The Nextlander Podcast

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!

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) 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!

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
(00:01:49) 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???

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.
(00:00:09) 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.

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.
(00:02:07) 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!

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
(00:03:39) 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.

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
(00:00:51) 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.

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
(00:02:42) 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.

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

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.

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
(00:04:54) 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!

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.
(00:00:09) 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.

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
(00:00:51) 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!

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
(00:01:41) 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.

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
(00:06:20) 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.

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.
(00:00:09) 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!

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.
(00:00:09) 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?!

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
(00:01:04) 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!

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
(00:02:27) 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!

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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) 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!

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

We're taking a week off of the regular podcast, so in its place we offer an episode of our monthly reunion show, in which Dan Ryckert and Jeff Bakalar join us to talk about snakes in the basement, Stew Leonards, and cotton candy versus popcorn!

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CHAPTERS

(00:01:03) Intro
(00:02:06) Oh, it's marijuana
(00:03:01) Concerned Citizen Dan Ryckert
(00:04:36) Never screaming. Always hollering.
(00:07:15) Sneaking into places
(00:09:18) Stories from backstage
(00:15:35) If a wrestler were a console...
(00:19:00) The days of the easy fridge joke
(00:21:09) Cotton Candy is more dazzle than razzle
(00:23:59) Intentionally ruining the popcorn
(00:27:42) The Lantern Fly issue and the end of nature
(00:32:25) Cash only please
(00:34:05) Catching cabs
(00:40:18) Never take an actual cab from Newark?
(00:47:30) Mystery substance in the basement
(00:55:02) Home construction issues
(00:56:40) The TV version of New Jersey
(00:58:21) Early Seinfeld episodes
(01:02:50) Being jealous of another state's identity
(01:10:10) Tips on running into David Letterman
(01:11:26) What is a Stew Leonards?
(01:15:41) Trunk or Trick or treating
(01:17:45) Punished Dan Ryckert
(01:20:15) Wrapping up
(01:22:37) See ya

Let's talk about such games this week as Harold Halibut, Life Eater (eater of life!), and Laysara: Summit Kingdom, plus news and sundries like the games of the Triple-I initiative, what "PS5 Pro Enhanced" is going to mean, $90,000 copies of Castlevania, awkward dining experiences in Japan, 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.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:01:40) Dog allergies and feathers?
(00:12:10) Harold Halibut [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 16, 2024
(00:29:03) Life Eater [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on April 16th, 2024
(00:41:01) Laysara: Summit Kingdom [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 10, 2024 [Early Access]
(00:56:34) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:00:19) Dyson Sphere Program [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 21, 2021 [Early Access]
(01:09:49) Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy [Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4] on Apr 09, 2019
(01:18:28) Sony's PS5 Pro Enhanced Games?
(01:34:07) Sony PC games getting Trophies
(01:40:45) The Big Triple-I Initiative Showcase
(01:58:57) Final Fantasy 7 Part 3 in possibly 3 years?
(02:03:55) Fallout 4 upgrade coming soon!
(02:14:37) Emails
(02:23:28) Coming up on Nextlander
(02:25:14) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:25:57) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:28:15) No streams next week, but get yer podcasts here!
(02:29:36) 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 bend bullets in Children of the Sun, Vinny parties at the Gold Saucer, Brad digs deep into the childhood archive, and we enjoy our new post-eclipse mutations. EA reassigns Motive to Battlefield (and kiboshes a Dead Space 2 remake?), Gears 6 appear to be imminent, and the 3DS and Wii U servers are gone... or are they??

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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
(00:00:15) Our post-eclipse New Jersey
(00:12:44) Fixing things that don't want to be fixed
(00:22:17) Children of the Sun [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 09, 2024
(00:44:17) A Little to the Left [Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4] on Feb 15, 2024
(00:48:06) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:00:51) Brad's Video Game Experiments
(01:31:38) Xbox's new console and "game preservation"
(01:35:56) Xbox talking new Gears and Call of Duty this summer?
(01:42:51) Folks from the Dead Space team working on Battlefield?
(01:47:43) Roku filing patents that make you sad
(01:51:52) Wii U servers are gone... but not forgotten
(01:54:54) A Dredge movie? Sure!
(01:58:37) Emails
(02:02:22) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:03:15) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:04:43) Nextlander content updates
(02:05:45) See ya!

This week we all dig (lol) into the indie drilling platformer Pepper Grinder, continue catching up with FF7 Rebirth and LAD: Infinite Wealth, and do battle with American air travel. Also: Embracer and Sega divest of Gearbox and Relic (respectively), a disc-less Xbox Series X is sighted in the wild, we think seriously about Krull and Willow and Ladyhawke, 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
(00:01:29) Another trip another weird and long delay?
(00:09:40) The escalation of Egg Hunts
(00:14:55) Trying to make a list of the best couch co-op games (for kids)
(00:17:37) [Possible Minor SPOILERS] Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(00:35:55) Pepper Grinder [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on Mar 28, 2024
(00:46:39) [SPOILERS] Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:53:28) Dragon's Dogma II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 22, 2024
(01:00:03) News
(01:00:08) Stop Killing Games!
(01:04:47) Take-Two is buying Gearbox!
(01:10:04) Sega sells of Relic
(01:15:35) New white Xbox Series X with no disc?
(01:25:56) People like to play old (and maybe free) games, apparently
(01:42:27) Emails
(01:53:01) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:55:03) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:58:08) Coming up on Nextlander
(01:58:55) See ya!

Viiiiideo games on the show this week include Dragon's Dogma II, Princess Peach: Showtime, Open Roads, and the Stellar Blade demo, plus we talk about Phil Spencer's comments on an Xbox handheld and third-party stores on the Xbox, Larian moving on from D&D, a possible open-world Resident Evil, busting open your Switch, our dream game show appearances, 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
(00:00:41) We're back from PAX East
(00:02:42) More Switch repairs
(00:15:07) Dragon's Dogma II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 22, 2024
(00:47:50) Open Roads [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 28, 2024
(00:56:46) Princess Peach: Showtime! [Nintendo Switch] on Mar 22, 2024
(01:10:59) Stellar Blade [PlayStation 5] on Apr 26, 2024
(01:20:13) Phil Spencer and the state of Xbox (and video games)
(01:45:31) Larian says they are done making new Baldur's Gate content
(01:55:16) Dragon's Dogma 2 update roadmap
(01:57:16) Resident Evil 9 rumors
(02:03:02) Emails
(02:14:32) Breaking news?
(02:16:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:18:37) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:21:15) See ya!

We get our pawn on in Dragon's Dogma II this week and check out the new Outcast, even as we dutifully continue plowing through FF7 Rebirth and LAD: Infinite Wealth, plus we cover the latest on PlayStation 5 Pro, the state of PSVR 2, the new Marvel 1943 from Amy Hennig and team, international standards of measurement, 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
(00:02:11) Alex and I will be at PAX East
(00:06:33) Long board games are also piling up
(00:14:01) Dragon's Dogma II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 22, 2024
(00:39:55) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:02:09) Outcast: A New Beginning [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 15, 2024
(01:07:44) Contra: Operation Galuga [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 12, 2024
(01:10:13) The Outlast Trials [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 05, 2024
(01:14:11) [Spoiler Warning] Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:24:37) News
(01:24:48) More details on the PlayStation 5 Pro
(01:44:07) PSVR 2 production has been temporarily halted
(01:53:58) Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra announced
(02:08:05) Emails
(02:13:48) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:17:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:18:38) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:21:44) See ya!

We're awash in new games this week, with Mars After Midnight, Contra: Operation Galuga, WWE 2K24, and more joining old favs like FF7 Rebirth. Also: the tragic loss of Akira Toriyama, the harassment campaign around Sweet Baby Inc., the mystery of the flying space bugs, 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.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:00:36) Daylight Saving Time is here again
(00:03:17) Vermont and Casey Jones have the freshest powder?
(00:10:14) Show rundown
(00:10:58) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(00:25:21) WWE 2K24 [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 08, 2024
(00:33:00) Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Mar 13, 2024
(00:41:47) Mars After Midnight [Playdate] on Mar 12, 2024
(00:48:39) Contra: Operation Galuga [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 12, 2024
(00:54:51) Top Racer Collection [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 07, 2024
(00:58:52) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Feb 20, 2024
(00:59:55) Akira Toriyama has passed away
(01:10:00) Sweet Baby, what's going on here?
(01:23:32) Summer Game Fest gets a date
(01:27:30) MultiVersus is coming back
(01:35:13) Stig Asmussen has a new studio
(01:37:34) Helldivers 2 continues to be pretty cool
(01:41:44) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:46:02) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:47:29) Nextlander content updates
(01:50:34) See ya!

Games! FF7 Rebirth, Skull & Bones, Helskate, Balatro, Helldivers and more. News! The Nintendo/Yuzu settlement, Respawn's Star Wars cancellation, the Halo composer's congressional run, and a hypothetical Chrono Trigger remake (??). Also fleas! And humidity! It's a 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
(00:01:11) I would own an elaborate sword display and I'm ok with that
(00:04:23) We need more month rhymes before the corpos get them
(00:06:21) Live while I'm alive sleep when my body (or cat) lets me
(00:08:42) Show rundown
(00:09:02) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(00:45:25) Helskate [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 15, 2024
(00:51:35) Skull and Bones [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Feb 16, 2024
(01:01:04) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(01:05:52) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:09:07) Nintendo and Yuzu Settle for $2.4M
(01:21:04) EA layoffs and cancellations
(01:26:33) Embracer looking to sell Saber and Gearbox?
(01:31:22) Toys for Bob leaving Microsoft
(01:35:33) Composer for Halo running for office?
(01:39:35) Exosuits (mechs) coming to Helldivers 2 soon
(01:43:57) What's in your Chrono Trigger remake?
(01:50:44) Capcom giving some raises?
(01:58:58) Emails
(02:07:35) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:12:07) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:13:05) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:13:24) Come join us at PAX East
(02:14:31) See ya!

Brad has played an astonishing amount of Final Fantasy this week, and it's time to talk for like an hour about Remake, Rebirth, Crisis Core, and a bunch of other stuff. Plus: updates on Pacific Drive, Balatro, Infinite Wealth's Animal Crossing thing, PlayStation layoffs and the closure of London Studio, 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
(00:01:07) Prepare for the Final Fantasy talk
(00:01:59) First, let's talk about bonding with our pets
(00:05:44) [Spoiler Warning] Final Fantasy 7 and Remake talk
(00:06:31) Brad, let's talk about Final Fantasy 7
(00:34:02) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PlayStation 5] on Feb 29, 2024
(01:08:54) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:12:05) Pacific Drive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 22, 2024
(01:17:53) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:23:41) News
(01:23:55) Sony to layoff 900 people and closes London Studio
(01:26:49) How do we make this a healthy and profitable industry?
(01:46:51) Remedy buys Control rights back from 505 Games
(01:49:54) Helldivers 2 servers seem to be working
(01:53:58) Nintendo sues open-source Switch emulator Yuzu
(02:00:32) PSVR 2 coming to a PC near you?
(02:05:28) Emails
(02:09:14) Come join us for a heroic Watchcast
(02:10:52) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:11:24) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:12:36) Nextlander content updates
(02:18:47) Come join us at PAX East!
(02:20:18) See Ya!

This week we discuss at great length: our strategically tactically strategic Helldivers play, like four different versions of Final Fantasy VII, the full release of Balatro, Enshrouded, the newest details on multiplatform Xbox games (and maybe a new Xbox?!), the rules and requirements for eating a whole pizza, and a bunch 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
(00:01:06) How's Zeke doing?
(00:02:44) Finally, sharing the Port Authority fun with friends
(00:06:48) Checking in with Brad's flapping cable
(00:08:58) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(00:47:57) Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth [Demo]
(01:13:55) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:19:21) Enshrouded [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 24, 2024 [Early Access]
(01:28:50) News
(01:29:05) Brad Shoemaker is breaking original FF7 news!
(01:30:26) Nintendo Switch 2 is releasing in 2025?
(01:36:27) Biggest news from the Nintendo Direct?
(01:37:34) The first wave of those Xbox games coming to other platforms
(01:43:47) Future Xbox hardware
(01:57:25) Sony's stock goes down after lower margins
(02:08:55) Elden Ring: Shadows of the Erdtree Trailer
(02:15:16) Bandai Namco reveals some cancellations
(02:16:02) Ebracer has also cancelled a lot of projects
(02:18:34) Post Malone is curating a WWE soundtrack?
(02:24:00) Emails
(02:29:31) Nextlander content updates
(02:31:40) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:33:00) Coming up this week
(02:34:29) We're going to PAX East!
(02:36:36) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:36:51) See ya!

Helldivers 2 is so good that it was tough not to stop this podcast and go play more of it, but we also managed to talk about demos for FF7 Rebirth and some Steam Next Fest fare like Balatro and Normal Fishing, Disney's $1.5 billion deal with Epic, the future of both PlayStation and 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
(00:03:38) You're only as clever as your last idiotic move
(00:05:47) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(00:42:33) Palworld [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:51:25) The Steam Next Fest Demos
(00:52:55) Pacific Drive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 22, 2024
(00:54:27) Indika [PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q1 2024
(00:55:24) Normal Fishing [PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q4 2024
(00:56:49) Balatro [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch] on Feb 20, 2024
(01:00:01) Dystopika [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2024
(01:00:25) Final Fantasy 7 Remake / Rebirth (demo)
(01:20:58) Reports and speculation about Microsoft's next business moves
(01:39:35) Disney invest 1.5 billion with Epic
(01:49:47) Sony says no 'existing major franchise' games before April 2025
(02:01:48) Emails
(02:11:20) Nextlander content updates
(02:15:13) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:16:15) Thanks and wrapping up
(02:16:54) Nextlander upcoming content
(02:18:15) See ya!

Microsoft might (might!) go multiplatform, Death Stranding 2 looks relatively bananas, Kojima is making a new espionage action game (!), Suicide Squad finally came out and isn't all bad, and all of it is discussed right here on this week's 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
(00:05:40) Life, death, taxes, and changing your primary care physician
(00:15:57) Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Feb 02, 2024
(00:44:01) Silent Hill: The Short Message [PlayStation 5] on Jan 31, 2024
(00:56:32) [Easter Egg Spoilers?] Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:59:31) Indika [PC (Microsoft Windows)] in Q1 2024
(01:05:55) Tekken 8 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:08:22) Final Fantasy 7: Remake and Rebirth
(01:09:56) The end of the Xbox console?!
(01:11:27) Ohhh, listen to that mic bump.
(01:36:06) Sony's State of Play
(02:06:52) When will we see The Last of Us Part 3?
(02:12:15) Emails
(02:22:23) Corrections?
(02:23:44) Nextlander Content Updates
(02:26:16) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:26:51) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:28:26) Things are always moving and shaking at NXL
(02:29:34) See ya!

Will Smith (of game development and Fortnite-streaming fame) joins us this week to unpack the mass Xbox/Activision/Blizzard layoffs and the general state of the games business, plus Tekken 8, more with Prince of Persia and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the secret language of grade schoolers, Taylor Swift's nation-state status, 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
(00:00:56) Welcome Will Smith to the show!
(00:03:09) What is Taylor's Version?
(00:13:37) Tekken 8 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:34:33) Fortnite and Lego Fortnite
(00:39:43) Tunic [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One] on Mar 16, 2022
(00:44:07) Rounds [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 01, 2021
(00:48:20) Palworld [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:59:37) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(01:02:49) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:07:05) [SPOILERS] 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
(01:25:18) The state of video games
(01:25:50) Microsoft layoffs and cancellations
(02:05:50) Is the end near for physical releases?
(02:12:02) Eidos layoffs and cancellations
(02:12:50) Sega also has layoffs
(02:17:54) Suicide Squad giving in-game currency to early access players
(02:25:26) Switch 2 updates
(02:39:37) Emails
(02:43:27) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:44:24) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:46:04) Thanks Will Smith!
(02:47:37) See ya!

This week, the early hours of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, deeper into POP: The Lost Crown, plus Home Safety Hotline, all the goings on with Palworld, our thoughts on Xbox games like Indiana Jones and Avowed, replacing your anode rod, 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.
(00:00:58) Alex's ladder drama
(00:02:56) Not the bees!
(00:11:50) If you're on the same calendar as I am, check your anode rod.
(00:17:53) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:55:19) Home Safety Hotline [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 16, 2024
(01:01:36) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(01:03:06) [SPOILERS] 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
(01:26:53) Xbox Developer_Direct
(01:48:18) Palworld blew up
(02:01:53) 2024 might be tougher than 2023 for game development
(02:12:39) The top selling games of 2023
(02:21:47) Emails
(02:25:44) Nextlander content updates
(02:29:03) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:32:17) See ya!

They mixed some Metroid into the new Prince of Persia and it turns out we're all quite down with that. Plus: Brad digs into the new Last of Us Part II rogue-like mode, Rockstar and Remedy in a logo dust-up, Harmonix is finally ceasing Rock Band 4 DLC, 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
(00:01:49) Good times at the Garden State Robotics League
(00:08:26) Did you say Yogic... and also flying?
(00:10:54) 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
(00:31:52) War Hospital [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 11, 2024
(00:35:37) The Last of Us Part II: Remastered [PlayStation 5] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:52:29) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:56:01) Looking at games in February
(00:58:29) Ubisoft and maybe you be subscribing soon?
(01:16:12) More notable layoffs blamed on "over-investment"
(01:20:31) Remedy and Take-Two are (R?) having logo disputes
(01:25:08) Harmonix will end Rock Band DLC
(01:39:27) We pick the winners for the GDC Awards
(01:49:14) Emails
(01:59:02) Nextlander content updates
(02:01:49) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:02:10) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:52) See ya!

In this second week of 2024: The Finals, Among Us in Vampire Survivors, more Sea of Stars, Xbox maybe going multiplatform, layoffs at Twitch and Unity, another excuse to say "Switch 2," wrestlers acting badly, Twin Peaks merch we didn't know we wanted, 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
(00:01:12) The water wants to get into your house
(00:05:06) The pros and cons of Mars living and which Dre should go
(00:09:59) The video games
(00:11:17) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:35:17) The Finals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 08, 2023
(00:50:06) Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 18, 2023
(00:53:55) Hitman World of Assassination [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation VR] on Jan 26, 2023
(01:00:38) Will more Xbox games come to other platforms?
(01:16:55) Xbox's upcoming Developer_Direct
(01:22:40) Big layoffs at Unity Software
(01:23:40) Big layoffs at Twitch
(01:27:52) Will we get a new Switch this year?
(01:35:25) Emails
(01:50:12) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:51:42) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:53:24) Nextlander content updates
(01:54:46) See ya!

We've got plenty to catch up on in our first podcast of 2024 (not a real year), from holiday gaming with small children to basement cleaning strategies, some Game Awards highlights, the wild world of competitive NES Tetris, predictions for the Internet of 2034, and a bunch more!

A great explainer about the Tetris story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJ5UuknsHU

Brendan Sinclair's 2023 roundup: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tearing-up-the-pea-patch-this-year-in-business 

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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) Happy 2024
(00:07:35) The joy of gifting video games
(00:13:23) Brad's List of Games to Share with Children
(00:33:21) What did Alex do doing break?
(00:41:22) Vinny's Break Time Fun
(00:41:31) Beat Saber [PlayStation VR2] on May 24, 2023
(00:45:23) Dave the Diver [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jun 28, 2023
(00:47:55) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:52:13) Should probably mention I think it's also on Game Pass
(00:56:32) Let the Battling of Bots begin!
(00:58:21) Brad and Alex's thoughts on the Game Awards
(01:18:35) Godus is being removed from steam
(01:22:18) Voice of Max Payne, James McCaffrey has passed
(01:24:06) Jack Black joins the cast of the live action Minecraft movie
(01:29:27) Nintendo already shutting down some 3DS and WiiU services
(01:31:45) Publisher Versus Evil has been shut down
(01:32:54) Bobby Kotick is officially gone... for now?
(01:35:03) Go read Brendan Sinclair's 'This Year in Business' story at GamesIndustry.biz
(01:37:43) Baldur's Gate coming to Game Pass?
(01:39:00) This is kid is REALLY good at Tetris
(01:50:36) Emails
(02:09:48) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:11:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:13:52) Nextlander content updates
(02:14:27) See ya!

It's our last podcast of 2023, and thus our last chance to celebrate many of our favs with some chill 'n friendly debate about categories like best storytelling, best remake, and most anticipated, plus our highly personalized list of top 10 games of the 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.
(00:00:00) Spoiler Warning
(00:00:49) Intro
(00:03:42) Best Storytelling
(00:05:20) Sons of the Forest [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 23, 2023
(00:07:28) El Paso, Elsewhere [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 26, 2023
(00:11:30) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:14:10) Mortal Kombat 1 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 19, 2023
(00:19:17) Final Fantasy XVI [PlayStation 5] on Jun 22, 2023
(00:21:21) Fort Solis [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 22, 2023
(00:23:05) Oxenfree II: Lost Signals [Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jul 12, 2023
(00:24:59) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:30:30) Golden Idol Mysteries: The Lemurian Vampire [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on Aug 31, 2023
(00:31:48) Breakout 13 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac] on Jan 09, 2023
(00:32:55) Star Wars Jedi: Survivor [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 28, 2023
(00:35:43) The Making of Karateka [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:42:27) Venba [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Jul 31, 2023
(00:45:16) Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores [PlayStation 5] on Apr 19, 2023
(00:48:03) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:54:12) Deliver Us Mars [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Feb 02, 2023
(00:55:59) Dredge [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 30, 2023
(00:57:04) Chants of Sennaar [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 05, 2023
(00:58:24) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:03:06) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(01:08:43) Ok, mostly ordering at this point the games at this point.
(01:20:16) Alex's Best Surprise
(01:38:06) Best Remake / Remaster
(02:05:22) Brad's Hard Game Club
(02:23:45) Game We Wish We Could Play Right Now!
(02:50:01) Top Ten Games of the Year
(04:09:55) The Big Recap (for those that just want to hear all the winners)
(04:11:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(04:13:21) See ya!

Can it be? Have we (almost) reached the end of this year? Is it finally time to talk about some of our favorite 2023 games, including the best looking game, the coolest gameplay hooks, the best game to play with friends, and the best FMV or point-and-click games to play if you want to be a cool person?

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CHAPTERS

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(00:00:07) SPOILER WARNING
(00:00:31) Intro
(00:07:20) Best Look
(00:56:36) Best Game We Came Back To
(01:26:11) FMV And/Or Point and Click Adventure Games That Are for Cool People
(01:33:24) Best Played with Friends
(02:10:47) Coolest Game Mechanic
(02:51:14) Thanks and See Ya!
(02:52:56) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

With Brad and Alex unexpectedly out Patrick Klepek answers the call to chat about Fortnite and the kids, the end of E3, and The Game Awards!

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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
(00:00:30) Patrick Klepek is here!
(00:01:53) Lego Fortnite and the kids
(00:10:37) Where are all the plastic intruments?
(00:12:52) What's hot with the kids these days?
(00:21:10) It's official, no more E3... forever?
(00:43:41) The Game Awards (Conceptually)
(00:54:13) The Game Awards (The Games)
(00:54:52) The Rise of the Golden Idol [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on 2024
(00:55:54) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on 2024
(00:58:27) Exodus [Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:01:56) Windblown [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2024
(01:04:43) No Rest for the Wicked [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(01:05:26) Sega's Reboot Trailer
(01:08:32) Jurassic Park: Survival [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:11:51) OD [Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(01:15:26) Marvel's Blade [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:22:18) The Finals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 08, 2023
(01:22:35) Light No Fire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:28:34) The Casting of Frank Stone [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:30:03) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:31:13) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:32:32) Go support Patrick!
(01:34:02) See ya!

Well, now we definitely officially know what Grand Theft Auto VI looks like, so we dig into that trailer this week, as well as Harmonix's proper Fortnite debut, the early hours of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, earnings trouble at Bungie, and 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.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:00:29) Hardcore Alex
(00:02:44) Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 07, 2023
(00:31:26) Against the Storm [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 08, 2023
(00:34:10) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:40:45) A Highland Song [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 05, 2023
(00:43:57) Vampire Survivors [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 17, 2021
(00:50:33) American Truck Simulator: Kansas [PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac] on Nov 30, 2023
(00:58:31) The GTA VI trailer is out!
(01:14:11) Fortnite's new modes
(01:25:44) Twitch is ending services in South Korea next year
(01:29:23) Bungie reportedly struggling to maintain autonomy
(01:43:46) Emails
(02:00:12) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:41) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:14) Nextlander content updates
(02:05:22) See ya!

It's almost December, so it's time to take stock of the games we're currently catching up on, as well as the ones on our backlogs (with a break to talk about Steamworld Build), plus news of the day like details on Rockstar's long cancelled Agent, Game Awards announcement predictions, Unity's closure of Weta Digital, and some 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
(00:01:03) Huuuu-rah, ooo-rah, hooo-ah?
(00:04:18) Are you someone's Hunt: Showdown friend?
(00:07:48) The video games
(00:08:07) SteamWorld Build [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 01, 2023
(00:25:51) Break
(00:30:58) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:45:38) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:46:17) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom [Nintendo Switch] on May 12, 2023
(00:47:33) Final Fantasy XVI [PlayStation 5] on Jun 22, 2023
(00:50:06) The lists of games we're working through this year
(01:10:18) News
(01:10:26) Xbox teases announcements during Game Awards
(01:29:37) Unity laying off Weta Digital teams
(01:32:59) Embracer seems ready to shutter TimeSplitters
(01:41:48) Details emerge about Rockstar's canceled game Agent
(01:51:06) Beyond Good and Evil is getting a 20th anniversary edition
(02:00:55) Emails
(02:08:16) Nextlander content updates
(02:11:28) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:12:51) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:14:58) See Ya!

As we roll into the Thanksgiving holiday, we dish up some piping hot discussion about our very timely experiences with Cyberpunk 2077, "beating" Vampire Survivors, 25 years of Half-Life (and other greatest hits of 1998), a questionable second Flashback, the long and storied American Pie franchise, 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
(00:01:15) Why? Why do folks miss American Pie?
(00:09:31) Just don't look up current Steven Seagal
(00:12:24) The video games
(00:12:49) Dredge: The Pale Reach [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch] on Nov 16, 2023
(00:15:52) Cyberpunk 2077 [Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 10, 2020
(00:28:08) Flashback 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 16, 2023
(00:39:52) The Invincible [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 06, 2023
(00:41:42) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:47:56) Vampire Survivors [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 17, 2021
(00:51:42) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(00:52:13) Games we'd like to catch up on
(00:57:52) The News
(00:58:39) Embracer has more layoffs, cancels KOTOR, and talks of more Borderlands?
(01:16:20) The Last of of Part2 Remastered is officially announced
(01:26:04) Happy 25th Anniversary Half-Life!
(01:37:12) Nextlander content updates
(01:39:55) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:40:18) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:41:59) See ya!

The year's end looms, so it's time to look over the Game Awards nominees, then gaze longingly at the OLED Steam Deck, then catch up on games like Thirsty Suitors, more Alan Wake II, and Risk of Rain Returns, then discuss a young man's first platinum, then 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.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:25) Alex finally upgrades his PS5 drive
(00:07:47) The kids are outgrowing their meager gaming setups
(00:14:16) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(00:21:33) Risk of Rain Returns [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 08, 2023
(00:30:46) Super Crazy Rhythm Castle [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Nov 14, 2023
(00:36:42) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:39:11) The PC of Theseus
(00:42:32) Overcooked! All You Can Eat [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2020
(00:45:11) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 19, 2019
(00:49:25) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 6 [Nintendo Switch] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:57:37) OLED Steam Deck is coming
(01:06:08) It's that time of (the Game of the) year!
(01:23:09) Sony delays some of its live service game plans
(01:31:40) Warner Bros. wants all of the live service games!
(01:40:21) The Witcher 3 is getting official mod support for new content
(01:45:15) Emails
(01:51:33) Nextlander content updates
(01:58:10) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:59:57) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:27) See ya!

This podcast contains discussion of topics such as: the new Like a Dragon Gaiden, The Invincible, Jusant, The Talos Principle II, Grand Theft Auto 6, Mass Effect 5, the live-action Zelda movie, and fish. A lot of fish.

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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
(00:01:19) Talk to Me about my anniversary
(00:12:15) I see food and I order fish and chips.
(00:17:38) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:35:32) Quieter November this year
(00:36:53) The Invincible [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 06, 2023
(00:43:04) Starfield [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 06, 2023
(00:49:33) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:53:59) Astroneer [PC (Microsoft Windows), PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 05, 2019
(00:58:14) The Talos Principle II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:01:55) Jusant [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2023
(01:04:34) Noun Town Language Learning [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:08:06) Let's all learn more languages
(01:20:16) Break
(01:21:07) The next Grand Theft Auto is getting a trailer in December
(01:38:50) Revenant Hill production suspended
(01:41:47) What happened at BlizzCon?
(01:49:14) PlayStation removing native Twitter integration
(01:51:59) Happy N7 Day and welcome back Andromeda!
(01:56:47) Do we need or want a live action Zelda movie?
(02:11:42) Emails
(02:12:04) WARNING! SPOILERS for Spider-Man 2
(02:14:25) END OF SPOILERS for Spider-Man 2
(02:19:08) Watchcast returns with terrible movies!
(02:20:33) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:21:31) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:23:37) Nextlander content updates
(02:24:52) See ya!

We're pretty busy having our minds blown by Alan Wake II this week, but we also find time for a mini-Spider-spoilercast, news like the layoffs at Bungie, Atari's purchase of Digital Eclipse, updates on Remedy's other projects, Xbox's lockout of third-party accessories, 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
(00:02:30) Show rundown
(00:03:21) The scary movies of Halloween
(00:04:53) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:48:36) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:51:31) Super Mario Bros. Wonder [Nintendo Switch] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:51:52) El Paso, Elsewhere [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 26, 2023
(00:52:34) [MAJOR SPOILERS] Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(01:23:00) News
(01:23:46) Layoffs at Bungie
(01:31:05) Digital Eclipse being acquired by Atari
(01:37:42) Microsoft ended compatibility for unauthorized accessories
(01:45:28) Updates for future Remedy projects
(01:49:48) Ubisoft ending some online services for older games
(01:55:10) Emails
(02:00:25) NXL Watchcast Updates
(02:02:04) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:51) Thanks and wrapping up
(02:04:12) Nextlander content updates