Podcast Summary: "10 Video Games You Need to Know with Ryan 🎮"

The Ten News – News For Curious Kids
Host: Ryan Willard (Small But Mighty Media)
Date: August 14, 2025

Main Theme / Purpose

In this lighthearted bonus episode of The Ten News, Ryan Willard takes over the studio solo to share his top ten video games of the summer, plus a few bonus picks and enthusiastic shoutouts to listeners. Tailored for curious kids (and their game-loving adults), the episode is packed with accessible reviews, fun anecdotes, and recommendations for current and upcoming video games across various platforms. The episode’s tone is energetic, conversational, and playful, reflecting the excitement of summer break and gaming adventures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Accidental Solo Episode

• Ryan discovers he’s alone in the studio:
  • After a brief (and funny) exchange with a co-host at the beach, Ryan realizes he’s recording solo, making this a surprise "super secret special bonus" episode.
  • [00:41] “I might as well do something… this is a 10News Super Secret Special bonus episode all about by myself. Let’s go!” – Ryan

2. Top 10 Video Games You Need to Know (with Commentary)

Ryan counts down the top ten games he’s played this summer, mixing classics, blockbusters, indies, and hidden gems. He also offers bonus puns, gaming lingo (“GGs—Good Games!”), and fun details about each title.

1. Mario Kart World – Switch 2

• The Switch 2’s big launch title; “high skill ceiling, but anyone can play.”
• Ryan shouts out friends (Jacks Mine, Max, Audrey, Juno, Will) for heated multiplayer sessions.
• [01:30] “It absolutely did not disappoint… Mario Kart is best played with friends.”

2. Blueprints

• Roguelike puzzle game with a mysterious, ever-shifting mansion.
• Each playthrough is different; unique focus on exploration and puzzles.
• Not scary, but “really fun to explore… cool story.”
• On Xbox, PS5, and PC.

3. Ruffy and the Riverside

• Indie, hand-drawn, 3D platformer with ‘90s vibes.
• Ruffy the Bear can copy and paste textures and environments to solve puzzles.
• [02:30] “Ruffy’s powers include copying and pasting… it’s very original and it has 1990s vibes, so I dig it.”

4. Rematch

• Fast-paced, arcade-style soccer (no fouls or offsides!).
• Matches are short and chaotic; competitive online, fun with friends.
• [03:00] “It’s a totally level playing field.”
• Bonus shoutout: Madden 26, which Ryan’s previewed (runs well even on Switch 2).

5. Hogwarts Legacy

• Ryan finally plays the Switch 2 version; immersive Harry Potter world.
• [04:30] “You basically get to be a student at Hogwarts and do all the things you would expect to do… flying and racing on broomsticks, and teaming up with a teacher to solve a great mystery.”
• High praise for story; available on all major platforms (free with PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium).

(Brief break for fundraising message) [05:33-06:26]

6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition

• Enhanced performance and new companion app (Zelda Notes).
• [06:32] “Runs smoother than butter on hot pancakes.”
• Rec: Download Zelda Notes app for 100% completion help; only on Switch 2.

7. Ninja Games:

• Ninja Ragebound (2D, throwback to classic Ninja Gaiden): More fun on non-Switch systems due to frame rate.
• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (demo out, Metroidvania-style adventure).
• Atomic Owl (not yet on consoles): Anticipation for the console launch later in the year.
• [07:20] “I think ninjas are the coolest people ever… and since I’m not allowed to carry a sword or throwing stars, I’ve been playing a lot of ninja games.”

8. Deltarune

• Side-sequel to Undertale; praised for writing and RPG nostalgia.
• Free chapters 1–2 (PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch), chapters 3–4 are paid.
• [08:20] “Fun fact: if you rearrange the letters in Undertale, you get Deltarune.”

9. Split Fiction

• New from Hazelight (makers of It Takes Two).
• Co-op game about writers stuck in colliding sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
• [09:00] “Highly, highly, highly recommend. I think it's a Game of the Year contender.”
• Play with family or friends for maximum fun.

10. Donkey Kong Bonanza (Switch 2 Exclusive)

• Ryan’s most-played and most-anticipated game of the summer.
• Combines Donkey Kong and Pauline in quirky underground adventures against the evil mining company Voidco.
• Unique animal-powered abilities (the “bonanzas”) and varied gameplay styles.
• [10:30] “There’s no right or wrong way to play it… this is a Game of the Year contender and it’s officially my favorite video game of the summer.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On solo podcasting:
  “I might as well do something… this is a 10News Super Secret Special bonus episode all about by myself. Let’s go!” – Ryan [00:41]

• On Mario Kart World:
  “It absolutely did not disappoint… Mario Kart is best played with friends. And it got heated.” – Ryan [01:30]

• On Ruffy and the Riverside’s originality:
  “Ruffy’s powers include copying and pasting so you can copy an environment or texture like water or sand and paste them onto other things to solve puzzles. It’s very original and it has 1990s vibes, so I dig it.” – Ryan [02:30]

• On Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition):
  “The game looks better than ever and runs smoother than butter on hot pancakes.” – Ryan [06:32]

• On Split Fiction:
  “Highly, highly, highly recommend. I think it's a Game of the Year contender and you can play Split Fiction on Switch 2, PC, Xbox and PS5.” – Ryan [09:00]

• On Donkey Kong Bonanza:
  “There’s no right or wrong way to play it. For instance, a tenner named Jax likes to speedrun the game, while I like to take my time and just smash everything that I possibly can and also find as many bananas as possible…” – Ryan [10:30]

• Listener Shout-outs:

  • “A Tenner named Grace said, ‘I love the show. Thank you your Grace.’” [11:15]
  • “A Tenner named Archie said, ‘I love this podcast. I listen to it every day and I love the 10 new snaps. Definitely 5 stars.’” [11:22]
  • From ‘Hot Sauce’: “Great podcast. And I love this podcast because it is informative but not boring. I also like how they describe the topic more than other podcasts.” [11:30]
  • Ryan’s reply: “So I’m glad you don’t think we’re boring.” [11:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00–01:00] — Ryan realizes he’s alone; sets up surprise solo gaming bonus episode.
• [01:10–05:25] — The 10 games: detailed breakdown of each summer favorite (Mario Kart World to Hogwarts Legacy).
• [05:33–06:26] — Fundraising message (skip).
• [06:26–11:10] — Remaining top games (Zelda, Ninja games, Deltarune, Split Fiction, Donkey Kong Bonanza).
• [11:12–12:15] — Listener 10News Snapshots; podcast community shout-outs.

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• Language and Tone: Friendly, high-energy, and playful—Ryan’s enthusiasm for summer, friends, and gaming shines through every pick.
• Content: Excellent mix for kids and families—originals, classics, oddballs, sports, and adventure titles all get equal attention.
• Not just reviews: The episode is about sharing enthusiasm, recommending fun, and building a sense of community among listeners (the “Tenners”).

Conclusion

This special bonus episode is a perfect bite-sized rundown for anyone curious about both new and classic video games for kids. With personal stories, honest opinions, and quirky humor, Ryan keeps things informative but never boring, promising both inspiration and practical tips for curious kid gamers and their adults.

For full game details and more listener shoutouts, check out the full episode!

Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI