Nine Sols, DK, and Top Turkeys of 2024 - Easy Allies Podcast - Nov 29, 2024
Dec 1, 2024
auto_awesome
The discussion kicks off with Sony's intriguing new portable console rumors. Then they delve into game sales, showcasing an engaging analysis of October's best performances. Nine Sols makes its console debut, sparking excitement. Nostalgia meets critique as players reflect on Donkey Kong Land's charm and legacy. The group wraps things up with comical deliberations on the most disappointing moments in gaming from 2024, highlighting industry tensions and consumer frustrations. A blend of humor and insightful commentary keeps the conversation lively!
Sony is rumored to be developing a new handheld device aimed at competing with the Nintendo Switch, raising questions about its features and pricing.
The October sales report revealed strong growth in the gaming market, influenced by earlier blockbuster releases and mobile game performance.
Nine Sols is now available on consoles, drawing praise for its engaging metroidvania gameplay and aesthetic appeal akin to Sekiro and Hollow Knight.
The podcast discusses the implications of Ubisoft disbanding the team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, highlighting issues with internal pressure and creativity.
Shuhei Yoshida's impending departure from PlayStation after three decades is noted as a significant moment, reflecting on his lasting impact on gaming.
Deep dives
Double XP and Thanksgiving Fun
The podcast kicks off with a discussion on double XP weeks, highlighting the excitement surrounding gaming events like Thanksgiving, which perfectly pairs with gaming. Hosts reflect on the possibility of triple XP weekends and the combination of gaming with holiday enjoyment. They also playfully debate the value of promotional items from beverages like Mountain Dew or Monster. The segment is casual yet conveys the shared enthusiasm for leveling up in games during festive times.
Anticipating New PlayStation Handheld
The conversation shifts to the prospect of a new handheld device from Sony, rumored to be developed for future PS5 games. Insiders suggest it could challenge competitors like the Nintendo Switch. The hosts contemplate the timing of releases and question how hardware improvements will affect the device's features and pricing structure. They highlight the historical challenges Sony faced with prior handhelds and ponder whether this device will learn from those experiences.
October Sales Report Insights
The hosts explore the recent October sales report, revealing a significant uptick in dollar sales within the gaming market. This growth is attributed primarily to the shift of blockbuster titles being released earlier in the year, like Call of Duty. Trends in sales are discussed, including the impact of mobile games like Monopoly Go and the surprisingly strong performance of new titles in the market. Overall, the sales figures provide a snapshot of shifting consumer behaviors in the gaming industry.
Nine Souls and Game Reviews
Nine Souls has been released for consoles, and the hosts share their excitement after diving into the game. They discuss its intricacies, mentioning its similar gameplay style to titles like Sekiro and Hollow Knight, and reflect on how the metroidvania experience keeps players engaged. The aesthetics and combat mechanics receive praise, setting a positive tone for its reception. Gamers are encouraged to explore this compelling title as it carves its niche in the genre.
Game Awards Anticipation and Predictions
Approaching the Game Awards, the conversation touches on the expectations and potential surprises anticipated for the event, particularly regarding big titles like Grand Theft Auto 6. The hosts speculate that new information regarding major releases will be unveiled and are optimistic about the possibilities. They share thoughts on what they wish to see, revealing their excitement for upcoming games and the industry at large. This segment reflects the anticipation shared among the gaming community.
The Future of Game Informer
With recent developments, questions arise regarding the future of Game Informer following the closure of their operations by GameStop. The hosts express concern for the team's future amidst uncertainty, emphasizing their impact on gaming journalism. They underscore the importance of maintaining quality reporting in video game media and the unfortunate loss of veteran voices within the publication. Fans are left wondering what this means for the community moving forward.
Ubisoft's Rollercoaster Ride
Ubisoft's decision to disband the team responsible for the recently released Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown raises eyebrows as industry trends point toward discomfort with internal structures. The hosts debate the implications of such actions and the effects of pressured timelines and budget constraints on creative teams. This leads to broader discussions about how companies manage their franchises and the stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. As certain franchises rapidly shift in direction, the hosts reflect on the value of creative integrity.
Layoffs and Industry Concerns
Concerns around mass layoffs in the gaming industry are highlighted as major companies continue to reduce their workforce despite overall profitability. The hosts examine how this trend affects the culture within studios and the morale of remaining employees. They emphasize the critical role that job security plays in fostering talent and creativity and how layoff practices could ultimately reshape companies. This segment underscores the need for compassion and advocacy in creative industries.
Concord: A Missed Opportunity
The discussion shifts to Concord, a game that was highly anticipated but ultimately fell flat, resulting in its cancellation. The hosts analyze the factors that contributed to its disappointing reception, including marketing missteps and fan expectations. They lament the loss of potential from a unique title with strong foundations and speculate on what could have been done differently. The conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of success in the gaming industry.
Shuhei Yoshida's Departure
The podcast concludes with the bittersweet news of Shuhei Yoshida's upcoming departure from PlayStation after three decades of influential work. The hosts reflect on his legacy and contributions to the gaming industry and how his leadership has shaped PlayStation's identity over the years. They express hope for his future endeavors and emphasize the impact he has had on the community. This moment serves as a nostalgic capstone to the episode, celebrating Yoshida's place in gaming history.
Ep 451 - It's Thanksgiving in the US, so it's time to look back and pick the year's biggest turkeys! Plus, Sony's tinkering with a new handheld, we've got a fun October sales report, and Nine Sols finally hits consoles!
(0:00) - Intro
(2:19) - PlayStation... Portable?
(27:13) - October Sales Report
(44:29) - Nine Sols Impressions
(1:04:17) - Donkey Kong Land Impressions
(1:18:41) - Donkey Kong Land 2 Impressions
(1:25:03) - A Word From Our Sponsors
(1:26:35) - Top Turkeys of 2024
(2:20:26) - Also This Week
(2:33:41) - L&R: Gravy
(2:36:24) - L&R: Reflected Interests
(2:41:27) - L&R Game: Avengers Assemble
(2:52:02) - Bets
(3:00:35) - Closing
Go to https://www.shopify.com/allies for a one-dollar-per-month trial period to grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in.
