The guys (Kareem, Ken, and Pat), are joined by guest Kurosh to review the state of gaming in 2025. Tangents include Nintendo being annoyed by gamer requests, the hoarding demands of geriatric millennials, Rockstar Games foreplay with gamers, and more.
Show Notes
Xbox Direct 25 Showcase
The Xbox Direct 25 Showcase was a veritable feast for gamers, packed with announcements and gameplay reveals that left everyone buzzing. Key highlights included:
- DOOM: The Dark Ages: Set in a dark fantasy world, this prequel promises a gritty and immersive experience. Players will battle demonic forces in a medieval setting, with a storyline that delves into the origins of the DOOM universe.
- South of Midnight: This third-person action-adventure game offers a unique twist with its southern gothic aesthetic. Players can explore a richly detailed world filled with supernatural elements and folklore-inspired creatures.
- Ninja Gaiden 4: The surprise reveal of this beloved franchise’s next installment thrilled fans. Expect fast-paced combat, intricate level designs, and the return of Ryu Hayabusa in all his ninja glory.
Nintendo Switch 2
The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is at an all-time high. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Larger Screen and Improved Joy-Cons: The new console boasts a bigger display for an enhanced gaming experience. The improved Joy-Cons have better ergonomics and responsiveness.
- Magnetic Snap-On Joy-Cons and Two USB-C Ports: This innovative feature makes attaching and detaching controllers seamless. The addition of two USB-C ports allows for more versatile connectivity options.
- Backward Compatibility: The Nintendo Switch 2 supports both physical and digital games from the original Switch, ensuring your existing library is still playable.
- Launch Titles: Exciting new games are on the horizon, including a new Mario Kart and potentially a new 3D Mario adventure, promising a strong start for the new console.
Most Anticipated Games in 2025
The year 2025 is shaping up to be incredible for gamers, with a lineup of highly anticipated titles:
- Grand Theft Auto VI: Rockstar’s next installment in the iconic series is expected to push the boundaries of open-world gaming with a new city, storyline, and gameplay mechanics.
- Fable: The long-awaited reboot of the beloved RPG series is set to offer a fresh take on the fantasy world of Albion, with a new narrative and improved graphics.
- Doom: The Dark Ages: This entry makes a second appearance on our list due to its exciting premise and potential for epic gameplay.
- Avowed: Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this RPG promises deep storytelling, immersive worlds, and complex character interactions.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, this game continues Samus Aran’s adventures with new planets to explore and enemies to defeat.
- Elden Ring: Nightreign: FromSoftware’s next dark fantasy epic, building on the success of its predecessor with new lore, challenging combat, and expansive environments.
The Demoralized State of Video Game Developers
The gaming industry is facing significant challenges, impacting developers worldwide. Some key points include:
- Widespread Layoffs: According to the GDC State of the Game Industry report, 11% of developers were laid off in the past year, reflecting the unstable nature of the industry.
- Pressure on Developers: The increasing demand for live-service games has put immense pressure on development teams, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction.
- Resilience and Innovation: Despite these challenges, developers continue to push boundaries and create innovative gaming experiences. The industry’s resilience is evident in the constant stream of new and exciting games hitting the market.
xbox #nintendo #sony #gaming
EP.119 – Don't Trust Billionaires – A Review of James Gunn's Superman pt.3 – Tangential Giants Podcast
The Tangential Giants return for their third strike at reviewing the three-quarter mark of James Gunn’s Superman, and somehow, the chaos only gets more refined with age. Kareem, Ken, Pat, and guest Tim settle in to talk about the movie, but as always, tangents emerge like uninvited cousins who still somehow run the show.This time, the crew dives into how the fictional citizens of Metropolis and the very real citizens of the United States share a troubling weakness for any rich guy with a shiny suit and a PR team. From there, they spiral into a celebration of Guy Gardner’s comedic menace as Green Lantern, because apparently the universe needed a man who is equal parts hero and walking HR violation.Naturally, the group also questions the logistics of a pocket universe prison. Is it science, magic, or just James Gunn saying, " Trust me and hoping no one asks follow-up questions? The Giants ask them anyway. And that is only scratching the surface of the detours they take while trying to talk about Superman’s journey.If you enjoy passionate nonsense, comic book philosophy, and four grown adults trying to make sense of a movie that refuses to stay on the rails, this episode is your comfort food. Settle in and enjoy another round of heroic chaos.#tangentialgiants #superman #jamesgunn #dcu #dcuniverse #supermanmovie #dccomics #comicbookmovies #nerdpodcast #superherotalk #moviebreakdown #GuyGardner #greenlantern #metropolis #PocketUniverse #popculturepodcast #dcfans #supermananalysis #moviediscussions
- EP.119 – Don't Trust Billionaires – A Review of James Gunn's Superman pt.3
- Shawarma vs Falafel vs Vaccines – A Review of James Gunn's Superman pt.2
- Super Woke or Super Broke – A Review of James Gunn's Superman pt.1
- EP.116 – When Winking Makes you Blind – Brainstorming Ideas for Comic-Con pt.2
- CAPES, CHOAS, AND COLLECTIBLES – Reviwing content for our 2025 Comic-Con panel
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