PixlBit

This makes me even more excited to play the game.  thanks(not being sarcastic)

I am not arguing the benefit of Metroidvania as shorthand to give you an idea of what you should be able to expect.  I just need to get to a point where my expectations for what people describe as Metroidvania keeps me from being inevitably disappointed.
I don't think you throw the term around like some other people in the industry, so I do trust you.

I just wish people weren't so loose with the term Metroidvania.  So many times I play a game described as Metroidvania, and they barely fit the description.  

This just went to the top of my list.  I also have a weakness for Metroidvanias...  even though I hate the term.

I think I am going ot have to check out the geekbox then.  It was awesome hearing him not be a cartoon of himself.  I could use a different voice in my podcast feed anyways.

This was a very interesting episode for me.  I had to put down a bunch of podcasts for a few months and have been catching up.  Right before I listened to this episode, I had binged a half dozen episodes of Comedy Button.  I am now very confused.  Is Ryan playing a bit on the Comedy Button?  He didn't sound like the Ryan Scott I was used to...

I do find it interesting how each person has a different methodology to picking things in the show.  It was someting I noticed a little of, but didn't think much about it during Chrono Crossing.  It became more apparent when running through this podcast and the musical picks.

And then there is Angelo.

State of the Generation thoughts

I have to say, 2018 just wasn't a year for me.  There were a handful of standout games in my mind, but significantly less than the past few years.  Moving and taking care of my daughter for a few months probably contributed to this thought.

I am so close to pulling the trigger on an Xbox One because of Game Pass.  The problem is I could probably wait a year and a half and get Project Scarlett.

Sony is in a really good spot, but I think they showed their entire hand a little too early and my enthusiasm for their 2019 exclusives is starting to wane.

Outside of Indies, Nintendo had a pretty boring year for me.  2019 looks like it will be stacked and all those analyst bemoaning NIntendo missing their goal for Switch sales this year will probably eat shit when the avalanche of system selling software comes in 2019.

Some of Bloodborne's story is that way...  which is why people are going nuts about some of the items in Deracine.
The story about Gascgione's family is a little more explicit than some of the deeper lore of Bloodborne...  assuming you realize you can talk to the doors with lanterns.

Overall, I like to think I prefer gameplay over story.  I can appreciate a good story in games, but I won't necessarily want to see a story through if the gameplay is not fun.  I can't think of an example at the moment though,

I have no issues with the Witcher 3.  I genuinely want to play it, and my desire for it to be a desert island game is genuine.  It bothers me that I have yet to be consumed by The Witcher 3, especially with my love of The Witcher 2.  My issue was only ever with the reduction of Bloodborne...  which I am glad to see that Patrick is able to see the brilliance of the game again.  To be clear, no issue with Patrick changing his pick for 2015.

STAGE SELECT - 
I am not sure if this is what you are looking for.  
I am going to have to pull out the cartridge and see if I can see what my record was.  I played F-Zero X's DEATH RACE mode endlessly.  I got my record down to a point that I had no idea how else to shave off time.  I was quite proud of it.
I also spent quite some time trying to shave my time in Metroid Fusion down to under 75 minutes.  I got close, but had issues shaving off the last 90 seconds.

I just want to be clear...  Transmetropolitan is my favorite series....  hence my name.  
I do feel shame though because I haven't finished all of it, but it's fantastic.