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Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Games gather reputations for a variety of reasons, but one of the most unique among those are the games that are so hard to purchase that above all, they have a reputation for being expensive. Panzer Dragoon Saga (Team Andromeda, Sega, 1998) is one of the top examples of that phenomenon nowadays, after only tens of thousands of English-language copies were pressed, Team Andromeda was shuttered quickly after the game's release and Sega now claims to have lost the source code. All of this may leave you wondering...what is Panzer Dragoon Saga like as a game? I was certainly left wondering that, and Chris Coplien of Retro Hangover was up for the task of discussing the game behind the massive price tag. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Chris Coplien (he/him) Check out Retro Hangover https://linktr.ee/retrohangover Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/retrohangover.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Start 0:24 Introductions 5:13 Our Histories with Panzer Dragoon Saga 13:16 Top-Level Thoughts 20:41 Story Setup and Worldbuilding 28:16 Pacing and Storytelling 33:41 Visual Presentation 39:04 Music 43:05 Combat 1:07:41 Exploration and Side Quests 1:16:37 Who Should Play? 1:20:12 Retro Hangover Podcast 1:24:40 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:26:37 Spoilers- Setting the Stage 1:42:26 Spoilers- Some Big Themes 1:51:53 Spoilers- A Philosophical Dilemma 1:59:16 Spoilers- Uncovering a Very Familiar Trope 2:17:28 Spoilers- Revisiting the Dilemma and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Saori Kobayashi and Mariko Nanba. Tracks used: Behold the Precious Wings, A Premonition of War, Metamorphosis 1, Atolm Dragon, Rest, Area 3 Background, Wandering, Breath of Life Panzer Dragoon Story and Lore Walkthrough https://youtu.be/BVc7QxiAO1k Max Derrat's Development History Video: https://youtu.be/sIqM80qEY8s Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog One of these days it was bound to happen, the remake announcement solidified it- it's time to give The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998) the Tales from the Backlog treatment. This was Dave's favorite game for decades and is still by far one of the most influential games in his life, but this was the first time in a while that he had played all the way through it. Join Dave and special guests Gooey and McKenna of Flashback 64 for the deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Gooey (they/he) and McKenna (she/her) Check out Flashback 64 https://flashback64.com/ Follow on Bluesky http://bsky.app/profile/flashback64.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Podcast Start 0:16 Introductions 7:48 Our Histories with Ocarina of Time 12:10 Top-Level Thoughts 18:50 Story Setup, Storytelling and Cinematography 31:57 Navi and Handholding 36:26 Combat 42:16 The N64 Controller 46:41 "The Zelda Formula" and Exploration 57:50 Dungeons and Complexity 1:12:56 Visual Flourishes and Art Design 1:25:41 Our Hopes for the Remake 1:35:33 Soundtrack 1:45:50 Re-Evaluating Childhood Favorites and Who Should Play? 1:57:48 Flashback 64 2:05:29 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 2:07:06 Spoilers- The Water Temple Is Good 2:30:08 Spoilers- Favorite Temples and Ganon's Castle 2:35:12 Spoilers- Sheik and More Temple Talk 2:47:48 Spoilers- A Theory for the Remake Music used in the episode is credited to Koji Kondo. Tracks used: Title Theme, Kokiri Forest, Saria's Song, Forest Temple, Kakariko Village, Hyrule Field, Gerudo Valley, Zora's Domain, Zelda's Theme Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog When we talk about older games, we often use phrases like "this holds up!" or "this hasn't aged well!", but what do we mean when we say stuff like that? What do they hold up against? What aspects age well or poorly? Are there better ways to convey our thoughts? To help me dig into this, I've brought Patrick and James from the Retro Spectives Podcast back to the show. Hope you enjoy the discussion! Guest info: Patrick Arthur (he/him) and James Tuerlings (he/him) Check out Retro Spectives podcast https://rspodcast.net TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Episode Start 0:22 Introductions 2:50 Topic Introduction 10:00 Why Do We Say Things Have Aged Poorly? 54:36 Patron Thank-Yous 56:29 Does This Hold Up? 1:39:07 Conclusions and Wrap-Up 1:57:59 Retro Spectives Podcast Music used in the episode: Bloody Tears (Castlevania II: Simon's Quest)- Kenichi Matsubara, Satoe Terashima Save Theme (Resident Evil (2002))- Shisaku Uchiyama, Makoto Tomozawa, Misao Senbogi Ending Theme (Dragon Warrior)- Koichi Sugiyama Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog What's the worst game you've ever played? That's the question of the day, and a fairly common answer to that question for a long time has been Quest 64 (Imagineer, 1998). But does Quest deserve to be in that conversation? What is it actually like as a game, outside of the memes and reputation? That's what we're exploring in this episode, and to do so, I brought on the man doing his part to heal the conversation around Quest, "bad" games, and the Nintendo 64 in general, Mike aka Quest64Official. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Mike aka Quest64Official Follow Mike on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/quest64official.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Beginning 0:16 Introductions 4:50 Our Histories with Quest 64 14:44 Top-Level Thoughts 22:35 Story Setup and the Adventure as Story 28:32 The Solo RPG Experience 40:24 Big Dungeons 44:39 Character Building 49:19 Combat 1:06:25 Visuals and Music 1:15:59 Who Should Play Quest 64? 1:24:34 Quest64Official and the Power of Memes 1:32:50 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:34:34 Spoilers- Favorite Sections and Story 1:50:20 Spoilers- Challenge Runs and Different Play Styles Music used in the episode is credited to Masamichi Amano. Tracks used: Holy Magic Century, Holy Plains, Highlands, Battle, Dondoran, Final Battle, Staff Roll Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Update 10/1/2026 Several references were made in this podcast to YouTuber and critic Jacob Geller and his work. This podcast was released before the sexual assault allegations against him were brought to light. Matt and I condemn these actions, and our hearts go out to the victim and everybody else who had traumatic memories brought up to the surface by the news. -Dave Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog After the breakout success of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden's next game is a bit darker and a lot more personal. The Beginner's Guide (Everything Unlimited Ltd, 2015) examines a lot of things, but at the forefront is the relationships we have with others and some complex and slippery situations that can arise. To say more would be to start spoiling things, but luckily we have a discussion longer than the game itself. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them) Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/ Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:16 Introductions 4:38 Our Histories with Davey Wreden's Games 9:49 Top-Level Thoughts 13:38 Story and Game Setup 19:53 Narration and Thematic Overview 24:42 Who Should Play? 31:53 "Fun" and Games and Reignite 37:36 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 39:51 Spoilers- Davey & Coda 58:53 Spoilers- Thematic Exploration 1:31:24 Spoilers- More Thematic Exploration 1:52:51 Spoilers- Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Ryan Roth. Tracks used: Vertibrae, The Whisper Machine, Stars, D.S. Al Coda, Escape from This Place Check out Dave on Super Pod Saga talking about some great games you can get for under $5 full price- https://superpodsaga.com/episodes/5-buck-bangers-downwell Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog It's not every day you revisit a favorite game from your teenage years, but today is that day as special guest Rebekah Valentine (Kotaku) joins me to discuss Golden Sun, one of the most beloved Game Boy Advance games. Camelot and Nintendo ended up splitting the game into two, and in this episode we focus on the first game, though we do discuss The Lost Age quite a bit as well. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Rebekah Valentine (she/her) Check out her work at Kotaku https://kotaku.com/author/rvalentine Check out Reb's look back at Golden Sun https://kotaku.com/25-years-ago-golden-sun-video-game-adventure-2000721340 Check out Reb writing as if it were 2002 again https://kotaku.com/golden-sun-the-lost-age-sequel-warp-week-2000723015 Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/duckvalentine.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:18 Introductions 5:30 Our Histories with Golden Sun 12:47 Top Level Thoughts 17:42 Acknowledging The Lost Age 25:31 Story Setup 33:50 Golden Sins and Silent Protagonists 44:29 Story Thoughts 52:25 Combat and Djinn System 1:09:18 Equipment, Resource Conservation, Puzzles 1:28:25 Soundtrack 1:38:22 Wrap-Up Thoughts and Who Should Play? 1:45:15 Reb's Work at Kotaku 1:50:06 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:52:27 Spoilers- Golden Sun's Story and The Lost Age Setup 2:12:42 Spoilers- Dave Might Play The Lost Age? Music used in the episode is credited to Motoi Sakuraba. Tracks used: Main Theme, World Map, Enemy Battle, Lighthouse Theme, Sol Sanctum, Main Menu, Battle With Saturos, Vale and Vault Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Gen Moonen ("Fun" and Games) as they discuss Konami's 2006 entry in the Castlevania franchise, Portrait of Ruin. By this point, the series had largely moved past dual-screen and touchscreen gimmicks, settling on putting the menus and map on the bottom screen with the action on top. Add in a dual-protagonist setup and you've got a recipe for a good metroidvania experience. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's likely got what you're looking for, and there's value in that. Check out the discussion for more, and as always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Gen Moonen (they/she) Check out "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/gnoisegenerator.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:22 Introductions 6:56 Our Histories with Castlevania 12:40 Top-Level Thoughts 19:51 Story Setup and Dual Protagonists 24:52 Castlevania Stories and Humor 31:19 Character Swapping Gameplay 44:52 Metroid vs Vania 50:13 Boss Fights, Painted Worlds and The Castle 1:03:52 Metroidvania Upgrades 1:08:41 Visual Design 1:16:40 Who Should Play? 1:25:50 "Fun" and Games Podcast 1:30:31 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:32:44 Spoilers- Painted Worlds and The Vampire Killer 1:53:38 Spoilers- More Story & Boss Fights Music used in the episode is credited to Michiru Yamane unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Gallery of Labyrinth, Invitation of a Crazed Moon (Yuzo Koshiro), Chaotic Playground, Victorian Fear, Name Entry, Crucifix Held Close, The Night Flows Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about Final Fantasy X: https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Andre (Fine Time, Neo Geo Go!, The Silent Discographer) as they discuss Square Enix's latest entry in the main Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age. For a certain style of RPG (that Dragon Quest arguably pioneered), it doesn't get better than this. Dragon Quest XI doesn't reinvent any part of its genre, but executes at top level throughout, though we still have some questions about directions that the story goes. This is a masterpiece, and we hope you enjoy the conversation. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Andre (he/him) Check out Fine Time https://fineti.me/ Check out Neo Geo Go! https://neogeogo.show/ Check out The Silent Discographer https://the-silent-discographer.simplecast.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/pizzadinosaur.fineti.me TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:31 Introductions 6:06 Our Histories with Dragon Quest 10:19 Top-Level Thoughts 18:16 Story Setup and Thoughts 32:59 Feels Like Coming Home- Art & Music 51:03 Tickington 54:46 Combat and The Fun-Sized Forge 1:10:14 Thoughts on the Silent Protagonist 1:18:36 Lightning Round Thoughts 1:23:32 Who Should Play? 1:28:35 Andre's Podcasts 1:34:12 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:37:07 Spoilers- Some Early-Ish Story Talk 1:50:18 Spoilers- Act 2 Story 2:00:33 Spoilers- Act 3 Story Music used in the episode is credited to Koichi Sugiyama. Tracks used: Overture, The Hero Goes Forth with Determination, Olé! Sylvando!, Unflinchable Courage, Bustling Town, Rab the Wizard, Light Though the Leaves of Love, Echoes of an Elusive Age Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about our favorite video game soundtracks: https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ Check out Dave on The Rookie Run talking about Ocarina of Time https://www.youtube.com/@TheRookieRunVideoGamePodcast Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Luis Aguasvivas as they discuss Arco (Franek, Max Cahill, Bibiki and Fayer, 2024). Arco blends tactical turn-based combat with a revenge story spanning multiple protagonists. It's an ambitious game that coalesces in some magical ways, but falls short in some others, making it ripe for discussion. As always, no spoilers in the episode for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Luis Aguasvivas (he/they) Check out Luis's writing https://aguaspoints.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aguaspoints.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:20 Introductions 3:56 Our Histories with Arco 6:52 Top-Level Thoughts 13:13 Story Setup 17:52 Multiple Protagonist Structure 22:58 Dramatic Irony and Post-Colonial Narratives 28:48 Visual Design 35:33 Soundtrack 40:13 Combat 49:38 Fantasy Elements and Morality System 1:03:55 Who Should Play? 1:07:55 Luis' Writing 1:11:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:14:20 Spoilers- Different Story Paths 1:26:01 Spoilers- Act Five 1:39:41 Spoilers- Tizo's Story 1:51:22 Spoilers- Violence as Interaction in Games 2:01:54 Spoilers- Fighting the Ocean in Historical Fiction Music used in the episode is credited to Bibiki. Tracks used: Arena y Alquitrán, Forgotten Memories, Blood Spit, Whispers of Magic, Where Iyos Live, Sempiternal Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Emily Merritt (No Small Games) as they do their best to unpack AP Thompson's Titanium Court. Even AP Thompson's simplified description of "a match-3 tower defense game for people who like to read" still hides a mountain of detail, so this was a fun discussion about those component parts and especially how they tie together into a genuinely interesting narrative and commentary on the way we play games and "consume" media in general. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Emily Merritt (she/her) Check out No Small Games https://nosmallgames.com/ Follow on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/aspecificegg Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:20 Introductions 4:52 Our Histories with Titanium Court 8:18 Top-Level Thoughts 14:59 Story Setup and Worldbuilding 22:46 Theatre Inspiration and Humor 33:02 Visual Design 41:04 Music 48:45 Gameplay- Jobs and Goals 59:23 Gameplay- High/Low Tide 1:12:22 "Addictive" Games 1:17:24 Who Should Play? 1:23:04 No Small Games 1:28:19 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:30:17 Spoilers- Curses Lifted 1:45:11 Spoilers- Story Discussion 1:57:00 Spoilers- Story, Continued Music used in the episode is credited to AP Thompson. You can purchase the soundtrack on Steam. Tracks used: Chimera Solo, Timeskip Titlecard and the Ten Years Later, The One AP Doesn't Like, Metamind Defense Grid Blues, Biome Select, Fourth Quarter, For a Dollar Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Jared Moss (Play Along Podcast) as they take over the land in Pokémon Conquest. This crossover between Pokémon and Nobunaga's Ambition puts the familiar monsters in tactical grid-based combat, with satisfying (if slow) progression. It's a fun twist on the familiar, even if it makes zero effort to tell an accompanying story with any juice. Please enjoy the discussion, and as always- no spoilers for a while! Guest info: Jared Moss (he/him) Listen to Play Along Podcast https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/playalong.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:27 Introductions 5:20 Our Histories with Pokémon/Conquest 9:17 Top-Level Thoughts 16:10 Story Setup and Thoughts 23:31 Teambuilding and Conquering the Land 37:43 Turn-Based Tactics 55:48 The Gateway to Grand Strategy? 1:06:13 Soundtrack 1:08:03 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:12:39 Pacing for Handheld Play 1:16:36 Who Should Play? 1:21:13 Play Along Podcast 1:26:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:28:04 Spoilers- Favorite Pokémon and Teams 1:42:58 Spoilers- Story and Final Fights Music used in the episode is credited to Shin-ichiro Nakamura, Ayako Toyoda and Takashi Yoshida. Tracks used: Main Theme, Episode Opening, Normal Battle, Dungeon Theme 1, Map Theme 1, Staff Roll Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guests Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) and Charlie Young for an introductory lesson about how to listen to and discuss video game music in more effective ways. The episode starts with some terminology and examples, then moves to a "close listening" exercise where you can apply what was taught earlier. Hope you enjoy! Guest info: Charlie Young (he/him) Rick Firestone (he/him) Check out Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card and Introductions 2:00 Topic Introduction 7:36 Developing a Palate- Melody, Harmony, Rhythm 19:37 Developing a Palate- Timbre, Instrument Choice, Dynamics 33:42 Developing a Palate- Texture and Form 46:07 Developing a Palate- Character, Affect 1:00:39 Patron Thank-Yous 1:02:39 Close Listening- Champion Cynthia (Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum) 1:14:43 Close Listening- Decisive Battle: Yu Yevon (Final Fantasy X) 1:29:04 Close Listening- Gone Angels (Library of Ruina) 1:48:02 Close Listening- Alicia (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) 2:09:02 Outro and Pixel Project Radio Music used in the episode: Earthbound OST- The Runaway Five on the Move! (Akio Ohmori, Ritsuo Kamimura, Keiichi Suzuki, Hirokazu Tanaka) Blue Prince OST- Stories of All Manor (Trigg & Gusset) Super Mario Bros OST- Ground Theme (Koji Kondo) Final Fantasy IX OST- Vivi's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Final Fantasy IX OST- Steiner's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Dark Souls OST- Gwyn, Lord of Cinder (Motoi Sakuraba) Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector OST- Signalchaser (Amos Roddy) Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum OST- Champion Cynthia (Go Ichinose) Final Fantasy X OST- Final Battle (Masashi Hamauzu) Final Fantasy X OST- Zanarkand (Nobuo Uematsu) Library of Ruina OST- Gone Angels (Studio EIM) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST- Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier) Video- 5th Elite Four Battle Cynthia- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vzpDrO9dH0 Pokemon Trauma Cynthia Battle Flashbacks- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEKlXY-SYc Final Fantasy X Trailer- https://youtu.be/riNzVUJumM8 Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite podcasts) as they discuss Yacht Club Games' long-awaited action adventure game, Mina the Hollower. Blending several influences from The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, FromSoftware's catalogue and more, Mina the Hollower still managed to carve out a strong identity of its own while leaving a lasting impression. Listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them) Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/ Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:23 Introductions 6:41 Personal Histories with Yacht Club Games 12:34 Top-Level Thoughts 20:08 Story Setup and Weapon Choice 23:20 Exploring Influences 28:50 Visual Design and GBC Aesthetic 32:47 Burrowing Gives Mina Its Identity 43:47 Ways to Mitigate Difficulty 58:14 Open-Ended Structure and Exploration 1:09:07 Lightning Round! 1:14:34 Modifiers, Feats and Achievements 1:25:04 Music and Sound 1:34:43 Who Should Play? 1:40:15 "Fun" and Games, Reignite Podcasts 1:46:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:48:13 Spoilers- Weapons, Areas, Bosses 2:12:43 Spoilers- Final Boss and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Jake Kaufman unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Cinematic - Intro, A Sinking Feeling (Loner's Landing), The Congealed, Gator Gallop (Nox's Bayou), A Sickly Shore (Bone Beach), Central Ossex, The Brilliant Truth (Radiant Manor), End Credits Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Roger Reichardt of Gamerheads Podcast as they discuss Soulgame Stuidio's 2024 top-down twin-stick shooting adventure, Minishoot' Adventures. The weird apostrophe will catch your attention, but the fantastic controls and satisfying gameplay will keep you grinning from ear to ear from start to finish. Or at least, that's how it went for us. As always, no spoilers in the episode until we warn you! Guest info: Roger Reichardt (he/him) Check out Gamerheads https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rogueleader76.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Preview and Title Card 0:22 Introductions 5:30 Our Histories with Minishoot' Adventures 11:35 Top-Level Thoughts 18:28 Story Setup and Storytelling 26:44 A More Approachable Bullet Hell 34:06 Very Reasonable Challenge 39:27 Sound and Visual Design 45:57 Exploration and World Structure 56:16 Soundtrack 1:01:41 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:06:32 Who Should Play? 1:09:31 Gamerheads Podcast 1:13:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:15:59 Spoilers- The Secret of the Apostrophe 1:19:33 Spoilers- Story Talk Music used in the episode is credited to Séverin Larose. Tracks used: Main Title, Dungeon, Boss, Battle, Overworld, Credits Check out an interview with Séverin Larose on "Fun" and Games podcast: https://funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-210-minishoot-adventures Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest AJ Fillari as they discuss Pyre (Supergiant Games, 2017). As your crew makes their way through their underworld hellprison, you take part in competitive rites with the goal of earning your freedom. The game explores the rhythms of sport and competition, win or lose, as well as political allusions, what it means to return home, and much more. Dave and AJ also discuss Supergiant's continuity as a studio and how it helps them consistently put out good games. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: AJ Fillari (they/any) Listen to dotzip podcast https://dotzip.online/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:27 Introductions 5:54 Our Histories with Supergiant Games 9:52 Top-Level Thoughts 17:20 Story Setup 24:45 Push and Pull Decision Making 31:56 You Gotta Lose Sometimes 43:26 Playing in the Rites 56:26 Cast of Characters and Reactivity 1:01:44 Art and Visual Design 1:06:13 Music 1:15:56 Who Should Play? 1:20:21 dotzip and AJ's work 1:25:06 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:26:49 Spoilers- Politics, Exile and Freedom 1:38:09 Spoilers- How Did Our Rites Go? 1:51:44 Spoilers- Who Should Go Free? 2:07:32 Spoilers- Endgame Results 2:14:02 Spoilers- Finale Music and Wrap-Up Music used in the episode is credited to Darren Korb. Tracks used: In the Flame (with Ashley Barrett), Surviving Exile, Glorious Tradition, Thrash Pack, Strange Voyage, Never to Return (with Ashley Barrett), Bound Together (with Ashley Barrett) Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures