Sure, we may have recorded before yesterday's Nintendo Direct, but that just means we had more time to talk Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE, read up on the latest Monster Hunter Wilds news, and get a 10-minute two-minute history lesson on the origins of the Metal Max franchise.

 

Time — Topic Discussed

01:57 — Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
35:12 — Metal Max
42:20 — News: Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update, Game Informer returns, and more!

Pull up a slab of cheese nan and dig in to a full episode of (what else?) Monster Hunter Wilds, as the team Gears-of-War-slow-walks you through our first few days with the game.

 

Time — Topic Discussed

01:50 — Nicknames
04:33 — Monster Hunter Wilds
58:05 — News: Monster Hunter Wilds breaks records, Clovers, and Death Stranding 2

Enjoy the final pod before we go Wild on the new Monster Hunter with…well, MHW review talk! Also solid chatter on some older and / or semi-obscure Japanese gems because, hey, it’s us.

Time — Topic Discussed

01:00 — Nicknames
10:08 — Monster Hunter Wilds Review Recap
23:25 — Resident Evil Remastered
32:05 — Grandia
37:24 — Stray Children
44:00 — News: Shuhei Yoshida, NetEase, Monolith closing, and more!

We did it

We finally outsmarted Nintendo

And all it cost us was…everything

 

Time — Topic Discussed

02:20 – Switch 2!!

We've barely recovered from our New Year's hangovers, but we're already back and hard at work for you, dear listener, with a brand new ep, recorded live and in person in the year of our lord 202—what’s that? We're out of space? Uh...special Q&A ep—enjoy!

 

Time — Topic Discussed

03:36 – Listener Questions

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue (localization CONTROVERSY!), PC Engine obscurities (the BEST game you NEVER HEARD OF!!), and checking in on Dragon Quest III HD-2D (Gabe's take will SHOCK you!!!) #smashlike #subscribe #hitthebell

 

Time — Topic Discussed

00:55 – Nicknames
14:57 – PC-FX Talk
22:35 – Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
27:56 – Lunar 2: Eternal Blue
35:37 – Alarmo Minute
40:54 – News: Alarmo stock, Shuhei Yoshida leaves PlayStation, and more!

Join us as we journey to Aliahan (DQ3 HD-2D Remake), the Soviet Union (Tetris Forever), Hokkaido (To the North), Geoff Keighley’s basement (Game Awards Nominations), and deep Kyoto for more tales from the Nintendo Museum!

Time — Topic Discussed

01:15 – Nicknames
15:26 – Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
38:00 – Tetris Forever
55:27 – News: FF14 mobile announced, Game Awards nominees, and more!

All killa no filla: Metaphor, Monster Hunter Wilds, Nintendo Music app, Vampire Survivors' Castlevania DLC, Pokémon TCG Pocket, Switch 2 news and more!

00:57 – Nicknames
04:32 – Pokémon TCG Pocket
17:56 – Monster Hunter Wilds
44:38 – Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania
49:58 – Metaphor: ReFantazio
56:10 – News: Switch 2 backwards compatibility, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and more!

Rise and shine, kids—Halloween’s on the way, but not before we dabble in first impressions of Silent Hill 2, last (?) impressions of Echoes of Wisdom, and the start of our ongoing coverage of Nintendo’s hot new hardware! (Alarmo, duh.)

Time — Topic Discussed

01:06 – Nicknames
14:46 – Silent Hill 2 remake
24:12 – The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
42:10 – Lunar: Silver Star Story
49:42 – World of Warcraft
56:30 – Nintendo Alarmo
1:20:37 – News: Sakurai’s Creating Games concludes, an EGM Kickstarter, and more!

The TGS dust has settled and it's back to normal over here—normal as in, Nintendo announcing stuff mere hours after we record. We'll have to hit snooze on the alarm clock chatter, but we can try and keep you awake with thoughts on Echoes of Wisdom, Until Dawn, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and some news instead??

 

Time — Topic Discussed

00:52 — Nicknames
12:16 — The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
26:12 — Metaphor ReFantazio impressions
28:18 — Until Dawn impressions
35:03 — News: Halo, UBISOFT, 8-4's birthday and more!

Tokyo Game Show! State of Play! Monster Hunter Wilds! Pirates in Hawaii! Metal Gear Delta! Tons of special guests! Exclamation Points!

Time — Topic Discussed

01:49 — Nicknames
06:05 — Show Floor Impressions
12:38 — Neva
15:56 — Demonschool
20:23 — Love Eternal & Nightmare Operator
24:16 — Professor Layton & Inazuma Eleven
29:30 — Monster Hunter Wilds
41:21 — Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Space Marine 2, Dome-King Cabbage & Sonic Rumble
59:22 — Clock Tower: Rewind
1:01:37 — Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake & Monster Hunter Wilds
1:15:03 — Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
1:23:54 — News: State of Play, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed, and more!
2:04:53 — TGS Merch Hauls

You take the old (Dragon Slayer, Aria of Sorrow), you take the new (Astro Bot, UFO 50), you speculate and talk some news (PS5 Pro, Palworld litigation, new Switch rumors, etc.)--the podcast life. (repeat) The podcast life~ ♪

01:11 — Nicknames
06:00 — Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
16:20 — ASTRO BOT
26:36 — The Hokkaido Serial Murder Case: The Okhotsk Disappearance ~Memories in Ice, Tearful Figurine~
35:04 — UFO 50
38:38 — Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes
41:56 — News: PS5 Pro, Switch 2 rumors, Nintendo sues Pocket Pair, and more!

Castlevanias! Eldens Rings! Some random Dragon Ball game! Nintendo stuff, oh yes! Concord stoppage, oh no! Hey! Listen!!

Time — Topic Discussed

01:46 — Nicknames
10:57 — Castlevania Dominus Collection
20:14 — Elden Ring
32:50 — DRAGON BALL PROJECT: Multi
34:19 — News: Nintendo Indie World/Partner Direct recap, Sony price hike, and more!

A news-heavy episode on all the happenings out of Gamescom (ok mostly just Monster Hunter Wilds, 'cause hey, it's us) and extended thoughts on the Nintendo Museum (again, what did you expect?).

 

01:15 – Nicknames

08:47 – News: Gamescom, the Nintendo Museum, and more!

 

Pour a tall glass of lemonade and join us on the porch for lazy summer ramblings re: Monster Hunter Wilds, the new season of Apex Legends, and various other bits of "trash talk."

 

Time — Topic Discussed

01:06 – Nicknames
16:46 – Apex Legends
26:55 – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
35:00 – Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
50:03 – News: Bungie, Game Informer, and some Monster Hunter Wilds

A bit of BitSummit, more Erdtree gab, Power Pros baseball banter, Nintendo World Championships chat, and (most importantly!) Garigari-kun and other tips on how to beat the Tokyo summer heat.

Time — Topic Discussed

00:46 — Nicknames
17:10 — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
34:10 — Powerful Pro Baseball 2024-2025
38:12 — News: EVO, Emio revealed, Halo TV show cancelled, and more!
53:07 — Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (and more news!)

More of our (mostly spoiler-free) ongoing Elden Ring DLC discussion, including difficulty (or lack thereof?), vertically-challenged maps, and messaging etiquette — served up with a side of news.

Time — Topic Discussed

09:04 — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
1:08:30 — Zenless Zone Zero
1:11:04 — Pikmin 4
1:14:00 — News: GamePass price hike, Nintendo teases Emio, and more!

How do you pronounce “Scadutree”? Where the hell is your horse?! Wait, they fixed the map button?!? Enjoy the first of (no doubt) many Shadow of the Erdtree discussions, spoiler-free-ish. Plus: Nintendo Direct thoughts in News.

 

Time — Topic Discussed

01:00 — Nicknames
04:48 — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
01:02:09 — News: Nintendo’s June Direct, and more!

Sure, we'll talk about the heaps of new games shown at State of Play, Summer Game Fest, Xbox Games Showcase, and Day of the Devs - but first let us ruminate on Symphony of the Night, Rondo of Blood, more PC-FX stuff you've never heard of, and Alan Wake's new Night Springs DLC. What is a man, you ask? Tune in to find out!

Time — Topic Discussed

00:40 — Nicknames
07:08 — PC-FX & PC-Engine
16:36 — Castlevania & Super Metroid
41:33 — Alan Wake 2: Night Springs DLC
48:28 — 1000xRESIST
54:56 — Elden Ring
1:00:22 — News: Not-E3 highlights, PSVR2 adapter, and more!

Party up like it's 1981 as the crew delves deep into the new Wizardry remake, then straps on their Varia Suits to briefly revisit Super Metroid before wrapping up with Hellblade 2 thoughts, Square Enix news, Summer Game Fest predictions, and more.

00:37 — Nicknames
19:43 — Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
41:04 — Super Metroid
55:28 — Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
1:01:41 — News: Dragon Quest 3 remake, Square Enix sales expectations, Summer Game Fest, and more!

In this house we talk about video games: Animal Well, Another Crab’s Treasure, and Stellar Blade, to name a few, as well as Switch 2 rumors and more in the news.

Time — Topic Discussed

01:38 — Nicknames
17:25 — Animal Well
34:00 — Stellar Blade
46:12 — Another Crab's Treasure
54:49 — News: Super Famicom prototype, Microsoft, Assassin's Creed comes to Japan, and more!

With the gang trapped in the old hotel meat locker, they have no choice but to answer listener questions until a kindly old psychic lets them out. Oh wait, am I... I might be thinking of The Shining.

 

Time — Topic Discussed

03:30 – Nicknames
10:32 – Hades II impressions
17:17 – Listener Q&A

17-Bit buddy Jake Kazdal joins us for his umpteenth 8-4 Play appearance to talk Dragon's Dogma 2 and update us on his Tears of the Kingdom journey, while Gabe dives deep into the wild and wonderful life of robot beavers.

Time — Topic Discussed

01:19 – Nicknames
07:36 – Dragon’s Dogma 2
16:08 – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
29:27 – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
33:02 – Timberborn
42:02 – News: Wii U & 3DS go offline, Final Fantasy news, Pokémon hacker arrested, and more!

We dragged Roy away from Dragon's Dogma 2 just long enough to get the rest of us psyched about making pawns of our own someday...once we finish FF7 Rebirth, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, and Dermot's deathly planking drills, that is. Plus news!

Time — Topic Discussed

00:53 – Nicknames
11:24 – Dragon’s Dogma 2
26:39 – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
48:02 – Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road beta
56:43 – News: Final Fantasy VI turns 30, PlayStation rumors, and more!

Sakura buds yet / Play shy, and yet here the games / Blossom for us all / Mars After Midnight / PC-FX Weebo shit / Sand Land / Rando news / You can stop counting syllables

 

Time — Topic Discussed

01:17 – Nicknames
15:20 – Cavern of Dreams
21:14 – Sand Land demo
27:04 – Dragon Quest XI
29:17 – JP’s new PC-FX
38:34 – Mars After Midnight
56:22 – Llama Soft: The Jeff Minter Story
1:06:10 – News: PS5 Pro Leaks, Shin Megami Tensei V release date bumped, and more!

Four out of five 8-4 Play podcasters agree--to disagree, that is, about the early hours of FF7 Rebirth. Park yourself at the nearest Chocobo Stop and tune in for a Tight 56 of first impressions as well as all the news that’s fit to…fit in the last 15 minutes or so.

Time — Topic Discussed

00:50 — Nicknames
06:36 — Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
39:13 — News: Pokémon Presents, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth disc labels, Mar10 Day rumors, and more!

The future waits for no one, including Nintendo Directs and shit-hot Elden Ring DLC trailers, so take a trip backwards through time with us as we kick off with thoughts on both of the above, then wind the clocks back one night to talk about (older) news, games we've been playin', and predictions for...the part of the podcast you already heard in the first half? It'll all make sense, trust us.

Time — Topic Discussed

01:39 — Nicknames
04:54 — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree trailer impressions
20:10 — Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase
41:40 — News: Microsoft Business Update, Helldivers 2, Switch 2 rumors, and more!
1:07:52 — Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
1:13:47 — Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth demo
1:20:11 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
1:24:22 — Neutopia
1:26:16 — Apex: Legends
1:30:02 — Sonic Superstars

Zip around town on your two-wheeled, self-balancing transporter of choice while we engage in our own high-speed chitter-chatter about Tekken 8, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, FF7: Rebirth, Microsoft and Nintendo rumors, and, well, ya know…that kinda stuff!

Time — Topic Discussed

00:50 — Nicknames
10:12 — Tekken 8
20:45 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
32:19 — Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth State of Play Impressions
37:46 — Gran Blue Fantasy: Relink
42:24 — News: State of Play, Microsoft rumors, Switch 2 rumors, and more!

Jeopardy categories for this episode: Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, 8-4 Play Alumni, Twilight Fan Fiction, Palworld, Weeaboo Nintendo Franchises, and Potent Portables.

Time — Topic Discussed

01:03 — Nicknames
08:57 — Welcome Back, Dermot!
19:22 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
32:50 — Star Ocean The Second Story R
35:39 — Another Code: Recollection
38:22 — Palworld
54:31 — News: AGDQ, Foamstars Launches, Elden Ring DLC, and more!

Brand new year, same old crew...or is it?! Tune in for the exciting details of our high-octane holidays, plus random talk about hot new releases like FF14, Cyberpunk 2077, Project Zomboid, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (yeah, the first one). No Gabe, no news, no promises!

Time — Topic Discussed

01:14 — Holiday Recap
21:51 — Project Zomboid
30:32 — Final Fantasy XIV
32:52 — Baldur’s Gate 3
50:40 — Apex Legends
56:06 — Cyberpunk 2077
1:05:58 — Too Many Games

You know the way you feel about work or school that last day before the holidays? This is that feeling in podcast form. (PS: The answer to Mark’s TG-16 R-Type credit Q is in the podcast image.)

 

Time — Topic Discussed

04:03 — Nicknames
10:28 — Some Christmas Stories
24:08 — Dodonpachi and Radiant Silvergun
32:59 — News: L is Real 2401, Last of Us Online Cancelled, and more!

If you’re in the market for four people who live in Japan talking about The Game Awards, Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode, and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, boy have we got a podcast for you.

Time — Topic Discussed

00:44 – Nicknames
07:10 – News: The Game Awards results and announcements, PokéPark, and more!
55:04 – Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode
1:01:35 – Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
1:06:56 – Baldur’s Gate 3

The gang Super Jumps down memory lane with Super Mario RPG, then dips into a Sotenbori cabaret for Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and finally drunkenly meanders home via the shady alley that is news.

Time — Topic Discussed

05:00 — Nicknames
13:48 — Super Mario RPG Remake
26:59 — Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
35:57 — News: The Last of Us 2 Remastered, Game Awards security, Dragon’s Dogma 2 release date and more!

A dash of SMB Wonder, a flash of Alan Wake 2, a splash of PlayStation Portal, the smash (hit) Baldur's Gate 3, and a lack of cash in Gabe's long-lost wallet. Plus, TGA nominations & a warm welcome to Baby Sheffield!

Time — Topic Discussed

00:52 — Nicknames
24:26 — Super Mario Bros. Wonder
27:59 — Alan Wake 2
35:16 — PlayStation Portal impressions
40:22 — Baldur’s Gate 3
49:59 — News: The Game Awards nominees, Nintendo Indie World, and the Zelda movie! 

Buncha jibba-jabba on SMB Wonder, Quest VR sleeper Dungeons of Eternity, and Alan Wake 2, plus Switch 2 (Too?) rumors and SHOCKING PERSONAL NEWS :red arrow emoji:

 

Time — Topic Discussed

• 00:49 — Nicknames
• 17:17 — Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• 36:40 — Dungeons of Eternity
• 45:42 — Alan Wake 2
• 54:20 — ALAN WAKE SPOILERS START
• 54:57 — ALAN WAKE SPOILERS END
• 58:25 — News: Switch 2 rumors, Nintendo's new tournament terms, and more!

The gang discuss the two latest and greatest AAA titles everyone is buzzing about — that’s right, definitive word on BOTH EDF 6 and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak!! Also, believe it or not: news!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 01:08 — Nicknames
• 16:50 — Earth Defense Force 6
• 27:41 — Baldur’s Gate 3
• 33:49 — Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
• 43:03 — News: Microsoft buys Activision, the Analogue 3D, and more!

The “gang” welcomes in the Fall season as our ancestors did: with talk of Final Fantasy XVI, Monster Hunter Now, Lies of P, Mortal Kombat 1, Baldur’s Gate 3, and a heapin’ helpin’ of news.

• 00:45 – Nicknames
• 12:02 – Monster Hunter Now
• 24:57 – Gabe The Beater (Final Fantasy XVI, Lies of P, Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways, Mortal Kombat 1)
• 37:46 – Baldur's Gate 3
• 48:30 – News: Nintendo 3DS/Wii U online services, Jim Ryan retires, Kamiya leaves Platinum, and more!

A cavalcade of special guests old and new drop by to talk about their experiences at (or around) this year’s Tokyo Game Show. With Brandon Sheffield, John Linneman, Imran Khan, Kevin Gifford (?!), and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 02:03 – TGS is back (w/Brandon Sheffield & Kevin Gifford)
• 31:42 – Dragon's Dogma 2 & FF7 Rebirth (w/Imran Khan & John Davis)
• 56:28 – Nivalis, Shadow of the Ninja (w/John Linneman & Diamond Feit)
• 1:18:18 – Enotria: The Last Song, Black Finger JET, & Zelda (w/Jake Kazdal, David Hellman, Liam Edwards, and Colin Williamson)
• 1:57:38 – Persona 3 Reload, Like a Dragon Gaiden, & BQM
• 2:10:44 - Wrapping up

Thought you could sneak another Nintendo Direct and State of Play past us, did you? Well, NOT THIS TIME! We zigged where the big corporations zagged and decided to record a mini-ep at the crack of 8am today, just for you. Tune in for quick and dirty impressions of everything we all JUST SAW and start building the hype for next week's Tokyo Game Show extravaganza!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 01:57 – Nicknames
• 07:45 – Sony State of Play
• 21:58 – Nintendo Direct

The regular crew is back, and just in time to miss another Nintendo Direct! Mario Wonder will have to wait, but in the meantime, we've got The Making of Karateka, Shadowgate 64, updates on Vampire Survivors and FF16, and all the not-so-latest news as the countdown to Tokyo Game Show begins...

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:41 – Nicknames
• 07:02 – Shadowgate 64 (with spoilers!)
• 13:39 – The Making of Karateka
• 25:08 – We haven’t played Armored Core VI
• 31:21 – Vampire Survivors
• 34:14 – Final Fantasy XVI
• 40:34 – News: PlayStation Portal, Charles Martinet, and more!

Everyone’s off sipping Mai Tais from their fancy pool floats or whatever, but time waits for no one in the podcast world, so join our little skeleton crew along with new challenger Sami as we talk Vampire Survivors co-op, Honkai Star Rail, FF16, and more!

 

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:50 – Nicknames
• 10:33 – Vampire Survivors
• 16:34 – Honkai Star Rail
• 32:32 – Final Fantasy XVI
• 38:02 – Persona 3
• 55:12 – Listener Q&A and some News!

Saddle up for a very special tight 60 with the rootinest, tootinest podcastin’ crew this side of the Alamo’s basement. Featuring Pikmin 4, Remnant II, a bit more Zelda—and [not much] more! (Recorded before 8-4 Day, sorry for not mentioning 8-4 Day. Happy 8-4 Day!)

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:46 – Nicknames
• 11:52 – Pikmin 4
• 27:44 – Remnant II
• 36:46 – News: PS5 Pro rumors, Switch 2 rumors, and more!

LIVE and in-person from the new 8-4 Towers in sunny (and humid) [REDACTED], the crew talks Final Fantasy XVI, Viewfinder, BitSummit, and frankly a surprising amount about Exoprimal.

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 02:22 – Nicknames
• 19:30 – Exoprimal
• 27:54 – Viewfinder
• 34:49 – Tears of the Kingdom
• 37:07 – Final Fantasy XVI
• 46:32 – News: Microsoft/ActiBlizz, Famicom turns 40, and more!

Mark's out, John's out, and we're locked out of the office! That won't stop this ragtag crew from gathering online to discuss the PC Engine's Fang of Alnam, debate the merits of the Pikmin 4 demo's tutorials, and best of all, catch up with our pal, Roy!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:51 – Nicknames
• 09:54 – Fang of Alnam
• 37:17 – Final Fantasy XVI
• 51:13 – Pikmin 4 demo impressions
• 01:11:34 – Grounded
• 01:18:33 – News: MGS4 rumors, PSVR2 PC driver buzz, EVO registration numbers, and more!

Folks - WE GOT ONE!! Nintendo must’ve gotten all your calls and letters, because they dropped a Direct BEFORE recording for once! Thrill to fresh-off-the-grill Hot Takes on all that shiz, plus Xbox and Summer Games talk, FF16 demo impressions, and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:48 – Nicknames
• 02:50 – Tears of the Kingdom
• 08:02 – Final Fantasy XVI
• 28:12 – John at the RGG Summit
• 37:37 – News: Summer Game Fest highlights, the Nintendo Direct, and more!

Capcom localization director Andrew Alfonso joins Graeme and the gang to dig in to Street Fighter 6, topped off with a dollop of news (recorded pre-Summer Game Fest, mind you).

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 01:04 – Nicknames
• 19:32 – Street Fighter 6
• 56:31 – News: MGS Delta, Apple Vision Pro, and more!

17-Bit head honcho and two-time Kakariko Village gherkin tossing champion Jake Kazdal joins us once again for an epic (and largely spoiler-free) first discussion on all things The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Plus quick thoughts on PlayStation Showcase 2023!

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 00:52 – Nicknames
• 06:52 – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• 01:42:40 – Break
• 01:43:10 – News: The Playstation Showcase Recap

Thank you for calling 8-4 Play. We can’t take your call right now, but please leave a message at the tone and we’ll get back to you as soon as we’ve had our fill of Tears of the Kingdom. *BEEEEP*

 

Time – Topic Discussed:

• 01:58 – Nicknames
• 11:28 – Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters
• 19:09 – Hollow Knight
• 28:58 – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• 37:12 – Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes
• 47:41 – Tunic
• 1:03:41 – News: Redfall disappoints, PS5 sales and a liiiiiiitle bit more.
• 1:06:55 – Mario Bros Movie Impressions (Yes, there are spoilers)

Golden Week is here, and look what the Pegasus dragged in--that’s right, straight from the skies above Narita Airport, it’s fan favorite special guest Shane Bettenhausen! Join us for talk of the hottest trailers from two weeks ago (TOTK and FF16), the latest Arcade Archives releases, the new FF Pixel Remasters, the MS/Activision drama, and of course (booming voice) Humanityyyyyyyyy. 

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:17 – Nicknames
05:12 – Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
09:20 – Tears of the Kingdom trailer reactions
16:25 – Humanity
21:20 – Arcade Archives (Phelios, Metal Hawk, and more)
36:49 – Final Fantasy XVI
1:04:13 – The Tetris movie
1:19:42 – News: Microsoft/Activision merger, Humanity, Apple wins against Epic’s appeal, and more!

Gaming Jesus is missing, and it’s up to YOU to make it through this podcast without him! Strap in for random talk about Super Mario Galaxy, Hollow Knight, Gabe’s irrational fear of chocolate, more Resident Evil 4-make, and (of course) another obscure PC Engine game nobody has ever heard of. Plus news! But not Zelda Trailer or FF16 SOP news. Just…other news. ENJOY!

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:18 – Nicknames
26:31 – Resident Evil 4 Remake
32:23 – Hollow Knight
39:55 – Vasteel (it’s a PC Engine game)
48:09 – Super Mario Galaxy
01:04:04 – News: Sayonara E3, PS5 rumors, Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, and more!

E3 may be gone (for now?), but the show must go on, as they say, so join us for thoughts on Resident Evil 4-make™, Wo-Long: Fallen Dynasty, Meg's Monster, the new Tears of the Kingdom details, and more. (Recorded before the E3 news dropped, RIP.)

Time – Topic Discussed:
00:57 – Nicknames
09:07 – Resident Evil 4 Remake
37:55 – Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
43:04 – Meg’s Monster
48:01 – Tunic
57:30 – News: E3 speculation, PS5 slim rumors, Zelda gameplay, and more!

The crew gather (IRL!) to talk Octopath II, the Resident Evil 4 demo (i.e. RE 4-make) and Village in PSVR2, Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line, and E3 or not E3 -- or is that even a question?

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:12 – Nicknames
09:53 – Octopath Traveler II Impressions
15:34 – Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line
24:12 – Resident Evil 4 Demo Impressions (DEMO SPOILERS 31:44 - 33:24)
44:46 – Resident Evil Village on PSVR2
51:18 – News: PS5 sales skyrocket in Japan, Microsoft-Activision merger, and more!

Wherein the gang dish on the latest State of Play (ok, mostly Humanity to be honest), PSVR 2 launch, Mikami’s departure and the Elden Ring DLC announcement (STEAK BET ALERT).

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:04 – Nicknames
13:00 – PSVR2 Talk (Resident Evil Village)
30:44 – Humanity
44:52 – Like a Dragon: Ishin
52:55 – News: Pokemon Direct, Shinji Mikami leaves Tango Gameworks, and more!

We catch up on the latest Nintendo Direct with talk about Metroid Prime Remastered, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance nostalgia, and (of course) hot takes on the latest Zelda trailer.

Time – Topic Discussed:
00:52 – Nicknames
09:05 – PC Engine Talk (Private eye dol)
25:36 – Metroid Prime Remastered
32:35 – Gargoyle’s Quest
38:08 – The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap
43:04 – Nintendo Direct Recap

Game director at Tango Gameworks, self-admitted Zwan fan, and (actual) friend of the show John Johanas joins to talk all about the hottest game that no one had heard of until a week ago: Hi-Fi Rush!

Time – Topic Discussed:
00:54 – Nicknames
07:44 – Hi-Fi Rush with Director John Johanas

With Gaming Jesus MIA, we broke out the rotary phone and called Turbo Zone Direct (1-800-DUO-THIS) to summon newcomer JP Wentz for an in-person show (!) to talk a lot of PC Engine, a little Pokemon S&V, a touch of Tunic, a sprinkling of news, and more! 

02:44 – Nicknames
12:29 – PC Engine Talk
41:03 – Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
50:48 – Tunic
56:24 – January’s releases, AGDQ and more!

Kick off the new year with a TIGHT 60 (tm) of wistful holiday memories of three ogres battled, two crises cored, one avatar movie, and a fel-o-ny in an air fryer.

 

01:59 – Nicknames
19:44 – Tactics Ogre: Reborn
31:16 – Sekiro
36:00 – Night in the Woods
37:24 – Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
41:16 – News: PlayStation’s Project Leonardo, Pro Switch cancellation rumors, and more!

In our holiday special, wayward son Graeme returns home to learn the true meaning of Christmas—i.e. Armored Core and Street Fighter, The Game Awards, Ash hanging up his Pokéballs, and plenty more. WARNING: SANTA SPOILERS: KEEP AWAY FROM 10 AND UNDER

01:07 – Nicknames
12:50 – Armored Core chat
33:18 – Street Fighter 6 Beta
45:30 – Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core Reunion
52:33 – News: The Game Awards, Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, and more!

Travel back to a time before (a day before!) the Game Awards and revel in the nostalgia and naïveté of those bygone days when people cared about Mario movie trailer ​#2, Elden Ring art books, and Yuji Naka conspiracy theories.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:07 – Nicknames
14:27 – The second Mario Movie trailer
20:35 – Elden Ring
39:52 – Vampire Survivors
44:42 – News: Street Fighter 6 leaks, Summer Games Fest returns, Yuzo Koshiro announces a Mega Drive game, and more!

Kyoto’s reigning turducken champion and 17-Bit head honcho Jake Kazdal joins us straight from the dinner table in Kyoto to talk about Somerville, Vampire Survivors, Pokemon S&V, the upcoming Game Awards, and plenty more!

 

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:08 – Nicknames
01:39 – Word Cup Spoiler Talk (Germany v. Japan)
02:41 – World Cup Spoiler Talk Ends
13:10 – Somerville
22:48 – Vampire Survivors
30:02 – Pokemon Scarlet
40:22 – God of War: Ragnarok
50:40 – News: The Game Awards nominations, Miyamoto’s Birthady, and more!

Gather round the campfire for mildly-warm-yet-palatable-even-if-they-briefly-fell-on-the-ground takes on Modern Warfare II, Twitter, Callisto Protocol & Japanese game "cens0rship," Nintendo numbers and more.

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:39 – Nicknames
18:38 – Twitter Tawk
32:42 – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
43:24 – Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
46:44 – Tetris Effect Connected
53:59 – News: Nintendo’s Financials, Callisto Protocol cancelled in Japan, PSVR2 and more!

A verrrrrryyy scaaaaaaary and seasonally-appropriate spooktacular (tm) chat covering all the recent Resident Evil and Silent Hill news, Bloodborne and its unofficial demake, and -- yadda some last thing what did we talk about --. (Boo!)

Time – Topic Discussed:
01:23 – Nicknames
12:37 – Bloodborne & Bloodborne PSX
28:15 – God of War (2018)
35:35 – News: Silent Hill Transmission, Capcom’s Resident Evil showcase, and a little bit more!

The gang checks in on the Street Fighter 6 Beta, Meta Quest Pro news, and Phil Spencer’s shelf, says goodbye to The Last Soldier, Babylon’s Fall, and Stadia, and offer in-depth analysis on a certain plumber’s plumper — and it’s not the one you think! ……oh wait, no, yeah, it is.

00:51 – Nicknames
09:58 – The Super Mario Trailer
30:00 – Street Fight 6
46:01 – News: Nintendo Pictures, Oculus Quest Pro,  PSVR2, and more!

Nicholas de Leon of Consumer Reports saddles up in his Cooler Master Ergo L to talk about Gaming Chair conspiracies, the TGS news we missed, Mark's hate-hate relationship with Quake II, and plenty more.

01:06 – Nicknames
05:36 – Gaming chair advice with Nicholas from Consumer Reports
32:07 – Quake 2 RTX
40:49 – Dragon Quest X Offline
47:38 – 428 Shibuya Scramble
55:14 – Xenoblade Chronicles 3
57:53 – Splatoon 3
1:06:32 – News: TGS Roundup, NVIDIA’s GPUs, Twitch’s new revenue split, and more!

Big news outta TGS this week (yes, you read that correctly!), so the gang assembles in person (!)—along with Capcom’s @alfonso_thesix and IGN’s @The_Katbot—to discuss Street Fighter 6, the Nintendo Direct and State of Play lineups, various Like a Dragons, and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:27 –Nicknames
13:09 – Ryu Ga Gotoku Stuff
25:09 – Sony State of Play
33:07 – Tekken 8 Info
38:13 – Street Fighter 6 info
44:08 – Nintendo Direct recap
1:33:14 – Forespoken impressions

Accursed guest Liam Edwards joins us in the hunt, as we purge the streets of beasts and birdies. May the Great Ones grant us eyes, and maybe a few Ace Cards so we can make this episode a hole-in-one.

 

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:42 – Nicknames
08:16 – Cursed to Golf
44:25 – Bloodborne
1:09:04 – Xenoblade Chronicles 3
1:24:25 – News: PS5 Price Increases, New PS5 Model, Dark Souls 3 Multiplayer is back, and more!

We may be whittled down to just a cast of three this week, but that won't stop us from brainstorming alcohol marketing strategies, talking about garbage, and helping Tina decide her next FromSoft game. Actually, maybe YOU can help with that last one?

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:00 – Nicknames
16:16 – Two Point Campus
25:36 – Tina’s Next FromSoftware Journey
41:25 – Shin-Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation
51:47 – News: EVO 2022 Results, No Switch Pro this Year, Pokémon Unite news and more!

Summer has finally hit Tokyo, and we're all looking for ways to cool down--or at the very least keep our cooldowns spinning in Xenoblade Chronicles 3! Also Tina learns to make her favorite cocktail and Gabe moves up in the world, plus Pokémon and Tactics Ogre news!

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:40 – Happy 8-4 Day!
03:18 – Nicknames
18:44 – Xenoblade Chronicles 3
46:14 – Stray (and an Elden Ring name drop)
56:01 – Pokémon Go
59:09 – News: Pokémon Presents, EVO returns, Steam Deck bound for Asia, and more!

When the host is away, the rest of the cast will...explore the pain threshold of chocobo racing in Final Fantasy X, examine the extras in the Elden Ring collector's edition, express some spoiler-free thoughts on Stray, and exhibit a variety of hot takes on all the news that's fit to hastily throw in a google doc five mins before the show. Excelsior!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:32 – Nicknames
08:15 – Final Fantasy X
16:26 – Stray
33:57 – Alan Wake
42:12 – Tina’s Elden Ring Haul
50:19 – News: God of War Ragnarok’s Discless Steelbook, Platinum Games, and more!

Roy did what? …Well we can’t put that in the description. Just say something like “We talk about Mario’s voice, SGDQ, Switch pro rumors yadda yadda” the usual BS.

00:51 – Nicknames
08:35 – Elden Ring (Massive Spoilers. Pretty Sure We’re Done After this!)
27:25 – SGDQ Highlights
51:01 – My Three Things, aka: News: Chris Pratt’s Mario Voice, Super Deluxe Games, and more!

Join the fearsome 8-4-some as they charge headlong into Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, ruminate on the crowning of our final (?) Elden Lord, and waterslide through the Summer Gaming madness.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:39 – Nicknames & Mac n’ Cheese Talk
18:36 – Fire Emblem: Three Hopes impressions
27:09 – ***Start Age of Calamity Spoilers***
29:22 – ***End Age of Calamy Spoilers***
35:48 – Elden Ring, ***FULL OF END GAME SPOILERS***
1:00:13 – News: Summer Games Fest, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and more!

We're a bit behind (or rather, ahead of?) all the Summer Gaming nonsense -- hey, we live in Japan, we just got rid of Zima, fer crissakes! -- but still got plenty of hot chatz re: Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil Rem4ke, Final Fantasy XVI, Mega Drive Mini 2, and Sonic Frontiers.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:51 – Nicknames
08:00 – Wild Arms (and PS+ Premium Impressions)
20:12 – News: Sony’s State of Play, Giantbomb, SEGA and more!
01:33:40 – Demon’s Souls
01:37:28 – Elden Ring
01:41:56 – Rogue Legacy 2

Elden who? Bury that fossil alongside the NHK guy--this week, we're diving deep on Project Zomboid, the hot new...wait, it's from 2013? Well, whatever. Roy's into it and that's all that matters. Plus a lil Kirby, a lil news, and maybe just a -few- words about the From game that shall no longer be named...

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:08 – Nicknames
19:41 – Project Zomboid
35:46 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land
42:16 – Elden Ring (and some Demon's Souls!)
50:39 – News: Revamped PS+ Retro Titles, Silent Hill rumors and more!

Our final (?) discussion of Elden Ring dives so deep your rainbow stone would shatter before it hits bottom, including spoiler-filled endgame zigs and half-assed lore zags. Also: some news.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:20 – Nicknames
19:23 – Elden Ring
34:29 – ***ROUND 1 ELDEN RING SPOILER TALK STARTS***
1:01:03 – ***ROUND 1 ELDEN RING SPOILER TALK ENDS***
1:13:20 – ***ROUND 2 ELDEN RING SPOILER TALK STARTS***
1:23:01 – ***ROUND 2 ELDEN RING SPOILER TALK ENDS***
1:27:24 – News: Chip Shortages Continue, Yuji Naka Airs Some Dirty Laundry, Summer Games Fest, and more!
2:00:34 – ***MINOR ELDEN RING SPOILERS START***
2:04:11 – ***MINOR ELDEN RING SPOILERS END***

What better way to celebrate Showa Day than with a smattering of Radical Dreamers, a dollop of Chrono Cross, and most importantly, in-depth analysis of every t-shirt in Uniqlo’s new Final Fantasy collaboration line?   01:05 – Nicknames

09:34 – Elden Ring

33:02 – Chrono Cross & Radical Dreamers

49:07 – News: Super Mario movie delayed, Variable Refresh Rate coming to PS5 and more!

The Uniqlo/Final Fantasy collaboration:

https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/special-feature/ff35th

A whole lotta Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness, signs of Elden Ring burnout (yet somehow we still love talking about it for an hour?), and some kind of Kingdom Hearts something or other I dunno I stopped listening at this part. Plus steak updates and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

1:30 – Nicknames
6:40 – Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness
27:48 – Elden Ring (and some Pokémon Legends: Arceus)
1:02:44 – Our Chrono Cross Remastered plans
1:06:34 – News: E3 2022 Cancelled, Kingdom Hearts 4, and more!

April Fools! We do actually mostly talk about Elden Ring again. Hey, where else on the internet is anyone discussing this obscure indie?! We DO have new opinions, at least, with Mark back and 17-Bit honcho Jake Kazdal joining in. Also, Breath of the Wild 2 delay and Sony's revamped PS+.

01:09 – Nicknames
03:48 – Elden Ring
52:34 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land
1:02:36 – Tunic
1:14:45 – Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin impressions
01:24:48 – News: Sony’s Project Spartacus, Breath of the Wild 2 delay.

Who has time to record a podcast when we're still neck-deep in Elden Ring? Not us, Tarnished! But all right, we'll put the twinblades down for an hour, I GUESS. Listen to us talk about our latest ER progress, the new reveals in last week's State of Play, and (not) much more!

 

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:33 – Nicknames
13:36 – Elden Ring
52:20 – News: Sony's State of Play, Elden Ring Patch Notes, Super Nintendo World, and more!

The Dark Souls of Dark Souls successors is upon us in Elden Ring, so unfurl your fingers and join us by the bonfi—I mean, site of grace—for an extended, (mostly) spoiler-free first discussion about our travels and travails throughout the Lands Between.

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:50 – Nicknames
03:08 – Elden Ring
1:37:04 – News: Street Fighter 6, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and more!

   We go deep on the latest Nintendo Direct, check in with Tina's Pokémon Legends-ary journey, Roy's first foray into Civilization, and welcome Graeme back to yell about Vampire Survivors and why Gabe is wrong about Dark Souls 2.  

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:11 – Nicknames
09:05 – Pokémon Legends: Arceus
23:01 – Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker (Minor Spoilers!)
28:02 – Apex Legends
31:18 – Civilization VI
42:06 – Vampire Survivors
51:28 – Dark Souls 2 and Dark Souls 3
1:10:49 – News: The February Nintendo Direct and the 3DS/WiiU eShop announcement

Hold onto your apricorns, because this week we’re talking about everyone’s favorite monsters: Banjo and Kazooie! No, just kidding. There’s a new Pokémon game, or so we hear, plus news, an FF14 check-in, Gabe’s mad dash through the Souls series, and more!

(Btw folks who regularly listen via Spotify -- we don't feel good about being offered on the service atm so we've decided to stop posting there for now. Apologies for the inconvenience but, well yeah. Please listen elsewhere for the time being.)

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:32 – Nicknames
12:58 – Pokémon Legends: Arceus
51:00 – Pokémon Gold and Silver
57:08 – Dark Souls
01:14:20 – Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
01:21:39 – Banjo-Kazooie
01:34:45 – News: Nintendo Switch Sales, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 Rumors, and more!

Mostly news, and okay, yes, we do talk about Microsoft buying Activision, but only in the sense of who we plan to main in the inevitable upcoming Super Smash Dude Bros. IP crossover franchise. Otherwise: PSVR 2, AGDQ, and the Nintendo hotel.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:38 – Nicknames
18:02 – OCTOPATH TRAVELER
32:01 – News: Playstation VR2, E3’s Online Only Announcement, Microsoft & Activision, and more!
1:19:06 – ***RESIDENT EVIL: VILLAGE SPOILERS***
1:23:01 – ***END RESIDENT EVIL: VILLAGE SPOILERS***

Fan favorite Shane Bettenhausen stops by to chat classic games / shoot-them-ups, Steam Deck, and TV Asahi's top 100 game list, with a hat tip to 2021 faves and what we're excited about in 2022.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:09 - Nicknames
19:51 - G.Darius HD, Cotton 100% + Panorama Cotton, and Nemesis '90 Kai
25:54 - Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (and general Castlevania talk)
41:04 - Steam Deck impressions
47:34 - Final Fantasy V
56:21 - John's old-school Sega adventures
1:13:05 - Zelda Game & Watch
1:16:41 - ***SPOILERS*** Unpacking
1:24:44 - Untitled Goose Game
1:32:00 - TV Asahi's Top 100 Games
1:48:49- 2021 GOTY thoughts
1:54:11- 2022's most wanted

Can't travel home this year? Let us be your slightly drunk and very opinionated family as we blather on about old Sega games, The Game Awards, and those g-d politicians who are RUINING THIS COUNTRY!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:19 – Nicknames
20:42 – John’s Stuff
34:15 – Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
51:37 – The Game Awards Recap
01:16:12 – Final Fantasy VI delay, Analogue Pocket orders, fond memories, and more!

17-Bit jefe Jake Kazdal rejoins the party to discuss his new VR title Song In The Smoke, as well hot new releases like Dark Souls and Rez. Content warning: contains Final Fantasy XIV talk.

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:43 – Nicknames
20:28 – Song in the Smoke
28:52 – Dark Souls
47:23 – Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
1:07:35 – Dragon Quest Keshi Keshi
1:22:02 – Rez’s Anniversary

The action picks up moments after last season's cliffhanger ending. Gabe is still on the run from the fuzz -- will he ever be able to show his face in our Zoom window again? Ponder this and more as we talk Nintendo remakes, convenience store sandwiches, VGA categories, and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:13 – Nicknames
17:37 – Mario Party Superstars
23:32 – Animal Crossing
31:32 – Dragon Quest X & Final Fantasy XIV
39:29 – News: The Game Awards nominees, Xbox’s 20th Anniversary, and more!
1:15:04 – Listener Q&A

We know, we don’t look a day over #247! Pull up a chair and listen to these ol’ timers recount (and forget) tales from our past, checking in on Shin Megami Tensei V, Pikmin Bloom, and the new Animal Crossing update along the way.

Time – Topic Discussed:

02:25 – Nicknames
13:33 – Shin Megami Tensei V
34:32 – Dark Souls Remastered
40:09 – SEGA Classics: Phantasy Star 2 and Shining Force
46:38 – Pikmin Bloom
51:37 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update
59:50 – News: Osaka’s getting a Nintendo Store, Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3 temporarily pulled from digital stores, Valve’s Steam Deck gets delayed, and more!
01:11:15 – We Reflect on 300 Episodes of 8-4 Play

We dive deep on RE4 in VR for the Quest with the help of our resident, evil Resident-Evil expert Alex Aniel, and chat Dungeon Encounters, more Super Nintendo World, and some news.

Time – Topic Discussed:

00:48 – Nicknames
06:17 – Nintendo 64 on Switch
23:56 – Resident Evil 4: VR
53:42 – Metroid: Dread
1:08:18 – Dungeon Encounters
1:09:40 – News: Playstation’s State of Play, Animal Crossing Direct, Elden Ring delay and more!

This week, we all curl up into very tight balls and barge into Jerry's apartment to talk about nothing. Just kidding! We actually talk about Metroid Dread and big TVs.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:06 – Nicknames
15:38 – Metroid Dread
54:51 – Kena: Bridge of Spirits
1:00:16 – News: Kingdom Hearts coming to Switch, Universal Studios Japan and Pokémon join forces, and more!

Autumn is in the air, even if a classic Tokyo Game Show episode is not. Join us as we talk last judgments on Lost Judgment, get cute with Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and review the latest Nintendo Direct. Hey, how bout that Mario movie?

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:58 – Nicknames
22:10 – Lost Judgment
28:42 – Kena: Bridge of Spirits
42:38 – Pokémon UNITE
45:46 – News: Nintendo Direct Recap, Tokyo Game Show has begun, 4K Switch Rumors Return, and more!

Friend of the show Liam Edwards joins to talk his newly-announced golf-like, Cursed to Golf, plus BitSummit, indie life in Japan, No More Heroes 3, Guilty Gear Strive, and a healthy shake for dinner.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:12 – Nicknames
15:27 – Bitsummit Talk
17:34 – Cursed to Golf
46:31 – Sol Cresta impressions
54:58 – No More Heroes 3
1:02:45 – Guilty Gear Strive
1:09:00 – Pokémon Unite

Look: if you aren't Monster-Hunter-positive or at least MH-curious, might wanna just skip this ep. Otherwise, enjoy as GaijinHunter Adam Evanko joins to chat about the new Netflix special, Rise and MH Stories 2, what's next for the series, and (of course) Cheetos vs. Potato straws.

This week we debate the strengths and weaknesses of the two big conbini chains in Japan. Who makes the best pasta? The best fried chicken in an envelope? The best onigiri? Listen to find out! Oh, we also talk about video games.

Time – Topic Discussed:

02:01 – Nicknames
21:09 – Pokémon Unite
40:42 – Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters
48:41 – Demon's Souls
53:25 – Apex Legends
1:00:52 – Terranigma
1:03:38 – Listener Questions & Answers

Rainy season is out, Skyward Sword HD is in, Gabe is...all over the place, and it's a four-day weekend in Japan?! Join the holiday celebration as we answer listener questions and talk about Zelda, Steam Deck, crazy auctions, and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:01 – Nicknames
15:45 – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
31:51 – News: The Steam Deck, Mario & Zelda Auctions, and more!
01:02:49 – Listener Questions & Answers

Ex game-journo and noted theme park connoisseur Michael Donahoe joins us for a deep dive into what he considers the best park on the planet (!): Super Nintendo World.

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:09 – Nicknames
23:34 – Streets of Rage 4
34:22 – Chicory
45:01 – Super Nintendo World Report
01:15:59 – News: The Nintendo Switch OLED, Sony’s Acquisitions, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, and more!

The hype train has left with a resounding choo-choo! In its wake, we unpack this year's E3 news and share thoughts on Stranger of Paradise, FF7R Intergrade, 25 years of N64, and more!

Time – Topic Discussed:

01:40 – Nicknames
11:17 – Apex Legends
19:47 – Stranger in Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
35:20 – Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade
52:07 - Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
54:28 – Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
1:05:37 – News: E3 Recap; Sonic’s 30th Anniversary, Nintendo 64’s Anniversary, and more!