Kinda Funny Gamescast: Nintendo Direct August 2025 Review
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Introduction and Opening Remarks (00:00 - 02:13)
The episode kicks off with host Tim Gettys welcoming listeners to the Kinda Funny Gamescast, joined by co-hosts Blessing Adio Ye Jr., Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, and Andy Cortez. The team shares their excitement about the recently watched Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, setting an upbeat and engaging tone for the discussion.
Tim Gettys (00:00):
"Welcome to the Kinda Funny Gamescast for Thursday, July 31, 2025. We just watched the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase and we're about to break down everything we saw."
Interlude: The Fantasy Critic Trade Skit (02:13 - 07:08)
In a humorous segment, the hosts enact a mock dispute over a fantasy video game trade involving Blessing Adio Ye Jr. This skit showcases the camaraderie and playful banter among the hosts, adding a lighthearted break before diving into the main content.
Greg Miller (01:40):
"You will be stunned at the results."
Blessing Adio Ye Jr. (06:12):
"I just need a yes vote from every single person."
Main Discussion: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Breakdown (08:11 - 19:00)
The core of the episode focuses on dissecting the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. The hosts share their varied reactions, ratings, and expectations for the announcements.
General Impressions
The overall sentiment among the hosts leans towards disappointment, with expectations of more substantial third-party announcements not being met.
Greg Miller (08:35):
"A little bit of a stinker. Not even some third-party games that I would have cared to see."
Tim Gettys (14:12):
"This is a major disappointment for me. More as what I truly believe Nintendo needs."
Game-Specific Discussions
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Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (21:22 - 23:03)
The team discusses the release of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection for the Nintendo Switch 2 (Switch 2), highlighting its departure from previous titles by incorporating a deeper story and real-time action RPG elements.
Andy Cortez (22:05):
"I love that you're doing something different with Monster Hunter. Obviously, as a person who loves Monster Hunter Wilds..."Blessing Adio Ye (23:06):
"And I'm just not bought into the world in a big way." -
Once Upon a Katamari (24:05 - 26:20)
Once Upon a Katamari marks the return of the beloved Katamari series after 14 years. The hosts express enthusiasm for its competitive modes and fan rewards.
Andy Cortez (25:34):
"I'm excited to see this. There's a bunch of stuff going on in the press release that's interesting." -
Just Dance 2026 Edition (26:53 - 27:04)
Just Dance 2026 Edition is announced with new co-op party modes, although specific details remain sparse.
Blessing Adio Ye (27:05):
"I cannot tell you." -
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero (27:13 - 28:18)
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero introduces motion controls reminiscent of the Wii, aiming to enhance player immersion.
Blessing Adio Ye (28:14):
"Players who are fans of the series, right. Like that's a good throwback." -
Plants vs Zombies Replanted (28:35 - 29:37)
The revamped Plants vs Zombies Replanted brings local co-op and PvP modes, offering a fresh take on the classic tower defense game.
Tim Gettys (29:50):
"It's an amazing game. Looks like it should for a remaster like this." -
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (30:38 - 33:14)
This installment in the Hyrule Warriors series promises improved performance on the Switch 2, although release dates remain vague.
Tim Gettys (32:10):
"How the fuck does radio not run at 60, like, even on the Social? I don't know." -
Kronos: The New Dawn (59:57 - 60:13)
Kronos: The New Dawn is set for September 5th release on Switch 2, marking a significant third-party title for the platform.
Andy Cortez (60:15):
"This is what you're talking about, right? Tim of like, hey, these are the games that you can get right away on the Switch 2."
Listener Interaction and Super Chats (75:00 - End)
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener Super Chats, reflecting diverse opinions ranging from high praise to critical feedback.
Ty Wilkins (75:05):
"This direct was nowhere near as bad as people say."
Chad Bryant (75:40):
"The biggest surprise was no we already read that one."
Kobe (78:25):
"The Switch 2 is just not worth it."
The discussion also touches on hardware concerns, such as the Nintendo Switch 2's screen durability.
Jose de Luna (78:55):
"Have you guys talked about how easily the Switch 2 screen scratches?"
Greg Miller (79:43):
"It just looks like artifact artificial upscaling."
Final Thoughts and Conclusions (80:00 - End)
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express a mixture of hope and frustration regarding Nintendo's commitment to third-party support and hardware improvements. They remain optimistic about future announcements but are critical of the current showcase's shortcomings.
Tim Gettys (39:45):
"I just wish that we were in a better place. I say this as I know it feels early to me, it feels late."
Andy Cortez (74:40):
"We're still recruiting. There's gonna be, like..."
Despite the critical appraisal, the hosts acknowledge the exciting elements introduced, such as Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot the Millennium Tales, highlighting them as standout announcements.
Blessing Adio Ye (72:25):
"Octopath Traveler combines captivating HD 2D visuals and action adventure gameplay."
Greg Miller (73:09):
"I'm a big turn-based fan. Turn base."
The episode concludes with a transition to live streaming Battlefield 6, leaving listeners anticipating the next round of discussions and gameplays.
Tim Gettys (80:56):
"Mike's about to stream it in just a few minutes. Enjoy, Mike. Enjoy the Battlefield. Enjoy yourself. Goodbye."
Key Takeaways
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Mixed Reactions: Hosts were generally disappointed with the Partner Showcase, expecting more substantial third-party titles and first-party content.
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Notable Announcements: Despite criticisms, games like Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot the Millennium Tales were highlighted as exciting additions.
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Hardware Concerns: Discussions revealed apprehensions about the Switch 2's hardware, particularly its performance and screen durability.
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Future Expectations: The hosts remain hopeful for more robust support in upcoming showcases, emphasizing the importance of third-party titles for the Switch ecosystem.
Notable Quotes
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Tim Gettys (14:12):
"This is a major disappointment for me. More as what I truly believe Nintendo needs." -
Greg Miller (08:35):
"A little bit of a stinker. Not even some third-party games that I would have cared to see." -
Andy Cortez (22:05):
"I love that you're doing something different with Monster Hunter. Obviously, as a person who loves Monster Hunter Wilds..." -
Blessing Adio Ye Jr. (72:25):
"Octopath Traveler combines captivating HD 2D visuals and action adventure gameplay." -
Listener Ty Wilkins (75:05):
"This direct was nowhere near as bad as people say."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and reactions from the Kinda Funny Gamescast episode reviewing the Nintendo Direct August 2025 Partner Showcase. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this overview provides a clear understanding of the episode's content and the hosts' perspectives.