The Nextlander Podcast

It's almost December, so it's time to take stock of the games we're currently catching up on, as well as the ones on our backlogs (with a break to talk about Steamworld Build), plus news of the day like details on Rockstar's long cancelled Agent, Game Awards announcement predictions, Unity's closure of Weta Digital, and some other stuff!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:03) Huuuu-rah, ooo-rah, hooo-ah?
(00:04:18) Are you someone's Hunt: Showdown friend?
(00:07:48) The video games
(00:08:07) SteamWorld Build [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 01, 2023
(00:25:51) Break
(00:30:58) Baldur's Gate 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 03, 2023
(00:45:38) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:46:17) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom [Nintendo Switch] on May 12, 2023
(00:47:33) Final Fantasy XVI [PlayStation 5] on Jun 22, 2023
(00:50:06) The lists of games we're working through this year
(01:10:18) News
(01:10:26) Xbox teases announcements during Game Awards
(01:29:37) Unity laying off Weta Digital teams
(01:32:59) Embracer seems ready to shutter TimeSplitters
(01:41:48) Details emerge about Rockstar's canceled game Agent
(01:51:06) Beyond Good and Evil is getting a 20th anniversary edition
(02:00:55) Emails
(02:08:16) Nextlander content updates
(02:11:28) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:12:51) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:14:58) See Ya!

As we roll into the Thanksgiving holiday, we dish up some piping hot discussion about our very timely experiences with Cyberpunk 2077, "beating" Vampire Survivors, 25 years of Half-Life (and other greatest hits of 1998), a questionable second Flashback, the long and storied American Pie franchise, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:15) Why? Why do folks miss American Pie?
(00:09:31) Just don't look up current Steven Seagal
(00:12:24) The video games
(00:12:49) Dredge: The Pale Reach [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch] on Nov 16, 2023
(00:15:52) Cyberpunk 2077 [Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 10, 2020
(00:28:08) Flashback 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 16, 2023
(00:39:52) The Invincible [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 06, 2023
(00:41:42) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:47:56) Vampire Survivors [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Dec 17, 2021
(00:51:42) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(00:52:13) Games we'd like to catch up on
(00:57:52) The News
(00:58:39) Embracer has more layoffs, cancels KOTOR, and talks of more Borderlands?
(01:16:20) The Last of of Part2 Remastered is officially announced
(01:26:04) Happy 25th Anniversary Half-Life!
(01:37:12) Nextlander content updates
(01:39:55) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:40:18) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:41:59) See ya!

The year's end looms, so it's time to look over the Game Awards nominees, then gaze longingly at the OLED Steam Deck, then catch up on games like Thirsty Suitors, more Alan Wake II, and Risk of Rain Returns, then discuss a young man's first platinum, then more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:25) Alex finally upgrades his PS5 drive
(00:07:47) The kids are outgrowing their meager gaming setups
(00:14:16) Thirsty Suitors [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(00:21:33) Risk of Rain Returns [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 08, 2023
(00:30:46) Super Crazy Rhythm Castle [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Nov 14, 2023
(00:36:42) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:39:11) The PC of Theseus
(00:42:32) Overcooked! All You Can Eat [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2020
(00:45:11) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Mar 19, 2019
(00:49:25) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 6 [Nintendo Switch] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:57:37) OLED Steam Deck is coming
(01:06:08) It's that time of (the Game of the) year!
(01:23:09) Sony delays some of its live service game plans
(01:31:40) Warner Bros. wants all of the live service games!
(01:40:21) The Witcher 3 is getting official mod support for new content
(01:45:15) Emails
(01:51:33) Nextlander content updates
(01:58:10) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:59:57) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:27) See ya!

This podcast contains discussion of topics such as: the new Like a Dragon Gaiden, The Invincible, Jusant, The Talos Principle II, Grand Theft Auto 6, Mass Effect 5, the live-action Zelda movie, and fish. A lot of fish.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:19) Talk to Me about my anniversary
(00:12:15) I see food and I order fish and chips.
(00:17:38) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 09, 2023
(00:35:32) Quieter November this year
(00:36:53) The Invincible [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 06, 2023
(00:43:04) Starfield [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 06, 2023
(00:49:33) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:53:59) Astroneer [PC (Microsoft Windows), PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Feb 05, 2019
(00:58:14) The Talos Principle II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:01:55) Jusant [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2023
(01:04:34) Noun Town Language Learning [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:08:06) Let's all learn more languages
(01:20:16) Break
(01:21:07) The next Grand Theft Auto is getting a trailer in December
(01:38:50) Revenant Hill production suspended
(01:41:47) What happened at BlizzCon?
(01:49:14) PlayStation removing native Twitter integration
(01:51:59) Happy N7 Day and welcome back Andromeda!
(01:56:47) Do we need or want a live action Zelda movie?
(02:11:42) Emails
(02:12:04) WARNING! SPOILERS for Spider-Man 2
(02:14:25) END OF SPOILERS for Spider-Man 2
(02:19:08) Watchcast returns with terrible movies!
(02:20:33) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:21:31) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:23:37) Nextlander content updates
(02:24:52) See ya!

We're pretty busy having our minds blown by Alan Wake II this week, but we also find time for a mini-Spider-spoilercast, news like the layoffs at Bungie, Atari's purchase of Digital Eclipse, updates on Remedy's other projects, Xbox's lockout of third-party accessories, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:30) Show rundown
(00:03:21) The scary movies of Halloween
(00:04:53) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(00:48:36) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:51:31) Super Mario Bros. Wonder [Nintendo Switch] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:51:52) El Paso, Elsewhere [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 26, 2023
(00:52:34) [MAJOR SPOILERS] Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(01:23:00) News
(01:23:46) Layoffs at Bungie
(01:31:05) Digital Eclipse being acquired by Atari
(01:37:42) Microsoft ended compatibility for unauthorized accessories
(01:45:28) Updates for future Remedy projects
(01:49:48) Ubisoft ending some online services for older games
(01:55:10) Emails
(02:00:25) NXL Watchcast Updates
(02:02:04) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:03:51) Thanks and wrapping up
(02:04:12) Nextlander content updates

On the show this week, we dig into the fifth? sixth? Super Mario Bros. game (y'know, Wonder), discuss the later parts of Spider-Man 2, cover news like the Animal Crossing-ish island builder in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and the first look at the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, think of ways to make video game consoles worse, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:45) Speaking of evil...
(00:04:25) Show rundown
(00:04:46) Super Mario Bros. Wonder [Nintendo Switch] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:32:36) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(00:53:43) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:56:23) The Jackbox Party Pack 10 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 19, 2023
(01:04:37) Where we are at with games
(01:07:00) Halloween costume status
(01:09:35) Horror movie recommendations
(01:13:57) Microsoft Partner Stream
(01:14:41) Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:19:22) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Jan 26, 2024
(01:37:49) Emails
(01:54:00) Upcoming for Nextlander and games
(01:58:35) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:00:01) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:41) See Ya!

Spider-Man 2 is here, and hey, it's extremely good! That's pretty much all we played this week, but also the Microsoft/Activision deal closed (and Bobby Kotick is on the way out), the other shoe has dropped for Bandcamp as it leaves Epic, one whole Wii U sold in September, we're awash in skincare tips, and more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:37) Spider-Man in the cinema
(00:08:56) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [PlayStation 5] on Oct 20, 2023
(01:16:49) News
(01:17:25) Microsoft and Activision have done it and they will be Bobby free next year
(01:48:16) After 24 years Pete Hines leaves Bethesda
(01:58:28) Masssive layoffs around Bandcamp
(02:13:04) A single person bought a WiiU!
(02:17:40) A little more speculation around the Microsoft and Activision/Blizzard
(02:19:12) Emails
(02:25:51) What's happening on Nextlander
(02:28:11) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:30:19) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:32:07) See Ya!

This week we ended up doing an impromptu dive into the past/present/future of Assassin's Creed in the wake of Mirage's release, talked (?) at length (??) about a new Robocop game (???), dabbled with Payday 3, considered the new PS5 design's place in the pantheon of PlayStations, pondered an AI Guitar hero and Disney's Electronic Arts, and more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:06) Let's talk about moisturizing and skincare
(00:12:37) Show rundown
(00:12:56) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:45:35) Robocop: Rogue City [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 02, 2023
(01:01:35) Payday 3 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on Sep 21, 2023
(01:09:05) Cocoon [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 29, 2023
(01:20:16) Break
(01:20:43) PS5 Refresh
(01:40:30) Unity CEO is no longer with Unity
(01:46:24) A future where Disney owns EA?
(01:55:26) Activision/Blizzard mentions Game Pass
(02:02:53) Bobby Kotick mentions Guitar Hero
(02:17:47) Send over some emails at podcast at nextlander dot com!
(02:17:59) Nextlander content updates
(02:21:12) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:23:18) See Ya!

We're in it now, with games releasing fast and furious, and this week we get wrapped up in Cocoon, hit the track in the new Forza Motorsport, and head to Baghdad in Assassin's Creed Mirage. Also: Jim Ryan's Sony exit, mass layoffs at Epic, the end of 3DS and Wii U online, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:55) Come for the emergency tests, stay for the conspiracy theories
(00:08:43) Show rundown
(00:09:39) Cocoon [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 29, 2023
(00:22:37) Forza Motorsport [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 10, 2023
(00:41:44) Assassin's Creed Mirage [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 05, 2023
(00:47:00) [SPOILER] AC Valhalla Plot Details [SPOILER]
(00:47:36) [END OF SPOILERS]
(00:57:47) Fights in Tight Spaces: Weapon of Choice [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 28, 2023
(01:01:06) Remnant II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Jul 25, 2023
(01:13:00) CEO Jim Ryan leaving PlayStation
(01:22:35) Sega cancels Hyenas
(01:24:04) Epic Games to lay off over 800 people
(01:33:07) Former Ubi execs arrested
(01:37:13) Nintendo ending online services for 3DS and Wii U
(01:40:50) More on Bandcamp
(01:44:01) Emails
(01:53:41) It's time for Scary Movie Watchcast!
(01:54:12) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:54:39) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:56:25) Nextlander content updates
(01:58:16) See ya!

This week we've all finished Mortal Kombat 1 and it's time for a mini-spoilercast! Also, Brad played the impressive looking Alan Wake 2, Alex played the Remedy-esque El Paso, Elsewhere, Vinny's way into Chants of Sennaar, Unity has (kind of) cleaned up its mess, and more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:27) [SPOILERS] Mortal Kombat 1 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch] on Sep 19, 2023
(01:02:40) First Break
(01:02:44) Alan Wake II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 27, 2023
(01:20:24) El Paso, Elsewhere [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 26, 2023
(01:26:05) Chants of Sennaar [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4] on Sep 05, 2023
(01:33:11) Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 31, 2023
(01:34:51) Getting the games on the new TV
(01:36:39) Second Break
(01:36:43) News
(01:37:12) Unity walks back a lot of its upcoming pricing changes
(01:46:39) Hideki Kamiya is leaving PlatinumGames
(01:51:24) A third Star Wars Jedi game gets mentioned during Comic Con
(01:57:17) You can get with Jizz or you can get with Jatz
(02:04:13) Emails and Watchcast updates
(02:07:39) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:08:21) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:10:26) Nextlander content updates
(02:11:59) See ya!