Jiggle Physics

Assassin's Creed Valhalla was too damn long — but Mirage won't be! We're joined by Sam Tolbert to talk about the new game in the Assassin's Creed franchise, and a preview of New Tales from the Borderlands. We also touch base on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Embracer Group's shopping spree, a handheld console from Logitech, and more. LINKS: Assassin's Creed Mirage officially revealed, more coming at Ubisoft Forward | Windows Central Grafaiai — Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Official Website New Tales from the Borderlands preview: Misfits and mayhem return | Windows Central Embracer Group acquires The Lord of the Rings IP, Limited Run Games, Tripwire Interactive, and more | Windows Central Logitech G Gaming Handheld sounds like a squarely mid-range cloud gaming console | Android Central Nintendo recap: Direct with Zelda games Wind Waker and Twilight Princess rumored for September | iMore

It's a smorgasbord of news this week as the gang talk about PS5 price hikes, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and all the announcements from Gamescom 2022. LINKS: Sony raises PS5 prices in Canada, Europe, Japan, and other markets | Android Central Xbox responds to PlayStation's price hike | Windows Central Gamescom 2022 LIVE: Latest announcements, news, trailers, and more | Windows Central Kirby's Dream Buffet for Nintendo Switch review: A sweet little racer reminiscent of Mario Party minigames | iMore

The console wars rage on as Sony says Xbox's Call of Duty acquisition could 'influence users' console choice'. We tell you why it's not such a big deal, plus we nerd out latest on Splatoon 3 information, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and more. LINKS: Sony says Xbox's Call of Duty acquisition could ‘influence users' console choice,' Microsoft responds | Windows Central Microsoft says Sony's concerns about acquisition are unfounded, will keep ABK games multiplatform | Windows Central Everything announced in the Splatoon 3 Direct | iMore How to download the Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere demo | iMore Kirby's Dream Buffet rolls onto Nintendo Switch next week | iMore

Our own Nadine Dornieden hangs out with Carli and Rebecca for a look at poor financial earnings from Activision Blizzard due to a decline in Call of Duty sales, and the Xbox Game Pass 'Family Plan'. Nintendo is facing its own reduction in sales. But with a new Pokémon game later this year, we expect things will turn around. LINKS: Activision Blizzard Q2 earnings fall due to Call of Duty decline | Windows Central Nintendo's declining sales due in part to economic issues and part shortages | iMore Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Best Fidough fan art | iMore Everything announced at the August 2022 Pokémon Presents | iMore Xbox Game Pass 'Family Plan' FAQ: This is how much money you'll save sharing | Windows Central Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for Nintendo Switch review: A massive tale with emotional depth | iMore

Sam Tolbert fills in for Jen this week and the crew check in on what's going on with Oculus Quest 2 and mobile gaming. They also chat about the indefinite delay of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic for PS5, MultiVersus for PC and Xbox, and just generally go off the rails. As usual! LINKS: Meta's making the Quest 2 more expensive. What does that mean for the future of VR? | Android Central The Oculus Quest 2's price increase is all our fault | Android Central Meta Q2 revenue goes down as it raises Quest 2 prices, deals with VR lawsuit | Android Central Report: Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic PS5 remake delayed indefinitely | Android Central MultiVersus is blowing up on PC and Xbox because it knows what fans want | Windows Central MultiVersus tier list: All characters ranked | Windows Central

Mojang Studios has issued a statement about their decision to not allow NFTs and blockchain tech in Minecraft. We talk about why we're so happy about this stance. We also dig into a significant delay for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Chris Pine's fashion sense, and more. LINKS: Blizzard Entertainment's Albany studio QA workers file for unionization | Windows Central Activision Blizzard employees to walk out today to demand end to gender inequity, other issues | Windows Central Mojang Studios has published an official stance on NFTs and blockchain tech in Minecraft | Windows Central Square Enix has finally introduced NFTs for Final Fantasy 7 collectibles | Windows Central Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora delayed to 2023-24, four other Ubisoft games canceled | Windows Central

GameStop is in the NFT market. But thankfully we have worthwhile gaming news to discuss as well. Bayonetta 3 is on the way for an October release, and Kirby's Dream Buffett will stuff your Switch this summer. We also review Stray for PS5, Endling - Extinction is Forever, and more! LINKS: Bayonetta 3 gets October 2022 release date on Nintendo Switch | iMore Kirby's Dream Buffet rolls onto Nintendo Switch this summer | iMore Nintendo recap: Bayonetta 3 finally gets release date, new Kirby game announced, and more | iMore Stray for PS5 review: The game that'll make you want a cat | Android Central Endling - Extinction is Forever for PC review: A somber tale of survival | Windows Central

What do sketchy new consoles that incorporate NFTs as a means of preordering and lame X-Men powers have in common? Well, nothing, except they are discussed in this episode of Jiggle Physics! The also chat about Skull and Bones, God of War Ragnarok, a Splatoon 3 themed Switch, and more. LINKS: ABetterABK

There's a new God of War on the way, but people on the internet are making that difficult for devs. We talk about that, news on the Nintendo front, and go on many other tangents. LINKS: Everything announced in the June 2022 Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase | iMore Nintendo recap: Metroid Prime rumors, shareholder talks F-Zero, and several Switch games in fall | iMore

Numerous game companies are speaking out in support of reproductive rights for their employees after the US Supreme Court has revoked Roe v. Wade. Rebecca and Jen are joined by special guest Miles Dompier for a conversation about this along with our review of The Quarry, a new Pokémon game, and more. LINKS: The Quarry review: A summer horror blockbuster | Windows Central Microsoft and other companies come out to support US workers after Roe v. Wade decision | Windows Central Home - National Network of Abortion Funds

Jen and Rebecca are joined by Sam Tolbert for an update on Activision Blizzard, Overwatch 2, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Overwatch 2 will be free-to-play in all sorts of places, while Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a PS5 exclusive. They also chat about the announcement of Dragon's Dogma 2, and what to expect at the upcoming Nintendo Direct. LINKS: Activision Blizzard finds there is no 'evidence' of harassment at Activision Blizzard | Windows Central Microsoft enters labor neutrality agreement for Activision Blizzard workers | Windows Central Overwatch 2 Junker Queen ultimate guide: Abilities, gameplay, and more | Windows Central Overwatch 2 roadmap: New heroes, PvE, maps, skins, and more | Windows Central Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth announced exclusively for PS5, coming next winter | Android Central Dragon's Dogma 2 announced by Capcom | Windows Central What to expect from Not-E3 2022 Nintendo Direct: Predictions, hopes, and rumors | iMore

There is no E3 this year, but that didn't stop multiple publishers, and even our own parent company, from hosting announcements for a staggering number of new games. We're here for you with all the highlights and our own most assuredly amazing ideas. LINKS: Summer Game Fest 2022: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Xbox Games Showcase Extended LIVE: Starfield, Forza, Halo, and all the latest Xbox announcements | Windows Central Wholesome Direct June 2022: Everything announced for Nintendo Switch | iMore Future Games Show 2022: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Microsoft partners with Kojima Productions on cloud-powered Xbox game | Windows Central Starfield almost looks too good to be true. What's the catch? | Windows Central Sonic Frontiers hands-on: It's new, but at what cost? | Windows Central

There's a ludicrous amount of game news to cover this week. We go in-depth with everything from the PlayStation State of Play, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and more. LINKS: PlayStation State of Play: Everything announced for PS VR2 | Android Central PlayStation State of Play: Everything announced in the June 2022 showcase | Android Central Resident Evil 4 remake announced for PS5, coming in March 2023 | Android Central We got our first look at Street Fighter 6's open-world gameplay, new characters coming to Xbox, PC | Windows Central The Callisto Protocol gets a December 2022 release date | Windows Central Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered comes to PC in August 2022 | Windows Central Summer Game Fest 2022 reveals developer, publisher lineup | Windows Central The new Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer showcases new legendaries and a release date | iMore Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Everything you need to know | iMore

Content Warning: Please note that we address the recent school shooting in Uvalde, TX during the first third of this week's show. If you'd prefer to not listen to that segment, skip ahead to 27:43 in the episode. In some positive video gaming news, the Raven Software QA unit has voted to unionize, and a teaser for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was released. Literally, as we were recording! The team also talk about PlayStation Studios, new PS VR2 games, Master Chief's on-screen romances, and more. LINKS: Raven Software QA unit votes to become first union under a North American publisher [update] | Windows Central Report: Phil Spencer says Microsoft will recognize Raven Software union | Windows Central Star Wars Jedi: Survivor revealed, coming in 2023 to Xbox Series X | Windows Central PlayStation Studios looking to expand with first-party on mobile, more live service games | Android Central Sony is planning 20 PS VR2 games for launch | Android Central Exclusive: Microsoft continues to iterate on an Xbox cloud streaming device codenamed 'Keystone | Windows Central

The world is awful and sometimes it feels like games NEVER actually ship. But, we promise we have a great episode for you chock full of industry news, including some Pokémon goodness, what we've been playing, and more. LINKS: Starfield and Redfall delayed to first half of 2023 | Windows Central Xbox head Phil Spencer responds to the Starfield, Redfall delays | Windows Central Nintendo gaming recap: Switch financial reports and tons of Pokémon news | iMore

We're joined this week by freelance games journalist, Nico Deyo, and Tyler Colp of PC Gamer to talk about their experiences playing the Overwatch 2 beta. Embracer Group bought parts of Square Enix for not a whole lot of money. Well, at least in the world of corporate acquisitions. The team also have news about Nintendo, a lawsuit against Activision filed by New York City, and more. LINKS: New York City sues Activision, claims Kotick 'unfit' to negotiate Microsoft deal | Windows Central Embracer acquires Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, and their studios from Square Enix | Windows Central Nintendo and iOS gaming recap: Breath of the Wild 2 spoiled and demoralizing workplace reports | iMore Fortnite is now available to play through Xbox Cloud Gaming for free | Windows Central Overwatch 2 beta impressions: Breathing new life into Blizzard's stagnant hero shooter | Windows Central Overwatch 2 team addresses support issues, scoreboard changes | Windows Central The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Xbox review — An expanded, evolved narrative masterpiece | Windows Central cleric hypebeast (@appleciderwitch) / Twitter Tyler (@tylercolp) / Twitter

Tune in this week for another heaping spoonful of games industry nonsense, including an ad system for Xbox games, Sonic Origins' preorder scheme, and "girl boss" energy. Also, Gearbox has announced a new Tales from the Borderlands game, a 'leaked' Game Boy emulator for Switch, and more. LINKS: Meta's Sheryl Sandberg reportedly pressured outlet to drop story on Activision CEO Bobby Kotick | Windows Central Gearbox announces new Tales from the Borderlands game | Windows Central Report: Microsoft working on ad system for Xbox games | Windows Central Sonic Origins comes to Xbox and other platforms in June 2022 | Windows Central Sonic Origins' preorder scheme is way past uncool | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Game Boy emulator for Switch 'leaks' and alleged workers' rights violations | iMore Nintendo allegedly violated workers' right to unionize | iMore

After tackling some news in Activision Blizzard corner, we discuss updates and shortcomings in Halo Infinite. There's also a Nintendo recap, an overview of Kingdom Hearts games are worth playing, and more. LINKS: Vicarious Visions officially merged into Blizzard Entertainment, renamed Blizzard Albany | Windows Central Whistleblower claims Gov. Newsom interfered in Activision Blizzard case | Windows Central Certain Affinity announces a 'deeper' commitment to Halo Infinite | Windows Central Halo Infinite Season 2 Lone Wolves: Release date and everything we know | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Switch Sports damaging TVs in new ways, Bandai Namco's remaster project, Bugsnax extras | iMore Which Kingdom Hearts games are worth playing? | iMore Peridot for iOS: Everything you need to know | iMore

We won't bury the lede, folks. We forgot to mention that E3 has been canceled for 2022. Whoops! But in news we DO actually discuss, Sony has revealed their new PlayStation Plus membership. The next Zelda game won't be released until 2023, but Nintendo has delivered a morsel of a teaser. Carli reports on her field trip to GDC 2022, and more! LINKS: The best (and worst) April Fools' Day video game jokes of 2022 | Windows Central US senators call out lack of accountability for Bobby Kotick in Microsoft deal [Update] | Windows Central Report: State of Decay dev Undead Labs suffered from mismanagement, toxic culture | Windows Central Sony's PlayStation Plus revamp is only the beginning | Android Central Sony reveals new PlayStation Plus membership | Android Central The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 — Rumors, delays, and everything we know so far about the sequel | iMore GDC 2022 roundup: Unions, NFTs, and VR all in one place

Sam Tolbert is back as our special guest! We go on a romp through the latest gaming and gaming-related news, including PlayStation's Spartacus service, Tiny Tina, a new Witcher game, Halo on Paramount+, and more. LINKS: Tiny Tina's Wonderlands review: Bringing D&D magic to Borderlands | Windows Central Halo TV series Season 1, Episode 1 review: Bloody and victorious first contact | Windows Central Next Witcher game medallion is a lynx, CD Projekt RED confirms | Windows Central Netflix is acquiring its third gaming studio | Windows Central PlayStation's Spartacus service will reportedly be revealed next week | Android Central

Development of Perfect Dark is not going well, according to a recent report. There's also news about bad workplace behavior by the founders of Moon Studios. Hogwarts Legacy is expected this holiday season, and Rebecca tells us all about the first wave of content from the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. LINKS: Perfect Dark development 'painfully' slow, 'as much as half' the core team has quit, states report | Windows Central Ori developers accuse Moon Studios' founders of creating 'oppressive' workplace, bullying | Windows Central Hogwarts Legacy debuts fantastical gameplay, launches this holiday | Android Central Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass worth it? | iMore Ghostwire: Tokyo for PS5 review — Tales of an empty city | Android Central

This week, the gang report on the PvP beta for Overwatch 2 coming in April, and Sony's suspension of PlayStation sales in Russia. They check out everything announced at the March 2022 PlayStation State of Play, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, and more. LINKS: Overwatch 2 is really happening; PvP beta begins in April | Windows Central Sony suspends PlayStation sales in Russia | Android Central PlayStation State of Play: Everything announced in the March 2022 showcase | Android Central Nintendo delays Advance Wars remakes indefinitely | iMore Super Nintendo World is opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023 | iMore

Miles Dompier joins the crew during the first half of this week's episode to review the Steam Deck and birth of the Toilet Console genre! We also talk about everything announced at the February 2022 Pokémon Presents, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and more. LINKS: Ukrainian video game studios respond to Russian attacks, share how to help | Windows Central Russia-Ukraine War: Info and ways to help Game developers pull games from Russia in response to invasion | Windows Central Steam Deck review: Redefining how you play PC games | Windows Central Elden Ring for Xbox review: FromSoftware's magnum opus | Windows Central Everything announced at the February 2022 Pokémon Presents | iMore Pokémon Scarlet and Violet announced for later in 2022 | iMore A free demo of Kirby and the Forgotten Land arrives on Nintendo Switch | iMore Kirby and the Forgotten Land preview: An adventure that's actually fun for two | iMore

Sam Tolbert is here with a review of Elden Ring for Xbox. Spoiler: It's an early contender for Game of the Year. We talk in depth about the game, plus a possible delay of Call of Duty 2023, subscription tiers for PlayStation's Spartacus, and more. LINKS: Ukrainian video game studios respond to Russian attacks, share how to help | Windows Central Elden Ring for Xbox review: FromSoftware's magnum opus | Windows Central Don't play Elden Ring on PC ... yet | Windows Central Elden Ring for 'Souls' newcomers: How to approach Souls games for absolute beginners | Windows Central Report: PlayStation's Spartacus could have three subscription tiers, up to $16 per month | Android Central Report: Call of Duty 2023 to be delayed | Windows Central Are people tired of Call of Duty? | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Pokémon Presents is almost here and a classic Zelda game came to Switch | iMore

This week, our intrepid hosts gush over Horizon Forbidden West. They also tackle the issue of games preservation in light of Nintendo's announcement that the Wii U and 3DS eShops will be shutting down in March 2023. There's a big patch for Cyberpunk 2077, and Netflix is developing a BioShock movie. LINKS: Horizon Forbidden West for PS5 review: The pinnacle of excellence | Android Central Wii U and Nintendo 3DS online eShop purchases ending in March 2023 | iMore Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox Series X|S, PS5 upgrade and patch 1.5 now available | Windows Central Cyberpunk 2077's big Xbox Series X|S patch is here ... but is it good enough? | Windows Central BioShock movie in development with Netflix | Windows Central

There is a ton of news to consume Kirby-style from the latest Nintendo Direct. The team do exactly that and more, including Jen's review of Horizon Forbidden West, and rumors about a Resident Evil 4 remake. LINKS: Everything announced at the February 2022 Nintendo Direct | iMore February's Nintendo Direct turned Kirby into a car, but also a meme | iMore Microsoft: Call of Duty will come to PlayStation after Activision Blizzard deal closes | Windows Central The Wolf Among Us 2 is coming in 2023 | Windows Central Ubisoft plans stealth-focused Assassin's Creed game | Windows Central Resident Evil 4 remake reportedly takes spookier tone | Windows Central Horizon Forbidden West for PS5 review: The pinnacle of excellence | Android Central

This week, the gang talk about Sony's purchase of Bungie, Rebecca reviews Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more. LINKS: Sony acquires Destiny developer Bungie for PlayStation Studios | Android Central Bungie joining PlayStation makes more sense than you think | Android Central Sony is buying Bungie: What this means for Destiny 2 players on Xbox and PC | Windows Central Nintendo Switch crosses 103 million units shipped, per Nintendo Q3 results | iMore Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch review — Breathing fresh air into a stale formula | iMore Nintendo recap — Pokémon Legends: Arceus has second-best sales in Japan's history and more NFT shenanigans | iMore Ghostwire: Tokyo for PS5 preview — Western audiences should check this one out | Android Central

Hey, kids! Sony is buying Bungie, and the New York Times has snatched up Wordle. We won't be discussing either one of those acquisitions this week, but we WILL be talking about Blizzard developing a new survival game and Ubisoft shutting down Hyper Scape. Also, work is in progress on three new Star Wars games, and Rebecca helps us catch up on the latest news and rumors from Nintendo. LINKS: Blizzard working on survival game in first new universe since Overwatch | Windows Central Activision Blizzard won't recognize Raven Software union, will reorganize QA workers [update] | Windows Central Ubisoft is shutting down Hyper Scape | Windows Central Ubisoft calling gamers clueless about NFTs is the latest in a long string of insults | Windows Central EA, Respawn working on three Star Wars games, including Jedi Fallen Order follow-up | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Direct possibly coming in February, and Switch outsells PS1 | iMore

Microsoft has announced their intent to acquire Activision Blizzard. Our intrepid team analyze what it means for the industry, for gamers, and what's likely to change (or stay the same) as part of this massive deal.

There's a certain big headline in gaming news this week. Alas, we recorded a few days ago before the announcement went public about Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard for beaucoup bucks! You can rest assured that we WILL be talking about that in our next episode. But for now, there's plenty of other things to discuss — Game length, Xbox One bring discontinued, blatant Wordle ripoffs, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more. LINKS: Phil Spencer: Xbox has changed some things about working with Activision | Windows Central Dying Light 2's Techland revealed a 500-plus-hour completion time — controversy followed, but why? | Windows Central Xbox One line is discontinued and not being manufactured, says Microsoft | Windows Central Report: Sony will continue to produce PS4s through 2022 to offset PS5 supply issues | Android Central Developer behind Wordle App Store clone admits he 'crossed a line' after being called out | iMore Kirby and the Forgotten Land releases on March 25th | iMore New Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer shows the return of trading and Experience Candy | iMore

The Jiggle Physics team report on Sony's unveiling of the PlayStation VR2, which looks to ready to compete with the full VR market. A new Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer shows off gameplay for the upcoming game, and there are rumor that Mario Kart 9 is on the way. LINKS: PS5 VR is officially called PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) | Android Central PlayStation VR2 appears ready to compete with the full VR market. That's bad news for Windows Mixed Reality. | Windows Central New Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer shows off gameplay | iMore Mario Kart 9 currently being developed with a "twist", says insider | iMore

Rebecca, Jen, and Carli commemorate the end of 2021 by sharing their favorite games of the year. They also touch on what they're hoping to see in 2022. Happy New Year!

Ubisoft has announced a Splinter Cell remake, and sales of FFXIV have been suspended due to server issues. The team also chime in on NFTs in the video game industry, the latest Nintendo news, and more. LINKS: Splinter Cell remake being developed by Ubisoft | Windows Central Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV) sales suspended due to Endwalker server issues | Windows Central On NFTs, and why Ubisoft hates video games (and you) | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Breath of the Wild 2 patents show off some moves and Pokémon trailer leaves us with more questions | iMore Nintendo Indie World: Everything announced during the December 2021 showcase | iMore

Bungie is pulling a "Me Too" of the worst kind. The JP crew talk all about The Game Awards 2021. Which, if we're being honest, is more of an announcements show than a celebration of the present. LINKS: Report: Bungie workplace mired in sexist, toxic behavior | Windows Central The Game Awards 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Here are all the winners from The Game Awards 2021 | Windows Central

Rebecca is sick this week, so "Old Miriam" joins us for news about Titanfall, new leadership for the Battlefield franchise, Pokémon, and more! LINKS: Respawn Entertainment is discontinuing sales of original Titanfall | Windows Central An ode to Titanfall: The last twitch shooter I'll probably ever enjoy | Windows Central Respawn head Vince Zampella now leading Battlefield franchise, announces connected universe | Windows Central Nintendo recap: Pokémon BDSP outsells Sword and Shield at launch and '97 Zelda Ocarina of Time demo available | iMore

This week, we save the WB Multiverse by pitching a bunch of amazing ideas. The crew also discuss problems with Rockstar Games' GTA Trilogy and offer hot takes on the Game Awards 2021 nominees. And as a special bonus, Jen cracks open some fresh Pokémon booster packs live on the show! LINKS: Report: Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick knew of sexual harassment claims | Windows Central Bobby Kotick must resign | Windows Central Xbox head Phil Spencer reportedly reevaluating relationship with Activision Blizzard | Windows Central Activision Blizzard employees, contractors call for CEO Bobby Kotick's removal | Windows Central Petition · REMOVE BOBBY KOTICK FROM ACTIVISION/BLIZZARD · Change.org Rockstar Games addresses GTA Trilogy Issues and gives free games as apology | Windows Central MultiVersus is WB Games' free-to-play Smash Bros competitor | Windows Central Game Awards 2021 nominees revealed, led by Xbox and Bethesda | Windows Central Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch: Everything you need to know | iMore

Our adventuring party is back at full strength! Plus, special guest Zachary Boddy joins us for a review of Forza Horizon 5 and a whole lot more. LINKS: Zachary Boddy (@BoddyZachary) / Twitter Nintendo recap: The Pokémon Company takes action against leakers and future Switch plans revealed | iMore Forza Horizon 5 cloud gaming review: Diet Forza tastes nearly as sweet | Android Central Forza Horizon 5 review: The unchallenged champion of open-world racers | Windows Central

Sara Gitkos is in the house with Rebecca and Carli as they check out the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2.0 update and Mario Party Superstars. They also talk about Microsoft's take on the Metaverse and delays of Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 as Blizzard continues to hemorrhage executives and customer good will. LINKS: Sara Gitkos (@sara_snax) / Twitter Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 delayed, Jen Oneal leaves Blizzard | Windows Central Microsoft is bringing the metaverse to Microsoft Teams with Mesh in 2022 | Windows Central Animal Crossing: New Horizon's 2.0 update is now available — and two days early! | iMore Mario Party Superstars for Nintendo Switch review: The ultimate party game for all ages | iMore Is the N64 Controller worth it for Nintendo Switch? | iMore No more N64 controllers to be sold this year, says Nintendo | iMore

Carli and Jen are joined by our very own Nadine Dornieden for the latest news about the mess at Blizzard and significant performance issues with games in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. They also talk about games announced at Sony's recent State of Play, VR, and the Metaverse. LINKS: Nadine Dornieden ✨

Jen, Rebecca, and Carli celebrate spookiness by sharing their favorite horror and Halloween-themed games. LINKS: Activision requests pause in lawsuit to investigate alleged ethics violation by DFEH | Windows Central Report: Activision Blizzard fires 20 employees in response to harassment claims | Windows Central Overwatch's McCree gets a new name: Cole Cassidy | Windows Central Stardew Valley developer announces new game, Haunted Chocolatier, now in development | Windows Central Back 4 Blood review: The Left 4 Dead 3 we've been waiting for | Windows Central Resident Evil Village for PS5 review: A showcase for series fans and horror newcomers alike | Android Central Best Nintendo Switch Halloween games 2021 | iMore New Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark coming to Pokémon Legends: Arceus | iMore

In this very Nintendo-centric episode, Rebecca, Carli, and Sam geek out over the recent Animal Crossing Direct, Switch Online Expansion Pack, and Metroid Dread. There's also details to report on Avowed, an upcoming Xbox exclusive title. LINKS: Everything announced in the October 2021 Animal Crossing Direct | iMore Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise — Everything you need to know | iMore Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack pricing revealed, starts at $50 for one year | iMore It's safer to buy the Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC separately than with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack | iMore Animal Crossing: New Horizons — How to use the Island Backup & Restoration Service | iMore Nintendo Switch OLED model review: The prettiest handheld experience Nintendo has to offer | iMore Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch review: A gorgeous return to form for Samus | iMore Metroid retrospective: A history of the franchise | iMore Details on Xbox exclusive Avowed: The Outer Worlds meets medieval fantasy | Windows Central

We are 100! To celebrate, we bring back Russell Holly for some reminiscing, gaming news, and LOTS of cryptic talk! LINKS: Alan Wake Remastered review: Bringing a great game back into the light | Windows Central Myst in VR would have made 10-year-old me cry happy tears | Android Central The Legend of Zelda 35th anniversary retrospective: A windy adventure | iMore You don't know what a Zelda game is | iMore Assassin's Creed history: The full story (so far) | Windows Central

Carli is out this week, so Rebecca leads Jen and special guest Sam Tolbert on an expedition into recent game dev studio acquisitions, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Switch OLED, and more. LINKS: Netflix makes its first gaming acquisition in Oxenfree developer Night School Studio | Windows Central Sony acquires Bluepoint Games as a PS5 developer for Sony Worldwide Studios | Android Central Demon's Souls remake crosses 1.4 million copies sold, Bluepoint's next game is an original title for PS5 | Android Central Pokémon Legends: Arceus — Everything you need to know | iMore Are there gyms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? | iMore Nintendo 4K kit claims and Switch OLED Models out in the wild ahead of launch | iMore Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a much bigger deal than you think | iMore

The JP team report on everything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct, including news that Chris Pratt will voice our favorite plumber in an upcoming film. Needless to say, we have thoughts! LINKS: Apple rejects Epic's request to bring Fortnite back to the App Store | iMore Activision Blizzard, CEO Bobby Kotick subpoenaed by SEC over toxic workplace allegations | Windows Central Everything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct | iMore N64 and Sega Genesis emulators coming to Nintendo Switch in late October | iMore Death Stranding Director's Cut for PS5 review: More light-hearted fun, even for new players | Android Central Kena: Bridge of Spirits for PS5 review — Charming its way into my heart | Android Central

This week, we make a few quick stops into Epic v. Apple and Activision Blizzard corner before signing the praises of Deathloop for PS5. Nintendo Switch has finally received a software update that enables Bluetooth audio support. Additonally, rumors are swirling about Nintendo Switch Online getting N64 games, and a curious firmware update has been released for the dock accessory of the OLED Switch model. LINKS: As expected, Epic Games has appealed a court ruling in its spat with Apple | iMore Epic Games pays Apple $6 million as result of Epic v. Apple lawsuit | iMore Deathloop for PS5 review: A deadly day I didn't want to end | Android Central Activision Blizzard charged with violating labor laws in union complaint | Windows Central Nintendo Switch finally gets Bluetooth audio support with latest update | iMore Rumor: Nintendo Switch Online to get Nintendo 64 games and different pricing tiers | iMore

The JP crew talk about the Epic vs. Apple court ruling, Tripwire Interactive's now-former CEO, and everything announced at PlayStation Showcase 2021. Find a partner in life who speaks about you with the same level of affection that our hosts do about Venom! LINKS: Tripwire Interactive CEO out after supporting Texas anti-abortion law on Twitter | Windows Central Epic Games wins lawsuit victory against Apple over App Store payments | iMore Everything announced at the PlayStation Showcase 2021 — Wolverine, God of War: Ragnarok, more | Android Central

We've got a lot of news and rumors in store for you this week! Next-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 may not be arriving this year. Also, the gang cover everything you need to know about preordering Horizon Forbidden West, Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles may be coming to Nintendo Switch, and more. LINKS: Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 next-gen versions may not arrive this year | Windows Central Horizon Forbidden West preorder guide: Every edition and what's in them on PS4 & PS5 | Android Central Report: Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles coming to the Nintendo Switch | iMore Game Boy games "likely" headed to Switch and Baldo makes us question the eShop | iMore GIVEAWAY: Win one of seven PowerA Nintendo Switch accessories! | iMore

Sam Tolbert teams up with Carli and Rebecca for their analysis of everything announced at Gamescom 2021. They also check out Call of Duty: Vanguard, Saints Row, and chat about why you shouldn't preorder Halo Infinite. LINKS: DFEH says Activision Blizzard interfering with workplace investigation | Windows Central Overwatch is changing McCree's name after namesake fired from Blizzard | Windows Central Niantic restores pandemic bonus for US in Pokémon Go | iMore Xbox Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Opening Night Live Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Why Saints Row is a reboot: 'Those were games of a time' | Windows Central Call of Duty: Vanguard preview — A return to the fictional past | Windows Central Don't preorder Halo Infinite | Windows Central

Fortnite eschews originality by ripping off Among Us with their 'Imposter' mode. The crew also go Poké Balls deep into everything announced at the August 2021 Pokémon Presents. LINKS: Among Us devs react to Fortnite's shameless 'Impostor' mode rip off | Windows Central Everything announced at the August 2021 Pokémon Presents | iMore Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl dazzle in new gameplay, new features detailed | iMore Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PS5 review: Steep entry cost to a great expansion | Android Central

This week, the gang check out the announcements from Nintendo Indie World, ID @ Xbox Showcase, and more! LINKS: Diablo 4 director, two others no longer with Activision Blizzard | Windows Central Nintendo Indie World: Everything announced during the August 2021 showcase | iMore ID@Xbox Showcase August 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central Old Friends Dog Game interview: Eternally touching the hearts of players | Android Central Back 4 Blood open beta hands-on: Everything a Left 4 Dead fan could want | Windows Central

There's more to say about the Activision Blizzard debacle, including a few rays of hope for change. The team also chat about a delay of Horizon Forbidden West to 2022, the painfulness of SSD expansion options for PS5, and loads more. LINKS: Activision Blizzard employees walk out in protest of leadership's response to lawsuit. But they're hopeful. | Windows Central Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick calls initial response to lawsuit 'tone deaf' | Windows Central Nearly 500 Ubisoft employees sign letter standing with Activision Blizzard walkout | Windows Central Horizon Forbidden West for PS5 and PS4 is reportedly delayed to 2022 | Android Central Sony's PS5 SSD storage expansions suck, but only for now | Android Central PS5: SSD storage expansion guide | Android Central