Blowing Cartridges

Blowing Cartridges
  • 5.0 (10)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Join Brendan and Zach, together with a rotating special guest as they dive into in-depth conversations about video game culture and the games themselves. Each episode features a new ’cartridge’ to be interrogated as the duo seek to provide a unique Australian perspective to a range of topics.

  1. 2 FEB

    Critic Taxes and Rebates: Predicting Video Game Review Scores

    On the latest episode of Blowing Cartridges, we were joined by Jon from Hype Factor: A Fantasy Critic Podcast for our second Fantasy Critic inspired podcast episode.   Do indie games automatically receive lower aggregate review scores than major triple A games? Are there definitive truths and maxims when trying to predict the future aggregate score for a video game? Are genre, publisher or developer overriding factors that add or subtract weight from an aggregate score? What are some of the 2026 games that we think are worth considering if you are a fantasy critic player? Tune in to hear our respective takes on these topics and more!   Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino Jon - @jon32.bsky.social   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

    2h 2m

  2. 19 JAN

    The Year that Was 2025 in Gaming

    2025 was a year of highs and troubling lows for the gaming industry. Join us as with returning guest and friend of the show Mario (not that one) we break down everything that defined gaming this past year—from the fastest console launch in Nintendo history to the biggest leveraged takeover Wall Street has ever seen.   We explore the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 (3.5 million units in its first week), EA's $55 billion Saudi-led acquisition, and the ongoing wave of industry-wide layoffs. We discuss long-awaited releases like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Metroid Prime 4, discuss the $80 game pricing controversy, and examine the rise in prices in our hobby.    Finally, we discuss some of the major releases of 2025 - including our highlights on the year in gaming that was 2025.    Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

    1h 56m

  3. 5 JAN

    Reading the Mario-shaped Tea Leaves: Charting Nintendo Direct Trends

    To start 2026 off with a topical bang, we dive into a topic close to the heart of every Nintendo fan. Is it possible to predict that airing of Nintendo Directs? Is there truly a pattern that Nintendo follows?   Joining us for this episode is Josh from Nintendo Maniacs and the House of Mario. Spreadsheet in hand, we briefly discuss the history of Nintendo Directs, how they have changed over the past 15+ years, and their ongoing legacy.    Have any comments? Feel free to drop us a line via Bluesky or X @blowcartpod or email at blowingcartridge@gmail.com   Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino Josh- @Nintendomaniacs   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

    1h 59m

  4. 22/12/2025

    The Waiting is the Hardest Part: Loading Screen/Waiting Video Game Music (VGM)

    As an early Christmas present for all our listeners, our annual Video Game Music (VGM) episode returns once again! As is the tradition, we are thrilled to have John back to join us as we dive into discussing and celebrating the nuances of VGM. This year, Zach has challenged us with the theme of his choice - loading screen/waiting music.    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 s   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   Tracks played in this episode: Sanxion - Rob Hubbard (C64) Loading Loop - The Sims Paddock - Kirby Air Riders Lobby - Fibbage 4 Systems Ready - Earthion Loading 3 - MySims Empire of Eternal Night (Central Park - Attack) - Marvel Rivals The Burning Legion - World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Load Game - Stardew Valley Preparations - Fire Emblem Engage

    2h 13m

  5. 08/12/2025

    This is Not an Xbox - This is a Podcast about Xbox

    With the Xbox 360 celebrating its 20th birthday this year (and the original Xbox celebrating its 25th birthday next year), Microsoft's console endeavours appear at a crossroads. Whether they will continue producing dedicated console hardware remains an open question given their pivot towards a subscription model couple with publishing their games on non-Microsoft platforms.    Joined by returning guest Luke (Lvaneede), we trace our mutual experience with Xbox over the past 25 years, our thoughts on their past, present and future trajectory while also considering the question of what a console is - and whether everything truly can be a Xbox.    Have any comments? Feel free to drop us a line via Bluesky or X @blowcartpod or email at blowingcartridge@gmail.com   Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino Luke - @adeeelnv   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

    1h 44m

  6. 25/11/2025

    Remembering (and Collecting) the Nintendo 64 in Australia

    Taking a trip down memory lane, we are joined by friend of the show Justin, who over a 15-year period collected every Nintendo 64 game released in Australia.    We dive deep into the highs, lows, surprises, and holy grails - as Justin shares what it really takes to track down the entire N64 library.   Grab your favourite three-pronged controller and blow the dust out of that cartridge. This one is for the collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who still hears “It’s-a-me!” when they boot up a console.   Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino Justin   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia Outro - 'Video Game Land' by FoolBoyMedia

    2h 4m

  7. 06/10/2025

    Bullet Heaven: The Art of the Shoot 'Em Up (feat. Sanatana Mishra)

    In this episode of Blowing Cartridges, we take a closer look at the shoot 'em up (or shmup) genre, one of gaming’s oldest and most enduring genres. Joined by Sanatana Mishra, game developer at Witch Beam Games, we use his first-hand insight in developing Assault Android Cactus to have a wide-ranging discussion.   We discuss what defines a shmup, the key archetypes that make up the genre, and how these games have changed over time. Sanatana also offers thoughts on where the genre stands today and what its future might look like.   Whether you're familiar with shmups or just interested in learning more about a niche but influential corner of video game history, this episode offers an in-depth analysis of a genre that continues to evolve in its own way.   Brendan - @Tamazoid Zach - @Eggerino Sanatana Mishra - @witchbeam.com.au   Intro music - '8 Bit Ditty' by FoolBoyMedia

    1h 38m

  8. 22/09/2025

    It's a Me - Mario! - Celebrating 40 Years of Super Mario

    On this special episode of Blowing Cartridges, we're joined by Drew Agnew, host of The House of Mario podcast, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario.   We dive into the latest Nintendo Direct and unpack all the Mario-related announcements. Sharing our earliest and fondest memories of the mustachioed plumber, we reflect on Mario's continued staying power not just in gaming but as a multimedia phenomenon.    From 8-bit roots to theme parks and cinematic stardom, we discuss how far Mario has come and where he might go next. What could his 50th anniversary look like? Tune in as always to hear our thoughtful ramblings!

    1h 36m
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About

Join Brendan and Zach, together with a rotating special guest as they dive into in-depth conversations about video game culture and the games themselves. Each episode features a new ’cartridge’ to be interrogated as the duo seek to provide a unique Australian perspective to a range of topics.

Information

  • Creator
    Blowing Cartridges
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Blowing Cartridges