Expressive Platformers | September 2024

Jake and Landry return for BitCast 133 with Summer Game Fest predictions, covering PlayStation/Xbox showcases (Wolverine, Intergalactic, Halo, Gears, Fable, Project Helix) and why this console gen feels slow. In “Let’s Fix That,” they argue games need tighter, fun-first design over bloated AAA ambition and rising prices. They share what they’re playing (Hades, TMNT, Ocarina, Wind Waker, BG3, Yoshi) and end with Skill Tree Trivia.

Jake Martin and co-host Landry Smith return after a long break to discuss the current “state of play” for gaming, including major shifts at PlayStation and Xbox, the Switch 2’s early momentum, and how PC and console experiences are increasingly converging. They share frustrations with rising subscription costs and debate whether subscription models help or hurt creativity. In Landry’s new segment “Let’s Fix That,” they call out digital storefront “slop”—misleading, low-quality, and explicit shovelware flooding PlayStation and Nintendo shops—and suggest stronger curation and publishing limits. They wrap with what they’ve been playing, including Landry’s praise for Xenoblade Chronicles X and Jake’s surprisingly addictive time with Pokémon Pokopia.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:48 Show Rundown and New Segment02:30 State of Play10:54 Are Game Subscriptions Worth It?14:06 PC vs Console23:14 Lets Fix That - "E-Slop"38:32 What Are Ya Playin'?38:50 Xenoblade Chronicles X44:27 Pokemon Pokopia54:48 Wrap Up and Plugs

Jake and Landry dive into their hopes for the Switch 2, including game releases, NSO updates, and future gimmicks/features. They also chat about how their gaming habits have evolved over the years. Stick to the end to compete in Skill Tree Trivia!Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:54 Podcast Topics Overview07:40 Hopes for the Switch 208:54 Future Games for Switch 214:34 Mario Kart World DLC17:05 Next 3D Mario Game21:25 New Zelda Game27:11 Animal Crossing and Nintendo's Creative Philosophy30:37 Nintendo Switch Online and GameCube Games34:52 Switch 2 Features and Functionality38:55 Gaming Preferences: Short and Concise Experiences45:48 Was the quick release of Silksong & Hades 2 insensitive to smaller devs?54:20 What are ya playin'?01:08:32 Outro

Jake Martin and Landry Smith dive into their review of Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2, sharing their honest thoughts and critiques. Don't miss Skill Tree Triviai!! Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:53 COVID Experiences and Parenting Challenges03:02 Book Discussion: East of Eden05:24 Gaming Disconnection and Industry Trends12:08 Housekeeping and Podcast Overview12:47 Donkey Kong Bonanza Review14:25 Gameplay Mechanics and Design Critique24:35 Exploration and Level Design Issues36:53 Critique of Game Design and Levels37:27 Challenge Rooms and Puzzles38:32 Character and Enemy Design Flaws40:21 Music and Soundtrack Disappointments42:23 Suggestions for Improvement45:58 Boss Fights and Mechanics53:18 Comparing to Mario Odyssey58:32 Skill Tree Trivia01:06:58 Podcast Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of BitCast, your hosts Jake Martin and Landry Smith discuss the concept of nostalgia in gaming, the recent DK Bonanza Direct, and delve into initial thoughts on Mario Kart World. Don't miss the new segment called Skill Tree Trivia! Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:20 The Issue with Nostalgia in Gaming21:17 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Impressions35:23 Game of the Month - Mario Kart World & Dragon Age: The Veilguard50:53 Skill Tree Trivia58:00 Outro

Landry and Jake are back on the mics and ranking the ten best Nintendo Switch games on the eve of the official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. They also detail their experiences replaying Kingdom Hearts for the Gaming Club. Thanks for tuning in to talk about some stuff! Time stamps: 00:00 - Intro04:51 - The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games53:06 - Game N' Watch March 202558:29 - Kingdom Hearts - Game of the Month Club01:17:39 - Outro

What's up, guys! Welcome to BitCast episode 127 for December 2024. We chat about our top games of 2024, review Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game of the Month Club, and have a blast playing 'Name That Game Music!'Tune in to hear our thoughts on everything from Helldivers 2 to Balatro and much more. If you love gaming and fun discussions, don't miss out. Hit that subscribe button!00:00 Intro02:20 Our Favorite Games of 202401:02:42 Game of the Month Club - Donkey Kong Country 2 - Diddy's Kong Quest01:16:41 Name That Game Music!01:25:53 OutroListen to Mark's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bZZouBGcCAZKLac13b4gs?si=feafd38a2103405c

Jake and Landry talk about how long a game should keep you entertained and chat about their experiences with Kena: Bridge of Spirits. They also dive into Thanksgiving cooking disasters, bouncy house injuries, and what's coming up in the gaming world for December. Don't miss everyone's favorite hit game, 'Name That Game Music'! Tune in for a cozy conversation about video games!Timestamps:00:00 Intro07:14 How long should a game be entertaining?30:13 Game n' Watch39:55 Game of the Month - Kena: Bridge of Spirits56:34 Name that Game Music!01:05:35 Outro

Games don't quite hit as hard as they used to and there are a lot of factors that impact our enjoyment of video games over time. Is it nostalgia, or is it simply that we're getting old? Join Jake and Landry as they discuss this and more, on this month's episode of BitCast! Time Stamps:00:00 Intro03:26 Aging with Gaming29:14 Game N' Watch36:42 Dead Space Remake - Game of the Month Club50:02 Name That Game Music!

Jake and Landry share their favorite fall activities and a Trader Joe’s shopping experience. The episode delves into 'Expressive Platformers' based on a video by Good Vibes Gaming. Don’t miss their game of the month discussion on 'Astro Bot,' and stay tuned for everyone's favorite hit show, Name That Game Music!, where the hosts guess tunes from classic games!00:00 Intro05:53 Topic of the Month - Expressive Platformers29:48 September's Score Card and October Games to Look Forward To40:35 Game of the Month01:01:55 Name That Game Music01:15:29 Outro