MinnMax's Ben Hanson stops by to share production stories, his love for Final Fantsy 7: Rebirth, his thoughts on The Game Awards nominees, and much 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
(00:00:37) The positive energy of Ben Hanson!
(00:04:18) Everyone SAYS it's cool to take time off...
(00:08:38) Let's talk Game of Year logistics
(00:20:05) MinnMax Spotlight about EverQuest
(00:25:55) Filming in spaces in 2024
(00:31:03) Other MinnMax adventures
(00:41:21) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:57:37) LEGO Horizon Adventures [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Nov 14, 2024
(01:05:52) Tricky Madness [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 15, 2024
(01:10:11) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Mac] on Nov 12, 2024
(01:13:40) The other "currently playing" games
(01:14:20) Overwatch 2 [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 10, 2023
(01:19:46) The Game Awards Nominees
(01:44:53) Sony to possible acquire FromSoftware owner?
(01:50:51) Somehow there's a new DK Rap?
(01:53:39) New documentary about Half-Life 2 is out!
(02:04:41) Emails
(02:10:13) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:13:33) Mysterious Benefactor shoutouts
(02:16:19) See ya!

This week, video games and the people who love them: the PlayStation 5 Pro, Rise of the Golden Idol, Tetris Forever, the return of Battle Aces, backwards compatibility on the successor to Nintendo Switch, a future handheld Xbox, 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
(00:02:56) Entertainment mistakes may have been made
(00:08:35) The PlayStation 5 Pro and the fans have something to say!
(00:28:14) That Indiana Jones game is looking alright!
(00:32:05) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:45:04) Tetris Forever [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:59:52) Battle Aces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:07:45) ...and many more!
(01:09:23) News
(01:10:34) There is some Switch 2 news!
(01:18:45) Are we getting an Xbox handheld in the future?
(01:22:36) The original PSVR adapters are going away
(01:26:14) Tony Todd (the voice of Venom) has passed
(01:28:56) Lego Horizon Sylens voice actor revealed
(01:33:05) Andrew Wilson 3.0 has been activated
(01:35:28) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:41:36) See ya!

Time to talk about video games into microphones again, with chatter this week about the great Call of Duty account fiasco, Metal Slug Tactics, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the full list of PS5 Pro games, big changes coming to Star Wars Outlaws, how to put in your two weeks, dream airplane gaming setups, 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
(00:11:37) Too many logins for games...
(00:21:50) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:34:54) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:40:10) Metal Slug Tactics [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 05, 2024
(00:49:35) Some misc games at which we're chipping away
(00:50:49) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:52:41) News
(00:52:43) PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
(01:03:28) More Square games on Xbox?
(01:08:38) Star Wars Outlaws gets new Creative Director
(01:12:22) Update your graphic drivers
(01:17:22) Minecraft is forever
(01:20:18) Emails
(01:33:47) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:35:43) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:38:54) Whelp...
(01:39:21) See ya

They did it: they shipped a new Dragon Age game, and we grapple with this momentous event, along with the definitive end of Concord and Firewalk Studios, a disappointing decision from the US Copyright Office about old game access. Plus, our thoughts on Echo Point Nova, the Vampire Survivors Castlevania DLC, Sonic x Shadow Generations, the Shadows of the Damned remaster, our group-pizza dealbreakers, and plenty more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:58) Never not weird to podcast during rough news
(00:05:05) Corporations are not your friends
(00:09:50) Cleaning is a way to relieve stress
(00:12:50) Gotta get clean for the VR
(00:17:30) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:21:04) Life is Strange: Double Exposure [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 29, 2024
(00:27:19) Sonic X Shadow Generations [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 25, 2024
(00:34:03) Echo Point Nova [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:45:21) Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania [PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:53:36) Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:57:24) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(01:01:55) Sony shutters Concord studio
(01:10:10) US says no to remote access for old games
(01:21:05) Dragon Age Veilguard is reviewing well
(01:29:38) Emails
(01:51:54) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:56:58) See ya!

New on the show this week: Fear the Spotlight, Neva, and some hot Steam Next Fest recs. Plus, follow-ups on the Silent Hill 2 remake, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Phoenix Springs, along with Remedy's reveal of FBC: Firebreak, Nintendo's maybe-sorta MMO/crafting playtest, no Prince of Persia sequels anytime soon, 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
(00:02:51) Do not pay your bill before or after the due date!
(00:10:45) Collecting everything and owning nothing
(00:17:38) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:24:32) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:34:18) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:48:36) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:53:07) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:59:51) Alex's favorite Steam Next Fest Demos
(01:00:04) Worshippers of Cthulhu [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 21, 2024
(01:01:23) Knights in Tight Spaces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:02:00) Karate Survivor [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 30, 2024
(01:03:15) Keep Driving [PC (Microsoft WIndows)] TBD
(01:03:59) My Arms Are Longer Now [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] Q3 2025
(01:06:24) FBC: Firebreak [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] 2025
(01:12:45) Xbox Partner Preview mentions
(01:18:19) Nintendo's Switch Online Playtest
(01:26:21) Netflix Closes Team Blue Studio
(01:29:37) There will be no more Prince of Persia: Lost Crown
(01:33:37) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:37:32) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:39:11) See ya!

This week on the show we discuss Vinny's journey into the wilds of Windows 11, games like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Phoenix Springs, and Space Marine 2, the alarmo-ing news about the origin of Pokemon, fear of flying professionally, the goth-child duality, 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
(00:01:45) The highs and lows of a fireplace
(00:03:35) The greatest game of all... installing Windows 11
(00:25:08) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(00:30:49) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:41:30) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:44:26) Metaphor: ReFantazio [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 11, 2024
(00:57:54) Balatro [iOS, Android] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:02:52) News
(01:03:05) Game Freak (Pokemon) has huge data leak
(01:13:31) Steam alters its language on owning a game
(01:22:46) Please welcome Alarmo
(01:34:46) Emails
(01:49:15) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:50:25) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutout
(01:52:25) Nextlander content updates
(01:52:56) See ya!

Jason Schreier joins us on a deep dive about the history, making, and almost undoing of Blizzard as chronicled in his new book Play Nice.

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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
(00:00:53) Welcome Jason Schreier
(00:02:27) How do book sales work?
(00:08:05) The book tour
(00:11:08) The Games Industry: Bleakness AND Hope?
(00:16:42) Let's talk about Blizzard's early years
(00:43:41) Moving to middle Blizzard
(01:00:53) Project Titan
(01:08:07) Overwatch saves the day
(01:12:12) Overwatch League
(01:19:49) The first of the PR disasters
(01:24:32) Reckonings at Blizzard
(01:27:02) Overwatch 2
(01:33:26) Briefly mentioning some other Blizzard games during this time
(01:34:56) The end of Activision Blizzard
(01:49:11) Any tips for navigating news?
(01:52:04) Microsoft enters the picture
(02:03:12) Some other news that is actually related
(02:03:18) 343 rebrands to Halo Studios
(02:07:55) Is Tencent going to buy Ubisoft?
(02:13:03) What is the next book?
(02:18:33) Thanks again to Jason for joining us
(02:20:22) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:20:57) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:22:04) Nextlander content updates
(02:23:21) See ya!

What gets horror aficionado Patrick Klepek scared? Find out as he joins us to chat scary movies, Echoes of Wisdom, and much 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
(00:00:38) Patrick Klepek is here!
(00:00:48) Patrick's ridiculous history of video game jobs
(00:06:09) We've got Mr. Horror here, it's October... let's talk horror!
(00:33:34) SPOILERS from 2013: Dark Skies
(00:35:59) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:02:43) Pinball Spire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 02, 2024
(01:07:43) Frostpunk 2 [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 20, 2024
(01:08:53) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(01:13:07) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(01:16:22) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(01:22:44) I Am Your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:22:58) Balatro [iOS, Android] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:25:22) News
(01:25:38) The PlayStation 5 Pro preorders went live
(01:42:24) PlayStation's weird dashboard ads
(01:44:00) Hololens 2 was still a thing?
(01:49:05) Horizon Online is possible before a Horizon 3
(01:52:35) California wants you to know you don't own that game
(01:56:14) Just what's in a Mario movie sequel?
(02:03:06) Patrick needs to get to the movies!
(02:03:38) Popcorn at the movies?
(02:05:51) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:07:47) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:08:51) Where you can find more of Patrick?
(02:10:13) See ya!

Assassin's Creed Shadows got delayed in the middle of this podcast, so we discuss that, Ghost of Yotei, Vinny's trip to the Grand Canyon to play Flight Simulator 2024, Frostpunk 2, Deathsprint 66, Beyond Shadowgate, the Nintendo/Palworld lawsuit, the unlikely end of Kingdom Hearts, and like a hundred other things!

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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
(00:01:49) Finally, let's talk about Flight Sim 2024 and the Grand Canyon
(00:11:56) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:47:47) Frostpunk 2 [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 20, 2024
(01:01:09) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:17:15) Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Sep 19, 2024
(01:22:49) DeathSprint 66 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 12, 2024
(01:28:11) Beyond Shadowgate [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 19, 2024
(01:33:20) Assassin's Creed Shadows gets delayed
(01:50:33) PlayStation State of Play
(02:04:23) Palworld gets officially sued by Nintendo?
(02:09:37) Some sad tales from within the Concord team
(02:16:43) Tesuya Nomura will never retire
(02:19:31) Email
(02:21:29) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:23:40) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:24:50) Nextlander content updates

We're deep into the fall games now, with in-depth discussion of UFO 50 and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, plus follow-ups on Space Marine 2, Satisfactory 1.0, Astro Bot, and more. Also, uh, the whole staff of Annapurna resigned? Flappy Bird is shilling crypto now?? The first images of the new Switch kinda maybe???

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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.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:01:13) Modern sources for old TV shows
(00:07:20) The Video Games
(00:07:41) UFO 50 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 18, 2024
(00:26:24) Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Sep 19, 2024
(00:48:18) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 06, 2024
(00:53:35) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:57:15) Wild Bastards [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 12, 2024
(01:01:46) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(01:05:33) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:10:45) Helldivers 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Feb 08, 2024
(01:13:46) American Truck Simulator: Arkansas [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 16, 2024
(01:17:22) Even MORE Switch 2 rumors and news!
(01:35:25) Annapurna Games Team walks out
(01:43:25) The final chapter of Star Wars Jedi is in the works
(01:45:56) Astro Bot sold very well!
(01:47:06) Stream Families is out of beta. What does that mean?
(01:57:51) Flappy Bird returns but who is bringing it back?
(02:03:49) Emails
(02:12:14) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:14:09) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:15:09) Where Gamers Go to Know!
(02:16:27) See ya!

Jeff Bakalar is here this week to chat with us about the later parts of Astro Bot, Utopia Must Fall, I Am Your Beast, the PS5 Pro (and its $700 price tag), the new Destiny roadmap, the mysterious case of the missing MGS4 port, David Lynch's secret love of the CD-i, the hottest games talk at the kids' hockey game, 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.
(00:02:07) Quick Giant Bomb update
(00:08:56) Astro Bot [PlayStation 5] on Sep 6, 2024
(00:34:11) I Am Your Beast [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:44:13) Utopia Must Fall [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 9, 2024
(00:53:16) Star Wars Outlaws [Xbox Series, PS5, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:01:19) Fortnite [Everywhere, free]
(01:06:40) The PlayStation 5 Pro is official (and $700)
(01:24:53) SAG-AFTRA's deal with Lightspeed Studios
(01:27:40) Bungie's new roadmap for Destiny
(01:36:15) Balatro hitting mobile very soon!
(01:42:51) MGS Master Collection Vol. 2 confirmed (but where's MGS4?!)
(01:47:26) Emails!
(02:05:31) Wrapping up
(02:06:09) Mysterious Benefactor shout-outs
(02:06:52) Byeeeee!