The Nextlander Podcast 231: A Powerful Grouse
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Jan 8, 2026 The hosts dive into games played over the break, highlighting Brad's nostalgic journey through Spider-Man: Miles Morales. They discuss the highs and lows of Metroid Prime 4, including its pacing issues. Recent industry news includes the tragic passing of Vince Zampella and potential delays for next-gen consoles due to RAM shortages. On a lighter note, they explore the charm of Professor Layton and the upcoming releases. The podcast wraps up with updates on Civilization VII and gaming adaptations for Death Stranding.
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Absalom: Beat-Em-Up Meets Roguelite
- Brad and Vinny played Absolum, praising its beat-'em-up combat with Hades-like roguelite structure.
- They highlighted technical, combo-driven combat, run-based progression, and good co-op syncing of unlocks.
Zampella's Death Shocked The Industry
- Vince Zampella's sudden death shocked the industry and highlighted his major influence on modern multiplayer.
- Hosts noted his reputation as a forceful advocate for staff and credited him with reviving franchises like Battlefield.
DDR5 Shortages Could Delay Consoles
- RAM (DDR5) shortages driven by AI/data-center buying are now large enough to threaten console timelines and pricing.
- Brad and Vinny say manufacturers are debating delaying next-gen hardware to wait for DDR5 supply and lower costs.
