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8-4 Play

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8-4, Ltd.

Every other week, tune into 8-4 Play for talk about Japan, video games, and Japanese video games, straight from the 8-4 offices in beautiful downtown Tokyo.

#364

8-4 Play 4/19/2024: LEAVE IT TO BEAVERS

17-Bit buddy Jake Kazdal joins us for his umpteenth 8-4 Play appearance to talk Dragon's Dogma 2 and update us on his Tears of the Kingdom journey, while Gabe dives deep into the wild and wonderful life of robot beavers. Time — Topic Discussed 01:19 – Nicknames 07:36 – Dragon’s Dogma 2 16:08 – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth 29:27 – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 33:02 – Timberborn 42:02 – News: Wii U & 3DS go offline, Final Fantasy news, Pokémon hacker arrested, and more! ... Read more

19 Apr 2024

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:30

19 Apr 2024

#363

8-4 Play 4/5/2024: GET OFF MY PAWN

We dragged Roy away from Dragon's Dogma 2 just long enough to get the rest of us psyched about making pawns of our own someday...once we finish FF7 Rebirth, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, and Dermot's deathly planking drills, that is. Plus news! Time — Topic Discussed 00:53 – Nicknames 11:24 – Dragon’s Dogma 2 26:39 – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth 48:02 – Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road beta 56:43 – News: Final Fantasy VI turns 30, PlayStation rumors, and more! ... Read more

05 Apr 2024

1 HR 20 MINS

1:20:46

05 Apr 2024

#362

8-4 Play 3/22/2024: I CAN FX HIM

Sakura buds yet / Play shy, and yet here the games / Blossom for us all / Mars After Midnight / PC-FX Weebo shit / Sand Land / Rando news / You can stop counting syllables Time — Topic Discussed 01:17 – Nicknames 15:20 – Cavern of Dreams 21:14 – Sand Land demo 27:04 – Dragon Quest XI 29:17 – JP’s new PC-FX 38:34 – Mars After Midnight 56:22 – Llama Soft: The Jeff Minter Story 1:06:10 – News: PS5 Pro Leaks, Shin Megami Tensei V release date bumped, and more! ... Read more

22 Mar 2024

1 HR 21 MINS

1:21:24

22 Mar 2024

#361

8-4 Play 3/8/2024: REBIRTHDAY BASH

Four out of five 8-4 Play podcasters agree--to disagree, that is, about the early hours of FF7 Rebirth. Park yourself at the nearest Chocobo Stop and tune in for a Tight 56 of first impressions as well as all the news that’s fit to…fit in the last 15 minutes or so. Time — Topic Discussed 00:50 — Nicknames 06:36 — Final Fantasy VII Rebirth 39:13 — News: Pokémon Presents, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth disc labels, Mar10 Day rumors, and more! ... Read more

08 Mar 2024

56 MINS

56:09

08 Mar 2024

#360

8-4 Play 2/23/2024: WE HAVE A DATE

The future waits for no one, including Nintendo Directs and shit-hot Elden Ring DLC trailers, so take a trip backwards through time with us as we kick off with thoughts on both of the above, then wind the clocks back one night to talk about (older) news, games we've been playin', and predictions for...the part of the podcast you already heard in the first half? It'll all make sense, trust us. Time — Topic Discussed 01:39 — Nicknames 04:54 — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree trailer impressions 20:10 — Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase 41:40 — News: Microsoft Business Update, Helldivers 2, Switch 2 rumors, and more! 1:07:52 — Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion 1:13:47 — Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth demo 1:20:11 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth 1:24:22 — Neutopia 1:26:16 — Apex: Legends 1:30:02 — Sonic Superstars ... Read more

23 Feb 2024

1 HR 35 MINS

1:35:31

23 Feb 2024

#359

8-4 Play 2/9/2024: WIDDLY DIDDLY

Zip around town on your two-wheeled, self-balancing transporter of choice while we engage in our own high-speed chitter-chatter about Tekken 8, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, FF7: Rebirth, Microsoft and Nintendo rumors, and, well, ya know…that kinda stuff! Time — Topic Discussed 00:50 — Nicknames 10:12 — Tekken 8 20:45 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth 32:19 — Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth State of Play Impressions 37:46 — Gran Blue Fantasy: Relink 42:24 — News: State of Play, Microsoft rumors, Switch 2 rumors, and more! ... Read more

09 Feb 2024

1 HR 17 MINS

1:17:27

09 Feb 2024

#358

8-4 Play 1/26/2024: PALS WITH BENEFITS

Jeopardy categories for this episode: Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, 8-4 Play Alumni, Twilight Fan Fiction, Palworld, Weeaboo Nintendo Franchises, and Potent Portables. Time — Topic Discussed 01:03 — Nicknames 08:57 — Welcome Back, Dermot! 19:22 — Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth 32:50 — Star Ocean The Second Story R 35:39 — Another Code: Recollection 38:22 — Palworld 54:31 — News: AGDQ, Foamstars Launches, Elden Ring DLC, and more! ... Read more

26 Jan 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:35

26 Jan 2024

#357

8-4 Play 1/12/2024: DOUBLE CAST

Brand new year, same old crew...or is it?! Tune in for the exciting details of our high-octane holidays, plus random talk about hot new releases like FF14, Cyberpunk 2077, Project Zomboid, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (yeah, the first one). No Gabe, no news, no promises! Time — Topic Discussed 01:14 — Holiday Recap 21:51 — Project Zomboid 30:32 — Final Fantasy XIV 32:52 — Baldur’s Gate 3 50:40 — Apex Legends 56:06 — Cyberpunk 2077 1:05:58 — Too Many Games ... Read more

12 Jan 2024

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:32

12 Jan 2024

#356

8-4 Play 12/29/2023: SHOOTING STARS

You know the way you feel about work or school that last day before the holidays? This is that feeling in podcast form. (PS: The answer to Mark’s TG-16 R-Type credit Q is in the podcast image.) Time — Topic Discussed 04:03 — Nicknames 10:28 — Some Christmas Stories 24:08 — Dodonpachi and Radiant Silvergun 32:59 — News: L is Real 2401, Last of Us Online Cancelled, and more! ... Read more

29 Dec 2023

49 MINS

49:17

29 Dec 2023

#355

8-4 Play 12/15/2023: GIFTWRAP IT UP

If you’re in the market for four people who live in Japan talking about The Game Awards, Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode, and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, boy have we got a podcast for you. Time — Topic Discussed 00:44 – Nicknames 07:10 – News: The Game Awards results and announcements, PokéPark, and more! 55:04 – Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode 1:01:35 – Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name 1:06:56 – Baldur’s Gate 3 ... Read more

15 Dec 2023

1 HR 24 MINS

1:24:35

15 Dec 2023

#354

8-4 Play 12/1/2023: FOILED AGAIN

The gang Super Jumps down memory lane with Super Mario RPG, then dips into a Sotenbori cabaret for Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and finally drunkenly meanders home via the shady alley that is news. Time — Topic Discussed 05:00 — Nicknames 13:48 — Super Mario RPG Remake 26:59 — Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name 35:57 — News: The Last of Us 2 Remastered, Game Awards security, Dragon’s Dogma 2 release date and more! ... Read more

01 Dec 2023

53 MINS

53:22

01 Dec 2023

#353

8-4 Play 11/17/2023: WHERE IS FAIR?

A dash of SMB Wonder, a flash of Alan Wake 2, a splash of PlayStation Portal, the smash (hit) Baldur's Gate 3, and a lack of cash in Gabe's long-lost wallet. Plus, TGA nominations & a warm welcome to Baby Sheffield! Time — Topic Discussed 00:52 — Nicknames 24:26 — Super Mario Bros. Wonder 27:59 — Alan Wake 2 35:16 — PlayStation Portal impressions 40:22 — Baldur’s Gate 3 49:59 — News: The Game Awards nominees, Nintendo Indie World, and the Zelda movie! ... Read more

17 Nov 2023

1 HR 29 MINS

1:29:32

17 Nov 2023

#352

8-4 Play 11/3/2023: WONDER-RING

Buncha jibba-jabba on SMB Wonder, Quest VR sleeper Dungeons of Eternity, and Alan Wake 2, plus Switch 2 (Too?) rumors and SHOCKING PERSONAL NEWS :red arrow emoji: Time — Topic Discussed ---00:49 — Nicknames ---17:17 — Super Mario Bros. Wonder ---36:40 — Dungeons of Eternity ---45:42 — Alan Wake 2 ---54:20 — ALAN WAKE SPOILERS START ---54:57 — ALAN WAKE SPOILERS END ---58:25 — News: Switch 2 rumors, Nintendo's new tournament terms, and more! ... Read more

03 Nov 2023

1 HR 11 MINS

1:11:30

03 Nov 2023

#351

8-4 Play 10/20/2023: EXCESSIVE DOODAD FORCE

The gang discuss the two latest and greatest AAA titles everyone is buzzing about — that’s right, definitive word on BOTH EDF 6 and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak!! Also, believe it or not: news! Time – Topic Discussed: ---01:08 — Nicknames ---16:50 — Earth Defense Force 6 ---27:41 — Baldur’s Gate 3 ---33:49 — Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak ---43:03 — News: Microsoft buys Activision, the Analogue 3D, and more! ... Read more

20 Oct 2023

1 HR 11 MINS

1:11:12

20 Oct 2023

#350

8-4 Play 10/6/2023: SMALL ARRANGEMENT SUMMER FLY BUG

The “gang” welcomes in the Fall season as our ancestors did: with talk of Final Fantasy XVI, Monster Hunter Now, Lies of P, Mortal Kombat 1, Baldur’s Gate 3, and a heapin’ helpin’ of news. ---00:45 – Nicknames ---12:02 – Monster Hunter Now ---24:57 – Gabe The Beater (Final Fantasy XVI, Lies of P, Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways, Mortal Kombat 1) ---37:46 – Baldur's Gate 3 ---48:30 – News: Nintendo 3DS/Wii U online services, Jim Ryan retires, Kamiya leaves Platinum, and more! ... Read more

06 Oct 2023

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:24

06 Oct 2023

#349

8-4 Play 9/22/2023: TOKYO GAME SHOW 2023

A cavalcade of special guests old and new drop by to talk about their experiences at (or around) this year’s Tokyo Game Show. With Brandon Sheffield, John Linneman, Imran Khan, Kevin Gifford (?!), and more! Time – Topic Discussed: ---02:03 – TGS is back (w/Brandon Sheffield & Kevin Gifford) ---31:42 – Dragon's Dogma 2 & FF7 Rebirth (w/Imran Khan & John Davis) ---56:28 – Nivalis, Shadow of the Ninja (w/John Linneman & Diamond Feit) ---1:18:18 – Enotria: The Last Song, Black Finger JET, & Zelda (w/Jake Kazdal, David Hellman, Liam Edwards, and Colin Williamson) ---1:57:38 – Persona 3 Reload, Like a Dragon Gaiden, & BQM ---2:10:44 - Wrapping up ... Read more

22 Sep 2023

2 HR 13 MINS

2:13:34

22 Sep 2023

#348

8-4 Play 9/15/2023: WE GOT 'EM

Thought you could sneak another Nintendo Direct and State of Play past us, did you? Well, NOT THIS TIME! We zigged where the big corporations zagged and decided to record a mini-ep at the crack of 8am today, just for you. Tune in for quick and dirty impressions of everything we all JUST SAW and start building the hype for next week's Tokyo Game Show extravaganza! Time – Topic Discussed: ---01:57 – Nicknames ---07:45 – Sony State of Play ---21:58 – Nintendo Direct ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

52 MINS

52:22

15 Sep 2023

#347

8-4 Play 9/1/2023: 24 MINUTES

The regular crew is back, and just in time to miss another Nintendo Direct! Mario Wonder will have to wait, but in the meantime, we've got The Making of Karateka, Shadowgate 64, updates on Vampire Survivors and FF16, and all the not-so-latest news as the countdown to Tokyo Game Show begins... Time – Topic Discussed: ---00:41 – Nicknames ---07:02 – Shadowgate 64 (with spoilers!) ---13:39 – The Making of Karateka ---25:08 – We haven’t played Armored Core VI ---31:21 – Vampire Survivors ---34:14 – Final Fantasy XVI ---40:34 – News: PlayStation Portal, Charles Martinet, and more! ... Read more

01 Sep 2023

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:46

01 Sep 2023

#346

8-4 Play 8/18/2023: SUMMER BROKE

Everyone’s off sipping Mai Tais from their fancy pool floats or whatever, but time waits for no one in the podcast world, so join our little skeleton crew along with new challenger Sami as we talk Vampire Survivors co-op, Honkai Star Rail, FF16, and more! Time – Topic Discussed: ---00:50 – Nicknames ---10:33 – Vampire Survivors ---16:34 – Honkai Star Rail ---32:32 – Final Fantasy XVI ---38:02 – Persona 3 ---55:12 – Listener Q&A and some News! ... Read more

18 Aug 2023

1 HR 13 MINS

1:13:47

18 Aug 2023

#345

8-4 Play 8/4/2023: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MACDONALD

Saddle up for a very special tight 60 with the rootinest, tootinest podcastin’ crew this side of the Alamo’s basement. Featuring Pikmin 4, Remnant II, a bit more Zelda—and [not much] more! (Recorded before 8-4 Day, sorry for not mentioning 8-4 Day. Happy 8-4 Day!) Time – Topic Discussed: ---00:46 – Nicknames ---11:52 – Pikmin 4 ---27:44 – Remnant II ---36:46 – News: PS5 Pro rumors, Switch 2 rumors, and more! ... Read more

04 Aug 2023

59 MINS

59:36

04 Aug 2023

#344

8-4 Play 7/21/2023: ECHO LOCATION

LIVE and in-person from the new 8-4 Towers in sunny (and humid) [REDACTED], the crew talks Final Fantasy XVI, Viewfinder, BitSummit, and frankly a surprising amount about Exoprimal. Time – Topic Discussed: ---02:22 – Nicknames ---19:30 – Exoprimal ---27:54 – Viewfinder ---34:49 – Tears of the Kingdom ---37:07 – Final Fantasy XVI ---46:32 – News: Microsoft/ActiBlizz, Famicom turns 40, and more! ... Read more

21 Jul 2023

1 HR 12 MINS

1:12:53

21 Jul 2023

#343

8-4 Play 7/7/2023: FANG IN THERE

Mark's out, John's out, and we're locked out of the office! That won't stop this ragtag crew from gathering online to discuss the PC Engine's Fang of Alnam, debate the merits of the Pikmin 4 demo's tutorials, and best of all, catch up with our pal, Roy! Time – Topic Discussed: ---00:51 – Nicknames ---09:54 – Fang of Alnam ---37:17 – Final Fantasy XVI ---51:13 – Pikmin 4 demo impressions ---01:11:34 – Grounded ---01:18:33 – News: MGS4 rumors, PSVR2 PC driver buzz, EVO registration numbers, and more! ... Read more

07 Jul 2023

1 HR 37 MINS

1:37:06

07 Jul 2023

#342

8-4 Play 6/23/2023: EIKONIC BEHAVIOR

Folks - WE GOT ONE!! Nintendo must’ve gotten all your calls and letters, because they dropped a Direct BEFORE recording for once! Thrill to fresh-off-the-grill Hot Takes on all that shiz, plus Xbox and Summer Games talk, FF16 demo impressions, and more! Time – Topic Discussed: ---00:48 – Nicknames ---02:50 – Tears of the Kingdom ---08:02 – Final Fantasy XVI ---28:12 – John at the RGG Summit ---37:37 – News: Summer Game Fest highlights, the Nintendo Direct, and more! ... Read more

23 Jun 2023

1 HR 27 MINS

1:27:17