The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Alex and Luke talk The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

Majora's Mask is a standout title in The Legend of Zelda series known for its time-bending adventures and dark, compelling narrative. Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, this game takes players on a race against time in the mysterious land of Termina, employing a unique mechanic of a three-day cycle and a collection of transformative masks. The game received a fresh face with its 3DS remake in 2015. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D not only polished its graphics but also refined gameplay mechanics, making this enigmatic adventure more accessible to a new generation of players, while still captivating those who cherished the original. This version added a new layer of depth to the classic, proving the game's timeless appeal.

At the time of this recording, Majora's Mask boasts a Metacritic score of 95. According to How Long to Beat, the main story can be completed in around 21 hours.

Alex and Luke revisited this classic on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both hosts were able to play with the Switch's official N64 Controller, which was quite the treat.

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Majora's Mask, discuss its legacy, and share why it remains a beloved adventure that stands the test of time.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part guides.

We mentioned Hand-Drawn Game Guides during our discussion. If that's something that piques your interest, check out Phil's site. No affiliation. No partnership. His stuff is just super rad!

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Step into the enigmatic world of Jusant, a game that blends action and puzzle elements with a serene yet challenging climbing adventure. Developed by Don't Nod, Jusant offers gamers a unique, meditative journey to the top of a mysterious tower, filled with flora, fauna, and a peaceful soundtrack. Released in 2024, it stands out for its innovative climbing mechanics, breathtaking biomes, and the presence of a guiding creature made of water, Ballast.

Jusant had a Metacritic score of 85 at the time of this recording. According to howlongtobeat.com, completing the main storyline takes about five hours, but with its explorative design and alternative paths, players can delve deeper into the game's mysteries.

Both hosts played on the Xbox Series X via Game Pass. Alex also played some on the Steam Deck.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by the three point line.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke talk Gris.

Gris is a visually stunning and emotionally evocative platformer game developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. In this game, players explore a serene yet melancholic world, unfolding a narrative about personal growth and overcoming hardship. Released in December 2018, Gris has been celebrated for its breathtaking artwork, poignant storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. As of recording, Gris had an 83 Metacritic score.

According to howlongtobeat.com, completing Gris takes about 4 hours, but for those seeking to fully immerse in its world and uncover all its secrets, it could extend further.

Alex and Luke journeyed through the beautiful landscapes of Gris, experiencing its unique blend of art and narrative. They played on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, each captivated by the game's visual and auditory artistry.

Check out 'How Gris Made You Cry With Its Colors' by Daryl Talks Games for a great breakdown of Gris' colors, music, etc. 

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part real trees and  chicken parm.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex talk Sea of Stars.

Prepare to be transported back to the golden era of turn-based games with Sea of Stars from Sabotage Studios. This episode, we’re diving into this modern classic that pays homage to the JRPGs we all loved. With its captivating art style, a roster of formidable enemies, and dynamic game mechanics, Sea of Stars is more than just a game; it’s a journey through nostalgia and innovation.

Released in 2023, Sea of Stars stands out as a testament to Sabotage Studios' craftsmanship, marrying old-school charm with modern sensibilities. The game's alluring art, challenging puzzles, and pulse-pounding boss battles have already garnered attention in the gaming community, earning it notable accolades.

Navigating the new challenges of fatherhood, Alex and Luke find solace and excitement in the immersive world of Sea of Stars. Between diapers and late-night feedings, they explore the game’s engaging mechanics, like the badge indicating correct inputs - a small but significant touch that adds to the gameplay experience.

But that’s not all! We also reminisce about The Messenger, another hit from Sabotage. Plus, we'll dish out on PlateUp!’s rogue-like cooking adventures and share a hilarious Madden anecdote about relocating the Texans to Anchorage. And don't miss our thoughts on the buzz around the rumored live-action Zelda movie and the enchanting Super Mario Bros. Mario Wonder game.

From the strategic depths of Sea of Stars to the quirky kitchens of PlateUp!, this episode is a wild ride through the gaming landscape, peppered with our personal anecdotes of balancing gaming passions with the demands of parenthood.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by pacifiers – because sometimes, the fiercest warriors (and newest dads) need a little tranquility.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Ever wonder why some people are so passionate about collecting physical media? Join me as I share my personal journey from collecting vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs during my childhood to eventually finding my true passion – video game collecting – in 2018. Discover how working three jobs to save up for a ring for my wife led me to dive deep into the world of game collecting and the joy I find in the tactile experience of cartridge and CD games.

As a collector, I've come to appreciate the unique value and sense of community that comes with collecting physical media. While digital gaming offers convenience, it lacks resale value and the opportunity for borrowing or sharing. Listen in as I discuss my experiences of selling off and repurchasing collections, like my Gamecube and NES, and my journey with the Game Boy series. You'll learn that playing the games brings me more joy than preserving them, and that the real thrill of collecting comes from the journey itself.

Interested in video game collecting? I've got some strategies and tips for you, such as buying games in bulk and exploring limited-run physical editions. Hear about my recent experience with purchasing a Sega Genesis mystery box and the satisfaction of finding and reselling games I didn't want. To wrap up the episode, I invite fellow collectors to share their own experiences and collections, emphasizing that collecting is a rewarding and enjoyable way to show passion for a hobby or project.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke Talk Donkey Kong Country.

Donkey Kong Country is a groundbreaking platformer developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. In this iconic title, players take on the roles of Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong, embarking on a quest to recover their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool and his army of Kremlings.

Originally released on November 21, 1994, the game was a pivotal moment in gaming history, showcasing revolutionary graphics for its time, thanks to its use of pre-rendered 3D sprites. The game's technical achievements and addictive gameplay garnered universal acclaim, earning it a lasting legacy in the platforming genre.

According to howlongtobeat.com, the main storyline of Donkey Kong Country can be completed in about 5 hours. However, for those aiming to achieve 100% game completion by finding all bonus rooms and collectibles, you're looking at a much larger commitment.

Alex revisited Donkey Kong Country on his Switch using NSO, as did Luke. Both hosts succeeded in toppling King K. Rool, but the question remains: Who truly mastered the dense jungles and treacherous mine cart rides of Donkey Kong Island?

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by pumpkin spice.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex Talk Dredge.

Dredge is a chilling indie fishing video game developed by New Zealand-based studio Black Salt Games and published by Team17. The game introduces players to an unnamed fisherman who, as he delves deeper into the expansive open-world archipelago, confronts increasingly Lovecraftian marine creatures, making each fishing venture a dive into the abyss.

The highly anticipated title was released on March 30, 2023, for multiple platforms, from Microsoft Windows to the Nintendo Switch and next-gen consoles. Critics and players have been captivated by its unique blend of serene fishing mechanics juxtaposed with the looming dread of the ocean's monstrous secrets. As of publication, the game holds a score of 85 on metacritic.com.

According to howlongtobeat.com, when zeroing in on the core missions, Dredge unfolds over approximately nine hours. However, for the completionists aiming to uncover every sunken treasure and monstrous fish, the game extends to roughly 17 hours.

Alex dove into the eerie waters of Dredge on his Nintendo Switch, appreciating the game's atmospheric tension and intricate mechanics. On the other hand, Luke set sail on his Xbox Series X, making full use of the game's unique panic and day-night features to face the marine horrors head-on. Both hosts braved the game's Lovecraftian depths, contending with the harrowing hallucinations and gigantic sea monsters. However, only time will tell whose fishing expedition was more successful.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by frozen pizza.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke Talk Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. The player takes control of the protagonist Mario, whose main objective is to reclaim his personal island, Mario Land, from the antagonist Wario, who has seized control while Mario was away in the events of the first Super Mario Land.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins was first released in Japan on October 21, 1992, and later in North America and Europe in November of the same year. The game was well-received by critics, who praised its graphics and gameplay, and it is considered one of the greatest Game Boy games of all time. As of publication, the game holds a score of 80 on metacritic.com.

According to howlongtobeat.com, When focusing on the main objectives, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is about 2 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 3½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.

Alex played an actual Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins cartridge on his Analogue Pocket. He enjoyed the classic feel and the nostalgia of the game. Luke played the game on his Nintendo Switch via NSO and cheesed the hell out of the rewind feature. Both hosts completed the game, collecting all six golden coins and defeating Wario. But let the record show that Luke's win has an asterisks.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by children's books.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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In this spoiler-free episode, hosts Alex and Luke dive into the expansive world of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," the eagerly-awaited sequel to "Breath of the Wild." Despite Luke's 50-hour gameplay journey, he's yet to progress the storyline past the Wind Temple, which allows us to keep the major plot points under wraps.

Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom propels you into the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above​​. The game is a testament to Nintendo's commitment to addressing player critiques from the last game and enhancing the gameplay experience in this latest entry.

We explore a range of topics, from the intricate map design and the joy of exploration, to the innovative weapon durability system. The master hand, fuse, and ascend abilities are other standout features that get our attention in this discussion.

Of course, comparisons to Breath of the Wild are inevitable, and we delve into why Tears of the Kingdom stands tall as a fantastic sequel. If you loved the first game, this follow-up seems to take everything to the next level.

Tears of the Kingdom has received acclaim for its improvements, expanded open world, and features encouraging exploration and experimentation. It sold more than 10 million copies in its first three days of release. As of publication, the game has a score of 95 on metacritic.com. 

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by dads.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex dive into the infinity loop of "Loop Hero," a uniquely designed endless RPG by the ingenious minds at Russian studio Four Quarters, and brought to life by Devolver Digital.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world that's been wiped out by an evil lich, you, the hero, are on a mission to reconstruct your reality. You're not alone though – you'll encounter survivors who'll either aid your world-building efforts or, in despair, attack you for their own survival.

But the plot thickens. The evil lich is merely a puppet. The real villain? None other than God himself, Omega, on a twisted quest for self-destruction. Can you defeat Omega and keep rebuilding in his absence? With a little help from the Goddess of Probability, you might just stand a chance.

Gameplay is where "Loop Hero" truly shines. Each expedition is a new journey on a pre-generated path, where you fight slimes, collect landscape cards, and alter the terrain around you. Equip your hero with the spoils of battle, construct new structures back at your base, and choose your path strategically to survive increasingly difficult enemies.

The game's development story is a testament to creative ingenuity, born from an idea during a game jam and polished into a gem that caught Devolver Digital's eye. Not without its challenges, the team at Four Quarters focused heavily on game balance to ensure a seamless, engaging experience for players.

Critics have showered "Loop Hero" with praise for its unique gameplay, 80's aesthetic, and deck-building mechanics, earning it an impressive score of 82 on Metacritic. It's even been nominated for awards like "Best Independent Game" and "Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year."

Join us as we delve into the endless looping adventure of "Loop Hero" – a game that takes you on a hero's journey where the power to shape the world is literally in your hands.

Alex primarily played "Loop Hero" on his Xbox Series X and Steam Deck via Game Pass. He also played a little on the PC as well. Luke played the game on his Series Neither host finished the game. The Loop continues!

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by 1) Moms, and 2) Gas stations that *don't* have those annoying ass monitors that are there to scream shitty advertisements at you.

Sidequestin':

Alex: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Tetris (movie), Inscryption, NBA 2K, Metroid Prime, The Machine

Luke: The Show, Skyrim, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

Low Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.