Andy Spiteri
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Sarcastic Jerk. Coffee Addict. Podcast Dude @ZeldaDungeon | @TheZeldaCast | @OmegaMetroidPod | @VirtualTheaterX | He/Him
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Articles by Andy Spiteri
Definitively Ranking the Dungeons of Twilight Princess! The Zelda Cast Episode 441
Our Twilight Princess 20th anniversary celebration continues, as this week, we are redoing an episode from 8 years ago and re-definitively rank the dungeons of Link’s maiden Wii adventure. From the obvious picks that lead the pack to the dungeons fighting for last place, we go through and discuss what we love and what we hate from Twilight Princess! All this, plus we discuss the recent footage from Ocarina of Time.
Honoring 20 Years of Freshly Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland! The Zelda Cast Episode 437
Put on your party cap and get your rupees ready! This week, Andy and Al honor 20 years of the bizarre Nintendo DS Tingle spinoff game, Freshly Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland! Al just played the game for the first time, so we get her thoughts on the game, we discuss why the spinoff reviewed so poorly and the proper way to play it, we talk about the story and how it tells a quirky yet moving narrative, and Andy honors a fallen friend of his with a story about this game connected them.
Instant Reaction to the Zelda Direct & Ocarina of Time Remake! The Zelda Cast Episode 435
THE ZELDA DIRECT came and went and oh boy – we have some thoughts! Join us for our instant reaction to the Ocarina of Time Remake footage, our thoughts on the art style, reactions to what type of remake this game is going to be, price details, and everything else shown in the Direct! All this, PLUS some thoughts on what could be in store for the Sept 9th Direct.
Zelda Movie News + Zelda Dungeon Marathon Recap! The Zelda Cast Episode 431
Andy and Al are back from the 2026 Zelda Dungeon Marathon.
Reviewing Zelda Dungeon’s Top 25 Favorite Nintendo-Published Switch Games in The Zelda Cast Episode 384!
We’re here to bid farewell, once and for all, to the original Nintendo Switch console, as this week, we review Zelda Dungeon’s Top 25 Favorite Nintendo-Published Switch Games! This staff feature, which was published by our amazing writing team, serves as a final homage to the hybrid console, and we go over the list to see what we agree and disagree with! Tons of Zelda games top the list as you might expect, but we also get in depth about how Pokemon, Metroid, Fire Emblem, Animal Crossing, and...
Definitively Ranking Phantom Hourglass in The Zelda Cast Episode 381!
Definitive Ranking is back, and this time, we’re going back to 2007 to rank the maiden voyage on the Nintendo DS: Phantom Hourglass! We’re Definitively Ranking the controversial 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.
New Age of Imprisonment Trailer Breakdown and Theories! The Zelda Cast Episode 379!
Earlier this week, Nintendo showcased their latest Partner Direct, and in it, we saw the latest trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment! While there wasn’t a ton of info revealed, there was enough shown for us to sink our teeth into, including: who is the Gerudo sage, and could she be a familiar name to us? What or who is being built an the end of the trailer and could it be related to the Ancient Hero? What’s up with Fi’s theme playing at the end?
Zelda Movie Casting Thoughts and Reactions! The Zelda Cast Episode 378
The gang is back from the Zelda Dungeon Marathon and has a bit more time to fully digest the recent casting news in the upcoming Zelda movie! We go over and give our thoughts on Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason being cast as Link and Zelda, respectively.
Live From The Zelda Dungeon Marathon! The Zelda Cast Episode 377!
Well, we didn’t have a show last week because we were keeping a big secret – Andy was able to get a last minute trip booked to the 2025 Zelda Dungeon Marathon, which was an incredible success, raising nearly $12K for No Kid Hungry! This also meant that Andy and Al got to podcast together in person, and we decided that we wanted to let our friends and fellow attendee’s get in on the action! We’ll hear from Cal, Adrielle, Katherine, Sean, Ashtyn, Palimer, and so many more as we discuss an...
Daily Debates Answered + Zelda Dungeon Marathon Info in The Zelda Cast Episode 376!
We’re back this week and getting ready for the Zelda Dungeon Marathon next week, which you can read all about here! Al will be attending, and she fills us in on what to expect.
The Best Collectathons + Best Game Gimmicks in the Series (PATREON UNLOCK) in The Zelda Cast Episode 375!
The gang is away this week, so we’re unlocking an awesome episode from our Patreon vault! Al is joining the fun this month, as we team up to discuss the best Collectathons in the series, as well as which games “gimmick” is our favorite! There are a ton of different options for both, so let us know where you land on some of our (controversial!) picks! If you want even MORE episodes like this, be sure to check out our Patreon page, which has tons of cool stuff for Zelda fans! Support The Zelda...
Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and Zelda Notes Review! The Zelda Cast Episode 374
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.
Our First Impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2! The Zelda Cast Episode 372
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...
Definitively Ranking Breath of the Wild in The Zelda Cast Episode 371!
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.
Reacting To Your Phantom Hourglass / Spirit Tracks Hot Takes! The Zelda Cast Episode 370!
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.
Zelda Trivia: Husband Versus Wife Edition in The Zelda Cast Episode 369!
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...
Zelda's Percentages: Which Characters Will Be Playable in Age of Imprisonment? The Zelda Cast Episode 368!
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“.
OG or HD Wind Waker, Teba or Tulin, Nintendo Today App Thoughts, and More Daily Debates Answered in The Zelda Cast Episode 366!
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?
Age of Imprisonment Fan Q&A Part 2 in the Zelda Cast Episode 366!
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?
Age of Imprisonment Fan Q&A Part 1 in the Zelda Cast Episode 365!
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?
Breaking Down the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Trailer in The Zelda Cast Episode 364!
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...
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: The Aftermath; Game Prices, Pre-Orders, & More Discussed in The Zelda Cast Episode 363
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.
Episode 362 – Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Live Reaction + Discussion - Zelda Dungeon
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.
Definitively Ranking A Link to the Past in The Zelda Cast Episode 361!
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.
Ask a Zelda Question, Get a Zelda Answer in Fan Q&A! The Zelda Cast Episode 360!
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?
Predicting the Zelda Dungeon Musical March Madness 2025 Bracket in The Zelda Cast Episode 259!
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...
Our Top Ten Favorite Switch Games - The Zelda Cast Episode 358
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.
Daily Debate Roundtable and The Best Dungeons in the Series Discussed in The Zelda Cast Episode 357!
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...
Battle Quest, Nintendo Land, and Wii U Retrospective in The Zelda Cast Episode 355!
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...
Our Thoughts on the Switch 2, and Switch 1's Legacy for the Zelda Series in The Zelda Cast Episode 354!
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.
The Zelda Cast Top Tens: What Games We Think We Could See in the Switch 2's First Year
The Zelda Cast Top Tens is back and Andy and Al are finally reunited! This months edition of the show is all focused on the Switch 2, as we talk about ten games that we could realistically (well, mostly!) see launch within the first year of the Switch 2, as well as Nintendo franchises that need to come out of retirement and make a comeback on Nintendo’s latest console! PLUS – Check out Bluesky tomorrow for a really cool Omega Metroid announcement that you guys will hopefully be excited about!...
Zelda Daily Debate Roundtable in The Zelda Cast Episode 351!
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?
Celebrating 350 Episodes With a Special Q&A in The Zelda Cast Episode 350!
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...
Definitively Ranking The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom! The Zelda Cast Episode 347
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.
Echoes of Wisdom Timeline Placement, Sequel Ideas, Overworld Usage, and More in Fan QA&! The Zelda Cast Episode 346
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?
Ranking All The Bosses From Echoes of Wisdom in The Zelda Cast Episode 345!
Our Echoes of Wisdom coverage rolls on, as this week we’re definitively ranking all of the many bosses from Zelda’s adventure! We ran into some disagreements, particularly about the final boss, and we gushed over some returning bosses that the series hasn’t seen in a minute, so we’ll definitely need everyone to weigh in and let us know what your list looks like! PLUS, we talk a little Middle Earth & Chill and Black Friday Zelda deals! Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive...
Echoes of Wisdom
We’re finally diving right into our thoughts on the story of Echoes of Wisdom! A lot of the conversation revolves around Null, its reveal, its origins, and the pacing of its plot and the reveals, and how we might have altered it, if at all.
Our Favorite Sidequests in Echoes of Wisdom! The Zelda Cast Episode 343
Echoes of Wisdom has a plethora of sidequests, so today we’re talking about some of our favorites! From optional bosses to wrecked ships to chatty cats and everything in between, come hear what sidequests stuck with us! All this, plus Echoes of Wisdom’s sales figures, Switch 2 news, and Zelda movie news! 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)...
Echoes of Wisdom
With our Echoes of Wisdom playthrough at an end, it’s now time to shift focus to the individual characteristics in this game and see how they stack up! First on the docket is definitively ranking the dungeons! We have eight dungeons to get through, so sit back as we go from Suthorn all the way to Null’s Body and talk about worked and didn’t, with special focus on dungeon items, dungeon echoes, music, puzzles and boss fights! All this, PLUS a little Halloween recap, our thoughts on the...
Echoes of Wisdom: The Eternal Forest and Grand Finale Discussed in The Zelda Cast Episode 341!
Our journey playing through Echoes of Wisdom comes to an end, as this week, we finish the fight and try to save Hyrule once and for all! On tap this week: our thoughts on the mysterious Eternal Forest, finding the Lynel and grabbing its echo, the Deku Tree and it’s guarding of the Prime Energy, the last Still World section, the final dungeon, and the final showdown with the source of the rifts! Plus, we give our thoughts on the ending, whether we think Tri is a great companion or not, and...
Echoes of Wisdom’s Eldin Volcano, Faron Wetlands, and Holy Mount Lanayru Explored in the Zelda Cast Episode 340!
Our Echoes of Wisdom journey is drawing to a close, as this week, we recount our experiences in three separate regions and learn what – and who! – is causing the rifts all over Hyrule! We’re talking about Eldin Volcano, Faron Wetlands, and Holy Mount Lanayru, discussing all the wonderful new characters we met, the incredible dungeons, some of the best boss fights in 2D Zelda history, and the reveal of the source of the rifts! There’s tons happening this week, strap in as we head towards the...
Echoes of Wisdom
Our Echoes of Wisdom journey continues, as this week, we’re taking a trip around Hyrule as we reach the halfway point of the game! We talk about our thoughts on the Smoothie system, what use we found for Automations, horse riding and the fine folk at Hyrule Ranch, our thoughts on this version of Kakariko Village and how we like the Slumber Dojo, and of course, our return to Hyrule Castle to combat the giant rift! All this, PLUS some Thanksgiving talk to kick off a holiday weekend! This...
Echoes of Wisdom First Impressions in The Zelda Cast Episode 337!
It’s finally here! Echoes of Wisdom released this last week, so over the next several weeks the gang will be giving their thoughts and impressions as we progress through the game! This week, we’re covering the opening up until the first Dungeon, talking about how we feel about how the echoes feel, drawbacks with selecting them, our thoughts on Tri so far, Swordfighter form, the games performance, music, and so much more! There will be spoilers for the first hour or so of the game, so be...
Episode 235 – Ranking Every Final Boss in the Metroid Series (Again!) - Omega Metroid
In a sequel / update to one of our earliest episodes on the podcast, we’re revisiting a fun topic: ranking the best final bosses in the series! Doom wasn’t around for the first episode four years ago, and Andy’s tastes have certainly evolved and changed over the years, so we’re going game by game to decide on which final showdown is tops among them all! From Mother Brain to Raven Beak, Dark Samus to the Queen Metroid, every one of them is ranked, so let us know what you agree and disagree...
Our Final Hopes for Echoes of Wisdom in The Zelda Cast Episode 336!
We are one week away from the newest entry into the Zelda series, so this week, a reunited Andy and Al go over all the things that they are hoping Echoes of Wisdom includes! On the talking block this week: dungeon structure and a more linear progression, fun and intricate sidequests and collectables, outfits from Zelda’s past for Princess Zelda, the rise of a new and awesome villain, amiibo releasing down the road, a killer soundtrack, and so much more! All this, PLUS we touch on some Switch...
Link's Top Love Interests + The Best Zelda Announcements Of All Time (PATREON UNLOCK) in The Zelda Cast Episode 335!
The gang are away this week, but never fear! We have a Patreon unlock for you! in an episide that originally aired in February of 2024, Andy and Al talk all things LOOOOVEEE as we count down the top love interests that Link has had in the series (sorry guys, no Sidon, though we tried), from the fun and cute flings to the heartbreaking romances that destiny just wouldn’t allow.
Echoes of Wisdom
It was a busy week for Nintendo, as in addition to putting on Zelda-themed booth at PAX West, they also dropped a new Echoes of Wisdom trailer showing off tons of new footage and abilities! We’re joined by our good friend Corey Richmond this week as we break down the trailer and give our thoughts and takeaways; we go over the Still World, the void that only Zelda and Tri can enter; discuss our excitement for the return of traditional dungeons; and debate if the Swordfighter ability was truly...
Tears of the Kingdom
We’re back for part two of our Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom hot takes (and a few Age of Calamity ones in there too!). This week, we’re tackling subjects like: was Yunobo the best character across the Wild era games? Do the Divine Beast dungeons offer a more welcoming for new players puzzle experience? Was it disappointing the Pirates in Lurelin were just Moblins? Are Remote Bombs the best rune/ability? Is Colgera seriously the most disappointing boss in the game?
We React To Your Tears of the Kingdom Hot Takes in The Zelda Cast Episode 331!
One of our favorite segments returns this week! We asked for YOUR spiciest hot takes regarding Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and boy oh boy, you guys delivered, SO MUCH SO that this will be PART 1 of a two part episode! We’re reacting to all sorts of takes, including: is Tears a great experience, or just glorified DLC? Is Cece’s Mushroom hat better than the Couples Mask? Would Kohga have been a better choice of villain than Ganondorf?
The Zelda Cast Top Tens: The Best NES Enemies + Our Favorite Animal Companions!
We’re back for another fun episode this month! I’m joined by Legend Tier Patron Tony again to tackle a couple of fun subjects! First, we dive into our top ten NES enemies (just the common folk, no bosses!) and discuss everyone from the usual suspects – Darknuts, Lynels, Patras – to the more obscure picks – we don’t want to give any away! Next up, we’re talking about our favorite animal companions in the series – no prizes for guessing who came out at number one, but we had a blast! Come let...
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