The NXpress Nintendo Podcast
Switch 2.0
Episodes
Sunday May 15, 2022
Sunday May 15, 2022
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…
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Main Event: Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Review“Tie Fighter Attack” – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope18:00 – Main Event: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Review“Grevious & the Droids” – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith51:00 – Indie Spotlight: Cate Cafe Manager“The Battle for Naboo” – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Talking Point: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Release Date“That’s The Way I Like It” – Sonic Adventure 218:00 – Main Event: Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Movie Review“Emerald Hill Zone Act 1” – Sonic the Hedgehog 251:00 – Talking Point 2: GBA Rumors“Seaside Hill” – Sonic Heroes
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Talking Point: E3 2022 Canceled“Brat Overflow” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim21:10 – Main Event: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim Review“Isoleucine” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim56:02 – Indie Spotlight: A Memoir Blue“Bright Days Ahead” – 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Friday Apr 01, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 279: Ranking Every Kirby Game, Ever
Friday Apr 01, 2022
Friday Apr 01, 2022
Ready for the most contentious episode in NXpress history? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, Campbell Gill, and special guest host Eliza from Kirby Informer answer the question that’s been burning on everyone’s minds this week: what’s the best Kirby game ever made? With superfans Marc and Eliza on the show, this isn’t an easy question to answer.
Covering mainline and spinoff games alike, Marc runs through his hyper-controversial list of the Pink Puff’s greatest and not-so-greatest adventures. This isn’t without some turmoil though – Eliza, Campbell, and Cameron make sure to let Marc know when he’s been objectively incorrect about something. After all, we all know that Kirby’s Epic Yarn is undoubtedly the best game in the series…right? Tune in to find out what game comes out on top!
Best of all, this is only part of this week’s Kirby bonanza on NXpress. If you still have an appetite for some Kirby goodness, make sure to check out our in-depth review discussion of Kirby and the Forgotten Land!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 276: A Smorgasbord of Reviews!
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill wade their way through this month’s busy release schedule with a review-packed extravaganza! Marc gets the party started on a dour note by reviewing Chocobo GP on Switch, a kart racer that had the potential to rival Mario Kart 8 but instead has had its feathers plucked through Square Enix’s absurd insistence on microtransactions.
Marc follows that up with some more positive impressions of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, a treat for Persona fans that may just be one of the best fighting games on Switch. Of course, with this being the sequel to the first Persona 4 Arena and a companion piece to Persona 4, it begs the natural question: what’s the point of it being on Switch? The world may never know–but in the meantime, the gang holds out hope for Atlus to spare us a Persona 4-shaped crumb on Switch.
In the final set of reviews, Cameron shares his thoughts on the classic point-and-click adventure game Primordia, which has just recently launched on Switch. Even with some unintuitive design choices, the game still thrives in its art direction and world design–two must-haves for any good point-and-click title. Marc then closes out the show with his thoughts on the Indian Jones-themed board added to Pinball FX3, a game that’s sure to delight arcade game fans!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:43 – Main event: Chocobo GP and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax“Aria of the Soul” – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate38:40 – Main Event: Primordia and Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure“Break Out of…” – Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Friday Mar 11, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 275: Should Triangle Strategy Put You to Sleep?
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Triangle Strategy Impressions
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill share their thoughts on some of the biggest recent Switch releases and look ahead to the inevitable Game of the Year. Cameron and Marc kick things off by sharing their early impressions of Triangle Strategy, the latest brilliantly named HD-2D experience from Square Enix. The question soon arises: is Triangle Strategy poised to be the long-awaited spiritual successor to Final Fantasy Tactics, or is it more like the Silmarillion of the strategy genre? Its extraordinarily slow pace and exposition-heavy dialogue might make the hosts’ eyelids heavy, but they hold out hope for it to pick up the tension later in the campaign.
The show takes a detour to a therapy session as Campbell airs his grievances about the extraordinarily disappointing action game, Aztech Forgotten Gods. This game might have demonstrated so much potential back in its early announcement trailers, but the finished product squanders all its ambition through a dreary open world, rough combat system, and an excruciatingly heavy-handed narrative. And that’s not mentioning how hideous it is on Switch–take a look at the screenshot at the bottom of this post to see the horrors for yourself, although we take no responsibility for any trauma that may ensue.
After all the disappointments in the show so far, the hosts cleanse their palattes to discuss what is sure to be 2022’s greatest game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Cameron, Marc, and Campbell sure have a mouthful of praise for the game’s recent demo on Switch!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:43 – Main event: Triangle Strategy Impressions“Main Theme” – Triangle Strategy29:30 – Indie Spotlight: Aztech Forgotten Gods Rant“Menu Theme” – Kirby and the Rainbow Curse46:30 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land Impressions“The Rest Area” – Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 274: Should We Be Excited for Pokémon Gen 9?
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Industry oversaturation, I choose you! This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill react to the announcement of Pokémon Gen 9, discuss the spiciest reincarnation of Switch Pro rumors, discuss Nintendo’s implementation of a trophy-esque rewards system for Switch Online, and review the adventure of a very good dog.
Starting things out with the recent Pokémon Presents showcase, the gang runs through the event’s many minor announcements (who could forget the 2.5-year anniversary of Pokémon Masters EX?) before getting to the real main event: the reveal of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, set for release later this year. Of course, with only a month passed since the launch of Pokémon Legends Arceus, the schedule of Gen 9 leads the hosts to ask the natural question: do we even need these games in 2022? The hosts have more than a few mixed feelings, but the powers of apple dinosaur and pompa-duck may win them over for the next generation of pocket-monster-catching after all.
With everyone’s Pokémon rants out of the way, the gang discusses the recent datamine hinting at the existence of a Switch Pro, suggesting that a hardware revision for Nintendo’s hybrid wonder might be in the works after all–and in other news, water is wet. This naturally leads the boys to share their thoughts on Nintendo’s recently announced missions and rewards system for Switch Online, which might not be as robust as the trophy and achievements systems on other platforms, but could still provide a healthy incentive to return to some of NSO’s legacy content.
Wrapping things up on an uplifting note, the gang gushes over Grapple Dog, an adorable and acrobatic platformer where you can pet the dog. Really, that’s all that needs to be said.
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:52 – Main event: Pokémon Presents and Gen 9 Reactions“Burning Battlefield” – Pokémon Season 131:20 – Switch Pro Rumors + NSO Missions and Rewards System Discussions“Bonneton” – Super Mario Odyssey43:30 – Indie Games Spotlight – Grapple Dog“Proceed” – Grapple Dog
Friday Feb 25, 2022
Friday Feb 25, 2022
Burrow into a sneak peek at the next original IP from the makers of Shovel Knight!
Running on burrowed time? This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill are joined by Yacht Club Games marketing manager (and friend of the show) Celia Schilling to discuss all things Mina the Hollower!
The development team behind epoch-defining Shovel Knight are back with an all-new Zelda-like adventure in Mina, and Celia is here to guide the gang through everything this upcoming Kickstarter-funded title has to offer. Touting the passion that went into every part of the game, Celia peels back the curtain on the development processes and ideas behind the release.
In between Cameron and Campbell gushing about their experience playing an early demo of the game, Celia offers an in-depth look into the creation of Mina the Hollower: how does Yacht Club balance difficulty? Will Mina be coming to Switch? How dark will the story get? And most importantly, what cool Mina merch can fans expect? Celia addresses all these questions and more in this wide-ranging interview!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:52 – Main event: An Interview with Celia Schilling on Mina the Hollower40:20 – Indie Games Spotlight“Trailer theme” – Mina the Hollower
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 272: In Loving Memory, Wii U and 3DS eShop
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
Wii U and 3DS eShop Closure Reactions
This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill pour one out for the end of an era. With Nintendo having recently announced the effective end of the Wii U and 3DS eShops, the hosts open the show by taking some time to reflect on the long-term impact of this decision: not only does this hammer the final nail in the coffin of Nintendo’s ill-fated last generation, but it also spells the end of the long-running Virtual Console. Will Switch Online ever fill the VC-shaped hole in our hearts? At least Nintendo provided a neat site to recall your Wii U and 3DS memories…
Next up, Marc gives the hosts a rundown of The Cuphead Show! and its disappointing adaptation of the Cuphead universe for the silver screen. Its animation may be beautiful, but it seems like not even Wayne Brady as King Dice can save this show and its crippling lack of substance.
Lastly, the hosts close things out with a good old-fashioned indie spotlight on Infernax, a brutal yet infectiously fun retro action platformer, and Ocean’s Heart, a Link to the Past-esque adventure game that’s sure to scratch that Zelda itch. With some impressions of the Switch port of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments thrown in for good measure, the show ends with a well-rounded spotlight indeed!
You can listen to our show on YouTube | Stitcher | iTunes | Podbean | Spotify | Listen Notes | iHeartRadio | Player FM | Amazon Audible
Playlist:LFXIV – NXpress Intro00:52 – Opening topic: Wii U and 3DS eShop Closure Reactions“Floral Furry” – Cuphead23:40 – The Cuphead Show! Review“Botanic Panic” – Cuphead40:20 – Indie Games Spotlight“Ruse of an Ooze” – Cuphead