RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a trip back in time for a game that is from the 2000s and a game that is inspired by the 2000s!

First up, Stupid Never Dies is an action RPG from some former Capcom devs. Hmmmm... zombies in a mall? Checks out! With sick visuals, a dope soundtrack, and wack gameplay (I THINK this is how we used to talk back in the 2000s...), Stupid Never Dies certainly delivers a memorable experience. Does Mark enjoy the retro style or does he wish it was best left in the early naughts?

And then Audra is here with a remastered classic RPG from the era, Tales of Eternia Remastered! Originally released as Tales of Destiny II for the PSX (not to be confused with the actual Tales of Destiny 2 for the PS2), this was a much-loved entry of the Tales series in its day. Does it still live up to those fond 2000s memories?

And finally, EA breaks countless hearts by closing BioWare. Just a spectacular decision, EA. Did they ask themselves, "What could we do to make gamers hate us even more?" So, anyway, let's use the absolutely terrible news to chat about some of our favourite BioWare games!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Mark Roddison; Edited by George Peter

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This Episode's Related Links:
Stupid Never Dies
Tales of Eternia Remastered Review
Tales of Destiny 2 Retro Review
Mass Effect
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect: Andromeda Review
Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review
Dragon Age: Origins Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're checking out the latest entries in two long-running and beloved series.

First up, Matt is here to chat about the newest installment in the Castlevania series, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. This is not just a direct sequel to 1989's Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, but also the first real entry in the series in twelve years (eighteen if you only count the 2D entries). The team behind the game was also behind all the DLC for Dead Cells, including Return to Castlevania, so you would expect them to deliver a fantastic experience. Do they pull it off?

Then, Ben dives into the absolutely massive new Fire Emblem game for the Switch 2, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. Since its first entry on the Famicom in 1990, the Fire Emblem series has been super popular... in Japan. It wasn't until 2003's Fire Emblem for the GBA that we got a chance to try it in the West. Since then, the series has had its share of ups and downs, but it looks like it is about to see a big "up" with this latest entry!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Matt Wardell; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Review
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Review
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Review
Kotaku - Inside The Failed Fight To Unionize One Of Gaming’s Most Idealized Studios
Kotaku - Our Interview With Tim Schafer About Unionization At Psychonauts Studio Double Fine

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about one of the biggest gaming shows of the year!

Every year, RPGFan covers the biggest RPGs and adventure games to come out of the Tokyo Game Show, but this year, we had a reporter on the floor! Matt Wardell was there to check out every booth he could, play every game they’d let him, and now he is here to give us the lowdown about his full experience at TGS 2026! From Final Fantasy VII Revelation to Stranger Than Heaven, he got to play them all! And if after listening to this, you would like to hear more about his time at the show, check out the RPGFan home page for all of his articles, including some spectacular photos from the show floor!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Matt Wardell, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Persona 4 Revival Hands-On Preview: It’s Time to (Re)Make History, Yeah! | RPGFan

Stranger Than Heaven Hands-On Preview: This Oldboy Has a Few New Tricks | RPGFan

Decapolice Hands-On Preview: Dial “RPG” For Murder | RPGFan

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Hands-On Preview: What a Wonderful Night to Have a Curse | RPGFan

Flawless Abbey Hands-On Preview: To Sleep, Perchance to Dream | RPGFan

Final Fantasy VII Revelation Hands-On Preview: Once More, With Feeling | RPGFan

Blades of Mirage Hands-On Preview: Water You Waiting For? | RPGFan

Tokyo Stories Hands-On Preview: The Night is Short, Walk On Girl | RPGFan

Snack World: Reloaded Hands-On Preview: Fun to Play With, Not to Eat | RPGFan

Hellheart Breaker Hands-On Preview: | RPGFan

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the biggest games out this fall.

First up, The Blood of Dawnwalker is a long-awaited title from a new studio made up of many of the creators behind The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. And while that CD Projekt Red DNA is all over this project, it does a ton of new things that push forward the genre of open-world RPGs. Zek absolutely loved it, thinking that, in many ways, it was even better than The Witcher 3!

Then, Bob is here to talk about the new turn-based strategy Star Wars game, Star Wars Zero Company. Heavily inspired by XCOM, Zero Company is set during the Clone Wars, introducing an entirely new cast of characters (while also having some cameos from some old favorites who hate sand). Are XCOM and Star Wars a great combination? Bob certainly seems to think so!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Jerry Williams, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
The Blood of Dawnwalker Review
Star Wars Zero Company Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re talking about the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, with an expanded free trial which you can play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn…

Yeah, we’re sure that you’ve heard the marketing meme before, but here at RPGFan, FFXIV is one of the most beloved RPGs of all time (At least, the 2.0 version. 1.0 was a notorious disaster). And now that it has been released on the Switch 2, we figured this was the perfect time to take a deep dive into this critically acclaimed MMORPG (okay, fine, we’ll stop) and see why it is so loved. Mike and Caitlin, two of the most passionate FFXIV players on the site, are here to try to convince Jono to play it. Will they succeed?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Final Fantasy XIV – Review Journal 1
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – 1. Review Journal Book I: Intro
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers – 19. Review Journal Book XIX: The Dark Which Illuminates the World
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood Review
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Review
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a figurative deep dive into some DLC and a remake of a classic game!

First, Ben is following up on his glowing Pokémon Pokopia review with a look at the game's new DLC, Bubbly Basin. Just like in the base game, you play as a Ditto rebuilding society, but this time you're doing it under the sea! With a wealth of quality-of-life features, a new town, and a ton of new Pokémon, is this DLC worth buying?

Then, Hagen is making his first appearance on Random Encounter to chat about a remake of one of his all-time favorites, Gothic 1 Remake. When the original was released in 2001, it became a cult classic that is still loved today. Unlike many remakes, this one is shockingly faithful to the original! Does Hagen love it just as much now as he did way back when?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Hagen McMenemy; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Pokemon Pokopia Review
Gothic 1 Remake Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we poke Nintendo's lawyers with a stick. They don't notice.

First up, we are exploring the latest entry in a long-running series of RPG-esque board games, Culdcept Begins! This soft reboot of the series features a new graphical style and streamlined gameplay. But does its Monopoly-meets-Magic: The Gathering-style gameplay hit the board game nostalgic spot for Ben?

Then, Aleks is here to chat about Dusklight, a native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Obviously, this was not published by Nintendo, but as usual, fans do what Nintendon't. How are they getting away with it? It is just a launcher. You need your own original game discs in order to play the game! If you loved Twilight Princess on the GameCube or Wii and it's been years since you've gotten a chance to play it, give this incredible fan achievement a shot!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Culdcept Begins Review
Dusklight (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess) Review
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about new DLC for a game that spent over a decade in development, and another title that feels like it should have been released a decade ago.

First up, Audra is here to chat about Endless Ragnarok, the new DLC for the action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink. The base game was our "returning champion" on our most anticipated list from 2020 through 2024, and was warmly received upon release. This new expansion adds a wealth of content and gameplay that might just reignite interest in the title.

Next, Zek joins us to discuss Echoes of Aincrad, a new entry in the long-running Sword Art Online series. Based on the anime, this standalone title clearly hopes to recapture the feeling of the earliest games in the series by allowing you to create a brand-new character and introducing a fresh supporting cast. The problem is that the game feels like a subpar relic of an older RPG generation. Even as a PS3-era release, it would still fall short. Is there anything here to redeem it?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Granblue Fantasy Relink: Endless Ragnarok
Granblue Fantasy Relink Review
Sword Art Online - Hollow Fragment- Review
Echoes of Aincrad Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we have a new chapter of a beloved game and a new release from a beloved studio!

First up, Aleks is here to chat about the newly released fifth chapter of Deltarune. It sounds like we are going to be getting seven of them, so they are very much in the home stretch now! In this chapter, we see an excellent example of how Toby Fox has fun with video game genres as he tosses an entire side-scrolling action RPG in there! Does the fifth chapter of this apparent Undertale spin-off set things up for an exciting conclusion in a few years?

And then, Paul is here with the latest from Team Asano, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. The first action RPG from the HD-2D studio, it can't help but bring some Legend of Zelda comparisons with its primary-coloured hero and his fairy friend. But The Adventures of Elliot brings something to the table that The Legend of Zelda doesn't: time travel (well, I mean, if you completely ignore Ocarina of Time. And Majora's Mask. And Oracle of Ages. And...). Could Square Enix have a new hit franchise on its hands?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Deltarune
Deltarune (Chapters 1+2) Review
Deltarune (Chapters 3+4) Review
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Review

On this week's Random Encounter, the 2026 Summer Game Fest season is officially upon us!

For video game fans, mid-June is still basically early Christmas. Even though E3 is firmly in the history books, the nonstop gaming announcements haven't slowed down and, this year, there are a lot of presents under the tree for RPG fans! Our panel has been working overtime keeping up with all the major digital events, so it's time to break down our absolute favourite games from across the summer showcases including Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Persona 6, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, Matt Wardell, Stephanie Sybydlo, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

Water photo in graphic sourced from Marissa Rodriguez on Unsplash.

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This Episode's Related Links:
No Rest For The Wicked To Leave Early Access This October for PlayStation 5 and PC
Final Fantasy VII Revelation Closes Out A Meteoric Trilogy For Consoles & PC in Spring 2027
Stellar Blade: Blood Rain Brings Stylish Combat & Colossal Cityscapes In Reveal Trailer
The Wolf Among Us 2 Finally Coming in 2027 & The Wolf Among Us Remastered Revealed
Atlus Reveals Persona 6 at the Xbox Games Showcase
Fable Brings Villainy & Heroism on February 23rd, 2027 for Xbox Series, PlayStation 5 and PC
Persona 4 Revival Brings Shadows, Social Links, & More on February 18th, 2027
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Returns Fans to Hyrule on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026
School is in Session for the Next Entry in the Xenoblade Franchise, Xenoblade Genesis, in 2027
Final Fantasy Embraces HD-2D with Final Fantasy Resonance on October 22nd, 2026
New Kingdom Hearts IV Trailer Teases New Characters, Expands Game to All Major Platforms
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Commences the Heroic Games on September 17th, 2026Tales of Eternia Remastered Brings Destiny To Consoles & PC on October 16th
Vanillaware to Bring Muramasa: Revenant Blades to Consoles, and Yes, PC, in Early 2027

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're digging for some sweet, sweet caffeine!

First up, Bob is here to chat about Yacht Club Games' newest title, Mina the Hollower. Yacht Club struck gold a decade ago with their retro side-scroller Shovel Knight and its various campaigns, but since then, they've apparently been on the bubble financially. Well, that doesn't seem to be a problem anymore because Mina the Hollower appears to be a hit! This top-down, Link's Awakening-esque and Castlevania-esque soulslike currently has everyone talking, and Bob and Jono certainly can't stop chatting about it! Spoiler alert: it's absolutely fantastic!

Next, Audra and Mike are here for a steaming cup of Coffee Talk Tokyo. As the third entry in this lo-fi, relaxing visual novel series, the game moves its setting from rainy Seattle to neon Tokyo. Does the charm of Coffee Talk successfully make the jump across the Pacific?

Oh, and we also chat about our hopes for next week's Not-E3 (and be sure to stay tuned for our 2026 Not-E3 Extravaganza episode)!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Mike Salbato, and Jerry Williams; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Mina the Hollower
Coffee Talk Tokyo
Coffee Talk Review
Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Review
Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's all about the aliens!

First up, Directive 8020. The latest game in Supermassive Games' The Dark Pictures Anthology series, 8020 brings choice-based horror movie vibes into space. Pulling from the classic horror sci-fi films The Thing and Alien, did this interactive space adventure have Paul hiding behind the couch?

Then, Radical Fish Games, the maker of the retro darling CrossCode, is back with the first taste of its latest retro-looking adventure, Alabaster Dawn. Featuring stunning 2.5D pixel-art visuals, bullet-hell-inspired combat, and compelling characters, all set in a world that appears to have been invaded by aliens, Alabaster Dawn has already impressed the heck out of Bob, and it is only in early access! Is it worth picking up, even if the game is still in development?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Jerry Williams, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Directive 8020 Review
Alabaster Dawn Hands-On: Modern Retro Done Right

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking all about two older games that have recently been revitalized with new gameplay!

First up, Starfield. When it was released in 2023, it was divisive, to put it mildly. Some said it was one of the best games ever, some said it was the worst game ever, but most greeted it with a disappointed "meh." Now, Bethesda has finally released the game on PS5, along with its last expansion: the story DLC Terran Armada and the space flight gameplay revamp, Free Lanes. So, does Zek think this DLC improves the game, or is the game just as buggy as ever?

Then, one of the greatest CRPGs of all time, Pillars of Eternity, has been given a brand-new gameplay mode: turn-based combat! Originally released with real-time-with-pause combat, the addition of turn-based combat brings the game back to the very roots of its genre. Mark is a massive fan of the classic turn-based games that inspired Pillars of Eternity, such as Baldur's Gate, so what does he make of this unexpected addition to this brilliant RPG?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Mark Roddison, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Starfield Review
Starfield: Shattered Space Review
Pillars of Eternity Review
Solasta II Early Access Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking all about some of the RPGs and adventure games found at this year's PAX East!

Originally known as the Penny Arcade Expo, both PAX East and West have become long-running institutions in the video game industry. This year, our fearless editor-in-chief braved the masses and delivered a ton of articles about the event! And we have him right here on Random to chat about some of the most interesting indie games that will be coming to us in 2026 and 2027! Want to find the best of the show? Listen on (or read the articles at RPGFan.com)!

Featuring: Jono Logan and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
PAX East 2026 – Disgaea Mayhem Hands-On: Frenetic Fan Service
PAX East 2026 – High Times: Crafting Donuts & Moods
Aether & Iron Dev Interview – PAX East 2026
PAX East 2026 – Brigandine Abyss Hands-On: Hexagonal Strategy
PAX East 2026 – Spirit Rancher’s Spirit-Fueled Farming is a Refreshing Change of Pace
PAX East 2026 – Terra Nova: Legend of the Runes is a Retro JRPG to Watch
PAX East 2026 Roundup & 9 More Games to Watch

On this episode of Random Encounter, we talk about cars ramming one another and time travel. And no, for once, this isn't a Back to the Future reference (although it could be)!

First up is Matt chatting about the big grand finale of the Life is Strange franchise, Life Is Strange: Reunion (although we're sure there will be another one coming out in a few years). After the disappointment of the previous game in the series, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, fan anxiety went through the roof when it was announced the next game would be the long-awaited reunion between Chloe and Max. Does this reunion deliver?

And then Jerry is here to talk about the noir-soaked decopunk atmosphere of the new strategy RPG, Aether & Iron. It's time to explore a massive, floating version of 1930s New York as you save a dame, throw back a drink, and hit the road in strategic car combat! For the first game from the developer Seismic Squirrel, Aether & Iron absolutely punches above its weight!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Jerry Williams, and Matt Wardell; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Life is Strange: Reunion Review
Life is Strange Remastered Collection Review
Aether & Iron Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s the end of the world as we know it, and Ditto feels fine!

First up, Ben is here to chat about the latest Pokémon spin-off, Pokémon Pokopia. Man is dead, and the Pokémon rule. We don’t think that anyone expected that we’d get a post-apocalyptic Pokémon game, but it turns out that it may have been the delightful life sim we were all waiting for! Ben certainly enjoyed it!

And then Matt is here to take us to the mysterious land of Toronto, Canada, in 20XX with Scott Pilgrim EX. The sequel to the beloved 2010 beat-em-up, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: The Game, EX brings us back to the classic video-game coded world of Scott Pilgrim and Toronto, along with the amazing chiptunes of Anamanaguchi. Mixing RPG mechanics and progression with classic beat-em-up gameplay, Scott Pilgrim EX looks to stand alongside its PS3-era predecessor. Does it live up to those high expectations?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Matt Wardell; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Pokémon Pokopia Review
Scott Pilgrim EX Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about two new games that both take place on very different islands!

First, Bob is here to chat about the standalone sequel to 2023's Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse. This visual novel brilliantly mixes real-world history with folklore to create a compelling tale with a tinge of 80s nostalgia (and a CRT filter throughout)! Did Bob enjoy it as much as he enjoyed the original?

Next, Ben is here to talk about a new indie 2D Zelda-like, Under the Island. This adorable game pulls a lot from A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening while doing its own thing with a modern island setting and a hockey stick as your primary weapon (this Canadian approves). Does Ben feel like it lived up to its inspirations, or does it fall a bit short?

Finally, Jono beat Hollow Knight: Silksong, which we don't cover, but it is Silksong and he REALLY wanted to talk about it, so…

Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Jerry Williams; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse Review
Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo Review
Under the Island Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about two "old" games (though one is significantly older than the other)!

First up, Audra is here to share her thoughts on Ys X: Proud Nordics. But wait, didn't Ys X: Nordics just release in 2024? Yes, it did! But now, an even more complete version is here! Is it worth the upgrade if you bought the original? And if you are a Ys fan who hasn't played it yet, which one should you get?

Next, Patrick is here to chat about a brand-new Game Boy Color game, Infinity! But wait, didn't Nintendo stop releasing Game Boy Color games in 2003? Yes, they did! However, back in 2001, this highly anticipated tactical JRPG was cancelled by its developer because of disinterest in the old console. Thankfully, an unfinished version of the game was found in 2016, making the ROM available to everyone. And now, Incube8 Games has finally finished developing the title and has released it in the form of an actual GBC cartridge! Is Infinity a brand-new classic of yesteryear, or should it have been left in the past?

Finally, Jono shares his thoughts about the Yakuza 3 remake, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, and those thoughts are... not good.

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Patrick Gann; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Ys X: Proud Nordics Review
Ys X: Nordics Review
Infinity Review
Yakuza 3 Review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Review

On this week's Random Encounter, it's all about games featuring cause and effect!

First up, Audra is here to chat with us about the time-travelling, Souls-like sequel to 2019's Code Vein: Code Vein II. Though it can occasionally feel like being trapped in a time loop while playing against a Souls-like boss, here the time travel is very literal as you travel back to the past to change the present. Audra has had some mixed opinions on it, so is it worth the time for Souls-like fans?

And then Hilary is here to explore inkle’s newest game, TR-49. From Overboard! to 80 Days, No two inkle games are alike, and that's certainly the case here. In this narrative deduction game/audio play, you delve through the files of a World War II-era computer to find a book that could save the UK from all-out war. inkle’s incredibly detailed writing is fully on display here, but do the gameplay and presentation live up to the narrative?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Code Vein II
TR-49 Review

In our first Random Encounter of 2026, we're taking a look back at 2025!

While many would describe 2025 as a mixed bag (at best), there is no disputing that it was a banner year for video games. Not only did we finally get two of the most anticipated sequels of all time in Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II, but also brand-new original games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and Avowed. And that isn't even mentioning the several remakes and remasters of classics like the Lunar Remastered Collection, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles.

So, join the panel as we reminisce about the best games we experienced in 2025!

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Audra Bowling, Matt Wardell and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
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Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter Review
Octopath Traveler 0 Review
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Avowed Review
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Review
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review