web01.fireside.fm Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:27:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Tales from the Backlog - Episodes Tagged with “Jrpg” https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/tags/jrpg Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 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. en-us episodic 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. Dave Jackson 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. yes video games, games, video games podcast, games podcast, tales from the backlog, tales from the backlog podcast Dave Jackson talesfromthebacklogpod@gmail.com 176: Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (with Chris Coplien - Retro Hangover) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/176 b17b6a2c-ac7d-45d1-a593-8d0a83c5f53a Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Chris Coplien (Retro Hangover) to discuss Chunsoft and Enix's 1992 RPG, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. 2:41:17 yes Support my work on Patreon (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson) Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server (https://discord.gg/bptGyEWbk7) Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson) I didn't hear about Dragon Quest for a very long time, probably an embarrassingly long time, and once I played one, I didn't....get it. It all seemed too plain, too simple, too lacking in complexity, and while a part of me was relieved to suddenly have less "homework" to do as I'm forever catching up on RPGs that I missed, part of me felt an ever-present need to "get it". Yada yada yada, I finally had another reason to try Dragon Quest, starting with Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride on DS, and folks....I get it now. Tune in to find out how I got there. Guest info: Chris Coplien of Retro Hangover * Listen to Retro Hangover https://linktr.ee/retrohangover * Check out the first of Dragon Quest V's episodes in the King of Games 1992 tournament https://retrohangover.captivate.fm/episode/king-of-games-92-round-1-match-4-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-vs-dragon-quest-v * Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/retrohangover.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:42 Intros * 6:10 Personal Histories with Dragon Quest V * 12:15 Opening Thoughts * 14:54 Story Setup/Generational Structure * 26:19 Overcoming Constraints/Presentation * 34:26 Story Themes/Cozy Charm * 45:16 Soundtrack/Influence * 56:10 Gameplay- Combat/Monster Collecting * 1:12:05 Final Thoughts/Recommendations * 1:14:45 Retro Hangover Podcast * 1:19:23 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's * 1:21:15 Spoiler Section- Act 1 and 2 * 2:06:04 Spoiler Section- Act 3 and Closing Thoughts Music used in the episode is credited to Koichi Sugiyama. Tracks used: Overture, Overworld, Town, Battle, Melody in an Ancient Town, The Ocean, Zenithia, Saint 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, dragon quest v review, dragon quest v podcast, dragon quest v analysis, dragon quest v critique, dragon quest v, dragon quest 5, dragon quest 5 review, dragon quest 5 podcast, dragon quest 5 analysis, dragon quest 5 critique, dragon quest, jrpg podcast, jrpg, jrpg analysis, jrpg review Support my work on Patreon
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi

I didn't hear about Dragon Quest for a very long time, probably an embarrassingly long time, and once I played one, I didn't....get it. It all seemed too plain, too simple, too lacking in complexity, and while a part of me was relieved to suddenly have less "homework" to do as I'm forever catching up on RPGs that I missed, part of me felt an ever-present need to "get it". Yada yada yada, I finally had another reason to try Dragon Quest, starting with Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride on DS, and folks....I get it now. Tune in to find out how I got there.

Guest info: Chris Coplien of Retro Hangover

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:42 Intros
  • 6:10 Personal Histories with Dragon Quest V
  • 12:15 Opening Thoughts
  • 14:54 Story Setup/Generational Structure
  • 26:19 Overcoming Constraints/Presentation
  • 34:26 Story Themes/Cozy Charm
  • 45:16 Soundtrack/Influence
  • 56:10 Gameplay- Combat/Monster Collecting
  • 1:12:05 Final Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:14:45 Retro Hangover Podcast
  • 1:19:23 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's
  • 1:21:15 Spoiler Section- Act 1 and 2
  • 2:06:04 Spoiler Section- Act 3 and Closing Thoughts

Music used in the episode is credited to Koichi Sugiyama. Tracks used: Overture, Overworld, Town, Battle, Melody in an Ancient Town, The Ocean, Zenithia, Saint

Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi

I didn't hear about Dragon Quest for a very long time, probably an embarrassingly long time, and once I played one, I didn't....get it. It all seemed too plain, too simple, too lacking in complexity, and while a part of me was relieved to suddenly have less "homework" to do as I'm forever catching up on RPGs that I missed, part of me felt an ever-present need to "get it". Yada yada yada, I finally had another reason to try Dragon Quest, starting with Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride on DS, and folks....I get it now. Tune in to find out how I got there.

Guest info: Chris Coplien of Retro Hangover

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:42 Intros
  • 6:10 Personal Histories with Dragon Quest V
  • 12:15 Opening Thoughts
  • 14:54 Story Setup/Generational Structure
  • 26:19 Overcoming Constraints/Presentation
  • 34:26 Story Themes/Cozy Charm
  • 45:16 Soundtrack/Influence
  • 56:10 Gameplay- Combat/Monster Collecting
  • 1:12:05 Final Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:14:45 Retro Hangover Podcast
  • 1:19:23 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's
  • 1:21:15 Spoiler Section- Act 1 and 2
  • 2:06:04 Spoiler Section- Act 3 and Closing Thoughts

Music used in the episode is credited to Koichi Sugiyama. Tracks used: Overture, Overworld, Town, Battle, Melody in an Ancient Town, The Ocean, Zenithia, Saint

Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 174: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (with Michael Higham) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/174 1d8af5f9-d3fd-45ed-b85d-ba6f7c389675 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Michael Higham to discuss Sandfall Interactive's 2025 debut RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. 3:07:28 yes *Spoiler section includes some spoilers for key moments and/or themes in Nier Automata, Persona 5 Royal and Metaphor ReFantazio. Support my work on Patreon (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson) Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/bptGyEWbk7) Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)! Once or twice a year, a game will hook me so strongly that not only can I not stop playing it, I can't stop thinking about it. If it's not the constant pull to get back on the sticks and play, it was the constant pull to think about the story. Sandfall Interactive caught lightning in a bottle with their debut game, and I couldn't wait to have this conversation and share it all with you. Guest info: Michael Higham * Read Michael's review of Expedition 33 https://www.ign.com/articles/clair-obscur-expedition-33-review * Follow Michael on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/brazyazn.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:42 Intros * 6:25 Personal Histories with Expedition 33 * 9:31 Opening Thoughts about Expedition 33 * 13:12 Story Setup/Worldbuilding/A Strong Story Hook * 24:15 Cast of Characters * 31:29 Overview of Themes * 39:55 Comic Relief in a Bleak Story * 45:15 Music/Presentation * 1:03:02 Combat- Dodging and Parrying, Difficulty * 1:14:57 Combat- Offense and Character Building * 1:28:28 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations * 1:36:28 Michael's Work at IGN * 1:39:37 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's * 1:41:20 Spoiler Section- What's Happening? * 2:07:28 Spoiler Section- Endings and Interpretations * 2:39:13 Spoiler Section- Optional Bosses, More Thoughts, "For Those Who Come After" Music used in the episode: * Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier) * Lumière (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier) * Gustave (Lorien Testard) * World Map- In Lumière's Name (Lorien Testard) * Une vie à t'aimer (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba) * Our Painted Family (Lorien Testard) * We Lost (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba) * Verso (Music Box) (Lorien Testard) * Is It a Gestral or a Volleyball? (Lorien Testard) You can purchase the soundtrack here: https://lacedrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clair-obscur-expedition-33-original-soundtrack 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, clair obscur review, clair obscur analysis, clair obscur podcast, clair obscur critique, expedition 33, clair obscur expedition 33, expedition 33 review, expedition 33 analysis, expedition 33 critique, jrpg podcast, jrpg analysis, jrpg retrospective, rpg podcast, best rpgs, 2025 games, goty 2025, best 2025 games *Spoiler section includes some spoilers for key moments and/or themes in Nier Automata, Persona 5 Royal and Metaphor ReFantazio.

Support my work on Patreon
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!

Once or twice a year, a game will hook me so strongly that not only can I not stop playing it, I can't stop thinking about it. If it's not the constant pull to get back on the sticks and play, it was the constant pull to think about the story. Sandfall Interactive caught lightning in a bottle with their debut game, and I couldn't wait to have this conversation and share it all with you.

Guest info: Michael Higham

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:42 Intros
  • 6:25 Personal Histories with Expedition 33
  • 9:31 Opening Thoughts about Expedition 33
  • 13:12 Story Setup/Worldbuilding/A Strong Story Hook
  • 24:15 Cast of Characters
  • 31:29 Overview of Themes
  • 39:55 Comic Relief in a Bleak Story
  • 45:15 Music/Presentation
  • 1:03:02 Combat- Dodging and Parrying, Difficulty
  • 1:14:57 Combat- Offense and Character Building
  • 1:28:28 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:36:28 Michael's Work at IGN
  • 1:39:37 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's
  • 1:41:20 Spoiler Section- What's Happening?
  • 2:07:28 Spoiler Section- Endings and Interpretations
  • 2:39:13 Spoiler Section- Optional Bosses, More Thoughts, "For Those Who Come After"

Music used in the episode:

  • Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier)
  • Lumière (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier)
  • Gustave (Lorien Testard)
  • World Map- In Lumière's Name (Lorien Testard)
  • Une vie à t'aimer (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba)
  • Our Painted Family (Lorien Testard)
  • We Lost (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba)
  • Verso (Music Box) (Lorien Testard)
  • Is It a Gestral or a Volleyball? (Lorien Testard)

You can purchase the soundtrack here: https://lacedrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clair-obscur-expedition-33-original-soundtrack

Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> *Spoiler section includes some spoilers for key moments and/or themes in Nier Automata, Persona 5 Royal and Metaphor ReFantazio.

Support my work on Patreon
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!

Once or twice a year, a game will hook me so strongly that not only can I not stop playing it, I can't stop thinking about it. If it's not the constant pull to get back on the sticks and play, it was the constant pull to think about the story. Sandfall Interactive caught lightning in a bottle with their debut game, and I couldn't wait to have this conversation and share it all with you.

Guest info: Michael Higham

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:42 Intros
  • 6:25 Personal Histories with Expedition 33
  • 9:31 Opening Thoughts about Expedition 33
  • 13:12 Story Setup/Worldbuilding/A Strong Story Hook
  • 24:15 Cast of Characters
  • 31:29 Overview of Themes
  • 39:55 Comic Relief in a Bleak Story
  • 45:15 Music/Presentation
  • 1:03:02 Combat- Dodging and Parrying, Difficulty
  • 1:14:57 Combat- Offense and Character Building
  • 1:28:28 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:36:28 Michael's Work at IGN
  • 1:39:37 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-You's
  • 1:41:20 Spoiler Section- What's Happening?
  • 2:07:28 Spoiler Section- Endings and Interpretations
  • 2:39:13 Spoiler Section- Optional Bosses, More Thoughts, "For Those Who Come After"

Music used in the episode:

  • Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier)
  • Lumière (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier)
  • Gustave (Lorien Testard)
  • World Map- In Lumière's Name (Lorien Testard)
  • Une vie à t'aimer (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba)
  • Our Painted Family (Lorien Testard)
  • We Lost (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba)
  • Verso (Music Box) (Lorien Testard)
  • Is It a Gestral or a Volleyball? (Lorien Testard)

You can purchase the soundtrack here: https://lacedrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clair-obscur-expedition-33-original-soundtrack

Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 168: Persona 4 Golden (with Flora Merigold) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/168 388bdd53-7c9c-47d8-afd8-48b76b118db1 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Flora Merigold (Epilogue Gaming, Left Behind Game Club) to discuss Atlus's 2012 RPG, Persona 4 Golden. 3:17:57 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Persona games are a tough sell for a guy who does a weekly podcast like this, so thank you to my wonderful patrons for voting Persona 4 Golden onto the show. While it has all of the pacing issues that you would expect an 80 hour game to have, I thought this is, in some ways, the best of the Persona 4/5/Metaphor trio that I've played in the last five years. Tune in to the episode to find out why. Guest Info: Flora Merigold * Find her writing at Epilogue Gaming https://epiloguegaming.com/flora-merigold/ * Hear her on Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/ * Follow her on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/floramerigold.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:22 Intros * 4:40 Personal Histories with Persona and Persona 4 * 8:07 Opening Thoughts about Persona 4 Golden * 16:05 Murder Mystery Story Setup * 21:55 Characters and Problematic Representation(?) * 37:13 Story Themes and PSA for New Players * 49:03 Visuals * 57:12 Music * 1:05:42 Dungeon Crawling and Combat * 1:28:03 Life-Sim Gameplay * 1:44:52 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs * 1:55:14 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous * 1:56:49 Spoilers- Kanji, Naoto and Representation * 2:37:34 Spoilers- Teddie and Rise and More Music used in the episode is credited to Shoji Meguro. Tracks used: Glimpse of a Memory, Signs of Love, Like a Dream Come True, Heartbreak, Heartbeat, Reach Out to the Truth (First Battle), Sauna, Studio Backlot, Junes Theme, Your Affection, Results Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/bptGyEWbk7) 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://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages (https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures) games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, persona 4 golden, persona 4 golden review, persona 4 golden critique, persona 4 golden analysis, jrpg podcast, jrpg review, persona series, persona 4 Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson

Persona games are a tough sell for a guy who does a weekly podcast like this, so thank you to my wonderful patrons for voting Persona 4 Golden onto the show. While it has all of the pacing issues that you would expect an 80 hour game to have, I thought this is, in some ways, the best of the Persona 4/5/Metaphor trio that I've played in the last five years. Tune in to the episode to find out why.

Guest Info: Flora Merigold

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:22 Intros
  • 4:40 Personal Histories with Persona and Persona 4
  • 8:07 Opening Thoughts about Persona 4 Golden
  • 16:05 Murder Mystery Story Setup
  • 21:55 Characters and Problematic Representation(?)
  • 37:13 Story Themes and PSA for New Players
  • 49:03 Visuals
  • 57:12 Music
  • 1:05:42 Dungeon Crawling and Combat
  • 1:28:03 Life-Sim Gameplay
  • 1:44:52 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs
  • 1:55:14 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:56:49 Spoilers- Kanji, Naoto and Representation
  • 2:37:34 Spoilers- Teddie and Rise and More

Music used in the episode is credited to Shoji Meguro. Tracks used: Glimpse of a Memory, Signs of Love, Like a Dream Come True, Heartbreak, Heartbeat, Reach Out to the Truth (First Battle), Sauna, Studio Backlot, Junes Theme, Your Affection, Results

Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson

Persona games are a tough sell for a guy who does a weekly podcast like this, so thank you to my wonderful patrons for voting Persona 4 Golden onto the show. While it has all of the pacing issues that you would expect an 80 hour game to have, I thought this is, in some ways, the best of the Persona 4/5/Metaphor trio that I've played in the last five years. Tune in to the episode to find out why.

Guest Info: Flora Merigold

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:22 Intros
  • 4:40 Personal Histories with Persona and Persona 4
  • 8:07 Opening Thoughts about Persona 4 Golden
  • 16:05 Murder Mystery Story Setup
  • 21:55 Characters and Problematic Representation(?)
  • 37:13 Story Themes and PSA for New Players
  • 49:03 Visuals
  • 57:12 Music
  • 1:05:42 Dungeon Crawling and Combat
  • 1:28:03 Life-Sim Gameplay
  • 1:44:52 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs
  • 1:55:14 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:56:49 Spoilers- Kanji, Naoto and Representation
  • 2:37:34 Spoilers- Teddie and Rise and More

Music used in the episode is credited to Shoji Meguro. Tracks used: Glimpse of a Memory, Signs of Love, Like a Dream Come True, Heartbreak, Heartbeat, Reach Out to the Truth (First Battle), Sauna, Studio Backlot, Junes Theme, Your Affection, Results

Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 163: Vagrant Story (with Aidan Moher) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/163 04771d05-46dc-448f-a9b0-84ffdd12925f Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aidan Moher to discuss Square's 2000 RPG, Vagrant Story. 2:34:58 yes Like many of Square's RPGs of the late 90's and early 2000's, Vagrant Story is an ambitious, flawed, divisive and fantastic RPG, full of big ideas that didn't get a chance to full develop into what was planned. What we got was only one part of a larger saga (see also: Xenogears from just a few years prior), a game that stands on its own, proudly displaying all of the rough edges and brilliant ideas for all to see. It made for a great discussion on the podcast! Guest info: Aidan Moher * Check out Aidan's new podcast FunFactor https://funfactorpod.com/ * Find Aidan's writing on Astrolabe https://astrolabe.aidanmoher.com/ * Find Aidan's book Fight, Magic, Items https://fightmagicitems.rocks/ * Look forward to Aidan's next book about Suikoden 1 and 2 https://astrolabe.aidanmoher.com/suikoden-1-2-history-boss-fight-books-2026/ * Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/aidanis.fun TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:38 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts * 14:58 Story Setup/Themes/Localization * 42:35 Presentation * 1:03:32 Combat/Equipment * 1:36:21 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs * 1:45:45 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous * 1:47:38 Spoiler Section Music used in the episode is credited to Hitoshi Sakimoto. Tracks used: Opening Movie, Greyland Event Climax, Snowfly Forest, Dullahan, Minotauros, Remembrance, Dawn of Lea Monde, Fanfare 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: BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, vagrant story, vagrant story review, vagrant story analysis, vagrant story critique, vagrant story podcast, square rpg, ivalice games, jrpg, best jrpgs, jrpg reviews, jrpg analysis Like many of Square's RPGs of the late 90's and early 2000's, Vagrant Story is an ambitious, flawed, divisive and fantastic RPG, full of big ideas that didn't get a chance to full develop into what was planned. What we got was only one part of a larger saga (see also: Xenogears from just a few years prior), a game that stands on its own, proudly displaying all of the rough edges and brilliant ideas for all to see. It made for a great discussion on the podcast!

Guest info: Aidan Moher

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:38 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 14:58 Story Setup/Themes/Localization
  • 42:35 Presentation
  • 1:03:32 Combat/Equipment
  • 1:36:21 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs
  • 1:45:45 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:47:38 Spoiler Section

Music used in the episode is credited to Hitoshi Sakimoto. Tracks used: Opening Movie, Greyland Event Climax, Snowfly Forest, Dullahan, Minotauros, Remembrance, Dawn of Lea Monde, Fanfare

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Like many of Square's RPGs of the late 90's and early 2000's, Vagrant Story is an ambitious, flawed, divisive and fantastic RPG, full of big ideas that didn't get a chance to full develop into what was planned. What we got was only one part of a larger saga (see also: Xenogears from just a few years prior), a game that stands on its own, proudly displaying all of the rough edges and brilliant ideas for all to see. It made for a great discussion on the podcast!

Guest info: Aidan Moher

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:38 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 14:58 Story Setup/Themes/Localization
  • 42:35 Presentation
  • 1:03:32 Combat/Equipment
  • 1:36:21 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs
  • 1:45:45 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:47:38 Spoiler Section

Music used in the episode is credited to Hitoshi Sakimoto. Tracks used: Opening Movie, Greyland Event Climax, Snowfly Forest, Dullahan, Minotauros, Remembrance, Dawn of Lea Monde, Fanfare

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 159: Metaphor: ReFantazio (with Scott White) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/159 4786b85e-f058-4e1e-9674-f87f34caaac3 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Scott White (RPG University) to discuss Studio Zero and Atlus' 2024 RPG hit, Metaphor: ReFantazio. 2:13:51 yes Only one studio out there can inspire the following sentence- the first time I saw the menu UI in Metaphor: ReFantazio, I knew that Atlus and Studio Zero were cooking. They've mastered the art of making menu-based RPGs flashy and stylish, as well as mastering the "Persona" calendar-based structure in general. On several fronts, this is the best game this studio has made, but left us wanting in a few areas as well. Listen in to this deep dive discussion and let us know what you think! Guest info: Scott White * Check out his writing: https://linktr.ee/scottwhite * Check out RPG University podcast: https://linktr.ee/RPGU_IP * Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/professorrpg.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:35 Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts * 10:43 Story Setup * 35:05 Presentation * 46:25 Combat/Archetype System * 59:47 Life Sim Gameplay * 1:15:43 SPOILER WALL, Patron Thank-Yous * 1:17:37 Spoiler Section Music used in the episode is credited to ATLUS Sound Team. Tracks used: * Call of Magic (Shoji Meguro) * A Brief Respite (Shoji Meguro) * Castle of Dread (Maiko Katagiri, Shoji Meguro) * Warriors in Valour (Keisuke Honryo, Shoji Meguro) * Journey's Legs (Shoji Meguro) * Ode to Heroes (Shoji Meguro) * Hero's Awakening (Shoji Meguro) * Formidable Foe (Shoji Meguro) * King's Verdict (Shoji Meguro) Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pixelated Playgrounds about Persona 4 Golden: https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub 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: BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, metaphor refantazio, metaphor refantazio review, metaphor refantazio analysis, metaphor refantazio critique, metaphor game review, metaphor game analysis, metaphor game, metaphor game critique, studio zero game, persona games, jrpg review, jrpg game review Only one studio out there can inspire the following sentence- the first time I saw the menu UI in Metaphor: ReFantazio, I knew that Atlus and Studio Zero were cooking. They've mastered the art of making menu-based RPGs flashy and stylish, as well as mastering the "Persona" calendar-based structure in general. On several fronts, this is the best game this studio has made, but left us wanting in a few areas as well. Listen in to this deep dive discussion and let us know what you think!

Guest info: Scott White

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:35 Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 10:43 Story Setup
  • 35:05 Presentation
  • 46:25 Combat/Archetype System
  • 59:47 Life Sim Gameplay
  • 1:15:43 SPOILER WALL, Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:17:37 Spoiler Section

Music used in the episode is credited to ATLUS Sound Team. Tracks used:

  • Call of Magic (Shoji Meguro)
  • A Brief Respite (Shoji Meguro)
  • Castle of Dread (Maiko Katagiri, Shoji Meguro)
  • Warriors in Valour (Keisuke Honryo, Shoji Meguro)
  • Journey's Legs (Shoji Meguro)
  • Ode to Heroes (Shoji Meguro)
  • Hero's Awakening (Shoji Meguro)
  • Formidable Foe (Shoji Meguro)
  • King's Verdict (Shoji Meguro)

Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pixelated Playgrounds about Persona 4 Golden: https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Only one studio out there can inspire the following sentence- the first time I saw the menu UI in Metaphor: ReFantazio, I knew that Atlus and Studio Zero were cooking. They've mastered the art of making menu-based RPGs flashy and stylish, as well as mastering the "Persona" calendar-based structure in general. On several fronts, this is the best game this studio has made, but left us wanting in a few areas as well. Listen in to this deep dive discussion and let us know what you think!

Guest info: Scott White

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:35 Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 10:43 Story Setup
  • 35:05 Presentation
  • 46:25 Combat/Archetype System
  • 59:47 Life Sim Gameplay
  • 1:15:43 SPOILER WALL, Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:17:37 Spoiler Section

Music used in the episode is credited to ATLUS Sound Team. Tracks used:

  • Call of Magic (Shoji Meguro)
  • A Brief Respite (Shoji Meguro)
  • Castle of Dread (Maiko Katagiri, Shoji Meguro)
  • Warriors in Valour (Keisuke Honryo, Shoji Meguro)
  • Journey's Legs (Shoji Meguro)
  • Ode to Heroes (Shoji Meguro)
  • Hero's Awakening (Shoji Meguro)
  • Formidable Foe (Shoji Meguro)
  • King's Verdict (Shoji Meguro)

Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pixelated Playgrounds about Persona 4 Golden: https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 141: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (with Aaron Angle & Ryan Arrington) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/141 15e36d91-04e5-428f-b8cc-bdbe55d4af57 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle (A Top 3 Podcast) and Ryan Arrington to discuss part 2 of Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. 2:53:25 yes Final Fantasy VII Remake started this epic remake project off with a bang, and it left us with a few questions, namely "what will they do with Aerith?" and "how will they handle the more open world nature of the game post-Midgar?". Both of those answers came in somewhat messy and/or convoluted forms, which I won't spoil here in the podcast description, but it's a good thing we have nearly 3 hours of podcast here to discuss it all! Guest info: Aaron Angle of A Top 3 Podcast (atop3podcast.fireside.fm) & Ryan Arrington. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:24 Story Setup 13:39 Story, continued 32:51 Presentation 49:24 Combat/Open World 1:03:07 Minigames 1:25:03 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:32:02 SPOILER WALL/Patreon Thank-Yous 1:38:31 Music used in the episode: Main Theme of FFVII - Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu) Nibelheim Train Graveyard Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Eager SOLDIER (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima) The Gold Saucer - Night Out with Tifa (Nobuo Uematsu) Midgardsormr (Nobuo Uematsu, Yoshitaka Suzuki) Queen's Blood (Mitsuto Suzuki, Junnosuke Usui) Fiddle de Chocobo (Nobuo Uematsu) Cosmo Canyon - Sanctum of Planetology (Nobuo Uematsu) Aerith's Theme - The White Materia (Nobuo Uematsu) J-E-N-O-V-A - Tenacity (Nobuo Uematsu) Aerith's Theme - Return to the Planet (Nobuo Uematsu) You can purchase the soundtrack via Square Enix (https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-original-soundtrack). Check out Dave talking about Final Fantasy and modern RPGs on Fine Time (https://finetimepodcast.libsyn.com/) and Crossplay Conversations (https://plnk.to/crossplayconvos?to=page) podcasts this week! 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, ff7 rebirth, ff7 rebirth review, ff7 rebirth analysis, ff7 rebirth critique, final fantasy podcast, final fantasy review, final fantasy 7 rebirth analysis, final fantasy 7 rebirth review, final fantasy 7 rebirth critique, final fantasy 7 rebirth podcast Final Fantasy VII Remake started this epic remake project off with a bang, and it left us with a few questions, namely "what will they do with Aerith?" and "how will they handle the more open world nature of the game post-Midgar?". Both of those answers came in somewhat messy and/or convoluted forms, which I won't spoil here in the podcast description, but it's a good thing we have nearly 3 hours of podcast here to discuss it all!

Guest info: Aaron Angle of [A Top 3 Podcast](atop3podcast.fireside.fm) & Ryan Arrington.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:24
Story Setup 13:39
Story, continued 32:51
Presentation 49:24
Combat/Open World 1:03:07
Minigames 1:25:03
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:32:02
SPOILER WALL/Patreon Thank-Yous 1:38:31

Music used in the episode:
Main Theme of FFVII - Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu)
Nibelheim Train Graveyard Theme (Nobuo Uematsu)
Eager SOLDIER (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima)
The Gold Saucer - Night Out with Tifa (Nobuo Uematsu)
Midgardsormr (Nobuo Uematsu, Yoshitaka Suzuki)
Queen's Blood (Mitsuto Suzuki, Junnosuke Usui)
Fiddle de Chocobo (Nobuo Uematsu)
Cosmo Canyon - Sanctum of Planetology (Nobuo Uematsu)
Aerith's Theme - The White Materia (Nobuo Uematsu)
J-E-N-O-V-A - Tenacity (Nobuo Uematsu)
Aerith's Theme - Return to the Planet (Nobuo Uematsu)

You can purchase the soundtrack via Square Enix.

Check out Dave talking about Final Fantasy and modern RPGs on Fine Time and Crossplay Conversations podcasts this week!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Final Fantasy VII Remake started this epic remake project off with a bang, and it left us with a few questions, namely "what will they do with Aerith?" and "how will they handle the more open world nature of the game post-Midgar?". Both of those answers came in somewhat messy and/or convoluted forms, which I won't spoil here in the podcast description, but it's a good thing we have nearly 3 hours of podcast here to discuss it all!

Guest info: Aaron Angle of [A Top 3 Podcast](atop3podcast.fireside.fm) & Ryan Arrington.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:24
Story Setup 13:39
Story, continued 32:51
Presentation 49:24
Combat/Open World 1:03:07
Minigames 1:25:03
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:32:02
SPOILER WALL/Patreon Thank-Yous 1:38:31

Music used in the episode:
Main Theme of FFVII - Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu)
Nibelheim Train Graveyard Theme (Nobuo Uematsu)
Eager SOLDIER (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima)
The Gold Saucer - Night Out with Tifa (Nobuo Uematsu)
Midgardsormr (Nobuo Uematsu, Yoshitaka Suzuki)
Queen's Blood (Mitsuto Suzuki, Junnosuke Usui)
Fiddle de Chocobo (Nobuo Uematsu)
Cosmo Canyon - Sanctum of Planetology (Nobuo Uematsu)
Aerith's Theme - The White Materia (Nobuo Uematsu)
J-E-N-O-V-A - Tenacity (Nobuo Uematsu)
Aerith's Theme - Return to the Planet (Nobuo Uematsu)

You can purchase the soundtrack via Square Enix.

Check out Dave talking about Final Fantasy and modern RPGs on Fine Time and Crossplay Conversations podcasts this week!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 136: Omori (with Aaron Angle - A Top 3 Podcast) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/136 95c6d778-1758-442e-b907-a9b926ce1aa9 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by one of his A Top 3 Podcast co-hosts, Aaron Angle, to discuss Omocat's 2020 RPG, Omori. 2:23:43 yes Sometimes a game has such striking and memorable art that one screenshot will implant that game into your head, even if you never play it. Omori (Omocat, 2020) was almost one of those games for me. A combination of thinking the game would be too scary and having tons of other games available kept Omori on the periphery for a long time, until today's guest, Aaron, played it and kept (lovingly) pestering me to play it. And while I can't say that I loved every aspect of the experience, the story and presentation of mental health struggles were good enough to see me through to its emotional conclusion. I'm very glad I took Aaron's recommendation seriously, for once. Guest info: Aaron Angle of A Top 3 Podcast (https://www.atop3podcast.fireside.fm) TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:23 Story Setup/Themes 11:36 Presentation/Music 30:35 Gameplay/Combat 41:12 SPOILER WALL 59:52 Music used in the episode is credited to Bo En, Jami Lynn and Pedro Silva. You can support them by purchasing the album on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1508300/OMORI_Soundtrack/) or Bandcamp (https://omori.bandcamp.com/album/omori-ost)! Tracks used: Title, WHITE SPACE, By Your Side, Tussle Among Trees, Trees..., World's End Valentine, OMORI, DUET Content warnings for Omori (https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/738399) Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pages of Play (https://open.spotify.com/show/3yHrOPlMwAvWhl2Tq153GZ?si=aa2dd3c2abc14183&nd=1&dlsi=a575520bf6374291) podcast! 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 (https://www.atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, omori, omori review, omori analysis, omori critique, horror games, horror game review, horror game critique, horror game analysis, indie horror, indie horror games, indie horror critique, jrpg review, best jrpgs, jrpg analysis Sometimes a game has such striking and memorable art that one screenshot will implant that game into your head, even if you never play it. Omori (Omocat, 2020) was almost one of those games for me. A combination of thinking the game would be too scary and having tons of other games available kept Omori on the periphery for a long time, until today's guest, Aaron, played it and kept (lovingly) pestering me to play it. And while I can't say that I loved every aspect of the experience, the story and presentation of mental health struggles were good enough to see me through to its emotional conclusion. I'm very glad I took Aaron's recommendation seriously, for once.

Guest info: Aaron Angle of A Top 3 Podcast

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:23
Story Setup/Themes 11:36
Presentation/Music 30:35
Gameplay/Combat 41:12
SPOILER WALL 59:52

Music used in the episode is credited to Bo En, Jami Lynn and Pedro Silva. You can support them by purchasing the album on Steam or Bandcamp! Tracks used: Title, WHITE SPACE, By Your Side, Tussle Among Trees, Trees..., World's End Valentine, OMORI, DUET

Content warnings for Omori

Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pages of Play podcast!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Sometimes a game has such striking and memorable art that one screenshot will implant that game into your head, even if you never play it. Omori (Omocat, 2020) was almost one of those games for me. A combination of thinking the game would be too scary and having tons of other games available kept Omori on the periphery for a long time, until today's guest, Aaron, played it and kept (lovingly) pestering me to play it. And while I can't say that I loved every aspect of the experience, the story and presentation of mental health struggles were good enough to see me through to its emotional conclusion. I'm very glad I took Aaron's recommendation seriously, for once.

Guest info: Aaron Angle of A Top 3 Podcast

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:23
Story Setup/Themes 11:36
Presentation/Music 30:35
Gameplay/Combat 41:12
SPOILER WALL 59:52

Music used in the episode is credited to Bo En, Jami Lynn and Pedro Silva. You can support them by purchasing the album on Steam or Bandcamp! Tracks used: Title, WHITE SPACE, By Your Side, Tussle Among Trees, Trees..., World's End Valentine, OMORI, DUET

Content warnings for Omori

Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pages of Play podcast!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 135: Lost Odyssey (with Ryan Batie - Lightning Strikes Thrice) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/135 6dfb76a7-f136-403c-827b-1f43d2288788 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Ryan Batie from Lightning Strikes Thrice to discuss Mistwalker's 2008 RPG for the Xbox 360, Lost Odyssey. 2:53:26 yes Lost Odyssey, by Mistwalker and feelplus, is almost legendary at this point. A darker, sadder RPG by Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a moody yet eclectic soundtrack by Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu and short stories interspersed throughout by famed Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu, there is pedigree and talent behind the game, and perhaps most crucially- you probably can't buy it, unless you own an Xbox console. Situations like this tend to lead to inflation of a game's merits, not to mention all of the "this is the real Final Fantasy 13" memes out there. So does Lost Odyssey live up to its mythical reputation? Tune in to find out! Guest Info: Ryan Batie (they/them) of Lightning Strikes Thrice, a JRPG play along podcast. Check them out at their website (https://www.lightningstrikesthrice.com/) or on your favorite podcast app, and support them via Patreon (https://www.pitchdrop.cash) for bonus shows including Icons & Eikons, a Final Fantasy XIV play along podcast. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:35 Story Setup 16:48 Pacing/Game Length 42:06 Presentation/Music 53:24 Combat/Gameplay 1:05:46 SPOILER WALL 1:45:40 Music used in the episode is credited to Nobuo Uematsu. Tracks used: Prologue, Battlefield, Neverending Journey, A Formidable Enemy Appears!, The Gun Barrel Battle, Main Theme, Howl of the Departed, An Immortal Life 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, lost odyssey, lost odyssey review, lost odyssey analysis, lost odyssey critique, best xbox 360 games, xbox 360 retrospective, xbox 360, jrpg podcast, jrpg review, jrpg critique, jrpg analysis Lost Odyssey, by Mistwalker and feelplus, is almost legendary at this point. A darker, sadder RPG by Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a moody yet eclectic soundtrack by Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu and short stories interspersed throughout by famed Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu, there is pedigree and talent behind the game, and perhaps most crucially- you probably can't buy it, unless you own an Xbox console. Situations like this tend to lead to inflation of a game's merits, not to mention all of the "this is the real Final Fantasy 13" memes out there. So does Lost Odyssey live up to its mythical reputation? Tune in to find out!

Guest Info: Ryan Batie (they/them) of Lightning Strikes Thrice, a JRPG play along podcast. Check them out at their website or on your favorite podcast app, and support them via Patreon for bonus shows including Icons & Eikons, a Final Fantasy XIV play along podcast.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:35
Story Setup 16:48
Pacing/Game Length 42:06
Presentation/Music 53:24
Combat/Gameplay 1:05:46
SPOILER WALL 1:45:40

Music used in the episode is credited to Nobuo Uematsu. Tracks used: Prologue, Battlefield, Neverending Journey, A Formidable Enemy Appears!, The Gun Barrel Battle, Main Theme, Howl of the Departed, An Immortal Life

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Lost Odyssey, by Mistwalker and feelplus, is almost legendary at this point. A darker, sadder RPG by Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a moody yet eclectic soundtrack by Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu and short stories interspersed throughout by famed Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu, there is pedigree and talent behind the game, and perhaps most crucially- you probably can't buy it, unless you own an Xbox console. Situations like this tend to lead to inflation of a game's merits, not to mention all of the "this is the real Final Fantasy 13" memes out there. So does Lost Odyssey live up to its mythical reputation? Tune in to find out!

Guest Info: Ryan Batie (they/them) of Lightning Strikes Thrice, a JRPG play along podcast. Check them out at their website or on your favorite podcast app, and support them via Patreon for bonus shows including Icons & Eikons, a Final Fantasy XIV play along podcast.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:35
Story Setup 16:48
Pacing/Game Length 42:06
Presentation/Music 53:24
Combat/Gameplay 1:05:46
SPOILER WALL 1:45:40

Music used in the episode is credited to Nobuo Uematsu. Tracks used: Prologue, Battlefield, Neverending Journey, A Formidable Enemy Appears!, The Gun Barrel Battle, Main Theme, Howl of the Departed, An Immortal Life

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 122: Mother 3 (with Rebekah Valentine) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/122 89f98072-afca-4b4f-81cd-f92e63945a6d Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rebekah Valentine (IGN) to discuss Brownie Brown and HAL Laboratory's 2006 RPG, Mother 3. 2:41:16 yes Famously never localized for an English-speaking audience, HAL Laboratory and Brownie Brown's Mother 3 has almost become a meme at this point. So much so that I wondered if it could live up the inflated expectations that I unwittingly put on games that are unavailable or difficult to find, a kind of forbidden fruit syndrome. So I made sure to put Mother 3 on my Backlog Resolutions list for 2024 and hey! It's pretty good! It's a lot like Earthbound in good and bad ways, and I like the story of Mother 3 for different reasons than I liked Earthbound's story. Looks like I'm gonna need an all-star guest to dig into this one... Joining me for the discussion about Mother 3 is Rebekah Valentine! Reb is an award winning investigative reporter for IGN, reporting on the inner workings of the industry, how the games we love get made, and giving a voice to workers who are laid off or otherwise mistreated. You can find her work by following this link (https://www.ign.com/person/duckvalentine)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories with Mother 3/Opening Thoughts 2:03 Story Setup 14:58 Questionable/Offensive Content 32:32 Visuals/Music 42:00 Gameplay/Combat 53:14 Combat, continued 1:03:14 Closing Thoughts/Plugs/Housekeeping 1:11:01 SPOILER WALL 1:19:06 Music used in the episode is credited to Shogo Sakai. Tracks used: Fun Naming, Welcome!, Alec's Log House, Mag**** Party, Homely Yado Inn, Mr. Batty Twist, Fate, Mr. Saturn Theme Z, Mom's Hometown, Happy Town, Sorrowful Tazmily, Mother 3 Love Theme (Arr.), Mother 3 Love Theme, You Won! Find Dave's TWO guest appearances on the Retro Hangover podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking here (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, mother 3, mother 3 podcast, mother 3 review, mother 3 review podcast, mother 3 analysis, mother 3 analysis podcast, mother 3 critique, mother 3 critique podcast, gameboy advance games, gba games, jrpg podcast, jrpg review Famously never localized for an English-speaking audience, HAL Laboratory and Brownie Brown's Mother 3 has almost become a meme at this point. So much so that I wondered if it could live up the inflated expectations that I unwittingly put on games that are unavailable or difficult to find, a kind of forbidden fruit syndrome. So I made sure to put Mother 3 on my Backlog Resolutions list for 2024 and hey! It's pretty good! It's a lot like Earthbound in good and bad ways, and I like the story of Mother 3 for different reasons than I liked Earthbound's story. Looks like I'm gonna need an all-star guest to dig into this one...

Joining me for the discussion about Mother 3 is Rebekah Valentine! Reb is an award winning investigative reporter for IGN, reporting on the inner workings of the industry, how the games we love get made, and giving a voice to workers who are laid off or otherwise mistreated. You can find her work by following this link!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories with Mother 3/Opening Thoughts 2:03
Story Setup 14:58
Questionable/Offensive Content 32:32
Visuals/Music 42:00
Gameplay/Combat 53:14
Combat, continued 1:03:14
Closing Thoughts/Plugs/Housekeeping 1:11:01
SPOILER WALL 1:19:06

Music used in the episode is credited to Shogo Sakai. Tracks used: Fun Naming, Welcome!, Alec's Log House, Mag**** Party, Homely Yado Inn, Mr. Batty Twist, Fate, Mr. Saturn Theme Z, Mom's Hometown, Happy Town, Sorrowful Tazmily, Mother 3 Love Theme (Arr.), Mother 3 Love Theme, You Won!

Find Dave's TWO guest appearances on the Retro Hangover podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking here!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Famously never localized for an English-speaking audience, HAL Laboratory and Brownie Brown's Mother 3 has almost become a meme at this point. So much so that I wondered if it could live up the inflated expectations that I unwittingly put on games that are unavailable or difficult to find, a kind of forbidden fruit syndrome. So I made sure to put Mother 3 on my Backlog Resolutions list for 2024 and hey! It's pretty good! It's a lot like Earthbound in good and bad ways, and I like the story of Mother 3 for different reasons than I liked Earthbound's story. Looks like I'm gonna need an all-star guest to dig into this one...

Joining me for the discussion about Mother 3 is Rebekah Valentine! Reb is an award winning investigative reporter for IGN, reporting on the inner workings of the industry, how the games we love get made, and giving a voice to workers who are laid off or otherwise mistreated. You can find her work by following this link!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories with Mother 3/Opening Thoughts 2:03
Story Setup 14:58
Questionable/Offensive Content 32:32
Visuals/Music 42:00
Gameplay/Combat 53:14
Combat, continued 1:03:14
Closing Thoughts/Plugs/Housekeeping 1:11:01
SPOILER WALL 1:19:06

Music used in the episode is credited to Shogo Sakai. Tracks used: Fun Naming, Welcome!, Alec's Log House, Mag**** Party, Homely Yado Inn, Mr. Batty Twist, Fate, Mr. Saturn Theme Z, Mom's Hometown, Happy Town, Sorrowful Tazmily, Mother 3 Love Theme (Arr.), Mother 3 Love Theme, You Won!

Find Dave's TWO guest appearances on the Retro Hangover podcast on your favorite podcast app or by clicking here!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 115: Xenogears (with Michael Berger - Bits of Time) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/115 7fc397fd-1869-432e-ade1-45aeff969fb4 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Michael Berger (Bits of Time) to discuss Xenogears, Square's epic 1998 RPG. 3:17:56 yes Xenogears, by Square, is one of the big RPGs of this era that I wanted to check off. As a fan of the Xenoblade Chronicles games and JRPGs in general, going back to the root of the series felt like an interesting trip back through history. A few things had initially put me off, like all of the talk about an unfinished second disc and heavy use of religious and philosophical material that I would have to research outside of the game. And I'm happy to report that both worries were unfounded- the second disc is great, and I actually did feel compelled to go learn things outside of the game! This is a fantastic, flawed game, and it was a joy to record about it. Joining me to discuss Xenogears is Michael Berger, co-host of Bits of Time. You can check out Bits of Time on their podcast (https://bitsoftime.podbean.com/) and their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_yEpI1SZpcrvEFx6uaJfXw)! You can also check out Michael's books, Ayla: A Science Fiction Novella (https://a.co/d/108Is61) and The Consumed (https://a.co/d/e5xpdPC). TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:06 Story Setup 14:29 Story Pacing/Characters/Religious & Philosophical Themes 27:56 Visuals/Music 42:07 Gameplay/Combat 53:32 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:04 SPOILER WALL 1:16:53 Music used in the episode was composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. Tracks used: My Village is Number One, Bonds of Sea and Fire, Light from the Netherworld, Emotions, Shevat ~ The Wind is Calling, Steel Giant, Yggdrasil, Flight, Fuse, The Valley Where Wind is Born, The Treasure Which Cannot Be Stolen, The Beginning and the End, Small Two of Pieces (with vocals by Joanne Hogg) 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, xenogears, xenogears analysis, xenogears review, xenogears critique, ps1 rpgs, ps1 jrpgs, psx rpgs, psx jrpgs, square enix jrpgs, xenoblade chronicles Xenogears, by Square, is one of the big RPGs of this era that I wanted to check off. As a fan of the Xenoblade Chronicles games and JRPGs in general, going back to the root of the series felt like an interesting trip back through history. A few things had initially put me off, like all of the talk about an unfinished second disc and heavy use of religious and philosophical material that I would have to research outside of the game. And I'm happy to report that both worries were unfounded- the second disc is great, and I actually did feel compelled to go learn things outside of the game! This is a fantastic, flawed game, and it was a joy to record about it.

Joining me to discuss Xenogears is Michael Berger, co-host of Bits of Time. You can check out Bits of Time on their podcast and their YouTube channel! You can also check out Michael's books, Ayla: A Science Fiction Novella and The Consumed.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:06
Story Setup 14:29
Story Pacing/Characters/Religious & Philosophical Themes 27:56
Visuals/Music 42:07
Gameplay/Combat 53:32
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:04
SPOILER WALL 1:16:53

Music used in the episode was composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. Tracks used: My Village is Number One, Bonds of Sea and Fire, Light from the Netherworld, Emotions, Shevat ~ The Wind is Calling, Steel Giant, Yggdrasil, Flight, Fuse, The Valley Where Wind is Born, The Treasure Which Cannot Be Stolen, The Beginning and the End, Small Two of Pieces (with vocals by Joanne Hogg)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Xenogears, by Square, is one of the big RPGs of this era that I wanted to check off. As a fan of the Xenoblade Chronicles games and JRPGs in general, going back to the root of the series felt like an interesting trip back through history. A few things had initially put me off, like all of the talk about an unfinished second disc and heavy use of religious and philosophical material that I would have to research outside of the game. And I'm happy to report that both worries were unfounded- the second disc is great, and I actually did feel compelled to go learn things outside of the game! This is a fantastic, flawed game, and it was a joy to record about it.

Joining me to discuss Xenogears is Michael Berger, co-host of Bits of Time. You can check out Bits of Time on their podcast and their YouTube channel! You can also check out Michael's books, Ayla: A Science Fiction Novella and The Consumed.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:06
Story Setup 14:29
Story Pacing/Characters/Religious & Philosophical Themes 27:56
Visuals/Music 42:07
Gameplay/Combat 53:32
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:07:04
SPOILER WALL 1:16:53

Music used in the episode was composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. Tracks used: My Village is Number One, Bonds of Sea and Fire, Light from the Netherworld, Emotions, Shevat ~ The Wind is Calling, Steel Giant, Yggdrasil, Flight, Fuse, The Valley Where Wind is Born, The Treasure Which Cannot Be Stolen, The Beginning and the End, Small Two of Pieces (with vocals by Joanne Hogg)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 107: Final Fantasy VII Remake (with Aaron Angle & Ryan Arrington) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/107 1c9fc217-1ad9-4a2c-8660-1ab65113f0a2 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Remake. 2:20:53 yes How do you remake one of the most beloved games of all time? How do you fend off the masses who want to hold you to every decision made over 20 years ago? Well, in our opinion, Square Enix figured out the way with Final Fantasy VII Remake. This is a shining example of how a remake can update the graphics, completely revamp the gameplay, add voice acting, re-orchestrate the music....and still keep the heart and soul of the original game intact. It's a masterful game, and I was joined by returning guests Aaron Angle (A Top 3 Podcast) and Ryan Arrington to discuss it! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:08 Story Setup 18:00 This Game as a Remake 37:40 Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 49:06 Combat 1:17:29 SPOILER WALL 1:43:16 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, final fantasy 7, final fantasy vii, final fantasy 7 podcast, final fantasy 7 review, final fantasy vii podcast, final fantasy vii review, jrpg review, jrpg podcast, final fantasy podcast, final fantasy review, final fantasy 7 remake, final fantasy 7 remake intergrade, final fantasy vii remake, final fantasy vii remake intergrade, ff7 remake review, ff7 remake, ff7 rebirth, final fantasy 7 rebirth, final fantasy vii rebirth How do you remake one of the most beloved games of all time? How do you fend off the masses who want to hold you to every decision made over 20 years ago? Well, in our opinion, Square Enix figured out the way with Final Fantasy VII Remake. This is a shining example of how a remake can update the graphics, completely revamp the gameplay, add voice acting, re-orchestrate the music....and still keep the heart and soul of the original game intact. It's a masterful game, and I was joined by returning guests Aaron Angle (A Top 3 Podcast) and Ryan Arrington to discuss it!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:08
Story Setup 18:00
This Game as a Remake 37:40
Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 49:06
Combat 1:17:29
SPOILER WALL 1:43:16

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> How do you remake one of the most beloved games of all time? How do you fend off the masses who want to hold you to every decision made over 20 years ago? Well, in our opinion, Square Enix figured out the way with Final Fantasy VII Remake. This is a shining example of how a remake can update the graphics, completely revamp the gameplay, add voice acting, re-orchestrate the music....and still keep the heart and soul of the original game intact. It's a masterful game, and I was joined by returning guests Aaron Angle (A Top 3 Podcast) and Ryan Arrington to discuss it!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:08
Story Setup 18:00
This Game as a Remake 37:40
Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 49:06
Combat 1:17:29
SPOILER WALL 1:43:16

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 99: Final Fantasy X (with Ryan Batie & Chris Taylor - Lightning Strikes Thrice) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/99 24962bab-c3a8-4412-a7d4-e440918a6bbf Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Ryan Batie and Chris Taylor, both of Lightning Strikes Thrice, to Square’s 2001 entry in the long-running RPG series, Final Fantasy X. 2:40:55 yes This is an important one for me. Final Fantasy X has been one of my favorite games ever since I played it for the first time almost 20 years ago. Square really made a complete game here- story setup, characters, combat, music...total package. Joining me to discuss it are Ryan Batie and Chris Taylor from JRPG games club podcast Lightning Strikes Thrice. You can find them and all of the other things on the Pitch Drop network by following this link (https://www.lightningstrikesthrice.com/)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:48 Story Setup/Characters/Voice Acting 14:25 Music/Visuals 38:50 Combat 52:31 More Combat/Sphere Grid 1:08:24 Other Gameplay/Blitzball 1:22:45 Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:35 SPOILER WALL 1:46:01 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, final fantasy 10, final fantasy x, final fantasy 10 podcast, final fantasy 10 review, final fantasy x podcast, final fantasy x review, jrpg review, jrpg podcast, final fantasy podcast, final fantasy review This is an important one for me. Final Fantasy X has been one of my favorite games ever since I played it for the first time almost 20 years ago. Square really made a complete game here- story setup, characters, combat, music...total package. Joining me to discuss it are Ryan Batie and Chris Taylor from JRPG games club podcast Lightning Strikes Thrice. You can find them and all of the other things on the Pitch Drop network by following this link!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:48
Story Setup/Characters/Voice Acting 14:25
Music/Visuals 38:50
Combat 52:31
More Combat/Sphere Grid 1:08:24
Other Gameplay/Blitzball 1:22:45
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:35
SPOILER WALL 1:46:01

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> This is an important one for me. Final Fantasy X has been one of my favorite games ever since I played it for the first time almost 20 years ago. Square really made a complete game here- story setup, characters, combat, music...total package. Joining me to discuss it are Ryan Batie and Chris Taylor from JRPG games club podcast Lightning Strikes Thrice. You can find them and all of the other things on the Pitch Drop network by following this link!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:48
Story Setup/Characters/Voice Acting 14:25
Music/Visuals 38:50
Combat 52:31
More Combat/Sphere Grid 1:08:24
Other Gameplay/Blitzball 1:22:45
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:35
SPOILER WALL 1:46:01

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 97: Sea of Stars (with Aaron Angle & Ryan Arrington) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/97 ec764531-33e5-41f5-ae21-f79c75ba6f4b Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss Sabotage Studio's 2023 retro-throwback RPG, Sea of Stars. 2:18:35 yes After playing The Messenger, I could not wait for what Sabotage Studio would make next, so I looked them up, found the Sea of Stars kickstarter page and backed it while the credits for The Messenger were still rolling. To say I was excited would be an understatement. In reality....Sea of Stars is a disappointment. Not a bad game, but not a great game either. I'm joined in this episode by two many time guests on the show, Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington, to break it all down. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:00 Story Setup 16:41 Visuals/Music 31:59 Combat 44:48 Other Gameplay/Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:08:11 SPOILER WALL 1:34:02 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, sea of stars, sea of stars podcast, sea of stars review podcast, sea of stars review, sea of stars analysis, sea of stars analysis podcast, sea of stars critique, sea of stars critique podcast, indie games, indie games podcast, indie game reviews, jrpg, jrpg reviews After playing The Messenger, I could not wait for what Sabotage Studio would make next, so I looked them up, found the Sea of Stars kickstarter page and backed it while the credits for The Messenger were still rolling. To say I was excited would be an understatement. In reality....Sea of Stars is a disappointment. Not a bad game, but not a great game either. I'm joined in this episode by two many time guests on the show, Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington, to break it all down.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:00
Story Setup 16:41
Visuals/Music 31:59
Combat 44:48
Other Gameplay/Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:08:11
SPOILER WALL 1:34:02

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> After playing The Messenger, I could not wait for what Sabotage Studio would make next, so I looked them up, found the Sea of Stars kickstarter page and backed it while the credits for The Messenger were still rolling. To say I was excited would be an understatement. In reality....Sea of Stars is a disappointment. Not a bad game, but not a great game either. I'm joined in this episode by two many time guests on the show, Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington, to break it all down.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:00
Story Setup 16:41
Visuals/Music 31:59
Combat 44:48
Other Gameplay/Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:08:11
SPOILER WALL 1:34:02

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 96: Final Fantasy XVI (with Rick Firestone & Eric Gess) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/96 77e7da74-7c95-4262-b3d0-e6bad2becfce Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) and Eric Gess (The Unlockables) to discuss Square Enix's Final Fantasy XVI. 2:43:16 yes This one is a spicy meatball. Few game series inspire the amount of praise, vitriol and everything in between as Final Fantasy does, and the latest entry, Final Fantasy XVI is no different. A series famous for continuous reinvention reinvents itself once again as a dark fantasy action game, and I knew I had to get a couple of great guests on the show to talk about it. This week I'm joined by Eric Gess (The Unlockables (https://linktr.ee/unlockablespodcast)) and Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio (https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio)) to discuss it all. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:50 Story Setup 20:31 Game of Thrones Comparisons 47:11 Visuals/Music 1:01:54 Gameplay 1:22:41 Recommendations/Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:37:56 SPOILER WALL 1:49:03 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, final fantasy, final fantasy 16, final fantasy xvi, final fantasy podcast, final fantasy 16 podcast, final fantasy xvi podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, final fantasy 16 review, final fantasy xvi review, final fantasy review This one is a spicy meatball. Few game series inspire the amount of praise, vitriol and everything in between as Final Fantasy does, and the latest entry, Final Fantasy XVI is no different. A series famous for continuous reinvention reinvents itself once again as a dark fantasy action game, and I knew I had to get a couple of great guests on the show to talk about it. This week I'm joined by Eric Gess (The Unlockables) and Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) to discuss it all.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:50
Story Setup 20:31
Game of Thrones Comparisons 47:11
Visuals/Music 1:01:54
Gameplay 1:22:41
Recommendations/Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:37:56
SPOILER WALL 1:49:03

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> This one is a spicy meatball. Few game series inspire the amount of praise, vitriol and everything in between as Final Fantasy does, and the latest entry, Final Fantasy XVI is no different. A series famous for continuous reinvention reinvents itself once again as a dark fantasy action game, and I knew I had to get a couple of great guests on the show to talk about it. This week I'm joined by Eric Gess (The Unlockables) and Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) to discuss it all.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:50
Story Setup 20:31
Game of Thrones Comparisons 47:11
Visuals/Music 1:01:54
Gameplay 1:22:41
Recommendations/Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:37:56
SPOILER WALL 1:49:03

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 81: Final Fantasy VI (with Aaron Angle - A Top 3 Podcast) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/81 86882f54-71aa-4381-ab4b-a9bbd69f8de3 Wed, 12 Jul 2023 01:30:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by one of his co-hosts on A Top 3 Podcast, Aaron Angle, to discuss Square's landmark ensemble JRPG, Final Fantasy VI. 2:22:22 yes This episode has been a long time coming. One of my favorite games of all time, a game that I've played most of the way through several times, but never finished until now! Final Fantasy VI, Square's landmark Super Nintendo RPG brought us a wonderful cast of characters, an iconic villain, a bangin soundtrack, and an unforgettable story. How does it hold up today? Joining me to discuss is my longtime friend and my co-host on A Top 3 Podcast, Aaron Angle! TIMESTAMPS Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49 Story Setup/Characters/Tone 14:10 Music 37:24 Visuals 46:57 Combat/Gameplay 52:01 SPOILER WALL 1:14:25 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, final fantasy review, final fantasy 6 review, final fantasy vi review, final fantasy vi podcast, final fantasy 6 podcast, final fantasy podcast This episode has been a long time coming. One of my favorite games of all time, a game that I've played most of the way through several times, but never finished until now! Final Fantasy VI, Square's landmark Super Nintendo RPG brought us a wonderful cast of characters, an iconic villain, a bangin soundtrack, and an unforgettable story. How does it hold up today? Joining me to discuss is my longtime friend and my co-host on A Top 3 Podcast, Aaron Angle!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup/Characters/Tone 14:10
Music 37:24
Visuals 46:57
Combat/Gameplay 52:01
SPOILER WALL 1:14:25

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> This episode has been a long time coming. One of my favorite games of all time, a game that I've played most of the way through several times, but never finished until now! Final Fantasy VI, Square's landmark Super Nintendo RPG brought us a wonderful cast of characters, an iconic villain, a bangin soundtrack, and an unforgettable story. How does it hold up today? Joining me to discuss is my longtime friend and my co-host on A Top 3 Podcast, Aaron Angle!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup/Characters/Tone 14:10
Music 37:24
Visuals 46:57
Combat/Gameplay 52:01
SPOILER WALL 1:14:25

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 67: Chained Echoes (with Aaron Angle - A Top 3 Podcast) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/67 88613b69-88d2-4061-a1fa-133032919da0 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle from A Top 3 Podcast to discuss Matthias Linda's love letter to the JRPG classics of yesteryear, Chained Echoes. 2:20:10 yes Chained Echoes, a solo project by developer Matthias Linda, might grab your attention with its elevator pitch- "The JRPG classics like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Suikoden, Secret of Mana and more get a modern makeover/love letter", but to say that all Chained Echoes does is modernize those games would only be telling half of the story. Chained Echoes not only writes an effective love letter to the games that inspired it, but stands on its own merits as one of the best in the genre with its inventive combat system, satisfying story and great visuals and music. I'm joined by my A Top 3 Podcast co-host Aaron Angle to discuss it! Chained Echoes OST was done by Eddie Marianukroh! You can support by purchasing this awesome OST here (https://esoundsignal.bandcamp.com/album/chained-echoes-original-game-soundtrack)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:11 Story Setup 12:15 Combat 33:35 RPG Stuff 1:01:22 Visuals/Music 1:16:07 SPOILER WALL 1:32:09 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, rpg, rpg podcast, chained echoes, chained echoes podcast, indie game, indie gaming, indie games, indie game podcast, indie gaming podcast, indie game podcast, chained echoes review Chained Echoes, a solo project by developer Matthias Linda, might grab your attention with its elevator pitch- "The JRPG classics like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Suikoden, Secret of Mana and more get a modern makeover/love letter", but to say that all Chained Echoes does is modernize those games would only be telling half of the story. Chained Echoes not only writes an effective love letter to the games that inspired it, but stands on its own merits as one of the best in the genre with its inventive combat system, satisfying story and great visuals and music. I'm joined by my A Top 3 Podcast co-host Aaron Angle to discuss it!

Chained Echoes OST was done by Eddie Marianukroh! You can support by purchasing this awesome OST here!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:11
Story Setup 12:15
Combat 33:35
RPG Stuff 1:01:22
Visuals/Music 1:16:07
SPOILER WALL 1:32:09

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Chained Echoes, a solo project by developer Matthias Linda, might grab your attention with its elevator pitch- "The JRPG classics like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Suikoden, Secret of Mana and more get a modern makeover/love letter", but to say that all Chained Echoes does is modernize those games would only be telling half of the story. Chained Echoes not only writes an effective love letter to the games that inspired it, but stands on its own merits as one of the best in the genre with its inventive combat system, satisfying story and great visuals and music. I'm joined by my A Top 3 Podcast co-host Aaron Angle to discuss it!

Chained Echoes OST was done by Eddie Marianukroh! You can support by purchasing this awesome OST here!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:11
Story Setup 12:15
Combat 33:35
RPG Stuff 1:01:22
Visuals/Music 1:16:07
SPOILER WALL 1:32:09

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 59: Final Fantasy IX (with Rick Firestone - Pixel Project Radio and Alejandro Ortiz - A Random Gamer's Corner) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/59 03721a2a-84c2-42c1-b1a2-71e3f00e50cb Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio and Alejandro Ortiz from A Random Gamer's Corner to discuss Final Fantasy IX. 2:34:19 yes Some other entries in the long running Final Fantasy series have more mainstream attention, but Square's Final Fantasy IX is the one that feels like the underground favorite. Hailed as a love letter to all of the games in the series that came before it, Final Fantasy IX returns the series to high fantasy and puts together a top-notch cast of characters. Joining me to discuss it is Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio and Alejandro Ortiz from A Random Gamer's Corner. You can, and should, check out their podcasts by following this link for Pixel Project Radio (https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio) and this link for A Random Gamer's Corner (https://anchor.fm/arandomgamerscorner). TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:10 Story Setup/"Back to Basics" 19:28 Visuals 46:39 Music 54:09 Combat/Gameplay 1:01:29 To Remake? 1:21:53 SPOILER WALL 1:34:52 Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, final fantasy, final fantasy 9, final fantasy ix, final fantasy podcast, final fantasy 9 podcast, final fantasy ix podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, final fantasy ix review, final fantasy 9 review Some other entries in the long running Final Fantasy series have more mainstream attention, but Square's Final Fantasy IX is the one that feels like the underground favorite. Hailed as a love letter to all of the games in the series that came before it, Final Fantasy IX returns the series to high fantasy and puts together a top-notch cast of characters. Joining me to discuss it is Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio and Alejandro Ortiz from A Random Gamer's Corner. You can, and should, check out their podcasts by following this link for Pixel Project Radio and this link for A Random Gamer's Corner.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:10
Story Setup/"Back to Basics" 19:28
Visuals 46:39
Music 54:09
Combat/Gameplay 1:01:29
To Remake? 1:21:53
SPOILER WALL 1:34:52

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Some other entries in the long running Final Fantasy series have more mainstream attention, but Square's Final Fantasy IX is the one that feels like the underground favorite. Hailed as a love letter to all of the games in the series that came before it, Final Fantasy IX returns the series to high fantasy and puts together a top-notch cast of characters. Joining me to discuss it is Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio and Alejandro Ortiz from A Random Gamer's Corner. You can, and should, check out their podcasts by following this link for Pixel Project Radio and this link for A Random Gamer's Corner.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:10
Story Setup/"Back to Basics" 19:28
Visuals 46:39
Music 54:09
Combat/Gameplay 1:01:29
To Remake? 1:21:53
SPOILER WALL 1:34:52

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 57: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (with Kolby - Switch it Up) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/57 64ce09f5-6c88-4a13-b106-4c9543e2413f Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Kolby from Switch it Up to discuss Monolith Soft's third entry in the Xenoblade Chronicles series. 2:38:10 yes I thought I knew what to expect from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as a series fan, and in some ways, I was right. The gameplay, soundtrack, world design and combat were what I knew to expect from a Xenoblade game, to varying degrees of enjoyment. But the story and worldbuilding absolutely blew me away, in a series known for story and worldbuilding! And I was lucky enough to be joined by Kolby from Switch it Up podcast to discuss! You can find Switch it Up on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/switch-it-up/id1479042068), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3rIPLMwm1gOKUlDjULi6eE) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:18 Story Setup/Story Thoughts 15:37 Gameplay/Exploration 39:29 Combat 50:22 Music 1:02:35 SPOILER WALL 1:16:34 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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, xenoblade, xenoblade podcast, xenoblade chronicles, xenoblade chronicles podcast, xenoblade chronicles 3, xenoblade chronicles 3 podcast, xc3, xc3 podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, xenoblade chronicles 3 review I thought I knew what to expect from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as a series fan, and in some ways, I was right. The gameplay, soundtrack, world design and combat were what I knew to expect from a Xenoblade game, to varying degrees of enjoyment. But the story and worldbuilding absolutely blew me away, in a series known for story and worldbuilding! And I was lucky enough to be joined by Kolby from Switch it Up podcast to discuss! You can find Switch it Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Twitter!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:18
Story Setup/Story Thoughts 15:37
Gameplay/Exploration 39:29
Combat 50:22
Music 1:02:35
SPOILER WALL 1:16:34

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> I thought I knew what to expect from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as a series fan, and in some ways, I was right. The gameplay, soundtrack, world design and combat were what I knew to expect from a Xenoblade game, to varying degrees of enjoyment. But the story and worldbuilding absolutely blew me away, in a series known for story and worldbuilding! And I was lucky enough to be joined by Kolby from Switch it Up podcast to discuss! You can find Switch it Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Twitter!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:18
Story Setup/Story Thoughts 15:37
Gameplay/Exploration 39:29
Combat 50:22
Music 1:02:35
SPOILER WALL 1:16:34

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 47: Parasite Eve (with Michael Berger - Bits of Time) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/47 57f8755d-7868-4a68-ab0c-013dc564d28c Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Michael Berger from the Bits of Time podcast to discuss Square's 1998 survival horror/JRPG mashup, Parasite Eve. 1:41:33 yes The concept of a hybrid survival horror/JRPG has been fascinating to me ever since I first heard about Parasite Eve and Koudelka, and Parasite Eve blew my expectations out of the water. It's got a fun combat system, a goofy story that appeals to my biology background, and it looks great! This was a blast to play, and it was a blast to discuss with Michael from Bits of Time. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15 Story Setup/MITOCHONDRIA/Visuals/Music 8:52 Combat/RPG Systems 35:34 Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 48:02 SPOILER WALL 54:35 Check out Michael and his brother Larry on Bits of Time on your favorite podcast app, or find handy links HERE (https://bitsoftime.podbean.com/) Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, parasite eve podcast, parasite eve, jrpg, jrpg podcast, survival horror jrpg, survival horror jrpg podcast, horror game, horror game podcast, parasite eve review The concept of a hybrid survival horror/JRPG has been fascinating to me ever since I first heard about Parasite Eve and Koudelka, and Parasite Eve blew my expectations out of the water. It's got a fun combat system, a goofy story that appeals to my biology background, and it looks great! This was a blast to play, and it was a blast to discuss with Michael from Bits of Time.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15
Story Setup/MITOCHONDRIA/Visuals/Music 8:52
Combat/RPG Systems 35:34
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 48:02
SPOILER WALL 54:35

Check out Michael and his brother Larry on Bits of Time on your favorite podcast app, or find handy links HERE

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> The concept of a hybrid survival horror/JRPG has been fascinating to me ever since I first heard about Parasite Eve and Koudelka, and Parasite Eve blew my expectations out of the water. It's got a fun combat system, a goofy story that appeals to my biology background, and it looks great! This was a blast to play, and it was a blast to discuss with Michael from Bits of Time.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15
Story Setup/MITOCHONDRIA/Visuals/Music 8:52
Combat/RPG Systems 35:34
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 48:02
SPOILER WALL 54:35

Check out Michael and his brother Larry on Bits of Time on your favorite podcast app, or find handy links HERE

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 43: Chrono Trigger (with Josh Covel - Still Loading) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/43 9b7ad128-aa28-4923-abeb-d5446fe66edf Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Josh Covel from Still Loading podcast to discuss Chrono Trigger. 2:33:15 yes What happens when you miss out on childhood nostalgia for a game that seemingly everybody seems to love? Should you try to approach that game with the mindset of a mid-90s gamer? Or should you take all of the advancements (and dis..advancements? I'll find a word) of its genre in the past 30 years? Chrono Trigger was that game for me, and I'm happy to have gotten Josh Covel from Still Loading on the show to talk about it. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening thoughts 1:15 A Focused JRPG 23:50 Story Setup 52:11 Soundtrack 1:18:52 Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:12 SPOILER WALL 1:47:17 You can find Still Loading on Twitter (https://twitter.com/stillloadingpod), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stillloadingpod/), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-loading-podcast/id1032588698), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4wbQ71e50Q3TKLIucZ5uhR?si=12169f84ac374427) and Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/stillloadingpod). Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, chrono trigger, chrono trigger podcast, final fantasy, final fantasy podcast, chrono trigger review What happens when you miss out on childhood nostalgia for a game that seemingly everybody seems to love? Should you try to approach that game with the mindset of a mid-90s gamer? Or should you take all of the advancements (and dis..advancements? I'll find a word) of its genre in the past 30 years? Chrono Trigger was that game for me, and I'm happy to have gotten Josh Covel from Still Loading on the show to talk about it.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening thoughts 1:15
A Focused JRPG 23:50
Story Setup 52:11
Soundtrack 1:18:52
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:12
SPOILER WALL 1:47:17

You can find Still Loading on Twitter, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Twitch.

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> What happens when you miss out on childhood nostalgia for a game that seemingly everybody seems to love? Should you try to approach that game with the mindset of a mid-90s gamer? Or should you take all of the advancements (and dis..advancements? I'll find a word) of its genre in the past 30 years? Chrono Trigger was that game for me, and I'm happy to have gotten Josh Covel from Still Loading on the show to talk about it.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening thoughts 1:15
A Focused JRPG 23:50
Story Setup 52:11
Soundtrack 1:18:52
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:36:12
SPOILER WALL 1:47:17

You can find Still Loading on Twitter, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Twitch.

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 34: Yakuza: Like a Dragon (with Rick Firestone - Pixel Project Radio) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/34 c126d5f4-ef3b-4ea9-8938-5dcf335649a1 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's refresh of the Yakuza franchise 2:43:03 yes Dave is joined by Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's refresh of the Yakuza franchise. Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings a new protagonist and turn-based combat into the franchise, so tune in to find out how Rick and Dave feel about it. TIMESTAMPS: Intro, Personal Histories and Opening Thoughts 0:26 Story Setup 13:34 Combat 47:37 Side Content and Final Thoughts 1:19:28 Spoiler Wall 1:41:15 Find Pixel Project Radio on Twitter (https://twitter.com/pixelprojectpod?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pixelprojectradiopodcast/), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pixel-project-radio/id1560979870), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6p3nzg32jm7xCiZFx0gno0) or wherever you listen to podcasts! Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, yakuza, yakuza like a dragon, yakuza podcast, yakuza like a dragon podcast, yakuza 7, yakuza 7 podcast, rpg, JRPG, rpg podcast, JRPG podcast, yakuza review, yakuza like a dragon review Dave is joined by Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's refresh of the Yakuza franchise. Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings a new protagonist and turn-based combat into the franchise, so tune in to find out how Rick and Dave feel about it.

TIMESTAMPS:
Intro, Personal Histories and Opening Thoughts 0:26
Story Setup 13:34
Combat 47:37
Side Content and Final Thoughts 1:19:28
Spoiler Wall 1:41:15

Find Pixel Project Radio on Twitter, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Dave is joined by Rick Firestone from Pixel Project Radio to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's refresh of the Yakuza franchise. Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings a new protagonist and turn-based combat into the franchise, so tune in to find out how Rick and Dave feel about it.

TIMESTAMPS:
Intro, Personal Histories and Opening Thoughts 0:26
Story Setup 13:34
Combat 47:37
Side Content and Final Thoughts 1:19:28
Spoiler Wall 1:41:15

Find Pixel Project Radio on Twitter, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 29: Pokemon Legends: Arceus (with Jared Moss - Play Along Podcast) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/29 a9e6d218-53e3-4e0a-9312-311a320e05b1 Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Jared Moss from Play Along Podcast to discuss Game Freak's 2022 hit, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. 2:27:29 yes Dave is joined by Jared Moss from Play Along Podcast to discuss Game Freak's 2022 hit, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Representing a major shakeup to the established Pokemon formula, Legends makes changes to nearly every core mechanic that we've all come to know as "how Pokemon works". Was it really the game that fans have been asking for for decades? Listen in to find out what Dave and Jared thought. TIMESTAMPS: Personal histories 8:42 Story, gameplay, catching Pokemon 34:13 Battles 1:19:00 Final thoughts 1:40:58 Spoiler Wall 1:50:42 Find everything Play Along Podcast HERE (https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast)! Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, pokemon, pokemon podcast, pokemon legends, pokemon legends podcast, legends arceus, legends arceus podcast, pokemon legends arceus, pokemon legends arceus podcast, pokemon review, pokemon legends arceus review Dave is joined by Jared Moss from Play Along Podcast to discuss Game Freak's 2022 hit, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Representing a major shakeup to the established Pokemon formula, Legends makes changes to nearly every core mechanic that we've all come to know as "how Pokemon works". Was it really the game that fans have been asking for for decades? Listen in to find out what Dave and Jared thought.

TIMESTAMPS:
Personal histories 8:42
Story, gameplay, catching Pokemon 34:13
Battles 1:19:00
Final thoughts 1:40:58
Spoiler Wall 1:50:42

Find everything Play Along Podcast HERE!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Dave is joined by Jared Moss from Play Along Podcast to discuss Game Freak's 2022 hit, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Representing a major shakeup to the established Pokemon formula, Legends makes changes to nearly every core mechanic that we've all come to know as "how Pokemon works". Was it really the game that fans have been asking for for decades? Listen in to find out what Dave and Jared thought.

TIMESTAMPS:
Personal histories 8:42
Story, gameplay, catching Pokemon 34:13
Battles 1:19:00
Final thoughts 1:40:58
Spoiler Wall 1:50:42

Find everything Play Along Podcast HERE!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 26: Earthbound (with Keith Gasper - The Main Quest) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/26 f4b8f55f-7d0b-471f-999c-3583b22f6328 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Keith Gasper from the wonderful The Main Quest podcast to talk about 1994's cult classic JRPG, Earthbound. 3:17:52 yes Dave is joined by Keith from the wonderful The Main Quest podcast to talk about 1994's cult classic JRPG, Earthbound. Find everything Main Quest HERE! (https://linktr.ee/MainQuestPod) Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, earthbound, earthbound podcast, nintendo, nintendo podcast, jrpg, jrpg podcast, earthbound review Dave is joined by Keith from the wonderful The Main Quest podcast to talk about 1994's cult classic JRPG, Earthbound.

Find everything Main Quest HERE!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Dave is joined by Keith from the wonderful The Main Quest podcast to talk about 1994's cult classic JRPG, Earthbound.

Find everything Main Quest HERE!

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 23: Persona 5 (with Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/23 2cea3220-2666-4b16-a909-f21a654f0c0a Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss both Persona 5 and its expansion, Persona 5 Royal, the latest in the long-running series by Atlus. 2:39:39 yes Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss both Persona 5 and its expansion, Persona 5 Royal, the latest in the long-running series by Atlus. Hailed as a modern JRPG classic, Persona 5 brings addictive life sim mechanics, snappy turn-based combat, stylish visual design and one hell of a soundtrack. Is there anything it can't do? Listen in to find out! TIMESTAMPS: Persona 5 11:52, Spoiler wall 2:10:33 Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! (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)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, persona 5, persona 5 podcast, persona podcast, persona 5 royal podcast, persona 5 royal, jrpg, jrpg podcast, persona 5 review Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss both Persona 5 and its expansion, Persona 5 Royal, the latest in the long-running series by Atlus. Hailed as a modern JRPG classic, Persona 5 brings addictive life sim mechanics, snappy turn-based combat, stylish visual design and one hell of a soundtrack. Is there anything it can't do? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS: Persona 5 11:52,
Spoiler wall 2:10:33

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Arrington to discuss both Persona 5 and its expansion, Persona 5 Royal, the latest in the long-running series by Atlus. Hailed as a modern JRPG classic, Persona 5 brings addictive life sim mechanics, snappy turn-based combat, stylish visual design and one hell of a soundtrack. Is there anything it can't do? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS: Persona 5 11:52,
Spoiler wall 2:10:33

[Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon!](patreon.com/realdavejackson) or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]>