BitCast - A Gaming Podcast

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 Intro

01:54 Podcast Topics Overview

07:40 Hopes for the Switch 2

08:54 Future Games for Switch 2

14:34 Mario Kart World DLC

17:05 Next 3D Mario Game

21:25 New Zelda Game

27:11 Animal Crossing and Nintendo's Creative Philosophy

30:37 Nintendo Switch Online and GameCube Games

34:52 Switch 2 Features and Functionality

38:55 Gaming Preferences: Short and Concise Experiences

45:48 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 Intro

00:53 COVID Experiences and Parenting Challenges

03:02 Book Discussion: East of Eden

05:24 Gaming Disconnection and Industry Trends

12:08 Housekeeping and Podcast Overview

12:47 Donkey Kong Bonanza Review

14:25 Gameplay Mechanics and Design Critique

24:35 Exploration and Level Design Issues

36:53 Critique of Game Design and Levels

37:27 Challenge Rooms and Puzzles

38:32 Character and Enemy Design Flaws

40:21 Music and Soundtrack Disappointments

42:23 Suggestions for Improvement

45:58 Boss Fights and Mechanics

53:18 Comparing to Mario Odyssey

58:32 Skill Tree Trivia

01:06:58 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 Intro

05:20 The Issue with Nostalgia in Gaming

21:17 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Impressions

35:23 Game of the Month - Mario Kart World & Dragon Age: The Veilguard

50:53 Skill Tree Trivia

58:00 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 - Intro

04:51 - The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games

53:06 - Game N' Watch March 2025

58:29 - Kingdom Hearts - Game of the Month Club

01:17:39 - 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 Intro

02:20 Our Favorite Games of 2024

01:02:42 Game of the Month Club - Donkey Kong Country 2 - Diddy's Kong Quest

01:16:41 Name That Game Music!

01:25:53 Outro

Listen 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 Intro

07:14 How long should a game be entertaining?

30:13 Game n' Watch

39:55 Game of the Month - Kena: Bridge of Spirits

56:34 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 Intro

03:26 Aging with Gaming

29:14 Game N' Watch

36:42 Dead Space Remake - Game of the Month Club

50:02 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 Intro

05:53 Topic of the Month - Expressive Platformers

29:48 September's Score Card and October Games to Look Forward To

40:35 Game of the Month

01:01:55 Name That Game Music

01:15:29 Outro