Rpg Fan's Random Encounter

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

On this episode of Random Encounter, Greg is back! Greg and Jono reunite for Thanksgiving (despite both of them being Canadian) to talk about the fun of Final Fantasy-themed battle royales (Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier), the joys of retro-style adventure game throwbacks (Obduction), the excitement of unsubstantiated rumors (Chrono Cross remake), and the delights of visual novels! Plus, there is some big, big news about the future of Random Encounter moving forward! Happy Thanksgivings! Featuring: Jono Logan, Greg Delmage; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Rhythm Encounter 72 – Game Music ConcertsChrono CrossFinal Fantasy VII The First SoldierRPGFan’s Essential Visual Novels

On this episode of Random Encounter, our panel descends deep into Dracula's Castle to deliver their thoughts about the recent Castlevania Advance Collection.Between 2001 and 2003, Konami released three Castlevania titles for the Game Boy Advance (Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance, and Aria of Sorrow). These games revived the Symphony of the Night-style of 2D-exploration gameplay and cemented the term "Metroidvania" in our minds forever. In this episode, Jono and Mike get a chance to dive back into some fond GBA memories while Audra and Niki get to experience the Castlevania universe for the first time! Plus, we finally get a definitive answer to the question, is the double jump the best upgrade in video game history?Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Niki Fakhoori, Mike Sollosi; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Castlevania Advance Collection ReviewCupid Para

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're dipping our toes into some games highly inspired by the 80s and 90s!Abe is here to talk about the surprisingly excellent Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, waxing rhapsodic about its superb story and incredible 80s soundtrack! Then, Niki dives into the earliest era of the SNES with the surprise remake of the cult-favorite hybrid side-scroller/city-builder title, Actraiser Renaissance. And finally, Jono dips into the spirit of the 90s with Kathy Rain: Director's Cut, a remake/remaster of the 2016 indie point-and-click adventure game. Featuring: Jono Logan, Niki Fakhoori, Abraham Kobylanski; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy ReviewActraiser Renaissance ReviewKathy Rain: Director’s Cut Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talkin' Tales!RPGFan's recent feature "So You Want to Get Into the Tales Series..." took a deep dive into dozens of Tales games to help you find your best entry point. This week, we have the author of that feature, Wes Iliff, and Tales superfan, Steph Sybydlo, to talk about their experiences with the games and where YOU should start if you want to get into the beloved long-running series! Featuring: Jono Logan, Wes Iliff, Stephanie Sybydlo; 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 Tales Series...Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition ReviewTales of Berseria ReviewTales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World ReviewTales of Arise ReviewWashington Post: The video game review process is broken. It’s bad for readers, writers and games.

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's the latest Yakuza Encounter! Jono is super excited to dive into the newest spinoff Yakuza game, Lost Judgment, with Caitlin, and learn more about otome games (including Olympia Soirée) with Niki!Plus, the panel takes a look at some of the most exciting RPG Nintendo Direct news from last week, as well as come up with a definitive answer to the age-old question, "Which is the best video game animal?" Their answers may surprise you! (Hint: It's cats. It's always cats.)Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, Niki Fakhoori; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Lost Judgment ReviewOlympia Soirée ReviewDefining Joseimuke, and Attempting to Define OtomeYakuza Is For Men | GC Vazquez YouTube Video

On this episode of Random Encounter, Abe takes two trips to Eastern Europe for the reviews of Black Book and Chernobylite, Pete takes a trip back in time to experience the glories (???) of the 3DO, and Jono ends his trip and is finally back home in Toronto!Plus, let's take a look at some of the big announcements from the recent PlayStation presentation! Will the KotOR Remake still be an RPG? Will Tiny Tina's Wonderlands be a turn-based RPG? Could Deathloop actually be an RPG? (No, sadly, but we're going to be playing it anyway!)Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, Pete Leavitt ; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Black Book ReviewChernobylite ReviewWorld FlipperKnights of the Old Republic RemakeTiny Tina's Wonderland

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono tells us that he and the gang are taking a trip down to the lake to gossip about their new boyfriends/weapons. And by that, we assume he means that they're talking about the new mail-delivery simulator, Lake, and the dating sim/dungeon crawler, Boyfriend Dungeon!Plus, Caitlin is here to talk about a game that ISN'T Final Fantasy XIV (Fantasian Part II), Audra is exploring outer space in OPUS: Echo of Starsong, and Jono is eagerly awaiting Greg's triumphant return to Random Encounter!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:Boyfriend Dungeon ReviewOPUS: Echo of Starsong ReviewLake ReviewFantasian (Part One) Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, our panel discusses if The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can be redeemed on the Switch, if NieR Re[in]carnation can convince Alana to like gacha games, and how the new audio-based RPG, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown, completely blew our minds! Plus, we have some big news about the future of Random Encounter... (Don't worry, we're just changing our time slot)!Featuring: Jono Logan, Alana Hagues, Audra Bowling, Quinton O'Connor; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD ReviewNieR Re[in]carnation ReviewAmbition: A Minuet in Power ReviewThe Vale: Shadow of the Crown ReviewDreamscaper Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we discuss the release of the Pixel Remaster NES-era Final Fantasy games! Brian is delving into the origins of the series with the first Final Fantasy, Audra is braving the controversial SaGa-esque Final Fantasy II, and Zach is blowing through airships like a madman in the final NES entry, Final Fantasy III. How do they hold up today? And with Greg on vacation, can anyone stop Jono from changing the show to Yakuza Encounter?! Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, Audra Bowling, Zach Wilkerson; 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 Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're discussing some of July's hottest releases! Zach is looking into the past and future in Cris Tales, Cory is hunting some Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, Greg is channeling his inner cat-farmer in Kitaria Fables, and Jono is screaming Objection at any random person who walks by in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles!Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jono Logan, Zach Wilkerson, Cory Tischbein; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Cris Tales ReviewCris Tales Video ReviewMonster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin ReviewKitaria Fables PreviewThe Great Ace Attorney Chronicles ReviewDai Gyakuten Saiban: Naruhodō Ryūnosuke no Bōken ReviewOverboard!

On this episode of Random Encounter, we bring in a pinch hitter! While your usual hosts take a break, we have some interviews from LudoNarraCon 2021 that went down back in April. Eva Padilla was in attendance and snagged some interviews. So, enjoy the chats with Eve Golden-Woods and Fernando Melo!Featuring: Eva Padilla, with Special Guests: Eve Golden-Woods, Fernando Melo; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:LudoNarraConDOUBLE BLIT GAMESIf Found... Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we pore over the gorgeous book recently released from Bitmap Books, A Guide to Japanese Role-Playing Games with Hilary and Steph. Greg has returned to Legend of Mana much to his delight and shares his thoughts on the updates Square Enix brings to the remaster. An awesome listener question and plenty of asides polish another episode for your listening pleasure!Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff, Steph Sybydlo; Edited by Jono Logan and Greg DelmageGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Legend of ManaQueeR Replicant: Confronting Sexuality and Identity through Kainé and Emil in NieR ReplicantSo you want to get into The Trails Series… [Revised]Pride & Progress: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Representation in RPGsScarlet NexusDeath end re;QuestFamicom Detective Club: The Missing HeirRWBY: Grimm Eclipse – Definitive EditionFinal Fantasy XIV: Shadowbring