It’s that time of the year when everyone looks back at all of the great games released over the last 365 days, and the NXpress Podcast is no exception. This week finds Rick, Tim, and Patrick mulling over Goomba Stomp’s list of our Best Games of 2019, debating the merits and placing of some of the choices while generally agreeing that there was a lot to like for Switch owners this year. Along the way we suggest a few substitutions, reflect on the greatness of the Switch games that cracked the list (especially that #1), and look forward to what 2020 might bring.

Of course, before all the positivity and praise, we have a few things to say about the latest iteration of the Game Awards. While Rick enjoyed the brisk pacing, there’s a feeling that the actual awards in this ‘awards show’ might be getting a wee bit short-shrifted. Perhaps a celebration about the past year shouldn’t focus so much on teasers for the coming year? Feel free to give us your opinion on whether The Game Awards succeeds as a tribute to the industry, or seems to be tending toward being just another promotional event. 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: Game Awards 2019 Review
Game Awards 2019 clip
Main Event: The 10 Best Video Games of 2019
Fire Emblem: Three Houses soundtrack

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This week is a great one, as Ricky D returns to the podcast to help Tim and Patrick sort through Nintendo’s latest Indie World presentation. Was there anything that caught our eye beyond Sports Story, the sequel to a game we loved (if you don’t count the one of us who didn’t play it…), or are the multitude of indie games starting to blend in a bit with each other? To this point, Patrick reviews a voxel hack’n’slasher called Riverbond that is certainly pleasant enough, but may have a hard time standing out in a crowded eShop.

After the indie talk, the guys take a look back on five years of amiibo, and just where Nintendo might go with these collectible figures. Though functionality within games seems to be getting mostly fazed out, that hasn’t stopped collectors from wanting every single one; just ask Rick! For this segment, the guys look at how they collect, why they collect, and whether they still will collect, all while enjoying having a reason to talk about amiibo again.

Lastly, Patrick gives his first impressions of The Touryst, a laid-back, exploration-based puzzler that has a little bit of everything (platforming, mini-games, scuba diving, etc.) for those looking to try something relaxing. Though he’s not very far into it, this island-hopping adventure might well end up being one of his favorite games of the year. For all this and more, have a listen!

Playlist

LFXIV – NXpress Intro
Nintendosage: Riverbond Review
amiibo commercial
Main Event: Five years of collecting amiibo
Fire Emblem: Three Houses soundtrack
Bonus Content: The Touryst Review
Fire Emblem: Three Houses soundtrack

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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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