The NXpress Nintendo Podcast

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 326: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Review!

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 Intro0:39 – Opening: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4 Discussion & Review“Yoshi’s Island” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe30:40 – Main Event: Dredge Review“Waluigi Stadium” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe50:00 – Indie Spotlight: Storyteller Review“Singapore” – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 325: Metroid Fusion and Metroid Prime Remastered!

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 Intro0:39 – Main Event: Metroid Fusion Switch Online Review“Theme of Samus Aran” – Metroid Dread47:00 – Main Event: Metroid Prime Remastered Review“Main Menu” –Metroid Prime Remastered

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 324: The Octopath Traveler II Review Extravaganza!

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 Intro0:39 – Talking Point: Splatoon 3 DLC Wave 1 Review“Cait Battle” – Octopath Traveler II12:00 – Main Event: Octopath Traveler II Review“Main Theme” –Octopath Traveler II109:00 – Talking Point: Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse Review“Training” – Luigi’s Mansion

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 323: Pokemon Presents 2023 Reactions and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review

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 Intro0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Presents Reactions“Cookie Country” – Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe27:00 – Main Event: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review“King Dedede Theme” – Kirby’s Return to Dream land Deluxe

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 322: Theatrhythm Final Bar Line and Grim Guardian: Demon Purge Reviews

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 Intro0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Day Predictions“The Prelude” – Final Fantasy X17:00 – Main Event: Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Impressions“Beginning [Level 1]” – Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse
 
 

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 321: Celebrating Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games on Switch!

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 Intro0:39 – Talking Point: Pokemon Day Predictions“Pokémon Stadium” – Super Smash Bros. Melee17:00 – Main Event: Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Impressions“Preparing For The Journey” – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 320: February 2023 Nintendo Direct Reactions!

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!
 

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 319: Fire Emblem Engage and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake Reviews!

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 Intro0:39 – Main Event: Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Reviews“Stadium Rave A” – SpongeBob SquarePants23:00 – Main Event Continued: Social Links and More!“Fire Emblem Theme” – Fire Emblem Engage

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 318: The Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden Switch Port Extravaganza

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 Intro0:39 – Main Event: Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Reviews“Opening Theme” – Persona 4 Golden44:00 – Main Event Continued: Social Links and More!“Pursuing My True Self” – Persona 4 Golden

NXpress Nintendo Podcast 317: Tales from the Backlog 2023 Edition + Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Review

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 Intro0:39 – Main Event: Tales From the Backlog: What We Played Recently“File Select” – The Legends of Zelda: Link’s Awakening1:00:30 – Indie Spotlight: Lone Ruin & Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider“Title” – The Legends of Zelda: Link’s Awakening