Press Start Select Podcast

Are gaming review scores completely broken in 2026? In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, the crew debates the controversy surrounding Mixtape’s perfect review scores, whether outlets like IGN still influence gamers, and why modern game journalism feels more disconnected than ever.

We also break down the growing frustration surrounding Tekken 8, Bandai Namco’s recent decisions, and what Harada joining SNK could mean for the future of fighting games. From Dragon Ball game fatigue to Xenoverse 3 concerns, Fighting Game Community drama, and the rise of creator-driven reviews over traditional media, this episode goes deep into the current state of gaming culture.

Topics Include:

• Mixtape review controversy
• Are IGN scores still trustworthy?
• Tekken 8
• Harada joining SNK
• Bandai Namco
• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 concerns
• Fighting game community discourse
• Why gamers trust creators more than journalists
• The future of gaming reviews

The Press Start Select Podcast delivers weekly conversations covering gaming news, anime, fighting games, industry trends, and unfiltered hot takes from lifelong gamers.

Nintendo has one of gaming’s most iconic franchises sitting on the bench, and in Episode 80 of the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down why Star Fox feels more irrelevant than ever — and what Nintendo would need to do to finally bring the series back properly.

The discussion explores how modern audiences would respond to a true Star Fox reboot, why Nintendo struggles to evolve certain franchises, and how Sega and Capcom have handled legacy IPs far more effectively in recent years.

The crew also dives into Xbox’s ongoing identity crisis, Asha Sharma’s recent changes to the brand, Tekken 8 Season 3 backlash, Kunimitsu’s reveal, and why Capcom’s Pragmata success proves that creative AAA games can still thrive in today’s industry.

Topics Include:

• Why Nintendo abandoned Star Fox
• What a modern Star Fox reboot should look like
• Xbox’s branding and leadership problems
• Tekken 8 Season 3 impressions
• Fighting games losing casual players
• Pragmata selling over 2 million copies
• Why Capcom is dominating gaming right now
• Sega’s Stranger Than Heaven reveal
• The future of Sonic and Sega remakes
• Why modern AAA games feel incomplete

The Press Start Select Podcast is a gaming and anime podcast covering industry news, gaming culture, hot takes, and deep discussions around Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, anime, and modern gaming trends.

Xbox may be preparing its next major move with Project Helix, a rumored strategy that could blur the line between console and PC. If Microsoft is really heading toward a unified ecosystem, what does that mean for traditional consoles and the future of Game Pass?

This week on the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down the growing speculation around Project Helix and whether it could finally solve Xbox’s long-standing identity problem. They also react to reports of an Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, discuss why Ubisoft keeps returning to its most beloved entry, and explore the ongoing roguelike boom sparked by massive interest in games like Slay the Spire.

From Xbox strategy to Ubisoft nostalgia and indie genre dominance, this episode dives into some of the biggest conversations happening in gaming right now.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro & catching up
02:45 – Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake discussion
15:31 – Why roguelikes are exploding in popularity
21:54 – Xbox Project Helix explained
30:06 – Microsoft strategy & pricing speculation
1:26:13 – PlayStation & Nintendo quick hits
1:45:15 – Resident Evil discussion
1:50:02 – Final thoughts & outro

Follow Press Start Select

YouTube: Press Start Select Podcast
Antonius: Antonius DaGamer
Super SSS Rank: SuperSSSRank

If you enjoy the show, follow the podcast and leave a rating — it helps more gamers and anime fans discover the show.

Xbox may be entering its biggest transition in years.

This week on Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius DaGamer and SSS Rank react to reports that Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are stepping away from leadership roles at Xbox. What does this mean for Microsoft’s long-term strategy? Is this the end of an era — or a necessary reset?

We also break down Sony’s decision to shut down Bluepoint Games, the remake powerhouse behind the Demon's Souls PS5 launch title. After years of strong critical output, what actually determines whether a studio survives in today’s AAA environment?

On the Nintendo side, we discuss the release of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen at $20 each — and whether this is a meaningful shift in accessibility strategy or just another calculated nostalgia play.

This episode connects the dots across all three platform holders:

• Xbox leadership uncertainty

• Sony’s studio closures & live service missteps

• Nintendo’s response to emulation and legacy demand

• What actually keeps a studio alive in 2026

If you’re watching the long-term direction of Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, this is a pivotal week.

Was this the strongest PlayStation State of Play in years?

In Episode 77 of Press Start Select, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank break down a showcase packed with major announcements, deep cuts, and unexpected revivals. From the long-awaited return of Metal Gear Solid 4 to a rumored God of War trilogy remake, Sony may have delivered one of its most complete presentations in recent memory.

But not everything landed.

The conversation explores:

• Why this State of Play felt like a turning point for PlayStation
• Metal Gear Solid 4’s comeback and what it means for preservation
• Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, roster balance, and the shadow of Marvel vs. Capcom 3
• The continued expansion of the Horizon universe
• PS5 Pro pricing, rising hardware costs, and the shift toward PC
• Why indie studios are outperforming AAA in creativity and audience connection

Was this a true return to form — or just a strong night in a turbulent generation?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro01:09 PlayStation State of Play Was FIRE03:42 Metal Gear Solid 4 Is BACK24:32 Ghost of Yotei & Third Party Highlights25:19 Marvel Tokon Roster Expectations 47:30 God of War Remake1:02:29 HighGuard's Marketing Killed the Game1:17:20 Horizon Hunters Gathering Deep Dive1:40:48 Steam Machine Delayed1:58:12 Outro

Ubisoft is at a breaking point.

After canceling the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake and facing internal backlash from staff and unions, the publisher’s long-standing strategies are being put under a microscope. In this episode, we unpack what Ubisoft’s turmoil says about leadership, creative burnout, and the growing disconnect between publishers and players.

We also shift focus to Nintendo’s future — including the massive expectations surrounding Metroid Prime 4 and whether it can finally become a true flagship franchise alongside Mario and Zelda. Plus, we dig into Sony’s experimental new controller patent, Xbox Game Pass updates, Obsidian’s direction with The Outer Worlds 2, and why modern gaming struggles with long-term commitment.

A wide-ranging conversation about the state of the industry, creative risk, and why so many games feel harder to care about than ever.

Tomb Raider casting backlash, God of War heading to live-action, and why so many modern games feel creatively risk-averse.This week on Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius and S Rank dive into the backlash surrounding Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, the ongoing debate over what Tomb Raider even is in 2026, and whether Amazon can repeat its Fallout success with another major game adaptation.

The conversation expands into God of War’s live-action series, casting reactions to Kratos, and the growing concern that some franchises simply don’t work without blockbuster movie budgets. From Netflix’s Tomb Raider anime to Hollywood’s obsession with “safe” adaptations, we break down why passion, tone, and identity matter more than brand recognition.

On the gaming side, we get into High Guard, art direction fatigue, Marvel Rivals’ visual appeal, live-service oversaturation, and why aesthetics still play a massive role in whether a game survives. We also touch on the decline of Western comics, the rise of manga, and how cultural storytelling has shifted across games, TV, and animation.

If you’re interested in Tomb Raider, God of War, live-action game adaptations, modern game design, and the state of gaming culture — this episode connects all the dots.

2025 was a turbulent year for the video game industry, marked by studio closures, hardware uncertainty, delayed releases, and a growing sense that modern gaming has lost clear leadership and creative direction.

In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius and Super SSS Rank break down the biggest industry failures and frustrations of 2025, including Xbox’s identity crisis, Nintendo’s changing perception among longtime fans, the increasing reliance on Rockstar Games to drive innovation, and the absence of true “must-play” cultural moments that once defined gaming eras.

The conversation also explores the rising cost of technology, the impact of AI on accessibility, the future of handheld gaming, and why PC, mobile devices, and platforms like Steam are reshaping how and where people play. Despite the challenges, the episode highlights positive trends such as the rise of indie developers, improved crossplay support, stronger game adaptations, and promising titles heading into 2026.

This episode serves as a candid reflection on where gaming stands today—and what it will take for the industry to regain trust, creativity, and leadership moving forward.

The Game Awards 2025 sparked mixed reactions, surprise wins, and growing questions about the future of the gaming industry.

In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, the crew breaks down what worked, what fell flat, and why the show felt strangely hollow this year. We discuss Clair Obscur’s Game of the Year sweep, the ongoing frustration with CGI trailers and live-service fatigue, and whether gamers are officially in “backlog season.”

The conversation also touches on Resident Evil 9, Sega’s absence from the show, Nintendo’s Amiibo-locked DLC, Xbox’s continued struggles, and the growing role of AI in game development.

Plus, a major moment for the show as Tim announces his departure from the physical podcast after more than 70 episodes.

Netflix acquiring Warner Bros might be the biggest entertainment industry shake-up in years — and the ripple effects could permanently change gaming, streaming, and how major IPs are handled going forward.

In Episode 72 of Press Start Select Podcast, we break down what this deal could mean for DC, Mortal Kombat, HBO, and WB Games, why it feels like both a power move and a panic move, and whether this level of consolidation is actually healthy for the industry.

We also talk about Digimon’s unexpected resurgence with Time Stranger, honest thoughts on Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Bleach Rebirth of Souls, and why AAA gaming feels like it’s hitting a breaking point as Eastern developers continue to rise. Plus, we close out the episode with our Game Awards predictions, Sonic 3’s nomination snub, surprise trailer expectations, and a deeper conversation about nostalgia-driven franchises and anime power scaling chaos.

If you’re into gaming industry conversations, anime debates, and watching the business side of entertainment collide with nostalgia, this episode delivers.