Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

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

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're digging into all the news from the Feb 2023 Nintendo Direct!Here at RPGFan, we look forward to Nintendo Directs like children look forward to Santa Claus. The only difference is that we KNOW when the man in red is supposed to arrive, but Nintendo always keeps us guessing. Thankfully, the wait is over for the first Direct of the year, and we got a massive sack of RPG presents! This week, the panel discusses all of the big news, chats about the most recent Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem Engage, and takes a close look at One Piece Odyssey and if it's a decent way to break into the seemingly impenetrable One Piece franchise!Featuring: Jono Logan, Wes Iliff, and Brian Mackenzie; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Fire Emblem Engage ReviewFire Emblem ReviewOne Piece Odyssey Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two games: one controversial, one not!Square Enix's recent release, Forspoken, had a rough ride during its development, and it doesn't look like that ended with its release. While many think it's a perfectly fine action RPG, others feel it's a disaster. Where does Izzy fall on that spectrum? Then, Brian indulges in his love of the beat-'em-up genre with the release of the RPG-infused River City Girls 2! And finally, should dated or problematic content in remasters and re-releases of old games be discussed in reviews? Jono passionately argues, yes. And also, he should probably drink less caffeine before recording these things...Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, and Izzy Parsons; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Forspoken ReviewRiver City Girls 2 ReviewPersona 3 Portable ReviewPersona 4 Golden Revi

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel REALLY gets into talking about Marvel Comics and music!A surprise hit of 2022 was Marvel's Midnight Suns. Audra recently reviewed the supernatural-tinged strategy RPG, giving both Audra and Jono an opportunity to nerd the heck out about Marvel! Then, Mike gets a chance to chat with Audra about Coffee Talk, one of his favorite games of the last few years. And then suddenly, a wild Rhythm Encounter appears! Enjoy this brief but fun delve into the incredible music of Coffee Talk (and check out our sister podcast, Rhythm Encounter, while you're at it)!Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Marvel’s Midnight Suns ReviewCoffee Talk ReviewRhythm Encounter Archive

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two awesome RPGs released at the tail end of 2022.First up, Caitlin talks about her experience with the retro-indie JRPG, Chained Echoes. Primarily developed by a single person for the last seven years, this incredible JRPG evokes all those feelings back in the 16-bit age but with a ton of modern touches. It's simply an astonishing achievement. And Abe is here to discuss a ground-up remake of a classic Squaresoft Super Famicom TRPG that we missed out on back in the 90s, Front Mission 1st: Remake. Is it as good as the original, or does it just miss the mark? Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Abraham Kobylanski; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Chained Echoes ReviewFront Mission 1st: Remake Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the games we're most excited about in 2023!Each and every December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: a look ahead at the upcoming year. And this week on the show, our panel gets to geek out over it! What games do we think will be delayed? What games do we think are going to be disappointments? And what games will end up eating months of our lives? Find out in this week's episode! Featuring: Jono Logan, Tom Cox, Sam-James Gordon, Tin Manuel, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan's 35 Most Anticipated Games of 2023

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're catching up on some of the biggest and best RPGs over the last few weeks and months.First, Niki walks us through the bug-laden fields of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet! Then, Des flies us into the great beyond with his thoughts about Star Ocean: The Divine Force! And finally, Hilary and Jono get to geek out at the surprise drop of a brand-new game from the creators of Kingdom of Loathing and West of Loathing: Shadows Over Loathing!Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff, Niki Fakhoori, Des Miller; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Star Ocean: The Divine Force ReviewShadows Over Loathing ReviewWest of Loathing Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and Michael Sollosi team up to speak with the gang behind Zeboyd Games about their latest title: This Way Madness Lies!Robert Boyd and William Stiernberg at Zeboyd Games have been turning out innovative indie RPGs since Breath of Death VII: The Beginning in 2010. And in their latest release, This Way Madness Lies, they improbably mash up the popular Japanese anime genre of Magical Girls with the works of the English Bard himself, William Shakespeare! Somehow, Robert and Bill managed to take some time out of their hectic release-week schedule to sit down and talk with us about the origins of the game, its development, and where Zeboyd might be going from here!Featuring: Jono Logan, Michael Sollosi, Robert Boyd, William Stiernberg; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Zeboyd 2022 Reddit AMAThis Way Madness Lies Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about asexual representation in video games.A few weeks ago, RPGFan published a feature by our own Caitlin Argyros, focusing on asexual characters in RPGs. Spoiler alert: it's a pretty short list. Though queer representation has been on the rise over the last decade, the aspec community still struggles to be seen and heard in all forms of media, including gaming. This week, Jono and Caitlin discuss various types of representation in video games, the nature of roleplaying as someone who doesn't experience sexual or romantic attraction, and what the future might hold for characters on the asexual and aromantic spectrums.Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Why Representation Matters: A Look at Asexual Characters in RPGsThe Asexual Visibility and Education Network | asexualit

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and GC are taking a comprehensive look at Yakuza/Like a Dragon!Every now and then, RPGFan publishes a game primer to help newcomers get into a new series. We've covered Trails, Tales, and Xenos, and now it's time to cover Yakuza! With its recent rebranding into "Like a Dragon," the long-running Yakuza series looks to be taking another big step into its future. If you've ever wanted to sample all the delights the district of Kamurocho has to offer, then this podcast has you covered. We ask all the big questions! Where do you start? Where do you end? And most importantly: do you want to learn how to play Mahjong?Featuring: Jono Logan, GC Vazquez; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:So you want to get into The Yakuza SeriesGC Vasquez YouTube ChannelYakuza Remastered Collection for PlayStation 4 Review - YouTube VideoRGG St

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Random Book Club again!Here at RPGFan, we love our JRPGs: Tales, Trials, and everything in between. But to understand where the genre came from, we need to look back almost forty years to two legendary Japanese creators: Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest) and Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy).In the recent JRPG history book, Fight, Magic, Items: The History of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Rise of Japanese RPGs in the West, author Aidan Moher explores not just the origins of the genre but also how it evolved through the 20th and 21st centuries. This week, Jono and Hilary get the opportunity to interview Aidan about his new book, his own history with JRPGs, and where he thinks the video game book publishing industry will be going in the future! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links: Fi

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're tackling one of the biggest news weeks in recent memory!First up, we're discussing the recent Nintendo Direct, speculating about the big Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom announcement, and wondering how these 2023 release dates can possibly be coming up so fast. Then, we're embracing our inner fanboys to discuss the massive amount of Yakuza... I'm sorry, the massive amount of LIKE A DRAGON news that dropped last Wednesday! There are a ton of stories to get through, so let's get started! Featuring: Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina, Mike Sollosi; 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 Kingdom Releases on Nintendo Switch May 12th, 2023Like a Dragon: Ishin! Launches February 21st, 2023RGG Studio Announces Like a Dragon 8, Releasing in Early 2024Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Announc

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is, once again, tempted to play Final Fantasy XIV!With the release of the 6.2 patch of FFXIV, Mike is taking up the torch to try and convince Jono to create an account. Will he be successful? And Audra is here to chat about Dusk Diver 2, an anime-inspired action RPG with more than a few elements of Yakuza/Persona! Plus, Gamescom was last week, so everyone is excited to speculate about all the news from the show! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Dreams From Our Wildest Hearts: Penny Blood and Armed Fantasia Dual Developer InterviewFinal Fantasy XIV Patch 6.2 Gets New Trailer, August 23rd Release DateDusk Diver 2 Review