We played a bunch of games this week and now we're here to talk about 'em, including Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Total War: Warhammer III, Crow Country, and... Smash Ultimate? and... Hollow Knight? Plus, in the news, Ninja Gaiden 4, the Celeste dev's next game is canceled, the VGHF opens its digital archives, 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
(00:04:41) Is it time to buy a Switch?
(00:13:10) Ninja Gaiden II Black  |  [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5]  |  Jan 23, 2025
(00:23:12) Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Early Access) |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Jan 23, 2025
(00:29:54) First Break
(00:29:59) Total War: Warhammer III  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Feb 17, 2022
(00:37:20) Hollow Knight  |  [Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Feb 24, 2017
(00:46:56) Crow Country  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  May 09, 2024
(00:51:29) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate  |  [Nintendo Switch]  |  Dec 07, 2018
(01:02:38) Second Break
(01:02:42) Ninja Gaiden and the Xbox Developer_Direct
(01:10:25) Celeste devs cancel next game
(01:12:51) Physical game releases are in a tough spot
(01:21:47) PlayStation gives incentives signing in on PC
(01:25:45) Video Game History Foundation is opening its digital archive
(01:37:03) Emails
(01:45:30) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:47:56) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:52:04) Late breaking questions!
(01:53:24) Did the bits mean something once? Do they still mean anything?
(02:01:42) See ya!

We've got a spate of new and upcoming games to talk about this week, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Dynasty Warriors Origins, plus they announced the new Switch! They announced the new Switch. Also: looming tariffs in the US that may raise game prices, Bluepoint's canceled online God of War 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.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:08:40) Let the previews begin!
(00:09:38) Assassin's Creed Shadows  |  [iOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Mar 20, 2025
(00:40:08) First Break
(00:40:12) Reminder about possible dynamic ads
(00:40:51) Doom: The Dark Ages  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  2025
(01:02:39) The Roottrees Are Dead  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Jan 15, 2025
(01:06:43) Dynasty Warriors: Origins  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Jan 17, 2025
(01:14:08) Second Break
(01:14:12) The Switch 2 is officially announced!
(01:27:01) What could potential tariffs mean for video games?
(01:36:13) Marvel Snap goes down and comes back up
(01:41:16) Sony cancels two live-service games
(01:50:29) Ted Price leaves Insomniac
(01:52:11) Emails
(01:59:55) Nextlander content updates
(02:04:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

Are they going to announce the Switch 2 this week? Did they announce it already? Is this long nightmare almost over? While we debate those questions, we also discuss The Roottrees Are Dead, Hyper Light Breaker, the "legendary" Japanese IP possibly being resurrected by Xbox, and moshing at Games Done Quick.

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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
(00:00:49) Let's introduce a new month?
(00:06:36) I love games but I also love data about games!
(00:13:13) Star Wars Outlaws  |  [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S]  |  Aug 30, 2024
(00:19:06) The Roottrees are Dead  |  [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux]  |  Jan 15, 2025
(00:31:10) Hyper Light Breaker (Early Access) |  [PC (Microsoft Windows)]  |  Jan 14, 2025
(00:37:22) Some Dragon Age and Indiana Jones
(00:41:27) Anything else for January?
(00:43:17) Will They or Won't They: Switch 2 Edition
(01:02:20) Assassin's Creed gets another delay
(01:03:58) Xbox Developer_Direct may have a surprise?
(01:09:43) Crazy Taxi gets a live band at AGDQ
(01:14:53) Emails
(01:29:56) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:34:00) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:36:13) Never too early (nor too late) for more Demon's Souls
(01:39:10) NXL Content Updates
(01:40:22) See ya!

We're barely a week into 2025 and we basically already know what the Switch 2 looks like thanks to CES, plus new GeForce cards, PlayStation movies, and Steam Deck-likes. Also, games we caught up on during the break like Caves of Qud, LOK Digital, Indiana Jones, and Clone Hero, the best restaurants to drown your sorrows in, and the ever-increasing absurdity of the Terminator franchise.

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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
(00:01:31) Blight Club, Terminators, and time travel!
(00:13:39) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:17:38) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:35:30) Caves of Qud [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 05, 2024
(00:44:51) Lok Digital [Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 11, 2024
(00:49:16) Ballionaire [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 10, 2024
(00:55:46) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 09, 2024
(01:02:04) Marvel Rivals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 06, 2024
(01:03:08) Clone Hero [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Apr 03, 2017
(01:08:03) News
(01:08:42) The Switch 2 is really all but officially announced...
(01:20:44) The Lenovo Legion Go S
(01:26:17) Nvidia has new video cards to sell us
(01:35:16) A whole bunch of PlayStation and Sony movies
(01:47:11) Private Division has a new owner and new stewards?
(01:55:36) Emails
(02:06:44) Wrapping up
(02:08:59) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:10:09) Nextlander content updates
(02:12:34) See ya!

We conclude our rundown of our favorite games of the year this week, focusing on the top four spots on each of our personal top 10 lists, plus some honorable mentions for the games that almost made it. Thanks for listening and happy new year!

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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
(00:04:12) Number 4 [Brad]
(00:12:12) Number 4 [Vinny]
(00:18:19) Number 4 [Alex]
(00:18:56) Number 3 [Brad]
(00:19:13) Number 3 [Vinny]
(00:29:15) First Break
(00:29:20) Number 3 [Alex]
(00:34:59) Number 2 [Brad]
(00:36:18) Number 2 [Vinny]
(00:37:22) Number 2 [Alex]
(00:54:37) Second Break
(00:54:56) Number 1 [Brad]
(01:06:07) Number 1 [Vinny]
(01:14:59) Number 1 [Alex]
(01:28:46) Top Ten Recaps
(01:29:07) Brad's Top Games of 2024
(01:29:27) Vinny's Top Games of 2024
(01:29:57) Alex's Top Games of 2024
(01:32:15) Honorable Mentions
(01:39:20) The rest of the Mentions
(01:44:13) GOTY Thought Exercises
(01:46:35) Wrapping up
(01:48:13) See ya
(01:48:22) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts

This year, we get together for a nice, casual, conflict-free two-part dissection of our personal favorite games of the year, with a focus in this first installment on numbers 10 through 5. Hope everyone is having a nice holiday, and thanks as always for your support!

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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
(00:03:44) Number 10 [Brad]
(00:11:25) Number 10 [Vinny]
(00:15:42) Number 10 [Alex]
(00:16:43) Number 09 [Brad]
(00:17:34) Number 09 [Vinny]
(00:23:14) Number 09 [Alex]
(00:28:00) Number 08 [Brad]
(00:34:47) First Break
(00:34:52) Number 08 [Vinny]
(00:40:31) Number 08 [Alex]
(00:45:40) Number 07 [Brad]
(00:46:28) Number 07 [Vinny]
(00:51:44) Number 07 [Alex]
(00:58:20) Number 06 [Brad]
(00:59:15) Number 06 [Vinny]
(01:08:20) Number 06 [Alex]
(01:18:20) Second Break
(01:18:25) Number 05 [Brad]
(01:29:24) Number 05 [Vinny]
(01:35:33) Number 05 [Alex]
(01:46:43) Wrapping up
(01:47:13) Brad's 10 through 05 picks
(01:47:28) Alex's 10 through 05 picks
(01:47:41) Vinny's 10 through 05 picks
(01:48:31) Join us in the next episode!
(01:49:38) See ya!
(01:49:48) Thanks and Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts!

Sandwiched right between 2024's game calendar winding down and our GOTY podcasts kicking off next week, why... it's the Game Awards! We spend this week's show dissecting all the news about The Witcher 4, the Okami sequel, Naughty Dog's new IP, and plenty of other stuff.

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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.
(00:01:59) We've recorded too much stuff, we have no chance against our fake selves
(00:08:50) Alex is happy for the winter foods
(00:12:23) The 2024 Game Awards
(00:20:28) Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound [Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q3 2025
(00:22:07) Note: Audio might sound different until the break. We had a recording issue.
(00:23:02) Shadow Labyrinth [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:27:21) Rematch [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] Q3 2025
(00:29:47) Game Awards presentation and trappings
(00:31:45) The Witcher IV [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] TBD
(00:36:43) Elden Ring: Nightreign [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:38:16) Untitled GenDesign Game [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(00:41:16) Split Fiction [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 06, 2025
(00:44:27) The Outer Worlds 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:45:55) Steel Hunters
(00:47:56) Game Changers Award
(00:49:13) Borderlands 4 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(00:51:21) Untitled Virtua Fighter Game
(00:55:24) Project Century
(00:57:42) Turok: Origins [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(00:59:56) Helldivers 2: Omens of Tyranny [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 12, 2024
(01:03:14) Onimusha: Way of the Sword [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2026
(01:06:08) Hunt: Showdown 1896 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 15, 2024
(01:08:30) Stage Fright [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:11:29) Double Dragon Revive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 23, 2025
(01:12:55) Screamer [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on 2026
(01:15:31) Den of Wolves [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:16:31) Game of Thrones: Kingsroad [Android, iOS] on 2025
(01:17:43) Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:19:03) Mafia: The Old Country [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Q3 2025
(01:21:52) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(01:22:25) Dispatch [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(01:24:48) Sam Lake / Max Payne bit
(01:25:21) Okami Sequel
(01:28:21) Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet [PlayStation 5] on TBD
(01:35:43) Closing thoughts on The Game Awards
(01:42:30) Wrapping up

The holidays approach, so we're in GOTY cramming mode with discussions this week about such games as Indiana Jones, Mouthwashing, Infinity Nikki, Beyond Galaxyland, Kill Knight, and Marvel Rivals, plus some loose Game Awards predictions, emails, and plenty 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
(00:04:05) A bit of coffee talk
(00:05:03) Happy to see Technology Connections get what he wants!
(00:07:53) Back to talking about coffee
(00:13:44) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 09, 2024
(00:33:09) Mouthwashing [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:49:49) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(00:56:00) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:59:45) Kill Knight [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One] on Oct 03, 2024
(01:03:32) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(01:05:06) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:11:04) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:14:24) Marvel Rivals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 06, 2024
(01:25:14) The Game Awards rumor mill is spinning
(01:37:18) Sony stock prices are rising...
(01:38:28) ...while the industry still tries to find its footing
(01:49:23) Emails
(01:58:52) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:02:24) Nextlander content updates
(02:04:22) See ya!

We're back from Thanksgiving and catching up on the news (Sony might be making a handheld, Ubisoft is shutting down Xdefiant, NES Tetris returns at last), games (Star Wars Outlaws, Dragon Age, STALKER 2), and your emails (Alex's celebrity doppelganger, our dream farewell concerts). Podcast!

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
(00:01:07) Rank everything, including months
(00:05:47) Is December lit?
(00:09:54) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:31:51) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:39:12) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:47:25) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 20, 2024
(00:51:23) Nuclear Nightmare [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 20, 2024
(00:54:05) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:55:01) The PS5 some fun anniversary business
(01:00:07) Is Sony gearing up for another handheld?
(01:15:22) XDefiant is shutting down
(01:24:10) More studios stopping operations
(01:30:05) Avatars will be going away on your modern Xbox
(01:34:33) Some Tetris news for Tetris fans!
(01:40:42) Emails
(01:53:49) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:59:11) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:00:38) Nextlander content updates
(02:01:12) Headiest old GOTY memories
(02:03:38) See ya!

With the NXL crew off for the holiday, we bring you another very special episode of Never Been a Better Podcast featuring Austin Walker, Jeff Bakalar, and lengthy discussions about Jell-O universes and pizza drones.

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CHAPTERS:
(00:01:10) Intro
(00:01:41) Fun times with the oral surgeon
(00:18:17) Bakalar lives in a sitcom
(00:26:08) Let's talk some Batman
(00:38:03) What happens with a reverse Superman?
(00:42:32) The Alan Moore Theory
(00:44:35) The Whole Universe is Jell-o
(00:50:20) John Carpenter
(00:54:05) You'll never think of Sam Neil the same way again...
(00:55:37) Now, I'm no big city scientist...
(01:02:09) Repo Man and Repo Men are very different movies
(01:05:14) The World's Library
(01:07:27) Recalibrating the Smart Board
(01:12:22) The pizza drone is no joke
(01:13:36) Don't arm the pizza drone...
(01:17:51) Wrapping up
(01:19:42) Ok, now really wrapping up
(01:20:02) See ya! (edited)

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!