The Nextlander Podcast

Latest Episodes:

136: Secret Swifties Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Will Smith (of game development and Fortnite-streaming fame) joins us this week to unpack the mass Xbox/Activision/Blizzard layoffs and the general state of the games business, plus Tekken 8, more with Prince of Persia and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the secret language of grade schoolers, Taylor Swift's nation-state status, and more.
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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:56) Welcome Will Smith to the show!
(00:03:09) What is Taylor's Version?
(00:13:37) Tekken 8 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:34:33) Fortnite and Lego Fortnite
(00:39:43) Tunic [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One] on Mar 16, 2022
(00:44:07) Rounds [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 01, 2021
(00:48:20) Palworld [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:59:37) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(01:02:49) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:07:05) [SPOILERS] Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jan 18, 2024
(01:25:18) The state of video games
(01:25:50) Microsoft layoffs and cancellations
(02:05:50) Is the end near for physical releases?
(02:12:02) Eidos layoffs and cancellations
(02:12:50) Sega also has layoffs
(02:17:54) Suicide Squad giving in-game currency to early access players
(02:25:26) Switch 2 updates
(02:39:37) Emails
(02:43:27) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:44:24) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:46:04) Thanks Will Smith!
(02:47:37) See ya!

135: He Who Smelted It Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

This week, the early hours of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, deeper into POP: The Lost Crown, plus Home Safety Hotline, all the goings on with Palworld, our thoughts on Xbox games like Indiana Jones and Avowed, replacing your anode rod, and plenty more.
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:58) Alex's ladder drama
(00:02:56) Not the bees!
(00:11:50) If you're on the same calendar as I am, check your anode rod.
(00:17:53) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(00:55:19) Home Safety Hotline [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jan 16, 2024
(01:01:36) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(01:03:06) [SPOILERS] Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jan 18, 2024
(01:26:53) Xbox Developer_Direct
(01:48:18) Palworld blew up
(02:01:53) 2024 might be tougher than 2023 for game development
(02:12:39) The top selling games of 2023
(02:21:47) Emails
(02:25:44) Nextlander content updates
(02:29:03) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:32:17) See ya!

134: No Stars Upon Rs Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

They mixed some Metroid into the new Prince of Persia and it turns out we're all quite down with that. Plus: Brad digs into the new Last of Us Part II rogue-like mode, Rockstar and Remedy in a logo dust-up, Harmonix is finally ceasing Rock Band 4 DLC, and more.
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:49) Good times at the Garden State Robotics League
(00:08:26) Did you say Yogic... and also flying?
(00:10:54) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jan 18, 2024
(00:31:52) War Hospital [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 11, 2024
(00:35:37) The Last of Us Part II: Remastered [PlayStation 5] on Jan 19, 2024
(00:52:29) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:56:01) Looking at games in February
(00:58:29) Ubisoft and maybe you be subscribing soon?
(01:16:12) More notable layoffs blamed on "over-investment"
(01:20:31) Remedy and Take-Two are (R?) having logo disputes
(01:25:08) Harmonix will end Rock Band DLC
(01:39:27) We pick the winners for the GDC Awards
(01:49:14) Emails
(01:59:02) Nextlander content updates
(02:01:49) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:02:10) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:52) See ya!

133: The Other Dr. Dré Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

In this second week of 2024: The Finals, Among Us in Vampire Survivors, more Sea of Stars, Xbox maybe going multiplatform, layoffs at Twitch and Unity, another excuse to say "Switch 2," wrestlers acting badly, Twin Peaks merch we didn't know we wanted, and more.
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:12) The water wants to get into your house
(00:05:06) The pros and cons of Mars living and which Dre should go
(00:09:59) The video games
(00:11:17) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:35:17) The Finals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 08, 2023
(00:50:06) Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 18, 2023
(00:53:55) Hitman World of Assassination [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation VR] on Jan 26, 2023
(01:00:38) Will more Xbox games come to other platforms?
(01:16:55) Xbox's upcoming Developer_Direct
(01:22:40) Big layoffs at Unity Software
(01:23:40) Big layoffs at Twitch
(01:27:52) Will we get a new Switch this year?
(01:35:25) Emails
(01:50:12) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:51:42) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:53:24) Nextlander content updates
(01:54:46) See ya!

132: Finding a Pea While Eating Poop Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

We've got plenty to catch up on in our first podcast of 2024 (not a real year), from holiday gaming with small children to basement cleaning strategies, some Game Awards highlights, the wild world of competitive NES Tetris, predictions for the Internet of 2034, and a bunch more!
A great explainer about the Tetris story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJ5UuknsHU
Brendan Sinclair's 2023 roundup: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tearing-up-the-pea-patch-this-year-in-business
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:42) Happy 2024
(00:07:35) The joy of gifting video games
(00:13:23) Brad's List of Games to Share with Children
(00:33:21) What did Alex do doing break?
(00:41:22) Vinny's Break Time Fun
(00:41:31) Beat Saber [PlayStation VR2] on May 24, 2023
(00:45:23) Dave the Diver [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Jun 28, 2023
(00:47:55) Sea of Stars [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:52:13) Should probably mention I think it's also on Game Pass
(00:56:32) Let the Battling of Bots begin!
(00:58:21) Brad and Alex's thoughts on the Game Awards
(01:18:35) Godus is being removed from steam
(01:22:18) Voice of Max Payne, James McCaffrey has passed
(01:24:06) Jack Black joins the cast of the live action Minecraft movie
(01:29:27) Nintendo already shutting down some 3DS and WiiU services
(01:31:45) Publisher Versus Evil has been shut down
(01:32:54) Bobby Kotick is officially gone... for now?
(01:35:03) Go read Brendan Sinclair's 'This Year in Business' story at GamesIndustry.biz
(01:37:43) Baldur's Gate coming to Game Pass?
(01:39:00) This is kid is REALLY good at Tetris
(01:50:36) Emails
(02:09:48) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:11:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:13:52) Nextlander content updates
(02:14:27) See ya!

131: Game of the Year 2023, Part 2 Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

It's our last podcast of 2023, and thus our last chance to celebrate many of our favs with some chill 'n friendly debate about categories like best storytelling, best remake, and most anticipated, plus our highly personalized list of top 10 games of the year!
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:00) Spoiler Warning
(00:00:49) Intro
(00:03:42) Best Storytelling
(00:05:20) Sons of the Forest [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 23, 2023
(00:07:28) El Paso, Elsewhere [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 26, 2023
(00:11:30) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:14:10) Mortal Kombat 1 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 19, 2023
(00:19:17) Final Fantasy XVI [PlayStation 5] on Jun 22, 2023
(00:21:21) Fort Solis [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Aug 22, 2023
(00:23:05) Oxenfree II: Lost Signals [Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Jul 12, 2023
(00:24:59) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:30:30) Golden Idol Mysteries: The Lemurian Vampire [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] on Aug 31, 2023
(00:31:48) Breakout 13 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac] on Jan 09, 2023
(00:32:55) Star Wars Jedi: Survivor [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Apr 28, 2023
(00:35:43) The Making of Karateka [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch] on Aug 29, 2023
(00:42:27) Venba [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Jul 31, 2023
(00:45:16) Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores [PlayStation 5] on Apr 19, 2023
(00:48:03) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:54:12) Deliver Us Mars [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Feb 02, 2023
(00:55:59) Dredge [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 30, 2023
(00:57:04) Chants of Sennaar [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 05, 2023
(00:58:24) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:03:06) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(01:08:43) Ok, mostly ordering at this point the games at this point.
(01:20:16) Alex's Best Surprise
(01:38:06) Best Remake / Remaster
(02:05:22) Brad's Hard Game Club
(02:23:45) Game We Wish We Could Play Right Now!
(02:50:01) Top Ten Games of the Year
(04:09:55) The Big Recap (for those that just want to hear all the winners)
(04:11:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(04:13:21) See ya!

130: Game of the Year 2023, Part 1 Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Can it be? Have we (almost) reached the end of this year? Is it finally time to talk about some of our favorite 2023 games, including the best looking game, the coolest gameplay hooks, the best game to play with friends, and the best FMV or point-and-click games to play if you want to be a cool person?
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:07) SPOILER WARNING
(00:00:31) Intro
(00:07:20) Best Look
(00:56:36) Best Game We Came Back To
(01:26:11) FMV And/Or Point and Click Adventure Games That Are for Cool People
(01:33:24) Best Played with Friends
(02:10:47) Coolest Game Mechanic
(02:51:14) Thanks and See Ya!
(02:52:56) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

129: Suddenly, Klepek Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

With Brad and Alex unexpectedly out Patrick Klepek answers the call to chat about Fortnite and the kids, the end of E3, and The Game Awards!
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:00:30) Patrick Klepek is here!
(00:01:53) Lego Fortnite and the kids
(00:10:37) Where are all the plastic intruments?
(00:12:52) What's hot with the kids these days?
(00:21:10) It's official, no more E3... forever?
(00:43:41) The Game Awards (Conceptually)
(00:54:13) The Game Awards (The Games)
(00:54:52) The Rise of the Golden Idol [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on 2024
(00:55:54) Lost Records: Bloom & Rage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on 2024
(00:58:27) Exodus [Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:01:56) Windblown [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2024
(01:04:43) No Rest for the Wicked [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(01:05:26) Sega's Reboot Trailer
(01:08:32) Jurassic Park: Survival [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:11:51) OD [Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(01:15:26) Marvel's Blade [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:22:18) The Finals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 08, 2023
(01:22:35) Light No Fire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:28:34) The Casting of Frank Stone [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:30:03) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:31:13) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:32:32) Go support Patrick!
(01:34:02) See ya!

128: Hardcore Matinee Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Well, now we definitely officially know what Grand Theft Auto VI looks like, so we dig into that trailer this week, as well as Harmonix's proper Fortnite debut, the early hours of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, earnings trouble at Bungie, and other stuff!
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:00:29) Hardcore Alex
(00:02:44) Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 07, 2023
(00:31:26) Against the Storm [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 08, 2023
(00:34:10) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:40:45) A Highland Song [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 05, 2023
(00:43:57) Vampire Survivors [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 17, 2021
(00:50:33) American Truck Simulator: Kansas [PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac] on Nov 30, 2023
(00:58:31) The GTA VI trailer is out!
(01:14:11) Fortnite's new modes
(01:25:44) Twitch is ending services in South Korea next year
(01:29:23) Bungie reportedly struggling to maintain autonomy
(01:43:46) Emails
(02:00:12) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:41) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:14) Nextlander content updates
(02:05:22) See ya!

127: The Doom Runs Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

It's almost December, so it's time to take stock of the games we're currently catching up on, as well as the ones on our backlogs (with a break to talk about Steamworld Build), plus news of the day like details on Rockstar's long cancelled Agent, Game Awards announcement predictions, Unity's closure of Weta Digital, and some other stuff!
Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!
CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:03) Huuuu-rah, ooo-rah, hooo-ah?
(00:04:18) Are you someone's Hunt: Showdown friend?
(00:07:48) The video games
(00:08:07) SteamWorld Build [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 01, 2023
(00:25:51) Break
(00:30:58) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:45:38) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:46:17) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom [Nintendo Switch] on May 12, 2023
(00:47:33) Final Fantasy XVI [PlayStation 5] on Jun 22, 2023
(00:50:06) The lists of games we're working through this year
(01:10:18) News
(01:10:26) Xbox teases announcements during Game Awards
(01:29:37) Unity laying off Weta Digital teams
(01:32:59) Embracer seems ready to shutter TimeSplitters
(01:41:48) Details emerge about Rockstar's canceled game Agent
(01:51:06) Beyond Good and Evil is getting a 20th anniversary edition
(02:00:55) Emails
(02:08:16) Nextlander content updates
(02:11:28) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:12:51) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:14:58) See Ya!

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