After all the hype, all the outcry, all the disappointment, all the excitement, Pokemon Sword and Shield are finally here, and it’s time for the Nxpress’ resident Pokemon expert, Mr. Tim Maison, to deliver his verdict on where this entry stands in the series pantheon. Joining Tim is casual pokemon observer Patrick, as well as Goomba Stomp’s Nintendo editor (and official Sword and Shield reviewer), James Baker. Will the two franchise fans duke it out over differing opinions, or are there some common-ground criticisms that one might be better able to ignore than the other? Regardless of any negativity slung around at subjects like Gigantamaxing or Mr. Rime (what did he ever do to anyone?), the guys ultimately have plenty of love for the splendid gameplay and lovingly realized world.

Before that debate, Patrick takes a more active role as he reviews Bee Simulator on his quest for the latest indie gems. And while this title may not garner much buzz for its gameplay, solid flight mechanics and loads of sincere enthusiasm for apians makes it work better as a piece of edutainment for younger gamers to enjoy.

For the last segment, Patrick then also review the fantastic 3D platformer New Super Lucky’s Tale, which is a reworked version of the Xbox One game that’s now available exclusively on Switch. While it may not come close to challenging Mario for the throne, Playful has created one of the most enjoyable entries in the genre in a long time. To hear all the superlatives Patrick has for this little fox’s adventure, and for plenty more, have a listen!

You can listen to our show on Stitcher, iTunes, Podbean, or simply click the play button below.

Playlist

LFXIV – NXpress Intro
Nintendosage: Bee Simulator Review
Pokemon Theme Song
Main Event: Pokemon Sword and Shield Review
Pokemon Sword and Shield soundtrack
Bonus Content: New Super Lucky’s Tale Review
Pokemon Sword and Shield  soundtrack

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It’s a cozy episode this week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, as Tim and Patrick are joined by…no one! However, that doesn’t mean the guys don’t have plenty to talk about. Patrick kicks things off with his review of Woven, a pleasant — if blurry — stroll through a woolen world that young gamers should especially enjoy. The cheery, fairy tale atmosphere overcomes the simplicity of the gameplay, but could those fuzzy visuals have made the relaxing experience better and more accessible?

This question leads into the second segment, which finds Tim and Patrick discussing the issue of the importance of game visuals, and how tied they can be to the success of certain games. Sure, everyone loves eye candy, but when do cutting-edge graphics matter more than gameplay, and vise versa? Would games like Luigi’s Mansion 3 or Breath of the Wild be less effective with lesser looks? Does anyone care that Fire Emblem: Three Houses isn’t the prettiest game on the Switch?

Of course, Pokemon Sword and Shield have lately received their fair share of criticism for a perceived lack of major upgrades in the visuals department. In the third segment, the guys take a brief look at this issue, attempt to determine just where the outrage came from, and whether they agree with it. For all this and more, have a listen!

You can listen to our show on Stitcher, iTunes, Podbean, or simply click the play button below.

Playlist

LFXIV – NXpress Intro
Nintendosage: Woven Review
Woven Trailer
Main Event: The importance of visuals in games
Pokemon Sword and Shield soundtrack
Bonus Content: Pokemon Sword and Shield backlash
Pokemon Sword and Shield  soundtrack

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The NXpress Nintendo Podcast will be losing one of its hosts for the next month or so, but before Rick uses his vacation time from the show, he gives a full rundown Oxenfree developer Night School Studios’ latest title, Afterparty. Apparently, anyone not scared of a little hellish drinking should have a blast trying to booze their way out of the afterlife by beating demons at beer pong. While it hasn’t released quite yet for the Switch, hopefully, more information will be revealed soon.

In the main segment, Tim and Patrick are left all by themselves to deliver a full review of Luigi’s latest spookfest, Luigi’s Mansion 3. Did Patrick’s first impressions hold up? Absolutely. Without spoiling anything, the guys go over the many reasons they believe that this is the richest, most detailed, most puzzle-packed entry in the ghost-busting franchise. While there are those who may miss the haunted mansion, we’re up for an extended stay at this creepy hotel. Nintendo is entering the stretch run for their 2019 releases, but so far it definitely seems like they’ve saved one of the best for (almost) last.

Finally, the last segment finds Tim and Patrick musing on some of their favorite co-op puzzle games of recent years. It’s not a genre with an overwhelming amount of entries, but there are still some real gems that may have been overlooked. For all this and more, have a listen!

You can listen to our show on Stitcher, iTunes, Podbean, or simply click the play button below.

Playlist

LFXIV – NXpress Intro
Nintendosage: Afterparty Review
Afterparty Trailer
Main Event: Luigi’s Mansion 3 Review
Luigi’s Mansion 3 soundtrack
Bonus Content: Discussing puzzle games on the Switch
Luigi’s Mansion 3 soundtrack

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