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The Zelda Cast

Zelda Dungeonpod.zeldadungeon.net
Andy and Al bring you the latest Zelda news, theories, reactions, analysis, and shenanigans in The Zelda Cast, the internet’s best weekly Legend of Zelda podcast!
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Episodes

Episode 374 - Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and Zelda Notes Review!

The Switch 2 Edition reviews continue this week, as we take a look at Tears of the Kingdom! We discuss Auto-Build sharing, Rauru and Master Kohga's voice memories, how incredible the visual upgrades look, and whether or not time has changed how we feel about Link's open world adventure. This is the first time Andy has played since the game came out, so he shares his thoughts and opinions. We also discuss which games defined the Nintendo Switch for us, so come hop in and join in on the fun! Suppo...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 427

Episode 373 - Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition and Zelda Notes Review!

We are back with more Switch 2 content, and this week we're diving into Breath of the Wild, Switch 2 Edition. But it's dangerous to go alone, so we took the new Zelda Notes app with us! In this episode we talk about the updated version of the game, and what it was like using the different tools that Zelda Notes has to offer. From a daily bonus and amiibo registration, to the incredible interactive map. And of course, we can't forget about all the new voice memories we found along the way. Come h...

Jun 16, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 426

Episode 372 - Our First Impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2!

After a long and turbulent road to get here, Nintendo's latest console is finally here! We talk about our first impressions for the Nintendo Switch 2, how picking it up went, our thoughts on the screen, how the Joy-Con 2's feel, express disappointment in the eShop being a disaster still, what we think of Mario Kart World, and some of of the performance boosts from other games, and our thoughts on the next big game to come! Come and hang out with us and let us know your thoughts for the Nintendo ...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 425

Episode 371 - Definitively Ranking Breath of the Wild!

Definitive Ranking is back, and we're finally discussing the game everyone has been asking for: Breath of the Wild, arguably the most important Zelda game ever released. We’re Definitively Ranking the revolutionary title, assigning scores to each of the ten key categories that define a great Zelda game: the world, the art style, the gameplay, the pacing, the story, the music, the enemies and bosses, the dungeons, the items, and the side content. We pay our respects to one of the greats while als...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 424

Episode 370 - Reacting To Your Phantom Hourglass / Spirit Tracks Hot Takes!

After a lengthy layover, Hot Takes returns this week, and we asked YOU to submit your spiciest takes about some of the divisive Zelda games ever made: Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks! We react to what you had to say about the DS titles, weighting in on topics like the Temple of the Ocean King's Pacing, Byrne as an underrated character, the soundtrack of Phantom Hourglass, and if the games would be more beloved if they were console games. All this, PLUS a little followup on the Sages from Age...

May 26, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 423

Episode 369 - Zelda Trivia: Husband Versus Wife Edition!

With Alasyn taking the week off this week, Andy calls on his wife - and decided non-Zelda expert - Samantha Spiteri to step in this week to come and out her Zelda knowledge to the test! We go back and forth, asking beginner trivia for Sam and expert Zelda trivia for Andy to see which Spiteri is the ultimate expert! It's a total family affair, and Link the dog makes a cameo and Zora the cat struts in as well, PLUS we hear Sam's experience with the Zelda series, both firsthand and through second h...

May 18, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 422

Episode 368 - Zelda's Percentages: Which Characters Will Be Playable in Age of Imprisonment?

Everyone's favorite game show Zelda's Percentages returns this week! The premise is simple: we make a statement and then assign a percentage on how likely to be true that statement is, and this week, it's even easier, as every questions "______ will be a playable character in Age of Imprisonment". We go over some shoes ins, like Ganondorf or Sonia, to some borderline plausible characters, like Twinrova or Master Kohga, to some far out there longshots, like Din, Farore, and Nayru! Come play along...

May 12, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 421

Episode 367 - OG or HD Wind Waker, Teba or Tulin, Nintendo Today App Thoughts, and More Daily Debates Answered!

After a few hectic weeks of non-stop news about the Switch 2, we're finally settling into more of a calmer week, as we have a nice and chill time answering some of the Zelda Dungeon writing team's Daily Debates ! On the table today: what other films can the Zelda movie take inspiration from? Do the Oracle games feel fulfilling without linking the games and fighting Ganon? What is the actual point of the Nintendo Today app? Zelda aside, which franchise made the jump to 3D best? When might the nex...

May 05, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 420

Episode 366 - Age of Imprisonment Fan Q&A Part 2

We're back with part two of our Age of Imprisonment / Switch 2 / life as a Nintendo fan lately Q&A, and we have a ton of fun questions and theories to get through, including: Andy's insistence that we see Din, Nayru, and Farore in the new Hyrule Warriors game; how will the Tingle Tuner work in The Wind Waker on NSO? How could the Zelda series best utilize the mouse controls on the Switch 2? Which Zelda characters have a shot to be added to Mario Kart World? Is it possible we already know the...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 419

Episode 365 - Age of Imprisonment and Fan Q&A (Part 1)

With the dust settling with the Switch 2 announcement, we finally get to all of your listener questions, and boy oh boy, did you guys come through! So much actually that we had to break up the episode into two parts! This week, we're tackling questions like: do we think we'll play as the Ancient Hero Aspect in Age of Imprisonment? What do we think of the Zelda movie's release date? Is Tears of the Kingdom's Imprisoning War the same as Skyward Sword's? Would Rauru be a good fit for the next Smash...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 418

Episode 364 - Breaking Down the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Trailer!

Andy and Al are back at it after a crazy week of news updates regarding tariffs, Switch 2 pre-orders, and misinformation about game prices, to only name a few things! We catch everybody up on the latest happenings, and then finally jump into the Age of Imprisonment trailer to dissect who we might be playing as, what details we can discern from the footage, and if we believe Nintendo that this time, the Hyrule Warriors story will be canonical or not! We're doing a Q&A next week, so make sure ...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 417

Episode 363 - Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: The Aftermath; Game Prices, Pre-Orders, & More Discussed

Strap in, because there's a lot to talk about this week. Just a few short days after the Switch 2 Direct, the real world geopolitical landscape took center stage to create a perfect storm surrounding Nintendo's latest console, the price of its games, the delay in pre-orders, and fan outrage - towards both Nintendo and the government. We try and unpack a crazy past coupe of days to make sense of everything, give our feelings and opinions, and offer some suggestions to those upset about the price....

Apr 07, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 416

BONUS - Switch 2 Direct Watchalong Audio!

As a little bonus, here's our Switch 2 Direct watchalong audio in podcast form! You can also watch the full video VOD here. Enjoy! Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive the monthly bonus show ‘The Zelda Cast Top Tens! Follow The Zelda Cast! The Zelda Cast (@TheZeldaCast) Andy Spiteri (@Spiteri316) Alasyn Eletha (@AlasynEletha) Twitch x Facebook x Discord x Tik-Tok x BlueSky Advertise on The Zelda Cast! See Options Here! Subscribe to The Zelda Cast! Apple Podcasts x Podbean x Sp...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 415

Episode 362 – Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Live Reaction + Discussion!

WOW! Today was the day that Nintendo fans have been waiting for: The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, and boy what a show we got! After months of anticipation since the January 18th reveal of the console and a lower key Switch 1 Direct last week to briefly tide us over, Nintendo finally delivered the megaton of Switch 2 information that we've been craving. Among the key announcement were the price and release date , Mario Kart World, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment , Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 57 minEp. 414

Episode 361 - Definitively Ranking A Link to the Past

It's been a long time coming, but we're finally discussing one of the greatest games of all time in a more in-depth manor: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past! We're Definitively Ranking the game, assigning scores to each of the ten key categories that define a great Zelda game: the world, the art style, the gameplay, the pacing, the story, the music, the enemies and bosses, the dungeons, the items, and the side content. We pay our respects to one of the greats while also giving some fair cr...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 413

Episode 360 - Ask a Zelda Question, Get a Zelda Answer in Fan Q&A!

We're getting closer to the launch of the Switch 2 and to fill the time, we are taking your questions this week! We asked you guys for your fan questions, and you delivered in a big way. We're covering a whole variety of topics, including: what changes to the Tears of the Kingdom's Depths would have made them more engaging? What item from a 3D game would work well in a 2D game and vice versa? Would we be interested in a Zelda visual novel game? Who has the best facial hair in the Zelda series? W...

Mar 17, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 412

Episode 359 - Predicting the Zelda Dungeon Musical March Madness 2025 Bracket!

For the seventh year now, Musical March Madness returns ! As the name implies, this is Zelda Dungeon's take on the traditional March Madness bracket, with our favorite Zelda songs taking the place of college basketball teams competing in 64-song single elimination tournament until there's only one left! This week, we're joined by the flounder of Zelda Dungeon himself, Mases Hagopian , to go over each matchup and pick our favorites until there is only one left! Come along for the ride and make su...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 41 minEp. 411

Episode 358 - Our Top Ten Favorite Switch Games

We're back, and with the end of the Switch's life coming this year, we thought it would be a nice time to reflect back on the console that has been with us for our entire run on the Zelda Cast. We talk about our top favorite games from the console, which feature a who's who of familiar favorites and a few smaller entries that snuck in as well. Super Mario, Metroid, Fire Emblem, Stardew Valley, and more all show up, plus a debate on the legacy of Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. We're...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 410

Episode 357 - Daily Debate Roundtable and The Best Dungeons in the Series Discussed

Andy returns after the smashing success that was the Omega Metroid Marathon ! We get together to discuss a few different topics, including our Marathon experiences, reviewing the ZD Social Media Team's Top 10 favorite dungeon list - which included some big surprises - and how their list differed from ours, and answering some Daily Debates regarding music, Nintendo's IP's, Switch 2 features, and more! Come hang out with us as we have a light and breezy episode! Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! ...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 409

Episode 356 - Playing Guess That Zelda Location

Alasyn is joined this week by The Zelda Cast producer Cal, and ZD YouTube extraordinaire Corey Richmond, and we decided that it was time to bring "Guess That Zelda Location" back from the grave! A spin-off on the classic "Guess That Zelda Character", this is Al's favorite game to play whenever Andy is away. So join in on the fun as we try to guess each other's Zelda locations in 16 questions or less! Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive the monthly bonus show ‘The Zelda Cast T...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 408

Episode 355 - Battle Quest, Nintendo Land, and Wii U Retrospective

This week, we're taking the show a place it's never gone before: back to the launch of the Wii U! We're reviewing the Zelda-themed attraction Battle Quest, which was one of twelve Nintendo franchise themed mini games included in the Wii U launch title / showcase game Nintendo Land! We talk about the levels, swordfighting with the Wiimote versus archery with the Game Pad, the design of the sock-puppet characters, if Nintendo Land contributed to the Wii U's poor first impression, some of the other...

Feb 10, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 407

Episode 354 - Our Thoughts on the Switch 2, and Switch 1's Legacy for the Zelda Series

Andy's back! After two weeks off gallivanting doing who-knows-what, Spiteri rejoins the show to catch up with Al and give some thoughts on Nintendo's reveal of the Switch 2 and what we can expect from the console. We also take a quick trip through memory lane, talking about the Zelda series and its growth over the Switch era, looking at all the games and different ways Nintendo them more accessible to new players. Lastly, we talk sales figures for Breath of the Wild, some other major Nintendo fr...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 406

Episode 353 - Chiming in on The Zelda Cast Top Tens

Al is at the helm once again, and this week she is joined by one of The Zelda Cast's producers, Cal! Now, many might not know this, but this mashup happened once before, on a Zelda Cast Top Tens Patreon episode last summer. Well, that happens to be the inspiration for today's episode. Alasyn and Cal decided to expand beyond their opinions of that one bonus episode, and share their top picks on every bonus episode! What are the best sound effects from the series? The best Zelda theories? Or what ...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 405

Episode 352 - Definitively Ranking The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Welcome back for a new episode of the BEST Zelda podcast ever, folks! This week, Al is joined by The Zelda Cast's social media manager, Jules! In celebration of The Minish Cap's 20th anniversary (per the North American release on January 10th, 2005), we get down to business and definitively rank the most charming Zelda game. We discuss the game's world, story, pacing, dungeons, side content and more! And don't worry, we didn't forget about that little nugget of news Nintendo dropped earlier this...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 404

Episode 351 - Zelda Daily Debate Roundtable

With no new news of the Switch 2 this week, we're turning to Zelda Dungeon's amazing writing team to answer a bunch of Daily Debates! Some of the topics include: what Zelda game has gotten better with age? What's the most underrated villain in the series? What accomplishment in the series that we have done are we the most proud of? What name do we always mispronounce? What's our thoughts on Nintendo Music so far? All this, and so much more! Come hang with us! Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! S...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 403

Episode 350 - Celebrating 350 Episodes With a Special Q&A

We're doing things a bit differently this week and celebrating SEVEN years of this podcast by doing a special Q&A that's not necessarily about Zelda, but about Andy and Al as hosts! We're talking about the early days of the show, telling stories, and answering questions about favorite Lord of the Rings lines and moments, what our favorite songs of 2024 were, what JRPG series are amongst our favorites, Zelda ROM hacks and what game we'd make, why certain spinoffs aren't included in Best Zelda...

Jan 06, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 402

Episode 349 - Reviewing Zelda Dungeon's Best Zelda Ever 2024 List

Just in time for the end of the year, Zelda Dungeon has published it's biggest yearly feature: Best Zelda Ever ! This years list features Echoes of Wisdom's debut, games rising and falling down the list, and some shocking placements of beloved classics. Andy and Al both contributed to the list and review it game-by-game to see what we agree with, what we disagree with, and why we placed some of our pick where we did. Make sure you check out the list for yourself to see where your favorite game l...

Dec 30, 20241 hr 47 minEp. 401

Episode 348 - Reviewing the Zelda Series in 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

Happy Monday, Zelda fans. This week, we've got a breezy show that focuses on Okami's return at The Game Awards and our thoughts on the state of Geoff Keighly's show, what we thought the high points and low points for the Zelda franchise were in 2024, and what we can expect to see from the series in 2025 - everything from the debut of the Switch 2, possible casting news in the Zelda Movie, ports finally coming to Switch to fill time, and maybe even a new Zelda game announced?? Come and hang with ...

Dec 16, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 400

Episode 347 - Definitively Ranking The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Our Echoes of Wisdom coverage is coming to an end for now, as this week, we put a bow on our last few weeks worth of coverage by assigning a final score to each of the ten key categories that define a great Zelda game: the world, the art style, the gameplay, the pacing, the story, the music, the enemies and bosses, the dungeons, the items, and the side content. We debate, discuss, and talk about how this game was exactly what Zelda fans needed. All this, PLUS a little Lord of the Rings, Game of ...

Dec 09, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 399

Episode 346 - Echoes of Wisdom Timeline Placement, Sequel Ideas, Overworld Usage, and More in Fan QA&!

We are finally taking all of your Echoes of Wisdom questions this week, and you guys didn't disappoint! We're covering a wide variety of topics, including: do we want to see more games where you play as Zelda? Specifically, do we want to see a direct sequel to Echoes? Should Zelda games reuse/reimagine the same overworld more often? Is Echoes more of a kid-friendly game than Tears of the Kingdom? Who's our favorite new character in the latest Zelda game? How does Echoes impact how we think about...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 398
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