Sequel September, PAX West, and the Bandicoot That Defined a Console
Episode 357 of The Game Deflators Podcast marked the start of what we’re calling “Sequel September,” and it only made sense to begin with Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back. Crash has always been one of those franchises that defined the PlayStation era, so revisiting the sequel gave us a chance to reflect on how far the series — and gaming itself — has come since 1997.
As usual, the episode wasn’t just about one game. The week was filled with new pickups, fresh playthroughs, and even a few unexpected rabbit holes. There were new additions to the shelf like Stellar Blade and more Magic: The Gathering cards, a long-awaited finish of Final Fantasy VI (with an ending that didn’t quite land), and a first look at Neva, the watercolor-inspired follow-up to Gris. Its artistry was breathtaking, though the pacing sparked some debate at home.
On the other end of the spectrum came a rediscovery of Beyblades. What started as a late-night YouTube binge quickly turned into buying tops, joining Discord servers, and even scoping out a local tournament. It was a funny reminder of how easily old hobbies can come roaring back.
The real centerpiece of the week, though, was a first-hand experience at PAX West. The recap was a mix of excitement and exhaustion: capped lines for big-ticket games like Pokémon Legends ZA, an over-the-top Borderlands 4 rage room, indie booths brimming with creativity, and even a chance encounter with YouTuber Dan Olson. Compared to anime conventions, PAX leaned less on merch and more on play, with everything from Hollow Knight papercraft to Gundam bag charms adding to the atmosphere.
Not everything was lighthearted. The conversation also turned to the end of the U.S. de minimis import exemption — a change that means higher costs for collectors who rely on overseas shops. Some retailers, like VGP, are choosing to shield buyers from those tariffs, while others, like Play Asia, are passing them on directly. It’s a sobering reminder that global policy decisions can ripple into the most personal corners of the hobby.
Finally, the episode circled back to the game of the week: Crash Bandicoot 2. For us, it stands as a near-perfect sequel — smoother, fairer, and still endlessly replayable. At the same time, it’s a game best enjoyed at whatever pace you prefer, whether that’s casual play or chasing every gem. The verdict: “just right” in today’s retro market, even if the N. Sane Trilogy is the more practical buy for most modern players.
Taken together, the episode felt like a snapshot of gaming in 2025: balancing nostalgia with new releases, watching convention culture evolve, getting blindsided by oddball hobbies, and still finding time to argue over whether a PS1 classic is best experienced on disc or in a remaster.
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
