Nintendo Partner Direct, Switch Price Increase, Summerslam, and Much More!
Brad reviews two more of Digital Eclipse’s standout “docu-games” with in-depth impressions of Atari 50 and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, highlighting how these playable documentaries preserve game history in fresh, innovative ways. Carrie is deep into the Shin Megami Tensei multiverse, giving updates on her time with Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and Raidou Kuzunoha Remastered. We break down the biggest announcements from the latest Nintendo Partner Direct, including reveals for Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Octopath Traveler 0. In baffling hardware news, US tariffs have triggered a bizarre price increase on the original Nintendo Switch. We explain why this move was both predictable and unnecessary. Microsoft has become the top-selling third-party publisher on PlayStation, reinforcing the growing belief that console exclusivity may be fading into irrelevance. Meanwhile, Tencent may soon owe Sony big, as their game Light of Motiram is facing backlash for being a blatant clone of Horizon Zero Dawn. Finally, we talk about the Summerslam main event and why WWE seems determined to push away a portion of its core fanbase.
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1:41:51
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1:41:51
Donkey Kong Bananza, Video Game Censorship, Splitgate 2, and Much More!
We’re still deep into Donkey Kong Bananza! Brad has already rolled credits, while Micah shares his early impressions of what could be the best game of 2025. The controversy surrounding the censorship of adult video games has now extended to Itch.io, where limited moderation resources have forced even broader content removals. Even worse, the backlash has led to journalistic censorship at Vice Media. We dive into a larger conversation about the dangers of censorship and the ongoing collapse of corporate-owned media as a credible news source. In a staggering case of self-sabotage, 1049 Games has effectively unreleased Splitgate 2, citing waning player interest and mismanagement. We unpack what went wrong. Microsoft appears to have walked back its decision to price The Outer Wilds 2 at $80, possibly due to underwhelming pre-order numbers. We explore what this reversal means for future AAA pricing strategies. We close with a candid discussion on the death of Hulk Hogan and our unfiltered thoughts on his legacy—both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
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1:32:24
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1:32:24
Donkey Kong Bananza Impressions, Video Game Censorship on Steam, and Much More!
We’re going absolutely bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza! We kick things off by gushing over Nintendo’s latest generational game and why we can't put it down. Valve has begun removing certain adult games from the Steam marketplace due to pressure from payment processors. We discuss how this sets a dangerous precedent for video game censorship and why it’s a slippery slope that players and creators alike should be watching closely. Ubisoft is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as Charlie Guillemot—yes, the CEO’s son—is appointed to lead their new Tencent-backed subsidiary. Generative AI continues its concerning rise in game development. Steam is reporting an 800% year-over-year increase in games disclosing GenAI usage. We also highlight the tragic irony of recently laid-off King developers who unknowingly trained the very tools that replaced them. In this week’s Post Office, what games do we wish we could delete from existence?
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1:22:00
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1:22:00
Patapon 1+2 Replay, Subnautica 2 and Krafton's Shady Strategy, and Much More!
Brad shares why Patapon 1+2 Replay stirs nostalgia for a bygone era of creative, experimental gaming from AAA publishers and why the industry may be worse off without it. We explore Roblox's massive influence on the modern gaming landscape, from platform dominance to its role in shaping young gamers’ habits and expectations. The Subnautica 2 controversy takes center stage as we break down how publisher Krafton appears to have delayed early access to dodge a $250 million payout to Unknown Worlds. We discuss the looming threat of Buy Now, Pay Later services entering the gaming space and how they will likely exploit the players most vulnerable to predatory monetization and microtransaction spending. In the Post Office, we debate whether the world actually needs a Superman video game and why WWE may be sabotaging their own momentum by not properly capitalizing on their current success.
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1:32:58
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1:32:58
Xbox Layoffs, New Battlefield Expectations, The Alters and GenAI, and Much More!
Even amid widespread tech layoffs, Microsoft managed to surprise the industry by cutting over 9,000 employees last week—its fourth major layoff in just 18 months. We explore the impact on Xbox, why AAA game development keeps fueling these cycles, and what the Xbox brand might represent going forward. Helldivers 2 is heading to Xbox. Is Sony starting a new trend? EA appears to be setting up the next Battlefield title to fail—and possibly on purpose. 11bitstudios is under fire for using undisclosed generative AI in The Alters. We explain why this story is a new concern for folks who are opposed to the use of these tools in games. Borderlands 4 may win back long-time fans thanks to a crucial design change from Gearbox. Brad shares why Foundation might be his “just right” city builder in a crowded genre. In the Post Office, we dive into Street Fighter movie casting rumors and debate whether this upcoming trainwreck could still be worth watching.
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