Messages

251

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 527 - E3 2017 Day 2 - Forgetting our Lines

« on: June 16, 2017, 02:07:38 PM »

Yep, I think Jonny was confusing it with the upcoming mainline release, which is Switch-only.

[When a wall just cannot contain all our personal failings.]

252

Podcast Discussion / Episode 526: The Louvre of Shame

« on: June 10, 2017, 05:29:17 PM »

When a wall just cannot contain all our personal failings.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44791/episode-526-the-louvre-of-shame

By the time you hear this, E3 2017 will have kicked off. Hopefully you'll be able to join us Tuesday evening for the RFN Live Show. We'll be streaming at NWR starting at 8 ET (5 PT, 12 GMT). You can join us in the new NWR Discord to ask questions and give us your thoughts. We'll have an article with all details up on Tuesday. For more details about ALL NWR's streaming plans check here.

Now for the show. James can't remember what he said about Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, so he covers it yet again. 30+ hours in, he's deeply invested and actually dares Nintendo to remake more Fire Emblem games. Guillaume bought Gem Apples in Team Kirby Crash Deluxe. Setting aside that shame, he explores The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and finds it doesn't stand up to personal-favorite Link's Awakening. He concludes New Business regaling us with stories of Snipperclips as a non-native English speaker. Jon's predictions are already wrong; there is no Pokémon Stars for Switch, but that doesn't stop him from claiming that he's going to be vindicated. In the end, we review the entire Pokémon Direct before he transitions to talking about Forza Horizon 3 and related Millennial-focused music festivals. Greg reports from the last round of the ARMS Testpunch and - in his own words - returned to Metroid: Zero Mission for "no particular reason".

Listener Mail starts off with someone aiming to out-Gui at his own game, giving us a dark vision of Zelda's mobile game. Our second question asks if every Nintendo Account on your Switch will have to pay for online, or if one fee covers everyone. The final email asks about Nintendo's recent trend towards giving players control options. You can ask us about future online control options to bop AR Koroks by sending us an email.

[Due entirely to professional obligation, we delve into our annual sequence of blind guesses resulting in predictable failure.]

253

Podcast Discussion / Episode 525: Purple Is the New Glitter

« on: June 04, 2017, 10:28:00 AM »

Due entirely to professional obligation, we delve into our annual sequence of blind guesses resulting in predictable failure.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44747/episode-525-purple-is-the-new-glitter

We're days away from the start of E3 2017, and that means it's time for everyone's favorite Anti-Cassandras to, by popular demand, foretell a future that is guaranteed to not come true. Nintendo - being Nintendo - dropped news of their online service hours prior to recording. This caused all sorts of last-minute adjustments that ultimately signify nothing, because we wouldn't have been accurate anyway. Is 2017 the year Retro is finally ready to reveal their latest creation: Jerry West & Nitus: Texas Brisket Challenge? Are we going to see Animal Crossing Switch + Mobile ecosystem - heralds of the "Darkest Business?" Does Guillaume resort to running his predictions through Bingee? Yes. Yes. And surprisingly, no.

We transplant New Business to the post-break segment. Everybody got time with the ARMS Testpunch, but James and Greg lead the conversation. Jon got to spend some time with former-host Dr. Jonathan Metts, and talks about his time spent with cooperative voyeurism-simulator Star Fox Guard, and Switch indie game TumbleSeed. James wraps up New Business with a quick double-shot of Fire Emblem. First, he notes Intelligent Systems' brilliant play to take the sting out of the "Waifu Wars" pejorative, by producing an ACTUAL "Bridal Festival" event in Fire Emblem Heroes. He then offers very early impressions of Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia.

We'll be talking about our E3 plans in the next couple of days, so keep an eye out for those. In the meantime, you can send us emails via the inbox.

[Cold pizza at 9:30 in the morning, waiting to watch Daredevil's cartoon voice actor play this fighting game. This is the story I was born to tell.]

254

Podcast Discussion / Episode 523: War Journalism

« on: May 21, 2017, 01:48:00 PM »

Cold pizza at 9:30 in the morning, waiting to watch Daredevil's cartoon voice actor play this fighting game. This is the story I was born to tell.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44671/episode-523-war-journalism

Seemingly for weeks now, we've been trying to get the show under two hours. We didn't succeed this week either, so we gave up instead. To compensate, we swapped Listener Mail with New Business to give your questions a chance to take as long as they need. And boy, you all delivered some fun questions. This week we build our own Mario spin-off roster, add waggle to make a game worse, share our best and worst E3 moments, and answer a listener's birthday request for a game of 20 Questions. You can send us your birthday wishes here.

After the break we talk a little about the ARMS Nintendo Direct. The Internet is enamored with Twintelle, but Byte & Barq are out there making life safe.

Gui ends the show dispensing with some New Business. He has some thoughts on the F2P Kirby experience Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, the Zelda Oracle games, and Kuru Kuru Kururin + Crazy Taxi + Plumbers Don't Wear Ties hybrid Roundabout.

If you're not a regular listener of NWR's Talk Nintendo Podcast, you should give it a try. Hosted by Perry Burkum (the composer of our theme song) and Casey Gibson, they provide a weekly wrap-up of news, downloads, and what they've been playing. This week they made the ill-fated decision to have James as a guest. The trio talks about how all this happened and have a Developer Deep Dive on Capcom. It was a lot of fun.

[Is your day a little brighter if you listen to the show imagining half of the podcast is still growing their Nordiques protest beard?]

255

Podcast Discussion / Episode 522: In Defense of Stereotypes

« on: May 14, 2017, 12:11:00 PM »

Is your day a little brighter if you listen to the show imagining half of the podcast is still growing their Nordiques protest beard?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44616/episode-522-in-defense-of-stereotypes

Sometimes we have a week where we're all a bit low on new games, but as opposed to doing the unthinkable - coming up with an alternate segment - we execute New Business with an eclectic collection of odds and ends. Greg starts off with a look back at a bunch of recently-patched games: Go! Go! Kokopolo 3D, Blaster Master Zero, and Shovel Knight (with Specter of Torment). He also spends some time talking about Pikmin 3, while we pontificate on the fate of Pikmin 4. Guillaume battles the uncaring My Nintendo Rewards system to procure Rhythm Heaven MEGAMIX. He also looks at non-violent platformer Ninja Pizza Girl and puzzle game (and hard fact) Girls Like Robots. James offers some additional thoughts on Puyo Puyo Tetris, but he's mostly just suffering the insipid writing and wondering why it's not called Puyo X Tetris. Jon is now on the most recent Witcher, 3, after practicing on its smaller predecessor. Lastly, the Switch-Trio continue last week's talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Given the rather weighty New Business segment, we targeted a smaller mailbag this week. We failed. In celebration of Kirby's 25th Birthday, we pick our our favorite mainline and spin-off Kirby games. The only problem is figuring out what constitutes a spin-off in this series. Our second email asks why do some video game characters "need" updating, where others are best left untouched? This launches us into a wide-ranging conversation that eventually concludes in Jon describing a hypothetical Tingle game he'd like to see. It already exists. You can invent existing games too by sending us an email.

[Your home for coverage of all the hottest anime games for FM Towns.]

256

Podcast Discussion / Episode 521: Last.FM Towns

« on: May 07, 2017, 01:40:59 PM »

Your home for coverage of all the hottest anime games for FM Towns.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44595/episode-521-lastfm-towns

It's a very multiplayer kind of week for Radio Free Nintendo. With the launch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the crew manages to touch on a whole bunch of multiplayer experiences, now available on Switch. Jon and James kick-off New Business with a recap of their stream with frequent co-conspirator Syrenne McNulty. First up is Puyo Puyo Tetris, the Puyo/Tetris anime hybrid in which Syrenne absolutely wrecked them both. They then move over to Jackbox Party Pack 3, a game that has the host using their Switch while the rest of the players draw on their phones. Unsurprisingly, it turns hauntingly phallic. Speaking of which, Miis are back in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Greg joins Jon and James to talk about even more multiplayer fun. The team also touches on new features such as Steering Assist (and how playing 200cc Super Mushrooms Only is virtually impossible without it), and the chaos of the improved battle modes. Guillaume closes out New Business with a recap of the Game Boy series Super Mario Land. It turns out these games are really strange. He also looks at the PC port of N64 "classic" Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire.

After a break we answer Listener Mail. This week we look at the fate of Download Play, project the influence of Breath of the Wild on future Xenoblade games, and dubiously encourage conspicuous consumption of the New Nintendo 2DS XL. Treat. Yo. Self. You can Treat Yo Self to an answer by sending us an email.

[It's become increasingly clear that we only get three emails: questions, accusations, and text landmines designed to test our reading skill.]

257

Podcast Discussion / Episode 519: Heroes of the Pun Storm

« on: April 23, 2017, 07:02:34 AM »

It's become increasingly clear that we only get three emails: questions, accusations, and text landmines designed to test our reading skill.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44536/episode-519-heroes-of-the-pun-storm

Following last week's double-episodes, we decided go low-key with a more normal episode. Greg kicks off New Business with some concluding thoughts on Snipperclips, before examining the mobile-like Team Kirby Crash Deluxe. Do YOU have enough apples to grind your Kirby? Lastly, he talks about experiencing Pikmin 3 on the Wii U GamePad. Guillaume is disappointed with Shantae: ½ Genie Hero. Not a bad game but he talks about how much of it feels uninspiring. James played isometric teleportation puzzle-brawler Mr. Shifty on Switch. He jumps between praise and cautionary statements about the game's bugs. He has some quick thoughts on life-consuming title Persona 5, and is joined by a less-enthusiastic Gui. Lastly, he talks about Sony's approach to playing console games on the go: PS4 Remote Play. Jon wraps up New Business talking about his Switch-travels with former RFN host, Dr. Jonathan Metts and Radio Trivia host Michael Cole.

Topics we cover in Listener Mail this week: digital refunds, Nintendo's faith in ARMS, a pun nightmare, and a Nintendo MOBA. You can send us your pun nightmare via the inbox.

[With a combined 500 hours under our belts, we're finally ready to talk The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.]

258

Podcast Discussion / Episode 518 Part 2: The Last Breath of the Puns

« on: April 16, 2017, 01:16:03 PM »

With a combined 500 hours under our belts, we're finally ready to talk The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44500/episode-518-part-2-the-last-breath-of-the-puns

We've been exploded, murdered by Dr. Who enemies, electrocuted, threatened by gods, burned alive, frozen solid, stranded at sea, crushed, smashed, bashed, and stomped. It's the absolute best. All four of us Studs of Studwork loved The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, despite the litany of disasters we've experienced.

It's finally time for the Breath of the Wild spoilercast, as we spend two full hours discussing its design, world, characters, and our own stories of heroism and failure. Enjoy.

If you want to hear our hot takes on last week's Nintendo Direct, you can hear them here.

As always, you can drop your own hot takes in our inbox.

[We break down yesterday's Nintendo Direct and give our opinions on ARMS, Splatoon 2, sexy Pikmin, and our efficacy as bank robbers.]

259

Podcast Discussion / Episode 518 Part 1: Come-Hither Pikmin

« on: April 13, 2017, 06:43:00 PM »

We break down yesterday's Nintendo Direct and give our opinions on ARMS, Splatoon 2, sexy Pikmin, and our efficacy as bank robbers.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44495/episode-518-part-1-come-hither-pikmin

Once again we prove that RFN is part of a larger worldwide conspiracy by having a Nintendo Direct "coincidentally" line up with our recording day. And while we usually dislike providing the unwashed masses with anything but disinformation, half-truths, and propaganda, we went against our worst intentions and sprung into action to get this podcast up the next night. Now excuse us as we return to our manipulation of the world economy.

Speaking of manipulation, Nintendo played us all like a fiddle and got us to tune in to their broadcast yet again. Fortunately this one was jam-packed with information provided at breakneck speed, and we go through it all with our usual rancor. We touch on what games stood out to us, our feelings on Splatoon 2 and ARMS, our frothing demand for Monopoly increasing, Kirby, Pikmin,and Payday 2. We also breathe a collective sigh of relief at Switch docks coming into stock, banana Joy-Cons, and finally having a place to store your AA batteries. You can store your batteries with us by sending us a friendly email.

Stay tuned for our Legend of Zelda Spoiler-Cast, later this week.

[The killer app for Switch!]

260

Podcast Discussion / Episode 516: Texas Brisket Challenge

« on: April 02, 2017, 11:45:00 AM »

The killer app for Switch!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44400/episode-516-texas-brisket-challenge

Last week's all-new New Business gives way this week to a collection of older titles, along with more Zelda chatter. The sole exception to this trend is Splatoon 2, as we kick off the segment with talk of the the Global Testfire. Both Greg and James got time with the ink-splattering server test, and offer their thoughts based on an hour of gameplay. Guillaume did some reverse-fridge cleaning, getting his DSiWare safely to his 3DS, just before the DSiWare Shop closes forever. Much like any other experience in a Nintendo digital store, it was nightmarish. He also has some fairly early thoughts on Pokémon Moon. Jon kicks off another round of Zelda chatter, this time with a bit less restraint on spoilers; but not full-blown spoilercast territory, as Gui still is working though the game. James wraps up with a brief mention of his convenience-fueled impulse purchase Stella Glow. Succinctly, it's an anime strategy game on 3DS that's not doing anything special for him.

Listener Mail is limited to two questions this week, but both spur some lengthy discussions. First up, RFN is asked to summon our strangest cross-overs and spin-offs in gaming. Our second email asks our opinion of Nintendo's revised 16 million Switch forecast. We start on that topic, but somehow keep returning to the delicious topic of brisket. You can cut your own slice of chest meat by sending us an email.

[DeNA worked hard to create a system leveraged on Friend Codes, Miitomo, and Twitter followers to make adding Switch friends feel like alchemy.]

261

Podcast Discussion / Episode 515: The 22 Billion Yen Friend Code

« on: March 26, 2017, 02:02:21 PM »

DeNA worked hard to create a system leveraged on Friend Codes, Miitomo, and Twitter followers to make adding Switch friends feel like alchemy.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44365/episode-515-the-22-billion-yen-friend-code

We're back with nary a Zelda reference in sight! That wasn't the plan, but with so many new titles to talk about, Link's adventure didn't make the cut. James starts off with a look at Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment, the newest entry in the Shovel Knight series. He also has thoughts on replaying the other two Shovel Knight campaigns using the Switch and its non-D-Pad. Jon and Greg are both playing Blaster Master Zero. Greg has thoughts on the limitations imposed on the 3DS version, while Jon is playing it on Switch and having Pro Controller problems. Guillaume wraps up New Business with one of James' favorite games of last year (and recent addition to the Switch library), the Wii U version of the programming simulator Human Resource Machine.

After a break it's Listener Mail. Topics this week include: the future of Zelda, Retro's meat choices, and how to Nintendo your decision making process. You can send us your email via the inbox, but unlike Nintendo please ensure you enclose all required components.

[It's all Switch and Breath of the Wild this week, except for a visit from our box friend.]

262

Podcast Discussion / Episode 513: Qbby in the Wild

« on: March 10, 2017, 04:14:59 PM »

It's all Switch and Breath of the Wild this week, except for a visit from our box friend.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44284/episode-513-qbby-in-the-wild

Since we recorded last week, Nintendo released both the Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Jon, James, and Greg all have the new console, and the entire RFN panel has the new game. We devote our first segment to the former, and our second segment to the latter (and we try to be as spoiler-free as possible, but be advised if you're going complete Zelda media blackout).

Meanwhile, it's time for RetroActive! Again! James declared us due for a second helping of retro gaming for some strange reason, and now here we are! You can send us your suggestions for a theme, or questions and comments, to our mailbag.

[The winter frost, the summer drought, the wills of man, the wheels of fate - nothing can stop the the persimmon-flavored poison that drips from his lips.]

263

Podcast Discussion / Episode 512: Percy the Liar

« on: March 05, 2017, 01:15:00 PM »

The winter frost, the summer drought, the wills of man, the wheels of fate - nothing can stop the the persimmon-flavored poison that drips from his lips.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44250/episode-512-percy-the-liar

Switch has been released into the wild, but when we recorded this episode it was still just a breath away.

As usual we start with New Business. James leads off with reflections of streaming Princess Tomato (more to come), and then a look at former RetroActive title Ys Book I and II from the TurboGrafx-16 via Wii Virtual Console. While there, he also looked at Fighting Street and series favorite Lords of Thunder. Jon continues his struggles with the Virtual Console before...no, you know what? We're renaming this Old Business. Jon continues Old Business with yet another struggle against the Virtual Console. He also has time with Super Punch-Out!!, Blazing Lazers, M.U.S.H.A., and Axelay. Guillaume has real New Business with Bomberman '94 for Wii U Virtual Console...oh, it's the Wii version. Our bad. He also has impressions of fun party game Overcooked!, of which a newer version is headed to Switch. Greg has ACTUAL New Business, leading a discussion of last week's Nintendo Indies event - we don't use that word on this show.

After a RetroActive segment disguising itself as New Business, we finally get around to our actual RetroActive for NES adventure game Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom. We discuss its weird logic, its weirder writing, its weirdest concept, and the plague that is Percy. Normally we thank those of you who played along with us, but in this case we're apologizing. Regardless, we had a lot to discuss.

Next week we will be going wall-to-wall with Zelda and Switch discussions. You can send us your emails here. We do ask that, just like we'll respect your spoiler concerns, you try to do the same for us.

[All it takes is one comment about treads, and the entire segment is ruined.]

264

Podcast Discussion / Episode 511: Wordplay Ahead

« on: February 26, 2017, 11:19:33 AM »

All it takes is one comment about treads, and the entire segment is ruined.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44150/episode-511-wordplay-ahead

Switch still isn't out, and nobody on RFN has a press unit, so we're still Switch-less. Making this show has become increasingly harrowing in its absence.

We start out with New Business, which has increasingly become a misnomer. James has a look at Tank Troopers, and if it seems like Steel Diver: Sub Wars with tanks, it should; Vitei made both of them. James finds this tank rather light on fuel. Jon returns to a classic moment in RFN history, reliving his Wii fridge-cleaning on Wii U. Gui has a good game: Noitu Love: Devolution. This action-platformer is inspired by many different classic games, but builds something all its own. Greg has the newest business, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on 3DS Virtual Console. If only there was some Zelda content coming to scratch his Zelda itch.

After the break, it's Listener Mail. Topics this week: concern about Switch VC, rate my backlog, favorite "hidden features" in a console, and Greg's Gamez for Babiez. You can send us your backlog for review, via our inbox.

Next week it's time for our RetroActive on Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom. We'll be recording Thursday evening, mere hours before the launch of Switch. If you hurry, there's still time to get your thoughts to us via the RetroActive thread. Need to be inspired? Here's James trying to play this weird adventure game.

[Kutar is always Kutar no matter where he is going or doing.]

265

Podcast Discussion / Episode 510: Kutar Hero: On Tour!

« on: February 19, 2017, 10:40:24 AM »

Kutar is always Kutar no matter where he is going or doing.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44125/episode-510-kutar-hero-on-tour

It's the gray days of winter, and besides playing some SNES games or viciously murdering people in a fictionalized Japan, we don't have a lot of New Business. Instead, we decide to go all-in on emails.

In the first half of the show we nickel-and-dime our Zelda experience, name our favorite Nintendo console, and inflate our bodies when feeling like we need to laugh, cry, love, or be angry. After the break, things get significantly less stupid; we talk about a potential 3DS successor, the rumored GameCube Virtual Console, and finally getting to play a 2D Nintendo platformer online. You can be our wonderful Yura-chara by inflating us an email.  

We're two weeks from Guillaume's RetroActive on Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom. James is already laying the groundwork for Gui to take the blame if it goes poorly. Expect it to be James' idea if it goes well. You can help the cause by contributing to the Talkback thread.

[We could all die tomorrow; the odds are very high.]

266

Podcast Discussion / Episode 509: You Could Die Tomorrow

« on: February 12, 2017, 08:01:24 AM »

We could all die tomorrow; the odds are very high.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44107/episode-509-you-could-die-tomorrow

The entire Radio Free Nintendo team has reassembled for one of the last episodes before the launch of Switch.

We start the show with New Business, and James has a look at Fire Emblem Heroes. You've probably all played it already, because it's free, but that doesn't stop us from talking about the game and its marketing potential. Guillaume returns to Dreamland with Kirby's Return to Dreamland. Where he was before is a major point of discussion. He also has a look at Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate, but we're more interested in examining the Japanese interest in cat herding. Greg has divination powers, and he also has thoughts on SteamWorld Heist for Wii U. Jon didn't have much to speak about. He was out of town all week and saw a concert; it was good. End of New Business.

We follow our break with Listener Mail. Topics covered: the versions of Breath of the Jon, what stray puppies are in Jon's Wii U backlog, and Jon's advice for someone who isn't excited about Wii U games anymore. The rest of us are here too, but Jon's aura contaminates this segment from the jump. You can have our breath down your neck by sending us an email.

We will be recording our RetroActive on Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom on March 2, less than an hour before the Switch launch! If you want to contribute to an episode that will sound weirdly out of place, you can post your thoughts in the official thread.

[You probably can't say that in the Miiverse.]

267

Podcast Discussion / Episode 507: Get Pooched!

« on: January 29, 2017, 07:28:27 AM »

You probably can't say that in the Miiverse.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44057/episode-507-get-pooched

It's basically February, so now's the time to review 2016! We kick the show off with our personal Top-5 lists. Greg, Gui, and James pick out the wheat from the chaff of 2016. Jon does something else entirely. I wont spoil our winners here, but fan-favorite Epic Dumpster Bear just missed the cut.

Following the break, we have the return of New Business! Guillaume kicks it off with a look at Pirate Pop Plus, the Game Boy inspired bubble popper, available (with Cross-Buy) on Wii U and 3DS. Gui was a fan of 13AM Games' Runbow, and he enjoys their newest entry as well. He doubles down on second entries from Wii U indie creators with Wii U/3DS title Severed, from the makers of Guacamelee. Greg has final thoughts on Fire Emblem Fates: Revelations, where you can indeed save everyone before offering some thoughts on Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World demo. Two weeks ago, listeners got to listen live as Jon and James pre-order their Switches, this week Jon provides an update. James cleans the segment up with quick thoughts on Pocket Card Jockey. His praise is less effusive than Gui's, finding the whims to which the game often subjects you...lame.

It's time for our next RetroActvie, and Guillaume has been given the powers of a tyrant. He has selected Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom, which is available on the Wii Virtual Console - except in Europe. Why is it unavailable in Europe? Unknown, the regional whims of the Virtual Console have bedeviled this show for a decade. But, I'm sure you can figure out how to play along. Official thread and dates of the RetroActive will be available shortly. As always, you can send us your questions via the mailbag

[Force Feedback won't really be "Next Gen" until Senran Kagura says so.]

268

Podcast Discussion / Episode 506: 4k Force Feedback

« on: January 22, 2017, 07:32:06 AM »

Force Feedback won't really be "Next Gen" until Senran Kagura says so.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/44029/episode-506-4k-force-feedback

One week removed from Nintendo's Switch presentation, and a day after the Fire Emblem Nintendo Direct, we've had some time to process all the new info. As with any time following a major Nintendo announcement, our inbox was flooded with questions and hot takes. Let it be known that RFN is a firm believer in Podcasts as a Service; with this in mind, we decided to focus exclusively on whittling away at this email backlog. While we didn't get through everything, we cover: what franchise should get the Warriors treatment (oops) which launched us into the Fire Emblem Direct, future Switch shapes, region-free gaming, its truly weird companion app, and its price.

When I say email powers the show, this is what I mean! Look at all the planning this saved...just line up the emails and go. You too can save James a ton of time by sending in questions and thoughts to our mailbag.

[Today, we all learn where Jon goes when he's not on the show.]

269

Podcast Discussion / Episode 504: A Burst of Jonesty

« on: January 08, 2017, 09:15:57 AM »

Today, we all learn where Jon goes when he's not on the show.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43888/episode-504-a-burst-of-jonesty

We're back from the holidays, just in time for next week's Switch presentation. More on our plans for that shortly. This week we opted for the standard New Business/Listener Mail format, and James kicks off New Business with Chase: Cold Case Investigations ~Distant Memories~, the Visual Novel from the makers of Hotel Dusk. He is not pleased. Jon is back from his multi-week Pokémon Go-dictated walkabout. He went places. Guillaume has restored his 3DS collection, and lets the world know he isn't evil enough to play Mario Party 10 with kids. He then offers his thoughts on the unambiguous, and complete, business failure that is Super Mario Run. Greg shares some quick thoughts on Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation and then takes a look at SEGA 3D Classics Collection, inadvertently kicking off a wide-ranging conversation about SEGA and their arcade games.

After the break, we take a couple of emails from the inbox. First, we offer some eleventh hour thoughts on the upcoming Switch events, and despite prompting there is no Glitter Metroid-level creativity. We then try to assemble a Game Boy Classic Mini, inventing new sizes of batteries in order to maintain scale. You can bait us into weird ideas by sending us an email.

This Thursday, Nintendo is going to be announcing the launch details for Switch - and we're going to be right there alongside you. Join us at NWR for a chat during the show, and RFN will be going LIVE on the air as soon as it ends - interacting with you and taking a few call-ins. Chat starts at 11 PM Eastern. We hope to see you there!

[Brothers and Sisters, the day of the nice sandwich is at hand!]

270

Podcast Discussion / Episode 502: Have You Heard the Gospel of Excitebots

« on: December 17, 2016, 09:14:00 AM »

Brothers and Sisters, the day of the nice sandwich is at hand!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43810/episode-502-have-you-heard-the-gospel-of-excitebots

Sometimes it's nice to just get back to a regular episode. A relaxing calm settles in, with Greg's return to Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts. He's got significant experience playing as Sir Arthur, so this notoriously tricky SNES classic is no more difficult than folding his Arthur cosplay boxers. Jon reports from the smoldering crater that is Titanfall 2, one of EA's two well-received first person shooters for Q4 2016. He has thoughts on the series' first single-player campaign, and the poor sales that doomed it to being the series' last single-player campaign. James takes a look at PS+ game of the month, The Deadly Tower of Monsters. Produced by ACE Team, who gave him Rock of Ages, this movie-themed brawler should be right up his alley, but is instead a repetitive chore. In order to inject some eShop flavor to the proceedings, James takes a look at the current offers for 3DS and discovers a new nightmare: Sweet Memories - Blackjack. To quote the eShop, "The time you spend playing blackjack [with your childhood friend], increases the connection between the two of you." Guillaume takes a look at Ys: The Ark of Napishtim, and we spend far too long trying to determine how many Ys games there are. He then closes New Business by playing as a turtle who: makes sandwiches, swings on poles, and bounds across the desert with Excitebots, now available on the Wii U eShop in North America. Hopefully its gleeful stupidity finally makes its way to Europe soon.

After a break we pry open the mailbag to answer questions about: a rash of flops and Switch the Savior, traveling in Japan, and the Virtual Console on Switch. Get those sirens ready, it's time for some old-school Switch speculating. You can speculate about our future by sending us an email.

The upcoming holidays are going to alter our normal release schedule. At this time, we don't have our plans hammered out for the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the official RFN Twitter account and RFN Facebook page for announcements.

[After 500 episodes, the WHO has finally traced the cause of the Internet's ninth-most pervasive malady.]

271

Podcast Discussion / Episode 500: Wouldn't It Be an Auditory Rash?

« on: December 04, 2016, 11:35:56 AM »

After 500 episodes, the WHO has finally traced the cause of the Internet's ninth-most pervasive malady.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43748/episode-500-wouldnt-it-be-an-auditory-rash

After weeks of delaying tactics, it is finally time to celebrate the 500th episode of Radio Free Nintendo. BUT FIRST it's time for Listener Mail! This week's topics include: the 87 Mario Kart games, catching up on Wii/Wii U downloadable software, the shape of Switch (and James' blatant self-promotion), and we get castigated about our Pokémon knowledge by a man who literally sent James explosives in the mail. You can call out our ignorance of Weedle-stroking via the inbox.

After the break, and us exhausting all possible avenues of delay, it is time for us to commemorate our 500th episode. We start off with your memories of RFN episodes of yore. It would be touching if we got a bit misty-eyed, but it's mostly reflections of past idiocy so the segment devolves into us blaming each other for each particular failure. After that, Greg put together an RFN questionnaire. Ever wonder what Jon's favorite RetroActive is? Me neither. Find out, inside!

As always, I want to thank each and every one of our listeners and everyone who has made this show possible.

For reference, this is actually Episode 680.

[When Nintendo 64 walks into a room, all of Super Famicom's friends leave.]

272

Podcast Discussion / Episode 499: Nintendo Hard Girls

« on: November 27, 2016, 11:58:54 AM »

When Nintendo 64 walks into a room, all of Super Famicom's friends leave.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43722/episode-499-nintendo-hard-girls

Welcome back to Radio Free Nintendo. James has returned from his expedition to Japan an enlightened man. Just a week before episode 500, he has a lot of work to do to get back into form for the big episode. This week is a good start, retaking the reigns and putting the show exactly where it belongs: the ditch.

James kicks off New Business bearing gifts for his co-hosts. He then expands on his thoughts from the latest Famicast episode during which he talks about his trip to Japan. Although jet-lag, a cold, and an unhealthy dose of cough syrup conspire to render this segment insufferable, James is adamant - he does not need help on that front. Jon and Greg are the Sun and the Moon of Radio Free Nintendo (Guillaume is the star, if you're wondering), so it's apt that they are playing Pokémon Sun and Moon, respectively. Expanding on Alex Culafi's comments, the two give some early thoughts on their quest to be the best. Gui wraps up New Business with a look at Paper Mario: Color Splash. Replete with charm, witty writing, and captivating humor, this is the ultimate charming game for the ultimate charming gamer.

After the break we tackle a trio of Listener Mail. Topics include Nintendo Hard Girls, making Super Mario Maker even more super, and how to build on the success of NES Classic Edition. You can have us cast the next Gamindustri adventure by sending sending us an email. Remember, next week is 500, so get us your comments ASAP if you want to hear them on the show.

[Jon's reign of terror continues as we talk Pokemon Sun/Moon, Excitebike 64, and more. You may want to wash your face afterwards.]

273

Podcast Discussion / NWR Chat Season 1, Episode 2: The Fire-Type Strikes Back

« on: November 20, 2016, 07:38:19 AM »

Jon's reign of terror continues as we talk Pokemon Sun/Moon, Excitebike 64, and more. You may want to wash your face afterwards.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43695/nwr-chat-season-1-episode-2-the-fire-type-strikes-back

James continues to wander abroad, and has almost certainly married a life-sized Gundam during a sake-fueled bender by now. While he sorts out his pending annulment, we present you with another episode of NWR Chat. Jon brazenly assumes the hosting chair yet again, with Pokemon superfan Alex Culafi joining us along with the baleful stares known as Gui and Greg. This week New Business features Alex with a ton of thoughts on Pokemon Sun/Moon, Gui giving us a LEGO City Undercover update along with initial thoughts on Excitebike 64 on VC, Jon finally trying out Super Mario 3D World, and Greg offering "early" thoughts on Dragon Quest VII.

On the other side of the break is Listener Mail. This time around we discuss Switch, unsurprisingly; its price vs. handhelds, the potential for Wii U games to be ported for launch, and why you might buy a Wii U after Switch releases. You can experience your own release by sending any and all questions to our inbox.

Episode 500 is near and still yearning for more RFN Episode RetroActives. Deconstruct your favorite RFN episode from the past and make us laugh, cry, and feel shame. In short, it'll be just another day at the RFN office.

[We've finally seen the Nintendo Switch, so we finally get to Nintendo bitch. Strap yourself in...this is happening.]

274

Podcast Discussion / Episode 496: Mighty Switch Facts!

« on: October 20, 2016, 06:32:59 PM »

We've finally seen the Nintendo Switch, so we finally get to Nintendo bitch. Strap yourself in...this is happening.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43573/episode-496-mighty-switch-facts

The NX has finally been revealed as the Nintendo Switch, and on a Thursday - our recording day - no less!  That means a fresh batch of blazing hot takes on the system, its known features, its unknown features, what issues it might have, and what questions still linger for the RFN crew.  Jon managed to sober up long enough to make this one on time, and his speech is both clear and coherent; don't get used to it, because it probably won't happen again. James, Greg, and Gui dutifully tolerate him for yet another week.

After the break we start to tackle the avalanche of Switch-related mail that's arrived since the announcement. We examine the quality of the Switch reveal; game sizes and storage solutions; its lack of a camera and mic; and the prices and visuals of portable-style games. Be sure to detach your own Joy-Cons and send them directly to our inbox.

Don't forget that we'll be recording our Retroactive segment for LEGO City Undercover next week. Any and all thoughts are encouraged to be posted in this handy-dandy forum thread.

[The Four Horsemen themselves dissect the latest 3DS Nintendo Direct.]

275

Podcast Discussion / Episode 491: Apocalypse Direct

« on: September 01, 2016, 05:55:00 PM »

The Four Horsemen themselves dissect the latest 3DS Nintendo Direct.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rfn/43361/episode-491-apocalypse-direct

Conquest, Famine, Pestilence, Death. Lindemann, Veillette, Jones, Leahy. These and more parallels are drawn in this week's episode, in which the RFN riders are harbingers of doom tasked with the delivery of their thoughts on today's 3DS-focused Nintendo Direct. We keep it short and sweet, discussing Super Mario Maker for 3DS, Poochy and Yoshi's Woolly World, Pikmin, and everything else announced. We also take an intriguing look at what was shown in the Japanese version of the event, which fans of horse racing and baseball will surely find to be a...revelation.

In between death knells we find the time to announce the games for our next RetroActive, which are:

1. Bully: Scholarship Edition (Wii)
2. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (NGC)
3. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (NDS)
4. Scarface: The World is Yours (Wii)
5. Lego City Undercover (Wii U)
6. Retro City Rampage

Vote now! Polling closes Sept 15, at 9 PM Eastern. We won't try to sway you in any direction, but remember this RFN motto: First you get the money, then you get the eBay account, then you get the ZX Spectrum.

As always, if you have questions or comments, you can send them to our mailbag.