This week on the NXpress Nintendo Podcast, Goomba Stomp Anime Editor Matthew Ponthier joins the next generation of hosts, Cameron Daxon, Marc Kaliroff, and Campbell Gill to discuss Capcom’s record-smashing, monster-murdering hit Switch exclusive, Monster Hunter Rise. But before the gang set out on their hunt, they take some time to bemoan a recent slew of Nintendo disappointments. They mourn the death of Mario on March 31st, complain about the perpetual problem of Joy-Con drift, and lastly, break down Yuji Naka’s fantastically failed comeback, Balan Wonderworld. Cameron shares his experience of losing precious hours of his life trudging through this dismal attempt at revitalizing the 3D platformer – even an accompanying novel adaptation can’t redeem this mess.
Moving onto the main event, Matt takes the stage to tell the gang everything there is to know about Monster Hunter Rise. Touching on everything from its lineup of new and returning monsters to its innovative wirebug mechanics, Matt breaks down how Rise is a worthy entry in this long-running series that does its legacy justice. While it still might not be the most intuitive game for newcomers to get into, it offers more dynamic and exciting gameplay than ever when it comes to taking down these massive foes. Ending things out with the usual Indie Spotlight, Campbell says some words about Lost Words: Beyond the Page, a former Google Stadia exclusive that has now come to Switch. Praising its emotional storytelling and poignantly relatable depiction of childhood grief, Lost Words is a touching platformer whose lackluster gameplay is compensated by its gut-punching emotional storytelling.
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Playlist:
LFXIV – NXpress Intro
00:42 – Nintendosage: Nintendo Disappointments with Mario 35, Joy-Con Drift, Balan Wonderworld
“Hurry Up! – Overworld” – Super Mario 3D Land
15:35 – Main Event: Monster Hunter Rise Impressions
“Brave Hunters” – Monster Hunter Rise
55:50 – Indie Spotlight: Lost Words: Beyond the Page
“Meowcenaries” – Monster Hunter Rise
