The Nintendo Switch NXpress Podcast

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill get back together for one more episode. And what better way to keep the show going than to discuss the most recent Nintendo Direct? We may not have had a real E3 this year, but the June 2023 Nintendo Direct delivered the goods with a surprisingly expansive slate of announcements across some of the Big N's most significant franchises. Think Nintendo was going to sit out the rest of the year? This Direct proved otherwise! The gang runs through each of the direct's biggest announcements, from crowd pleasers like the Super Mario RPG remake to the head scratching reveals like Detective Pikachu Returns. This may not have been a consistent presentation—-it truly was the epitome of starting from the bottom and ending at the top—but in the end, it delivered some surprisingly excellent reveals showing that 2023 is far from over when it comes to big Nintendo release. Let's just agree not to talk about Everybody 1-2 Switch in the meantime, ok? Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!            

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill return from a brief hiatus with some bittersweet news: Goomba Stomp is coming to a close, and with it, the NXpress Nintendo Podcast is ending as well. It's been an amazing run, but after a few hundred episodes and years of reviews, discussions, interviews, and impressions, NXpress is about to sign off for good. Don't worry, though–the NXpress crew isn't done yet! Stay tuned for an official farewell episode and for information about what the gang will get up to next. Before we call it quits though, we have unfinished business: namely, impressions of some of the year's biggest Switch games! Campbell has finally rolled credits on Octopath Traveler 2, and shockingly, his impressions are just as enthusiastic as ever! An improvement on the first game in every conceivable way, Octopath Traveler 2 delivers one of the Switch's best RPG experiences to date. And speaking of brilliant RPGs, Marc has plenty to praise about Xenoblade Chronicles 3's ambitious DLC expansion, Future Redeemed! While the original Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was already a great sendoff to the Xenoblade trilogy, this DLC manages to deliver an even more fitting conclusion. Cameron rounds off these quickfire reviews with some impressions on West of Loathing, a hilarious indie adventure that might have fallen under the radar, but is absolutely worth checking out. And now, the moment we've all been waiting for: the gang reviews the long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Ladies and gentlemen, it might be hard to believe, but the NXpress crew is here to confirm that Tears of the Kingdom is indeed better than its predecessor: it's more ambitious, more expansive, and somehow, even more fun than the game before it. The hosts go around the room sharing their impressions of the game so far in this spoiler-free discussion, exchanging notes about all that they've discovered in this latest adventure in Hyrule, the skies above, and the depths below. Is this the greatest game of all time? As dramatic as that question might seem, the hosts think it might not be so far-fetched. All this and more in the penultimate episode of NXpress!   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Catch Up: Octopath Traveler II, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, and West of Loathing “Colgera” – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 25:00 – Main Event: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Review “Main Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tetris Movie and Curse of the Sea Rats Review This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon and Marc Kaliroff are back to chat about everything but triple-a games while Campbell Gill takes a day to rest. Like the last episode, the crew might be one man down but Cameron and Marc still have plenty to discuss as they explore a thrilling period of the 80s and a less-than-desirable pirate fiction. First up, Cameron and Marc both have quite a lot to say about an indie game they have been playing this past week. Curse of the Sea Rats, a multiplayer Metroidvania with beautiful art and questionable controls, is sadly cursed with more than one major issue. Like with most Metroidvanias though, the two still have some positive things to say about Petoons Studios' newest expedition. To close things off, Marc is ready to talk about the blockbuster Tetris fans have been waiting for. According to Marc, the new Apple TV movie based on the game's publication history is one of the best films of the year so far and a fantastic biopic that recaps Henk Rogers' journey to secure the rights to the Russian puzzle on behalf of Nintendo. While the movie may use a few over-the-top dramatized changes from the real story (trust us, the car chase is actually really good and adds to the story's weight), Tetris captures an unbelievable tale as it entertains viewers with a realistic and shockingly gravitating espionage thriller. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Opening: Curse of the Sea Rats Review “Benevolence” – Tetris 20:00 – Main Event: Tetris Movie Review “10 Players Left” – Tetris 99

There are no tears to be shed for this kingdom. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Marc Kaliroff and Campbell Gill take over the show while Cameron gives his voice a much-deserved rest for the week. Thankfully, the guys have plenty to talk about, from new Tears of the Kingdom gameplay to now-lost 3DS puzzle classics. First things first, the boys pour one out for the Wii U and 3DS eShops, which officially closed their doors on March 28. With these stores, a whole chapter of Nintendo's history is also closing as the two ill-fated consoles officially fade into retirement, taking their eShop-exclusive games with them. Thankfully, someone on the podcast has gone on a shopping spree to help preserve a few of those digital-only titles. From Pushmo to Boyboy to Xenoblade Chronicles X, the guys run through some of the titles that made these now-closed libraries so special. Next up is the main event you've all been waiting for: the gang's reaction to the big 10-minute-long gameplay debut of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. After years of teaser trailers and drip-fed information, we've finally gotten a hands-on look at the game–and the boys sure do have a lot to say! With new abilities that expand upon the open world formula that made Breath of the Wild so amazing, things are already looking promising. Fusing weapons together, building vehicles, phasing through ceilings–there's a lot to unpack from just 10 minutes of footage! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Opening: eShop Closure Discussion & Review “Kass Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 30:40 – Main Event: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Reveal “Calamity Ganon Phase 2” – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe–AKA the gift that keeps on giving. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by their longtime friend of the show Marty Allen to discuss Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pass Wave 4 and so much more! Marc and Marty break down all the new courses introduced in the latest wave of the ever-growing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pass, which somehow manages to be even better than the last wave. The only question the gang has after this discussion is: what could possibly be next? Cloud Strife in Mario Kart, anyone? After this, Marty sets sail for a review of Dredge, the Lovecraftian fishing sim we've all been waiting for. Marty draws from his extensive seafaring experience (which may be partially derived from musical theater) to review this satisfying fishing adventure, where players voyage out into unsettling waters haunted by mysterious creatures. Rest assured: spooky as it can get, Marty confirms this is a journey worth sailing. Lastly, Marc closes the show with an indie spotlight on Storyteller, the latest experimental puzzle game from Annapurna Interactive. Taking place in a fragmented storybook, Storyteller tasks players with putting the pieces together to prepare a complete story. While the puzzles might be a bit obtuse, Marc concludes that Storyteller is still a genuine page-turner. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Opening: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4 Discussion & Review “Yoshi's Island” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 30:40 – Main Event: Dredge Review “Waluigi Stadium” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 50:00 – Indie Spotlight: Storyteller Review “Singapore” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

X marks the spot when talking about Metroid Fusion. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill hop into their Varia suits for a discussion of all things Metroid! The gang starts out with their impressions of Metroid Fusion, newly made available on Switch as part of the GBA Switch Online service–and the boys discover Samus isn't messing around with this one. This might just be the most intense game in the series, with elements of suspense and even a little horror mixed with a deeply challenging gameplay loop. But it's not all scary, as the game still features the franchise's signature exploration and worldbuilding in Samus's journey to squash the X parasite. Spoiler: it's still worth playing today! Next up, Marc tackles something that's just a little more timely: Metroid Prime Remastered. Essentially rebuilt from the ground up for Switch, this remaster takes an already stylish and iconic title and polishes it to a shining package that feels as amazing to play today as it did 20 years ago. Between the music, storytelling, exploration, and visuals, Metroid Prime Remastered remains a standout title on Switch! Now for a remaster of Metroid Prime Pinball… Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Metroid Fusion Switch Online Review “Theme of Samus Aran” – Metroid Dread 47:00 – Main Event: Metroid Prime Remastered Review “Main Menu” –Metroid Prime Remastered

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill set out on an exhaustive tri-path podcast to discuss Octopath Traveler II! Before embarking on that journey, though, Marc kicks things off with a much less substantial talking point: Splatoon 3's underwhelming first wave of DLC! Despite its promise of nostalgia for longtime fans, the Inkopolis DLC provides very little substance and, in turn, not much for Marc to talk about. Here's hoping the next DLC wave can pick up the pace.  Moving onto the main event, Campbell dives into an in-depth review of Square Enix's latest HD-2D RPG, Octopath Traveler II! This sequel does the impossible: it recaptures everything that made the 2018 original title great, while making meaningful improvements on the first game's issues. With eight unique travelers, each with their own unique stories, Octopath Traveler II tells a decentralized RPG story while still maintaining just enough character interaction. That's not to mention the stunning soundtrack, beautiful art, and moving stories–there's so much to love that the gang spends an hour talking about the game while barely even touching on the combat! Don't miss out on what's sure to be one of the Switch's best titles of 2023. Feeling confident after all the love in the Octopath segment? Marc's here to throw some horror into the mix with a review of Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. Perhaps this title hasn't aged as gracefully as other horror classics, but for some of us on the show, it might just be too spoopy after all. All this and more in this RPG-sized episode! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Splatoon 3 DLC Wave 1 Review “Cait Battle” – Octopath Traveler II 12:00 – Main Event: Octopath Traveler II Review “Main Theme” –Octopath Traveler II 109:00 – Talking Point: Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse Review “Training” – Luigi's Mansion

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Review Don't Pokemon Sleep on this one! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by a longtime friend of the show, Eliza from Kirby Informer! Before the gang makes their return to Dream Land, they share their thoughts on the recent Pokemon Presents showcase for Pokemon Day 2023. Horrifying animatronic Pikachu aside, the hosts come to a quick consensus: not even the full reveal of Pokemon Sleep could wake them up. Where were the surprises the classic games, the new spinoffs? Guess we'll have to make due with overpriced DLC and over-hyped cards for now… Moving onto the main event, the gang dives into Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe with an in-depth review discussion! This 2D Kirby title made waves upon its first release on the Wii in 2011, but is it still worth playing today? The Kirby experts on the show explore the many reasons why Return to Dream Land is still a worthwhile Kirby title even after The Forgotten Land switched up the formula forever. Could Return to Dream Land be the Dark Souls of Kirby? Tune in for this and more bizarre comparisons! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Presents Reactions “Cookie Country” – Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe 27:00 – Main Event: Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review “King Dedede Theme” – Kirby's Return to Dream land Deluxe

If all else fails, at least you can always count on Square Enix to have the best titles imaginable. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill delve into the world of Final Fantasy soundtracks and discuss the delicate art of making modern metroidvanias. Campbell kicks things off with a review of Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, the delightfully titled latest entry in the ongoing Theatrhythm franchise. Strange name aside, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a triumphant celebration of the iconic soundtracks that make Final Fantasy so legendary. This rhythm game is about as simple as they come, but with an enormous tracklist spanning hundreds of songs, campaigns for each mainline Final Fantasy title, and an adorable Chibi-esque visual style, Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line delivers a resounding crescendo! Next up, Marc and Cameron review the latest title from metroidvania specialists Inti Creates, Grim Guardians: Demon Purge. Safe to say, this is no Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon. Marc and Cameron exchange notes on the game's bizarre setting, uneven pacing, and half-baked gameplay ideas, before musing on the many other excellent metroidvanias currently available on Swich that are far worthier of your time. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Day Predictions “The Prelude” – Final Fantasy X 17:00 – Main Event: Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Impressions “Beginning [Level 1]” – Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse    

Let's advance to an exciting discussion. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill chat all things Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, now that the beloved handhelds have finally made their long-awaited debuts on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Before that, though, the gang makes their predictions for the upcoming Pokemon Day 2023, from Scarlet and Violet DLC to mobile game updates to even the return of the long-lost Detective Pikachu game on Switch. Many festivities await Pokemon's big day! Next up, it's time for the main event: a sweeping discussion of the gang's impressions of the newly added Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles available as part of Nintendo Switch Online. The gang share their thoughts on many of the games available on the platform already, showing plenty of promise in these recent additions to the service's retro lineup. We've got the brilliant RPG Mario + Luigi: Superstar Saga, the strange Japanese launch title Kuru Kuru Kuruin, the all-time classic Tetris, and so much more. The platform is off to a strong start, and the hosts don't hesitate to predict what else could be in store!   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Day Predictions “Pokémon Stadium” – Super Smash Bros. Melee 17:00 – Main Event: Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Impressions “Preparing For The Journey” – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Not even the world's worst technical hiccups can keep the NXpress gang from Nintendo Direct hype! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill overcome a bevy of recording issues to react to the long-awaited Nintendo Direct of February 2023. We've been expecting the year's first big Direct for some time now, and suffice to say, this one didn't disappoint. The gang focuses strictly on the highlights of the show, but even then, there's so much to discuss: Pikmin 4's stunning visuals! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC! Tears of the Kingdom lets you rail grind! And GB and GBA games are finally on Switch Online! The gang covers all this and more in this wide-ranging conversation–it's safe to say that Nintendo is starting the year out strong with a direct this good. It wasn't all just big announcements and reveal trailers, though–we also got tons of shadow drops after the show, and that's the subject of the next segment. Marc gushes about the Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe demo, Cameron shares some mixed impressions on the Sea of Stars demo (it's no Chained Echoes), and Campbell raves about the Octopath Traveler II demo. That's right folks, the February 2023 Nintendo Direct not only gave us lots to discuss, but also plenty to play! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!  

Are ya ready to engage, kids? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill review two of January's biggest (and perhaps controversial) Switch games: Fire Emblem Engage and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake. First thing first, Marc takes the gang to a pineapple under the sea to review SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, the spiritual successor to 2020's hit remake Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated. While this 3D platformer cleverly renders many fan-favorite ideas and locations from the show, its sense of humor and routine gameplay can make the game a bit of a hard sell for all but the most diehard spongeheads. Moving onto the biggest talking point, we come to the beautifully mixed bag that is Fire Emblem Engage. Marc walks the gang through the highs and lows in this latest entry in the long-running strategy series: while the story can be almost laughably bad with generic worldbuilding and unlikeable characters, the gameplay has perhaps never been as fun as it is here. Despite its issues, is Engage still worth a recommendation? Marc answers all this and more. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Reviews “Stadium Rave A” – SpongeBob SquarePants 23:00 – Main Event Continued: Social Links and More! “Fire Emblem Theme” – Fire Emblem Engage

Baby, baby, baby! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by very special guest James Cook for another Persona spectacular. After their last all-out discussion of the Persona 5 Switch port a few months back, the gang is back together for a wide-ranging conversation on the long-awaited Switch ports of Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable. Now that these classic RPGs have finally made their debut on Switch, the question remains: is it worth returning to Inaba or climbing the tower of Tartarus once again? Of course, both games are classics in their own right. Maybe they're starting to show their age, but they still shine in their own ways: Persona 3 might just be the most thematically consistent entry in the series, and Persona 4 Golden thrives in its upbeat sense of style. From social links to part-time jobs to dungeon exploration to the all-important waifu wars, the gang dissects everything that makes these games work so well–while looking ahead to the future of the series altogether.   Whether you're a first-time player coming from Persona 5 or a series veteran, these Switch ports offer a brilliant way to experience these cult classics.   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Reviews “Opening Theme” – Persona 4 Golden 44:00 – Main Event Continued: Social Links and More! “Pursuing My True Self” – Persona 4 Golden

A new year means new adventures in the backlog. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill return from a brief podcasting hiatus to revisit their favorite New Year's topic: exploring their backlogs. The gang had plenty of time to delve into their ever-present backlogs over the break, and now they're ready to share their impressions and hot takes. This simple recap soon grows into a bigger discussion altogether: was the original Portal actually any good? Is Skyward Sword a better Zelda than Link's Awakening? What does the ending of Limbo actually mean? All this and so much more in this surprisingly in-depth tour-de-force discussion! As the main event draws to a close, the indie spotlight begins. While Cameron shares a few disappointed thoughts about Lone Ruin, a Hades-esque roguelike that failed to meet expectations, Campbell has much more enthusiasm for Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, a nonsensically named 2D action game giving us what we all really need: a robot ninja adventure. Inspired by Shinobi, Strider, and Mega Man X, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is an intensely demanding adventure that tempers its retro difficulty with some incredibly creative items, quality-of-life improvements, and some brilliantly creative level designs. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Tales From the Backlog: What We Played Recently “File Select” – The Legends of Zelda: Link's Awakening 1:00:30 – Indie Spotlight: Lone Ruin & Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider “Title” – The Legends of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Let's a-go into a new year! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill send off a momentous year with their final podcast recorded in 2022, and ring in a new year with an episode full of hot takes and spicy Nintendo predictions for 2023. Before all that, though, what better way to welcome the new year than with triumphant fanfare? The gang responds to a listener question by discussing their favorite fanfare themes in video games, and from Final Fantasy to Mario to Kirby to Metal Gear, they certainly have plenty to pick from! Then, to the Main Event: predicting Nintendo's 2023. We have a whole new year ahead of us, full of possibilities for surprises from the Big N. The gang takes turns making bold predictions about what Nintendo fans can look forward to: could this be the year we see Wind Waker HD on Switch, Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp make its long-delayed debut, or a new 3D Mario game to align with the upcoming movie? Will we ever see Metroid Prime 4, or the elusive next-gen Switch? The gang offer their takes on all these questions and more! Last but absolutely not least, Cameron closes out the show with an RPG extravaganza centered on the excellent new indie adventure Chained Echoes. Taking after the best SNES JRPGs of the roleplaying Golden Age, Chained Echoes is a gripping take on the classic genre formula with plenty of modern conveniences thrown in to boot. Turn-based battles, an engaging plot, and plenty of controllable super mechs, Chained Echoes has a little bit of everything you could want–and this discussion leads into a broader conversation on other great RPGs on Switch (Final Fantasy VII, anyone?). All this and more in this week's episode of NXpress. Happy 2023, everybody! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Stocking Stuffers and Nintendo Switch Gifts “New Year's Countdown – 1 Hour” – Animal Crossing: Wild World 18:30 – Main Event: Ranking The Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2022 “New Year's Countdown – 15 Minutes” – Animal Crossing: New Leaf Indie Spotlight: Chained Echoes “Happy New Year!” – Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2022 Who will come out on top? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill participate in a time-honored tradition: ranking the 22 best Nintendo Switch games of 2022. Before that momentous task, however, the gang celebrates the holiday season by sharing their top Nintendo-themed stocking stuffer hits. No matter how big or small your stocking might be, the NXpress crew has some surefire wins for the NIntendo fans on your holiday shopping list! And then, to the main event–the moment we've been waiting for all year: ranking the best Nintendo Switch Games of 2022. It's been a momentous year for the Big N, to say the very least, with releases ranging from eagerly anticipated sequels, shocking remakes, and long, long-overdue ports, making it no easy task for the Goomba Stomp team to rank this year's best Nintendo titles. Yet rank them we did, so the NXpress gang is here to talk about each and every entry: from Splatoon 3 to Shovel Knight Dig, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge to Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the team combs through the year's biggest Switch hits to see which one comes out on top. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Talking Point: Stocking Stuffers and Nintendo Switch Gifts “Silver Snow Story” – Kirby Triple Deluxe 18:30 – Main Event: Ranking The Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2022 “Super Mario Sleigh Ride” – The One Ups

And the award goes to…Bill Clinton? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill celebrate Awards Season by reacting to the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre at the 2022 Game Awards, along with reviews of the much-anticipated Switch RPGs Harvestella and Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion. The gang kicks things off by running through the biggest announcements at the Game Awards of 2022 that were most relevant to Nintendo fans. From a sequel to one of the best roguelikes on the market to a surprise follow-up to a controversial award winner, the show certainly did bring a few exciting bits of news for fans of the Big N. Yet nothing compares to the biggest delight of the show: a new trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which goes where few other game movies have gone before: using music from the source material in the actual film. What a novelty! Next up, Cameron turns things down a notch with impressions of two Square Enix RPGs that might fail to meet expectations. First up is Harvestella, the apocalypse-meets-farming-sim whose promising premise suffers under a repetitive, basic, and surprisingly barebones gameplay loop. Then, there's the baffling Crisis Core, a followup to Final Fantasy VII with an excellent remaster for modern platforms that does little to address the oddities of the original release. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: The Game Awards 2022 “Opening – Bombing Mission” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 27:00 – What We've Been Playing: Disappointing RPGs “Genova” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate  

Deck the halls with Triforce shards! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill ring in the holiday season with the help of Nintendo's green-capped hero. All three hosts have holiday memories with the Zelda series, so the gang shares their favorite Christmas and Hanukkah moments with the series, from A Link to the Past on the Super Nintendo up to the Switch's own Breath of the Wild. After that, the gang keeps the Zelda love coming as the beloved once-controversial The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker turns the big 2-0! For The Wind Waker's 20th anniversary, the hosts celebrate this innovative title for its timeless visuals, inventive design, and surprisingly impactful story. It may not have been what audiences wanted in 2002, but twenty years later, it stands strong as one of the franchise's most memorable entries. (Dear Nintendo, what better way to celebrate the occasion than a Switch port? Pretty please?) Lastly, Marc closes things out with hands-on impressions of all the multiplayer titles on the N64 Nintendo Switch Online collection. Not all titles in the lineup may have aged gracefully, but between Mario Party, F-Zero, and even Star Fox 64, the console still shines as a multiplayer destination–and it'll only get better whenever we finally get GoldenEye 007 on the service. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Zelda Memories and The Wind Waker's 20th “Title” – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 35:00 – What We Have Been Playing: N64 Expansion Pak “White Land” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Roll aroundat the speed of sound towards brighter frontiers! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill spindash into an all-out extravaganza discussion of everyone's favorite blue blur. Before reviewing Sonic Frontiers, the gang shares their thoughts on the latest trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie in all its glory. The trailer gave us a first look at Peach and Donkey Kong in the new film, as well as sneak peeks at so much more – will this partnership between Illumination and Nintendo raise the bar for video game movies? Speeding along to the main event, Campbell and Cameron share their thoughts on the long-awaited, much-criticized Sonic Frontiers–and hell may as well have frozen over, because their impressions are downright glowing (at least by Sonic standards). After years of the Sonic cycle, Sonic Frontiers goes a massive way towards realizing the full potential of the 3D Sonic gameplay formula. The gang gushes about Frontiers' excellent exploration, nuanced storytelling, head-banging music, and surprisingly satisfying combat–among much else. The game certainly isn't perfect, but the boys feel optimistic about the future of the blue blur after Frontiers! Last up, Marc caps off this speedy discussion with an indie spotlight on Lunistice, a bite-sized high-speed platformer that sets the bar for Sonic-likes.   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Mario Movie Second Trailer and Sonic Frontiers Review “Genshi” – Sonic Frontiers 51:20 – Indie Spotlight: Lunistice Review “Theme of Koco” – Sonic Frontiers

Mixed feelings, I choose you! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by friend of the show and Pokemon expert Bradley (AKA Yoshiller) to dive deep into their thoughts on the latest and quite possibly greatest entries in the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. In this wide-ranging discussion, the panel dissects the games in all their glitchy glory by asking the big questions: is its open-world gameplay loop an improvement from previous games? How does the Tera mechanic work, and how does it affect competitive play? Does the lineup of included Pokemon meet expectations? And of course, the Cufant in the room: how bad is the performance really. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may be trending on Twitter nonstop for all its insane glitches, but under the technically iffy surface lies one of the best Pokemon games in recent memory. The hosts share their varying experiences with the franchise leading up to this newest entry: whether you're in it for the competitive mechanics, new Pokemon, or just the sweet vibes, the Paldea region truly does have it all, leading to the most refined Pokemon gameplay loop in years. While the hosts grapple with the mountains of technical issues plaguing the game, at the end of the conversation, its clear that Pokemon fans will have something special to look forward to in Scarlet and Violet. All this and so much more in this Terastallized discussion! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!

10 years ago, the Wii U tripped, fell, and died–all so that the Switch could run. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill commemorate the Wii U's tenth anniversary, along with a healthy dose of new game impressions. Before that, though, the gang runs through the newly announced nominees for the Game Awards 2022, highlighting the obvious winners, underdogs, and bizarre inclusions (does Bayonetta 3 really deserve Best Action Game?). Moving onto the main event, the gang celebrates 10 years since the Wii U made its big debut on November 18, 2012. The console was a mixed bag, to say the least: it paved the way for the Switch's innovative hybrid structure, delivered some of the best multiplayer games in Nintendo's catalog, and began Nintendo's tight relationship with indie developers. At the same time, it struggled to hold third-party support, suffered form lackluster marketing, and a controller that, creative as it was, was severely limited. The hosts reflect on the good and the bad of the platform's legacy, from its iconic games to its legendary Miiverse posts. Next up, it's time for a round of gameplay impressions. Cameron kicks things off with his initial thoughts on Harvestella, Square Enix's farming-sim-turned-apocalyptic-RPG that may have a ludicrously slow pace but also features a creative and compelling gameplay loop. Campbell then shines an indie spotlight on Once Upon a Jester, an improvised medieval theatrical adventure that might just be one of the Switch's silliest indies yet.   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: 10 Years of the Wii U Discussion “Nintendo Land Melody” – Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U 44:00 – Spotlight: Lonesome Village Review and a Little to the Left Impressions “Menu Theme” – Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U    

it's the most wonderful time of the year! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill celebrate a beloved holiday tradition: a discussion of the end-of-year Indie World Showcase. This year coming a bit ahead of schedule in November, the November 2022 Indie World Showcase was positively brimming with exciting indie announcements for Switch. Maybe there wasn't a Hollow Knight Silksong, but there was still plenty to look forward to. Sleeping on a capybara in Aka, working to restore the world's work-death balance in Have a Nice Death, and save the world through the power of sports in Sports Story–these are just a few of the many exciting titles shown off in this month's Indie World. The gang run through every reveal of the show and share their thoughts and reactions in this in-depth discussion Following all the news, the gang then delves into two rounds of impressions and reviews: first up is Lonesome Village, an Animal Crossing-like that doesn't quite hit the mark, followed by A Little the Left, a clever (if slightly infuriating) new puzzle title. All this and more in the gang's wide-ranging conversation!       it's the most wonderful time of the year! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill celebrate a beloved holiday tradition: a discussion of the end-of-year Indie World Showcase. This year coming a bit ahead of schedule in November, the November 2022 Indie World Showcase was positively brimming with exciting indie announcements for Switch. Maybe there wasn't a Hollow Knight Silksong, but there was still plenty to look forward to. Sleeping on a capybara in Aka, working to restore the world's work-death balance in Have a Nice Death, and save the world through the power of sports in Sports Story–these are just a few of the many exciting titles shown off in this month's Indie World. The gang run through every reveal of the show and share their thoughts and reactions in this in-depth discussion!                 1 second, of 6 seconds, Volume 0%                                 Following all the news, the gang then delves into two rounds of impressions and reviews: first up is Lonesome Village, an Animal Crossing-like that doesn't quite hit the mark, followed by A Little the Left, a clever (if slightly infuriating) new puzzle title. All this and more in the gang's wide-ranging conversation! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Indie World November 2022 Discussion “Town of Luncheon” – Chicory: A Colorful Tale 45:10 – Spotlight: Lonesome Village Review and a Little to the Left Impressions “Fisherman's Tune” – Toem  

It's showtime for some hot takes! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill deliver a show packed with nostalgia, collaboration, and controversial opinions. Before getting into the show's spiciest review this year, though, it's time for some listener fan mail. In honor of the impending Super Mario Bros. Movie, the gang reflect on their most cherished memories with the Super Mario Bros. series, ranging from the original release on the NES up to the Wii era with Super Mario Galaxy. With that wholesome positivity out of the way, it's time for the main event: Marc's review of Bayonetta 3. Hopes were high for this long-awaited installment in the fan-favorite action series, but Marc's review paints a whole different picture: he rails against the game for its uneven gameplay, nonsensical story, and disappointing performance on Switch, among many, many other criticisms. Bayonetta 3 reviews might be overwhelmingly positive, but when stacking up the game against its predecessors, Marc makes one thing clear: there's no comparison. Get ready for a Witch Time combo of negativity in what has to be one of the spiciest rants in NXpress history! astly, the gang steers the show towards positivity with Campbell's review of the delightful It Takes Two on Switch. The Game of the Year of 2021, It Takes Two is unlike any other multiplayer title on a platform that is already known for its masterful co-op library–and best of all, it's received an excellent Switch port. Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Fan Mail Discussion: Favorite Mario Memories “Overworld 2” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 10:30 – Main Event: Bayonetta 3 Review “Hit The Climax” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 37:40 – Talking Point: It Takes Two Switch Review “Jukebox Memories” – It Takes Two

Persona 5 Royal Review It's been years in the making, but did you ever see it coming? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by Goomba Stomp contributing writer James Cook to discuss one of the most long-awaited, fan-requested titles to ever grace a Nintendo platform: Persona 5 Royal on Switch. Fans have clamored for Atlus's magnum opus to come to Switch for nearly as long as the console has been around, but now it's finally happened–and the best part is that the game is just as stylish, compelling, and addictive as ever. Get ready to have your heart stolen in this wide-ranging conversation about everything that makes Persona 5 Royal tick. From its incredibly stylish presentation, remarkable soundtrack, lovable characters, engaging story, and intuitive yet deep combat system, Persona 5 Royal has just about everything that a JRPG could ever hope for. Most importantly, it all holds up perfectly on Switch–if anything, the hybrid nature of the console makes this one of the best versions of the game yet. The hosts all agree on one thing: if you've not yet experienced it, there's never been a better time to wake up, get up, and get out there than with Persona 5 Royal on Switch. This episode also marks a major milestone for NXpress: this is the 100th episode since Marc, Cameron, and Campbell took over the show from the original hosts. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all our listeners for continuing to support the show over the past two years!   Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: Persona 5 Royal Switch Review “River in the Desert” – Persona 5 Royal

Get ready for an NXpress of galactic proportions! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill review the most anticipated RPG to hit the Switch this month (well, one of them at least). Before Marc reviews Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, though, the gang responds to an urgent question from an NXpress listener: what's the best Andross fight in the Star Fox series? The hosts compare the mad scientist's appearances throughout Star Fox on the SNES, Star Fox 64, and Star Fox Adventures to assess which game has the best showdown. After that, it's on to the main event: Marc's all-encompassing review of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, the sequel to one of 2017's most surprisingly delightful Switch exclusives. This follow-up takes Mario and the Rabbids crew to the stars with an adventure that adds new dimensions to the original's already solid strategic gameplay loop. It might be lacking in the writing and music departments, but Sparks of Hope succeeds where it matters most with creative and satisfying tactical gameplay that makes the game one of the best representatives of its genre on Switch. Tune in for Marc's all-encompassing thoughts! Don't forget: If you want to suggest a discussion topic, share your thoughts on a recent episode, or simply chat with the NXpress crew, feel free to email us at videogameseditor@goombastomp.com!  

Mushroom kingdom, here we come! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill share their thoughts on the first official trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie and review a delightfully wholesome indie game. Starting things out strong, the gang dives headfirst into analyzing asking the age-old question: how will it compare to the infamous 1992 live-action Mario movie? Chris Pratt might not be everyone's first choice to voice Nintendo's mascot on the silver screen, but the gang comes to a consensus: how about we give him a chance? Cautious optimism is the name of the game for Illumination and Nintendo's feature film collaboration. Next up, Marc and Campbell shine an indie spotlight on The Spirit and the Mouse, a charming 3D adventure collectathon that shows what life must be like as a little mouse solving problems in a beautiful French village. This little adventure is short but incredibly sweet: without even a damage system, the game lets its laidback puzzles shine, offering up a serene and relaxing experience that players shouldn't miss.   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible   Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:39 – Main Event: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Debut Trailer Discussion “New Donk City” – Super Mario Odyssey 26:00 – Indie Spotlight: The Spirit and the Mouse Review “Opening Theme” – The Super Mario Bros. Super Show

Never too late to dig in. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill grab their shovels and don their horned helmets to dive into Yacht Club Games and Nitrome's latest concoction with an in-depth review of Shovel Knight Dig on Switch! The latest in a long line of Shovel Knight games, Dig takes the platformer in a new direction–namely, down. The hosts gush about this roguelike platformer, which takes all the charm and platforming mastery of the mainline games and successfully translates it to an addictive roguelike formula. Perhaps it doesn't add as much to the wider Shovel Knight lore as some might hope, but for what it is, the gang agrees: Shovel Knight Dig unearths an excellent new direction for this beloved indie series. Next up, Marc offers a musical breakdown with a review of Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival, the most recent of Bandai Namco's long-running series of percussive perfection. This game might not reinvent the taiko wheel, but it does double down on everything that has made this series of percussion games so fun: addictive gameplay with a ridiculous amount of crazy songs to play. It even manages to make a subscription model work! Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:43 – Indie Spotlight: Shovel Knight Dig Review “Spore Judgement” – Shovel Knight Dig 47:00 – Main Event: Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival Review “TSUNAGARE! HINOGARE! UCHIAGARE!” – Taiko no Tatsujin

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by Splatoon expert, maker of stuff, and longtime friend of the show, Marty Allen! Join Marc and Marty as they splat headfirst into a deepdive discussion of Splatoon 3, the latest and genuinely greatest entry in Nintendo's standout cartoon shooter series. From the revamped online play to the expanded single-player campaign, Marty and Marc gush about nearly every aspect of the game in this in-depth conversation. Of course, it's not long before they get to the most important question of all: who's the Big Man on the podcast? After that, the gang hops into a discussion of the latest courses released in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, and receives some insight from the most authoritative of game critics–Marty's four-year-old cousin, Joe. After racing through all the tracks that this DLC had to offer, the gang closes with an indie spotlight on the adorable Tinykin and delivers the final verdict on Haiku the Robot, a surprisingly atmospheric metroidvania that every fan of the genre deserves to experience during the agonizing wait for Silksong.   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Main Event: Splatoon 3 Review “Goldenrod City” – Qumu 17:00 – Talking Point: Joe's Thoughts on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course “Poké Mart” – Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver 39:10 – Indie Spotlight: Tinykin and Haiku the Robot “Pokémon Center” – Pokemon Black & White

Folks, it's that time of year again. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the long-awaited full Nintendo Direct of September 2022. After weeks of rumors about HD Zelda ports and Metroid remasters, did the latest big Direct live up to the hype? Of course not, but there was still plenty to love–especially if you're a fan of farming sims. From the opening announcement of Fire Emblem Engage to the surprise return of Pikmin 4 up to the climactic reveal of Breath of the Wild 2's name and release date, this Direct was bursting at the seams with highlights. Fans of Square Enix's absurd names were also eating well, between Octopath Traveler II, Various Daylife, and oh so many more. Was every announcement a winner? Certainly not, and many headlines were almost comically biased towards life sims. But Cameron, Marc, and Campbell are here to guide you through the highs, the lows, and the farming sims of the Direct–and there's plenty to unpack, so buckle in for a freewheeling discussion of everything you need to know about the September Direct!  

Shovels at the ready, it's time to dig in! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by longtime friend of the show, Celia Schilling, for a sweeping discussion of Shovel Knight Dig! The gang picks Celia's brain about everything there is to now ahead of the launch of this much-anticipated new entry in the Shovel Knight series. As a roguelike platformer, Shovel Knight Dig is certainly a notable departure from other Shovel Knight games. Celia discusses Yacht Club's partnership with famed browser game developer Nitrome, Dig's place in the wider Shovel Knight pantheon, and what it takes to launch a successful spinoff. Shovel Knight fans will want to tune in for plenty of spoiler-free info about Dig ahead of its launch on September 23rd! Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Main Event: Shovel Knight Dig Interview“Goldenrod City” – Qumu “Halls of the Usuper” – Shovel Knight

We're turning the big 3-0-0 with this episode! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill celebrate 300 episodes of the show the only way they know how: by ranting about Pokemon trailers and chatting about their favorite new indie games like Anno Mutationem and Haiku the Robot. First thing's first: the gang reacts to the latest Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trailer, dissecting everything that the trailer does and doesn't tell us about the next generation of monster-catching action. The trailer certainly left us with more questions than answers–what does moment-to-moment gameplay even look like, anyway?–but between the new character designs, storylines, and battle mechanics, Scarlet and Violet is giving us reason to feel cautiously optimistic…for now, at least.  Next up, Cameron and Campbell share their thoughts on the new Switch port of the formerly PS5-exclusive Anno: Mutationem. Possibly one of the most baffling games we've discussed on the show yet, Anno Mutationem is a surprisingly ambitious cyberpunk game that blends narrative-heavy adventure and exploration with a hectic 2D combat system, all wrapped in a stunning HD-2D aesthetic. That's not all we have for this indie extravaganza, though: for the last spotlight, the gang reviews Haiku the Robot on Switch, a delightfully poetic little metroidvania that just might fill the Silksong-shaped hole in all our hearts. Before bringing the show to a close, the gang make their wildest predictions for the upcoming September direct that may or may not happen…will Twilight Princess and Wind Waker HD ever come to Switch? Will Metroid Prime 4 ever release? Time will tell, but that won't stop us talking about it! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Opening topic: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Trailer Discussion “Goldenrod City” – Qumu 17:00 – Indie Spotlight: Anno: Mutationem “Poké Mart” – Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver 39:10 – Indie Spotlight 2: Haiku the Robot “Pokémon Center” – Pokemon Black & White

Spidersaurs Director Interview Bet you were looking (way)forward to this one. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by a very special guest–WayForward's own Tomm Hulett, director of the inventive run-and-gun Spidersaurs, which recently saw its debut on Switch. In this wide-ranging interview, the gang picks Tomm's about all things spiders, dinosaurs, and everything in-between. Spidersaurs is a tribute to the classic run'n'guns of yesteryear, taking place in a dystopian future where spiders and dinosaurs have been fused together for disastrous effect. Tomm reveals how the project came to be, describes what it's like to revisit the game for its console release, and hints at what the future of the run'n'gun genre might hold. Along the way, the gang also digs into Tomm's previous game development experience, spanning industry figureheads like Konami and Atlus–and how much of that background culminated in Spidersaurs. All this and more in this interview of Jurassic proportions! Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Main Event: Interview with Tomm Hulett pt. 1 “Intro Movie” – Spidersaurs 32:20 – Tomm Hulett Interview pt. 2 “Laboratory” – Spidersaurs

Ready to tee up? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill hit the golf course for a review of the charming indie Cursed to Golf, yet another emotionally charged Sonic Frontiers discussion, and a discussion of a truly existential question: what's the point of a Treehouse Live presentation these days, anyway? The gang starts off by reacting to the objectively single biggest piece of news from this year's Gamescom: Sonic Frontiers might actually be good? Sega has unveiled a new story trailer that gives some reason for hope that the blue blur's next quest won't be another letdown. Not like we've been let down before… This week the Indie Spotlight takes the main event, as Marc and Campbell hit the greens and review Cursed to Golf –an inventive rogulike twist on the golf game formula. Following a golfing champion who meets with an untimely demise, players will have to golf their way through fiendish obstacle courses to get out of Golf Purgatory. This title is wildly inventive and charming, but does its roguelike gameplay structure do it any favors, or is it just an arbitrary way to pad the game? Heated debate ensues! Lastly, the hosts close the show by reacting to the news that Nintendo will host a new Treehouse Live this week by asking a simple question: why? What's the future of Treehouse Lives, and why does this presentation formula feel so stale? You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Opening Topic: Sonic Frontiers Release Date Discussion “Seaside Hill” – Sonic Heroes 19:20 – Main Event: Cursed to Golf Review “Scottsman Theme” – Cursed to Golf 40:20 – Talking Point: What's the Point of Treehouse Live? “Scramble With Scotty” – Cursed to Golf

It's time to talk about Kirby, so you know what that means: sweet treats, cute characters, and threats of physical violence. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by that wonderful force of chaos, Eliza from Kirby Informer, to discuss all things Kirby's Dream Buffet! Everyone's favorite pink puff keeps his 30th anniversary celebration rolling with a brand-new spinoff, but can it really follow up on the magnificence of Forgotten Land? The short answer is yes, yes it can–Kirby's Dream Buffet is not only an addictive multiplayer bash, but it's intense enough to send the whole NXpress crew into absolute insanity. Eliza and Marc share their in-depth Kirby expertise to analyze exactly what makes this latest spinoff work so well–although, at the end of the day, the real key to Dream Buffet's success is to have a chonky Kirby. Competitive, accessible, strategic, and adorable–Dream Buffet is all these and more! Could this even be the successor to Kirby Air Ride we've been waiting for? The hosts discuss all this, and more–so, so much more.   Between all the Kirby excitement, Cameron also squeezes in an indie spotlight on the physical-only Demon Throttle, a quirky arcade title held back by its somewhat bizarre limited release. And what better way to cap off this unhinged episode than by duking it out in a Dream Buffet battle to end them all–all caught live in the recording, a first for the show! Don't miss this piece of groundbreaking NXpress history! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 0:50 – Main Event: Kirby's Dream Buffet Review “Gourmet Race” – Kirby's Dream Buffet 48:20 – Indie Spotlight: Demon Throttle “Opening Movie” – Kirby's Dream Buffet 1:01:30 – Finale: Kirby's Dream Buffet Ultimate NXpress Showdown “Revenge of Steel Wings” – Kirby's Dream Buffet

One last time: are you really feeling it? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill splat their way into a jam-packed episode full of big reviews and timely discussions. The gang kicks things off by running through all the biggest news from the Splatoon 3 Direct, from vastly expanded Salmon Runs to the new Idol Trio to the latest changes to the turf wars formula. Is it enough of an expansion on Splatoon 2 to merit a sequel? Does that even matter to people who haven't gotten into the series yet? The hosts cover all this and more! But Splatoon 3 offered up only an appetizer for this week's main course: Xenoblade Chronicles 3, a masterful followup to one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. Marc leads the gang in a wide-ranging review of this sprawling epic, revealing how it might just reach the same giddy heights as the original Xenoblade. Whether it be in its dramatic story, in-depth yet accessible combat system, or its bountiful world to explore, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 earns a place as a genuinely essential addition to the Switch library. Ultimately, this threequel managed to do what 2/3 of the podcast thought impossible: recover from the controversial Xenoblade 2. Last but absolutely not least, Cameron shines an indie spotlight on Cult of the Lamb, Devolver Digital's latest experimental, edgy roguelike. As players divide their time between Satanic cult management and roguelike action, Cult of the Lamb strikes a unique balance that might not always work out, but it's definitely a distinctive take on its genre. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 01:20 – Opening: Splatoon 3 Direct Discussion “Drifting Soul Battle” – Xenoblade Chronicles 3 30:48 – Main Event: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Review “Chain Attack” – Xenoblade Chronicles 3 1:04:30 – Indie Spotlight: Cult of the Lamb “Moebius Battle Theme” – Xenoblade Chronicles 3

RPG overload, I choose you! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill return from their brief hiatus for an episode packed to the brim with roleplaying delights. The gang starts out by reacting to the latest Pokemon Presents showcase, which gave us so much more than just an adorable bread dog: alongside a bundle of exhilarating mobile game updates, we also got a deep dive into the fascinating world of Scarlet and Violet with a presentation that might have given us more questions than answers. Will we have access to the legendary Pokémon right from the start? How will the three stories work in the open world environment? Will we ever be able to use the Pokéball Plus controller again? Only time will tell, and there's always time for Game Freak to hurt us again. Next up, we keep the monster-catching fun going by reviewing Coromon, an RPG that takes just a little inspiration from Pokémon. It may not be the most original adventure around, but it's plenty of good fun with beautiful graphics, deep combat, and engaging exploration for those who want a lovely little RPG to tide them over until we're graced with Scarlet and Violent. Last but most definitely not least, Campbell celebrates the lost masterpiece that is Live a Live, the formerly Japan-exclusive RPG that has finally received its international debut with an HD-2D remake. This 1994 classic has not only become one of the most beautiful games on Switch thanks to its stunning graphical upgrade, but the core content shines brighter than ever: this is one of the most inventive RPGs from the genre's golden age in the 90s, and its unconventional gameplay structure and deep worldbuilding still deserve to be played by all genre aficionados. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Opening: Pokémon Presents Reaction “Legendary Battle” – Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Let's Go Eevee 22:50 – Indie Spotlight: Coromon “Dive” – Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire 43:30 – Live a Live Review “Near Future Opening” – Live a Live

Ready for an episode of pure rage? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill embark on an infuriating discussion of some breaking news, celebrate a landmark anniversary, review a traumatizingly adorable indie game, and much more! First thing's first, the gang runs through Nintendo's onslaught of news in the recent drip feed anti-Direct on Twitter, including the surprise announcement of Bayonetta 3's release date, the divisive debut of Daisy as a playable character in Mario Strikers Battle League, and the gameplay deep-dive of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. And of course, we can't miss out on a chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the most controversial mainline Mario game of them all: Super Mario Sunshine. Maybe its controls aren't as intuitive as other Mario titles (at least, according to Campbell), but Sunshine undeniably holds a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere. Next up, after Marc spotlights the wonderful financial ruin that is a Pokemon TCG addiction, Cameron gives the gang a deep dive into the endearingly horrifying survival title Endling – Extinction is Forever. In this entirely fanciful and completely unrealistic fantasy, players control a mother fox guiding her four cubs to safety in a world being eviscerated by global warming and environmental disaster as corporations molest the environment. Thank goodness we'll never have that happen!

Ready for another mouthful? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the jaw-dropping news that not only is there going to be a new Kirby game soon, but it's also set to be the most adorable game of the year. With Kirby's Dream Buffet being announced over Twitter on a random Tuesday morning, it's up to the gang to pick apart every detail of the announcement trailer, theorize what eldritch horrors might await in this Fall Guys-esque multiplayer bash, and predict the exact date and time it will release on the Switch eShop. Kirby fans are eating well this year! But the buffet doesn't stop there, as Marc serves up a delicious last course…Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, to be precise! 2017's Cuphead was beloved for its brutal difficulty and beautiful style, and its ambitious DLC expansion delivers a hearty new serving of all that and more! Could a piece of DLC be one of 2022's best Switch games? Just as punishing yet endearing as ever, The Delicious Last Course could be exactly that. Last up, the gang pursues one of life's most elusive questions: why does the N64 controller look like that? Marc and Cameron share their thoughts on the NSO member-exclusive N64 Switch controller and explore how much it can (and can't) improve the experience of playing N64 game son Switch. In the meantime, Campbell wonders why people ever bothered with this controller to begin with. All this and, as always, so much more! You can listen to our show on Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 01:00 – Kirby's Dream Buffet Reaction “Title Screen” – Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course 21:20 – Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course Review “Bootlegger Boogie” – Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course 48:30 – NSO N64 Controller Impressions “Botanic Panic” – Cuphead  

Time to live the live of a cool kid. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to some breaking Nintendo news, review a lackluster collection, and gush about a promising retro revival. First up, it's time to break down some of the latest and greatest reveals in the world of the Big N–namely, the announcement of a new OLED model special edition and the reveal of an over-the-top LEGO Bowser that might just be the best thing released this year, in general. But then, of course, we can't stay positive for long–it's Klonoa time. Next up, Marc reviews the underwhelming package that is Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series–a collection of two cult-classic Klonoa platformers that may just sport the worst title of a game in recent memory. While this package introduces a few enhancements like HD graphics, it hardly celebrates the franchise the way fans have been wanting, and its additions are barely enough to ease newcomers into this long-running series. But not all hope is lost–for the final segment, the hosts share their thoughts on the recent free demo of Live a Live. This title is not only a remake of a beloved (former Japan-exclusive) Square RPG from 1994, but it is also one of the best showcases of the HD2D art style yet. The demo showcases the game's unique nonlinear storytelling and distinctive art style, so it's safe to say that the gang is already hooked ahead of the game's full release later this month. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Opening: The Mighty LEGO Bowser and Splatoon OLED “Acid Hues” – Splatoon 2 22:20 – Talking Point: Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Review “Windmills” – Klonoa Phantasy Reverie 44:40 – Impressions: Live a Live Demo “Culex” – Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Let's be honest, you never saw it coming. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the latest and greatest Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase of June 2022. It may not have been the E3 blowout most were expecting, but to say that Nintendo brought the goods would be an understatement. The Big N corralled an amazing lineup of third-party development partners with an assortment of big reveals, from well-known fan favorites like Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak to surprise reveals like NieR: Automata. It may not mean much, but this was easily the best Partner Showcase yet–it even managed to make Sonic Forces look good, and that's no mean feat! And this all leads to the news that many have been waiting for since the Switch made its debut way back in 2017: Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are all coming to Switch in the near future. Yes, we know that life will change, and it has changed for the better. The Switch has officially become the best console for JRPGs, such that we spend an exhaustive segment just listing out all the great adventures at home on Nintendo's hybrid platform!         Let's be honest, you never saw it coming. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the latest and greatest Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase of June 2022. It may not have been the E3 blowout most were expecting, but to say that Nintendo brought the goods would be an understatement. The Big N corralled an amazing lineup of third-party development partners with an assortment of big reveals, from well-known fan favorites like Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak to surprise reveals like NieR: Automata. It may not mean much, but this was easily the best Partner Showcase yet–it even managed to make Sonic Forces look good, and that's no mean feat! And this all leads to the news that many have been waiting for since the Switch made its debut way back in 2017: Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are all coming to Switch in the near future. Yes, we know that life will change, and it has changed for the better. The Switch has officially become the best console for JRPGs, such that we spend an exhaustive segment just listing out all the great adventures at home on Nintendo's hybrid platform! That's just some of what the gang explores in this deep-dive discussion of every single announcement from the June Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase! This episode of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED™​, the best company in men's below-the-waist grooming. Use discount code STOMP on your next order at manscaped.com to receive 20% off and free worldwide shipping! You can listen to our show on Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Event: Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase Discussion “Life Goes On” – Persona 5 28:00 – Event: Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase Discussion “Take Over” – Persona 5 Royal  

Cowabunga it is. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the Nintendo Direct that absolutely everyone was waiting for (sarcasm intended) and review what might just be another GotY contender on Switch. The gang starts out by reacting to the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct with a perfectly balanced slate of impressions: whether or not you chose to watch this much-anticipated Direct or you're holding out for that elusive general Direct, the hosts serve up a slate of hot takes for what's sure to be one of the summer's biggest games. After that, it's time for the hosts to dish out the spiciest of takes regarding Aspyr's unpatched, apparently known game-breaking bug that makes it completely impossible to finish the new Switch version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. How did this ever get past QA? As always, let's blame capitalism. Closing things on a much more radical note, the gang grab their pizza and ninja gear to review the long-awaited Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. This beat 'em up from Dotemu and Tribute Games is every bit as good as we'd hoped, and then some: whether you grew up with the Turtles in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s, this bodacious brawler has a little something for everyone (plus one of this year's best soundtracks). It's the perfect multiplayer bash for two thirds of podcast hosts!         Cowabunga it is. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the Nintendo Direct that absolutely everyone was waiting for (sarcasm intended) and review what might just be another GotY contender on Switch. The gang starts out by reacting to the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct with a perfectly balanced slate of impressions: whether or not you chose to watch this much-anticipated Direct or you're holding out for that elusive general Direct, the hosts serve up a slate of hot takes for what's sure to be one of the summer's biggest games. After that, it's time for the hosts to dish out the spiciest of takes regarding Aspyr's unpatched, apparently known game-breaking bug that makes it completely impossible to finish the new Switch version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. How did this ever get past QA? As always, let's blame capitalism.                 Volume 0%                                     Closing things on a much more radical note, the gang grab their pizza and ninja gear to review the long-awaited Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. This beat 'em up from Dotemu and Tribute Games is every bit as good as we'd hoped, and then some: whether you grew up with the Turtles in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s, this bodacious brawler has a little something for everyone (plus one of this year's best soundtracks). It's the perfect multiplayer bash for two thirds of podcast hosts! This episode of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED™​, the best company in men's below-the-waist grooming. Use discount code STOMP on your next order at manscaped.com to receive 20% off and free worldwide shipping! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Opening: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct Discussion “Panic in the Skies” – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge 28:00 – Talking Point: Aspyr and the Game-Breaking KOTOR 2 Glitch 40:00 – Main Event: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Review “Title Theme” – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge  

Ben Esposito Joins NXpress for an Interview! Neons, sinners plucked from hell to do God's dirty work–and half the name of quite an incredible indie game released just last week! You won't find it hard to believe that Donut County director Ben Esposito has come to the NXpress Nintendo Podcast to talk about his newest project Neon White! Of course, we had to try and get him on the show–after all, we did just give his work a lot of high praise and were curious to know more about some of his team's decision-making. Due to time zones and scheduling conflicts though, this episode is a one-on-one sitdown between the director and the reviewer. Cameron and Campbell are not here for this one. In this 35-minute interview, Marc Kaliroff takes a deep dive into Esposito's heaven to discover some of the creation process behind Neon White and what the future holds for its director. What inspired the title's first-person runner gameplay? Was its nonlinearity approach intentional? Will there be a physical copy and can we one day see an anime with the wonderful Steve Blum? Find out answers to all these questions and more in our full interview!   For more from Ben Esposito, be sure to follow him on social media @torahhorse, and check out his other work! To hear Cameron and Campbell talk again soon, don't forget to check out our usual episode that will be released this week too!   You can listen to our show on Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Event: Ben Esposito Interview — Neon White “Glass Ocean” – Neon White This NXpress Nintendo Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED™​, the best company in men's below-the-waist grooming. Use discount code STOMP on your next order at manscaped.com to receive 20% off and free worldwide shipping!

You can feel the Summer Games Fest excitement in the air! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill review what might just be one of the Switch's best new indie games–and one of its so-so sports games. Marc kicks things off with a deep-dive review of Neon White, a stunning first-person runner that defies its genre to present a memorable story and intoxicating gameplay in an experience that's unlike anything else on the platform. Could this be the next big indie hit? Next up, Marc gets ballsy with a review of Mario Strikers: Battle League, the much-anticipated follow-up to the beloved Wii and Gamecube titles that satisfies mechanically, but might be a bit lacking in its content. Strikers might be lacking in the same areas as its other Mario sports counterparts on Switch, but at least its visuals are as stylish as ever and its gameplay as exciting as can be. Maybe all it needs is a playable Daisy… Lastly, Cameron shines a spotlight on Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, a side-scrolling action game that has to be one of the most confusing prequels ever made. While this prequel to the Kickstarter darling Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes may be perplexing at times, its stunning art and action-packed mechanics still offer plenty to love for (prospective) fans of the budding Eiyuden Chronicle franchise.   This episode of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED™​, the best company in men's below-the-waist grooming. Use discount code STOMP on your next order at manscaped.com to receive 20% off and free worldwide shipping! You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:50 – Opening: Neon White Review “Level 19” – Neon White 26:40 – Main Segment: Mario Strikers: Battle League Review “Main Menu” – Mario Strikers: Battle League 49:50 – Indie Spotlight: Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising Review “Super Bell Hill” – Mario Strikers: Battle League

Pour one out for an E3-less E3 season. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill engage in an emotional discussion filled with rage, tears, shock, and amazement–as one does when talking about Nintendo. Marc kicks things off with some impressions of the upcoming Mario Strikers: Battle League, which has genuine potential to be one of the very best Mario sports games on Switch (is that a high bar to surpass? You decide). Next, the gang theorizes what Nintendo might have in store for this anti-E3 season–does the Big N have a showcase up its sleeve, or is that tradition broken forever now? At least we'll always be able to count on Devolver for bringing the goods. After that, it's time for a rage-filled reaction to the latest combat gameplay footage for Sonic Frontiers, which, shockingly, looks horrible. TLDR: it ain't looking good so far. Lastly, Cameron and Campbell close with a very different kind of emotional conversation about Behind the Frame: The Perfect Scenery and Life is Strange: True Colors, two very different Switch games that tug on your heartstrings and tell tear-jerking tales in ways that only video games can.   This episode of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast is brought to you by MANSCAPED™​, the best company in men's below-the-waist grooming. Use discount code STOMP on your next order at manscaped.com to receive 20% off and free worldwide shipping!   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Opening: Mario Strikers: Battle League Preview and E3 Week Discussion “Mario's Theme” – Mario Strikers Charged 16:50 – Talking Point: Sonic Frontiers Combat Doesn't Look Great “Let's Make It!” – Sonic Adventure 2: Battle 26:43 – Indie Spotlight: Behind the Frame Review “Title Theme” – Life is Strange: True Colors

Here at NXpress Towers, we believe in Lechonk supremacy. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill celebrate what would have been the first week of E3 season by sharing a mix of hot takes and first impressions. The hosts kick things off by reacting to the latest trailers for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and, most controversially, Sonic Frontiers. Big shocker: Pokemon is packed with cute pocket monsters that have set Twitter on fire, and Sonic Frontiers has seemingly already botched its massive potential with an extraordinarily underwhelming seven-minute gameplay trailer. In other news: water is wet. After so much breaking news, it's time to go for a blast from the past, so Marc and Campbell give their thoughts on two of the latest retro collections to hit the market. Marc reviews Pac-Man Museum +, which may have a few perplexing design decisions that hamper its convenience and accessibility, but it's still an admirable lineup for fans of one of gaming's most recognizable arcade icons. Next up, Campbell spotlights the Wonder Boy Collection, a compilation of some of the unsung heroes of the platforming history–an excellent lineup for platforming fans, but one that also suffers from some bizarre design decisions. Lastly, it's time for the usual indie spotlight, so Marc and Cameron dive into the darkly aquatic world of Silt. This may be the most terrifying game ever made for thalassophobes, but it's nonetheless an excellent atmospheric adventure for players who've enjoyed titles like INSIDE and Limbo in the past.   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Opening: Pokémon and Sonic Frontiers Preview Discussion “Viridian Forest” – Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Let's Go Eevee 20:20 – Main Event: Pac-Man Museum+ and Wonder Boy Collection Review “Japanese Title Theme” – Pac-Mania 47:20 – Indie Spotlight: Silt Review “Adventure” – Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap  

Make sure your body is ready before listening! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill return from a COVID-induced hiatus to talk the highs and lows of recent Nintendo news. After giving a short and sweet shout out to the expectedly underwhelming additions to NES/SNES online lineup, the gang turns their attention to the one and only Reggie Fils-Aime, former President of Nintendo of America, whose book Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo has just released! Marc gives the hosts the rundown about this book that spills all the Regginator's secrets to effective management and reveals a new side of one of Nintendo's most recognizable icons. Of course, we can't stay positive for too long–that's why Marc and Campbell share their thoughts on the much-anticipated reboot Kao the Kangaroo. While this revival of a beloved franchise from the early 2000s showed much promise early on, the finished product leaves much to be desired: Marc and Campbell are more than happy to talk about how its levels are extremely mundane, its story insufferable, its characters unlikable, and its gameplay almost entirely broken due to a load of glitches, framerate dips, and resolution issues on Switch. It's not even the best marsupial-themed platformer on the console! Closing things out on a better note, Cameron shines an indie spotlight on the adventure game Citizen Sleeper, a narrative-driven sci-fi epic that shatters expectations to deliver one of this year's standout experiences. This is a game where you can have a heart-to-heart with a vending machine, after all–what's not to love?   You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Main Event: Disrupting the Game Review “Main Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past 26:30 – Main Event: Kao the Kangaroo Review “Athletic Theme” – Super Mario World 46:20 – Indie Spotlight: Citizen Sleeper Review “Fairy Fountain” – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past  

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the latest Nintendo Direct, the Indie World showcase of May 2022! Spoiler: no, Hollow Knight Silksong did not make a surprise appearance, much to Twitter's chagrin. But although this may not have been one of Indie World's strongest showings, there's still plenty for the gang to run through: from the oh-so-controversial Ooblets to the curious episodic music adventure We Are OFK, this year's May edition of Indie World offered up plenty for indie fans to dig into. Of course, this begs the inevitable question: with Indie World finished up, what does Nintendo have in store for its next flagship direct? Next up, Marc closes the show with a swansong to the 3DS by reviewing Fragrant Story, a bite-sized SRPG that has the unique honor to be the very last game to ever be released on the console. With this being the last addition to the 3DS' hardware library, the question remains: does Fragrant Story leave the console with a pleasing perfume or a disgusting stench? Marc tells all in a review discussion that might be longer than the game's total playtime…

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill tighten their Joy-Con straps and smash some television sets for Nintendo's latest athletic event, Nintendo Switch Sports! Everyone in the gang has had the chance to spend some time with Nintendo's spiritual successor to the generation-defining Wii Sports, so the show opens with a deep dive into each one of the game's six main attractions. It's certainly not perfect, but each host has had more than their fair share of fun with Switch Sports' range of minigames, from classics like tennis to newcomers like badminton. Bizarre online progression systems aside, there is plenty of fun to be had in this sporty outing. Also, did we mention we really hate the soccer minigame? As is only natural after physical activity, the gang follows up the discussion of Nintendo Switch Sports with an existential crisis. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe has finally dropped on Switch, and the results are just as glorious as ever for this famously fourth-wall-shattering experience–and its new content lives up to the legacy of the original. But of course, the less said about this wild ride of a game, the better–this is one you'll need to experience yourself. The gang closes the show with a quick snack–a Bugsnax, if you will. That's right, it's kinda bug, it's kinda snack, and now it's kinda out on Switch–Marc and Cameron shares their thoughts on the recently released Switch version of Bugsnax, which maintains all of the game's original quirky and weirdly dark humor along with a general solid port, even if it succumbs to a few technical shortcomings. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Main Event: Nintendo Switch Sports Review “Switch Sports Theme” – Nintendo Switch Sports 39:40 – Talking Point: The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Review “Bugsnax Theme” – Bugsnax 53:40 – Indie Spotlight: Bugsnax “Bowling Round 1 Spectator” – Wii Sports  

This is Miyamoto. This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the latest shakeup in Nintendo's release schedule and pour one out for the Mario movie's delay into next Spring. But not long after that, it's off to a galaxy far, far away for a jam-packed Star Wars extravaganza! The gang starts out by reviewing what has to be the most ambitious Lego game in a decade, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Moving on from the simple top-down collectathon format of the previous Lego Star Wars adventures, The Skywalker Saga introduces genuine innovation to the series by repurposing it as a fairly in-depth third-person action game–all without losing the series' signature silly charm, of course. Maybe it didn't completely stick the landing in some sections, but all told, it's an extraordinary treat for longtime Lego lovers and Star Wars fans alike. Marc and Cameron follow this segment up by taking a deep dive into the glorious cheesefest that is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, newly rereleased on Nintendo Switch and other current-gen hardware. It's no Fallen Order, but this last-gen adventure still has plenty to offer with its fantastical power fantasy of force-focused action, plus some surprisingly excellent motion controls on Switch. Will this give Skyward Sword HD a run for its money? Lastly, Cameron closes the show with only the slightest of tonal shifts by discussing his experience playing the adorable cat capitalism simulator, Cat Cafe Manager. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Main Event: Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Review “Tie Fighter Attack” – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope 18:00 – Main Event: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Review “Grevious & the Droids” – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 51:00 – Indie Spotlight: Cate Cafe Manager “The Battle for Naboo” – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill make their grand return from a one-week mental health hiatus for a jam-packed episode. The gang kicks things off by discussing the news that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has received a release date…and it's way sooner than expected! The Xenoblade franchise's third entry is now releasing in July rather than its previously announced September release window, meaning there's. Of course, the question remains: if a delayed game is eventually good and a rushed game is forever bad, what is a game that bumps forward its release date by two months? Only time will tell… Next up, Marc shares his thoughts on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (the movie, not the Sega Genesis classic) and gushes about its humor, cast, and charm. This may just be one of the best video game films ever made–not that that's an especially high bar, but oh well. The gang move on to a more general discussion of the Sonic series after this, sharing their impressions on the masterful Sonic Mania, their desire for more ports of 3D Sonic games, and apprehension for the future of the franchise. But hey, at least there are some good Sega Genesis games on Switch. The hosts close things out by running through a spicy rumor: are Game Boy Advance games coming to Nintendo Switch Online? If rumors are to be believed, we could have an extraordinary lineup of classics heading to the Big N's subscription service soon…although there's no telling how much more we'll have to pay for this expanded expansion pack. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Talking Point: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Release Date “That's The Way I Like It” – Sonic Adventure 2 18:00 – Main Event: Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Movie Review “Emerald Hill Zone Act 1” – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 51:00 – Talking Point 2: GBA Rumors “Seaside Hill” – Sonic Heroes

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim Switch Review This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, Campbell Gill, and Goomba Stomp writer James Cook review what may be the perfect Switch port–13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Before getting to that, though, the hosts react to the long, drawn-out, excruciatingly painful death of E3. With the recent announcement that no in-person or virtual conference will be held this year, does this mean that E3 is finally gone forever? What will the industry look like without the annual summer extravaganza that was E3 in its glory days? The gang has thoughts! Next up, James and Cameron take the spotlight to review the new Switch port of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. One of 2020's best cult classics, 13 Sentinels is a mind-bending experience that defies easy explanation–but that doesn't keep James and Cameron from trying. Between its mech-based combat and extraordinarily in-depth narrative, there's plenty to love in this meaty package–and best of all, it holds up fantastically on Switch. Marc and Cameron close the show with an indie spotlight on the beautiful but underwhelming narrative-driven indie A Memoir Blue, a slender package that may leave players wanting more. You can listen to our show on YouTube |  Stitcher | iTunes |  Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible   Playlist: LFXIV – NXpress Intro 00:43 – Talking Point: E3 2022 Canceled “Brat Overflow” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim 21:10 – Main Event: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim Review “Isoleucine” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim 56:02 – Indie Spotlight: A Memoir Blue “Bright Days Ahead” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim