Billy, my man, I respect you a lot. I really do. But what happened this episode? You voiced some opinions that I never thought I would hear on such a quality podcast. No offense, but, I strongly disagree with the following opinions of yours:
-smartphone cross-platforming would help games on Nintendo systems
-designing a car/ship/castle/RPG party at work and playing it at home is a valuable feature
-HD ports/"remakes" are exciting
-Kid Icarus Uprising is not (very obviously) top-notch voice acting
-someone wants gaming on a budget and you suggest the Vita? yyyyiiiiikes. That console is not even simply "$150 more" when you factor in the memory sticks. Especially since she said she wanted to do a lot of downloadable games.
Gui, great job. Thanks for politely challenging a lot of Billy's opinions that I disagreed with.
James, good job hosting, sir.
-I agree Ninty should expand their development capability...seeding some small teams in an effort to research development on a software platform like iTunes would be an interesting initiative and perhaps even create some much needed new IP...but would send mixed messages to Nintys user base and shareholders. As such, they should at least seed more small teams for THEIR OWN dl platforms and perhaps they shall.
-Would love to see some more remake efforts...if, for example, they involve franchises like WaveRace, Panzer Dragoon or Actraiser. Pricing is an issue however...in this new age I say keep me digital and keep me cheaper than ground-up new projects.
-Vita is such a sticky issue...with its future presently cloudy in more ways than one (pricing, localized software support, SURVIVAL etc) but if you could afford it, it's a well equipped game system with access to a great back catalog. If at all possible, it would be worth waiting for Sony's next move tho!
Thanks for reminding me on this pt, btw:
Great job hosting in a pinch, James. And G-Man, you really shone this episode. I had the impression over the past few that you have been somewhat quiet, and this is probably because of adjustment (the absent John(y)s I am sure also played a role).
Always good to hear from Billy, too. When he comes on I feel it provides an interesting counterpoint...more Outside-Nintendo than the usual crew but with an obvious enduring deep attachment to Ninty games. Would also love to hear Chris Kohler drop in again.
Fun episode, guys!