Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

On this week's Random Encounter, let's head to the bazaar and see what the RPGFan stall has in stock!First up, Niki is here to chat about Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar was a beloved entry in this long-running series on the Nintendo DS. Does this remake (with some updated branding) live up to the memories of the original?Then, Neal is here to share his thoughts about Quartet, a new retro-style JRPG from the developer of Shadows of Adam. While it looks like a pretty standard SNES JRPG on the surface, it is the mature storytelling and more modern mechanics that set it apart. If you miss the days of the SNES, this might be an RPG you'll want to check out!And finally, the entire panel shares what they are most excited about that was announced at Gamescom 2025!Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, and Niki Fakhoori; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomF

On this week's Random Encounter, we're discussing a mobile-based gacha spinoff of a beloved JRPG and a Wii U classic that has finally made its way to a modern console!Persona 5 has more than its share of spinoffs, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, and Persona 5 Tactica, and now there is a new game to add to the list: Persona 5: The Phantom X. This mobile and PC game is a full-fledged JRPG, but one with dozens of gacha mechanics in the way of a smooth gameplay experience. Was Audra able to get over these revenue traps to enjoy the solid game beneath?And then Ben is here to talk about the first 100 in RPGFan history: Xenoblade Chronicles X! This classic JRPG was released on the Wii U, where no one really played it (but to be fair, no one really played the Wii U either). But now it's available on the Nintendo Switch, so no one has an excuse not to play this spectacular early entry in the long-running, beloved Xenoblade series! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, an

On this week's Random Encounter, we're playing an updated classic, a spin-off of a modern classic, and talking about the weirdest game I have heard of in a long time!First up, Mark is taking off his nostalgia goggles to give the recent remaster of the CRPG classic Neverwinter Nights 2 an updated look! Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition follows many other enhanced editions of classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale. Does this new version live up to his fond memories of the original?Then, Sean is here to chat about the newest entry in the AI: The Somnium Files series, No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files. Does it live up to his expectations of the series so far, or did it lull him to sleep unlike poor Kaname Date?Oh, and then we talk about an insane horse-girl-gacha game for a while because I honestly can't believe this thing exists! Featuring: Jono Logan, Mark Roddison, and Sean Cabot; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpg

On this week's Random Encounter, we're back to business as usual! Not-E3 and the release of the Switch 2 hit us like a hammer. But now that things have finally settled down, it's time to chat about some games!First up, Aleks gets a chance to talk up the long-awaited Chapters 3+4 of Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale, Deltarune! Chapters 1+2 released in 2018 and 2021 respectively, so for folks out there starved for Fox's trademark meta-narratives and ear-delighting music, these new chapters are a balm to the SOUL.Then, Zek is here to talk about the new remaster of the PS2-era Atlus action RPG, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, now titled RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army! Now with improved graphics, a revamped combat system, and a slightly shorter title, will fans of Atlus' modern output like Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio find anything to love in this film-noir, detective-styled world? Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Zek Lu; Edited by

On this week's Random Encounter, we've finally recovered from Not-E3, so now it's time to talk about the Switch 2!Nintendo's long-awaited follow-up to the Switch has finally released and, surprise, it's still the Switch! The Nintendo Switch 2 is burning up the sales charts and already consuming countless hours of folks' time. That said, there has been some controversy, including limited launch titles, 'digital' physical game cards, and major battery issues. Tune in as Jono chats with Tom and Paul about their experiences with the Switch 2 thus far and where they hope the console will go in the future!Featuring: Jono Logan, Tom Cox, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Random Encounter 324 – Not-E3 2025 Extravaganza!RPGs Coming This Week, 6/1/25

On this week's Random Encounter, the Summer Game Fest (AKA Not-E3) season is officially upon us!For video game fans, this period is like early Christmas. With nonstop gaming announcements, there is something for everyone! This week, our panel has been working hard keeping up with all the major events, so it's time to share our favourite games from across the showcases! Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Mike Salbato, Stephanie Sybydlo, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RGG Studio’s Project Century is Now Stranger Than Heaven in Summer Game Fest TeaserCode Vein II Revealed, Coming 2026Lies of P: Overture Available Now for Consoles, PCBlighted is Drinkbox Studios’ Newest Metroidvania, Releasing 2026Atomic Heart II Reveal Showcases Open-World Firefights, Mutant Wildlife & RobotsMina the Hol

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Zek Lu, Tin Manuel, and Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Zach WilkersonGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ReviewClair Obscur: Expedition 33 Soundtrack Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic!First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it lives up to this universal acclaim?And then, Matt revisits a childhood favorite filled with nostalgia: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. It boasts some excellent quality-of-life changes and a fresh coat of paint while still keeping the wonderful "jank" of the original. Will this remaster live up to Matt's cherished memories of the original?Featuring: Jono Logan, Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX!First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven?And then, Zach is here to chat about a series very near and dear to us here at RPGFan: Lunar! The Lunar Remastered Collection is finally out, packaging Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar: Eternal Blue Complete in one package! Zach has played through both games many times, but did the new quality-of-life features enhance his experience?Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads:

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week!First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT. Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world?Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everything we hoped for, but there could be some warning signs for this new console as we move further into 2025. Tariffs, presales, and bear (markets), oh my.Featuring: Jono Logan, Dom Kim, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:AI LIMIT ReviewNintendo Switch 2 Direct RPG RundownDeltarune Chapters 1-4 Will Launch on June 5th [UPDATE]Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Releases This Winter on Switch 2Bravely Default: Fl

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop!Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series!Tom also recently played the latest game from The Stanley Parable's Davey Wreden, Wanderstop. What appears to be a simple cozy game on the surface is actually a deep and thoughtful meditation on how to recover from burnout (something I think many of us can relate to, given the last few years). Will it appeal to both fans of the genre and those who are looking for a more narrative-based experience?And finally, Jono gets to chat about an amazing new visual novel from the geniuses at inkle, Expelled! An Overboard! Game. This follow-up to 2021's Overboard! might be the perfect sequel, delivering everything that made the or

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series!First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but does it live up to their hopes?Then, Zek chats about the excellent (though slightly light on content) new entry in the Monster Hunter franchise: Monster Hunter: Wilds. The series has become more and more popular in the West with every entry. Will this new game make a similar impression on the fanbase?Finally, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that came out of nowhere in 2024, is nearing release in April. Zek played through the demo, and it sounds like it might just live up to, or even exceed, RPG fans' expectations!Featuring: Jono Logan, Zek Lu, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rp

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025!We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FPS perspective. Jerry is a massive Pillars fan, so does he think Avowed does Skyrim better than Skyrim?Then, Jono is here to chat about the latest Like a Dragon game, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. For the first time since the Yakuza Kiwami 2 DLC, we get to play as the Mad Dog of Shimano himself, Goro Majima. Or should we say Sea Dog, as Majima has taken up a new profession as a pirate captain. Pirate Yakuza looks wild, but does it deliver all the high-seas hijinks it promises?Featuring: Jono Logan and Jerry Williams; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rp

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian!For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glance. But don't worry because our panel is here to let you in on our maple-scented secrets.Steph is ready to virtually chat about 1000xResist, a 2024 GOTY contender from Vancouver-based developer Sunset Visitor. Matt is sailing the dead seas with Spiritfarer from Montreal-based developer Thunder Lotus Games. Jono is solving the mystery of The Crimson Diamond, created by Toronto-based solo dev Julia Minamata. And Aleks is storming the cottage of Toronto-based developer Black Tabby Games to Slay the Princess! And that's just the beginning!Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, Matt Wardell, and Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy!First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper, Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this could be the sleeper hit of 2025!Next, Paul dives into Tales of Graces f Remastered, experiencing a classic Tales game for the first time. Bandai Namco has been on a roll with Tales re-releases, and this remaster brings Tales of Graces, originally a 2009 Japan-only Wii game (and later a 2012 English PS3 release), back with updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements. With one of the best combat systems in the series, is it worth revisiting?And finally, the panel discusses Sony’s failed foray into live-service gaming. With major cancellations making headlines, what went wrong (I'll give you a hint: The answer rhymes with Portnite)?Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Fra

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases!First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to provide a much more streamlined action-RPG experience. But did Origins manage to land a successful combo on Wes?Next, Abe shares his thoughts on Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. This remaster of 2005’s PSP title Ys: The Oath in Felghana, itself a remake of 1989’s Famicom classic Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, brings the series back into the spotlight. Does it feel like a relic of the past, or does it shine as brightly as it did in the PSP’s glory days?Finally, the entire panel weighs in on the Switch 2 announcement trailer and shares their hopes for Nintendo’s new console in 2025!Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPG

On this first episode of Random Encounter for 2025, Jono is missing, and it's up to the panel to find him!Just kidding; we aren't a semi-educational game from the 1990s. Jono has bronchitis this week, so it's up to the brand-new full-time host of Retro Encounter, Zach Wilkerson, to fill in for him!Joining Zach is Neal, who is chatting about the recent remake of one of the first RPG indie hits ever: Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated. Released on Xbox Live Arcade back in 2011, Zeboyd Games' original Breath of Death VII delivered a fun, retro-style JRPG with nostalgic 8-bit graphics. This remake updates the visuals to stunning 16-bit while also delivering a brand-new soundtrack from HyperDuck SoundWorks! Does this remake live up to the original?Audra is also joining the panel to chat about the Ace Attorney-inspired adventure Paper Perjury. With delightfully pixelated graphics and compelling mysteries galore, did Paper Perjury have Audra standing up, pointing her finger, and screaming "Objection?"Fea

In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025!Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year?From Avowed to the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, it's time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our excitement for what 2025 has in store!Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, Kyle Cantelon, Wes Iliff, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of 2025

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2024!After a few rocky years, The Game Awards have finally hit their stride for their 10th anniversary. There were some astonishing reveals, wonderful tributes, and a surprising amount of empathy for those struggling in today's gaming industry. With announcements ranging from the epic (The Witcher IV) to the epically unexpected (Elden Ring Nightreign) this show had it all. All in all, it was a pretty fun three-plus hours!With so much to talk about, we've assembled a panel ready to dive into the details of the show and chat about all the games that have us excited for 2025 and beyond!Featuring: Jono Logan, Claton Stevenson, Gio Castillo, and Tin Manuel; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Ōkami Sequel Revealed; Hideki Kamiya to Reprise Director Ro

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about previews of two games we're excited for in 2025!First up is a hands-on preview of Obsidian's newest first-person RPG, Avowed. A spin-off from the beloved Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is being presented as Obsidian's answer to Skyrim. That said, it has an identity all its own, avoiding the full-on open world for a series of expansive zones, similar to their previous RPG, The Outer Worlds. Mark got a chance to play through some of the early game, and he is excited to share his impressions!Next, we sent Zek all the way down to LA for a hands-on preview of Path of Exile 2, the sequel to the long-running, free-to-play action RPG, Path of Exile. What started as a Diablo-clone has evolved into a game with a massive community of fans who support the game through cosmetics and other ethical in-app purchases. Does this sequel live up to the standard set by the original, or did they literally sell out? Zek thinks it's the latter, and we hope so too!Featurin