Press Start Select Podcast

Press Start Select Podcast

By Antonius DaGamerLeisureVideo Games
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Press Start Select Podcast episodes

  • The Gaming Luxury Tax | Episode 56

    In this episode of Press Start Select, Antonius DaGamer, Super SSS Rank, and Mykale Smith dive into the hottest gaming and anime topics of the week. They kick things off with the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, breaking down its rumored price, PS4-level specs, and what it means for the future of Nintendo games.

    The conversation then shifts to Marvel Rivals and the Emma Frost design backlash, unpacking fan reactions and ongoing debates around representation in games. Next up, the team tackles Bungie’s upcoming Marathon reboot—sharing real concerns about the game's direction and Bungie’s current trajectory. The episode wraps with an in-depth review of the Tekken 8 Season 2 roadmap and reactions to Netflix’s Devil May Cry anime adaptation, complete with honest takes on character choices and narrative risks.


    Whether you're a Switch fan, a Marvel enthusiast, or just love talking games and anime—this episode is packed with commentary you don’t want to miss.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview

    02:13 - Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct

    05:42 - Thoughts on the New Design

    07:57 - Physical Cartridges vs. Digital Keys

    09:56 - Initial Positive Impressions

    15:47 - The Cost of AAA Games and Season Passes

    16:41 - Negative Reactions to Pricing Announcements

    19:40 - Nintendo's Baiting Tactics and FOMO

    27:26 - Predictions and Concerns about Nintendo's Future Strategy

    29:35 - Competition from Steam Deck and ROG Ally

    34:27 - Discussion about Controversial Content and "Snow Bunny Emma Frost"

    44:16 - Representation and Authenticity in Storytelling

    47:50 - Sexuality, Body Type, and Controversial Themes in Media

    51:58 - Initial Impressions and Artistic Style of "South of Midnight"

    55:39 - Discourse and Expectations Around "South of Midnight"

    57:54 - Reactions to Negative Comments and Online Toxicity

    01:06:10 - Discussion about "Marathon" and Bungie's Direction

    01:11:13 - "Marathon" as an Extraction Shooter and Fan Expectations

    01:35:58 - "Tekken 8" Season 2 and "Back to Formula"

    01:56:52 - The Storyline and Character Choices in "Tekken"

    02:06:49 - Suggestions for Fixing "Tekken" and the Season 2 Roadmap

    02:12:52 - "Devil May Cry" Anime Discussion - Initial Thoughts

    02:18:14 - Cons and Pros Regarding Lady's Character in the Anime

    02:27:27 - Shared Universe Easter Eggs and Tone

    02:32:23 - Comparing the Anime to the Game Series

    02:42:01 - Closing Thoughts on the "Devil May Cry" Anime


    #nintendoswitch2 #marvelrivals #bungie #tekken8 #devilmaycry #netflixanime #pressstartselect #gamingpodcast #animepodcast #emmafrost #gamersunite

    2 hr 46 min
  • GoW Anniversary, PS5 Worries, Ronaldo?!, Switch 2 Buzz & Mon Talk!

    Welcome to another episode! We're diving deep into the week's biggest gaming news and throwing in some nostalgic goodness for good measure. This week, we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of God of War! Join us as we discuss Kratos' legacy and even touch on the rumors of a potential story set in Greece.

    But it's not all looking back! We're also tackling some of the big questions facing PlayStation. Is there cause for concern with the future of PS5's first-party exclusives, especially with Naughty Dog's upcoming title seemingly further out? We share our thoughts on the current state of PlayStation's lineup and what might be next.

    Over in the Nintendo sphere, we break down the latest Nintendo Direct. What can we expect from the Switch 2, and are the announced Switch games a good sign? We share our hopes and concerns for Nintendo's next console. And for the monster-collecting fans, we're talking Pokemon – has the franchise lost its way? Finally, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Digimon with nostalgic memories and reflections on what made it special.


    What are your thoughts on these topics? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more gaming discussions and insights!


    CHAPTERS:


    0:00 - Intro and Podcast News


    1:00 - Gaming Big News: God of War 20th Anniversary


    23:55 - PlayStation First-Party Concerns and Naughty Dog


    40:59 - Guest Characters in Fighting Games


    52:11 - Grummz and the Ratio


    1:11:57 - Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Expectations


    1:40:55 - Back to Formula: Pokémon Legends ZA Disappointment


    1:55:56 - PSS Approved: Digimon 25th Anniversary


    2:03:56 - Otaku Insights: First Experiences with Digimon


    2:27:59 - Closing Thoughts and Outro

    2 hr 32 min
  • Monster Hunter Changes, Ubisoft Under Pressure and Anime Roster Wars

    In this episode, Antonius DaGamer and Super SSS Rank revisit the nostalgic challenge of classic Monster Hunter, debate whether Assassin’s Creed Shadows can live up to the legacy of Ghost of Tsushima, and explore gaming trends—from comparing new titles to established giants and the impact of female protagonists, to the rising appeal of cozy experiences versus intense gameplay, and what truly makes an anime game stand out. Note: Technical difficulties led to an abrupt ending, but the conversation remains packed with thoughtful commentary.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup01:03 Monster Hunter Wilds Initial Impressions17:29 Gaming Big News Segment Introduction17:42 Assassin's Creed Shadows Early Access and Reviews22:08 Discussion on Yasuke's Historical Accuracy and Controversy25:53 Past Historical Inaccuracies in Assassin's Creed26:29 The "Problem" with Yasuke Being Real31:23 The Impact of Bad Writing33:01 Comparing Games to Benchmarks in Their Genres34:55 The Trend of "Wokeness" and Extreme Reactions38:55 Issues with Talent and Creative Direction in Larger Companies43:58 Comparing Assassin's Creed to Other Genre Leaders50:52 Revisiting Assassin's Creed Shadows' Performance Later51:03 Overall Impression of Assassin's Creed Shadows 55:07 Discussion on Female Character Representation in Games64:41 The Pendulum Swing in Cultural Trends66:28 The Importance of Nuance in Criticism74:09 The Rise of Cozy Games83:47 Potential Pushback on "Gameplay Over Story" Sentiment90:16 Donkey Kong Country Returns and Memorable Gameplay Moments92:14 Immersion and Transition to Anime Games Discussion93:03 What Makes a Good Anime Game?109:36 Back to Formula112:40 Critiques of Assassin's Creed Shadows and the Motivation Behind Them115:56 - The Significance of Accountability and Acknowledging Mistakes119:54 - Agreeing with Valid Points While Disagreeing with Delivery122:55 - Concluding Thoughts on Critique, Isolation, and Authenticity124:02 - Doubling Down on Personal Opinions (Death Stranding Example)125:56 - "Back to Formula" Segment Conclusion126:08 - Podcast Outro and Apology for Technical Difficulties#MonsterHunter #AssassinsCreedShadows #GhostofTsushima #Ubisoft #AnimeGames #GamingPodcast #VideoGames #CozyGames #GamingNews #PressStartSelect #pressstartselectpodcast #psspodcast


    2 hr 7 min
  • Gaming’s Future: Microsoft’s Risk, Kojima’s Vision & The Nostalgia Debate
    Alright, let's talk gaming! This week we're discussing some of the biggest questions and debates in the industry.
    First up: Is Xbox about to shake things up with a handheld? We're looking at what that could mean for Microsoft and whether it's a smart move in today's market. Then, it's the weird and wonderful world of Hideo Kojima and Death Stranding 2. Is it a work of art, or is it just too out there for its own good? We're not sure, but we're excited to discuss.
    Capcom has been the comeback king of the legacy publishers lately. Are they back on top of their game, or do they have something to prove?
    And what about The Last of Us? Do we need a Part 3? We're weighing the pros and cons.
    Finally, we're wrapping up with a look at the world of anime games, asking if titles like Bleach: Rebirth of Souls and the new Baki game can truly stand out from the crowd and offer something new.
    We're digging into the tensions between creative visions and corporate demands, the impact of nostalgia on the industry, and trying to figure out where gaming is headed next. Join the conversation and let us know what YOU think in the comments!
    CHAPTERS:
    0:00 - Intro: Gaming News and Controversies
    0:48 - Xbox Handheld Rumors: Microsoft's Strategy?
    4:52 - Corporate Influence in Gaming
    16:27 - Microsoft's Vision: Snippets and Inconsistency
    21:20 - GTA 6 Pricing and Industry Trends
    26:16 - Hideo Kojima and Death Stranding 2: Genius or Madness?
    39:50 - Kojima: Movie Maker?
    42:10 - The Last of Us Part 3: Is it Needed?
    51:59 - Capcom's Revival: Firing on All Cylinders?
    58:57 - Mega Man Discussion
    1:03:15 - Dino Crisis Discussion
    1:11:49 - Bleach: Rebirth of Souls: Anime Game Analysis
    1:19:04 - Baki Hanma: Blood Arena: Disappointment?
    1:27:15 - Dragon Ball: Has it Lost Its Way?
    1:39:50 - Letting Go of Childhood Favorites
    1:55:28 - Outro and Community Support
    #GamingNews #XboxHandheld #DeathStranding2 #HideoKojima #DragonBall #StreetFighter6 #Capcom #TheLastOfUs #BleachRebirthOfSouls #AnimeGames #NostalgiaGaming #VideoGames #yugioh #pressstartselectpodcast #psspodcast #gamingpodcast
    1 hr 57 min
  • Gaming's Crossroads: Can Nostalgia, Live Service, and Fan Expectations Coexist?
    The fellas are back and discussing the gaming industry's biggest challenges! We break down the Ubisoft & WB Games crises, Assassin's Creed leaks, Tekken 8 controversies, and the Dragon Ball anime debate. Is live service killing our favorite games?
    Chapters:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:58 - Assassin's Creed Shadows Leak
    4:18 - Ubisoft's Troubles
    11:42 - WB Games in Crisis: Damage Control Needed
    53:17 - Tekken 8 Season 2: Anna's Return
    1:11:30 - Live Service Games: Chasing Explosive Growth
    1:27:51 - Anime Game Adaptations: Expansion and Growth
    1:32:27 - Pokémon Day Disappointment: Lackluster Reveals
    1:47:15 - PalWorld could become a threat
    1:56:16 - Dragon Ball Daima: Was it a waste?
    2:14:31 - Outro: Final Thoughts & Disappointments
    #gaming #ubisoft #assassinscreed #tekken8 #dragonball #wbgames #liveservice #anime #gamingnews #gamer #videogames #pressstartselectpodcast #psspodcast
    2 hr 18 min
  • A PSN Disaster, Sony's Failure? & Dragon Ball's Super Saiyan SHOCK
    Dive into this week's gaming controversies and news! We're breaking down the PSN outage and Sony's State of Play "disappointment" Is Call of Duty going too far with Fortnite-style crossovers and celebrity skins? Plus, we discuss Dragon Ball Super: Daima and the return of Super Saiyan 4—is it a hit or a miss? Tune in for all the hot takes!
    CHAPTERS:
    Intro: [00:00]
    Insomniac Games and Resistance 4: [0:37-3:43]
    Pokémon Day Rumors: [9:02-14:22]
    Monster Hunter Wilds Beta: [20:31-24:55]
    Gaming Big News: [25:07]
    Call of Duty Skins and Guest Characters: [25:26-31:20]
    PSN Outage and Sony's Communication: [33:08-36:35]
    Sony State of Play Discussion: [36:35-47:25]
    Digimon Crossover: [58:37-1:01:09]
    Grand Theft Auto Cyberpunk: [1:10:09-1:12:29]
    Dreams of Another: [1:16:04-1:17:15]
    Back To Formula: [1:35:50]
    PSS Approved: [1:48:23]
    Otaku Insights: [1:59:14]
    Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima: [1:59:20-2:14:32]
    Universally Loved Transformations in Shonen: [2:32:59]
    #gamingnews #insomniacgames #resistance4 #playstation #pokemon #pokemonday #monsterhunterwilds #callofduty #psn #stateofplay #digimon #gta #grandtheftauto #cyberpunk #dragonballdaima #supersaiyan4 #anime #shonenanime #gamingpodcast #videogames #pressstartselectpodcast
    2 hr 52 min
  • Xbox Going Multiplatform? Sony’s State of Play Breakdown & What’s Next for Dragon Ball
    Join the Press Start Select crew as they celebrate their 50th episode with a deep dive into the latest gaming news, anime updates, and more. This milestone episode features a new format with dedicated segments for easy navigation.Key topics include:•Xbox's Future: The hosts discuss the potential of a new Xbox console, its place in the market amidst multiplatform releases, and the challenges it faces. They explore whether innovative features like enhanced content creation and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot could boost sales. The group also touches on the economic factors impacting Xbox and its place in the console market.•Sony's State of Play: The podcast analyzes the rumors surrounding the upcoming Sony showcase, discussing possible game reveals and the pressure on Playstation to deliver new and exciting content. They speculate on potential titles, the future of live-action adaptations and the need for new IPs and not just remasters.•The "Back to Formula" Segment: This segment critiques recent missteps in the gaming industry, including poorly optimized PC ports, and EA's struggle with yearly sports releases. The team discusses the need for companies to return to their roots, using classic game design principles as inspiration. They also discuss BioWare's struggles and the future of the Mass Effect franchise and Warner Brother's issues with its IPs.•"PSS Approved" : Ninja Gaiden's Return: The hosts share their excitement for the new Ninja Gaiden installment and the potential of this franchise and its unique combat. They discuss how the game is combining classic elements with modern gameplay mechanics.•Otaku Insights: The crew dives into the world of anime and manga, including a spoiler discussion of One Piece and Shanks' family. They examine the current state of Dragon Ball, particularly the Daima series, and debate its overall direction and missed opportunities. They consider the merits of fan projects and whether they are derivative or new.•Community Comment Corner: The hosts answer questions from their audience about fan animation projects and discuss their value to franchises.CHAPTERS:
    00:00 Intro
    02:40 Forza Horizon Coming To PS5
    14:00 Can Xbox Bounce Back with a New Console?
    26:00 Rumored Sony State of Play
    39:00 Kratos God of Egypt
    59:40 BACK TO FORMULA
    1:05:00 Bioware
    1:13:00 No More Multiversus
    Sparking Zero DLC 1:20:001:29:36 PSS APPROVED
    1:30:00 Ninja Gaiden 4 Trailer
    1:40:20 OTAKU INSIGHTS
    1:41:00 One Piece and Shank's Backstory
    1:51:00 Dragon Ball Daima So Far
    2:06:55 Community Comment Corner
    #GamingPodcast #Xbox #playstation #pressstartselectpodcast #StateofPlay #ConsoleGaming #Manga #anime
    2 hr 27 min
  • Xbox No Exclusives? Switch 2, Marvel Rivals’ Big Play & Sony Cancels?
    Welcome back to the Press Start Select Podcast in 2025! 🎮✨ After a holiday break filled with technical challenges, we're back with brand-new topics and fresh energy! In this episode, we dive deep into:
    Marvel Rivals: A roster-packed launch that's redefining multiplayer gaming! 🚀
    MK1 and Conan the Barbarian: Ed Boon's bucket list or just chaos in gaming?
    Live-service letdowns: What's behind Sony's cancellations, including the Horizon MMO and God of War live-service experiments?
    Nintendo Switch 2: Will it live up to the hype, and what games are we hoping for?
    And much more, including the latest on Xbox's shift to third-party strategies, the state of Warner Bros., and the industry's ongoing search for innovation in gaming. 🎙️
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 - The Press Start Select Podcast Returns for 2025!
    4:07 - Marvel Rivals’ 33-Character Roster: Genius or Overkill?
    7:02 - MK1 Adds Conan the Barbarian: Ed Boon’s Bucket List?
    10:00 - Warner Bros. Cancellations: What Happens to Legacy IPs?
    12:30 - What’s Next for WB Games After Suicide Squad’s Cancellation?
    16:00 - Sony’s Cancelled Games: God of War and Horizon MMO Failures
    20:00 - Could Spider-Man: The Great Web Have Been Sony’s Best Live Service Game?
    21:45 - Horizon Zero Dawn MMO: A Cancelled Opportunity or Bullet Dodged?
    23:30 - Why Aloy’s World Struggles to Connect With Fans
    32:15 - Xbox’s Identity Crisis: Are They Just a Third-Party Publisher Now?
    35:45 - Why Xbox Players Feel Betrayed by Microsoft’s Latest Moves
    37:30 - Can Xbox Stay Competitive Without Exclusive Games?
    39:15 - Game Pass: Is It Sustainable for Microsoft’s Future?
    41:00 - Why Microsoft’s Vision for Gaming May Be a Double-Edged Sword
    46:28 - Is PC Gaming Too Complicated for the Average Person?
    47:28 - PC vs Console: The Accessibility Debate
    48:31 - Why Consoles Make Sense for Families with Kids
    50:22 - Why Microsoft Struggles with Branding and Presence
    52:08 - Why Sony & Microsoft Are Behind Nintendo's Innovation
    54:07 - Nintendo Switch 2: Is It Just a Bigger, More Powerful Switch?
    54:47 - ‘Super Nintendo Switch’ Would’ve Been a Better Name
    Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Are Gimmicks the Future? - 56:08
    56:56 - Are Graphics at Their Peak? How the Switch 2 Might Challenge the Status Quo
    58:05 - Goodbye Switch 1: Why I’m Ready for the Switch 2's Performance Boost
    58:36 - Will the Switch 2 Compete with the Steam Deck?
    59:43 - Nintendo’s Long-Term Gamble: Will the Switch 2 Survive Without Top-Tier Performance?
    1:02:04 - Nintendo's Secret Weapon: Could a F-Zero’s Open World Destroy the Competition?
    1:03:05 - Will Nintendo Revive Lost Franchises for the Switch 2?
    1:06:00 - Big Game Publishers Are Struggling
    1:14:20 – Marvel Rivals: A Marvel Game That Feels Like Overwatch?
    1:15:31 – Marvel Rivals vs. Avengers: Why It’s the Game We Always Wanted
    1:16:32 – Marvel Rivals' Free-to-Play Success: What Makes It Stand Out?
    1:17:56 – How Marvel Rivals Is Changing the Future of Comic Game Design
    1:19:04 – Wolverine’s Realistic Approach: Will It Compete with Marvel Rivals?
    1:23:14 – Marvel Rivals: Can Monthly Character Drops Keep Players Coming Back?
    1:24:00 – Fixing Marvel Rivals: How the Game Needs to Balance Tanks, Duelists, and Healers
    1:25:29 - The Truth About Balancing Choices in Video Games: Why You Can't Have It All
    1:32:06 - The Western Gaming Struggle: Why Big Teams Fail While Smaller Ones Thrive
    1:34:06 - The Power of Player Choice: Why Games Like Mass Effect Got It Right
    1:35:17 - How Miyazaki's Storytelling Philosophy Revolutionized Gaming
    1:36:00 - Phantom Blade Zero: A Solo Developer's Triple-A Dream
    1:37:06 - East vs West in Gaming: Why Asia Dominates with Focused Vision
    #PressStartSelectPodcast #MarvelRivals #MK1 #NintendoSwitch2 #GamingPodcast #PS5 #Xbox #Nintendo
    1 hr 44 min
  • Digimon The Movie in Retrospect
    Antonius DaGamer, Super SSS Rank, and Mykale Smith start of this latest retrospect by diving into the ultimate 90s anime showdown: Digimon vs. Pokémon! 🚨 From Digimon's deeper storytelling and iconic movies to the quirks of its evolving characters and wild continuity, we explore what makes this series a nostalgic classic. Is the Digimon movie a masterpiece or a messy compilation? Let’s break down the animation, themes, and legacy that keep fans coming back!
    Chapters
    00:00 Nostalgia and the 90s Anime Landscape
    02:46 Digimon vs. Pokémon: A Battle of Narratives
    05:52 The Digimon Movie: A Unique Compilation
    09:07 Character Development and Themes in Digimon
    11:55 Animation and Visual Storytelling
    14:59 Slice of Life Elements in Digimon
    18:09 The Evolution of Digimon and Its Characters
    20:55 The Impact of the Movies on the Series
    24:10 The Third Movie: A Shift in Focus
    26:58 Canon and Continuity in Digimon
    30:11 The Golden Digi Egg and Its Origins
    31:08 Mega Forms and Their Impact
    32:44 Villains and Their Evolution Lines
    34:40 Mythological Influences in Digimon Designs
    36:40 The Depth of Digimon's Storytelling
    37:30 Animation Quality and Artistic Expression
    39:10 Character Utilization and Development
    41:37 The Legacy of Digimon in America
    44:20 Final Thoughts on Character Use
    49:24 Overall Movie Ratings and Comparisons
    #DigimonMovie #90sAnime #DigimonVsPokemon #AnimeNostalgia #DigimonAdventure #AnimeMovies #omnimon #omegamon #ourwargame #wargreymon #metalgarurumon #AnimeVillains #DigimonLegacy #pressstartselectpodcast #psspodcast
    59 min
  • Episode 48 | The Think Piece Awards

    In this episode, Antonius DaGamer, Super SSS Rank, and Mykale Smith dive into minority representation in gaming and anime, tackling barriers to entry, community support, and inclusive storytelling. They reflect on the Game Awards, celebrating indie highlights and critiquing nominations, while discussing innovations in game design and guest characters in fighting games, including the missed potential of Tifa in Tekken. The trio also reacts to the Witcher 4 trailer, examines Naughty Dog's upcoming Intergalactic, and debates the balance between gameplay and cinematic experiences in earning player trust.



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

    01:50 Startup Capital and Representation in Game Development

    05:30 Building Community and Support for Minority Studios

    10:50 The BET Effect and Fragmented Communities

    14:44 Racial Representation in Anime and Gaming

    22:55 The Impact of Microaggressions in Media

    29:33 Navigating Conversations on Racial Inequality

    40:51 Reflections on the Game Awards

    45:20 Reflecting on the Game Awards: Improvements and Critiques

    49:01 The Importance of Game Awards in the Gaming Community

    51:51 World Premieres: Anticipation and Expectations

    53:08 Controversies in Game Nominations and Awards

    56:35 The Impact of Game Direction on Player Experience

    01:01:27 Reviving Classic IPs: The Future of Gaming

    01:06:40 Innovations in Game Design: New Concepts and Ideas

    01:12:01 The Role of Guest Characters in Fighting Games

    01:19:00 The Future of Fighting Games: Legacy and New Directions

    01:28:43 The Case for Tifa in Tekken

    01:35:19 Guest Characters and Fan Expectations

    01:41:21 The Witcher 4: Anticipation and Controversy

    01:50:31 Naughty Dog's New Direction: Intergalactic

    02:10:19 Reflections and Future Outlook


    #PressStartSelect #PSSPodcast #VideoGameAwards #VGA #WorldPremiere #BandaiNamco #NaughtyDog #PlayStationStudios #Witcher4 #AstroBot #Tekken8 #CliveRosfield #FinalFantasyXVI #TurokOrigins #IntergalaticTheHereticProphet #Palworld #EldenRing #ShadowLabyrinth #FightingGame #ActionAdventure #RPG #GOTY #SinglePlayer #Multiplayer

    2 hr 13 min

About Press Start Select Podcast

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Join us for a weekly discussion of the latest anime and video game news. We'll cover everything from new releases to upcoming events, as well as sharing our personal experiences growing up within the anime and video game community.