We're covering two very different, yet very influential, games on this fresh episode of NintenGems! First we tackle Game of the Year 2023 nominee Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and discuss what it takes to keep a 2D platformer fresh in today's gaming landscape. Does Wonder bring enough wonder to keep us playing? Then, after years of nagging from Connor, Braydon finally played Metal Gear Solid, a genre-defining spectacle that we dissect from both a newcomer's and a veteran's perspective. Join us!

We took our sweet time with this episode, but we're back to celebrate the fourth entries into some beloved series! We kick off with Pikmin 4 and the new concepts it introduces after taking several years off from new releases (it may be worthwhile to listen to our previous Pikmin episodes). Braydon is seems pleased with its deliveries, but will it be enough to convince Connor to play it?

Meanwhile, Connor has spent intimate time with Final Fantasy 4, playing as originally intended on his SNES and CRT TV. He has a lot to say about the quality of retro gaming he seems to have been missing out on, and the amazing level of intention put into the game by the developers of the time. Join us FOUR an excellent episode!

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The time has finally come for a Goron-sized episode about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As the highly anticipated sequel to the genre-defining Breath of the Wild, what wild cards could Nintendo possibly bring to the table? We discuss the game's new features and mechanics, how they mesh with the preexisting formula, the personal and cultural impacts of the game, and more. Join us on our most recent trip to Hyrule!

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We may be late to the Pokémon party, but we've arrived nonetheless, and we're here to discuss the series' newest entries with Scarlet and Violet! Having been recently disillusioned with the franchise, do these refreshing-yet-imperfect games have what it takes to bring us back to full Pokémon fandom? For this episode's gem, Connor and friends have been revisiting the Stadium series and the challenges within, and he gives us a glimpse into the pros and cons of game balancing and the gimmicks of Pokémon battles. Join us!

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The legendary Bounty Hunter is back, and so are we to celebrate! Our resident Metroid expert Connor takes the reigns for this expedition into Metroid Prime Remastered, a beautiful rerelease of the 2002 Gamecube classic. While it's fantastic getting our hands back on it, does the game hold up to the nostalgia we so fondly assign it? And how does the remastered content serve the Switch? Listen in to find out!

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The blazing blue blur is back - and so are we! - to discuss his newest adventure and first foray into open-world gameplay. Sonic Frontiers is a unique experience and we dig into everything that makes it good, bad and ugly. After years of mediocre 3D Sonic experiences, does he finally find his stride in this newest entry? Listen and find out!

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After a summer off, we're back on the Nintengems grind to discuss some hard-hitting games! We kick off with Live A Live, originally a Japanese-exclusive Super Famicom title which recently received an modern remake in HD2D. A 'timeless' piece, we explore the blend of iconic storytelling dynamics and incorporated RPG gameplay elements that elevate Live A Live from so many games in the genre. For this episode's gem we look back on Mega Man X, a generation-defining classic that Connor has a newfound hatred for - does it deserve the years of praise it's received? Listen and find out!

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We're finally here to discuss Elden Ring and whether it deserves the renown it's received since its release! In our first Non-tendo episode we dive back into the realm of FromSoft and their newest behemoth of a game. We discuss the size and scale of Elden Ring's world, the design philosophies behind the bosses and dungeons, and of course, is it a good game? While certainly a landmark of gaming, have we reached the ceiling? Join us for in-depth perspectives from a FromSoft vet and a SoulsBorne noob!

Email us comments, questions, complaints and suggestions at nintengems@gmail.com

https://beacons.page/nintengems for more links and follow on Insta for more fun!