Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going virtual! First, Caitlin examines the origins of a virtual band in the music biopic game, We Are OFK. Then, Brian steps into a virtual fantasy world in one of the only full-scale JRPGs available on VR platforms, RuinsMagus. And finally, Jono is back in Nova Scotia and is trying to teach his Mom how to play video games. It's... not going great, but there is always hope! Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, Brian Mackenzie; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:We Are OFK Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going handheld with two highly anticipated RPGs for the Nintendo Switch...First, Izzy digs into the HD-2D remake of the classic Super Famicom/Super Nintendo RPG, LIVE A LIVE. Now, not only do Western audiences FINALLY learn how the title is pronounced, but we have the opportunity to enjoy this seven-character epic with stunning graphics and remastered music! Then, both Zach and Izzy wax rhapsodic to Jono about the incredible new entry of the Xeno series, Xenoblade Chronicles 3!Featuring: Jono Logan, Izzy Parsons, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:LIVE A LIVE ReviewSo you want to get into the Xeno Series…Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 2 ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Random Book Club time!Do you know what we love almost as much as video games? Books ABOUT video games! Bitmap Books just released their third edition of The Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games, and Hilary got an exclusive first look at this incredible volume. You know what that means, right? It means that Jono and Hilary get to geek out about adventure games for an hour! No, YOU fight like a cow! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan Chapters Exclusive Review: The Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games, Third EditionYouTube: Jonathan Coulton - All This Time (Official Video)Old Skies Steam Next Fest 2022 Demo ImpressionsKathy Rain: Director’s Cut ReviewWhispers of a Machine ReviewYouTube: Double Fine Adventure

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the joy of hunting monsters!First, the panel chats about the RPGs and adventure games that caught their attention in the highly-anticipated June Nintendo Direct. Then, Jono gives Dom and Des a chance to geek out at length about the new expansion to Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak! Featuring: Jono Logan, Des Miller, Dom Kim; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Monster Hunter Rise Review (Des)Monster Hunter Rise Review (Dom)

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about sequels and demos! Zach chats about his time with AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, the new sequel to the beloved "mystery box" game. Mike shares some of his favorite RPG and adventure game demos from the 2022 Steam Next Fest. And the entire panel breaks down the big news stories of the week, including the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth announcement and the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct!Featuring: Jono Logan, Mike Salbato, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct Delivers New Trailer, Gameplay and Expansion Pass DetailsCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion Coming to All Major Platforms This WinterFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth Comes to PS5 Next Winter as Part 2 of a Trilogy

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Not-E3 time!Even though the illustrious gaming show is skipping a year, that doesn't mean there isn't a ridiculous amount of gaming news to sift through. Our panel talks about their favorite games of each day of the "show," and discusses what the future might hold for E3 and other gaming events in 2023 and beyond!Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy XVIBear and BreakfastMarvel’s Midnight SunsOne Piece OdysseyHonkai: Star RailGotham Knights9 Years of ShadowsThe UnlivingSymphony of War: The Nephilim SagaSacriFirePaper Animal RPGWrestleQuestSunday GoldPersona 4 GoldenPersona 5 RoyalStarfieldPentiment

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel breaks down everything they’ve played over the last few weeks!Caitlin survives her first experience with the children of the night in Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. Audra enjoys a bit of video game nostalgia with Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers, a visual novel that celebrates the world of arcades. And Jono digs into his comfort food of Fallout 4 by adding in mods that dramatically change the way the game is played! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Caitlin Argyros; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong ReviewArcade Spirits ReviewArcade Spirits: The New Challengers ReviewFallout 4 Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about some of the best games we've played so far in May! As one of the biggest fans of the Suikoden series at RPGFan, Zach relished the opportunity to dig into Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, but did it live up to his high expectations? Sollosi revisits the past with Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2, giving him another opportunity to enjoy two tactical RPGs from his college years. And now that it's out of early access, Jono can't stop playing Rogue Legacy 2! All in all, a pretty solid mid-May for RPG gaming! Featuring: Jono Logan, Michael Sollosi, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising ReviewMakai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome ReviewZ.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman ReviewRogue Legacy 2 (Early Access) ReviewSo you want to get into The Suikoden Series…

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time for some indie goodness down on the farm!Tarah makes her first appearance on the podcast, talking about the retro farm-sim Bit Orchard: Animal Valley for the Switch. This indie homage to Harvest Moon and Game Boy apparently makes for a very relaxing time (provided that you don't need to catch any frogs)! Next, Audra returns to Random to chat about the fun, if slightly underwhelming, dungeon crawler Anuchard. And then, Jono has been plowing through RPG DLC at a rapid pace, sharing his thoughts about CrossCode: A New Home and Lost Judgment: The Kaito Files.Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Anuchard ReviewLost Judgment: The Kaito Files ReviewCrossCode: A New Home DLC Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a page from Retro Encounter and talking about some of our favorite games of the past!Tyler is here to talk about his recent feature "So You Want to Get Into the Xeno Series," a deep dive into the series that started with Xenogears on the PSX and is heading toward Xenoblade Chronicles III on the Switch this September. Izzy and Jono get into a deep discussion about Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger's freshly-localized visual novel sequel, Radical Dreamers. And in honor of its 30th anniversary, Audra has finally played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the first time (spoiler alert, she loved it)!Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:So you want to get into the Xeno series…Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition ReviewRadical Dreamers – Le Trésor Inte

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s tabletop RPGs, farms, and Zelda-likes. Oh my!Neal returns to Random to talk about the recent Borderlands spinoff, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Brian shares his thoughts about how Rune Factory 5 has advanced the series, and Greg returns to chat about Arietta of Spirits! Plus, Jono and the entire panel chats about the recent E3 cancelation and if the former giant of gaming conferences will be missed!Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, Greg Delmage, Brian Mackenzie; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands First ImpressionsRune Factory 5 ReviewFire Emblem Gaiden Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's pure chaos as the panel walks Jono through their thoughts on some of the latest RPGs!Making their first appearance on the show, Izzy is here to break down the "story of an angry man" that is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Then Niki shares her thoughts about Square Enix's latest 2D-HD entry, Triangle Strategy. And Des (another first-timer!) climbs in a futuristic mech to chat about the upcoming space strategy RPG, Relayer!Featuring: Jono Logan, Niki Fakhoori, Des Miller, Izzy Parsons; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin ReviewProject Triangle Strategy’s Invisible Feature and the Trials of Gaming while Colorblind

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel looks back to the golden age of RPGs with the Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI!We tackled the first three entries in the Pixel Remaster series (I, II, and III) back in Episode 221, but it's time to move to a new generation of console, the Super Nintendo! Cory dives into the first SNES entry, Final Fantasy IV, to see if it still holds up (it absolutely does). Alana gushes about her love of the Final Fantasy V job system and its general sense of adventure. And Audra has played Final Fantasy VI for the very first time, and (spoiler alert), she adored it!Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Alana Hagues, Cory Tischbein; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster ReviewFinal Fantasy II Pixel Remaster ReviewFinal Fantasy III Pixel Remaster ReviewFinal Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster ReviewFinal Fantas

On this emergency episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about a game that has every RPG fan buzzing: Elden Ring!The latest Souls-like masterpiece from the wizards at FromSoftware, Elden Ring looks to be the current front-runner for Game of the Year (and maybe Game of the Decade if these crazy-high review scores are to be believed). This week, Jono is talking with Bob Richardson about what makes Elden Ring's open world special, the innovations it brings to the Souls-like genre, and how the title didn't just meet, but completely blew away our expectations! Featuring: Jono Logan, Bob Richardson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Elden Ring Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two games that take place in very different types of open worlds!First up, Caitlin walks us through the expansive open world of Horizon Forbidden West, the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. Improving on the original in almost every way, Forbidden West allows you to adventure in a world full of post-apocalyptic beauty (with better climbing mechanics, thank heavens)! We then take a deep dive (literally) with Dom into the world of fishing in Moonglow Bay. Taking place on the east coast of Canada, Moonglow Bay offers a small open world of a poor fishing village that you can upgrade through hard work (and lobster traps) into a thriving community!Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, Dom Kim; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Horizon Zero Dawn ReviewHorizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds ReviewHorizon Forbidden West ReviewMoo

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to pull out our pencil-and-paper Pokédex because we're going back to when Pokémon ruled the Earth!Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest entry in the long-running Pocket Monsters series, and just about everyone is talking about how it could revitalize future titles. Our panel discusses what they think about the new semi-open world, beautiful 19th-century presentation, and apparently blood-thirsty Pokémon. We are also talking with Abe about Drinkbox Studios' newest Action RPG, Nobody Saves the World. With a Saturday-Morning-Cartoon graphic style and innovative combat, the title seems to continue Drinkbox's high standards of quality games (Have you played Guacamelee? It's pretty awesome!). Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, Joshua Lindquist, Niki Fakhoori; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Pokémon Legends: ArceusNobody

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to look at some of the best games of the previous year!RPGFan has released our annual Games of the Year feature, and this week, we're taking a deep dive. Join Jono, Alana, Brian, and Wes as they dig into the various categories, pick out their personal favorites, and (inevitably) end up adding multiple games to their backlogs for 2022! Featuring: Jono Logan, Alana Hagues, Brian Mackenzie, Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan Games of the Year 2021: Overall AwardsRPGFan Games of the Year 2021: Editors’ AwardsBravely Default II ReviewDisgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny ReviewDoki Doki Literature Club Plus! ReviewEastward ReviewFantasian (Part One) ReviewFantasian (Part Two) ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake Episode INTERmission ReviewFinal Fantasy XIV: Endwalker – 25. Review Journal Book X

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're doing a little bit of cleanup! Some super interesting games were released at the very end of 2021, and we have some folks who played them!Audra is here to talk about her experience playing both Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space and its Chrono Cross-related DLC, Complex Dream. Dom is excited to chat about the recent PC port of Monster Hunter Rise. And Neal gets to delve into an incredibly long-running Japanese-only series with Super Robot Wars 30! Plus, Jono rants a little bit about finally playing Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. (Spoiler: He doesn't love it! Shock and gasp!)Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Dom Kim, Neal Chandran; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space ReviewAnother Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space – Complex Dream ReviewMonster Hunter Rise (PC

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a look in our crystal ball to preview the games of 2022!Every December, RPGFan publishes an extensive feature focusing on the games we're most excited for in the upcoming year. And this week, we get to talk about it! Does the panel think that Final Fantasy XVI will be released in 2022 or be delayed for another year? How about Starfield? Will BOTW 2 finally get a release date and an official title? We may not have definitive answers to these questions, but we have lots of speculation!Featuring: Jono Logan, Mike Salbato, Mike Sollosi, Steven Mattern; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Square Enix Responds to Continued Final Fantasy XIV CongestionSea of Stars Confirmed for Nintendo Switch Release With New TrailerRPGFan’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of 2022Forspoken PreviewRetro Encounter 302 – The Great Ace Attorney Spoilercas

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's awards night! The Game Awards 2021 were last Thursday, and so was our recording date! The resulting episode? Pure chaos! Jono, Brian, and Niki try to talk about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl and Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition, but Mr. Geoff Keighley keeps throwing brand-new game trailers at them. Can they figure out the titles of the massive games being announced while also keeping the show on track? Well, there's a first time for everything...Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, Niki Fakhoori; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl ReviewDanganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition Review