Kirby Conversations | Exploring Kirby, Nintendo, and More

For this episode, Sean and Bridget are hitting the streets and the slopes with more discussion of Kirby Air Riders and a batch of winter game recommendations. After breaking down some competitive strategies for City Trial, they consider other games that are a good fit for the winter months, including snowboarding games and the SSX series. (The earliest unreleased versions of Kirby Air Ride for the Nintendo 64 actually seemed to have a lot in common with snowboarding games, so the genres have some common connections.) And of course, they had to mention the Air Riders patch notes—because Rick was apparently just too powerful.How do you feel about Air Riders so far? And what games are you playing this winter? Feel free to email us your thoughts at mail@kirbyconversations.com, and we may share them on a future episode.Kirby Conversations is part of the Sound Stone Podcast Network, a collective of independent podcasters covering video game history. We are a founding show alongside Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64, and we encourage you to check out those shows as well!Our opening music is by Megan Kelz and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/).Join us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsSound Stone NetworkBluesky: @soundstone.networkYoutube: www.youtube.com/@SoundStone-NetworkBridgetBluesky: @kabulaqueen.bsky.socialSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialGigiCarrd link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy holidays everyone! This is just a quick update to share that we are running a holiday giveaway with the podcasts Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64, our fellow shows in the Sound Stone Network. From now until January 1st, if you subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@SoundStone-Network, you'll be automatically entered to win a $100 Nintendo gift card. We will choose a random subscriber on 1/1/26 and contact you if you have won (so please make sure your profile is public or there is some visible way to reach you). We do plan to grow and expand our video content for that channel in 2026, and we'd love to have you join us there, too.We also have a few other updates about what we hope to cover on the podcast next year. If you have any requests for what you'd like to hear on the show, please let us know on social media or reach out at mail@kirbyconversations.com.Thank you for listening to the show this year, and we'll be back with more Kirby Conversations in January.Links:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsSound Stone NetworkBluesky: @soundstone.networkOther shows in our network: Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64BridgetBluesky: @kabulaqueen.bsky.socialSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialGigiCarrd link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kirby Air Riders is finally here, and Bridget, Sean, and Gigi are breaking down their early impressions. While it probably won't come as a surprise that we all really like the game, we have a lot to share about our first few days playing both solo and together in multiplayer. Since the game is still so new, we're avoiding spoilers in this one and just sharing our general thoughts on its signature Sakurai design elements, our favorite tracks, characters, and modes, and the appeal we think this game might have even for people who don't normally play Kirby games. Bridget and Gigi also share their thoughts on the impressive new Air Riders amiibo, and we reflect what the game might mean for the future of Kirby (and Smash Bros.?). While we're excited to finally have the game in our hands, we're also curious about your impressions, too. How do you feel about Air Riders so far? Feel free to email us your thoughts at mail@kirbyconversations.com, and we may share them on a future episode. Kirby Conversations is part of the Sound Stone Podcast Network, a collective of independent podcasters covering video game history. We are a founding show alongside Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64, and we encourage you to check out those shows as well! Our opening music is by Megan Kelz and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/). This episode was edited by Sean and Flashback 64's Gooey. Join us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsSound Stone NetworkBluesky: @soundstone.networkYoutube: www.youtube.com/@SoundStone-NetworkBridgetBluesky: @kabulaqueen.bsky.socialSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialGigiCarrd linkKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerous Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Nic McConnell, a video game manual streamer and host of Instruction Derby, shares his compelling perspective that video games should retain their original versions without frequent patches. He explores what’s lost in updates, like the unique charm of retro game 'jank.' The conversation also covers the importance of preserving historical contexts and offers examples from classics like Street Fighter and GoldenEye. Nic argues for having both updated and original versions available, emphasizing the balance between improvement and preservation.

The discussion highlights the unique 3D effects and gameplay mechanics of Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The panel delves into the game's clever level design and engaging puzzles. They explore the humorous moments brought by Hypernova and the comparisons with Robobot. Nostalgia shines through with memories of Miiverse and its community aspects. Taranza's emotional journey captures attention, while the replayability and collectible keychains add layers to the experience. Join them as they reminisce about this quirky 3DS title!

In this discussion, Nic McConnell, a video game commentator and streamer, dives into the charm and challenges of 'Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.' He shares insights on the game’s unique claymation aesthetic and how it feels to revisit the Wii U in 2025. The trio debates the controls, comparing them to those in 'Canvas Curse,' and touches on the game's polarizing reception. They also explore the standout soundtrack and how it enhances the gaming experience, while reflecting on the quirks that make this title intriguing a decade later.

In this episode, Sean and Gigi are unpacking the brand new Star-Crossed World content from the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. They discuss the many things that stood out to them, like the graphics, complex levels, and amazing new soundtrack, while also considering how nice (and surprising) it is to return to Forgotten Land three years later. At the same time, both have some ideas for how the structure and level design of Forgotten Land could be adjusted for future 3D Kirby outings. This episode is mostly spoiler free, but at 1:05:52 they do shift to discussing spoilers. This shift is stated in the episode, but if you want to avoid any discussion of secrets or later game events, just be advised that the spoiler wall comes about an hour in.Questions or comments about the show? Feel free to reach out to us at mail@kirbyconversations.com, and we may share your letter on the show.Kirby Conversations is part of the Sound Stone Podcast Network, a collective of independent podcasters covering video game history. We are a founding show alongside Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64, and we encourage you to check out those shows as well!You can also find select episodes for this podcast and others from our network on our new YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@SoundStone-Network. (This is brand new, and we'll be adding more video versions of our shows in time.)Our opening music is by Megan Kelz (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/).Join us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsSound StoneBluesky: @soundstone.networkBridgetBluesky: @kabulaqueen.bsky.socialSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigiCarrd link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join a lively discussion about the latest reveals from the Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct! Expect thoughts on character design surprises, gameplay speed, and vibrant visuals. The host previews an exciting new podcast about sixth-generation consoles, diving into the Soul Calibur series. Plus, insights on creative flexibility in upcoming content and how Kirby fits into the competitive gaming scene. Don't miss listener reactions and predictions that add to the anticipation!

Dive into the delightful chaos of Gourmet Race, a subgame that introduced racing to the Kirby universe. The hosts explore its surprising depth, share top speedrunning tips, and reminisce about its lasting influence in the Kirby series. From unique track names to the charm of SNES-era graphics, they discuss favorite gameplay elements and Japanese speedrunning techniques. Get insights into the composition of the iconic theme and imagine exciting future racing possibilities. Perfect for fans ready to race back in time!

While Kirby games are known for their accessibility, they also have a reputation among some for being on the easy side. But even if a particular game isn't hard enough for you, there are always ways you can add your own twists or gameplay ideas to turn up the challenge. So for this episode, Bridget, Sean, and Gigi are sharing their ideas for how you can make Kirby games harder—through timed challenges with your friends, playing with limitations on what powers you can use, and more. And the main event for this episode: taking on Extra Mode in the original Kirby's Dream Land with just one hit and one life. How well can they survive what is almost a Kirby roguelike? And how well could you? Feel free to play along with us as we explore how to take Kirby difficulty to the next level. Do you have your own creative ways that you play Kirby games? Do you have unique challenges you set for yourself, or are there specific ways you play together with friends? We want to hear your ideas at mail@kirbyconversations.com. We'd like to do a future episode on our listeners' submissions (and perhaps try them ourselves), so please do reach out if you have any thoughts to share. Kirby Conversations is part of the Sound Stone Podcast Network, a collective of independent podcasters covering video game history. We are a founding show alongside Pixels and Polygons and Flashback 64, and we encourage you to check out those shows as well!Our opening music is by Megan Kelz (https://diamondthorns.bandcamp.com) and arranged by Duncan "PixelTea" Smith (https://duncansmith.carrd.co/). Join us online:Kirby ConversationsBluesky: @kirbyconversations.bsky.socialIG: @kirbyconversationsSound StoneBluesky: @soundstone.networkBridgetBluesky: @kabulaqueen.bsky.socialSean DouglassBluesky: @seandouglass.bsky.socialKy "Captain Dangerous" ParkerIG: @captaindangerousGigiCarrd link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.