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  <channel>
    <fireside:hostname>web01.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:33:58 -0500</fireside:genDate>
    <generator>Fireside (https://fireside.fm)</generator>
    <title>Tales from the Backlog - Episodes Tagged with “Action Games”</title>
    <link>https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/tags/action%20games</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle. 
</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests take a game out of the backlog, play it and discuss their experiences in depth, with no spoilers until they warn you.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Dave Jackson</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle. 
</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>video games, games, video games podcast, games podcast, tales from the backlog, tales from the backlog podcast</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Dave Jackson</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>talesfromthebacklogpod@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Leisure">
  <itunes:category text="Video Games"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Leisure">
  <itunes:category text="Games"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Leisure"/>
<item>
  <title>171: El Paso, Elsewhere (with Jacob McCourt &amp; Luke Lewis)</title>
  <link>https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/171</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Dave Jackson</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/52c9cce4-2697-4cdf-a2f3-139dba885624.mp3" length="111308160" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Dave Jackson</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Dave is joined by Jacob McCourt and Luke Lewis (Crossplay Conversations and more!) to discuss Strange Scaffold's 2023 bullet time third-person shooter, El Paso, Elsewhere. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:55:56</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Support my work on Patreon (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson)
Strange Scaffold is a rare game studio that gets as much, or maybe even more, positive attention for their workplace ethos and number of releases per year as they do for their games themselves. I found myself in that same position, with great respect for their process, but no experience with the games themselves....until now! El Paso, Elsewhere is an emotional take on neo-noir, vampire stories, Max Payne and boomer shooters, and it works really well! 
Guest info: Jacob McCourt and Luke Lewis 
* Check out their shared podcast Crossplay Conversations https://www.youtube.com/@crossplayconvos
* Check out Lukewarm Games https://www.lukewarmgames.com/
* Follow Luke on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/lukewarmlewis.bsky.social
* Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/
* Check out Jacob's written reviews on The Gaming Brief https://thegamingbrief.ca/
* Follow Jacob on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/jacob.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
* 0:00 Title Card
* 0:22 Intros
* 4:20 Personal Histories with Strange Scaffold/El Paso, Elsewhere
* 10:43 Top-Level Thoughts on El Paso, Elsewhere
* 15:10 Story Setup
* 20:49 Presentation and Storytelling
* 27:02 Music
* 34:39 Shooting and Bullet Time
* 48:57 Gameplay Pacing
* 55:03 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations
* 1:01:27 Jacob and Luke Plug Their Stuff!
* 1:11:31 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
* 1:13:45 Spoilers- Janet, Draculae and James
* 1:33:06 Spoilers- Addiction, Being a Good Person, Endings
Music used in the episode is credited to R.J. Lake and LAKE SAVAGE. Tracks used: a forty-six story motel, GONNA CUT, GHOSTIN' THE MAINFRAME, audio demon, almost exactly the same, next time on elpasoball z.
* Buy the score- https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-one-the-score
* Buy the rap album- https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-two-the-album
Check out an interview with Xalavier Nelson Jr on the Gamerheads Podcast. (https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/post/el-paso-elsewhere-interview-with-xalavier-nelson-jr)
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR)
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)!
Social Media:
BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/)
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c) and other podcast platforms (atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, el paso elsewhere, el paso elsewhere podcast, el paso elsewhere review, el paso elsewhere critique, el paso elsewhere analysis, indie game reviews, best indie games, indie games, indie game review podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support my work on Patreon</a></p>

<p>Strange Scaffold is a rare game studio that gets as much, or maybe even more, positive attention for their workplace ethos and number of releases per year as they do for their games themselves. I found myself in that same position, with great respect for their process, but no experience with the games themselves....until now! El Paso, Elsewhere is an emotional take on neo-noir, vampire stories, Max Payne and boomer shooters, and it works really well! </p>

<p><strong>Guest info: Jacob McCourt and Luke Lewis</strong> </p>

<ul>
<li>Check out their shared podcast Crossplay Conversations <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@crossplayconvos" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@crossplayconvos</a></li>
<li>Check out Lukewarm Games <a href="https://www.lukewarmgames.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.lukewarmgames.com/</a></li>
<li>Follow Luke on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/lukewarmlewis.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/lukewarmlewis.bsky.social</a></li>
<li>Check out Left Behind Game Club <a href="https://leftbehindgame.club/" rel="nofollow">https://leftbehindgame.club/</a></li>
<li>Check out Jacob&#39;s written reviews on The Gaming Brief <a href="https://thegamingbrief.ca/" rel="nofollow">https://thegamingbrief.ca/</a></li>
<li>Follow Jacob on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jacob.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jacob.bsky.social</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>0:00 Title Card</li>
<li>0:22 Intros</li>
<li>4:20 Personal Histories with Strange Scaffold/El Paso, Elsewhere</li>
<li>10:43 Top-Level Thoughts on El Paso, Elsewhere</li>
<li>15:10 Story Setup</li>
<li>20:49 Presentation and Storytelling</li>
<li>27:02 Music</li>
<li>34:39 Shooting and Bullet Time</li>
<li>48:57 Gameplay Pacing</li>
<li>55:03 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations</li>
<li>1:01:27 Jacob and Luke Plug Their Stuff!</li>
<li>1:11:31 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous</li>
<li>1:13:45 Spoilers- Janet, Draculae and James</li>
<li>1:33:06 Spoilers- Addiction, Being a Good Person, Endings</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode is credited to R.J. Lake and LAKE SAVAGE. Tracks used:</strong> a forty-six story motel, GONNA CUT, GHOSTIN&#39; THE MAINFRAME, audio demon, almost exactly the same, next time on elpasoball z.</p>

<ul>
<li>Buy the score- <a href="https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-one-the-score" rel="nofollow">https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-one-the-score</a></li>
<li>Buy the rap album- <a href="https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-two-the-album" rel="nofollow">https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-two-the-album</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Check out an interview with Xalavier Nelson Jr <a href="https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/post/el-paso-elsewhere-interview-with-xalavier-nelson-jr" rel="nofollow">on the Gamerheads Podcast.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">BlueSky</a><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support my work on Patreon</a></p>

<p>Strange Scaffold is a rare game studio that gets as much, or maybe even more, positive attention for their workplace ethos and number of releases per year as they do for their games themselves. I found myself in that same position, with great respect for their process, but no experience with the games themselves....until now! El Paso, Elsewhere is an emotional take on neo-noir, vampire stories, Max Payne and boomer shooters, and it works really well! </p>

<p><strong>Guest info: Jacob McCourt and Luke Lewis</strong> </p>

<ul>
<li>Check out their shared podcast Crossplay Conversations <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@crossplayconvos" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@crossplayconvos</a></li>
<li>Check out Lukewarm Games <a href="https://www.lukewarmgames.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.lukewarmgames.com/</a></li>
<li>Follow Luke on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/lukewarmlewis.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/lukewarmlewis.bsky.social</a></li>
<li>Check out Left Behind Game Club <a href="https://leftbehindgame.club/" rel="nofollow">https://leftbehindgame.club/</a></li>
<li>Check out Jacob&#39;s written reviews on The Gaming Brief <a href="https://thegamingbrief.ca/" rel="nofollow">https://thegamingbrief.ca/</a></li>
<li>Follow Jacob on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jacob.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/jacob.bsky.social</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>0:00 Title Card</li>
<li>0:22 Intros</li>
<li>4:20 Personal Histories with Strange Scaffold/El Paso, Elsewhere</li>
<li>10:43 Top-Level Thoughts on El Paso, Elsewhere</li>
<li>15:10 Story Setup</li>
<li>20:49 Presentation and Storytelling</li>
<li>27:02 Music</li>
<li>34:39 Shooting and Bullet Time</li>
<li>48:57 Gameplay Pacing</li>
<li>55:03 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations</li>
<li>1:01:27 Jacob and Luke Plug Their Stuff!</li>
<li>1:11:31 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous</li>
<li>1:13:45 Spoilers- Janet, Draculae and James</li>
<li>1:33:06 Spoilers- Addiction, Being a Good Person, Endings</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode is credited to R.J. Lake and LAKE SAVAGE. Tracks used:</strong> a forty-six story motel, GONNA CUT, GHOSTIN&#39; THE MAINFRAME, audio demon, almost exactly the same, next time on elpasoball z.</p>

<ul>
<li>Buy the score- <a href="https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-one-the-score" rel="nofollow">https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-one-the-score</a></li>
<li>Buy the rap album- <a href="https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-two-the-album" rel="nofollow">https://spellmynamewithabang.bandcamp.com/album/el-paso-elsewhere-part-two-the-album</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Check out an interview with Xalavier Nelson Jr <a href="https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/post/el-paso-elsewhere-interview-with-xalavier-nelson-jr" rel="nofollow">on the Gamerheads Podcast.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">BlueSky</a><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>164: Monster Hunter Wilds (with Brad Gallaway)</title>
  <link>https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/164</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">ddb385ca-4e57-4e55-b0e9-f43a2d7c7a72</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Dave Jackson</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/ddb385ca-4e57-4e55-b0e9-f43a2d7c7a72.mp3" length="132069504" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Dave Jackson</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Dave is joined by Brad Gallaway (Gamecritics.com, So...Videogames!) to discuss Capcom's 2025 action hit, Monster Hunter Wilds.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>2:17:34</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Support my work on Patreon (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson)
Review code provided by Capcom. Thank you!
Monster Hunter has been around for a long time, but has only recently fully broken into the mainstream. And with mainstream success comes grumbling from longtime fans. Is the game actually too streamlined? Does quality of life take away from quality of game? And what about the new focus on the story? All that and more in this lengthy discussion. 
Guest info: Brad Gallaway
* Check out written game reviews on GameCritics https://gamecritics.com/
* Listen to So...Videogames! https://gamecritics.com/category/podcasts/so-videogames/
* Follow Brad on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/bradgallaway.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
* 0:00 Title Card
* 0:28 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
* 15:11 New Player Experience/Fight Prep
* 35:04 Monster Fights/Upgrades and Gear
* 1:04:32 Story/Presentation
* 1:24:12 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs
* 1:33:10 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
* 1:35:23 Spoiler Section
Music used in the episode is credited to Miwako Chinone. Tracks used:
* Main Title Theme
* Proof of a Hero (Wilds Version)
* Nu Udra Battle Theme
* Mizutsune Battle Theme
* Rey Dau Battle Theme
* Suja Village Daytime
* Zoh Shia Battle Theme Phase 1- Arrant Calamity
* Quest Clear Theme
Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio giving first impressions on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EYHKnevmhrHHa5kTMCOLb
Check out Dave on Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers talking about Monster Hunter Wilds (May 5th) https://www.fngamers.com/
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR)
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)!
Social Media:
BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/)
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c) and other podcast platforms (atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, monster hunter wilds, monster hunter wilds podcast, monster hunter podcast, monster hunter wilds analysis, monster hunter wilds critique, monster hunter review podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support my work on Patreon</a></p>

<p>Review code provided by Capcom. Thank you!</p>

<p>Monster Hunter has been around for a long time, but has only recently fully broken into the mainstream. And with mainstream success comes grumbling from longtime fans. Is the game actually too streamlined? Does quality of life take away from quality of game? And what about the new focus on the story? All that and more in this lengthy discussion. </p>

<p><strong>Guest info: Brad Gallaway</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Check out written game reviews on GameCritics <a href="https://gamecritics.com/" rel="nofollow">https://gamecritics.com/</a></li>
<li>Listen to So...Videogames! <a href="https://gamecritics.com/category/podcasts/so-videogames/" rel="nofollow">https://gamecritics.com/category/podcasts/so-videogames/</a></li>
<li>Follow Brad on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/bradgallaway.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/bradgallaway.bsky.social</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>0:00 Title Card</li>
<li>0:28 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts</li>
<li>15:11 New Player Experience/Fight Prep</li>
<li>35:04 Monster Fights/Upgrades and Gear</li>
<li>1:04:32 Story/Presentation</li>
<li>1:24:12 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs</li>
<li>1:33:10 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous</li>
<li>1:35:23 Spoiler Section</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode is credited to Miwako Chinone. Tracks used:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Main Title Theme</li>
<li>Proof of a Hero (Wilds Version)</li>
<li>Nu Udra Battle Theme</li>
<li>Mizutsune Battle Theme</li>
<li>Rey Dau Battle Theme</li>
<li>Suja Village Daytime</li>
<li>Zoh Shia Battle Theme Phase 1- Arrant Calamity</li>
<li>Quest Clear Theme</li>
</ul>

<p>Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio giving first impressions on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EYHKnevmhrHHa5kTMCOLb" rel="nofollow">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EYHKnevmhrHHa5kTMCOLb</a><br>
Check out Dave on Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers talking about Monster Hunter Wilds (May 5th) <a href="https://www.fngamers.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fngamers.com/</a></p>

<p><a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">BlueSky</a><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support my work on Patreon</a></p>

<p>Review code provided by Capcom. Thank you!</p>

<p>Monster Hunter has been around for a long time, but has only recently fully broken into the mainstream. And with mainstream success comes grumbling from longtime fans. Is the game actually too streamlined? Does quality of life take away from quality of game? And what about the new focus on the story? All that and more in this lengthy discussion. </p>

<p><strong>Guest info: Brad Gallaway</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Check out written game reviews on GameCritics <a href="https://gamecritics.com/" rel="nofollow">https://gamecritics.com/</a></li>
<li>Listen to So...Videogames! <a href="https://gamecritics.com/category/podcasts/so-videogames/" rel="nofollow">https://gamecritics.com/category/podcasts/so-videogames/</a></li>
<li>Follow Brad on BlueSky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/bradgallaway.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/bradgallaway.bsky.social</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>0:00 Title Card</li>
<li>0:28 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts</li>
<li>15:11 New Player Experience/Fight Prep</li>
<li>35:04 Monster Fights/Upgrades and Gear</li>
<li>1:04:32 Story/Presentation</li>
<li>1:24:12 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs</li>
<li>1:33:10 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous</li>
<li>1:35:23 Spoiler Section</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode is credited to Miwako Chinone. Tracks used:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Main Title Theme</li>
<li>Proof of a Hero (Wilds Version)</li>
<li>Nu Udra Battle Theme</li>
<li>Mizutsune Battle Theme</li>
<li>Rey Dau Battle Theme</li>
<li>Suja Village Daytime</li>
<li>Zoh Shia Battle Theme Phase 1- Arrant Calamity</li>
<li>Quest Clear Theme</li>
</ul>

<p>Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio giving first impressions on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EYHKnevmhrHHa5kTMCOLb" rel="nofollow">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EYHKnevmhrHHa5kTMCOLb</a><br>
Check out Dave on Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers talking about Monster Hunter Wilds (May 5th) <a href="https://www.fngamers.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fngamers.com/</a></p>

<p><a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">BlueSky</a><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>118: God Hand (with Derek Van Dyke - Super Deluxe GamesCast)</title>
  <link>https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/118</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">752bbeac-d19d-4a24-8123-919e6ce0bf01</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Dave Jackson</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/752bbeac-d19d-4a24-8123-919e6ce0bf01.mp3" length="90919130" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Dave Jackson</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Dave is joined by Derek Van Dyke from Super Deluxe GamesCast to discuss Clover Studios and Capcom's cult hit brawler, God Hand.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:48:14</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Sometimes you hear about a game and you know you're going to love it. God Hand, released by Clover Studio and Capcom in 2006, is one of those games. Despite hearing about its difficulty (which was true, my hands still hurt), I loved playing this game and it deserves its resurging cult status. Now if only someone could convince Capcom that this is worth remastering. We can dream, can't we?
I'm joined in this episode by the wonderful Derek Van Dyke of Super Deluxe Gamescast and Castle Bravo podcasts, which you should check out for your video games and Godzilla media needs, respectively. Follow these links for Super Deluxe Gamescast (https://officialsdgc.com/) and Castle Bravo (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/castlebravo) or search on your favorite podcast app!
TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:59
Story Setup/Campy Tone/Humor 16:09
Soundtrack 38:25
Combat 49:34
Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:41
SPOILER WALL 1:16:21
Music used in the episode is credited to Masafumi Takada and Jun Fukuda: Peek-a-Boo!, Be Ready, Gene's Rock-a-Bye, Smoking Roll, Top of the Humans, Sunset Heroes, It's a Smile World, Broncobuster, God Hand 
Mazinger Z Theme by Ichirou Muzuki
Listen to the King of Games 1996 over on Retro Hangover! (https://linktr.ee/retrohangover)
Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR)
Social Media:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/tftblpod)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/)
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages (https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures)
Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c) and other podcast platforms (atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, god hand, god hand review, god hand analysis, god hand critique, resident evil 4, capcom games, clover studio games, god hand retrospective, super deluxe gamescast, sdgc</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes you hear about a game and you know you&#39;re going to love it. <strong>God Hand</strong>, released by <strong>Clover Studio</strong> and <strong>Capcom</strong> in 2006, is one of those games. Despite hearing about its difficulty (which was true, my hands still hurt), I loved playing this game and it deserves its resurging cult status. Now if only someone could convince Capcom that this is worth remastering. We can dream, can&#39;t we?</p>

<p>I&#39;m joined in this episode by the wonderful <strong>Derek Van Dyke</strong> of <strong>Super Deluxe Gamescast</strong> and <strong>Castle Bravo</strong> podcasts, which you should check out for your video games and Godzilla media needs, respectively. Follow these links for <a href="https://officialsdgc.com/" rel="nofollow">Super Deluxe Gamescast</a> and <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/castlebravo" rel="nofollow">Castle Bravo</a> or search on your favorite podcast app!</p>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong><br>
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:59<br>
Story Setup/Campy Tone/Humor 16:09<br>
Soundtrack 38:25<br>
Combat 49:34<br>
Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:41<br>
SPOILER WALL 1:16:21</p>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode</strong> is credited to Masafumi Takada and Jun Fukuda: Peek-a-Boo!, Be Ready, Gene&#39;s Rock-a-Bye, Smoking Roll, Top of the Humans, Sunset Heroes, It&#39;s a Smile World, Broncobuster, God Hand </p>

<p>Mazinger Z Theme by Ichirou Muzuki</p>

<p><a href="https://linktr.ee/retrohangover" rel="nofollow">Listen to the King of Games 1996 over on Retro Hangover!</a></p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<a href="https://twitter.com/tftblpod" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><br>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/</a> and <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">his other pages</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes you hear about a game and you know you&#39;re going to love it. <strong>God Hand</strong>, released by <strong>Clover Studio</strong> and <strong>Capcom</strong> in 2006, is one of those games. Despite hearing about its difficulty (which was true, my hands still hurt), I loved playing this game and it deserves its resurging cult status. Now if only someone could convince Capcom that this is worth remastering. We can dream, can&#39;t we?</p>

<p>I&#39;m joined in this episode by the wonderful <strong>Derek Van Dyke</strong> of <strong>Super Deluxe Gamescast</strong> and <strong>Castle Bravo</strong> podcasts, which you should check out for your video games and Godzilla media needs, respectively. Follow these links for <a href="https://officialsdgc.com/" rel="nofollow">Super Deluxe Gamescast</a> and <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/castlebravo" rel="nofollow">Castle Bravo</a> or search on your favorite podcast app!</p>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong><br>
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:59<br>
Story Setup/Campy Tone/Humor 16:09<br>
Soundtrack 38:25<br>
Combat 49:34<br>
Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:41<br>
SPOILER WALL 1:16:21</p>

<p><strong>Music used in the episode</strong> is credited to Masafumi Takada and Jun Fukuda: Peek-a-Boo!, Be Ready, Gene&#39;s Rock-a-Bye, Smoking Roll, Top of the Humans, Sunset Heroes, It&#39;s a Smile World, Broncobuster, God Hand </p>

<p>Mazinger Z Theme by Ichirou Muzuki</p>

<p><a href="https://linktr.ee/retrohangover" rel="nofollow">Listen to the King of Games 1996 over on Retro Hangover!</a></p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<a href="https://twitter.com/tftblpod" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><br>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/</a> and <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">his other pages</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>77: Hi-Fi RUSH (with Kevin Ainsworth - Save the Game Media)</title>
  <link>https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/77</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">938f6afd-1d74-4888-99ce-1ceb3b323298</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Dave Jackson</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/938f6afd-1d74-4888-99ce-1ceb3b323298.mp3" length="87938612" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>Dave Jackson</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Dave is joined by Kevin Ainsworth from Save the Game Media to discuss Tango Gameworks' 2023 surprise action-rhythm hit, Hi-Fi RUSH. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:13:16</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/22f78a73-e050-4873-99ee-9baa9398fea5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Nobody saw this one coming. Hi-Fi RUSH, by Tango Gameworks shadow dropped during an Xbox showcase and took the gaming world by storm. A colorful and cartoonish art style, a rockin soundtrack and the friendliest rhythm action gameplay around all make this game an absolute joy to play. Joining me to discuss is Kevin Ainsworth from Save the Game Media! Check out all of the shows that Save the Game does by following this link (https://linktr.ee/SaveTheGameMedia)! 
TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:26
Story Setup/Rhythm Gameplay 14:37
Boss Fights 36:30
SPOILER WALL 55:23
Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR)
Social Media:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/tftblpod)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/)
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages (https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures)
Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c) and other podcast platforms (atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, hi fi rush review, hi fi rush podcast, hi fi rush, hi-fi rush review, hi-fi rush podcast, hi-fi rush review, xbox review, game pass review, xbox game pass, hi fi rush review</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Nobody saw this one coming. <strong>Hi-Fi RUSH</strong>, by <strong>Tango Gameworks</strong> shadow dropped during an Xbox showcase and took the gaming world by storm. A colorful and cartoonish art style, a rockin soundtrack and the friendliest rhythm action gameplay around all make this game an absolute joy to play. Joining me to discuss is <strong>Kevin Ainsworth</strong> from <strong>Save the Game Media</strong>! Check out all of the shows that Save the Game does by <a href="https://linktr.ee/SaveTheGameMedia" rel="nofollow">following this link</a>! </p>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong><br>
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:26<br>
Story Setup/Rhythm Gameplay 14:37<br>
Boss Fights 36:30<br>
SPOILER WALL 55:23</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<a href="https://twitter.com/tftblpod" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><br>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/</a> and <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">his other pages</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Nobody saw this one coming. <strong>Hi-Fi RUSH</strong>, by <strong>Tango Gameworks</strong> shadow dropped during an Xbox showcase and took the gaming world by storm. A colorful and cartoonish art style, a rockin soundtrack and the friendliest rhythm action gameplay around all make this game an absolute joy to play. Joining me to discuss is <strong>Kevin Ainsworth</strong> from <strong>Save the Game Media</strong>! Check out all of the shows that Save the Game does by <a href="https://linktr.ee/SaveTheGameMedia" rel="nofollow">following this link</a>! </p>

<p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong><br>
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:26<br>
Story Setup/Rhythm Gameplay 14:37<br>
Boss Fights 36:30<br>
SPOILER WALL 55:23</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!</a> or <a href="https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson" rel="nofollow">buy me a coffee on Ko-fi</a>!<br>
<a href="https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR" rel="nofollow">Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!</a><br>
<strong>Social Media:</strong><br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
<a href="https://twitter.com/tftblpod" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><br>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromtheBacklog/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><br>
<strong>Cover art</strong> by Jack Allen- find him at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/</a> and <a href="https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures" rel="nofollow">his other pages</a></p>

<p>Listen to <strong>A Top 3 Podcast</strong> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504" rel="nofollow">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a> and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson">Support Tales from the Backlog</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
