Gaming In The Wild - Video Game Reviews 269: Hades II, Wander Stars, Death Stranding 2, TGS 25
Sep 27, 2025
Explore the exciting world of Hades II, where thrilling combat and captivating storytelling await. Delve into the charming visuals and tactical mechanics of Wander Stars, a delightful turn-based battler. Get the latest scoop from the Tokyo Game Show, including highlights from Nintendo, Xbox, and Sony, along with accessory reviews for the upcoming Switch 2. Plus, uncover the layered complexities and storytelling of Death Stranding 2, as well as its stunning traversal mechanics and critiques of its surreal narrative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Nintendo's Direct Shaped Switch 2 Identity
- Nintendo's Tokyo Direct emphasized remasters and spin-offs rather than a new mainline Mario, shaping Switch 2's early identity.
- Switch 2 looks optimized for indies and 2D games with excellent battery life, not necessarily triple-A fidelity.
Xbox Showcase: Strong Games, Slightly Flat
- Xbox's Tokyo showcase mixed big ticket titles and surprises but left an underwhelming overall impression for the host.
- Forza Horizon 6 set in Japan stood out as a clear highlight among the lineup.
Annapurna's Eclectic Lineup
- Annapurna's Direct showed tonal variety from puzzle and musical experiments to Zelda-like adventure.
- Demi and the Fractured Dream appealed most to John as a potential retro-3D Zelda alternative.