Blowing Cartridges

20 Years of the Nintendo DS in Australia

The Nintendo DS launched in Australia 20 years ago, and its impact on gaming still lingers today, being fondly remembered by a generation of past and current gamers. In this special retrospective, we’re joined by Ollie Brandt from Vooks.net to dive deep into the handheld that redefined not only portable gaming, but the wider gaming landscape. 

 

We discuss the DS’s groundbreaking dual-screen design, its massive success in broadening the gaming audience, and the iconic titles that defined an era—from Brain Training to Pokémon, Mario Kart DS to The World Ends with You. We also share our personal memories of the console and explore its lasting legacy in Australia.

 

So dust off your stylus, charge up your old and battered DS, and join us for yet another nostalgia-packed episode of Blowing Cartridges!

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Oliver Brandt - @chocobalt.bsky.social

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Celebrating 25 Years of the Sims

It’s time to plumbob up and reflect on one of the most iconic life-simulation games of all time! In this special 25th-anniversary episode of Blowing Cartridges, the crew takes a nostalgic (and sometimes chaotic) look back at The Sims—from its humble beginnings in 2000 to the global and enduring phenomenon it is today, sustaining a vibrant and diverse community of content creators and enthusiasts.

 

Joining us for this Sim-tacular celebration is the Australian content creator, EA Partner and noted Sims 4 Builder Jeyjeybinks! Together, we reminisce about our first Sims memories, the franchise’s lasting impact on gaming culture, and what the current Sims landscape. Plus, we break down the evolution of the series, the most iconic expansion packs (aka Hot Date), and what we hope to see in the future.

 

So, grab your rosebud cheat codes, watch out for pool ladders, and tune in for another episode of Blowing Cartridges! 

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Jeyjeybinks - Jeyjeybinks Linktree

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Gimmick or Game-Changer? Exploring Video Game Gimmicks

With the reveal of the Switch 2 and its surprising mouse functionality, it’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of video game gimmicks. Joined by friend of the show Dave, we unpack what exactly makes something a “gimmick,” and take a nostalgic (and occasionally cringe-inducing) trip through gaming history — from the motion-controlled highs of the Nintendo Wii to the camera-based chaos of the PlayStation EyeToy, and the curious cardboard days of the Nintendo e-Reader.

 

We also ponder the eternal question: when does a gimmick become a gaming staple? Is innovation always a good thing, or are some ideas better left in the tech graveyard? And of course, we try our hand at predicting what the future of gaming gimmicks might hold.

 

Plug in, power up, and join us for a lively (and gimmick-packed) discussion!

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Dave

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Rolling the Dice: Gambling and Lootboxes in Gaming

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we dive into the high-stakes world of gambling in video games. With the recent changes to the Australian Classification Board (ACB) ratings, lootboxes and gambling mechanics are under greater scrutiny than ever. Are these changes enough to protect players, or just another regulatory speed bump for the industry?

 

Joining us for this discussion is our special guest, Sam, who brings firsthand experience in Victorian gambling regulation. We break down the dimensions of gambling and regulation in video games, what the current landscape looks like, and what possible changes we think should be enacted to make a positive change to the industry. 

 

So, is the house always winning? Or are we finally seeing real change? Tune in to find out!

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Sam

 

https://azhdarchid.com/you-do-not-gotta-hand-it-to-mihoyo/#fn-4

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Looking Back at the Year that was 2024 in Gaming

As 2024 comes to a close, Zach and Brendan sit down with special guest Kieran of Hopk Gaming to reflect on the biggest gaming moments of the year. From groundbreaking releases to industry lay-offs, studio purchases and closures, we break down the headlines, the hits, and the flops that defined the past 12 months.

 

What were the standout games? Which surprises caught us off guard? And what does it all mean for the future of video games? Join us for a deep dive into the year that was 2024!

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Kieran - Hopk Gaming

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

VGM Special: End Credit Tunes

It’s that time of year again! Our annual Video Game Music (VGM) episode returns, and we’re thrilled to have John back on the mic. This year, we’re diving into one of VGM's most memorable track types: end credit tunes.  

 

From heartwarming finales to epic outros with equally epic vocal accompaniments, we’re exploring the tracks that leave lasting impressions long after the game is over. Join us as we share our top 2 personal favorites, together with our favourite from 2024, break down the artistry of these closing themes, and discuss how they elevate a game’s narrative and emotional impact.

 

Whether you're here for the nostalgia, the hidden gems, or just some good tunes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Plug in, press start, and let’s roll the credits in style!

 

Have any comments? Feel free to drop us a line via twitter @blowcartpod or email at blowingcartridge@gmail.com

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

John - @AuraPaladin Sporcle - John's Video Game Music Quiz

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

 

 

Toys to Life

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, Brendan and Zach team up with special guest Josh Whittington to revisit the magical (and slightly expensive) world of the Toys to Life phenomenon that defined much of the early 2010s in gaming.

 

From the groundbreaking launch of Skylanders to the imaginative universe of Disney Infinity and the ambitious crossover chaos (to one's wallet) of Lego Dimensions, the trio examines what made these franchises so captivating—and why the bubble eventually burst. They also discuss the enduring legacy of Nintendo’s Amiibo, and the similarities and differences it held with other toys to life ventures. 

 

Whether you were a dedicated portal master, a Disney superfan, or a Nintendo tragic with boxes filled with amiibo, this nostalgic journey has something for everyone. Tune in for deep dives, shared memories, and a few laughs about those long-gone shelves full of plastic figurines!

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Josh - @Mario_Bones Irreverently Irrelevant 

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Nintendo on Tour - Exploring Nintendo Connection Tours and Nintendo Live Australia 2024

In this jam-packed episode of Blowing Cartridges, special guests Josh, Chase, Alex, and Gookanheimer join Zach and Brendan to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they explore the history of Nintendo connection tours in Australia. From the prize-filled and goodies rich roadshows of the 2000s, the expanded crew shares their personal experiences and favorite memories of these iconic events.

 

The conversation then shifts to the present as they dive into Nintendo Live Australia 2024, held in Sydney this past September. They break down the highlights (queues and statues) and the lowlights (queues) of the event, reflecting on how the current landscape of one off events and larger conventions such as PAX compare to the pre 2011 era of Nintendo Connection tours.

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Alex - @MarioMaster94

Josh Crowley - @jcrowleydev

Chase 

Gookenheimer 

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

Interview with James O'Connor: Untitled Goose Game & Writing a Book About a Video Game

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we sit down with Australian video game journalist and developer, James O'Connor, to discuss his upcoming book Untitled Goose Game, soon to be published by Boss Fight Books. Available to back on Kickstarter, the book delves into the game's development and cultural impact.

 

In the first half of the interview, James shares insights into the writing process, his experience discussing the game with House House, the developers of the game, and his approach of capturing both the magic of Untitled Goose Game and the broader landscape of video game creation in contemporay Australia.  The second half of the episode focuses on the game itself, exploring its unique design, charm, and the playful mischief that made it a global sensation. Whether you're a fan of the game or curious about video game journalism, this episode offers an entertaining and informative dive into the world of Untitled Goose Game.

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

James- @Jickle: Boss Fight Books: Season 7 - Video Game Pioneers by Gabe Durham — Kickstarter

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

From Cinema to Console: Video Games Based on Film

In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we dive into the world of video game movie tie-ins with special guest Luke of Maxi-Geek and Vookcast fame! Join us as we explore the highs and lows of games inspired by blockbuster movies, from the iconic classics such as Goldeneye to the notorious flops such as Minority Report.

 

The trio chart the trajectory of such adaptations, including the rise in the 2000s of the video game sequel to an existing film, discussing why they believe video game tie-ins have decreased in frequency and what they believe the future may have in store! 

 

Brendan - @Tamazoid

Zach - @Eggerino

Luke - @Maxi-Geek

 

Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia