Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

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

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