The NXpress Nintendo Podcast
Legend of Zelda
Episodes
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
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 Intro0:39 – Opening: eShop Closure Discussion & Review“Kass Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild30:40 – Main Event: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Reveal“Calamity Ganon Phase 2” – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 320: February 2023 Nintendo Direct Reactions!
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
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!
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 313: Wind Waker Turns 20!
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
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 Intro0:39 – Main Event: Zelda Memories and The Wind Waker’s 20th“Title” – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker35:00 – What We Have Been Playing: N64 Expansion Pak“White Land” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Review
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link was an incredibly assured attempt to rewrite the rules of the entire series. Unfortunately, most people just don’t like change and because it was different and harder than the original, many fans of the series hated the entry. Fast forward more than two decades and we decided to revisit the black sheep of the Zelda family. What follows is a segment from episode 46 of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast in which Ricky, Patrick, Tim, and Arron got into a heated argument about the merits of Zelda II. Enjoy!
You can also listen to our show on Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio| Player FM | Amazon Audible
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 241: Skyward Sword HD Review
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill take flight on their loftwings as they review Skyward Sword HD. Long regarded as the black sheep of the Zelda franchise, Skyward Sword has seen a bevy of quality-of-life enhancements and improvements that aim to relieve the tedium of the experience. But do those changes manage to remove the frustration of the motion controls or excessive tutorials? Perhaps Skyward Sword doesn’t provide the same grand adventure as Breath of the Wild, but in terms of its story, dungeons, and world, there’s nothing quite like it in the series–and there’s never been a better way to play it!
Next up, the gang switches gears to speculate one of the most surprisingly exciting announcements in recent years–Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl. This crossover fighter looks to be no mere licensed cash grab and instead shows potential to be a genuinely viable fighting game and a love letter to classic toons. With that in mind, the hosts take turns predicting who will make it into the roster. Which icon of kids’ TV will find a spot in the upcoming brawler? Maybe one of the hosts has the answer!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:40 – Main Event: Skyward Sword HD Review“Ballad of The Goddess” from Zelda & Chill – Mikel & GameChops43:00 – Talking point: Nickelodeon All-star Brawl Roster Predictions“Title Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Time to return to the hunt! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill dive into Capcom’s latest roleplaying adventure on Switch, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. Before that, though, the gang has a heated discussion on a divisive topic: should Super Mario 64 be worth $1.5 million? Maybe it’s capitalism, maybe it’s resellers, or maybe it’s auction house patrons with too much money on their hands–whatever the reason, there’s no denying that retro games are getting harder to find and even harder to afford.
As their temperaments settle a bit, Marc gives the hosts a comprehensive look at Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin in the Main Event. Blending monster-slaying action of Capcom’s multiplayer blockbuster with the intricate roleplaying combat of Xenoblade Chronicles or Final Fantasy X, Monster Hunter Stores 2 thrives in its elegant yet versatile combat system. Things may not fare so well outside of battle, but if you can put up with some subpar performance or excessive cat puns (which really sound pawful), then there’s plenty of fun to be had with you and your monsties. Marc continues to hold the stage for the Indie Games Spotlight, gushing about Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective–a puzzle title that might just be the very finest video game adaptation of a book ever made.
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:42 – Nintendosage: The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario 64 auction prices“Title Theme” – Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin16:20 – Main Event: Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Review“Astera” – Monster Hunter World44:04 – Indie Spotlight: Labyrinth City: Pierre the maze Detective“Proof of a Hero” – Monster Hunter Stories
Saturday Jul 10, 2021
Saturday Jul 10, 2021
You’ll pro-bably want to tune in to this one! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the announcement of the Switch OLED Model – likely the closest thing we’ll ever get to the fabled “Switch Pro.” Just what is this new addition to the Switch family? Is it worth the $50 price increase? Does it come anywhere close to the lofty hopes and dreams that fans had for a Pro model? The hosts break down all these questions and more as they discuss this random bombshell announcement from the Big N, even if it’s become something of a joke.
Next up, Campbell takes the host back to Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity with a spotlight on its first round of DLC, The Pulse of the Ancients. Providing plenty of absurd thrills with over-the-top new weapons, blood-pumping new boss battles, and a gloriously extravagant new playable character, Pulse of the Ancients provides a welcome excuse for players to jump back into Nintendo and Koei Tecmo’s latest hack and slasher. Lastly, Cameron provides an indie spotlight for Boomerang X, the latest first-person action title from Devolver Digital that represents a rare example of a game that’s ok to judge by its cover–what you see is what you get with this concise thriller, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:40 – Main Event: Nintendo Switch OLED Model Discussion“Title Theme” – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity26:02 – Talking Point: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Pulse of the Ancients Review“The Knight Who Seals The Darkness” – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity45:18 – Indie Spotlight: Boomerang X“Battle – Hyrule Field” – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 212: Best Games of the Year and a Toast to the Indies of 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, the next generation of hosts, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill end the year off by recapping Goomba Stomp’s best of the year lists as they prepare what next year has to offer. Before getting to the main event, the three have a chat about some of their most anticipated titles releasing towards the beginning of 2021 including Persona 5: Scramble, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Shin Megami Tensei V.
Getting into the majority of the show, Cameron leads the other hosts into breaking down Goomba Stomp’s top 22 games released this year. From Paper Mario: The Origami King to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition the game of the year list is compiled by staff writer votes containing all sorts of expected and unexpected titles. Which developer’s game has the staff nominated for this year’s most pristine title? You may just be surprised to find out which entries made their way into the ranks in this massive collaboration.
To wrap things up with the usual spotlight, Cameron, Marc, and Campbell send some shoutouts to some of this year’s finest Indie titles that previously went unmentioned. While there is no concrete ranking for this particular 2020 list of independent creations from Goomba Stomp’s staff, there are certainly dozens of games to credit across the industry. Whether you have your head deep in the story of Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling or are enjoying that sweet taste of victory in a round of Cake Bash, leave it to the smaller studios to help provide the industry with the greatest amount of variety.
You can listen to our show on Stitcher, iTunes, Podbean, Spotify, Listen Notes, iHeartRadio, or simply click the play button here. Enjoy and have a happy holiday!
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity Review
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, the next generation of hosts, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill, approach the upcoming holiday season with their latest batch of ideas, reviews, and impressions for listeners. Starting things off, the cast dives right in to discuss some stocking stuffing-sized gifts including memberships and games to grab before the season of sales comes to end and the days of giving fully sets in motion.
In the main feast of the show, Cameron delves into the commendable online streaming version of Control, while Campbell gushes about The Legend of Zelda’s greatest spin-off yet with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. To end things off before the usual Indie Games Spotlight featuring the tasty party favor treat Cake Bash, Marc has some rather mixed thoughts to provide the others with after experiencing the first few hours of Ubisoft’s new Immortals Fenyx Rising releasing next month.
You can listen to our show on Stitcher, iTunes, Podbean, Spotify, Listen Notes, iHeartRadio, or simply click the play button below. Enjoy!
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress IntroNintendosage: Games to gift this holiday season and thoughts on the Switch’s streaming version of Control from Remedy Entertainment.Super Mario Odyssey soundtrack: Shiveria TownMain Event: Review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and first impressions of Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx RisingBreath of the Wild soundtrack: Main ThemeBonus Content: Cake Bash takes this week’s Indie SpotlightCake Bash soundtrack: Main Theme from Announcement Trailer
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
NXpress Nintendo Podcast: How the Pandemic is Shaping the Future of Nintendo
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
Tim and Rick are back after taking some time off and joining them to talk about all things Nintendo is Goomba Stomp editor, Campbell Gill.
In this episode, the boys discuss the future of Nintendo and how the current COVID-19 pandemic might be changing Nintendo’s release schedule and the company’s marketing.
Also, on tap is a review of Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time, which adapts Genndy Tartakovsky’s masterful TV series in a new, three-dimensional light. According to Campbell, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is a welcome opportunity to revisit fan-favorite scenes in a fun, if unremarkable, action-packed romp.
In addition, the gang talks about the recent Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary news as well as the announcement of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
All this and more.