Game Scoop! Episode 819: "This Scoop Is Bananas" – Detailed Summary

In Episode 819 of Game Scoop!, veteran host Damon Hatfield and the IGN crew delve into a variety of topics ranging from retro gaming nostalgia to the latest industry news. This episode, released on July 31, 2025, features engaging discussions, expert insights, and lively debates that cater to both longtime fans and new listeners.

1. Comic Con Highlights and Celebrity Encounters

The episode kicks off with the hosts reflecting on their recent experience at Comic Con. Damon shares his excitement about the celebrity guests who graced the IGN stage at the Hard Rock Hotel, including notable figures like John Cena, James Gunn, and Bob Odenkirk. However, the standout moment for Damon was meeting Robert Picardo, renowned for his role in Star Trek Voyager.

Damon Hatfield [03:11]: "Is anyone familiar with the work of Robert Picardo?"

Mark chimes in, recalling Picardo's iconic role as the Doctor, and shares an amusing anecdote about Picardo's appearance in Gremlins 2, where he marries the girl gremlin.

Mark Medina [03:12]: "I know him from Star Trek."

The discussion highlights the blend of nostalgia and modern pop culture, underscoring the meaningful interactions at the convention.

2. Deep Dive into Donkey Kong Bonanza

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Donkey Kong Bonanza, a game that has captured the hosts' attention. Mark Medina reveals his impressive progress, having accumulated 320 bananas and recently completing the Tempest layer.

Mark Medina [06:02]: "I love it. I'm 320 bananas in."

Damon echoes the sentiment, sharing his immersion in the Radiance Lair (Snake World) and praising the game's expansive layers and bonanzas.

Damon Hatfield [06:24]: "It's a lot of smashing. But I hear later like the new bonanzas are really cool."

The conversation transitions into a critique of the game's sensory overload and rapid pacing. Mark points out the visually overwhelming design and the game's relentless speed, which can be exhausting for players.

Mark Medina [09:00]: "It's very visually overwhelming and kind of almost off-putting."

Despite these criticisms, both Damon and Mark commend the game's unique mechanics and Nintendo's signature polish, likening it to titles like Mario Odyssey and Monster Train 2.

Damon Hatfield [07:30]: "It's super, you know, great 3D platformer. Feels really good to play."

The discussion also touches on the game's skill tree and the desire for more creative customization options, emphasizing the balance between gameplay functionality and aesthetic variety.

3. Review of Shadow Labyrinth and Tales of the Shire

Transitioning from platformers, the hosts discuss Shadow Labyrinth, a Grimdark Pac-Man sequel. Sam Claiborne shares his positive experience with the game, praising its Metroidvania elements and unique mini-games like the pinball and Pac-Man sections.

Sam Claiborne [30:17]: "It's really funny. It's like it works."

However, despite Sam's enthusiasm, the IGN review assigned a 5 out of 10, citing issues with the gameplay loop and technical crashes during key moments like meal distributions.

Damon Hatfield [35:00]: "At a 4 out of 10, it's one of the worst-reviewed games of the year from IGN."

The conversation shifts to Tales of the Shire, a Lord of the Rings game developed by Weta Workshop. The hosts express disappointment over its poor reception, drawing parallels to previous low-scoring titles like Lord of the Rings: Gollum. They critique the game's execution, emphasizing that it fails to capture the essence of the beloved franchise.

Damon Hatfield [36:29]: "We haven't given anything lower than a 4 this year, but it puts it in the company of Mind's Eye and Hyper Light Breakers."

The discussion highlights concerns about the adaptation of movie-making techniques to game development, questioning the transferability of skills between the two mediums.

4. Cross-Platform PlayStation Titles on Xbox: Future Prospects

Addressing listener questions, the hosts tackle the possibility of major first-party PlayStation games appearing on the Xbox platform. A listener named Jake from Salisbury, Maryland, inquires about playing exclusive titles like Spider-Man, God of War, or Horizon鬼ガ壇 on Xbox.

Jake's Question [60:24]: "Is there any hope for me, an Xbox lifer, that I can one day play Spider Man 2 or the upcoming Wolverine on my Xbox?"

Damon references a recent Sony job listing for a senior director focused on multi-platform expansion, hinting at potential cross-platform ventures. However, Justin Davis expresses skepticism, noting that while there might be some integration through platforms like Steam, it's unlikely that flagship titles will become Xbox exclusives.

Justin Davis [61:17]: "I don't think you'll see AAA. But also that could be referring to Xbox on PC."

Mark Medina adds that if Sony were to pursue such a strategy, it would likely involve non-traditional methods, such as utilizing the Xbox app on PCs, rather than direct console-to-console releases.

5. Sony vs. Tencent: Horizon Copying Lawsuit

A major news segment covers Sony's lawsuit against Tencent for allegedly copying the Horizon series. The hosts break down the details of the case, highlighting how Tencent developed a game titled "Light of Motirum" that closely mirrors Horizon with similar aesthetics, mechanics, and even font styles.

Damon Hatfield [41:55]: "If anyone is on. Well, whatever, we don't need to take sides. But if anyone doesn't see it or doesn't understand where the lawsuit is coming from, look at the two games title screens side by side and tell me that it's not shameless."

The discussion emphasizes the blatant similarities and Tencent's persistent efforts to secure licensing despite Sony's refusals. The hosts compare this incident to historical instances of IP copying in the gaming industry, pondering the legal and ethical implications.

Sam Claiborne [44:08]: "It just looks like Horizon. Kind of like mobile game."

Mark Medina reflects on the improbability of Tencent's success in court, given the obvious nature of the similarities.

Mark Medina [44:18]: "It doesn't seem like Tencent will have a leg to stand on if this goes to court."

6. Retro Gaming Handhelds: Miyu Flip and Magic X040

Shifting gears, Damon showcases his Miyu Flip, a retro gaming handheld reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP, tailored for 4:3 screen ratio games. He introduces a new device, the Magic X040, designed specifically for vertically oriented arcade games like Shmups and Nintendo DS titles.

Damon Hatfield [50:42]: "This is the Magic X040... built with vertical-oriented games in mind."

Mark Medina and Sam Claiborne discuss the potential of these handhelds for niche gaming genres, such as virtual pinball, enhancing the retro gaming experience with better screen orientations and emulator support.

Sam Claiborne [51:25]: "Right Layout."

The conversation underscores the resurgence of retro gaming handhelds, noting their affordability and specialized features that cater to specific gaming preferences.

7. Nintendo Force's NES Endings Compendium Volume 2

Mark Medina introduces Nintendo Force's NES Endings Compendium Volume 2, a collection curated by Ray Esteban that explores the endings of various NES games from 1990. The compendium features original artwork, pro tips, and checks for completion, providing a nostalgic deep dive for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Damon Hatfield [52:34]: "It's an awesome little package... great ending."

The hosts praise the compendium's detailed coverage and the inclusion of insightful notes on differences between North American and Japanese game releases.

Mark Medina [54:51]: "It's available from Nintendo Forces official website. It's also available on Amazon."

The segment highlights the enduring appeal of retro games and the value of commemorating their unique endings and artwork.

8. Listener Engagement: 20 Questions – Rocket League

The episode features an interactive 20 Questions segment based on a listener's suggestion. Liam from Salisbury, Maryland, presents the game for guessing, describing how he became a solid player through his father's influence. After a series of strategic questions narrowing down the genre and gameplay mechanics, the hosts accurately identify the game as Rocket League.

Mark Medina [71:35]: "It is Rocket League. Yes."

The segment showcases the hosts' gaming knowledge and their ability to engage with the audience through interactive content.

9. Concluding Remarks and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, Damon Hatfield provides listeners with information on various promotions, including deals from Humble Bundle, Mint Mobile, and Babbel. Additionally, he highlights upcoming content and encourages listeners to engage with the podcast through email submissions and social media.

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and a sneak peek into upcoming content, ensuring listeners remain connected and informed about future discussions and events.

Notable Quotes:

• Damon Hatfield [03:25]: "But there's no other way it, like, you still get hung up on geometry and stuff like a tiny little bit."

• Mark Medina [09:00]: "It's very visually overwhelming and kind of like almost off-putting."

• Sam Claiborne [16:41]: "I'm... It's exhausting."

• Sam Claiborne [37:23]: "Yeah, this is the hill you're gonna die on."

• Justin Davis [71:35]: "It is Rocket League. Yes."

• Damon Hatfield [51:07]: "I might be good on that, Damon."

Conclusion

Episode 819 of Game Scoop! offers a comprehensive exploration of current gaming trends, nostalgic retrospectives, and significant industry news. From the exhilarating layers of Donkey Kong Bonanza to the contentious legal battles between Sony and Tencent, the hosts provide listeners with in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Whether dissecting the mechanics of a beloved platformer or navigating the complexities of cross-platform gaming rights, Game Scoop! continues to deliver content that resonates with a diverse gaming audience.