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!

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!

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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There’s a little bit of the past, some more of the present, and a whole lot of the future in this week’s episode of the NXpress Nintendo Podcast. Things kick off as Rick, Tim, and Patrick are joined by Zack Rezac to hear his thoughts on Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. How does Playtonic’s side-scrolling sequel to their fun but flawed 3D platformer outshine its predecessor? After that, Patrick let’s the guys in on how much he’s been enjoying the upcoming Luigi’s Mansion 3 so far. He can’t go into details just yet, but let’s just say that things are looking good.

For the main segment, the crew looks at gaming’s near future, with new consoles looming in the coming year. How can Nintendo maintain momentum for the Switch in the face of two powerhouses and the rising tide of subscription-based services like Apple Arcade? The Switch has a lot of outstanding things going for it, not the least of which is one of the best libraries out there, but its steep price and barebones online service might warrant some adjustments. Or maybe they just need to keep on keepin’ on? The guys debate the best strategies, and look forward to seeing how Nintendo handles it.

Finally, the last segment features Rick’s review of Return of the Obra Din, a detective-puzzle game recently released on Switch. This title looks to be right up the alley of players who love a good head-scratcher, but those not into paying attention to minute clues may want to steer clear. Also, Zack gives his thoughts on the twisted roguelike Dark Devotion, also recently released on Switch. For all this and more, have a listen!

Playlist

LFXIV – NXpress Intro
Nintendosage: Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair and Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 Soundtrack
Main Event: What is the future of Nintendo?
Luigi’s Mansion 3 soundtrack
Bonus Content: ‘Return of the Obra Dinn’ and ‘Dark Devotion’
Return of the Obra Dinn Soundtrack

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