BitCast - A Gaming Podcast

Jake and Landry return for BitCast 133 with Summer Game Fest predictions, covering PlayStation/Xbox showcases (Wolverine, Intergalactic, Halo, Gears, Fable, Project Helix) and why this console gen feels slow. In “Let’s Fix That,” they argue games need tighter, fun-first design over bloated AAA ambition and rising prices. They share what they’re playing (Hades, TMNT, Ocarina, Wind Waker, BG3, Yoshi) and end with Skill Tree Trivia.

Jake Martin and co-host Landry Smith return after a long break to discuss the current “state of play” for gaming, including major shifts at PlayStation and Xbox, the Switch 2’s early momentum, and how PC and console experiences are increasingly converging. They share frustrations with rising subscription costs and debate whether subscription models help or hurt creativity. In Landry’s new segment “Let’s Fix That,” they call out digital storefront “slop”—misleading, low-quality, and explicit shovelware flooding PlayStation and Nintendo shops—and suggest stronger curation and publishing limits. They wrap with what they’ve been playing, including Landry’s praise for Xenoblade Chronicles X and Jake’s surprisingly addictive time with Pokémon Pokopia.
Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:48 Show Rundown and New Segment02:30 State of Play10:54 Are Game Subscriptions Worth It?14:06 PC vs Console23:14 Lets Fix That - "E-Slop"38:32 What Are Ya Playin'?38:50 Xenoblade Chronicles X44:27 Pokemon Pokopia54:48 Wrap Up and Plugs

Jake and Landry dive into their hopes for the Switch 2, including game releases, NSO updates, and future gimmicks/features. They also chat about how their gaming habits have evolved over the years. Stick to the end to compete in Skill Tree Trivia!

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:54 Podcast Topics Overview
07:40 Hopes for the Switch 2
08:54 Future Games for Switch 2
14:34 Mario Kart World DLC
17:05 Next 3D Mario Game
21:25 New Zelda Game
27:11 Animal Crossing and Nintendo's Creative Philosophy
30:37 Nintendo Switch Online and GameCube Games
34:52 Switch 2 Features and Functionality
38:55 Gaming Preferences: Short and Concise Experiences
45:48 Was the quick release of Silksong & Hades 2 insensitive to smaller devs?
54:20 What are ya playin'?
01:08:32 Outro

Jake Martin and Landry Smith dive into their review of Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2, sharing their honest thoughts and critiques. Don't miss Skill Tree Triviai!!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:53 COVID Experiences and Parenting Challenges
03:02 Book Discussion: East of Eden
05:24 Gaming Disconnection and Industry Trends
12:08 Housekeeping and Podcast Overview
12:47 Donkey Kong Bonanza Review
14:25 Gameplay Mechanics and Design Critique
24:35 Exploration and Level Design Issues
36:53 Critique of Game Design and Levels
37:27 Challenge Rooms and Puzzles
38:32 Character and Enemy Design Flaws
40:21 Music and Soundtrack Disappointments
42:23 Suggestions for Improvement
45:58 Boss Fights and Mechanics
53:18 Comparing to Mario Odyssey
58:32 Skill Tree Trivia
01:06:58 Podcast Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of BitCast, your hosts Jake Martin and Landry Smith discuss the concept of nostalgia in gaming, the recent DK Bonanza Direct, and delve into initial thoughts on Mario Kart World.

Don't miss the new segment called Skill Tree Trivia!

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:20 The Issue with Nostalgia in Gaming
21:17 Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Impressions
35:23 Game of the Month - Mario Kart World & Dragon Age: The Veilguard
50:53 Skill Tree Trivia
58:00 Outro