Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

On the next Random Encounter, we're exploring the narrative horror depths of World of Horror and the deep strategic and colorful layers of Wargroove 2.First, Bob Richardson will guide us through World of Horror. With its unique 1-bit artistic style and roguelike narrative structure, does the game offer a lasting experience that keeps players coming back for more? Following that, Ben Love will share his thoughts on Wargroove 2. The game brings new gameplay mechanics and thematic elements to the table, but does it manage to build on the success of its predecessor and meet the high expectations of fans?To round out the episode, we'll address a reader question about the increasing presence of RPG elements in games that aren't traditionally part of the RPG genre. Is this a positive development that enriches the gaming experience, or does it risk diluting what makes RPGs unique and special?Featuring: Jono Logan, Bob Richardson, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rp

On this week’s Random Encounter, Zach steps in as your host to guide us through RPGFan’s 25th-anniversary special, Revisiting RPGFan Games of the Year: Bracket Battle. Joining Zach are Audra, Jimmy, and Aleks, each bringing their own perspectives on what makes a Game of the Year truly deserving of the title. But the final choice of the best GOTY in 25 years doesn’t lie with them; it lies with you!So, tune in and get ready to cast your votes. After all, the ultimate GOTY is in your hands.Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Audra Bowling, and Jimmy Turner; Edited by Paul DennisGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Xenoblade Chronicles 3 ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake ReviewSkies of Arcadia ReviewStar Ocean: Till the End of Time ReviewMass Effect 2 ReviewThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ReviewFinal Fantasy X ReviewStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic ReviewPersona 5 ReviewFinal Fanta

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into a piece of DLC that redeems one of gaming's biggest disappointments, a Souls-like that cannot tell a lie, and a classic celebrating its 30th anniversary.First, Aleks guides us through the shadowy world of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Does this DLC redeem 2020's Cyberpunk 2077, or does it miss the mark? Following that, Noah takes us into the steampunk-inspired, puppet-filled realm of Lies of P. Does it distinguish itself in the crowded Souls-like genre, or does it deserve to be swallowed by a whale (or shark, depending on which version of Pinocchio you're familiar with)?To round out the episode, it's the 30th anniversary of the classic Squaresoft action RPG, Secret of Mana. Does it still hold its own in today's gaming landscape? As we've recently learned, regardless of your answer, it's sure to inflame opinions online!Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Noah Leiter; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comT

On this week's Random Encounter, we're delving into two recent farm-sim RPGs, exploring if they bring anything new to the genre.First, Niki takes us through the remaster/remake of the classic DS farm-sim Rune Factory 3 Special. Is there anything genuinely special about it, or should you stick with more recent entries of the series? Following that, Sam visits the enchanting universe of Fae Farm. Does it set itself apart in the saturated market of farming simulations, or do the numerous bugs salt the fields for the future of this title? Finally, our panel takes a moment to consider the influence of the original SNES Harvest Moon. How has this classic shaped the farm-sim genre, and what traces of its legacy can be found in modern titles?Featuring: Jono Logan, Niki Fakhoori, and Sam-James Gordon; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Rune Factory 3 Special ReviewRune

On this week's Random Encounter, we're blasting off to new galaxies and sailing through enchanted seas with two of the most anticipated RPGs of 2023!First, Noah navigates the cosmic expanses of Starfield, Bethesda's highly anticipated space exploration RPG. With the expectations of Skyrim in Space ringing in everyone's ears, does Starfield end up living up to the hype? Or does it end up crashing to Earth (along with crashing to our desktops)? Then, Caitlin sets sail to mysterious islands in the retro-RPG Sea of Stars. Set in the same world as The Messenger, this indie gem combines classic JRPG elements with vibrant 2D graphics. Caitlin dives into the game's unique combat system, captivating story, and unforgettable soundtrack. Does Sea of Stars shine as bright as its celestial namesake?Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Noah Leiter; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into the realms of fantasy and musical adventure!First, Abe takes on the epic challenge of reviewing Baldur's Gate III, the long-awaited CRPG sequel that brings Dungeons & Dragons to life! With intricate storytelling, deep character customization, and intense tactical combat, does it roll a nat 20? Then, Audra explores the harmonious world of Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. Combining the thrill of RPGs with the beauty of musical theatre, Stray Gods offers a unique experience filled with memorable characters and catchy tunes. Does it hit the right notes for Audra?Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Audra Bowling; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Baldur's Gate IIIBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ReviewBaldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition ReviewStray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're stepping into the wrestling ring and exploring an anti-RPG!First, Neal gets into his tights and fights for the title with WrestleQuest, a pixel RPG that echoes the golden era of professional wrestling. Filled with iconic wrestles and thrilling moves, does it pin Neal's attention? Then, Ben explores the mysterious world of 24 Killers, an anti-RPG in the style of Moon. Filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and absurd plot twists, does it live up to the classic PSX-era of anti-RPGs?Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:WrestleQuest Showcases Gameplay in Developer Walkthrough24 Killers ReviewMoon Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're looking at a lost Nintendo game, and what might become one of the greatest RPG soundtracks of all time.If you are from the West, you may not have heard of Marvelous: Another Treasure Island. This late-era SNES/Super Famicom title was never localized, but it had a massive impact on gaming history, especially for The Legend of Zelda franchise. Josh chats with us about if the game holds up today, or if it is a link best left in the past. And then Patrick is here for a mini-Rhythm Encounter to talk about a potential "Music of the Year" contender, the Octopath Traveler II soundtrack! Let's break and boost!Featuring: Jono Logan, Patrick Gann, and Joshua Lindquist; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Marvelous: Another Treasure Island ReviewOctopath Traveler II Original Soundtrack ReviewOctopath Traveler II Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're finally breaking free of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Not-E3, and Final Fantasy XVI! Time to talk about some (other) games!First up, Audra delights in the RPG crossover to end all RPG crossovers, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Probably not the game you want to try to get into the Trails series, but if you're a fan, it's a must-play. And then Peter takes a deep dive into the world of anime detectives and sexy ghosts in the new title from the creator of Danganronpa, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code.Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie ReviewSo you want to get into The Trails Series…Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about Final Fantasy XVI!It's been six years since the last numbered Final Fantasy game, but the wait is finally over, and Final Fantasy XVI has finally arrived! There's so much to talk about that we're dedicating an entire episode to it, hosted by our FFXVI reviewer, Zach! Whether you've just started the demo or have already beaten the game, there is something in this Random Encounter for everyone who is excited about this brand-new fantasy epic!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Ben Love, Caitlin Argyros, David Silbert, & Des Miller; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy XVI Review

On this week's Random Encounter, it's all about Not-E3! If you're a video game fan, Not-E3 week is like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween all rolled into one! Though a few shows are still coming up next week, the big ones are all finished, and our panel is here to discuss the massive amount of RPG and adventure game news and trailers that dropped! It's one of the biggest episodes of the year, and we've assembled a fantastic panel, so let's talk about some games!Featuring: Jono Logan, Alvin Lim, Hilary Andreff, Mike Salbato, & Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Coming Early 2024 on Two DiscsKiryu Returns As Joryu in Like a Dragon Gaiden, Launching November 9thAction RPG Sand Land Highlights Akira Toriyama’s Signature Style in Debut TrailerBaldur’s Gate III Reveals Actor Jason Isaacs To Voice Antagonist Enver Gorta

On this week's Random Encounter, we're seeing the beginnings of the Not-E3 season!If you're a video game fan, it's getting close to the most wonderful time of the year! There are slightly under two weeks until Summer Game Fest, but we still have a ton of news to discuss from Wednesday's PlayStation Showcase and Thursday's Marvelous Game Showcase, including Final Fantasy XVI, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Rune Factory 6. Join our panel to learn all about the RPGs and adventure games we will be playing in 2023 and 2024 (and heck, we might also talk about some games that aren't RPGs)!Featuring: Jono Logan, Alvin Lim, Des Miller, Izzy Parsons; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Phantom Blade Zero Announced for PlayStation 5Cat Quest: Pirates of the Purribean Drops Anchor in 2024New “Salvation” Trailer for Final Fantasy XVIFinal Fantasy XVI Preview: The First 5 HoursGranbl

On this Saturday's emergency Random Encounter, we're discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!We've assembled a panel of three people who loved Breath of the Wild, one who liked it, and one who just wasn't a fan. The plan was to meet up to talk about the entirety of TOTK, beginning to end. Unfortunately, that plan ran directly into a major roadblock, which was that TOTK has got to be one of the most massive games ever made. So, here are our 40+-hour impressions instead! Is it as good as we all hoped? Featuring: Jono Logan, Des Miller, Izzy Parsons, Joshua Lindquist, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ReviewRandom Encounter 268 - A Latte to the PastThe Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about two highly anticipated sequels (although one is slightly more anticipated than the other).First up, Jono and Mike share their initial impressions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the long-awaited direct sequel to 2017's Breath of the Wild. Does it meet their sky-high expectations? And then, Audra, Mike, and Hilary get to have a good old coffee hangout chatting about Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, the sequel to 2020's Coffee Talk. Is this new entry in the series a delicious smooth brew, or does it go down bitter? Oh, and heads up, we're posting an "emergency" Random Encounter on Saturday, May 20th for a deep dive into Tears of the Kingdom, so stay tuned for that! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Hilary Andreff, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The Legend of Zeld

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about a highly anticipated piece of DLC and a very highly anticipated remake (that we were never quite sure we would EVER see)! First up is Caitlin talking about the Horizon Forbidden West DLC, Burning Shores. In it, we visit the post-apocalyptical ruins of Los Angeles, but do Aloy's Hollywood dreams live up to Caitlin's expectations? Then, Ben fills us in about the long-delayed Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. These eagerly-awaited remakes of GBA TRPG classics, Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, look terrific, but do they deliver experiences equal to the originals?Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Caitlin Argyros; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Horizon Forbidden West: The Burning Shores Review Horizon Forbidden West ReviewAdvance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're looking at two games (technically, 11 games) that bring us fully into cyberspace!First, Peter downloads his thoughts on the new visual novel based on Disney's Tron franchise, TRON: IDENTITY. Does it capture the cyber-magic of the classic 80s film and its 2010s follow-up? Then, Abe confronts the monumental task of getting through all ten games included in the massive Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. Do these classic GBA RPGs from the early 2000s hold up today, or are they best left in the Recycle Bin of Windows XP? Finally, the entire panel gets to discuss what remastered collections they hope to see in this year's upcoming Not-E3 season! Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:TRON: IdentityMega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

On this week’s Random Encounter, we’re talking about two games that, frankly, we can’t believe exist. Many of us expect certain game series to “stay in their lane.” Mega Man is a platformer. Doom is an FPS. Metroid is, well, a Metroidvania. But when a series tries something completely different in a new genre, the results can vary in quality. Audra recently reviewed two such games, one that wildly succeeded and one that spectacularly failed. First up is The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, a game that takes the classic platforming characters and puts them into an Ace Attorney-style adventure game/visual novel. And then we are talking about Street Fighter: Duel, a mobile game that attempts to translate the classic fighting game into an RPG.Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The Murder of Sonic the HedgehogStreet Fighter: Duel

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re talking about how to introduce your children to video games, specifically RPGs.We’re far away from the 1980s, back when most parents saw video games as a “fad” or “waste of time.” Instead, parents nowadays see games as a legitimate form of entertainment at worst and an art form at best. So, how should parents today introduce their children to the world of video games? Jimmy explored this question in his recent feature, A Parent’s List of the Best Introductory RPGs for Kids, and we’re going to dive even deeper with the help of two other parents on staff, Monica and Wes. Also, childless Jono is here to “helpfully” provide his clueless point of view on parenting!Featuring: Jono Logan, Wes Iliff, Monica Rose, James Turner; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:A Parent’s List of the Best Introductory RPGs for KidsBug Fables:

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're diving into some recent non-RPG Final Fantasy spin-offs!First up, we have the first console entry in the long-running Final Fantasy rhythm game series, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. Offering over 380 songs from every Final Fantasy game (with more songs from other Square Enix series on the way), it could be the ultimate entry of Theatrhythm, but does it get Bob tapping his toes along with the music? And then, the Shinra Electric Power Company puts our EiC Mike Salbato to work cleaning instruments of death in the Final Fantasy VII Remake DLC of PowerWash Simulator. Will he manage to clean the nooks and crannies of the Scorpion Sentinel in time to stop the criminal terrorist group, Avalanche? Find out in this week's Random Encounter!Featuring: Jono Logan, Bob Richardson, Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two big recent RPGs, Octopath Traveler II and Like a Dragon: Ishin!When the original Octopath Traveler came out in 2018, we'd never seen anything like its HD-2D art style. Now, Square Enix is back with a sequel, Octopath Traveler II, that addresses many of the criticisms leveled at the game five years ago. Does Zach think that OTII measures up? And speaking of games we've been waiting years for, Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin was a samurai spin-off from the Yakuza series, never released in the West. Thankfully, that's changed with its recent remake, Like a Dragon: Ishin! Jono has been losing his mind since he got his hands on it, but does this remake of a pre-Yakuza 0 entry of the series stand up to more modern games?Featuring: Jono Logan, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Octopath Traveler II Revi