The NXpress Nintendo Podcast
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Saturday Aug 13, 2022
Saturday Aug 13, 2022
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 Intro01:20 – Opening: Splatoon 3 Direct Discussion“Drifting Soul Battle” – Xenoblade Chronicles 330:48 – Main Event: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Review“Chain Attack” – Xenoblade Chronicles 31:04:30 – Indie Spotlight: Cult of the Lamb“Moebius Battle Theme” – Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
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!
Sunday Jul 10, 2022
Sunday Jul 10, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Opening: The Mighty LEGO Bowser and Splatoon OLED“Acid Hues” – Splatoon 222:20 – Talking Point: Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Review“Windmills” – Klonoa Phantasy Reverie44:40 – Impressions: Live a Live Demo“Culex” – Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 291: Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase June 2022 Reactions
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Event: Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase Discussion“Life Goes On” – Persona 528:00 – Event: Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase Discussion“Take Over” – Persona 5 Royal
Saturday Jun 25, 2022
Saturday Jun 25, 2022
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.
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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 Intro00:43 – Opening: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct Discussion“Panic in the Skies” – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge28:00 – Talking Point: Aspyr and the Game-Breaking KOTOR 2 Glitch40:00 – Main Event: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Review“Title Theme” – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 289: Ben Esposito Talks Neon White
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – 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!
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 288: + Neon White Reviews!
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
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 Intro00:50 – Opening: Neon White Review“Level 19” – Neon White26:40 – Main Segment: Mario Strikers: Battle League Review“Main Menu” – Mario Strikers: Battle League49:50 – Indie Spotlight: Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising Review“Super Bell Hill” – Mario Strikers: Battle League
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Main Event: Disrupting the Game Review“Main Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past26:30 – Main Event: Kao the Kangaroo Review“Athletic Theme” – Super Mario World46:20 – Indie Spotlight: Citizen Sleeper Review“Fairy Fountain” – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past
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…
Wednesday May 04, 2022
NXpress Nintendo Podcast 283: Nintendo Switch Sports Review!
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
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 Intro00:43 – Main Event: Nintendo Switch Sports Review“Switch Sports Theme” – Nintendo Switch Sports39:40 – Talking Point: The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Review“Bugsnax Theme” – Bugsnax53:40 – Indie Spotlight: Bugsnax“Bowling Round 1 Spectator” – Wii Sports