207: The End of Destiny

213: It's Grim Up North

Jul 7, 20263h 11mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff Gerstmann explores a variety of topics ranging from retro gaming experiences to major industry shifts. He begins by sharing his impressions of the new Rhythm Heaven title for the Nintendo Switch, highlighting its effectiveness as a rhythm-based learning tool for children and its successful transition to a console format. The discussion then moves to his experience with Assassin's Creed Black Flag Refined, where he reflects on why the original game remains a standout entry in the series. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the world of modern handheld hardware. Gerstmann reviews his experience with the AYN Thor H, an Android-based dual-screen device, discussing its capabilities for emulation and its quirks as a portable system. He also dives into the software side of handhelds, specifically looking at Winhanced, a tool designed to improve the user experience on Windows-based handheld consoles. Finally, Gerstmann addresses the industry-shaking news regarding Sony’s announcement to cease physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028, analyzing the implications of this shift toward an all-digital future.

212: How Do You Like How That (Stuff) Works

Jun 30, 20262h 54mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff Gerstmann navigates the current, somewhat precarious state of the video game industry. He kicks off the discussion by addressing the industry-wide trend of layoffs, noting that the end of the fiscal year has heightened anxieties about what lies ahead. Gerstmann then turns his attention to the perplexing re-release of Dead or Alive 6, criticizing Koei Tecmo for a confusing rollout that includes platform deprecation and inconsistent DLC transfer policies, all while failing to address significant technical issues like netcode. Transitioning to Nintendo, he offers his thoughts on the latest Star Fox release. While he praises the visual fidelity and variety of the levels, he remains critical of the series' reliance on a branching path structure, suggesting that a more linear, longer-form experience might better serve modern players. Finally, Gerstmann shares his experience with the Steam Machine reservation process and discusses the broader implications of rising hardware costs. He expresses frustration over how component shortages and pricing shifts have impacted consumer accessibility, ultimately viewing these developments as another hurdle for PC gaming's mainstream growth.

211: 30 Years of Quake vs. 30 Years of N64 - The Ultimate Showdown

Jun 23, 20263h 0mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff Gerstmann reflects on two major milestones in gaming history as he celebrates the 30th anniversaries of both the Nintendo 64 and the landmark PC shooter Quake. Following the completion of his massive project ranking every NES game, Gerstmann announces his next deep dive: playing and ranking the entire Nintendo 64 library. He shares his candid perspective on the N64, describing it as a platform with a few legendary titles but a vast sea of disappointing games and inferior ports. He expresses a mix of dread and curiosity about revisiting infamous titles like Superman 64 and various lesser-known experiments from that era. Conversely, Gerstmann praises Quake, noting its profound influence on PC gaming culture, multiplayer mechanics, and the standardization of mouse-and-keyboard controls. He discusses how the game's release fostered early internet gaming communities and set the foundation for modern digital games journalism. Finally, the episode shifts to a hardware discussion as Gerstmann critiques the Beitian Pangu, a bizarrely modular controller that allows for extensive, if chaotic, physical customization.

210: Hits Only

Jun 16, 20263h 2mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff Gerstmann reflects on the mid-year gaming landscape following the recent Summer Game Fest. With the initial wave of announcements behind us, he shifts his focus toward the upcoming releases and discusses his impressions of several demos currently available to the public. Gerstmann shares his thoughts on Sprawl Zero, a first-person shooter that feels mechanically satisfying due to its gravity-based gunplay and fluid, punchy movement. He also provides his take on Windrunners, a rogue-lite flight game that he finds well-made but ultimately unable to escape the shadow of Luftrausers, which he enthusiastically recommends as a superior alternative. The discussion turns to his hands-on experience with upcoming titles like the new action-oriented project from RGG Studio, noting that the combat feels fresh and distinct from standard genre conventions, despite ongoing distractions surrounding its marketing. Finally, he shares his skepticism regarding the Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis demo, criticizing its implementation of quick-time events and mechanics that feel disconnected from the series' core identity, ultimately expressing doubt about its current direction.

209: The SGF 2026 Recap

Jun 9, 20262h 49mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff breaks down the major announcements from the latest Nintendo Direct, which served as the conclusion to a busy week of industry news. The conversation covers an extensive range of updates, including the announcement of a new Rhythm Heaven title, expansions for Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Pokepia, and the introduction of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, featuring a bizarre thumb-wrestling mini-game. Jeff shares his hands-on impressions of several titles, noting his enjoyment of Control Resonant and his interest in the upcoming Crazy Taxi, despite the controversy surrounding the developer’s use of AI tools. He also weighs in on the evolving design of modern pinball machines, expressing concern that the integration of digital screens often detracts from the classic aesthetic of the tables. The episode rounds out with a critique of the show’s final reveal: a brief, polarizing teaser for a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Jeff discusses the challenges companies face when major announcements leak ahead of schedule and the impact those leaks have on the reception of reveal trailers.

208: Summer Game Fest is Nigh

Jun 2, 20263h 0mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff dives into the anticipated week of industry announcements, specifically the timing of Summer Game Fest and the various developer showcases. He discusses the logistical challenges of balancing major industry events with personal life and expresses curiosity about regional retro gaming conventions, noting how the rise of internet price tracking has impacted the thrill of physical game hunting. A significant portion of the conversation covers the expectations surrounding the upcoming PlayStation State of Play and the broader landscape of modern game marketing. Jeff addresses the incessant, engagement-driven cycle of rumors surrounding titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, critiquing the current state of industry coverage that often inflates minor developments into major narratives. He also touches on Sony’s current release slate and the challenges of managing public expectations for first-party titles. Beyond industry news, Jeff shares his thoughts on recent gaming experiences, including his time with 007: First Light and the mechanics of Mina the Hollower, offering insights on how these titles blend familiar influences with distinct, innovative gameplay systems.

206: Happy Mr. Do! Release Window To All Who Celebrate

May 19, 20263h 9mSummary

In this episode of The Jeff Gerstmann Show, Jeff Gerstmann dives into the latest gaming releases and industry news. The conversation begins with a look at the arrival of the classic arcade title Mr. Do! on modern consoles via the Arcade Archives framework. Gerstmann reflects on his personal history with the game, discusses the technical aspects of the release, and explores the history of how these arcade titles are preserved and monetized today. He contrasts the current release model with past attempts at digital arcade storefronts like Microsoft’s Game Room, sharing insights on why those earlier efforts faced challenges. The episode also features an in-depth review of Forza Horizon 6. While praising the core driving mechanics and visual performance of the title, Gerstmann offers a critical perspective on its setting. He notes that while players have long requested a Japan-based open world, the implementation feels somewhat soulless, failing to capture the cultural depth or vibrancy of its location. He concludes that while the game remains a solid experience for those seeking an arcade-style driving fix, it ultimately misses a major opportunity to feel truly authentic.