In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we take a closer look at the shoot 'em up (or shmup) genre, one of gaming’s oldest and most enduring genres. Joined by Sanatana Mishra, game developer at Witch Beam Games, we use his first-hand insight in developing Assault Android Cactus to have a wide-ranging discussion.

We discuss what defines a shmup, the key archetypes that make up the genre, and how these games have changed over time. Sanatana also offers thoughts on where the genre stands today and what its future might look like.

Whether you're familiar with shmups or just interested in learning more about a niche but influential corner of video game history, this episode offers an in-depth analysis of a genre that continues to evolve in its own way.

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Sanatana Mishra - @witchbeam.com.au

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

On this special episode of Blowing Cartridges, we're joined by Drew Agnew, host of The House of Mario podcast, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario.

We dive into the latest Nintendo Direct and unpack all the Mario-related announcements. Sharing our earliest and fondest memories of the mustachioed plumber, we reflect on Mario's continued staying power not just in gaming but as a multimedia phenomenon. 

From 8-bit roots to theme parks and cinematic stardom, we discuss how far Mario has come and where he might go next. What could his 50th anniversary look like? Tune in as always to hear our thoughtful ramblings! 

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we're joined by special guest NinStarRose—a former Australian competitive Mario Kart player, Mario Kart 8D AU/NZ Championship 2024 Finalist and Twitch streamer —to dive into the challenges and nuances of transitioning between new entries in multiplayer-focused games. Using Mario Kart as the main case study, we explore how changes in mechanics, balance, and community dynamics shape the player experience across generations. We also branch out to discuss Overwatch, League of Legends, World of Warcraft, Fortnite, and Super Smash Bros, examining how competitive players and casual fans alike adapt—or struggle to adapt—when their favorite games evolve.

Whether you're chasing leaderboards or just keeping up with your friends, this episode unpacks the dynamics of the ever-changing world of multiplayer gaming.

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

NinStarRose - @NinStarRose Twitch

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we're joined by industry analyst from MST Financial David Gibson to dig into the investor side of the video game landscape.  With the Nintendo Switch 2 shaking up the scene, coupled with a looming trade war and the price increases from Nintendo's competitors, we discuss the dynamics driving some of these trends. 

From console pricing strategies to game development budgets, David brings his investment and market expertise, together with his knowledge of the gaming sector to break down how companies are responding to consumer trends, inflation, the cost of game and hardware development and the ever-changing global market. 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

David - @Gibbogame

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

In this ad-hoc episode of Blowing Cartridges, Zach calls in from his holiday in Japan to discuss all things Nintendo, covering topics ranging from the Nintendo Museum, Super Nintendo World, shopping for Nintendo merchandise in Japan and how widely is the Nintendo Switch 2 being marketed in Japan.

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

This week, we’re welcoming back our good friend Dave for a deep dive into the wild world of video game spinoffs — all inspired by the recent announcements of Kirby Air Riders and Donkey Kong Bonanza!

While we may be more confused that when we started this conversation, we delve into what exactly is a spin-off, can you differentiate spin-offs and sub-series and what makes a great spin-off stand out from the crowd. Plus, we get into the bigger picture: why spinoffs matter, what they bring to gaming, and when they can sometimes even outshine their original series and become established series in their own right.

Get ready for a nostalgic ride, plenty of heated (but friendly!) debate, and a lot of love for the weird and wonderful corners of gaming history.

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Dave

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

In this episode, we're joined by Dan of Switchingitup_ for a full breakdown of the latest Nintendo Direct focused on the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2! We dive into our most hyped games from the showcase, dissect the highs and lows of the presentation, and look ahead to what the Switch 2 means for Nintendo’s near future.

Of course, we couldn’t avoid the big questions—pricing, potential tariffs, and whether Nintendo can strike the right balance as it transitions from what is projected to be the best-selling console of all time.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Switch, this episode's packed with Nintedo-filled discussion, predictions, and a bit of healthy speculation. 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Dan - @Switchingitup_

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

The Nintendo DS launched in Australia 20 years ago, and its impact on gaming still lingers today, being fondly remembered by a generation of past and current gamers. In this special retrospective, we’re joined by Ollie Brandt from Vooks.net to dive deep into the handheld that redefined not only portable gaming, but the wider gaming landscape. 

We discuss the DS’s groundbreaking dual-screen design, its massive success in broadening the gaming audience, and the iconic titles that defined an era—from Brain Training to Pokémon, Mario Kart DS to The World Ends with You. We also share our personal memories of the console and explore its lasting legacy in Australia.

So dust off your stylus, charge up your old and battered DS, and join us for yet another nostalgia-packed episode of Blowing Cartridges!

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Oliver Brandt - @chocobalt.bsky.social

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

It’s time to plumbob up and reflect on one of the most iconic life-simulation games of all time! In this special 25th-anniversary episode of Blowing Cartridges, the crew takes a nostalgic (and sometimes chaotic) look back at The Sims—from its humble beginnings in 2000 to the global and enduring phenomenon it is today, sustaining a vibrant and diverse community of content creators and enthusiasts.

Joining us for this Sim-tacular celebration is the Australian content creator, EA Partner and noted Sims 4 Builder Jeyjeybinks! Together, we reminisce about our first Sims memories, the franchise’s lasting impact on gaming culture, and what the current Sims landscape. Plus, we break down the evolution of the series, the most iconic expansion packs (aka Hot Date), and what we hope to see in the future.

So, grab your rosebud cheat codes, watch out for pool ladders, and tune in for another episode of Blowing Cartridges! 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Jeyjeybinks - Jeyjeybinks Linktree

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

With the reveal of the Switch 2 and its surprising mouse functionality, it’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of video game gimmicks. Joined by friend of the show Dave, we unpack what exactly makes something a “gimmick,” and take a nostalgic (and occasionally cringe-inducing) trip through gaming history — from the motion-controlled highs of the Nintendo Wii to the camera-based chaos of the PlayStation EyeToy, and the curious cardboard days of the Nintendo e-Reader.

We also ponder the eternal question: when does a gimmick become a gaming staple? Is innovation always a good thing, or are some ideas better left in the tech graveyard? And of course, we try our hand at predicting what the future of gaming gimmicks might hold.

Plug in, power up, and join us for a lively (and gimmick-packed) discussion!

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Dave

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia