RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, ex-host Random Greg Delmage returns to share his film expertise while chatting about the new Fallout TV show!Video game adaptations are hot right now, and Amazon has just dropped what might be the best one yet: Fallout! Based on the long-running RPG series, Fallout, the show is an exploration of the far future after a nuclear war in the 21st century destroyed all of civilization. With a pitch-perfect mix of dark humor, brutal violence, and a retro-50s future aesthetic, Fallout translates everything we love about the games into a brand-new, in-continuity story set in the LA Wasteland.Jono reviewed the entire series for the site last week (spoiler: he loved it), and he's excited to be reunited with Greg to chat about why this series should be of interest to all of the RPG fans out there!Featuring: Jono Logan and Greg Delmage; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Fallout Season One ReviewRetro Encounter 412 – Fallout EncounterFallout ReviewFallout 2 ReviewFallout 3 ReviewFallout: New Vegas ReviewFallout 4 ReviewFallout 76 Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a game-of-the-year contender and the latest from one of the industry's most visionary indie devs. First up, Izzy is here to chat about Dragon's Dogma 2. The sequel to Capcom's cult-classic Dragon's Dogma, DD2 is the true realization of many of the ahead-of-their-time gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. However, this positive fanfare has recently been overshadowed by the controversy of predatory microtransactions included in this full-price game. Do these money-grubbing measures really impact players' overall enjoyment of the title?Then, Tim is here to chat about Lucas Pope's latest game, Mars After Midnight. Known for his indie classics Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, Pope has moved from consoles and PC over to the crank-enhanced handheld known as the Playdate. Does the tiny screen and simplified gameplay hurt MaM, or do the limitations inspire brilliance?Featuring: Jono Logan, Izzy Parsons, and Tim Rattray; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Dragon's Dogma 2 ReviewDragon's Dogma ReviewDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen ReviewMars After Midnight ReviewReturn of the Obra Dinn Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at two very different kinds of follow-ups to beloved games: a spiritual successor and a fan game.First up, we're talking about a long-awaited revival of Ogre Battle-style SRPGs with Vanillaware's Unicorn Overlord (the most bizarre name for a game since Triangle Strategy). Featuring a mix of real-time strategy, turn-based party combat, and overworld exploration, Unicorn Overlord really hit the sweet spot for Josh. Is it a game for everyone, though?And the overwhelming amount of fan content inspired by 2015's Undertale finally reaches its logical culmination with an incredible fan game that actually has the blessing of creator Toby Fox: Undertale Yellow. A prequel that follows the story of a previous soul who fell into the underground, Yellow delivers an experience that doesn't just live up to its inspiration but surpasses it in some ways. Aleks' feature, Undertale Yellow Feels Like a Legit Prequel, not only brings attention to this incredible labor of love, but also helped to open his eyes to the potential of fan games!Featuring: Jono Logan, Joshua Lindquist, and Aleks Franiczek; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen ReviewUnicorn Overlord ReviewUndertale Yellow Feels Like a Legit PrequelUndertale Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a look at a long-running RPG series that has only made sporadic, but noteworthy, appearances here in the West!Mystery Dungeon began as a Dragon Quest IV spinoff back in 1993, but since then, there have been dozens of games in the series, including crossover titles with Final Fantasy (Chocobo’s Dungeon 2) and Pokémon (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX), along with a standalone series (Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer). And with the release of the latest entry, Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island, we thought it would be a great time to take a deep dive into the series in preparation for our "So You Want to Get Into the Mystery Dungeon Series..." feature! Ben Love is here to walk us through these mystery dungeons and tell us everything we need to know to get started on our own JRPG rogue-like adventure! Featuring: Jono Logan and Ben Love; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's finally time to talk about one of the most anticipated "Part 2s" in video game history: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth!Ever since part 1 of the FFVII remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Remake, was released in 2020, we've been desperate to know where the story is heading. Will it continue along as we remember it, or diverge in unexpected and, no doubt, controversial ways? Never fear, because Zach is here to chat about his review of Rebirth, sharing his thoughts about the story, characters, battle system, world, and where he thinks the final part of this trilogy might go (hopefully before 2030).Oh, and don't worry, no spoilers will be found here about who may or may not die in the game!Featuring: Jono Logan and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake Intermission DLC ReviewFinal Fantasy XVI Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're "cranking" up our game to chat about a farming-centric piece of DLC for a pixel-art action RPG and a rogue-like on a tiny, black-and-white screen.First, Nick is here to share his thoughts about the farming DLC for 2021's Eastward, Eastward: Octopia. Having received solid reviews back when it was released, this new DLC strips out all of the combat and replaces it with some robust farm-sim mechanics. Coming in at around 20 hours' worth of gameplay for $6, Octopia might be an essential purchase for anyone who loves the original title or farming games!Then, Tim makes his first appearance on Random to chat about the rogue-like RPG Under the Castle and the tiny handheld console you need to play it, the Playdate. The Playdate is a fascinating piece of hardware, looking like a tiny, high-resolution yellow Gameboy Pocket with a crank on the side. The system is pricy, but does Tim think it and Under the Castle are worth the money?Featuring: Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina, and Tim Rattray; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Eastward ReviewEastward - Octopia ReviewUnder the Castle Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a remake of an 18-year-old game and the release of a game that felt like it took 18 years to come out. Since its announcement in 2016, Granblue Fantasy: Relink has been on many RPG fans' most anticipated lists (it was on ours in 2020, 2022, 2023 AND 2024). And after seven years, it's finally here! Des dives into this long-awaited action RPG to discover if it can possibly live up to expectations! Then, Aleks revisits a new iteration of an old favorite: Persona 3 Reload. There have been many versions of Persona 3 since its first release in 2006 (including the original, FES, and Portable). Can this brand-new remake live up to Aleks' memories of this beloved classic turn-based RPG?Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Des Miller; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Granblue Fantasy: Relink ReviewPersona 3 Reload Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about the latest installment in the Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and the indie point-and-click adventure game, Lil' Guardsman.First, Jono dives into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the direct sequel to 2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Does Infinite Wealth live up to the lofty turn-based JRPG expectations set by its predecessor? Then, Audra mans the review guardshed with the Canadian indie title, Lil' Guardsman. Does she let this adorable, cartoon-inspired point-and-click adventure pass into the Editor's Choice club? Finally, the entire panel discusses the state of the games industry in 2024. After what can only be described as a monumental 2023, will the big releases this year be able to live up to that standard?Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Mike Sollosi; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth ReviewYakuza: Like a Dragon ReviewLil' Guardsman Review

Welcome to 2024! This year at Random Encounter, we're on the road to episode 300, so let's start the new year right by chatting about some games!First up, Jerry is here to talk about the experimental visual novel, Slay the Princess. In complete opposition to just about every video game plot ever, here you need to kill the princess or the world is doomed! Or is it? With a ton of endings and twists around every choice, Slay the Princess has captured Jerry's attention as a potentially overlooked gem of 2023.And speaking of overlooked gems, Aleks has another one for you from 1999 with Planet Laika, a Japanese-only game from Quintet, the developer of Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, and Terranigma. This lost 32-bit-era adventure/RPG hybrid features a highly experimental narrative, mind-bending graphics, and a philosophical bent that would have sent any translator in the late 1990s into a stress-related leave (which might be why it was never localized). Thankfully, Planet Laika now has a high-quality fan translation! So, let's find out what we missed out on!Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Jerry Williams; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Slay the Princess ReviewPlanet Laika Review

On the final 2023 episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about all the games we're excited about that are coming in 2024!At the end of December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: our most anticipated games expected to come out next year. And that means a chance to get together on Random Encounter to have a year-end freak out about all the games that will inevitably be added to our backlogs! 2023 was a banner year for gaming, but will 2024 follow in its footsteps? From Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to Metaphor: ReFantazio, here are our thoughts about what's to come in the year ahead! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff, Joshua Lindquist, Mike Salbato, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of 2024RPGFan Shop: RPGFan Review Card Collection

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat all of the news from the 2024 Game Awards, and delve into two recent indie RPGs.First, The Game Awards came and went faster than the music playing off the winners! Baldur's Gate 3 was the champion of the evening with Best Game, but Alan Wake 2 walked away with a good share of the awards, as well. Join the panel as we gossip about the absolute boatload of game announcements that we can expect in 2024 and 2025 (and, if we're being really honest, probably 2026 and beyond)!  Then, Abe walks us through the dark, foreboding woods to chat about Little Goody Two Shoes, an indie horror RPG with life-sim, dating-sim, arcade, and roguelike elements. Is this fairytale-inspired game a "Grimm" experience, or does it deliver a happy ending? Then, Izzy dives into the timestream with the time-looping indie RPG, In Stars and Time. Do the game get tiresome, or do they want to replay it again and again?Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Izzy Parsons; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Baldur's Gate 3 ReviewLittle Goody Two Shoes ReviewIn Stars and Time Review

On the next Random Encounter, we delve into the vibrant worlds of Super Mario RPG and Persona 5 Tactica, and tackle the complex issue of redemption arcs in game publishing.First, Caitlin unpacks the Super Mario RPG Remake. Despite some minor frame rate drops and easy difficulty, does the game's timeless appeal shine through in this newly revitalized Switch release? Following that, Ben explores Persona 5 Tactica. Diverging from the gameplay of previous Persona SRPGs and instead pulling from XCOM, does it still deliver a solid Persona 5 experience while exploring new characters?Finally, the panel discusses redemption arcs in game publishing. What are the implications of companies releasing flawed games and then improving them over time? We'll delve into whether this trend benefits the industry and gamers, or if it sets a concerning precedent for game quality at launch.Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Caitlin Argyros; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Super Mario RPG RemakeSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven StarsPersona 5 Tactica ReviewCyberpunk 2077 ReviewCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Review Fallout 76 Review

On the next Random Encounter, we're taking a deep dive into Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Star Ocean: The Second Story R, and Dave the Diver!First, Jono discovers the yakuza's latest crisis in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Does this shorter Yakuza tale live up to its pedigree? Then Izzy Parsons gets to relive their childhood with the recent remake, Star Ocean: The Second Story R. Does this remake do justice to the original PSX game? Finally, Sollosi talks us through his experience with the indie sensation Dave the Diver, and how it kind of reminds him of both Like a Dragon and Hades!Featuring: Jono Logan, Izzy Parsons, and Michael Sollosi; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name ReviewStar Ocean: The Second Story R ReviewDave the DiverRetro Encounter 391 – Essential Fan Translations

On the next Random Encounter, we're exploring the narrative horror depths of World of Horror and the deep strategic and colorful layers of Wargroove 2.First, Bob Richardson will guide us through World of Horror. With its unique 1-bit artistic style and roguelike narrative structure, does the game offer a lasting experience that keeps players coming back for more? Following that, Ben Love will share his thoughts on Wargroove 2. The game brings new gameplay mechanics and thematic elements to the table, but does it manage to build on the success of its predecessor and meet the high expectations of fans?To round out the episode, we'll address a reader question about the increasing presence of RPG elements in games that aren't traditionally part of the RPG genre. Is this a positive development that enriches the gaming experience, or does it risk diluting what makes RPGs unique and special?Featuring: Jono Logan, Bob Richardson, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:World of Horror ReviewVideoverse ReviewWargroove ReviewWargroove 2 Review

On this week’s Random Encounter, Zach steps in as your host to guide us through RPGFan’s 25th-anniversary special, Revisiting RPGFan Games of the Year: Bracket Battle. Joining Zach are Audra, Jimmy, and Aleks, each bringing their own perspectives on what makes a Game of the Year truly deserving of the title. But the final choice of the best GOTY in 25 years doesn’t lie with them; it lies with you!So, tune in and get ready to cast your votes. After all, the ultimate GOTY is in your hands.Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Audra Bowling, and Jimmy Turner; Edited by Paul DennisGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Xenoblade Chronicles 3 ReviewFinal Fantasy VII Remake ReviewSkies of Arcadia ReviewStar Ocean: Till the End of Time ReviewMass Effect 2 ReviewThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ReviewFinal Fantasy X ReviewStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic ReviewPersona 5 ReviewFinal Fantasy XIV: Endwalker ReviewFinal Fantasy XV ReviewFinal Fantasy XII ReviewDragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age ReviewThe Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings ReviewDragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King ReviewDragon Age: Origins ReviewSuikoden III ReviewLunar: Silver Star Story Complete ReviewFinal Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers – 19. Review Journal Book XIX: The Dark Which Illuminates the World ReviewDragon Age: Inquisition ReviewMass Effect 3 ReviewShin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 ReviewFallout 3 ReviewFinal Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – 1. Review Journal Book I: Intro Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into a piece of DLC that redeems one of gaming's biggest disappointments, a Souls-like that cannot tell a lie, and a classic celebrating its 30th anniversary.First, Aleks guides us through the shadowy world of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Does this DLC redeem 2020's Cyberpunk 2077, or does it miss the mark? Following that, Noah takes us into the steampunk-inspired, puppet-filled realm of Lies of P. Does it distinguish itself in the crowded Souls-like genre, or does it deserve to be swallowed by a whale (or shark, depending on which version of Pinocchio you're familiar with)?To round out the episode, it's the 30th anniversary of the classic Squaresoft action RPG, Secret of Mana. Does it still hold its own in today's gaming landscape? As we've recently learned, regardless of your answer, it's sure to inflame opinions online!Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Noah Leiter; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Cyberpunk 2077 ReviewCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty ReviewLies of P ReviewSecret of Mana Retro Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're delving into two recent farm-sim RPGs, exploring if they bring anything new to the genre.First, Niki takes us through the remaster/remake of the classic DS farm-sim Rune Factory 3 Special. Is there anything genuinely special about it, or should you stick with more recent entries of the series? Following that, Sam visits the enchanting universe of Fae Farm. Does it set itself apart in the saturated market of farming simulations, or do the numerous bugs salt the fields for the future of this title? Finally, our panel takes a moment to consider the influence of the original SNES Harvest Moon. How has this classic shaped the farm-sim genre, and what traces of its legacy can be found in modern titles?Featuring: Jono Logan, Niki Fakhoori, and Sam-James Gordon; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Rune Factory 3 Special ReviewRune Factory 5 ReviewFae Farm ReviewHarvest Moon Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're blasting off to new galaxies and sailing through enchanted seas with two of the most anticipated RPGs of 2023!First, Noah navigates the cosmic expanses of Starfield, Bethesda's highly anticipated space exploration RPG. With the expectations of Skyrim in Space ringing in everyone's ears, does Starfield end up living up to the hype? Or does it end up crashing to Earth (along with crashing to our desktops)? Then, Caitlin sets sail to mysterious islands in the retro-RPG Sea of Stars. Set in the same world as The Messenger, this indie gem combines classic JRPG elements with vibrant 2D graphics. Caitlin dives into the game's unique combat system, captivating story, and unforgettable soundtrack. Does Sea of Stars shine as bright as its celestial namesake?Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Noah Leiter; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Starfield ReviewSea of Stars Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into the realms of fantasy and musical adventure!First, Abe takes on the epic challenge of reviewing Baldur's Gate III, the long-awaited CRPG sequel that brings Dungeons & Dragons to life! With intricate storytelling, deep character customization, and intense tactical combat, does it roll a nat 20? Then, Audra explores the harmonious world of Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. Combining the thrill of RPGs with the beauty of musical theatre, Stray Gods offers a unique experience filled with memorable characters and catchy tunes. Does it hit the right notes for Audra?Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Audra Bowling; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Baldur's Gate IIIBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ReviewBaldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition ReviewStray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're stepping into the wrestling ring and exploring an anti-RPG!First, Neal gets into his tights and fights for the title with WrestleQuest, a pixel RPG that echoes the golden era of professional wrestling. Filled with iconic wrestles and thrilling moves, does it pin Neal's attention? Then, Ben explores the mysterious world of 24 Killers, an anti-RPG in the style of Moon. Filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and absurd plot twists, does it live up to the classic PSX-era of anti-RPGs?Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:WrestleQuest Showcases Gameplay in Developer Walkthrough24 Killers ReviewMoon Review