Jiggle Physics

In this very Nintendo-centric episode, Rebecca, Carli, and Sam geek out over the recent Animal Crossing Direct, Switch Online Expansion Pack, and Metroid Dread. There's also details to report on Avowed, an upcoming Xbox exclusive title.

LINKS:

• Everything announced in the October 2021 Animal Crossing Direct | iMore
• Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise — Everything you need to know | iMore
• Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack pricing revealed, starts at $50 for one year | iMore
• It's safer to buy the Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC separately than with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack | iMore
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons — How to use the Island Backup & Restoration Service | iMore
• Nintendo Switch OLED model review: The prettiest handheld experience Nintendo has to offer | iMore
• Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch review: A gorgeous return to form for Samus | iMore
• Metroid retrospective: A history of the franchise | iMore
• Details on Xbox exclusive Avowed: The Outer Worlds meets medieval fantasy | Windows Central

We are 100! To celebrate, we bring back Russell Holly for some reminiscing, gaming news, and LOTS of cryptic talk!

LINKS:

• Alan Wake Remastered review: Bringing a great game back into the light | Windows Central
• Myst in VR would have made 10-year-old me cry happy tears | Android Central
• The Legend of Zelda 35th anniversary retrospective: A windy adventure | iMore
• You don't know what a Zelda game is | iMore
• Assassin's Creed history: The full story (so far) | Windows Central

Carli is out this week, so Rebecca leads Jen and special guest Sam Tolbert on an expedition into recent game dev studio acquisitions, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Switch OLED, and more.

LINKS:

• Netflix makes its first gaming acquisition in Oxenfree developer Night School Studio | Windows Central
• Sony acquires Bluepoint Games as a PS5 developer for Sony Worldwide Studios | Android Central
• Demon's Souls remake crosses 1.4 million copies sold, Bluepoint's next game is an original title for PS5 | Android Central
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus — Everything you need to know | iMore
• Are there gyms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? | iMore
• Nintendo 4K kit claims and Switch OLED Models out in the wild ahead of launch | iMore
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a much bigger deal than you think | iMore

The JP team report on everything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct, including news that Chris Pratt will voice our favorite plumber in an upcoming film. Needless to say, we have thoughts!

LINKS:

• Apple rejects Epic's request to bring Fortnite back to the App Store | iMore
• Activision Blizzard, CEO Bobby Kotick subpoenaed by SEC over toxic workplace allegations | Windows Central
• Everything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct | iMore
• N64 and Sega Genesis emulators coming to Nintendo Switch in late October | iMore
• Death Stranding Director's Cut for PS5 review: More light-hearted fun, even for new players | Android Central
• Kena: Bridge of Spirits for PS5 review — Charming its way into my heart | Android Central

This week, we make a few quick stops into Epic v. Apple and Activision Blizzard corner before signing the praises of Deathloop for PS5. Nintendo Switch has finally received a software update that enables Bluetooth audio support. Additonally, rumors are swirling about Nintendo Switch Online getting N64 games, and a curious firmware update has been released for the dock accessory of the OLED Switch model.

LINKS:

• As expected, Epic Games has appealed a court ruling in its spat with Apple | iMore
• Epic Games pays Apple $6 million as result of Epic v. Apple lawsuit | iMore
• Deathloop for PS5 review: A deadly day I didn't want to end | Android Central
• Activision Blizzard charged with violating labor laws in union complaint | Windows Central
• Nintendo Switch finally gets Bluetooth audio support with latest update | iMore
• Rumor: Nintendo Switch Online to get Nintendo 64 games and different pricing tiers | iMore

The JP crew talk about the Epic vs. Apple court ruling, Tripwire Interactive's now-former CEO, and everything announced at PlayStation Showcase 2021. Find a partner in life who speaks about you with the same level of affection that our hosts do about Venom!

LINKS:

• Tripwire Interactive CEO out after supporting Texas anti-abortion law on Twitter | Windows Central
• Epic Games wins lawsuit victory against Apple over App Store payments | iMore
• Everything announced at the PlayStation Showcase 2021 — Wolverine, God of War: Ragnarok, more | Android Central

We've got a lot of news and rumors in store for you this week! Next-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 may not be arriving this year. Also, the gang cover everything you need to know about preordering Horizon Forbidden West, Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles may be coming to Nintendo Switch, and more.

LINKS:

• Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 next-gen versions may not arrive this year | Windows Central
• Horizon Forbidden West preorder guide: Every edition and what's in them on PS4 & PS5 | Android Central
• Report: Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles coming to the Nintendo Switch | iMore
• Game Boy games "likely" headed to Switch and Baldo makes us question the eShop | iMore
• GIVEAWAY: Win one of seven PowerA Nintendo Switch accessories! | iMore

Sam Tolbert teams up with Carli and Rebecca for their analysis of everything announced at Gamescom 2021. They also check out Call of Duty: Vanguard, Saints Row, and chat about why you shouldn't preorder Halo Infinite.

LINKS:

• DFEH says Activision Blizzard interfering with workplace investigation | Windows Central
• Overwatch is changing McCree's name after namesake fired from Blizzard | Windows Central
• Niantic restores pandemic bonus for US in Pokémon Go | iMore
• Xbox Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central
• Opening Night Live Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central
• Why Saints Row is a reboot: 'Those were games of a time' | Windows Central
• Call of Duty: Vanguard preview — A return to the fictional past | Windows Central
• Don't preorder Halo Infinite | Windows Central

Fortnite eschews originality by ripping off Among Us with their 'Imposter' mode. The crew also go Poké Balls deep into everything announced at the August 2021 Pokémon Presents.

LINKS:

• Among Us devs react to Fortnite's shameless 'Impostor' mode rip off | Windows Central
• Everything announced at the August 2021 Pokémon Presents | iMore
• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl dazzle in new gameplay, new features detailed | iMore
• Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut on PS5 review: Steep entry cost to a great expansion | Android Central

This week, the gang check out the announcements from Nintendo Indie World, ID @ Xbox Showcase, and more!

LINKS:

• Diablo 4 director, two others no longer with Activision Blizzard | Windows Central
• Nintendo Indie World: Everything announced during the August 2021 showcase | iMore
• ID@Xbox Showcase August 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central
• Old Friends Dog Game interview: Eternally touching the hearts of players | Android Central
• Back 4 Blood open beta hands-on: Everything a Left 4 Dead fan could want | Windows Central