 2K25, Deliver at All Costs, returning to PUBG in 2025, top-tier comedy sketches, lighting your sardines on fire, and a bunch of other stuff.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:03:05) To move or not to move, that is the question
(00:04:27) Shoes on or off in the house?
(00:07:30) Brad's 100x Gravity Training
(00:09:08) WWE 2K25  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One]  |  Mar 14, 2025
(00:23:01) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage  |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(00:30:12) The Roottrees Are Dead  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Jan 15, 2025
(00:31:33) First Break
(00:33:57) Avowed  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(00:46:36) Split Fiction  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 06, 2025
(00:49:10) PUBG: Battlegrounds  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Dec 20, 2017
(00:56:53) Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One]  |  Feb 21, 2025
(00:59:52) Deliver At All Costs  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  TBD
(01:04:46) Second Break
(01:04:50) The News (Cycle)
(01:06:09) Xbox's upcoming console and handheld plans?
(01:26:46) Forza Horizon 5's mandatory logins?
(01:32:17) Death Stranding 2's latest info and our dismal recap of the first
(01:48:13) Lego wants to bring dev in-house
(01:53:57) Chrono Trigger has a 30 year anniversary going on
(01:58:58) Emails
(02:20:27) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:22:52) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:25:25) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:26:57) See ya!

While we spend a good part of this week's show grappling with the resurrection of the Acclaim name, we also find time to discuss Split Fiction, Knights in Tight Spaces, Gears of War on PS5, buying a (cheap) record player, the whereabouts of Bam Margera, a big week for video game source code, and the Sonic Unleashed PC port with big implications for Xbox 360 game preservation.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:42) The voice of Space Ghost has passed away
(00:07:10) Focus Groups for toys and cartoons
(00:10:18) Let's all take the music back!
(00:17:30) That's it, records or bust
(00:25:53) Split Fiction  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 06, 2025
(00:41:55) First Break
(00:41:59) Knights in Tight Spaces  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Mar 04, 2025
(00:52:49) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage  |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(00:58:50) Void Crew  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Nov 25, 2024
(01:04:17) Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One]  |  Feb 21, 2025
(01:10:48) Avowed  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(01:13:21) Second Break
(01:13:26) News
(01:13:33) More about Monolith and their closing
(01:21:15) PlayStation VR2 gets a price drop
(01:26:05) Gears of War on a PlayStation?!
(01:30:42) Tony Hawk is back!
(01:38:19) Acclaim is also... back?!
(01:47:40) Tanya released the Command and Conquer source code!
(01:53:17) Sonic Unleashed gets an unofficial PC port
(02:03:44) Emails
(02:14:10) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:15:24) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:17:30) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:18:55) See ya!

This week we attempt to get back to the positive end of the yo-yo cycle by playing Monster Hunter Wilds, LAD: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, more Avowed, and some Steam Next Fest demos, plus the shocking closure of Monolith, some new Fable footage, Microsoft's games AI model, and your emails!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:41) Putting reality on pause for a few hours
(00:13:52) What's the last stop before dry toast?
(00:16:37) Monster Hunter Wilds  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 28, 2025
(00:42:18) Consoles or PC, the eternal struggle
(00:48:05) First Break
(00:48:10) Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 21, 2025
(01:00:26) Avowed  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(01:17:39) Void Crew  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Nov 25, 2024
(01:20:57) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(01:23:41) Steam Next Fest
(01:24:50) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  2025
(01:31:41) Fellowship | TBD
(01:37:18) Second Break
(01:37:23) News
(01:37:45) Warner Bros. closes Monolith
(01:56:19) Fable delayed to 2026
(02:04:22) Microsoft wants to use AI in game "preservation"
(02:16:58) Bloober Team and Konami are back at!
(02:22:22) Email
(02:33:06) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:38:10) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:40:22) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:41:18) See ya!

This week we're wowed by Avowed (sorry), and also playing Void Crew, Keep Driving, and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. In the news, shocking Marvel Rivals layoffs, a State of Play impressions roundup, Grand Theft Auto Online's user-generated future, and Everwild still exists. Also there might be an asteroid on the way? Tune in and hear all about it!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:26) Why does Windows 11 hate computers?!
(00:07:44) Asteroid tracking?
(00:10:16) Avowed  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(00:41:21) First Break
(00:43:48) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Feb 18, 2025
(00:55:38) Keep Driving  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 06, 2025
(01:03:26) Void Crew  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Nov 25, 2024
(01:17:35) Sid Meier's Civilization VII  |  [Mac, Linux, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 11, 2025
(01:19:24) Second Break
(01:19:29) NetEase lays off NA Marvel Rivals team
(01:32:05) Sony's recent State of Play
(01:33:24) Saros  |  [PlayStation 5]  |  2026
(01:36:45) MindsEye  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  2025
(01:41:00) Directive 8020  |  [PlayStation 5]  |  Oct 02, 2025
(01:44:55) Shinobi: Art of Vengeance  |  [Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Aug 29, 2025
(01:49:06) Days Gone Remastered  |  [PlayStation 5]  |  Apr 25, 2025
(01:49:37) WWE 2K25  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One]  |  Mar 14, 2025
(01:51:06) Darwin's Paradox  |  [Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  2025
(01:51:18) The Midnight Walk  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2]  |  May 08, 2025
(01:51:28) Dreams of Another  |  [PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2]  |  2025
(01:53:02) Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Aug 28, 2025
(01:53:13) Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds  |  [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  TBD
(01:57:09) What will the next GTA Online be?
(02:03:50) Some tidbits about the future of Xbox
(02:10:17) Art Director of Half-Life 2 passes away
(02:12:49) Email
(02:16:12) Nextlander content updates
(02:20:35) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:21:39) Wrapping up
(02:23:54) See ya!

Brad and Vinny dig holes this week and have a great time doing it, Alex dons his Civilization hat once again, and we all consider this weekend's mysterious PSN outage, the tumultuous development of Monolith's Wonder Woman, yet another Arkham game from Rocksteady, an upside-down Switch 2, the release date of Grand Theft Auto 7, and some rapid-fire State of Play coverage.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:27) Alex opens the door to Hanna-Barbara talk
(00:08:44) Leaf blowers, in the snow, at 6AM!
(00:14:53) Sid Meier's Civilization VII  |  [Mac, Linux, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 11, 2025
(00:46:24) First Break
(00:48:41) A Game About Digging A Hole  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 07, 2025
(01:03:19) PowerWash Simulator  |  [Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Jul 14, 2022
(01:06:22) Rift of the NecroDancer  |  [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 05, 2025
(01:07:41) Crypt of the NecroDancer  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac]  |  Apr 23, 2015
(01:10:35) Any Avowed excitement out there?
(01:13:20) Second Break
(01:13:24) PSN goes out and Sony has little to say
(01:22:08) State of Play is happening soon!
(01:28:01) What is going on with Warner and Wonder Woman?
(01:40:53) ...and they are making a Batman game?
(01:50:10) Steam adds information about updates during Early Access
(01:57:52) Switch 2 might be able to invert?
(02:03:13) Oh, and don't forget about GTA!
(02:05:01) Emails
(02:17:41) BREAKING Live Sony State of Play reacts
(02:22:47) ...and back to another email!
(02:25:07) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:28:32) Nextlander content updates
(02:30:31) See ya!

Before February really gets going, we check in with some new indies this week like While Waiting and Rift of the Necrodancer, catch up on news about downsizing at BioWare and Iron Galaxy, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, the Sleeping Dogs movie, and the long lost Nintendo PlayStation game, learn some interesting facts about industrial paper cutters, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:05:34) YouTube ads seem to be picking up
(00:08:41) So, is TikTok just back? Someone explain TikTok to Vinny.
(00:14:40) While Waiting  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch]  |  Feb 05, 2025
(00:23:43) First Break
(00:23:48) Rift of the NecroDancer  |  [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 05, 2025
(00:43:54) Second Break
(00:43:59) The News
(00:44:19) Bioware relocates staff permanently?
(01:00:24) Iron Galaxy layoffs
(01:05:22) Forza Horizon 5 coming to the PS5
(01:11:18) Multiversus officially shutting down
(01:20:53) Sleeping Dogs has awoken?
(01:26:28) Drones, why is it always drones?
(01:33:54) Remember when Sony was working with Nintendo?
(01:40:22) Emails
(01:48:01) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:49:03) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:51:08) NXL content updates
(01:53:12) See ya!

We played a bunch of games this week and now we're here to talk about 'em, including Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Total War: Warhammer III, Crow Country, and... Smash Ultimate? and... Hollow Knight? Plus, in the news, Ninja Gaiden 4, the Celeste dev's next game is canceled, the VGHF opens its digital archives, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:41) Is it time to buy a Switch?
(00:13:10) Ninja Gaiden II Black  |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  Jan 23, 2025
(00:23:12) Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Early Access) |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Jan 23, 2025
(00:29:54) First Break
(00:29:59) Total War: Warhammer III  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Feb 17, 2022
(00:37:20) Hollow Knight  |  [Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 24, 2017
(00:46:56) Crow Country  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  May 09, 2024
(00:51:29) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate  |  [Nintendo Switch]  |  Dec 07, 2018
(01:02:38) Second Break
(01:02:42) Ninja Gaiden and the Xbox Developer_Direct
(01:10:25) Celeste devs cancel next game
(01:12:51) Physical game releases are in a tough spot
(01:21:47) PlayStation gives incentives signing in on PC
(01:25:45) Video Game History Foundation is opening its digital archive
(01:37:03) Emails
(01:45:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:47:56) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:52:04) Late breaking questions!
(01:53:24) Did the bits mean something once? Do they still mean anything?
(02:01:42) See ya!

We've got a spate of new and upcoming games to talk about this week, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Dynasty Warriors Origins, plus they announced the new Switch! They announced the new Switch. Also: looming tariffs in the US that may raise game prices, Bluepoint's canceled online God of War game, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:08:40) Let the previews begin!
(00:09:38) Assassin's Creed Shadows  |  [iOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 20, 2025
(00:40:08) First Break
(00:40:12) Reminder about possible dynamic ads
(00:40:51) Doom: The Dark Ages  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  2025
(01:02:39) The Roottrees Are Dead  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Jan 15, 2025
(01:06:43) Dynasty Warriors: Origins  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Jan 17, 2025
(01:14:08) Second Break
(01:14:12) The Switch 2 is officially announced!
(01:27:01) What could potential tariffs mean for video games?
(01:36:13) Marvel Snap goes down and comes back up
(01:41:16) Sony cancels two live-service games
(01:50:29) Ted Price leaves Insomniac
(01:52:11) Emails
(01:59:55) Nextlander content updates
(02:04:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

Are they going to announce the Switch 2 this week? Did they announce it already? Is this long nightmare almost over? While we debate those questions, we also discuss The Roottrees Are Dead, Hyper Light Breaker, the "legendary" Japanese IP possibly being resurrected by Xbox, and moshing at Games Done Quick.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:49) Let's introduce a new month?
(00:06:36) I love games but I also love data about games!
(00:13:13) Star Wars Outlaws  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Aug 30, 2024
(00:19:06) The Roottrees are Dead  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Jan 15, 2025
(00:31:10) Hyper Light Breaker (Early Access) |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Jan 14, 2025
(00:37:22) Some Dragon Age and Indiana Jones
(00:41:27) Anything else for January?
(00:43:17) Will They or Won't They: Switch 2 Edition
(01:02:20) Assassin's Creed gets another delay
(01:03:58) Xbox Developer_Direct may have a surprise?
(01:09:43) Crazy Taxi gets a live band at AGDQ
(01:14:53) Emails
(01:29:56) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:34:00) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:36:13) Never too early (nor too late) for more Demon's Souls
(01:39:10) NXL Content Updates
(01:40:22) See ya!

We're barely a week into 2025 and we basically already know what the Switch 2 looks like thanks to CES, plus new GeForce cards, PlayStation movies, and Steam Deck-likes. Also, games we caught up on during the break like Caves of Qud, LOK Digital, Indiana Jones, and Clone Hero, the best restaurants to drown your sorrows in, and the ever-increasing absurdity of the Terminator franchise.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:31) Blight Club, Terminators, and time travel!
(00:13:39) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:17:38) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:35:30) Caves of Qud [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 05, 2024
(00:44:51) Lok Digital [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 11, 2024
(00:49:16) Ballionaire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 10, 2024
(00:55:46) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 09, 2024
(01:02:04) Marvel Rivals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 06, 2024
(01:03:08) Clone Hero [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 03, 2017
(01:08:03) News
(01:08:42) The Switch 2 is really all but officially announced...
(01:20:44) The Lenovo Legion Go S
(01:26:17) Nvidia has new video cards to sell us
(01:35:16) A whole bunch of PlayStation and Sony movies
(01:47:11) Private Division has a new owner and new stewards?
(01:55:36) Emails
(02:06:44) Wrapping up
(02:08:59) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:10:09) Nextlander content updates
(02:12:34) See ya!

We conclude our rundown of our favorite games of the year this week, focusing on the top four spots on each of our personal top 10 lists, plus some honorable mentions for the games that almost made it. Thanks for listening and happy new year!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:12) Number 4 [Brad]
(00:12:12) Number 4 [Vinny]
(00:18:19) Number 4 [Alex]
(00:18:56) Number 3 [Brad]
(00:19:13) Number 3 [Vinny]
(00:29:15) First Break
(00:29:20) Number 3 [Alex]
(00:34:59) Number 2 [Brad]
(00:36:18) Number 2 [Vinny]
(00:37:22) Number 2 [Alex]
(00:54:37) Second Break
(00:54:56) Number 1 [Brad]
(01:06:07) Number 1 [Vinny]
(01:14:59) Number 1 [Alex]
(01:28:46) Top Ten Recaps
(01:29:07) Brad's Top Games of 2024
(01:29:27) Vinny's Top Games of 2024
(01:29:57) Alex's Top Games of 2024
(01:32:15) Honorable Mentions
(01:39:20) The rest of the Mentions
(01:44:13) GOTY Thought Exercises
(01:46:35) Wrapping up
(01:48:13) See ya
(01:48:22) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

This year, we get together for a nice, casual, conflict-free two-part dissection of our personal favorite games of the year, with a focus in this first installment on numbers 10 through 5. Hope everyone is having a nice holiday, and thanks as always for your support!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:03:44) Number 10 [Brad]
(00:11:25) Number 10 [Vinny]
(00:15:42) Number 10 [Alex]
(00:16:43) Number 09 [Brad]
(00:17:34) Number 09 [Vinny]
(00:23:14) Number 09 [Alex]
(00:28:00) Number 08 [Brad]
(00:34:47) First Break
(00:34:52) Number 08 [Vinny]
(00:40:31) Number 08 [Alex]
(00:45:40) Number 07 [Brad]
(00:46:28) Number 07 [Vinny]
(00:51:44) Number 07 [Alex]
(00:58:20) Number 06 [Brad]
(00:59:15) Number 06 [Vinny]
(01:08:20) Number 06 [Alex]
(01:18:20) Second Break
(01:18:25) Number 05 [Brad]
(01:29:24) Number 05 [Vinny]
(01:35:33) Number 05 [Alex]
(01:46:43) Wrapping up
(01:47:13) Brad's 10 through 05 picks
(01:47:28) Alex's 10 through 05 picks
(01:47:41) Vinny's 10 through 05 picks
(01:48:31) Join us in the next episode!
(01:49:38) See ya!
(01:49:48) Thanks and Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts!

Sandwiched right between 2024's game calendar winding down and our GOTY podcasts kicking off next week, why... it's the Game Awards! We spend this week's show dissecting all the news about The Witcher 4, the Okami sequel, Naughty Dog's new IP, and plenty of other stuff.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:01:59) We've recorded too much stuff, we have no chance against our fake selves
(00:08:50) Alex is happy for the winter foods
(00:12:23) The 2024 Game Awards
(00:20:28) Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound [Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q3 2025
(00:22:07) Note: Audio might sound different until the break. We had a recording issue.
(00:23:02) Shadow Labyrinth [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:27:21) Rematch [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] Q3 2025
(00:29:47) Game Awards presentation and trappings
(00:31:45) The Witcher IV [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] TBD
(00:36:43) Elden Ring: Nightreign [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:38:16) Untitled GenDesign Game [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(00:41:16) Split Fiction [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 06, 2025
(00:44:27) The Outer Worlds 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:45:55) Steel Hunters
(00:47:56) Game Changers Award
(00:49:13) Borderlands 4 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(00:51:21) Untitled Virtua Fighter Game
(00:55:24) Project Century
(00:57:42) Turok: Origins [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(00:59:56) Helldivers 2: Omens of Tyranny [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 12, 2024
(01:03:14) Onimusha: Way of the Sword [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2026
(01:06:08) Hunt: Showdown 1896 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 15, 2024
(01:08:30) Stage Fright [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:11:29) Double Dragon Revive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 23, 2025
(01:12:55) Screamer [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on 2026
(01:15:31) Den of Wolves [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:16:31) Game of Thrones: Kingsroad [Android, iOS] on 2025
(01:17:43) Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:19:03) Mafia: The Old Country [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Q3 2025
(01:21:52) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(01:22:25) Dispatch [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(01:24:48) Sam Lake / Max Payne bit
(01:25:21) Okami Sequel
(01:28:21) Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet [PlayStation 5] on TBD
(01:35:43) Closing thoughts on The Game Awards
(01:42:30) Wrapping up

The holidays approach, so we're in GOTY cramming mode with discussions this week about such games as Indiana Jones, Mouthwashing, Infinity Nikki, Beyond Galaxyland, Kill Knight, and Marvel Rivals, plus some loose Game Awards predictions, emails, and plenty more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:05) A bit of coffee talk
(00:05:03) Happy to see Technology Connections get what he wants!
(00:07:53) Back to talking about coffee
(00:13:44) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 09, 2024
(00:33:09) Mouthwashing [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:49:49) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(00:56:00) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:59:45) Kill Knight [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One] on Oct 03, 2024
(01:03:32) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(01:05:06) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:11:04) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:14:24) Marvel Rivals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 06, 2024
(01:25:14) The Game Awards rumor mill is spinning
(01:37:18) Sony stock prices are rising...
(01:38:28) ...while the industry still tries to find its footing
(01:49:23) Emails
(01:58:52) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:02:24) Nextlander content updates
(02:04:22) See ya!

We're back from Thanksgiving and catching up on the news (Sony might be making a handheld, Ubisoft is shutting down Xdefiant, NES Tetris returns at last), games (Star Wars Outlaws, Dragon Age, STALKER 2), and your emails (Alex's celebrity doppelganger, our dream farewell concerts). Podcast!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:07) Rank everything, including months
(00:05:47) Is December lit?
(00:09:54) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:31:51) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:39:12) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:47:25) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 20, 2024
(00:51:23) Nuclear Nightmare [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 20, 2024
(00:54:05) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:55:01) The PS5 some fun anniversary business
(01:00:07) Is Sony gearing up for another handheld?
(01:15:22) XDefiant is shutting down
(01:24:10) More studios stopping operations
(01:30:05) Avatars will be going away on your modern Xbox
(01:34:33) Some Tetris news for Tetris fans!
(01:40:42) Emails
(01:53:49) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:59:11) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:00:38) Nextlander content updates
(02:01:12) Headiest old GOTY memories
(02:03:38) See ya!

With the NXL crew off for the holiday, we bring you another very special episode of Never Been a Better Podcast featuring Austin Walker, Jeff Bakalar, and lengthy discussions about Jell-O universes and pizza drones.

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CHAPTERS:
(00:01:10) Intro
(00:01:41) Fun times with the oral surgeon
(00:18:17) Bakalar lives in a sitcom
(00:26:08) Let's talk some Batman
(00:38:03) What happens with a reverse Superman?
(00:42:32) The Alan Moore Theory
(00:44:35) The Whole Universe is Jell-o
(00:50:20) John Carpenter
(00:54:05) You'll never think of Sam Neil the same way again...
(00:55:37) Now, I'm no big city scientist...
(01:02:09) Repo Man and Repo Men are very different movies
(01:05:14) The World's Library
(01:07:27) Recalibrating the Smart Board
(01:12:22) The pizza drone is no joke
(01:13:36) Don't arm the pizza drone...
(01:17:51) Wrapping up
(01:19:42) Ok, now really wrapping up
(01:20:02) See ya! (edited)

MinnMax's Ben Hanson stops by to share production stories, his love for Final Fantsy 7: Rebirth, his thoughts on The Game Awards nominees, and much more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:37) The positive energy of Ben Hanson!
(00:04:18) Everyone SAYS it's cool to take time off...
(00:08:38) Let's talk Game of Year logistics
(00:20:05) MinnMax Spotlight about EverQuest
(00:25:55) Filming in spaces in 2024
(00:31:03) Other MinnMax adventures
(00:41:21) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:57:37) LEGO Horizon Adventures [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Nov 14, 2024
(01:05:52) Tricky Madness [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 15, 2024
(01:10:11) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Mac] on Nov 12, 2024
(01:13:40) The other "currently playing" games
(01:14:20) Overwatch 2 [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 10, 2023
(01:19:46) The Game Awards Nominees
(01:44:53) Sony to possible acquire FromSoftware owner?
(01:50:51) Somehow there's a new DK Rap?
(01:53:39) New documentary about Half-Life 2 is out!
(02:04:41) Emails
(02:10:13) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:13:33) Mysterious Benefactor shoutouts
(02:16:19) See ya!

This week, video games and the people who love them: the PlayStation 5 Pro, Rise of the Golden Idol, Tetris Forever, the return of Battle Aces, backwards compatibility on the successor to Nintendo Switch, a future handheld Xbox, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:56) Entertainment mistakes may have been made
(00:08:35) The PlayStation 5 Pro and the fans have something to say!
(00:28:14) That Indiana Jones game is looking alright!
(00:32:05) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:45:04) Tetris Forever [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:59:52) Battle Aces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:07:45) ...and many more!
(01:09:23) News
(01:10:34) There is some Switch 2 news!
(01:18:45) Are we getting an Xbox handheld in the future?
(01:22:36) The original PSVR adapters are going away
(01:26:14) Tony Todd (the voice of Venom) has passed
(01:28:56) Lego Horizon Sylens voice actor revealed
(01:33:05) Andrew Wilson 3.0 has been activated
(01:35:28) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:41:36) See ya!

Time to talk about video games into microphones again, with chatter this week about the great Call of Duty account fiasco, Metal Slug Tactics, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the full list of PS5 Pro games, big changes coming to Star Wars Outlaws, how to put in your two weeks, dream airplane gaming setups, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:11:37) Too many logins for games...
(00:21:50) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:34:54) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:40:10) Metal Slug Tactics [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 05, 2024
(00:49:35) Some misc games at which we're chipping away
(00:50:49) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:52:41) News
(00:52:43) PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
(01:03:28) More Square games on Xbox?
(01:08:38) Star Wars Outlaws gets new Creative Director
(01:12:22) Update your graphic drivers
(01:17:22) Minecraft is forever
(01:20:18) Emails
(01:33:47) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:35:43) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:38:54) Whelp...
(01:39:21) See ya

They did it: they shipped a new Dragon Age game, and we grapple with this momentous event, along with the definitive end of Concord and Firewalk Studios, a disappointing decision from the US Copyright Office about old game access. Plus, our thoughts on Echo Point Nova, the Vampire Survivors Castlevania DLC, Sonic x Shadow Generations, the Shadows of the Damned remaster, our group-pizza dealbreakers, and plenty more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:58) Never not weird to podcast during rough news
(00:05:05) Corporations are not your friends
(00:09:50) Cleaning is a way to relieve stress
(00:12:50) Gotta get clean for the VR
(00:17:30) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:21:04) Life is Strange: Double Exposure [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 29, 2024
(00:27:19) Sonic X Shadow Generations [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 25, 2024
(00:34:03) Echo Point Nova [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:45:21) Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania [PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:53:36) Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:57:24) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(01:01:55) Sony shutters Concord studio
(01:10:10) US says no to remote access for old games
(01:21:05) Dragon Age Veilguard is reviewing well
(01:29:38) Emails
(01:51:54) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:56:58) See ya!

New on the show this week: Fear the Spotlight, Neva, and some hot Steam Next Fest recs. Plus, follow-ups on the Silent Hill 2 remake, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Phoenix Springs, along with Remedy's reveal of FBC: Firebreak, Nintendo's maybe-sorta MMO/crafting playtest, no Prince of Persia sequels anytime soon, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:51) Do not pay your bill before or after the due date!
(00:10:45) Collecting everything and owning nothing
(00:17:38) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:24:32) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:34:18) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:48:36) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:53:07) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:59:51) Alex's favorite Steam Next Fest Demos
(01:00:04) Worshippers of Cthulhu [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 21, 2024
(01:01:23) Knights in Tight Spaces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:02:00) Karate Survivor [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 30, 2024
(01:03:15) Keep Driving [PC (Microsoft WIndows)] TBD
(01:03:59) My Arms Are Longer Now [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] Q3 2025
(01:06:24) FBC: Firebreak [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] 2025
(01:12:45) Xbox Partner Preview mentions
(01:18:19) Nintendo's Switch Online Playtest
(01:26:21) Netflix Closes Team Blue Studio
(01:29:37) There will be no more Prince of Persia: Lost Crown
(01:33:37) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:37:32) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:39:11) See ya!

This week on the show we discuss Vinny's journey into the wilds of Windows 11, games like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Phoenix Springs, and Space Marine 2, the alarmo-ing news about the origin of Pokemon, fear of flying professionally, the goth-child duality, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:45) The highs and lows of a fireplace
(00:03:35) The greatest game of all... installing Windows 11
(00:25:08) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(00:30:49) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:41:30) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:44:26) Metaphor: ReFantazio [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 11, 2024
(00:57:54) Balatro [iOS, Android] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:02:52) News
(01:03:05) Game Freak (Pokemon) has huge data leak
(01:13:31) Steam alters its language on owning a game
(01:22:46) Please welcome Alarmo
(01:34:46) Emails
(01:49:15) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:50:25) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutout
(01:52:25) Nextlander content updates
(01:52:56) See ya!

Jason Schreier joins us on a deep dive about the history, making, and almost undoing of Blizzard as chronicled in his new book Play Nice.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:53) Welcome Jason Schreier
(00:02:27) How do book sales work?
(00:08:05) The book tour
(00:11:08) The Games Industry: Bleakness AND Hope?
(00:16:42) Let's talk about Blizzard's early years
(00:43:41) Moving to middle Blizzard
(01:00:53) Project Titan
(01:08:07) Overwatch saves the day
(01:12:12) Overwatch League
(01:19:49) The first of the PR disasters
(01:24:32) Reckonings at Blizzard
(01:27:02) Overwatch 2
(01:33:26) Briefly mentioning some other Blizzard games during this time
(01:34:56) The end of Activision Blizzard
(01:49:11) Any tips for navigating news?
(01:52:04) Microsoft enters the picture
(02:03:12) Some other news that is actually related
(02:03:18) 343 rebrands to Halo Studios
(02:07:55) Is Tencent going to buy Ubisoft?
(02:13:03) What is the next book?
(02:18:33) Thanks again to Jason for joining us
(02:20:22) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:20:57) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:22:04) Nextlander content updates
(02:23:21) See ya!

What gets horror aficionado Patrick Klepek scared? Find out as he joins us to chat scary movies, Echoes of Wisdom, and much more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.

(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:38) Patrick Klepek is here!
(00:00:48) Patrick's ridiculous history of video game jobs
(00:06:09) We've got Mr. Horror here, it's October... let's talk horror!
(00:33:34) SPOILERS from 2013: Dark Skies
(00:35:59) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:02:43) Pinball Spire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 02, 2024
(01:07:43) Frostpunk 2 [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 20, 2024
(01:08:53) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(01:13:07) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(01:16:22) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(01:22:44) I Am Your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:22:58) Balatro [iOS, Android] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:25:22) News
(01:25:38) The PlayStation 5 Pro preorders went live
(01:42:24) PlayStation's weird dashboard ads
(01:44:00) Hololens 2 was still a thing?
(01:49:05) Horizon Online is possible before a Horizon 3
(01:52:35) California wants you to know you don't own that game
(01:56:14) Just what's in a Mario movie sequel?
(02:03:06) Patrick needs to get to the movies!
(02:03:38) Popcorn at the movies?
(02:05:51) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:07:47) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:08:51) Where you can find more of Patrick?
(02:10:13) See ya!

Assassin's Creed Shadows got delayed in the middle of this podcast, so we discuss that, Ghost of Yotei, Vinny's trip to the Grand Canyon to play Flight Simulator 2024, Frostpunk 2, Deathsprint 66, Beyond Shadowgate, the Nintendo/Palworld lawsuit, the unlikely end of Kingdom Hearts, and like a hundred other things!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:49) Finally, let's talk about Flight Sim 2024 and the Grand Canyon
(00:11:56) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:47:47) Frostpunk 2 [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 20, 2024
(01:01:09) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:17:15) Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Sep 19, 2024
(01:22:49) DeathSprint 66 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 12, 2024
(01:28:11) Beyond Shadowgate [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 19, 2024
(01:33:20) Assassin's Creed Shadows gets delayed
(01:50:33) PlayStation State of Play
(02:04:23) Palworld gets officially sued by Nintendo?
(02:09:37) Some sad tales from within the Concord team
(02:16:43) Tesuya Nomura will never retire
(02:19:31) Email
(02:21:29) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:23:40) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:24:50) Nextlander content updates

We're deep into the fall games now, with in-depth discussion of UFO 50 and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, plus follow-ups on Space Marine 2, Satisfactory 1.0, Astro Bot, and more. Also, uh, the whole staff of Annapurna resigned? Flappy Bird is shilling crypto now?? The first images of the new Switch kinda maybe???

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:01:13) Modern sources for old TV shows
(00:07:20) The Video Games
(00:07:41) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(00:26:24) Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Sep 19, 2024
(00:48:18) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(00:53:35) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:57:15) Wild Bastards [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 12, 2024
(01:01:46) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(01:05:33) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:10:45) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(01:13:46) American Truck Simulator: Arkansas [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 16, 2024
(01:17:22) Even MORE Switch 2 rumors and news!
(01:35:25) Annapurna Games Team walks out
(01:43:25) The final chapter of Star Wars Jedi is in the works
(01:45:56) Astro Bot sold very well!
(01:47:06) Stream Families is out of beta. What does that mean?
(01:57:51) Flappy Bird returns but who is bringing it back?
(02:03:49) Emails
(02:12:14) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:14:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:15:09) Where Gamers Go to Know!
(02:16:27) See ya!

Jeff Bakalar is here this week to chat with us about the later parts of Astro Bot, Utopia Must Fall, I Am Your Beast, the PS5 Pro (and its $700 price tag), the new Destiny roadmap, the mysterious case of the missing MGS4 port, David Lynch's secret love of the CD-i, the hottest games talk at the kids' hockey game, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:02:07) Quick Giant Bomb update
(00:08:56) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 6, 2024
(00:34:11) I Am Your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:44:13) Utopia Must Fall [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 9, 2024
(00:53:16) Star Wars Outlaws [Xbox Series, PS5, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:01:19) Fortnite [Everywhere, free]
(01:06:40) The PlayStation 5 Pro is official (and $700)
(01:24:53) SAG-AFTRA's deal with Lightspeed Studios
(01:27:40) Bungie's new roadmap for Destiny
(01:36:15) Balatro hitting mobile very soon!
(01:42:51) MGS Master Collection Vol. 2 confirmed (but where's MGS4?!)
(01:47:26) Emails!
(02:05:31) Wrapping up
(02:06:09) Mysterious Benefactor shout-outs
(02:06:52) Byeeeee!

They're, uh, shutting down Concord after less than two weeks, so we all take some time to grapple with this fairly startling news, along with hands-on thoughts about Astro Bot, Star Wars Outlaws, Star Truckers, and Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, plus a maybe-imminent PS5 Pro announcement, the Jon Hamm of video games, and plenty of other stuff!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:03:39) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(00:27:41) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:02:27) Star Trucker [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 03, 2024
(01:12:22) Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 12, 2024
(01:19:42) An Important Update on Concord
(01:38:52) Remedy and Annapurna join forces for Control 2
(01:44:40) Astroneer is getting new DLC!
(01:48:05) PS5 Pro announcement possibly leaked?
(01:56:30) No more official Nintendo 3DS repairs
(02:00:08) Emails
(02:10:10) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:12:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:13:40) Nextlander content updates
(02:15:35) See ya!

There's a whole stack of games discussed this week, including Tactical Breach Wizards, Black Myth Wukong, Concord, Castaway, and Cygni: All Guns Blazing. Plus, Tetris Battle Gaiden finally comes west, Valve finally announces Deadlock (sort of), the clock is ticking on the PS5 Pro, and Peter Molyneux is still very much Peter Molyneux.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:51) Spores, molds, and fungus experts
(00:06:05) This podcast loves cast iron. Big fans
(00:10:28) Living a life of getting old and older games working
(00:17:00) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(00:29:39) Cygni: All Guns Blazing [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 06, 2024
(00:36:50) Castaway [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 16, 2024
(00:40:32) Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac] on Dec 07, 2023
(00:45:26) Concord [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 23, 2024
(00:59:07) Black Myth: Wukong [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 20, 2024
(01:07:11) [SPOILERS] Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:18:03) [END OF SPOILERS]
(01:18:26) Valve's got a new game? Possibly?
(01:30:11) Nintendo Direct
(01:30:47) Tetris Forever
(01:36:04) Balatro gets some new decks
(01:37:17) The PSVR 2 and PC reality has come to pass
(01:42:55) PS5 Price Increase
(01:45:29) Maybe a new PS5 Pro announcement in the near future?
(01:52:36) Emails
(02:18:26) Nextlander content updates
(02:20:59) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:22:29) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:24:25) See ya!

Rob Zacny joins us to discuss where to find the good Star Wars and to get at what's eating away at Darth Vader, our thoughts on Gamescom Opening Night Live, and more!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:39) Welcome back Rob Zacny!
(00:03:08) So, what's up with Star Wars?
(00:21:57) ...and how does that tie into expectations for Star Wars Outlaws?
(00:27:47) Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 28, 2022
(00:50:30) Gamescom Opening Night Live
(01:52:00) Welcome to the Nintendo Museum
(01:54:19) Date revealed for the disc-less Xbox Series X
(01:57:11) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:00:06) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:01:07) See ya!

We're back from break with two weeks' worth of pent-up video game talk about Thank Goodness You're Here, the new Madden, PSVR2 on PC, World of Goo 2, and winning Balatro strategies, a farewell to Game Informer (plus a lot of reminiscing about old magazines (and old websites)), an unexpected tour of what's in our pockets, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:42) Making room in my life for more stuff
(00:06:59) PSVR 2 PC Adapter
(00:21:12) EA Sports Madden NFL 25 [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 16, 2024
(00:40:14) Thank Goodness You?re Here [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4] on Aug 01, 2024
(00:45:57) World of Goo 2 [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux] on Aug 02, 2024
(00:51:59) Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure [Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Jul 25, 2024
(00:53:53) Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 18, 2024
(00:57:20) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:07:34) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(01:09:57) When are we getting a Switch 2?
(01:14:37) Tango Gameworks joins PUBG Publisher
(01:21:37) GameInformer shuts down and vanishes unceremoniously
(01:28:40) Reflecting on game magazines
(01:41:49) Avowed to be released in Feb 2025
(01:43:46) Emails
(01:58:15) Nextlander content updates
(02:00:20) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:00:50) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:02:03) Note for folks subscribing using the Patreon app on Apple devices
(02:03:29) See ya!

We're out on break this week, so we bring you another episode from the Never Been a Better Podcast archive, this time from October 2022, when Halloween was in the air and Dan, Abby, Bakalar, and Austin all gathered to share in the spirit, or SPIRITS, of the season.

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CHAPTERS

(00:01:05) Intro
(00:02:06) How is Jeff Bakalar?
(00:03:39) Candy corn vs nougat
(00:07:21) Going out on Halloween
(00:10:48) Some takes on Ghostbusters
(00:16:10) Sharing movies you love with other people
(00:20:27) Movies that still scare you or make you uncomfortable
(00:31:01) Ask Alex to Find Your Traumatizing Movie
(00:45:42) SPOILERS for the movie Lost Souls
(00:46:47) END OF SPOILER
(00:46:52) Movie scenes that make you extremely uncomfortable
(00:52:10) Is Mandy horror?
(00:52:44) Is Color Out of Space fun?
(00:53:33) Found footage movies
(00:55:37) The Shyamalan-Verse
(00:59:16) Twisted Metal had found footage?
(01:01:05) When someone you know believes the found footage
(01:02:11) BBC's Ghostwatch
(01:03:18) Could you do a big media fakeout today?
(01:07:10) Phrogging: Hider in My House
(01:09:14) The Buzzer
(01:11:14) Sneaking into an abandoned dental office?! Dental Crimes!
(01:16:18) What's creeping people out currently?
(01:23:11) Wrapping up
(01:24:32) Confusing Collateral with Collateral Damage as always...
(01:25:09) See Ya!

With Vinny out, Will Smith drops by to tell us about playing a few hours of Star Wars Outlaws, plus Earth Defense Force 6's giant bugs and Clickolding's, uh, fetishistic clicking, mass layoffs and a reorg at Bungie, SAG-AFTRA's game industry strike, the first trailer for Amazon's Yakuza series, the value of skill-based matchmaking, what to get an 11-year-old PS2 fan, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:54) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:26:31) Earth Defense Force 6 [PC (Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now), PlayStation 4/5] on Jul 25, 2024
(00:34:16) Clickolding [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jul 16, 2024
(00:47:25) Infection Free Zone [PC (Steam, Early Access)] on Apr 11, 2024
(00:53:49) News
(00:54:02) Layoffs and reorganization at Bungie
(01:04:20) SAG-AFTRA's video game strike
(01:14:52) Activision's skill-based matchmaking study
(01:25:43) The first trailer for Like a Dragon: Yakuza (the TV series) is out
(01:29:14) Emails!
(01:41:13) Wrapping up
(01:41:48) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:48:03) See ya!

The summer games are really piling up as we discuss Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, the Marvel Rivals beta, Flintlock, Arranger, and more. In the news, job cuts at Humble Games and NetherRealm, unionization at Bethesda, and the future of the Mega Man series. And lastly, a bajillion emails about college sports!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:03:22) Appealing to the children through Optimus Prime and Ronald Reagan
(00:14:06) Rebooting Captain N
(00:17:41) Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition [Nintendo Switch] on Jul 18, 2024
(00:32:33) Marvel Rivals [PlayStation 5] on Jul 2024
(00:46:17) Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 18, 2024
(00:56:16) Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 18, 2024
(00:59:15) Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 19, 2024
(01:07:39) Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure [Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Jul 25, 2024
(01:13:54) Flock [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 16, 2024
(01:16:08) News
(01:16:19) Humble Games layoffs
(01:21:26) NetherRealm layoffs
(01:24:23) Bethesda Game Studios has unionised
(01:29:18) Nintendo makes a controller charging peripheral
(01:35:37) Capcom not sure what to do with Mega Man
(01:47:53) Emails
(01:57:31) Bit of late breaking news!
(01:59:10) Back to emails
(02:05:54) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:08:57) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:10:48) Late late breaking news!
(02:12:55) See ya!

Vinny braves the wilds of NYC to check out some upcoming PS5 games (and braves the end of FF7 Rebirth to boot), we're all playing a bunch of new games like Kunitsu-Gami, Anger Foot, Flock, EA Sports College Football 25, Concord, and Cataclismo, Nintendo's new horror game is actually a big throwback, they're practically giving away Xbox 360 games, and a bunch more on this week's show.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:51) The Caravellas Take Manhattan
(00:11:30) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(00:13:33) LEGO Horizon Adventures [PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Q4 2024
(00:21:56) Anger Foot [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jul 11, 2024
(00:33:31) EA Sports College Football 25 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 19, 2024
(00:52:47) Flock [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 16, 2024
(00:59:56) Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 19, 2024
(01:09:26) Cataclismo [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jul 22, 2024
(01:19:26) 1000xResist [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on May 09, 2024
(01:21:21) Concord [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 23, 2024
(01:28:31) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:35:09) Who is Emio? Nintendo reveals the answer.
(01:39:41) Link playable in Echoes of Wisdom?
(01:45:23) Next Ryu Ga Gotoku game will be revealed at TGS
(01:49:40) Olympics and Saudi Arabia love Esports
(02:00:56) Xbox 360 public service announcement
(02:09:05) ...and you can get a Blades background for your current Xbox
(02:13:47) Emails
(02:22:22) Big news for the Watchcast
(02:24:26) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:25:50) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:27:48) See ya!

This week, Alex bought a new (plastic) guitar, Brad's turning RTS esports pro, Vinny is way into the latest D&D patch notes, Game Pass is fracturing and getting more expensive, Nintendo's uploading weird stuff to their YouTube channel, and a bunch of other stuff!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:41) What is going to happen to our D&D characters in 2024?!
(00:22:28) We've clearly covered everything! Any questions?
(00:28:22) The video games
(00:28:56) 1000xResist [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on May 09, 2024
(00:33:36) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 21, 2024
(00:37:30) Battle Aces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(00:58:03) PDP RIFFMASTER Guitar
(01:07:00) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:10:03) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:10:50) Xbox Game Pass price increases
(01:19:22) PlayStation will be at this year's Tokyo Game Show?
(01:23:40) This expensive unofficial Elden Ring lore book looks pretty awesome
(01:28:43) Nintendo is getting freaky?
(01:33:31) Emails
(01:55:17) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:57:04) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:58:57) See ya!

This week Brad dishes on the last of his SGF fare, including Steamworld Heist 2, Hyper Light Breaker, Phantom Blade Zero and Chainstaff, Vinny finishes Harold Halibut, the news is rotten with remakes, remasters, and reboots, and we spend a lot of time talking about the most consequential game in history. That's right: Fracture.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:06:20) Managing the cost of energy and comfort
(00:09:46) What do the rich folk have in their basements/bunkers?
(00:13:17) SteamWorld Heist II [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 08, 2024
(00:32:01) Hyper Light Breaker [PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q3 2024
(00:42:45) Phantom Blade 0 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] 2024
(00:50:22) ChainStaff [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(00:53:16) Megacopter: Blades of the Goddess [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux] on Jun 21, 2024
(00:55:19) Harold Halibut [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 16, 2024
(01:01:35) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:04:56) Cyberpunk 2077 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 09, 2020
(01:09:00) The News
(01:09:10) Capcom
(01:11:30) More details on the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
(01:20:53) The next Resident Evil is being developed
(01:22:25) The new Crazy Taxi is massively multiplayer?
(01:26:32) Parcel Corps [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 03, 2024
(01:28:15) Some folks in Konami would love to work with Kojima
(01:40:46) Even more Assassin's Creeds are coming!
(01:47:41) A Red Faction: Guerrilla sequel was in the works
(01:53:57) Emails
(02:02:24) Wrapping up and thanks!
(02:03:27) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:05:22) See Ya!

We're right about at the midpoint of 2024, so how's about a rundown of everything we've played, are playing, and will play for the year? Also, in the news: console ports to iOS aren't selling, Elden Ring's DLC gets a rebalance, Dead Rising gets a re-remaster, the original Resident Evil comes to GOG, and more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:42) The New Jersey Critters
(00:08:49) Alex's premium wheel life and the power of peripherals
(00:19:42) Show rundown
(00:23:51) Our year in games so far
(00:24:06) Games that we're still playing or would like to continue playing
(00:24:30) Home Safety Hotline [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 16, 2024
(00:25:00) Palworld [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:25:22) Enshrouded [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 24, 2024
(00:25:41) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(00:26:00) Palworld [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:27:26) Pacific Drive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 22, 2024
(00:27:58) Princess Peach: Showtime! [Nintendo Switch] on Mar 22, 2024
(00:28:21) Dragon's Dogma II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 22, 2024
(00:29:13) Children of the Sun [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 09, 2024
(00:29:56) Harold Halibut [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 16, 2024
(00:30:25) Manor Lords [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 26, 2024
(00:30:49) Hades II [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 06, 2024
(00:31:26) Crow Country [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on May 09, 2024
(00:31:53) Cryptmaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 09, 2024
(00:32:24) Games we've put down for the foreseeable future
(00:32:38) Tekken 8 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:33:05) The Outlast Trials [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Mar 05, 2024
(00:33:21) Another Crab's Treasure [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Apr 25, 2024
(00:33:38) MultiVersus [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on May 28, 2024
(00:33:56) The games we completed
(00:34:04) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jan 18, 2024
(00:34:22) Silent Hill: The Short Message [PlayStation 5] on Jan 31, 2024
(00:34:53) Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Mar 13, 2024
(00:35:16) Indika [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 02, 2024
(00:35:39) Animal Well [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on May 09, 2024
(00:37:04) Lorelei and the Laser Eyes [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(00:37:36) Senua's Saga: Hellblade II [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on May 21, 2024
(00:39:17) Duck Detective: The Secret Salami [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Linux, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on May 23, 2024
(00:39:43) Alan Wake II: Night Springs [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 08, 2024
(00:40:41) Some games that weren't on a list that are worth mentioning
(00:40:59) Skull and Bones [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Feb 16, 2024
(00:41:12) Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 28, 2024
(00:41:41) Mars After Midnight [Playdate] on Mar 12, 2024
(00:41:53) Contra: Operation Galuga [Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 20, 2024
(00:42:00) Alone in the Dark [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 20, 2024
(00:42:22) Lightyear Frontier [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 19, 2024
(00:42:32) Rise of the Ronin [PlayStation 5] on Mar 22, 2024
(00:42:36) A few other games Alex has spent some time with in 2024
(00:42:43) Regency Solitaire II [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 22, 2024
(00:43:04) Open Roads [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Mar 28, 2024
(00:43:39) Life Eater [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 16, 2024
(00:44:03) Content Warning [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 01, 2024
(00:44:11) Abiotic Factor [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 02, 2024
(00:44:18) Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 04, 2024
(00:44:45) Arctic Eggs [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(00:45:37) Little Kitty, Big City [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on May 09, 2024
(00:45:54) WWE 2K24 [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 08, 2024
(00:46:11) EA Sports College Football 25 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 19, 2024
(00:48:45) Some games that have released that still need some love
(00:48:48) Homeworld 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 13, 2024
(00:48:56) Sand Land [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 26, 2024
(00:49:07) Tales of Kenzera: Zau [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5] on Apr 23, 2024
(00:49:11) Foundry [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 02, 2024
(00:49:14) 1000xResist [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on May 09, 2024
(00:49:38) The Rogue Prince of Persia [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 27, 2024
(00:49:42) Destiny 2: The Final Shape [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 04, 2024
(00:49:47) Looking ahead to the games that excite us for the rest of 2024
(00:50:21) Frostpunk 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac] on Jul 25, 2024
(00:50:42) Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure [Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Jul 25, 2024
(00:51:19) Anger Foot [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jul 11, 2024
(00:52:01) SteamWorld Heist II [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 08, 2024
(00:52:11) I am your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 15, 2024
(00:52:27) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(00:52:38) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:53:19) Black Myth: Wukong [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 20, 2024
(00:53:24) Concord [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 23, 2024
(00:53:40) Star Trucker [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 03, 2024
(00:54:20) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 05, 2024
(00:54:28) Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 12, 2024
(00:54:57) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(00:55:06) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:55:11) Phoenix Springs [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 16, 2024
(00:55:18) Hyper Light Breaker [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Q3 2024
(00:55:26) Thrasher [PC (Microsoft Windows), Meta Quest 3, visionOS] in 2024
(00:56:53) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(00:57:01) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(00:57:26) Super Mario Party: Jamboree [Nintendo Switch] on Oct 17, 2024
(00:57:52) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:58:04) Life is Strange: Double Exposure [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 29, 2024
(00:58:16) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 [Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One] on Oct 25, 2024
(00:58:20) Slitterhead [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Nov 08, 2024
(00:58:43) Assassin's Creed Shadows [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, iOS] on Nov 15, 2024
(00:59:10) Mario & Luigi: Brothership [Nintendo Switch] on Nov 07, 2024
(00:59:24) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:59:40) Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 14, 2024
(00:59:48) ..and then there's December!
(01:00:37) It's a fine crop of games this year
(01:01:40) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] in 2024
(01:01:48) Baby Steps [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] in Q3 2024
(01:01:59) Replaced [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] in 2024
(01:02:13) 2025 and pure speculation
(01:05:04) The news
(01:05:30) Some of those big mobile ports didn't do so hot
(01:09:58) Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree getting baby mode!
(01:13:51) Original PC version of Resident Evil heading to GOG
(01:15:07) Dead Rising is getting a remaster
(01:19:37) More content coming for Atari 50
(01:21:44) Beyond Good & Evil is going 4K and hints at BGE 2?!
(01:25:43) Emails
(01:35:13) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:38:38) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:40:57) See ya!

Nintendo has dropped one of their better Directs in recent memory, so it's time to dig into Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Metroid Prime 4, go through some more of the games Brad played in LA like STALKER 2, REPLACED and Kunitsu-Gami, dig into some currently releases like Still Wakes the Deep, the Alan Wake II Night Springs DLC, and more. That's a lot of video games!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:25) Vinny, you bojo! Those mics don't work on podcasts! Unless you got power!
(00:05:48) What exactly is the dew point? Nobody knows.
(00:14:25) Cut all the cords! Cut them all!
(00:16:24) Alan Wake II: Night Springs [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 08, 2024
(00:31:26) Still Wakes the Deep [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 18, 2024
(00:40:58) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 05, 2024
(00:51:08) Replaced [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on 2024
(00:56:07) Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 19, 2024
(01:05:11) Nintendo Direct
(01:05:58) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:16:30) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond [Nintendo Switch] on 2025
(01:23:00) Mario & Luigi: Brothership [Nintendo Switch] on Nov 07, 2024
(01:27:37) Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 14, 2024
(01:36:24) Donkey Kong Country Returns HD [Nintendo Switch] on Jan 16, 2025
(01:37:50) Super Mario Party: Jamboree [Nintendo Switch] on Oct 17, 2024
(01:39:39) Marvel vs. Capcom: Fighting Collection - Arcade Classics [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2024
(01:42:54) New games coming to the subscription service
(01:46:12) Fantasian Neo Dimension [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Q4 2024
(01:47:45) LEGO Horizon Adventures [PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Q4 2024
(01:57:22) Hello Kitty Island Adventure [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Q1 2025
(02:03:44) Mio: Memories in Orbit [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on 2025
(02:05:02) Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition [Nintendo Switch] on Jul 18, 2024
(02:11:21) Emails
(02:19:54) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:23:54) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:24:58) Nextlander content updates
(02:28:01) See ya!

Summer Game Fest is over, Brad's back from LA, and it's time to talk three hours of upcoming video games, among them firsthand impressions of AstroBot, Monster Hunter Wilds, UFO 50, Battle Aces, Arranger, DeathSprint 66, Fear the Spotlight, and more, plus our thoughts on Doom: The Dark Ages, Star Wars: Outlaws, Dragon Age 4, and (nearly) all the other games that got streamed this weekend.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:21) How are the backyard animals doing?
(00:06:21) The squirrels are winning the peach war
(00:11:46) Brad was on the ground in LA for video games
(00:19:27) Day of the Devs
(00:20:04) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(00:25:22) While Waiting [PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Android] TBD
(00:26:48) Building Relationships [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2024
(00:28:15) Phoenix Springs [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 16, 2024
(00:31:53) Screenbound [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(00:32:25) Fear the Spotlight [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch] on 2024
(00:39:22) Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure [Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Jul 25, 2024
(00:43:09) Tom the Postgirl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac] 2025
(00:43:53) Koira [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2025
(00:44:24) A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jun 25, 2024
(00:47:43) What else has Brad seen?
(00:53:09) DeathSprint 66 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2024
(00:57:48) Battle Vision Network [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(00:58:56) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(01:07:28) Capcom
(01:10:09) Monster Hunter Wilds [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(01:20:32) Battle Aces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:21:19) Stormgate [PC (Microsoft Windows)] Early Access on Aug 13, 2024
(01:22:41) Back to Battle Aces
(01:33:23) Volgarr The Viking II [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Aug 06, 2024
(01:36:11) Few more games or demos we've actually played
(01:37:32) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(01:41:40) I am your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 15, 2024
(01:44:07) Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Q1 2025
(01:50:08) G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux] on 2024
(01:55:16) The broader showcase rundowns
(01:55:37) Xbox Games Showcase 2024
(02:28:33) Ubisoft Forward 2024
(02:36:59) Sid Meier's Civilization VII [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux] on 2025
(02:38:10) Age of Mythology: Retold [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 04, 2024
(02:38:42) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] Q4 2024
(02:46:08) Wrapping up and look out for September!
(02:47:35) Slitterhead [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Nov 08, 2024
(02:49:26) Nextlander content updates
(02:50:36) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:54:38) See ya!

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/NEXTLANDER to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code NEXTLANDER.

Summer Game Fest is here, so we put on our best E3 (and Guitar Hero) hats and talk about all the stuff we hope and expect to see, plus what stood out from Sony's State of Play, and then dig into games like Arctic Eggs, Platform 8, more Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and -- that's right -- Vinny's almost done with FF7 Rebirth!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:01:44) It's the season of E3 even if E3 is no longer in season
(00:12:51) Our current not-E3 coverage plans
(00:16:58) Let's talk about what we'd like to see at these events
(00:45:51) Sony's State of Play
(00:59:17) Sony's PS VR2 PC adapter is real and coming in August!
(01:19:40) The Games
(01:19:52) Arctic Eggs [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(01:25:39) Platform 8 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 31, 2024
(01:32:29) Lorelei and the Laser Eyes [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(01:40:48) [Possible Spoilers] Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:54:27) Nextlander Content Updates
(01:55:34) Catch Brad at Giant Bomb @ Night on Sunday, June 9th
(01:57:32) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:57:51) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:59:28) See Ya!

With SGF approaching and the console wars heating up, this week we consider Sony's newly announced State of Play, Xbox's decision to put Call of Duty on Game Pass, and Atari's ruthless takeover of Intellivision, plus we catch up on all the recent games with more on Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, (the end of) Hellblade II, Animal Well, Hades II, and more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:53) They want to take away your Fuddruckers!
(00:02:09) ?Our brand will not be closing all stores in 2024." CEO, Fuddruckers
(00:03:45) He's on that RetroTINK (aka The Old Games Block)
(00:22:17) Senua's Saga: Hellblade II [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on May 21, 2024
(00:39:58) Lorelei and the Laser Eyes [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(00:44:06) Hotel Overloop [PC] on May 23, 2024
(00:47:06) Duck Detective: The Secret Salami [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Linux, Mac] on May 23, 2024
(00:49:22) Animal Well [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on May 09, 2024
(00:57:08) Hades II [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 06, 2024
(01:03:42) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:05:38) Sony will have a State of Play and more!
(01:11:43) Possible PS VR2 PC dongle confirmation?
(01:14:06) New Astrobot game in the works?
(01:18:58) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be on Game Pass
(01:26:45) Atari buys Intellivision
(01:36:10) Be kind, rewind!
(01:37:16) Emails
(01:56:15) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:59:28) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:01:41) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:05:57) See ya!

Head to https://www.squarespace.com/NEXTLANDER to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code NEXTLANDER.

This week we all dig into Hellblade II, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes impresses mightily, we ponder the state of both games media and arcade "cabinets," cat ownership is debated in its many aspects, Big Rigs gets a shocking amount of airtime, and a bunch of other stuff!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:19) Let's work on this game and meat metaphor
(00:03:11) These 4th graders have some talent!
(00:05:49) Getting candy from old people
(00:07:38) Out of touch with the kids and their phone games
(00:11:19) Senua's Saga: Hellblade II [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on May 21, 2024
(00:36:39) Starfield [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 06, 2023
(00:42:17) Lorelei and the Laser Eyes [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 16, 2024
(00:49:24) Little Kitty, Big City [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on May 09, 2024
(01:01:12) News
(01:01:29) IGN Entertainment buys Eurogamer, Rock Paper Shotgun, GI, and more!
(01:17:55) There's a new NBA Jam-like coming to arcades?
(01:27:56) New Activision studio opening
(01:30:16) Ninja Theory's next game already greenlit
(01:32:38) Valve's next game has leaked?!
(01:39:41) Athena Crisis release its code in the spirit of Open Source
(01:44:05) Emails
(01:56:31) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:58:31) Mysterious Benefactor Shout Outs
(01:58:41) Mysterious Benefactors
(01:59:42) Nextlander content updates
(02:02:58) See Ya!

A ton of interesting indies hit last week, and we picked Animal Well, Cryptmaster, and Crow Country to dig into this week. Also in the news, PlayStation's new leader(s) announced, a multiplatform future for Square Enix, our initial thoughts on Assassin's Creed Shadows, and a new Doom next month?!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:04) Doctor (doctor)? Mr. M.D.?
(00:09:22) Are ads just memes?
(00:13:01) I'm a fan of the Whopper
(00:21:09) The ants are coming...
(00:21:57) Cryptmaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 09, 2024
(00:40:00) The ants... they won't stop
(00:43:35) Animal Well [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on May 09, 2024
(01:05:05) Crow Country [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on May 09, 2024
(01:12:04) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:16:14) News
(01:16:47) Jim Ryan gets two replacements at PlayStation
(01:26:05) Next Assassin's Creed details emerge!
(01:41:22) Square Enix has high hopes for multiplatform releases
(01:54:12) Is a new DOOM on its way?
(02:00:15) Emails
(02:07:08) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:09:11) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:10:50) Nextlander content updates
(02:11:33) See Ya!

It's been a week in the games industry with both Xbox's closures of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks and the Helldivers 2 account backlash, and we dig into the whole mess. On the upside, Hades 2 came out! Nintendo said the words "Switch successor!" We played Indika, Minishoot' Adventures, and the Balatro update! Podcast!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:27) Shows about video games on my TV?!
(00:04:37) George Lucas and his Jar Jar suit
(00:11:26) That Fallout show continues to make waves
(00:15:48) Hades II [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 06, 2024
(00:33:10) Indika [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on May 02, 2024
(00:41:56) Minishoot' Adventures [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 02, 2024
(00:45:59) Stardew Valley [Xbox One] on Dec 14, 2016
(00:48:57) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Feb 20, 2024
(00:54:20) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:04:37) News
(01:04:53) Take-Two shutting down Kerbal dev?
(01:08:48) Microsoft closing and shifting around studios
(01:37:30) Helldivers 2 facing backlash after requiring PSN login
(01:47:55) Ghost of Tsushima will also face login issues
(01:51:31) Nintendo's Switch Next Model...?
(01:56:51) Welcome to the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
(02:02:45) Emails
(02:10:53) Nextlander content updates
(02:14:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:16:46) See Ya!

We're thrilled to be joined by Remap Radio's Rob Zacny this week to talk about everything from Shogun: Total War to Qui-Gon Jinn's Force balls, Manor Lords, Another Crab's Treasure, the post-Embracer troika, strategies for truly unplugging, and plenty of other stuff!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:38) Welcome Rob Zacny!
(00:01:09) How many days of vacation before you're in the zone?
(00:15:46) Total War: Shogun 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux] on Mar 15, 2011
(00:29:42) Where does Nobunaga fit into all of this?
(00:33:19) How many swords does Rob own?
(00:40:09) Wait, Yoda?! Ok, let's just get into it...
(00:55:00) Another Crab's Treasure [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Apr 25, 2024
(01:03:16) Manor Lords [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 26, 2024
(01:19:41) Harold Halibut [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 16, 2024
(01:23:17) Citizen Sleeper [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac] on May 05, 2022
(01:32:17) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:39:13) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:44:37) Fallout 76 [Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 14, 2018
(01:54:37) Switch 2 getting cool magnets?
(02:01:57) Nintendo loves a DMCA
(02:04:44) PSVR 2 possibly inching closer to PCs?
(02:08:01) Embracer Group breaks into smaller, oddly named, units?
(02:19:43) What happened to Dark Void?!
(02:21:30) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:22:42) We're returning to Twin Peaks on The Watchcast
(02:23:02) Thanks to Rob Zacny for joining us!
(02:25:25) See ya!