The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Launch Trailer RPGFan 2026-09-21 | The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Launch Trailer
Random Encounter Podcast 327 - My Kingdom for a Horse (Girl Game) RPGFan 2025-07-21 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition Review (rpgfan.com/review/neverwinter-nights-2-enhanced-edition) No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files Review (rpgfan.com/review/no-sleep-for-kaname-date-from-ai-the-somnium-files)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 162 - A Very Nintendo Summer RPGFan 2025-07-20 | The Switch 2 is here! Is what we would have opened with had this episode gone up on time. Still, Nintendo's latest is the newest console on the market and it's doing pretty well, so we gathered up some fans of Nintendo music for this one. To try something new and to celebrate a wider range of Nintendo music history, each panelist was allowed to choose one non-RPG song, which resulted in a great episode of both expected and unexpected musical choices.Even branching out like this barely scratches the surface of Nintendo's long music history, but we gotta start somewhere! If you're still reading this, we both know there's only one way to kick this off: Let's-a-go!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Gio Castillo, Matt Wardell, Tom Cox; Edited by Mike SalbatoTracklistBlock of Affection0:27:38 - Because I Love You (Keiichi Suzuki, arranged by Kenji Kondo) - Mother 1+20:31:01 - Caring (Kazuki Komai) - Fire Emblem EngageGiants and Monsters0:47:24 - Yellow Giant (2023 Remaster) (Tatsuhiko Asano) - Doshin the Giant0:49:54 - Ecruteak City (Go Ichinose) - Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilverButter Galaxy1:16:46 - Gusty Garden Galaxy (Mahito Yakota) - Super Mario Galaxy1:19:10 - Butter Building (Tomoya Tomita, Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando) - Kirby's Epic YarnFrom the Stars1:38:08 - Title (Kenji Yamamoto) - Metroid Prime1:40:16 - Fight Against Smithy (Yoko Shimomura) - Super Mario RPG (Remake)2:09:40 - Tom's Bonus Track! Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/07/20/rhythm-encounter-162-a-very-nintendo-summer) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 464 - Breath of Fire II Part I RPGFan 2025-07-17 | It is podcasts.On this week's episode, two old veterans and one newcomer dive into the 1995 SNES RPG Breath of Fire II. A game known for its brutal grind and maybe even more brutal localization, some of the panelists still have a soft spot for it all these years later. Is the localization really that bad? How does the gameplay hold up? Do we ever get new dungeon music? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mike Salbato, Matt Wardell; Edited by Paul DennisOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 161 - Mobile RPG Music Medley RPGFan 2025-07-07 | Say what you want about your average mobile game, but there are a growing number of great RPGs you can play on your phone. Sure, some have hostile gacha mechanics, and many of the best get shut down eventually, but the care, budget, attention, and talent that goes into some mobile RPG soundtracks is no less than their console or PC brethren. In some cases, it's even tragic (or tragedic...) that we may only have a collection of music to remember some games by. So join us today as we cover a bunch of music for games that rarely, if ever, make their way into typical episodes of Rhythm Encounter!(Please note this episode was recorded far in advance of publication, so the notes about recent episodes of our other podcasts are outdated, but you should listen to them anyway!)Featuring: Mike Salbato, Patrick Gann, Audra Bowling, Pete Leavitt; Edited by Jono LoganLinks for this episode • Smoke Signals at Sea transcribed by (youtube.com/watch?v=TiOnt1ZP8TQ) k l e i a クレイア (youtube.com/@kleia_music) : YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=TiOnt1ZP8TQ) • Sarah Brightman Interview on Love and Deepspace: YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=BNu_EMarlSk) TracklistWhat's in a Name, Anyway?0:09:54 - Smoke Signals at Sea (Yasunori Nishiki) - Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent OST vol.20:13:20 - Tragedic Paramours (Shunsuke Tsuchiya) - Another Eden OST 2Boisterous Relaxation0:30:30 - The story so far (Shuhei Naruse, perf. Chisato Akita) - The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel - Northern War0:34:44 - Jinzhou (maybe jixwang) - Wuthering WavesHeartbreak Block0:51:50 - Smooth White (Takeharu Ishimoto, Devin Kinoshita) - Final Fantasy Record Keeper OST Vol. 50:56:08 - Entrance: Celestial Fulcrum (Kenji Ito, arr. Kohei Tanaka, perf. Ayano Nonomura) - Romancing SaGa Re;univerSeFlow and Deepspace1:12:47 - Whence the Flow Cometh / Springvale I (Yu-Peng Chen) - Genshin Impact1:14:12 - Love and Deepspace (Sarah Brightman) - Love and Deepspace1:39:23 - Pete's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/07/07/rhythm-encounter-161-mobile-rpg-music-medley) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 463 - Fallout: New Vegas Part II RPGFan 2025-07-03 | You hear that? Richie Marcus likes Retro Encounter!In today's episode, the panel gets back together to discuss the second half of Fallout: New Vegas. Our conversation covers The Strip, the endgame, the DLC, and of course, Richie Marcus. Does The Strip live up to its name? Which ending did we pick? Who among us takes up cannibalism? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Audra Bowling, Aleks Franiczek, Jono Logan, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 326 - Back to Business as Usual RPGFan 2025-06-30 | 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 Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Deltarune (Chapters 1+2) Review (rpgfan.com/review/deltarune-chapters-12) RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army Review (rpgfan.com/review/raidou-remastered) Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army Review (rpgfan.com/review/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-raidou-kuzunoha-vs-the-soulless-army)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 160 - Foliage Ocean: The Second Story RPGFan 2025-06-23 | It's been nearly nine years since we published our first episode about RPG forest music (rpgfan.com/2016/08/25/rhythm-encounter-37-foliage-ocean-in-st-louis) , so it is high time we revisited the topic! Forest music comes in several varieties, from contemplative to mysterious, upbeat to foreboding, and many more. Today's long-awaited episode covers RPG music with a real range, both in terms of styles but also in that the games span many years, between 1995 and 2022! Give it a listen and let us know what some of your favorite forest music is.Also, an important note to our listeners: We apologize for the delay in publishing this episode! We have recently been short staffed in the audio editing department. So while we have continued to record Rhythm Encounter episodes during this unplanned hiatus, it has taken longer than planned to edit them. We are hoping to be back on our regular bi-weekly schedule starting here, though! We appreciate your patience, and hey, if you or anyone you know would want to help us with editing our podcasts, let us know (rpgfan.com/contact) ! And thank you to Jono Logan for stepping in to edit!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Gio Castillo, Audra Bowling; Edited by Jono LoganLinks for this episode • Rhythm Encounter 37 – Foliage Ocean in St. Louis (rpgfan.com/2016/08/25/rhythm-encounter-37-foliage-ocean-in-st-louis) • Hylics 2 OST on Bandcamp (masonlindroth.bandcamp.com/album/hylics-2-original-soundtrack) TracklistArboreal Aspirations0:09:04 - In the Deep Woods (ConcernedApe) - Stardew Valley0:11:08 - As I Feel, You Feel (Nobuo Uematsu) - Final Fantasy V: Dear FriendsBacon & Eggs0:33:03 - Starting Over (Naoshi Mizuta, perf. by Joelle) - Final Fantasy XIII-20:38:20 - Secret of Forest (Yasunori Mitsuda, arr. by Guido - Hiroshi Hata and Kalta Ohtsuki) - Chrono Trigger: The Brink of TimeGreat Silence1:04:50 - Silence of the Forest (Revo) - Bravely Default1:09:15 - Dungeon1 The Great Forest (Takashi Tsuzuki and Seitaro Tsuzuki) - Eiyuden Chronicle: RisingDevilish Visitors1:22:26 - A Visitor in the Forest (Marika Suzuki) - Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin1:24:18 - Devil Forest (Hiroyuki Yanada) - Last Bible III1:45:11 - Audra's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/06/23/rhythm-encounter-160-foliage-ocean-the-second-story) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 462 - Deus Ex RetroSpective RPGFan 2025-06-19 | We always love to celebrate birthdays here at Retro Encounter, and one of our all-time favourite RPGs/immersive sims has a big one coming up! Deus Ex is turning 25 years old! In honour of this momentous occasion, we've assembled a panel of fans to chat about each entry in the series. Whether you're a fan of the original Deus Ex, the two more recent games Human Revolution or Mankind Divided, or maybe even Invisible War, we have you covered in this retrospective. Oh, and don't forget to check out the brand-new retro reviews of each game on RPGFan.com!Featuring: Jono Logan, Patrick Gann, Pete Leavitt, Matt Wardell, and Tom Naylor; Edited by Jono LoganOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 325 - Time for a Switch 2! RPGFan 2025-06-16 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Random Encounter 324 – Not-E3 2025 Extravaganza! (rpgfan.com/2025/06/09/random-encounter-324-not-e3-2025-extravaganza) RPGs Coming This Week, 6/1/25 (rpgfan.com/2025/06/01/rpgs-coming-this-week-6-1-25)
Random Encounter Podcast 324 - Not-E3 2025 Extravaganza! RPGFan 2025-06-09 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:RGG Studio’s Project Century is Now Stranger Than Heaven in Summer Game Fest Teaser (rpgfan.com/2025/06/06/rgg-studio-stranger-than-heaven-teaser) Code Vein II Revealed, Coming 2026 (rpgfan.com/2025/06/06/code-vein-ii-is-coming-in-2026) Lies of P: Overture Available Now for Consoles, PC (rpgfan.com/2025/06/06/lies-of-p-overture-available-now-for-consoles-pc) Blighted is Drinkbox Studios’ Newest Metroidvania, Releasing 2026 (rpgfan.com/2025/06/06/blighted-launches-2026) Atomic Heart II Reveal Showcases Open-World Firefights, Mutant Wildlife & Robots (rpgfan.com/2025/06/07/atomic-heart-ii-reveal) Mina the Hollower to Bring Spooky 8-Bit Action on October 31st (rpgfan.com/2025/06/07/mina-the-hollower-to-launch-october-31st) Moonlighter 2 Trailer Details Dynamic 3D Action & Shopkeeping Strategy (rpgfan.com/2025/06/07/moonlighter-2-trailer-3d-action) Dosa Divas to Stir Up Trouble and Serve It in 2026 (rpgfan.com/2025/06/07/dosa-divas-serving-it-in-2026) Here’s Our First Look at TOEM 2’s Gameplay (rpgfan.com/2025/06/07/first-look-at-toem-2-gameplay) Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School Announced at Summer Game Fest (rpgfan.com/2025/06/08/escape-academy-2-back-2-school) Neverway is a Spooky Take on Life Sims (rpgfan.com/2025/06/08/neverway-day-of-the-devs-2025) OFF To Launch Digitally on Switch, PC on August 15th (rpgfan.com/2025/06/08/off-launch-on-switch-pc-on-august-15th) Persona 4 Revival Teaser at Xbox Games Showcase 2025 (rpgfan.com/2025/06/08/persona-4-revival-xbox-games-showcase-2025)
Retro Encounter Podcast 461 - Fallout: New Vegas RPGFan 2025-06-05 | You know, I tried to measure my charisma on Retro Encounter once. The microphone burst into flames.On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we're chatting about the opening hours of the 2010 Obsidian classic Fallout: New Vegas. Can the host finally get his head around a WRPG? Do any of us actually do the main quest? Is Fisto the greatest character in an RPG? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Audra Bowling, Aleks Franiczek, Jono Logan, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Release Date and Hands on Preview! #dragonquest #releasedate #squareenix RPGFan 2025-05-27 | Full Written Preview - rpgfan.com/2025/05/27/dragon-quest-i-ii-hd-2d-remake-hands-onRPGFan Links:Instagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.socialFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomTwitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancomThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZv
Random Encounter Podcast 323 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Spoilercast RPGFan 2025-05-26 | 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 (rpgfan.com/game/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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review (rpgfan.com/review/clair-obscur-expedition-33) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Soundtrack Review (rpgfan.com/music-review/clair-obscur-expedition-33-original-soundtrack)
Retro Encounter Podcast 460 - Top 10 90s RPGs RPGFan 2025-05-22 | This podcast are sick.This week on Retro Encounter, we do the impossible: try to create a top 10 list for 90s RPGs. Does the best game finish at the top? Do we have anything except JRPGs on our list? Did we leave out your favorites? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Alana Hagues, Jimmy Turner; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Raidou Remastered Hands-On Preview: Remaster or Remake? A Bit of Both! RPGFan 2025-05-20 | RAIDOU Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army PreviewWritten Article - rpgfan.com/2025/05/20/raidou-remastered-hands-onRPGFan Links:Twitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancomBlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZv#atlus #raidou #atluswest #shinmegamitensei
Retro Encounter Podcast 459 - Suikoden II Revisited RPGFan 2025-05-08 | Listeners. Do you want...our podcast?On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, four of our panelists take a deep dive into Suikoden II. Who defends Jowy? Is Shu still be the best? How much Neclord hate can the host take? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Paul Dennis, Aleks Franiczek, Rob White; Edited by Paul DennisOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 322 - Clairly Oblivious RPGFan 2025-05-05 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review (rpgfan.com/review/clair-obscur-expedition-33) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review (rpgfan.com/review/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered) MattWardellWrites (mattwardellwrites.wordpress.com)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 159 - Press Start Again: More RPG Title Screen Music RPGFan 2025-04-28 | RPG title screens bear a heavy burden. They're one of the first things we see in a game, making them one of the best places to leave a strong first impression. And often, a key component of that is the music. Several years ago, we highlighted eight standout title screen tracks in episode 71 (rpgfan.com/2021/11/08/rhythm-encounter-71-press-start-title-screen-music) , and today, with a new panel, we're highlighting eight more! Come in and enjoy the music of several games you may know and some you likely don't. Welcome Matt to his first episode, and learn why there's an Elvis song in our links below, in this jam-packed episode of, well, jams!As a side note, this episode's publish date was moved back, so some of the info near the end about Random Encounter and Retro Encounter's schedule is accurate, if behind where the shows currently are.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel, Matt Wardell; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • Rhythm Encounter 61 - A Very Yoko Shimomura January (rpgfan.com/2021/01/27/rhythm-encounter-61-a-very-yoko-shimomura-january) • Rhythm Encounter 71 - Press Start: Title Screen Music (rpgfan.com/2021/11/08/rhythm-encounter-71-press-start-title-screen-music) • Square Enix: KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura (square-enix-games.com/en_EU/news/yoko-shimomura-dearly-beloved) • YouTube: Elvis Presley - Unchained Melody (live) (youtube.com/watch?v=61-RycNKdJk) • YouTube: Community Pom: Ending Theme (youtube.com/watch?v=g1zTiOWc7do) TracklistPeaceful Beginnings0:11:20 - Somnus (Instrumental Version) (Yoko Shimomura) - Final Fantasy XV0:13:46 - Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- (Yoko Shimomura) - Kingdom Hearts IIICheerful Beginnings0:32:30 - Solramimi (Kazuki Yanagawa) - Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout0:34:27 - Title (Hideki Tobeta) - Community PomEmotional Beginnings0:56:01 - Dragon Age: Origins (Inon Zur) - Dragon Age: Origins0:58:46 - Off-Seer (Yasunori Mitsuda) - Xenoblade Chronicles 3There's-no-time-for-backup Beginnings1:20:49 - Metropolitan Edge (Akira Yamaoka) - The 25th Ward: The Silver Case1:23:47 - Invitation to the Overworld (Yukihide Takekawa) - Soul Blazer1:53:10 - Matt's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/04/28/rhythm-encounter-159-more-rpg-title-screen-music) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 458 - Suikoden Revisited RPGFan 2025-04-24 | All of this podcasting in front of a children.In this week's episode of Retro Encounter, four enthusiastic series veterans and one newbie get together to discuss the original Suikoden to celebrate the recent remaster. Does the game still hold up? Can we stop ourselves from talking about the series as a whole? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Kyle Cantelon, Paul Dennis, Aleks Franiczek, Rob White; Edited by Paul DennisOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 321 - Lunar Eternal Blue Prince RPGFan 2025-04-21 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Blue Prince Review (rpgfan.com/review/blue-prince) Lunar Remastered Collection Review (rpgfan.com/review/lunar-remastered-collection) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Leaks on Dev Site (rpgfan.com/2025/04/16/oblivion-remastered-leaks-on-dev-website)
Killashandra (Super Arrange Ver.) by Hiroki Kikuta, arranged by VECTORDRIVE RPGFan 2025-04-13 | Killashandra & The Five Moons is an exciting new song and series of arrangements by Hiroki Kikuta and the Scarlet Moon music community. Please enjoy Killashandra (Super Arrange Ver.) by VECTORDRIVE and learn more at RPGFan!rpgfan.com/2025/04/13/killashandra-and-the-five-moons-hiroki-kikutaRPGFan Links:Instagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZvTwitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancom
Retro Encounter Podcast 457 - BioWare Draft RPGFan 2025-04-10 | It doesn't matter how many draft picks get stolen. We will hold the line!Oh yes, it's time for another draft episode! This time around, we're drafting from some of BioWare's most celebrated games…alongside one or two that are a bit less celebrated. Who will steal Garrus before anyone else? How many choices will determined entirely by romance compatability? Will anyone remember Anthem exists, and does it have any memorable characters? Listen on for the answers to these questions, and more! This is guaranteed to be your favorite podcast on the Citadel!Featuring: Wes Iliff, Aleks Franiczek, Michael Sollosi, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 320 - Lets Switch (2) It Up RPGFan 2025-04-07 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:AI LIMIT Review (rpgfan.com/review/ai-limit) Nintendo Switch 2 Direct RPG Rundown (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/nintendo-switch-2-rpg-rundown) Deltarune Chapters 1-4 Will Launch on June 5th [UPDATE] (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/deltarune-chapters-1-4-june-5th) Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Releases This Winter on Switch 2 (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/age-of-imprisonment-winter-switch-2) Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster Is Coming to Switch 2 (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/bravely-default-remaster-switch-2) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Will Have Switch 2 Editions (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/breath-of-the-wild-switch-2-editions) Here’s What’s Coming to Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Lineup (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/nintendo-switch-2-gamecube-lineup) Elden Ring Tarnished Edition To Grace Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/elden-ring-nintendo-switch-2) SEGA Bringing Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut to Switch 2 with English Voice Option & More (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/yakuza-0-directors-cut-switch-2) Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Coming to Switch 2 (rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/final-fantasy-vii-remake-switch-2) Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Revealed as Switch 2 Launch Title (rpgfan.com/2025/04/03/cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-switch-2)
Blades of Fire Interview with Enric Álvarez, CEO of MercurySteam RPGFan 2025-04-04 | We recently sent our own Paul Skevington to check out Blades of Fire, an upcoming action RPG from developer @MercurySteam_Entertainment and publisher @505games , and in addition to his hands-on preview, he got to speak with Enric Álvarez (Co-founder and CEO of MercurySteam) about what we can expect from the game.Read Paul's preview (rpgfan.com/2025/03/07/blades-of-fire-hands-on-preview) and look for Blades of Fire when it launches on May 22nd on PC (Epic), PS5, and Xbox Series.We apologize for the slight audio issues near the middle; they had to swap out a microphone mid-interview. We minimized the sound as best we could!RPGFan Links:Instagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZvTwitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancom
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 158 - Winter 2025: Pirates, Urban Myths, Magnolias, and More RPGFan 2025-03-31 | Continuing our new run of quarterly new music updates is our first episode for 2025, and it's a truly notable start. We have a range of new music today, from well composed soundtracks that play homage to earlier console generations to new projects from popular Minecraft composer C418. We also continue to take our definition of music from a certain timeframe liberally and even have music for a game that doesn't exist (anymore). May these episodes help you learn more about new game music releases, and we'll be ready for more next quarter!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • Extremely OK Games: Final Earthblade Update (exok.com/posts/2025-01-22-earthblade-final-update) Tracklist0:04:58 - Batten Down the Hatches (Winifred Phillips) - Flint: Treasure of Oblivion0:12:08 - Child of the Earth (Lena Raine) - Earthblade ~ Across the Bounds of Fate0:23:28 - Acoustic: Main Theme of FFVII - Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu, arr. Takaaki Nakagawa) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Acoustic Arrangements0:34:00 - A Different Sun (Amos Roddy) - Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector0:43:22 - Truth (Ada-P) - Urban Myth Dissolution Center0:52:08 - Main theme (Mili feat. Cassie Wei) - ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist1:09:02 - Hilary's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/03/31/rhythm-encounter-158-winter-2025-pirates-urban-myths-magnolias) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 456 - The RPGs That Made Us RPGFan 2025-03-27 | I wanna be an RPG fan when I grow up.This week on Retro Encounter we gather to discuss the RPGs that defined our taste. Not necessarily our favorites, but games that helped us understand what we value in an RPG or in games in general. Does Final Fantasy show up? Who likes the most obscure Metroidvanias? Who surprises the host with their love for racing games? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Lucas Greene, Ben Love, Paul Skevington; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 319 - Id Kill for a Good Cup of Tea! RPGFan 2025-03-24 | 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 original great while also advancing the gameplay and world. If you're a fan of deductive games or visual novels, it is a must-play!Featuring: Jono Logan and Tom Naylor; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Assassin's Creed Shadows (rpgfan.com/game/assassins-creed-codename-red) Wanderstop Review (rpgfan.com/review/wanderstop) Expelled! An Overboard! Game Review (rpgfan.com/review/expelled-an-overboard-game) Overboard! Review (rpgfan.com/review/overboard)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 157 - Visual Novel Soundscapes RPGFan 2025-03-18 | It's visual novel day at Rhythm Encounter! Following one of the quickest sign-up processes ever for our show, four visual novel fans have come together to share thoughts on the music of eight visual novels, but they discuss so many more in the process. We all quickly learned that this topic will have to make an appearance again because the well of inspiration is so very deep. But for today, listen as our panel digs in to Suikogaiden (rpgfan.com/game/genso-suikogaiden-volume-2-kurisutaru-bare-no-ketto) , Ever17 (rpgfan.com/game/ever-17-the-out-of-infinity-remaster) , YU-NO (rpgfan.com/game/yu-no-a-girl-who-chants-love-at-the-bound-of-this-world-2017) , and much more!Featuring: Patrick Gann, Neal Chandran, Audra Bowling, Gio Castillo; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • Audra's Genso Manège Review (rpgfan.com/review/genso-manege) • "You Can't Hurry Love" - The Biscats Music Video (YouTube) (youtu.be/gT5gTfKyZzw) • Crystal Cola on Bandcamp (crystalcola.bandcamp.com) • PRIZM on Bandcamp (prizmwave.bandcamp.com) TracklistDon’t Go Away, We’re Just Getting Started!0:24:17 - went away (Kazuya Takase, perf. KOTOKO) - Hourglass of Summer0:30:58 - You Can’t Hurry Love (Kazuya Nishioka, perf. The Biscats) - Cupid ParasiteFeelin’ Indie0:47:32 - Summer Night (Crystal Cola) - A Summer's End - Hong Kong 19860:50:45 - Bonds (Low) - Fatal TwelveNames To Remember1:04:40 - Impatience 1 (Ryu Umemoto, arr. Keishi Yonao) - YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world. Soundtrack [Remake Version]1:08:19 - Karma (Takeshi Abo) - Ever17PSOne VNs1:28:35 - The Boundless Dream (Ending Theme) (Miki Higashino, perf. Yumiko Takahashi) - Genso Suikogaiden Vol.2: Last Duel at Crystal Valley1:33:13 - Dreaming Robot (Multi) (Shinya Ishikawa, arr. Yaco) - To Heart (from the arrangement album Melty Kiss)2:00:48 - Neal's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/03/18/rhythm-encounter-157-visual-novel-soundscapes) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 455 - Tales of Graces f Part II RPGFan 2025-03-13 | I've traveled back in time from next week. Please listen to this episode.This week on Retro Encounter, the panel gets back together to discuss the second half of Tales of Graces f. Our discussion ranges from the increasingly excellent combat, the less than excellent dungeon design, and the good, the bad and the ugly of the Future Arc. Which game would we like to see get the remaster treatment next? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Wes Iliff, Paul Skevington, Michael Sollosi; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 318 - Monster Hunting the Most Elusive Game: A New Suikoden RPGFan 2025-03-10 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars Review (rpgfan.com/review/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-gate-rune-and-dunan-unification-wars) Monster Hunter Wilds Review (rpgfan.com/review/monster-hunter-wilds) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Hands-on Preview (rpgfan.com/2025/03/03/clair-obscur-expedition-33-preview)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 156 - (Xenoblade) X Gon Give It To Ya RPGFan 2025-03-06 | Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (rpgfan.com/game/xenoblade-chronicles-x-definitive-edition) is almost here, so what better time to dive into this musically fascinating "side" tale from 2015? Many fans were surprised that the first Xenoblade Chronicles (rpgfan.com/game/xenoblade-chronicles) was not followed by a "2" (though that happened later (rpgfan.com/game/xenoblade-chronicles-2) ), but by Xenoblade Chronicles X (rpgfan.com/game/xenoblade-chronicles-x) . The name and looks alone made it clear this was a different beast: XCX features some now-familiar Xenoblade components and scale, but the more "worldly" nature of its story outside of the "main" plot thread was almost as divisive as its soundtrack to some players.When your first game features music by Yoko Shimomura, ACE+, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, pivoting soundtrack duties to "Attack on Titan guy," Hiroyuki Sawano, makes people take notice. The whole Xenoblade series is packed with unforgettable music, but there's no denying that none of them sound quite like the sometimes weird, often catchy, and above all, wholly unexpected, Xenoblade Chronicles X.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Wes Iliff, Stephanie Sybydlo, Sean Cabot; Edited by Mike SalbatoTracklistUncontrollable Wes0:08:25 - Uncontrollable0:11:05 - Don't worryZ5 Sean0:25:55 - Black tar0:29:55 - Z5 MiraWir Stephegen0:43:03 - Wir fliegen0:46:25 - ManonMike X1:00:44 - Shiro no Tairiku1:05:44 - Theme X1:32:44 - Everyone's Bonus TrackAlbum links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/03/06/rhythm-encounter-156-xenoblade-x-gon-give-it-to-ya) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 454 - Tales of Graces f Part I RPGFan 2025-02-27 | We have to look for the podcast, Cheria. It's the only way.On this week's Retro Encounter we get together to talk about the first half of Tales of Graces f (rpgfan.com/game/tales-of-graces-f) , a game renowned for its combat system, and maybe less so for its storytelling. Four players of varying knowledge (and skill) talk about whether Tales of Graces f lives up to its reputation, the delightful characters, the sometimes frustrating dungeon design, and much more. Listen in!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Wes Iliff, Paul Skevington, Michael Sollosi; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 317 - Pirate Watcher in Eora RPGFan 2025-02-24 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Avowed Review (rpgfan.com/review/avowed) Pillars of Eternity Review (rpgfan.com/review/pillars-of-eternity) Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review (rpgfan.com/review/like-a-dragon-pirate-yakuza-in-hawaii) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review (rpgfan.com/review/like-a-dragon-gaiden-the-man-who-erased-his-name)
Random Encounter Podcast 316 - Canadian Encounter RPGFan 2025-02-19 | 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 by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:1000xResist Review (rpgfan.com/review/1000xresist) Spiritfarer Review (rpgfan.com/review/spiritfarer) The Crimson Diamond Review (rpgfan.com/review/the-crimson-diamond) Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut Review (rpgfan.com/review/slay-the-princess-the-pristine-cut) Sea of Stars Review (rpgfan.com/review/sea-of-stars) Lil' Guardsman Review (rpgfan.com/review/lil-guardsman) To the Moon Review (rpgfan.com/game/to-the-moon) A Bird Story Review (rpgfan.com/game/a-bird-story) Finding Paradise Review (rpgfan.com/game/finding-paradise) Impostor Factory Review (rpgfan.com/game/impostor-factory) Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode Review (rpgfan.com/game/just-a-to-the-moon-series-beach-episode) Rogue Legacy Review (rpgfan.com/review/rogue-legacy) Rogue Legacy 2 (Early Access) Review (rpgfan.com/review/rogue-legacy-2-early-access) Nobody Saves the World Review (rpgfan.com/review/nobody-saves-the-world) Crypt of the NecroDancer Review (rpgfan.com/review/crypt-of-the-necrodancer) Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda Review (rpgfan.com/review/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda) Darkest Dungeon Review (rpgfan.com/review/darkest-dungeon) Darkest Dungeon II Review (rpgfan.com/review/darkest-dungeon-ii) Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Review (rpgfan.com/review/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-2) Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition Review (rpgfan.com/review/neverwinter-nights-enhanced-edition) Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition Review (rpgfan.com/review/neverwinter-nights-enhanced-edition) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review (rpgfan.com/review/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-4) The Vale: Shadow of the Crown Review (rpgfan.com/review/the-vale-shadow-of-the-crown) SEASON: A letter to the future Review (rpgfan.com/review/season-a-letter-to-the-future)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 155 - Music of the Year 2024: Part II RPGFan 2025-02-17 | It's time for more of 2024's best RPG music! In the last episode (rpgfan.com/2025/02/10/rhythm-encounter-154-music-of-the-year-2024-part-i) , we featured nine excellent songs from last year, and today we return with Part II, bringing nine more tracks! Look for some Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (rpgfan.com/game/shin-megami-tensei-v-vengeance) , Flowstone Saga (rpgfan.com/game/flowstone-saga) , a double dose of Stellar Blade (rpgfan.com/game/stellar-blade) , and more! Scarlet Moon (scarletmoon.com) 's Jayson Napolitano joins us to share some of his picks as well, so don't miss out.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Patrick Gann, Jayson Napolitano; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • Scarlet Moon Interview: Visions of Mana Music Team (scarletmoonproductions.com/blog/visionsofmanainterview) • Scarlet Moon Merch on Bandcamp (scarletmoonrecords.bandcamp.com/merch) • Scarlet Moon Discord (discord.gg/scarletmoon) TracklistGio's Picks0:02:16 - Raven (Oliver Good) - Stellar Blade0:04:56 - Battle -no hypocrisy- (Ryota Kozuka) - Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance0:08:13 - Detective Theme (Takeshi Abo) - Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective ClubMike Salbato's Picks0:35:29 - The Climb (Andrew Luers) - Flowstone Saga0:38:40 - A Turn of the Page (Failpositive) - Paper Perjury0:40:58 - Sword Search (Minako Hamano, arr. The Deku Trio) - Zelda & Jazz IIJayson's Picks1:04:23 - Charred Passage (Tsuyoshi Sekito) - Visions of Mana 1:06:23 - Silent Street (Battle) (Hyunmin Cho, seibin, Youngkyoung Choi) - Stellar Blade1:09:53 - Penny's in a Pinch (Sean Bialo) - Penny's Big BreakawayAlbum links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/02/17/rhythm-encounter-155-music-of-the-year-2024-part-ii) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 453 - Hironobu Sakaguchi Encounter RPGFan 2025-02-13 | This is his story.This week on Retro Encounter, we take a deep dive into the themes, obsessions, and gameplay quirks of one of the "father" of Final Fantasy: Hironobu Sakaguchi. How much did he really matter to the series? Does his work after leaving Final Fantasy hold up? Who can't stop talking about their disdain for Lost Odyssey (rpgfan.com/game/lost-odyssey) ? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
EXCLUSIVE: YIIK Electric Soul Archives - Feverdream Future Fragments RPGFan 2025-02-10 | An exclusive sneak peek at Feverdream Future Fragments, a brand-new YIIK arrangement album from Scarlet Moon, Ayako Saso, YIIK's Andrew Allanson, and more! This track, "Feverdream Future Fragments," was remixed by Jamphibious.Learn more in our article: rpgfan.com/2025/02/10/yiik-electric-soul-archives-videoListen on all available platforms: scarletmoon.to/yiikesRPGFan Links:Instagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZvTwitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancom
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 154 - Music of the Year 2024: Part I RPGFan 2025-02-10 | It's time for Music of the Year! 2024 was absolutely stacked with game releases. Some even felt it was one of the all-time best years in gaming. And the side effect of a year filled with excellent games means a year of excellent soundtracks. For this annual special, we let each panelist bring on three songs. Even so, how did we pick just nine today? It wasn't easy.2024 being such a great year for RPG music meant that one episode could not contain our Music of the Year celebrations, so we have split it into two back-to-back episodes. Enjoy the likes of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (rpgfan.com/game/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth) , Arco (rpgfan.com/game/arco) , Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (rpgfan.com/game/like-a-dragon-8) , and much more today. Then come back next week for three more panelists' highlights of the year!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Patrick Gann; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • The End of Service: A NieR Re[in]carnation Postmortem Retrospective (rpgfan.com/feature/nier-reincarnation-retrospective) Pat's Picks0:02:58 - The World's Heartbeat (comp. Kenji Ito, arr. Tsutomu Narita) - SaGa Emerald Beyond0:04:49 - Battle! (Terapagos - The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero) (comp. Toby Fox, Go Ichinose, Rei Murayama, arr. Go Ichinose) - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet0:08:16 - Lantern&End (Keiichi Okabe) - SINoALICEHilary's Picks0:39:58 - Renoir (Lorien Testard) - Clair Obscur: Expedition 330:42:55 - Moiety Theme (Robyn Miller) - Riven (2024)0:45:01 - Nadie Los Podrá Salvar (José Ramón "Bibiki" García) - ArcoMichael Sollosi's Picks1:17:52 - Impregnable Triangle (Chihiro Aoki) - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth1:20:59 - Coral Crown (Darren Korb, feat. Erin Yvette, Ashley Barret, Judy Alice Lee) - Hades II1:25:04 - Queen's Blood - Prodigious Pedigree (Mitsuto Suzuki) - Final Fantasy VII RebirthAlbum links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/02/10/rhythm-encounter-154-music-of-the-year-2024-part-i) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 315 - Sleepless in Ephinea RPGFan 2025-02-03 | 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 Franiczek, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Review (rpgfan.com/review/citizen-sleeper-2-starward-vector) Citizen Sleeper Review (rpgfan.com/game/citizen-sleeper) Tales of Graces f Remastered Review (rpgfan.com/review/tales-of-graces-f-remastered)
Retro Encounter Podcast 452 - Final Fantasy IX Part II RPGFan 2025-01-30 | Bring my beloved Retro Encounter to me.This week we dive into the second half of Final Fantasy IX (rpgfan.com/game/final-fantasy-ix) , chatting about the emotional story beats, rooster men, and terrible card games that some of us somehow enjoy. Does it still hold up all these years later? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff, Rob White; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 153 - Build Your Own RPG Soundtrack: Hard Mode RPGFan 2025-01-27 | Almost exactly a year ago, four panelists came together to build a soundtrack to an imaginary RPG out of 8 fragments of other RPGs. Today, we're doing it again, except our "Hard Mode" rules dictate that we must choose songs from our source games with different use cases. So our Town Theme could be anything except another game's town theme, and so on. What kind of RPG will we assemble this time? Find out with us!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Gio Castillo, Lucas Greene; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode • Rhythm Encounter 126 - Build Your Own RPG Soundtrack | RPGFan (rpgfan.com/2024/01/15/rhythm-encounter-126-build-your-own-rpg-soundtrack) • Retro Encounter 442 – The Legend of Zelda: Draft of Fantasy (rpgfan.com/2024/11/08/retro-encounter-442-the-legend-of-zelda-draft-of-fantasy) Tracklist0:16:41 - Title Theme: Hollow Charge (Chris Geehan, Dan-Byrne McCullough) - Cosmic Star Heroine0:26:30 - Map/Overworld Theme: Vana'diel March #2 (Naoshi Mizuta) - Final Fantasy XI0:39:33 - Town Theme: Title Screen (Tsuyoshi Tanaka) - Harvest Moon 640:47:29 - Battle Theme: communication breakdown (Yuki Kajiura) - Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse0:58:03 - Dungeon Theme: One Small Step (Masayoshi Soken) - Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker1:10:20 - Sad/Emotional Theme: Bloom Outro (Mili) - ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights1:21:16 - Final Boss Theme: Touch It - FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS Remix (Ariana Grande) - Final Fantasy Brave Exvius1:36:02 - Ending Theme: Welcome to our Town (Motoaki Takenouchi) - Symphonic Suite Shining Force II ~ Ancient Sealing ~Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/01/27/rhythm-encounter-153-build-your-own-rpg-soundtrack-hard-mode) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 314 - The Switch 2 is Real (and Other Stories) RPGFan 2025-01-20 | 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:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review (rpgfan.com/review/dynasty-warriors-origins) Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition Review (rpgfan.com/review/hyrule-warriors-definitive-edition) Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review (rpgfan.com/review/hyrule-warriors-age-of-calamity) Fire Emblem Warriors Review (rpgfan.com/review/fire-emblem-warriors) Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Review (rpgfan.com/review/fire-emblem-warriors-three-hopes) Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana Review (rpgfan.com/review/ys-memoire-the-oath-in-felghana)
Trails through Daybreak 2 Minigame Preview - 2 Demos Coming Soon! RPGFan 2025-01-16 | Trails through Daybreak 2 Preview - rpgfan.com/2025/01/16/trails-through-daybreak-ii-preview-demosSo You Want To Get Into the Trails Series - rpgfan.com/feature/so-you-want-to-get-into-the-trails-seriesRPGFan Links:RPGFan.com - rpgfan.comTwitch - twitch.tv/rpgfancomInstagram - instagram.com/rpgfancomTwitter - twitter.com/rpgfancomFacebook - facebook.com/rpgfancomDiscord - discord.gg/qvhbwZvRPGFan Shop - rpgfan.com/shopThreads - threads.net/@rpgfancomBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social#falcom #nisamerica #trailsthroughdaybreak #trailsinthesky #trailsofcoldsteel #kiseki
Retro Encounter Podcast 451 - Final Fantasy IX Part I RPGFan 2025-01-16 | Doesn't it feel nice to listen to Retro Encounter under the stars?This week, the new host and a few huge fans dive into the first half of Final Fantasy IX (rpgfan.com/game/final-fantasy-ix) . How does this classic hold up? Do we like the combat? Which monster doesn't like Vivi very much? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff, Rob White; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 152 - New Year, New Music RPGFan 2025-01-13 | Between our recent milestone of 150 episodes and the start of a new year, we will have some fun changes coming to Rhythm Encounter, starting with this episode. New games and music release all the time that don't always fit with our episode themes. Starting today, we will release a "new music" episode every few months to spotlight the latest in RPG music. These episodes will typically be a shorter listen with a smaller panel, featuring 6–8 songs each. Today, Mike and Hilary highlight Metaphor: ReFantazio (rpgfan.com/game/project-re-fantasy) , Ys X: Nordics (rpgfan.com/game/ys-x-nordics) , Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (rpgfan.com/game/dragon-quest-iii-hd-2d-remake) , and more!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jonathan LoganLinks for this episode • Rhythm Encounter 53 - Feel the Burn! (rpgfan.com/2020/10/05/rhythm-encounter-53-feel-the-burn) • Rhythm Encounter 150 - Name That (RPG) Tune (rpgfan.com/2024/12/21/rhythm-encounter-150-name-that-rpg-tune) Tracklist0:00:47 - Warriors in Arms (Shoji Meguro) - Metaphor: ReFantazio0:09:35 - Ceruleum Smoke at High Noon (Takafumi Imamura) - Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail0:21:31 - Heroes in Training (Winifred Phillips) - Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (Remaster)0:30:27 - Alefgard (Koichi Sugiyama) - Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake0:35:44 - Facing the Distant Horizon (Falcom Sound Team jdk) - Ys X: Nordics0:41:34 - VS. The Rutile All-Stars (Lena Raine) - Beastieball0:57:09 - Mike's Bonus Track!Album links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2025/01/13/rhythm-encounter-152-new-year-new-music) This post also contains a bonus listing of more recent music that were considered for this episode, so don't miss it!Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 313 - Jono-Less Encounter RPGFan 2025-01-06 | 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?"Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Audra Bowling, and Neal Chandran; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated Review (rpgfan.com/review/breath-of-death-vii-the-beginning-reanimated) Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Review (rpgfan.com/review/breath-of-death-vii-the-beginning) Paper Perjury Review (rpgfan.com/review/paper-perjury)
Retro Encounter Podcast 450 - Thank You, Good Night, and Good Luck RPGFan 2025-01-02 | "Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it."In a reminiscence-heavy episode of Retro Encounter, four panelists discuss the podcast's origin story, recording process, and favorite episodes and memories of nearly ten years of podcasting. Longtime showrunner Michael Sollosi officially steps down to hand off the podcast's reins to a new host, but also an old friend. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Peter Triezenberg, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) Retro Encounter 450 Game Journal Poll! (docs.google.com/forms/d/1UqtVp4VKkBEFAQMgR7ZnEZb9Wb4pBHpEvHp3-qvXAdo)
Rhythm Encounter Podcast 151 - Slay the Princess with Composer Brandon Boone RPGFan 2024-12-30 | WARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for Slay the Princess, so listen at your own risk if you have not yet played the game!Every now and again at Rhythm Encounter, we have the chance to bring on a special musical guest. For today’s episode, RPGFan Music editor Patrick Gann sits down with Brandon Boone, composer for the indie visual novel hit Slay the Princess (rpgfan.com/game/slay-the-princess) . The interview includes Brandon’s insights and reflections on the process of building the game’s score from the ground up, then expanding the soundtrack for its newer form, The Pristine Cut (rpgfan.com/review/slay-the-princess-the-pristine-cut) . Brandon also provides some interesting background information on how he got his start in music, his ties to studio Black Tabby Games (Abby Howard & Tony Howard-Arias), and his recent win at the World Soundtrack Awards (worldsoundtrackawards.com/news/jerskin-fendrix-natalie-holt-and-brandon-boone-among-winners-at-24th-world-soundtrack-awards) !Featuring: Patrick Gann, Brandon Boone, Mike Salbato; Edited by Jonathan LoganTracklist0:24:13 - The Princess (Brandon Boone) - Slay the Princess Original Soundtrack0:40:44 - The Shifting Mound Movement V (Live) (Brandon Boone) - Slay the Princess Live1:23:26 - Brandon’s Bonus Track! House of Woodcock (Johnny Greenwood) - Phantom Thread Original Motion Picture SoundtrackAlbum links for places to buy, stream, and more are available in our post on RPGFan. (rpgfan.com/2024/12/30/rhythm-encounter-151-slay-the-princess-brandon-boone) Get in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: music@rpgfan.com (mailto:music@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Retro Encounter Podcast 449 - 2024 Year in Review RPGFan 2024-12-29 | Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. 2024 is (finally) behind us, and there is plenty to talk about. In one of the strongest years for RPGs in recent memory, five Retro Encounter panelists bring ten games to show and tell in discussing a few of their favorite RPGs of the calendar year. Fittingly, the conclusion to the Year of the Dragon has Dragon Quest, Dragon Age, and Like a Dragon feature prominently. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Joshua Lindquist, Jonathan Logan, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: retro@rpgfan.com (mailto:retro@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom)
Random Encounter Podcast 312 - RPGFan’s Most Anticipated Games of 2025 RPGFan 2024-12-23 | 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.com (rpgfan.com) RPGFan Shop (rpgfan.com/shop) Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com (mailto:podcast@rpgfan.com) Twitter: @rpgfancom (twitter.com/rpgfancom) Instagram: @rpgfancom (instagram.com/rpgfancom) Threads: @rpgfancom (threads.net/@rpgfancom) Facebook: rpgfancom (facebook.com/rpgfancom) Twitch: rpgfancom (twitch.tv/rpgfancom) This Episode's Related Links:RPGFan’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of 2025 (rpgfan.com/feature/rpgfans-30-most-anticipated-games-of-2025)
