Best Rareware Podcasts (2025)

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1341 - Yooka-Replaylee First Impressions 2:26:14

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23h ago2:26:14

2:26:14

The lizard and the bat! The bees! The BUGS! Hyle is joined once more by Freezer to share their first thoughts on Yooka-Replaylee, Playtonic's overhaul of the original Yooka-Laylee. From the highs of substantial improvements in gameplay and new features to the lows of a somewhat dodgy digital launch, should you paylee for Replaylee?…

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1340 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 1400 - 1401 4:31:50

3d ago4:31:50

4:31:50

Before we fight... we FEAST! The Kongversation discusses Donkey Kong Bananza's Feast Layer, a joyful theme park visit and fast food factory tour for the reunited duo of DK and Pauline. But will VoidCo's rising Muck dampen the flavor of this surrogate father-daughter night out? Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 14…

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1339 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayer 1300 3:55:38

11d ago3:55:38

3:55:38

By www.DKVine.com

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1338 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 1200 - 1204 3:15:45

18d ago3:15:45

3:15:45

By www.DKVine.com

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1337 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayer 1100 4:40:59

25d ago4:40:59

4:40:59

Pauline, meet Diddy and Dixie Kong! DK's present realigns with his past in Donkey Kong Bananza's Racing Layer, sending all four characters onto the track for a second go at Donkey Kong Racing! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 1100.By www.DKVine.com

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1336 - Sea of Thieves: Season 16 (Talk Like a Pirate Day 2025) 2:52:51

28d ago2:52:51

2:52:51

Reapers Rule, apparently, but did Sea of Thieves: Season 16? Coinciding with the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, the Reaper's Bones-dominated period of Rare's ongoing pirate adventure had us make Skeleton friends, turn our back on humanity, and get into intense debates about Dracula and Shaquille O'Neal.…

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1335 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 1000 - 1001 3:02:11

1M ago3:02:11

3:02:11

The Kongversation gets out of the trunk and down into the junk! Hyle and the Idaho Crew's Adam go dumpster diving in Donkey Kong Bananza's Landfill Layer. Home of the Eelevators and Fractones who love being among detritus, this deceptively deep world is one Donkey Kong fan's trash... but our treasure. Note: This episode only contains spoilers throu…

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1334 - September 2025 Nintendo Direct 1:27:47

1M ago1:27:47

1:27:47

Broadcast live at https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine on the day of the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, Hyle and Malik discuss all of the relevant Donkey Kong Universe news from the hour-long presentation! Donkey Kong Bananza DLC, Mario Tennis Fever, the absence of Donkey and Cranky from the main The Super Mario Galaxy Movie cast... and the return of the …

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1333 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 900 - 903 2:05:40

1M ago2:05:40

2:05:40

The Kongversation presents "The Elephant Kong" by David (Thomas) Lynch. What happens when Donkey Kong gets a trunk, promptly inhales some junk, and strips an entire sultry spa clean? You're going to shakey-shake your body when we discuss Donkey Kong Bananza's Tempest Layer, and if you don't, you are not a human being. You... are... an... animal. No…

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1332 - 40 Years of Rare 2:09:28

1M ago2:09:28

2:09:28

The Kongversation takes a look at Rare's 40th anniversary celebration! We discuss the surprise return of Conker's Pocket Tales, what went into Cameron and Dustin's own official art pieces, and what the studio has meant to us for the vast majority of our lives!By www.DKVine.com

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1331 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayer 800 1:55:06

1M ago1:55:06

1:55:06

The Kongversation unwinds in the Resort Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza! We discuss the giant fruit, Liftoff Ore, the introduction of Collectone, and that surprise Donkey Kong 64 callback as Donkey Kong and Pauline bond in the salty shores and melon rind! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 800.…

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1330 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 600 - 602 and Sublayer 700 4:40:19

2M ago4:40:19

4:40:19

You can peck out any time you like, but you can never leave. The Kongversation reaches out and grabs ya with a detailed discussion between Hyle and Jeff on Donkey Kong Bananza's wonder-holed Forest Layer and the events of Sublayer 700! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 700.…

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1329 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayer 400 and Sublayers 500 - 503 3:58:21

2M ago3:58:21

3:58:21

The Kongversation Divides its time between Sublayer 400 and the Freezer Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza! And since there's a Freezer Layer, we had to have Freezer on as the co-host for this episode to figure out if the Zebras are getting milked and if DK is impressed with his horsey Bananza endowment! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through …

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1328 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 300 - 302 2:30:58

2M ago2:30:58

2:30:58

Continuing the dive through Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyle and Malik discuss the Canyon Layer! The dusty refinery of the Banadium found across the Underground World, we ride its rails while pondering the absence of the Giraffes, the mystery of the Foreman, and whether or not one of its fossils actually came from Dinosaur Planet! Note: This episode only …

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1327 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayer 200 2:54:07

2M ago2:54:07

2:54:07

Welcome to the Fractone Appreciation Society! Hilltop Layer, Donkey Kong Bananza's second world, introduces us to the enigmatic rock people of the Underground World. Did they win over Hyle and Matt, or was all of our adoration reserved for the first 2D Challenge Course of the game? Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublay…

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1326 - Donkey Kong Bananza: Sublayers 100 - 102 3:46:18

3M ago3:46:18

3:46:18

Hyle and Mitchell get into an in-depth discussion about Donkey Kong Bananza's Lagoon Layer! From the intricate brilliance of the game design that becomes apparent in the world to the reveal of Odd Rock's identity as Pauline, we fish up forks and spoons alike as we sing and wiggle about Sublayers 100 to 102! Note: This episode only contains spoilers…

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1325 - Donkey Kong Bananza First Impressions and Sublayer 10 3:22:24

3M ago3:22:24

3:22:24

Donkey Kong Bananza is here! Hyle and Dustin discuss their first thoughts on the long-awaited return of the Kong, including the game's controls, mechanics, and presentation, before mining up some 24-karat chat about the Ingot Isle prologue area! Note: This episode only contains spoilers through the end of Sublayer 10.…

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1324 - Rare Layoffs and the End of Everwild 2:50:22

3M ago2:50:22

2:50:22

The Kongversation discusses the July 2025 layoffs across Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, which also impacted Rare, resulting in the cancellation of Everwild and the departure of several longtime creative talents at the studio.By www.DKVine.com

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1323 - Donkey Kong Bananza Hype Cycle Call Sack 2 3:02:34

3M ago3:02:34

3:02:34

The Kongversation answers Donkey Kong Bananza-based listener questions, theories, and concerns one more time before the game's release!By www.DKVine.com

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1322 - Donkey Kong Bananza (and why Caring about Lore Is Okay) 2:50:55

4M ago2:50:55

2:50:55

Is the Donkey Kong fandom in BRAMBLE SHAMBLES? The Donkey Kong Bananza Direct has kicked up a regular Zinger's nest about Donkey Kong lore. "Nintendo doesn't worry about Donkey Kong lore, and neither should you." Oh, is that so? Courtney returns to the show to defend the notion of caring about a fictional universe, while also helping Hyle push asid…

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1321 - 30 Years of Donkey Kong Land 2:12:14

4M ago2:12:14

2:12:14

Donkey Kong Land, Rare's sophomore entry in the DK Isles, and the second game in the Donkey Kong Country lineage, turns 30! Hyle and Malik look back to June 1995 and discuss how Donkey Kong Land helped shape modern Donkey Kong fandom... and its parallels with the current Donkey Kong Bananza Hype Cycle!…

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1320 - Stinky Ape Summer 2025: Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 2:32:14

4M ago2:32:14

2:32:14

Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine the day of the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, Hyle and Dustin try their best to process a rarity in their line of work: 16 minutes of pure, unfiltered Donkey Kong news. Who, what, or when is the young Pauline? What's that about Donkey Kong's buttocks? Expresso's shoes WHERE? Diddy and Dixie Kong finally g…

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1319 - Mario Kart World First Impressions 3:50:18

4M ago3:50:18

3:50:18

Mario Kart World kicks off a new era for both Nintendo and the DKU, but does it also kick ass? Hyle and Dustin go on a rambling Free Roam discussion about the big launch title, with a special emphasis (as always) on Donkey Kong!By www.DKVine.com

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1318 - Stinky Ape Summer 2025: Playtonic 2:41:46

4M ago2:41:46

2:41:46

Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine on June 12, 2025, Adam joins Hyle to discuss the just-released demo of Playtonic's Yooka-Replaylee... and for an in-depth breakdown of the recent controversies surrounding the studio.By www.DKVine.com

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1317 - Stinky Ape Summer 2025: Xbox Showcase 1:05:11

4M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine the day of the June 2025 Xbox Showcase, Hyle and Gibbon make the best out of a fairly uneventful showing for Rare and DKU fans! Sea of Thieves was there just as we predicted, Everwild was not, and some harsh scolding is directed towards those deliberately riling up Banjo-Kazooie fans. But hey, how abou…

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1316 - Stinky Ape Summer 2025 Kickoff! 2:14:44

5M ago2:14:44

2:14:44

Broadcast live on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine the morning of the Switch 2's launch, Hyle and Matt kick off a new era with a leisurely chat about what the video game announcement season (formerly known as E3) means to them before discussing the Stinky Ape Summer ahead. Nintendo Directs! Xbox Showcases! And at the center of it all: Donkey Kong Banan…

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1315 - Dunk Dunk First Impressions 1:39:40

5M ago1:39:40

1:39:40

DUNK DUNK! The new sci-fi and horror-themed basketball game for Steam and Switch is an over-the-top cartoon JAM featuring some beloved indie characters, including a few near and dear to the DKU. Hyle and Jeff give their initial thoughts and also share their joint experiences playing the madcap monster mash!…

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1314 - Donkey Kong in Japan: An Idaho Crew Travelogue 3:11:13

5M ago3:11:13

3:11:13

DK Vine Forum Mods Adam and Andrew recently visited Japan, gaining a firsthand look at Donkey Kong and the DKU's enduring popularity in Nintendo's homeland as they visited the Nintendo Museum, Super Nintendo World, secret Nintendo speakeasies, and more!By www.DKVine.com

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1313 - Sea of Thieves: Season 15 4:15:51

5M ago4:15:51

4:15:51

Hyle and Jeff SQUELCH about Season 15 of Sea of Thieves! Subtitled "Wild Things," it was the season that upped the wildlife across the islands and ocean of the game, as well as boosting the importance of the Hunter's Call faction. And like any good fishing trip, there's enough beer to last for the duration of this episode!…

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1312 - Our Donkey Kong Bananza Hopes and Fears 3:50:48

5M ago3:50:48

3:50:48

Despite Donkey Kong Bananza releasing in under two months, we still know little about DK's new adventure. With positive and negative speculation abundant for the first 3D Donkey Kong game in 25 years, Hyle and Dustin address their own Bananza hopes and fears!By www.DKVine.com

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1311 - We Need To Talk About Diddy Kong's New Design 2:22:29

5M ago2:22:29

2:22:29

With a millimeter of flesh between the eyes and some massive DDs smacking him upside the head, Diddy Kong's design for the new era of Donkey Kong has been revealed! Given how beloved the character is by the Kongversation's hosts, how are they dealing with the change... and what do they think this means for Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World... a…

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1310 - The DKU Double Draft!! 2025 Analysis 3:07:04

5M ago3:07:04

3:07:04

What were the results of 2025's DKU Double Draft!!?? Hyle, Jeff, and Mitchell reconvene to analyze their picks on episode 1308, as well as discuss the Idaho Crew's own DKU Draft, breaking down the complex fan politics of Donkey Kong Universe games and characters!By www.DKVine.com

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1309 - Taking a Detour with Yooka-Replaylee 2:23:41

6M ago2:23:41

2:23:41

The Kongversation takes a brief vacation from the Donkey Kong Bananza hype to focus on another 3D platformer coming out in 2025: Yooka-Replaylee! It's been some time since we caught up with Playtonic's enhanced remaster, so we discuss all of the additions, improvements, and surprises announced thus far! Plus: Is there room in our hearts for both Ba…

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1308 - The DKU Double Draft!! 2025 Special 2:03:50

6M ago2:03:50

2:03:50

The DKU Draft is back, but doubled up with a twist! Hyle, Jeff, and Mitchell are once again drafting 15 games from across the shared universe of Donkey Kong and Rare... but all 15 games drafted last year are now off the table! Which also-rans will comprise the Second Bananas? Then, who will be picked when the three teams also draft 15 CHARACTERS fr…

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Mini 036 - The Northern Kremisphere in Donkey Kong Bananza! 47:15

6M ago47:15

47:15

The beloved setting of Donkey Kong Country 3 and Donkey Kong Land III, the Northern Kremisphere, appears on the Fossil Maps in Donkey Kong Bananza. Naturally, we have quite a bit to say about this. How far will we dig into the possible implications?By www.DKVine.com

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1307 - Donkey Kong Bananza Hype Cycle Call Sack 2:31:12

6M ago2:31:12

2:31:12

The Kongversation takes listener calls about Donkey Kong Bananza! From excitement to concern, Hyle and Cameron dig deep to address some of the hottest-button Bananza issues in DK fandom!By www.DKVine.com

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1306 - Mario Kart World: The Donkey Kong Perspective 3:26:10

6M ago3:26:10

3:26:10

Trying to peel away from Donkey Kong Bananza, the Kongversation finally discusses Mario Kart World in length! But we are the Kongversation, so we're addressing all of the Donkey Kong stuff in the game. Namely, how World seems to finally be hitting the gas to actually be competitive with Diddy Kong Racing, our thoughts on new and returning DK-relate…

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1305 - The Donkey Kong Bananza Hype Cycle Begins! 3:47:01

6M ago3:47:01

3:47:01

A couple of days after Donkey Kong Bananza's reveal, Hyle and Josh sit down to discuss their in-depth thoughts on the first new, standalone Donkey Kong in 11 years, the first new 3D Donkey Kong in 25 years, and the beginning of Donkey Kong's new era under Nintendo EPD!By www.DKVine.com

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1304 - Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: The Nintendo Power Supplies Catalog (part 4) 2:40:06

7M ago2:40:06

2:40:06

Broadcast live earlier in the day on https://www.twitch.tv/dkvine, Hyle and Malik discuss their initial thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World... and the reveal of Nintendo EPD's long-in-development Donkey Kong game!By www.DKVine.com

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1303 - Sea of Thieves: Season 14 3:15:29

7M ago3:15:29

3:15:29

Sea of Thieves: Season 14 was all about MAKING MISCHIEF! From waddling around as barrels (like Klobbers in the Donkey Kong) to sneaking around (like the Sneak King in the Burger King), Hyle and Jeff recap the tumultuous, sometimes messy, often confusing, but otherwise delightful capper to Rare's 2024!…

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Mini 035 - Tetris 99 First Impressions 33:05

7M ago33:05

33:05

The Donkey Kong Country version of Donkey Kong, along with Diddy Kong, crossed over with Tetris for the very first in either franchise's history back in February with Tetris 99's 45th MAXIMUS CUP event. Was a complete Kongo Jungle reimagining of the classic puzzle game enough to finally convert Hyle... or at least convince him that it's nearly as g…

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1302 - We Need To Talk About Donkey Kong's New Design 3:01:53

7M ago3:01:53

3:01:53

Based on his appearance in the upcoming Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, as well as a new range of merchandise, it appears that Donkey Kong's design is being updated in the games. Specifically, to the design first seen in 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But put your mass hysteria about the death of Donkey Kong Country aside! DK Vine breaks dow…

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1301 - Donkey Kong Country Returns HD First Impressions 3:34:16

7M ago3:34:16

3:34:16

The Kongversation is returning with the return RETURN to Returns! Donkey Kong Country Returns HD arrived in mid-January 2025 on the Nintendo Switch while riding a wave of unprecedented momentum for the Donkey Kong series. Still, the port is not without its controversies. Is Returns HD the definitive version of the thrice-released adventure?…

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1251 - New Year's Forecast 2025 1:36:45

10M ago1:36:45

1:36:45

Broadcast live on https://twitch.tv/dkvine, the Kongversation's season ends with our annual New Year's Forecast! Hyle and Dustin look ahead to what 2025 has in store for the DKU across Playtonic, Rare, and Nintendo! Hyle also finally goes too far and turns the entire F-Zero fandom against him, so that's fun.…

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1250 - Character Witness: Mr. Pants 1:59:20

10M ago1:59:20

1:59:20

In Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, you could obtain a hood ornament called "The Spirit of Pants". But on this episode of the Kongversation, we argue that Mr. Pants is the true spirit of Rare. Honoring 20 years of the greatest puzzle game of all time, Hyle and Freezer examine the in-universe history of Rare's underwear mogul and television presenter …

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1249 - Spotlight: Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance) 3:32:57

10M ago3:32:57

3:32:57

2004 was a year in flux for Donkey Kong as the franchise swung between its past and future, with one of the most memorable and successful new releases of the year being... Donkey Kong Country 2? Hyle and Cameron break down the brilliant, thrilling, surprising, and occasionally infuriating changes the Game Boy Advance remake made to the beloved adve…

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1248 - Banjo-Tooie: A Game for Rare Sickos 3:15:56

10M ago3:15:56

3:15:56

The Geek Critique returns to the Kongversation to help Hyle grapple with a newly relevant question now that Banjo-Tooie is on Nintendo Switch Online: What is it about the game that's historically kept it from clicking with fans of even the original Banjo-Kazooie, or inspired rabid devotion that eclipses all else? With NSO making it easier than ever…

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1247 - The Donkey Kong Land Trilogy on the Nintendo Switch 2:24:36

10M ago2:24:36

2:24:36

All three Donkey Kong Land games have finally arrived on Nintendo Switch Online! Hyle and Malik discuss why these counterparts to the classic Donkey Kong Country titles are so important to DK fanatics of the 1990s, then share some obscure or little-discussed Donkey Kong Land trivia!By www.DKVine.com

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1246 - 25 Years of Donkey Kong 64 2:55:53

11M ago2:55:53

2:55:53

Donkey Kong 64 turned 25 years old on November 22, 2024. Celebrated DK64 fan and annual 101% streamer of the game Courtney joins the show to discuss the Kongs' sole 3D platforming adventure (thus far), the complicated position it holds within the fandom, and how the Donkey Kong 64 Randomizer has breathed life into it for a new generation! (Unlike W…

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1245 - Manual Transmission: Donkey Kong Country 2:33:15

11M ago2:33:15

2:33:15

What made Donkey Kong Country such a unique, groundbreaking cultural event for Nintendo fans in 1994? Yes, it was the graphics, music, sound, and game design. But as Hyle and Dustin argue, it was also the instruction booklet's unique sense of humor. The Kongversation opens up Dan Owsen's manual masterpiece!…