web01.fireside.fm Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:03:53 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Tales from the Backlog - Episodes Tagged with “Rpg” https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/tags/rpg Wed, 08 Apr 2026 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 210: Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines (with TroytlePower) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/210 82102520-1c64-42fe-82e3-e025917b6442 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by TroytlePower to discuss Troika Games' 2004 action role-playing game, Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines. 3:07:11 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more! Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him) * Check out all of Troy's work! https://troytlepower.com/ TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:17 Introductions * 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines * 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts * 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection * 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society * 28:06 Presentation and Game World * 36:53 Music and Vibes * 44:34 Vampire Lore TM * 51:00 Character Building * 1:02:04 Combat * 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time... * 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines? * 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing * 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories * 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, vampire the masquerade bloodlines, bloodlines review, vampire the masquerade bloodlines review, bloodlines analysis, bloodlines critique, crpg, crpg reviews, rpg podcast, rpg review Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more!

Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:17 Introductions
  • 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines
  • 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts
  • 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection
  • 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society
  • 28:06 Presentation and Game World
  • 36:53 Music and Vibes
  • 44:34 Vampire Lore TM
  • 51:00 Character Building
  • 1:02:04 Combat
  • 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time...
  • 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines?
  • 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing
  • 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories
  • 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward

Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more!

Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:17 Introductions
  • 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines
  • 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts
  • 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection
  • 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society
  • 28:06 Presentation and Game World
  • 36:53 Music and Vibes
  • 44:34 Vampire Lore TM
  • 51:00 Character Building
  • 1:02:04 Combat
  • 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time...
  • 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines?
  • 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing
  • 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories
  • 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward

Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 204: Ghost of Yōtei (with Jacob Price - The Pre-Order Bonus) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/204 a4a1731c-bf01-4493-8f08-2751fc7f7cfc Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Jacob Price (The Pre-Order Bonus) to discuss Sucker Punch Productions' 2025 historical fantasy, Ghost of Yōtei. 2:52:36 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Ghost of Tsushima (2020) was one of my favorite games of that year, and happens to be episode 2(!!) of this podcast, an early game that screamed to me "you should talk about this into a microphone for 2+ hours). That being the case, Sucker Punch's follow-up, Ghost of Yotei, was an instant day-one buy. And while the things I expected to impress were great, there were certain aspects of the game that felt worse to me than Tsushima's version. Did I change over the past five years? Did the game adjust to industry trends? A secret third answer? All of this is part of the discussion, so I hope you enjoy it! Guest info: Jacob Price (he/him) * Check out The Pre-Order Bonus podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/747596 * Check out Jake's reviews at So Many Games https://somanygames.co.uk/ * Follow on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/chipdip18 * Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/chipdip.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:23 Introductions * 5:18 Our Histories With This Series/Game * 9:24 Opening Thoughts About Ghost of Yotei * 18:50 Story Setup, Atsu and Revenge Stories * 26:59 Presentation and Comparisons to Westerns * 35:24 A Well-Made Known Commodity and Further Worldbuilding * 49:51 Open World Design and Reward Structure * 1:10:23 Stealth and Clearing Camps * 1:16:33 Duels and Boss Fights * 1:31:45 Closing Thoughts * 1:37:34 The Pre-Order Bonus and So Many Games * 1:42:12 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:44:02 Spoiler Section- The Onryo and Ghost Connections * 1:57:56 The Snake, The Oni and The Kitsune * 2:14:46 The Spider, The Dragon and Saito Music used in the episode is credited to Toma Otowa: Ghost of Yotei, The Yotei Six, The Wrath of the Ghost, The Wilds of Ezo, Battle No.3, Battle No.1, Atsu's Theme Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, ghost of yotei, ghost of yotei review, ghost of yotei analysis, ghost of yotei critique, ghost of tsushima, sony, ps5 games, playstation podcast, playstation game reviews Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Ghost of Tsushima (2020) was one of my favorite games of that year, and happens to be episode 2(!!) of this podcast, an early game that screamed to me "you should talk about this into a microphone for 2+ hours). That being the case, Sucker Punch's follow-up, Ghost of Yotei, was an instant day-one buy. And while the things I expected to impress were great, there were certain aspects of the game that felt worse to me than Tsushima's version. Did I change over the past five years? Did the game adjust to industry trends? A secret third answer? All of this is part of the discussion, so I hope you enjoy it!

Guest info: Jacob Price (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:23 Introductions
  • 5:18 Our Histories With This Series/Game
  • 9:24 Opening Thoughts About Ghost of Yotei
  • 18:50 Story Setup, Atsu and Revenge Stories
  • 26:59 Presentation and Comparisons to Westerns
  • 35:24 A Well-Made Known Commodity and Further Worldbuilding
  • 49:51 Open World Design and Reward Structure
  • 1:10:23 Stealth and Clearing Camps
  • 1:16:33 Duels and Boss Fights
  • 1:31:45 Closing Thoughts
  • 1:37:34 The Pre-Order Bonus and So Many Games
  • 1:42:12 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:44:02 Spoiler Section- The Onryo and Ghost Connections
  • 1:57:56 The Snake, The Oni and The Kitsune
  • 2:14:46 The Spider, The Dragon and Saito

Music used in the episode is credited to Toma Otowa: Ghost of Yotei, The Yotei Six, The Wrath of the Ghost, The Wilds of Ezo, Battle No.3, Battle No.1, Atsu's Theme

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Ghost of Tsushima (2020) was one of my favorite games of that year, and happens to be episode 2(!!) of this podcast, an early game that screamed to me "you should talk about this into a microphone for 2+ hours). That being the case, Sucker Punch's follow-up, Ghost of Yotei, was an instant day-one buy. And while the things I expected to impress were great, there were certain aspects of the game that felt worse to me than Tsushima's version. Did I change over the past five years? Did the game adjust to industry trends? A secret third answer? All of this is part of the discussion, so I hope you enjoy it!

Guest info: Jacob Price (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:23 Introductions
  • 5:18 Our Histories With This Series/Game
  • 9:24 Opening Thoughts About Ghost of Yotei
  • 18:50 Story Setup, Atsu and Revenge Stories
  • 26:59 Presentation and Comparisons to Westerns
  • 35:24 A Well-Made Known Commodity and Further Worldbuilding
  • 49:51 Open World Design and Reward Structure
  • 1:10:23 Stealth and Clearing Camps
  • 1:16:33 Duels and Boss Fights
  • 1:31:45 Closing Thoughts
  • 1:37:34 The Pre-Order Bonus and So Many Games
  • 1:42:12 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:44:02 Spoiler Section- The Onryo and Ghost Connections
  • 1:57:56 The Snake, The Oni and The Kitsune
  • 2:14:46 The Spider, The Dragon and Saito

Music used in the episode is credited to Toma Otowa: Ghost of Yotei, The Yotei Six, The Wrath of the Ghost, The Wilds of Ezo, Battle No.3, Battle No.1, Atsu's Theme

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 203: Pokémon Legends: Z-A (with Kenneth Shepard) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/203 de8b230f-0f3b-42ba-a9f4-bd26a09fee95 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Kenneth Shepard (Kotaku, Normandy FM) to discuss Game Freak, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's latest in the Pokémon Legends series, Z-A. 1:51:57 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog The Pokémon franchise got a long-awaited shakeup with 2022's Legends: Arceus, changing the game structure, catching and battling mechanics and setting. But now that Legends has become its own subseries with 2025's Legends: Z-A, all eyes were on its own innovations and changes, such as the new real-time battle system and one-city setting. Check out the discussion for our thoughts on all of it! Guest info: Kenneth Shepard (he/him) * Check out Ken's work at Kotaku https://kotaku.com/author/kennethshepard * Check out Normandy FM podcast https://soundcloud.com/normandyfm * Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/shepardcdr.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:22 Introductions * 4:15 Our Histories with Pokémon * 7:10 Opening Thoughts about Pokémon Legends Z-A * 16:56 Story Setup & Connections to X&Y * 21:29 Our Starter Pokémon, Wild Zones & Lumiose City * 43:04 New Battle System, Mega Battles and Battle Zones * 1:02:47 Ken's Work at Kotaku and Normandy FM * 1:05:52 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:08:26 Spoiler Section- Our Final Teams & Connections to Certain Pokémon * 1:13:52 Dungeons and Story Chat * 1:29:57 Endgame and Ending Music used in the episode has a large ensemble of composers and no individualized credits at this time. All credits to Game Freak and The Pokémon Company. Tracks used: Lumiose City (Day), Battle Zone, Trainer Battle, Lumiose City (Night), Hotel Z, Battle! Vs Trainer (Z-A Royale) Check out Dave on Pages of Play for "The Meeting of the Makers"- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-the-meeting-of-makers/id1755937349?i=1000749250884 Chekc out Dave on Underplayed for Hollow Knight: Silksong- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underplayed/id1606954029 Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, pokemon legends z-a review, pokemon legends z-a podcast, pokemon legends z-a analysis, pokemon legends z-a critique, pokemon, pokemon podcast, pokemon reviews, rpg podcast, rpg review, 2025 game of the year Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

The Pokémon franchise got a long-awaited shakeup with 2022's Legends: Arceus, changing the game structure, catching and battling mechanics and setting. But now that Legends has become its own subseries with 2025's Legends: Z-A, all eyes were on its own innovations and changes, such as the new real-time battle system and one-city setting. Check out the discussion for our thoughts on all of it!

Guest info: Kenneth Shepard (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:22 Introductions
  • 4:15 Our Histories with Pokémon
  • 7:10 Opening Thoughts about Pokémon Legends Z-A
  • 16:56 Story Setup & Connections to X&Y
  • 21:29 Our Starter Pokémon, Wild Zones & Lumiose City
  • 43:04 New Battle System, Mega Battles and Battle Zones
  • 1:02:47 Ken's Work at Kotaku and Normandy FM
  • 1:05:52 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:08:26 Spoiler Section- Our Final Teams & Connections to Certain Pokémon
  • 1:13:52 Dungeons and Story Chat
  • 1:29:57 Endgame and Ending

Music used in the episode has a large ensemble of composers and no individualized credits at this time. All credits to Game Freak and The Pokémon Company. Tracks used: Lumiose City (Day), Battle Zone, Trainer Battle, Lumiose City (Night), Hotel Z, Battle! Vs Trainer (Z-A Royale)

Check out Dave on Pages of Play for "The Meeting of the Makers"- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-the-meeting-of-makers/id1755937349?i=1000749250884
Chekc out Dave on Underplayed for Hollow Knight: Silksong- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underplayed/id1606954029

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

The Pokémon franchise got a long-awaited shakeup with 2022's Legends: Arceus, changing the game structure, catching and battling mechanics and setting. But now that Legends has become its own subseries with 2025's Legends: Z-A, all eyes were on its own innovations and changes, such as the new real-time battle system and one-city setting. Check out the discussion for our thoughts on all of it!

Guest info: Kenneth Shepard (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:22 Introductions
  • 4:15 Our Histories with Pokémon
  • 7:10 Opening Thoughts about Pokémon Legends Z-A
  • 16:56 Story Setup & Connections to X&Y
  • 21:29 Our Starter Pokémon, Wild Zones & Lumiose City
  • 43:04 New Battle System, Mega Battles and Battle Zones
  • 1:02:47 Ken's Work at Kotaku and Normandy FM
  • 1:05:52 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:08:26 Spoiler Section- Our Final Teams & Connections to Certain Pokémon
  • 1:13:52 Dungeons and Story Chat
  • 1:29:57 Endgame and Ending

Music used in the episode has a large ensemble of composers and no individualized credits at this time. All credits to Game Freak and The Pokémon Company. Tracks used: Lumiose City (Day), Battle Zone, Trainer Battle, Lumiose City (Night), Hotel Z, Battle! Vs Trainer (Z-A Royale)

Check out Dave on Pages of Play for "The Meeting of the Makers"- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-the-meeting-of-makers/id1755937349?i=1000749250884
Chekc out Dave on Underplayed for Hollow Knight: Silksong- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underplayed/id1606954029

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 200: Dark Souls II (with Ryan Batie - Lightning Strikes Thrice) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/200 4eaf6e83-2806-4c92-9e63-63221fcec0b8 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Ryan Batie (Lightning Strikes Thrice) to discuss FromSoftware's 2014 action RPG, Dark Souls II, and its expansion, Scholar of the First Sin. 2:36:02 yes Want more Dark Souls 2 podcasts? Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Every beloved series has its black sheep- Mario has Sunshine, Zelda has the DS games, and Dark Souls has Dark Souls 2. But to me, the things that make Dark Souls 2 divisive are the things that make it interesting. Not every new decision is a home run, but they're all ripe for discussion. And hey, good thing we have this podcast! And it's episode 200! Guest info: Ryan Batie (they/them) * Check out the Pitch Drop Network https://pitchdrop.net/ * Get bonus Pitch Drop shows via their Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/pitchdrop TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:15 Introductions * 7:18 Our Histories with Dark Souls * 11:19 Opening Thoughts about Dark Souls 2 * 18:51 Story and Themes Setup- Memory, Hollowing, World Design * 30:26 More Theme Setup * 35:51 Vibes, Atmosphere and Music * 43:37 Examining Gameplay Changes * 1:22:18 DLCs, Multiplayer and Comedy * 1:31:42 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:34:25 Lightning Strikes Thrice Podcast & Pitch Drop Network * 1:39:33 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:41:18 Spoiler Section- Trouble Areas * 1:52:00 Spoiler Section- Vendrick's Story and Connections to Dark Souls * 2:11:59 Spoiler Section- Aldia and The First Sin * 2:21:56 Lucatiel and the Giants Music used in the episode is credited to Motoi Sakuraba, unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Main Menu, Majula, Ruins Sentinel (Yuka Kitamura), Milfanito, Fire Keepers, Fume Knight, Remains 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, dark souls 2, dark souls 2 review, dark souls 2 analysis, dark souls 2 critique, dark souls 2 scholar of the first sin, scholar of the first sin, dark souls podcast, dark souls games, dark souls, dark souls review, souls games, soulslike games, soulslike review Want more Dark Souls 2 podcasts? Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Every beloved series has its black sheep- Mario has Sunshine, Zelda has the DS games, and Dark Souls has Dark Souls 2. But to me, the things that make Dark Souls 2 divisive are the things that make it interesting. Not every new decision is a home run, but they're all ripe for discussion. And hey, good thing we have this podcast! And it's episode 200!

Guest info: Ryan Batie (they/them)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:15 Introductions
  • 7:18 Our Histories with Dark Souls
  • 11:19 Opening Thoughts about Dark Souls 2
  • 18:51 Story and Themes Setup- Memory, Hollowing, World Design
  • 30:26 More Theme Setup
  • 35:51 Vibes, Atmosphere and Music
  • 43:37 Examining Gameplay Changes
  • 1:22:18 DLCs, Multiplayer and Comedy
  • 1:31:42 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:34:25 Lightning Strikes Thrice Podcast & Pitch Drop Network
  • 1:39:33 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:41:18 Spoiler Section- Trouble Areas
  • 1:52:00 Spoiler Section- Vendrick's Story and Connections to Dark Souls
  • 2:11:59 Spoiler Section- Aldia and The First Sin
  • 2:21:56 Lucatiel and the Giants

Music used in the episode is credited to Motoi Sakuraba, unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Main Menu, Majula, Ruins Sentinel (Yuka Kitamura), Milfanito, Fire Keepers, Fume Knight, Remains

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Want more Dark Souls 2 podcasts? Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Every beloved series has its black sheep- Mario has Sunshine, Zelda has the DS games, and Dark Souls has Dark Souls 2. But to me, the things that make Dark Souls 2 divisive are the things that make it interesting. Not every new decision is a home run, but they're all ripe for discussion. And hey, good thing we have this podcast! And it's episode 200!

Guest info: Ryan Batie (they/them)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:15 Introductions
  • 7:18 Our Histories with Dark Souls
  • 11:19 Opening Thoughts about Dark Souls 2
  • 18:51 Story and Themes Setup- Memory, Hollowing, World Design
  • 30:26 More Theme Setup
  • 35:51 Vibes, Atmosphere and Music
  • 43:37 Examining Gameplay Changes
  • 1:22:18 DLCs, Multiplayer and Comedy
  • 1:31:42 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:34:25 Lightning Strikes Thrice Podcast & Pitch Drop Network
  • 1:39:33 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:41:18 Spoiler Section- Trouble Areas
  • 1:52:00 Spoiler Section- Vendrick's Story and Connections to Dark Souls
  • 2:11:59 Spoiler Section- Aldia and The First Sin
  • 2:21:56 Lucatiel and the Giants

Music used in the episode is credited to Motoi Sakuraba, unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Main Menu, Majula, Ruins Sentinel (Yuka Kitamura), Milfanito, Fire Keepers, Fume Knight, Remains

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 195: Legend of Grimrock 2 (with Shane Selterre - Retro Hangover) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/195 2ee07fcb-404c-44c7-b05b-72fb60115a56 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Shane Selterre (Retro Hangover) to discuss Almost Human's 2014 first-person dungeon crawler, Legend of Grimrock 2. 2:19:13 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson One of the best things about the thriving indie game scene is that dead genres come back to life, and nothing exemplifies that more than the return of the blobber/first-person dungeon crawler with Almost Human's Legend of Grimrock series. Combining the thrill of exploration in those old school games with modern sensibilities, Legend of Grimrock 2 is one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and I couldn't wait to discuss it on the show. Guest info: Shane Selterre (he/him) * Check out everything Retro Hangover! https://linktr.ee/retrohangover TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:24 Introductions * 5:02 Our Histories with Legend of Grimrock 2 * 13:03 Opening Thoughts about Legend of Grimrock 2 * 17:04 Story Setup * 21:18 Dungeon Crawling...Outside? * 25:58 Party Creation and the Combat Dance * 37:00 Situational Awareness * 45:18 Exploration and Inventory * 52:31 Puzzles and Traps * 1:03:18 Character Building * 1:27:19 Music and Sound Design * 1:33:13 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:37:49 Retro Hangover Podcast * 1:42:54 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:45:37 Spoiler Section- Favorite Stuff * 2:02:29 Spoiler Section- Final Bosses and Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Scoring Helsinki: Main Theme, Prologue (The Isle), Battle Is On Pt. 1, Master and the Apprentice, Credits Theme Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio Check out the King of Games 1999 https://retrohangover.captivate.fm/episode/king-of-games-99-round-4-match-1-silent-hill-vs-tony-hawks-pro-skater 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, legend of grimrock 2, legend of grimrock, legend of grimrock 2 review, legend of grimrock 2 analysis, legend of grimrock 2 critique, best rpgs, rpg podcast, rpg review podcast, indie games, best indie games, indie game reviews, indie game podcast, indie game review podcast, rpg podcast, rpg reviews, blobber review, blobber game Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

One of the best things about the thriving indie game scene is that dead genres come back to life, and nothing exemplifies that more than the return of the blobber/first-person dungeon crawler with Almost Human's Legend of Grimrock series. Combining the thrill of exploration in those old school games with modern sensibilities, Legend of Grimrock 2 is one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and I couldn't wait to discuss it on the show.

Guest info: Shane Selterre (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:24 Introductions
  • 5:02 Our Histories with Legend of Grimrock 2
  • 13:03 Opening Thoughts about Legend of Grimrock 2
  • 17:04 Story Setup
  • 21:18 Dungeon Crawling...Outside?
  • 25:58 Party Creation and the Combat Dance
  • 37:00 Situational Awareness
  • 45:18 Exploration and Inventory
  • 52:31 Puzzles and Traps
  • 1:03:18 Character Building
  • 1:27:19 Music and Sound Design
  • 1:33:13 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:37:49 Retro Hangover Podcast
  • 1:42:54 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:45:37 Spoiler Section- Favorite Stuff
  • 2:02:29 Spoiler Section- Final Bosses and Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Scoring Helsinki: Main Theme, Prologue (The Isle), Battle Is On Pt. 1, Master and the Apprentice, Credits Theme

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio
Check out the King of Games 1999 https://retrohangover.captivate.fm/episode/king-of-games-99-round-4-match-1-silent-hill-vs-tony-hawks-pro-skater

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

One of the best things about the thriving indie game scene is that dead genres come back to life, and nothing exemplifies that more than the return of the blobber/first-person dungeon crawler with Almost Human's Legend of Grimrock series. Combining the thrill of exploration in those old school games with modern sensibilities, Legend of Grimrock 2 is one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and I couldn't wait to discuss it on the show.

Guest info: Shane Selterre (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:24 Introductions
  • 5:02 Our Histories with Legend of Grimrock 2
  • 13:03 Opening Thoughts about Legend of Grimrock 2
  • 17:04 Story Setup
  • 21:18 Dungeon Crawling...Outside?
  • 25:58 Party Creation and the Combat Dance
  • 37:00 Situational Awareness
  • 45:18 Exploration and Inventory
  • 52:31 Puzzles and Traps
  • 1:03:18 Character Building
  • 1:27:19 Music and Sound Design
  • 1:33:13 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:37:49 Retro Hangover Podcast
  • 1:42:54 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:45:37 Spoiler Section- Favorite Stuff
  • 2:02:29 Spoiler Section- Final Bosses and Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Scoring Helsinki: Main Theme, Prologue (The Isle), Battle Is On Pt. 1, Master and the Apprentice, Credits Theme

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio
Check out the King of Games 1999 https://retrohangover.captivate.fm/episode/king-of-games-99-round-4-match-1-silent-hill-vs-tony-hawks-pro-skater

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 194: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (with Michael Berger - Bits of Time) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/194 0826e64e-86f0-4990-9403-739afc1347c7 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Michael Berger (Bits of Time) to discuss Nintendo's 2023 open world action-adventure game, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 2:28:13 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog What could Nintendo possibly do to follow up the game that "saved gaming" for me? Well, they simply iterated on and evolved everything about Breath of the Wild to make one of the most creativity and freedom-focused games ever. It's simple, really- why don't more people think of this? Sarcasm aside, Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute wonder, and we're lucky to have it. Hope you enjoy the discussion! Guest info: Michael Berger (he/him) * Check out Bits of Time on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@bitsoftimemedia * Check out the Bits of Time podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-of-time/id1616941089 * Check out everything else Michael is doing https://campsite.bio/matterofmichael TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:21 Introductions * 5:35 Our Histories with Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom * 8:49 Opening Thoughts About Tears of the Kingdom * 16:39 Story Setup * 20:26 Storytelling and Nonlinear Design * 25:34 Emergent Story and the Adventure * 29:52 Link's New Toys * 48:58 Emergent Gameplay and the Magic of Scrounging * 57:18 Dungeons and Boss Fights * 1:03:15 Enemy and Boss Variety * 1:08:07 The Depths and Exploration * 1:16:33 Art Design and Music * 1:23:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:31:31 Bits of Time * 1:36:11 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:38:25 Spoiler Section- Favorite Temples and Backstory * 2:03:11 Final Boss and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Hajime Wakai, Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi and Tsukasa Usui. Tracks used: Title, Hyrule Castle - Upheaval, Shrine Battle, Seized Construct Battle, Skydive, Lookout Landing, Ganondorf's Theme, Final Dive Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Dave on Pixels & Polygons https://rss.com/podcasts/pixelspolygons/ 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, tears of the kingdom, tears of the kingdom review, tears of the kingdom analysis, tears of the kingdom critique, legend of zelda podcast, legend of zelda review, nintendo games, nintendo game review Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

What could Nintendo possibly do to follow up the game that "saved gaming" for me? Well, they simply iterated on and evolved everything about Breath of the Wild to make one of the most creativity and freedom-focused games ever. It's simple, really- why don't more people think of this? Sarcasm aside, Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute wonder, and we're lucky to have it. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Guest info: Michael Berger (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:21 Introductions
  • 5:35 Our Histories with Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom
  • 8:49 Opening Thoughts About Tears of the Kingdom
  • 16:39 Story Setup
  • 20:26 Storytelling and Nonlinear Design
  • 25:34 Emergent Story and the Adventure
  • 29:52 Link's New Toys
  • 48:58 Emergent Gameplay and the Magic of Scrounging
  • 57:18 Dungeons and Boss Fights
  • 1:03:15 Enemy and Boss Variety
  • 1:08:07 The Depths and Exploration
  • 1:16:33 Art Design and Music
  • 1:23:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:31:31 Bits of Time
  • 1:36:11 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:38:25 Spoiler Section- Favorite Temples and Backstory
  • 2:03:11 Final Boss and Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Hajime Wakai, Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi and Tsukasa Usui. Tracks used: Title, Hyrule Castle - Upheaval, Shrine Battle, Seized Construct Battle, Skydive, Lookout Landing, Ganondorf's Theme, Final Dive

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on Pixels & Polygons https://rss.com/podcasts/pixelspolygons/

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

What could Nintendo possibly do to follow up the game that "saved gaming" for me? Well, they simply iterated on and evolved everything about Breath of the Wild to make one of the most creativity and freedom-focused games ever. It's simple, really- why don't more people think of this? Sarcasm aside, Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute wonder, and we're lucky to have it. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Guest info: Michael Berger (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:21 Introductions
  • 5:35 Our Histories with Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom
  • 8:49 Opening Thoughts About Tears of the Kingdom
  • 16:39 Story Setup
  • 20:26 Storytelling and Nonlinear Design
  • 25:34 Emergent Story and the Adventure
  • 29:52 Link's New Toys
  • 48:58 Emergent Gameplay and the Magic of Scrounging
  • 57:18 Dungeons and Boss Fights
  • 1:03:15 Enemy and Boss Variety
  • 1:08:07 The Depths and Exploration
  • 1:16:33 Art Design and Music
  • 1:23:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:31:31 Bits of Time
  • 1:36:11 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:38:25 Spoiler Section- Favorite Temples and Backstory
  • 2:03:11 Final Boss and Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Hajime Wakai, Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi and Tsukasa Usui. Tracks used: Title, Hyrule Castle - Upheaval, Shrine Battle, Seized Construct Battle, Skydive, Lookout Landing, Ganondorf's Theme, Final Dive

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on Pixels & Polygons https://rss.com/podcasts/pixelspolygons/

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 191: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (with Kate & Emily - No Small Games) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/191 6c7834c3-f166-47da-8c84-722405e6382c Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Kate Hunter and Emily Merritt (No Small Games) to discuss Game Freak and The Pokémon Company's 2022 monster catching RPGs, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. 2:44:15 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Modern Pokémon games are divisive, but rarely due to technical performance. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Game Freak, 2022) released in an embarrassing state, and are hoping for a comeback with their recent Switch 2 editions. So now that the bugs are squashed and the framerate is stable, what kind of game was lurking under all of those issues? Listen in to find out. Guest info: Kate Hunter (she/any) and Emily Merritt (she/her) * Check out the No Small Games podcast and website https://nosmallgames.com/ * Follow Kate on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social * Follow Emily on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:16 Intros * 5:53 Our Personal Histories with Pokémon * 12:52 Opening Thoughts About Pokémon Scarlet & Violet * 21:44 World and Story Setup * 36:07 Nonlinear Design * 42:50 Is the Story Actually Good, or Are We Grading On a Curve? * 54:25 Visuals/Presentation * 1:01:37 Open World Design * 1:17:28 New Quick Battle System * 1:22:28 Combat, Team Building and Challenge? * 1:41:08 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:47:16 No Small Games * 1:54:07 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:56:55 Spoiler Section- Our Teams, Area Zero, Ending * 2:28:06 Spoiler Section- DLCs Music used in the episode: * Title Screen (Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose) * Home (Junichi Masuda) * Poco Path (Junichi Masuda) * Battle! (Trainer Battle) (Junichi Masuda) * Area Zero (GAME FREAK) * Pokémon Center (Junichi Masuda) * Welcome to the Paldea Region! (Minako Adachi, Toby Fox) Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds in November and December- https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Dave on the Character Issues podcast- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306474 Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum- https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, pokemon scarlet violet, pokemon scarlet violet review, pokemon scarlet violet critique, pokemon scarlet violet analysis, pokemon reviews, rpg reviews, switch games, nintendo switch reviews, nintendo switch 2 reviews Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Modern Pokémon games are divisive, but rarely due to technical performance. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Game Freak, 2022) released in an embarrassing state, and are hoping for a comeback with their recent Switch 2 editions. So now that the bugs are squashed and the framerate is stable, what kind of game was lurking under all of those issues? Listen in to find out.

Guest info: Kate Hunter (she/any) and Emily Merritt (she/her)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:16 Intros
  • 5:53 Our Personal Histories with Pokémon
  • 12:52 Opening Thoughts About Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
  • 21:44 World and Story Setup
  • 36:07 Nonlinear Design
  • 42:50 Is the Story Actually Good, or Are We Grading On a Curve?
  • 54:25 Visuals/Presentation
  • 1:01:37 Open World Design
  • 1:17:28 New Quick Battle System
  • 1:22:28 Combat, Team Building and Challenge?
  • 1:41:08 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:47:16 No Small Games
  • 1:54:07 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:56:55 Spoiler Section- Our Teams, Area Zero, Ending
  • 2:28:06 Spoiler Section- DLCs

Music used in the episode:

  • Title Screen (Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose)
  • Home (Junichi Masuda)
  • Poco Path (Junichi Masuda)
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) (Junichi Masuda)
  • Area Zero (GAME FREAK)
  • Pokémon Center (Junichi Masuda)
  • Welcome to the Paldea Region! (Minako Adachi, Toby Fox)

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds in November and December- https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on the Character Issues podcast- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306474
Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum- https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Modern Pokémon games are divisive, but rarely due to technical performance. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Game Freak, 2022) released in an embarrassing state, and are hoping for a comeback with their recent Switch 2 editions. So now that the bugs are squashed and the framerate is stable, what kind of game was lurking under all of those issues? Listen in to find out.

Guest info: Kate Hunter (she/any) and Emily Merritt (she/her)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:16 Intros
  • 5:53 Our Personal Histories with Pokémon
  • 12:52 Opening Thoughts About Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
  • 21:44 World and Story Setup
  • 36:07 Nonlinear Design
  • 42:50 Is the Story Actually Good, or Are We Grading On a Curve?
  • 54:25 Visuals/Presentation
  • 1:01:37 Open World Design
  • 1:17:28 New Quick Battle System
  • 1:22:28 Combat, Team Building and Challenge?
  • 1:41:08 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:47:16 No Small Games
  • 1:54:07 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:56:55 Spoiler Section- Our Teams, Area Zero, Ending
  • 2:28:06 Spoiler Section- DLCs

Music used in the episode:

  • Title Screen (Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose)
  • Home (Junichi Masuda)
  • Poco Path (Junichi Masuda)
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) (Junichi Masuda)
  • Area Zero (GAME FREAK)
  • Pokémon Center (Junichi Masuda)
  • Welcome to the Paldea Region! (Minako Adachi, Toby Fox)

Check out Dave on Geeks & Grounds in November and December- https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
Check out Dave on the Character Issues podcast- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306474
Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum- https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 189: Lies of P (with Rob & Kelvin - The Gaming Duo) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/189 7e851f73-9fd6-4d43-a700-1bf7b9391b97 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rob and Kelvin (The Gaming Duo) to discuss Round8 Studio and Neowiz's 2023 Soulslike RPG, Lies of P. 2:47:01 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Nobody is more skeptical of a new Soulslike on the block than me. Too often, Soulslikes build around the superficial qualities of FromSoftware's hits and neglect the secret sauce (or miss it entirely). Luckily for me and those who feel the same way, Round8 Studio and Neowiz knocked it out of the park with their Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike, Lies of P. I felt right at home playing through this, and it turned into a really fun conversation. Guest info: Rob Garcia (he/him) and Kelvin Rolon (he/him) * Check out The Gaming Duo https://www.gamingduopod.com/ * Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thegamingduo.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:28 Intros * 5:40 Personal Histories with Soulsborne and Lies of P * 11:50 Personal Histories with Pinocchio * 15:40 Opening Thoughts About Lies of P * 19:20 Story Setup and Adapting Pinocchio * 34:33 Visual Design * 41:14 Music * 49:09 Difficulty and How to Succeed * 58:56 Weapons and Tools * 1:18:17 Level Design and Exploration * 1:28:21 Boss Fights * 1:33:45 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:38:14 The Gaming Duo Podcast * 1:41:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:43:38 Spoiler Section- Top 3 Boss Fights * 2:05:26 Story Discussion * 2:19:47 Backstory, Comparisons to the Book and Post-Credits Scene Music used in the episode is from the Lies of P OST. Tracks used: * Main Menu (Round8 Studio Sound Team, YK Music) * Divine Service (Electronic Boutique) * Feel (DJ Mocha, Seo Ja Young) * Dreadful March (Studio LAY-BACK) * Judgement of Mourning (Studio LAY-BACK) * Hotel Krat (Studio LAY-BACK) * Quixotic (bermei.inazawa, foolen) * Eventide Hotel (Silun Lee) 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, lies of p, lies of p review, lies of p podcast, lies of p critique, lies of p analysis, soulslike games, soulslike review, soulslike podcast, pinocchio Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Nobody is more skeptical of a new Soulslike on the block than me. Too often, Soulslikes build around the superficial qualities of FromSoftware's hits and neglect the secret sauce (or miss it entirely). Luckily for me and those who feel the same way, Round8 Studio and Neowiz knocked it out of the park with their Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike, Lies of P. I felt right at home playing through this, and it turned into a really fun conversation.

Guest info: Rob Garcia (he/him) and Kelvin Rolon (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:28 Intros
  • 5:40 Personal Histories with Soulsborne and Lies of P
  • 11:50 Personal Histories with Pinocchio
  • 15:40 Opening Thoughts About Lies of P
  • 19:20 Story Setup and Adapting Pinocchio
  • 34:33 Visual Design
  • 41:14 Music
  • 49:09 Difficulty and How to Succeed
  • 58:56 Weapons and Tools
  • 1:18:17 Level Design and Exploration
  • 1:28:21 Boss Fights
  • 1:33:45 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:38:14 The Gaming Duo Podcast
  • 1:41:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:43:38 Spoiler Section- Top 3 Boss Fights
  • 2:05:26 Story Discussion
  • 2:19:47 Backstory, Comparisons to the Book and Post-Credits Scene

Music used in the episode is from the Lies of P OST. Tracks used:

  • Main Menu (Round8 Studio Sound Team, YK Music)
  • Divine Service (Electronic Boutique)
  • Feel (DJ Mocha, Seo Ja Young)
  • Dreadful March (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Judgement of Mourning (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Hotel Krat (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Quixotic (bermei.inazawa, foolen)
  • Eventide Hotel (Silun Lee)

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Nobody is more skeptical of a new Soulslike on the block than me. Too often, Soulslikes build around the superficial qualities of FromSoftware's hits and neglect the secret sauce (or miss it entirely). Luckily for me and those who feel the same way, Round8 Studio and Neowiz knocked it out of the park with their Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike, Lies of P. I felt right at home playing through this, and it turned into a really fun conversation.

Guest info: Rob Garcia (he/him) and Kelvin Rolon (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:28 Intros
  • 5:40 Personal Histories with Soulsborne and Lies of P
  • 11:50 Personal Histories with Pinocchio
  • 15:40 Opening Thoughts About Lies of P
  • 19:20 Story Setup and Adapting Pinocchio
  • 34:33 Visual Design
  • 41:14 Music
  • 49:09 Difficulty and How to Succeed
  • 58:56 Weapons and Tools
  • 1:18:17 Level Design and Exploration
  • 1:28:21 Boss Fights
  • 1:33:45 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:38:14 The Gaming Duo Podcast
  • 1:41:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:43:38 Spoiler Section- Top 3 Boss Fights
  • 2:05:26 Story Discussion
  • 2:19:47 Backstory, Comparisons to the Book and Post-Credits Scene

Music used in the episode is from the Lies of P OST. Tracks used:

  • Main Menu (Round8 Studio Sound Team, YK Music)
  • Divine Service (Electronic Boutique)
  • Feel (DJ Mocha, Seo Ja Young)
  • Dreadful March (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Judgement of Mourning (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Hotel Krat (Studio LAY-BACK)
  • Quixotic (bermei.inazawa, foolen)
  • Eventide Hotel (Silun Lee)

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 187: Fear & Hunger (with Adam Bucceri) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/187 c8e7f4b2-a971-4846-9e4c-f9da97fb9060 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Adam Bucceri (ENTER THE SURVIVAL HORROR) to discuss Miro Haverinen's 2018 survival horror RPG, Fear & Hunger. 2:53:57 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Sometimes a game's reputation precedes it in a way that makes you question whether you want to play it at all, and Fear & Hunger (Miro Haverinen, 2018) certainly fits that bill. Punishing difficulty, harsh teaching, extreme content warnings and more put me off from playing the game for a while, but I'm glad to have played it now, and all of that made for a great conversation. Content warnings for Fear & Hunger: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/17804 Guest info: Adam Bucceri (he/him) * Check out Adam's games https://boocherry.itch.io/ TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:15 Intros * 6:03 Our Histories with Fear & Hunger * 9:55 Should We Play Fear & Hunger 1 or 2? * 11:27 Opening Thoughts About Fear & Hunger * 17:24 Content Warnings * 26:15 Game Setup and Character Selection * 31:15 Difficulty and Learning How to Play * 44:55 Player-Hostile Design and Pressures * 58:34 Immersive Sim Elements, Experimentation and Emergent Narrative * 1:07:47 Combat * 1:21:36 Visuals and Sound Design * 1:27:20 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:34:20 Adam's Games and Creative Works * 1:37:18 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:39:18 Spoiler Section- The Girl, Le'garde and Fun Discoveries * 2:26:35 Spoiler Section- Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Miro Haverinen. Tracks used: Fear & Hunger, The Four Apostles, Pulse & Anxiety, Ancient City, Tomb of the Gods, Everyday Schoolday Check out Dave's guest appearance on The Pre-Order Bonus about Rain World- https://www.patreon.com/c/preordercast 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, fear and hunger, fear and hunger review, fear and hunger critique, fear and hunger analysis, horror games, horror game review, indie games, indie game review, indie horror games Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Sometimes a game's reputation precedes it in a way that makes you question whether you want to play it at all, and Fear & Hunger (Miro Haverinen, 2018) certainly fits that bill. Punishing difficulty, harsh teaching, extreme content warnings and more put me off from playing the game for a while, but I'm glad to have played it now, and all of that made for a great conversation.

Content warnings for Fear & Hunger: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/17804

Guest info: Adam Bucceri (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:15 Intros
  • 6:03 Our Histories with Fear & Hunger
  • 9:55 Should We Play Fear & Hunger 1 or 2?
  • 11:27 Opening Thoughts About Fear & Hunger
  • 17:24 Content Warnings
  • 26:15 Game Setup and Character Selection
  • 31:15 Difficulty and Learning How to Play
  • 44:55 Player-Hostile Design and Pressures
  • 58:34 Immersive Sim Elements, Experimentation and Emergent Narrative
  • 1:07:47 Combat
  • 1:21:36 Visuals and Sound Design
  • 1:27:20 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:34:20 Adam's Games and Creative Works
  • 1:37:18 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:39:18 Spoiler Section- The Girl, Le'garde and Fun Discoveries
  • 2:26:35 Spoiler Section- Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Miro Haverinen. Tracks used: Fear & Hunger, The Four Apostles, Pulse & Anxiety, Ancient City, Tomb of the Gods, Everyday Schoolday

Check out Dave's guest appearance on The Pre-Order Bonus about Rain World- https://www.patreon.com/c/preordercast

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Sometimes a game's reputation precedes it in a way that makes you question whether you want to play it at all, and Fear & Hunger (Miro Haverinen, 2018) certainly fits that bill. Punishing difficulty, harsh teaching, extreme content warnings and more put me off from playing the game for a while, but I'm glad to have played it now, and all of that made for a great conversation.

Content warnings for Fear & Hunger: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/17804

Guest info: Adam Bucceri (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:15 Intros
  • 6:03 Our Histories with Fear & Hunger
  • 9:55 Should We Play Fear & Hunger 1 or 2?
  • 11:27 Opening Thoughts About Fear & Hunger
  • 17:24 Content Warnings
  • 26:15 Game Setup and Character Selection
  • 31:15 Difficulty and Learning How to Play
  • 44:55 Player-Hostile Design and Pressures
  • 58:34 Immersive Sim Elements, Experimentation and Emergent Narrative
  • 1:07:47 Combat
  • 1:21:36 Visuals and Sound Design
  • 1:27:20 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
  • 1:34:20 Adam's Games and Creative Works
  • 1:37:18 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:39:18 Spoiler Section- The Girl, Le'garde and Fun Discoveries
  • 2:26:35 Spoiler Section- Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Miro Haverinen. Tracks used: Fear & Hunger, The Four Apostles, Pulse & Anxiety, Ancient City, Tomb of the Gods, Everyday Schoolday

Check out Dave's guest appearance on The Pre-Order Bonus about Rain World- https://www.patreon.com/c/preordercast

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 180: Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (with Erik - Pages of Play) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/180 28b143a1-173f-4963-b955-3fac685207b0 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Erik (Pages of Play) to discuss Don't Nod's 2024 action RPG, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. 2:50:05 yes Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Don't Nod, 2023) represents a different type of game that Don't Nod has been making alongside their popular choice-based narrative games like Life is Strange and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. With 2018's Vampyr, Don't Nod took a swing a narrative, decisions-matter action RPG, and while I liked Vampyr a lot, the decisions-matter part of it left a lot to be desired. Five years later, they took another swing at that type of game with Banishers, and really righted that specific area. Decisions matter in Banishers in a way they don't matter in most games, and it led to one of the most effective stories I've played in a while. Guest info: Erik (he/him) * Listen to Pages of Play podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pages-of-play/id1755937349 * Check out Erik's written work on So Many Games https://somanygames.co.uk/ TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:32 Intros * 5:03 Histories with Don't Nod and Banishers * 8:29 Opening Thoughts * 16:22 Story/World Setup and Characters * 28:43 Inciting Plot Event and Choice/Morality System * 37:51 Tough Choices * 48:02 Presentation and Side Quest Writing * 59:00 Combat * 1:13:37 World Design and Vibes * 1:22:50 Boss Fights * 1:27:20 Recommendations * 1:30:20 Pages of Play Podcast * 1:36:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:38:06 Spoiler Section- Side Stories Tying Into the Main Story * 2:17:10 Spoiler Section- The Nightmare * 2:32:08 Spoiler Section- Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Trevor Morris. Tracks used: Main Menu, The Harrows, Intimate Moment- Harmony 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 games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, banishers ghosts of new eden, banishers ghosts of new eden review, banishers ghosts of new eden analysis, banishers ghosts of new eden critique, don't nod games, don't nod review, rpg game review, banishers review, banishers critique, banishers podcast, banishers analysis Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Don't Nod, 2023) represents a different type of game that Don't Nod has been making alongside their popular choice-based narrative games like Life is Strange and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. With 2018's Vampyr, Don't Nod took a swing a narrative, decisions-matter action RPG, and while I liked Vampyr a lot, the decisions-matter part of it left a lot to be desired. Five years later, they took another swing at that type of game with Banishers, and really righted that specific area. Decisions matter in Banishers in a way they don't matter in most games, and it led to one of the most effective stories I've played in a while.

Guest info: Erik (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:32 Intros
  • 5:03 Histories with Don't Nod and Banishers
  • 8:29 Opening Thoughts
  • 16:22 Story/World Setup and Characters
  • 28:43 Inciting Plot Event and Choice/Morality System
  • 37:51 Tough Choices
  • 48:02 Presentation and Side Quest Writing
  • 59:00 Combat
  • 1:13:37 World Design and Vibes
  • 1:22:50 Boss Fights
  • 1:27:20 Recommendations
  • 1:30:20 Pages of Play Podcast
  • 1:36:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:38:06 Spoiler Section- Side Stories Tying Into the Main Story
  • 2:17:10 Spoiler Section- The Nightmare
  • 2:32:08 Spoiler Section- Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Trevor Morris. Tracks used: Main Menu, The Harrows, Intimate Moment- Harmony

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/V3ZHz3vYQR
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Don't Nod, 2023) represents a different type of game that Don't Nod has been making alongside their popular choice-based narrative games like Life is Strange and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. With 2018's Vampyr, Don't Nod took a swing a narrative, decisions-matter action RPG, and while I liked Vampyr a lot, the decisions-matter part of it left a lot to be desired. Five years later, they took another swing at that type of game with Banishers, and really righted that specific area. Decisions matter in Banishers in a way they don't matter in most games, and it led to one of the most effective stories I've played in a while.

Guest info: Erik (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:32 Intros
  • 5:03 Histories with Don't Nod and Banishers
  • 8:29 Opening Thoughts
  • 16:22 Story/World Setup and Characters
  • 28:43 Inciting Plot Event and Choice/Morality System
  • 37:51 Tough Choices
  • 48:02 Presentation and Side Quest Writing
  • 59:00 Combat
  • 1:13:37 World Design and Vibes
  • 1:22:50 Boss Fights
  • 1:27:20 Recommendations
  • 1:30:20 Pages of Play Podcast
  • 1:36:38 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:38:06 Spoiler Section- Side Stories Tying Into the Main Story
  • 2:17:10 Spoiler Section- The Nightmare
  • 2:32:08 Spoiler Section- Endings

Music used in the episode is credited to Trevor Morris. Tracks used: Main Menu, The Harrows, Intimate Moment- Harmony

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

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 175: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (with Brian Edwards) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/175 35261d91-454d-4893-bbbe-4bbde9bbf2ea Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Brian Edwards (Character Issues, Cane and Rinse) to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's 2025 Like a Dragon side story, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. 2:37:43 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) Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has risen to the gaming mainstream with its beloved Like a Dragon series, and when a hot streak occurs, a heat check often follows, and there is no bigger heat check than a game where you play through a Hawaiian pirate adventure starring the series' lovable maniac, Goro Majima. So why has Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii fallen out of the conversation, even among series diehards? Did the heat check connect, or is it the beginning of a downturn? All that and more in this great conversation. Guest info: Brian Edwards * Listen to the Cane and Rinse podcast https://caneandrinse.com/ * Listen to the Character Issues podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747 * Follow Brian on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/characterissues.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:20 Intros * 5:45 Personal Histories With Yakuza Series * 9:53 The Yakuza Secret Sauce * 14:12 Opening Thoughts about Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii * 20:34 Like a Dragon Series Fatigue? * 35:15 Story Setup, Majima the Leading Man * 45:40 Framing Device, Substories, Goofs * 1:11:18 Pirate Gameplay, Ship Combat * 1:33:51 Action Combat * 1:44:59 Mini-Games and Side Activities * 1:52:36 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations * 1:57:57 Character Issues, Cane and Rinse * 2:02:33 Spoiler Wall/Patron Thank-Yous * 2:04:37 Spoiler Section- Substories * 2:18:42 Spoiler Section- Main Story and Ending Music used in the episode: * Anchors Aweigh (Saori Yoshida) * Nameless Traveler (Saori Yoshida) * Palekanian Dance (Yuri Fukuda) * Mad Dog (Keitarou Hanada) * Echoes of Hope (Kazuki Takagi) * Masaru's Love Journey (Mitsuhara Fukuyama) Check out the King of Games 1999 tournament on Retro Hangover! https://linktr.ee/retrohangover 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, like a dragon pirate yakuza in hawaii, pirate yakuza in hawaii, pirate yakuza in hawaii review, pirate yakuza in hawaii analysis, pirate yakuza in hawaii critique, yakuza podcast, like a dragon podcast, like a dragon review, like a dragon analysis, like a dragon critique Support my work on Patreon
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has risen to the gaming mainstream with its beloved Like a Dragon series, and when a hot streak occurs, a heat check often follows, and there is no bigger heat check than a game where you play through a Hawaiian pirate adventure starring the series' lovable maniac, Goro Majima. So why has Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii fallen out of the conversation, even among series diehards? Did the heat check connect, or is it the beginning of a downturn? All that and more in this great conversation.

Guest info: Brian Edwards

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:20 Intros
  • 5:45 Personal Histories With Yakuza Series
  • 9:53 The Yakuza Secret Sauce
  • 14:12 Opening Thoughts about Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
  • 20:34 Like a Dragon Series Fatigue?
  • 35:15 Story Setup, Majima the Leading Man
  • 45:40 Framing Device, Substories, Goofs
  • 1:11:18 Pirate Gameplay, Ship Combat
  • 1:33:51 Action Combat
  • 1:44:59 Mini-Games and Side Activities
  • 1:52:36 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:57:57 Character Issues, Cane and Rinse
  • 2:02:33 Spoiler Wall/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 2:04:37 Spoiler Section- Substories
  • 2:18:42 Spoiler Section- Main Story and Ending

Music used in the episode:

  • Anchors Aweigh (Saori Yoshida)
  • Nameless Traveler (Saori Yoshida)
  • Palekanian Dance (Yuri Fukuda)
  • Mad Dog (Keitarou Hanada)
  • Echoes of Hope (Kazuki Takagi)
  • Masaru's Love Journey (Mitsuhara Fukuyama)

Check out the King of Games 1999 tournament on Retro Hangover! https://linktr.ee/retrohangover

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

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has risen to the gaming mainstream with its beloved Like a Dragon series, and when a hot streak occurs, a heat check often follows, and there is no bigger heat check than a game where you play through a Hawaiian pirate adventure starring the series' lovable maniac, Goro Majima. So why has Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii fallen out of the conversation, even among series diehards? Did the heat check connect, or is it the beginning of a downturn? All that and more in this great conversation.

Guest info: Brian Edwards

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:20 Intros
  • 5:45 Personal Histories With Yakuza Series
  • 9:53 The Yakuza Secret Sauce
  • 14:12 Opening Thoughts about Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
  • 20:34 Like a Dragon Series Fatigue?
  • 35:15 Story Setup, Majima the Leading Man
  • 45:40 Framing Device, Substories, Goofs
  • 1:11:18 Pirate Gameplay, Ship Combat
  • 1:33:51 Action Combat
  • 1:44:59 Mini-Games and Side Activities
  • 1:52:36 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations
  • 1:57:57 Character Issues, Cane and Rinse
  • 2:02:33 Spoiler Wall/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 2:04:37 Spoiler Section- Substories
  • 2:18:42 Spoiler Section- Main Story and Ending

Music used in the episode:

  • Anchors Aweigh (Saori Yoshida)
  • Nameless Traveler (Saori Yoshida)
  • Palekanian Dance (Yuri Fukuda)
  • Mad Dog (Keitarou Hanada)
  • Echoes of Hope (Kazuki Takagi)
  • Masaru's Love Journey (Mitsuhara Fukuyama)

Check out the King of Games 1999 tournament on Retro Hangover! https://linktr.ee/retrohangover

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

]]> 170: Lunacid (with Dave Cox) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/170 e202a5bc-c9f6-4b52-b55c-ac2bc33172e6 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Dave Cox (Monster Dear Monster) to discuss Kira LLC's 2023 first-person RPG, Lunacid. 2:36:04 yes Support my work on Patreon (https://patreon.com/realdavejackson) I was admittedly very late to the King's Field and Shadow Tower bandwagons, energized by my love for FromSoftware's modern titles and a desire to dig into their history some more. However, I didn't anticipate loving those games so much that I wanted more like them, and that's where Kira LLC's Lunacid (2023) entered the fray. Lunacid is a fantastic game, leaning more on the exploration and vibes of those FromSoftware dungeon crawlers than the opaque RPG mechanics, capturing the spirit in a modern way. A true indie success- listen in to find out why. Guest info: Dave Cox of Monster Dear Monster * Check out Monster Dear Monster podcast https://www.monsterdear.monster/ * Follow Dave on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/senplus.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:27 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts * 11:53 Story/World Setup * 28:51 PS2-era Presentation/Controls * 40:53 Soundtrack * 47:52 Gameplay/RPG Mechanics * 1:09:07 World Design/Exploration * 1:13:53 "Breaking the Level Design" * 1:29:49 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs * 1:38:57 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous * 1:41:13 Spoiler Section- Discoveries and Easter Eggs * 2:04:22 Spoiler Section- Story and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Kira LLC. Tracks used: * River of Death (Akuma Kira) * The Great Well (Jarren Crist) * Washed Away (Akuma Kira) * Falling To My Death (Jarren Crist) * Serence (Jarren Crist) * The World and You (Akuma Kira) * Serence (Reprise) (Jarren Crist) * Purchase the soundtrack- https://store.steampowered.com/app/2692630/LunacidOriginalSoundtrack/ Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! (https://discord.gg/bptGyEWbk7) Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson)! Social Media: BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/) Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-top-3-podcast/id1555269504), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2euGp3pWi7Hy1c6fmY526O?si=0ebcb770618c460c) and other podcast platforms (atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! games, video games, games podcast, video games podcast, video game critique, video game analysis, lunacid, lunacid review, lunacid podcast, lunacid analysis, indie games, indie rpgs, best indie games, indie game reviews, indie game podcast, soulslike, best soulslikes, soulslike review, king's field, shadow tower Support my work on Patreon

I was admittedly very late to the King's Field and Shadow Tower bandwagons, energized by my love for FromSoftware's modern titles and a desire to dig into their history some more. However, I didn't anticipate loving those games so much that I wanted more like them, and that's where Kira LLC's Lunacid (2023) entered the fray. Lunacid is a fantastic game, leaning more on the exploration and vibes of those FromSoftware dungeon crawlers than the opaque RPG mechanics, capturing the spirit in a modern way. A true indie success- listen in to find out why.

Guest info: Dave Cox of Monster Dear Monster

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:27 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 11:53 Story/World Setup
  • 28:51 PS2-era Presentation/Controls
  • 40:53 Soundtrack
  • 47:52 Gameplay/RPG Mechanics
  • 1:09:07 World Design/Exploration
  • 1:13:53 "Breaking the Level Design"
  • 1:29:49 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs
  • 1:38:57 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:41:13 Spoiler Section- Discoveries and Easter Eggs
  • 2:04:22 Spoiler Section- Story and Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Kira LLC. Tracks used:

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

I was admittedly very late to the King's Field and Shadow Tower bandwagons, energized by my love for FromSoftware's modern titles and a desire to dig into their history some more. However, I didn't anticipate loving those games so much that I wanted more like them, and that's where Kira LLC's Lunacid (2023) entered the fray. Lunacid is a fantastic game, leaning more on the exploration and vibes of those FromSoftware dungeon crawlers than the opaque RPG mechanics, capturing the spirit in a modern way. A true indie success- listen in to find out why.

Guest info: Dave Cox of Monster Dear Monster

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Title Card
  • 0:27 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts
  • 11:53 Story/World Setup
  • 28:51 PS2-era Presentation/Controls
  • 40:53 Soundtrack
  • 47:52 Gameplay/RPG Mechanics
  • 1:09:07 World Design/Exploration
  • 1:13:53 "Breaking the Level Design"
  • 1:29:49 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Guest Plugs
  • 1:38:57 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous
  • 1:41:13 Spoiler Section- Discoveries and Easter Eggs
  • 2:04:22 Spoiler Section- Story and Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Kira LLC. Tracks used:

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

]]> 128: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (with Deadbeatpunk - WTFDYW!?) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/128 4104c078-20d5-45f2-af0b-24c0b8599e13 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Deadbeatpunk from WTFDYW!? to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's latest in the long running Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. 2:23:40 yes I am FINALLY caught up with Ryu Ga Gotoku and Sega's Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, and let me tell you, it feels great to play the games as they release now. This time, in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban, Kiryu and friends take on the streets of Honolulu. This episode talks about the new story, the unique logistical challenge that the non-Japanese setting presented, giant sharks, baby fetish men making snow, and much more. Joining me for the discussion is DeadbeatPunk, the nicest man on the internet and host of WTFDYW?! podcast. Each episode of WTFDYW?! is a half hour topic discussion about something in particular that the guest wants, whether it be talking about a particular game or type of game, a TV show or a band. It's always a fun listen and it respects your time, and you can find it by going to this website (https://wtfdyw.buzzsprout.com/). TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49 Story Setup 13:50 Presentation 42:42 Gameplay/Combat 45:58 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:04:13 SPOILER WALL 1:09:06 Music featured in the episode is credited to Chihiro Aoki, Keitaro Hanada, Hyd Lunch, Hidenori Shoji, Yuri Fukuda, Saori Yoshida, 83key, and Rintaro Soma. Tracks used: Hawaiian Sunshine, Yokohama Sunset, Crashing Waves, Judgement -Shinpan- Hero Spec Edition, The Oncoming Storm, Dondoko Island, Apathy 2, Eternal Warrior, The Endless World, The Epic Remains, Vacation Ends Check out Dave's guest appearance on the Boss Rush Podcast (https://bossrush.net/)! 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, yakuza critique, yakuza analysis, like a dragon critique, like a dragon analysis, like a dragon infinite wealth, yakuza infinite wealth, like a dragon infinite wealth, like a dragon infinite wealth review, like a dragon infinite wealth analysis, like a dragon review I am FINALLY caught up with Ryu Ga Gotoku and Sega's Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, and let me tell you, it feels great to play the games as they release now. This time, in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban, Kiryu and friends take on the streets of Honolulu. This episode talks about the new story, the unique logistical challenge that the non-Japanese setting presented, giant sharks, baby fetish men making snow, and much more.

Joining me for the discussion is DeadbeatPunk, the nicest man on the internet and host of WTFDYW?! podcast. Each episode of WTFDYW?! is a half hour topic discussion about something in particular that the guest wants, whether it be talking about a particular game or type of game, a TV show or a band. It's always a fun listen and it respects your time, and you can find it by going to this website.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup 13:50
Presentation 42:42
Gameplay/Combat 45:58
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:04:13
SPOILER WALL 1:09:06

Music featured in the episode is credited to Chihiro Aoki, Keitaro Hanada, Hyd Lunch, Hidenori Shoji, Yuri Fukuda, Saori Yoshida, 83key, and Rintaro Soma. Tracks used: Hawaiian Sunshine, Yokohama Sunset, Crashing Waves, Judgement -Shinpan- Hero Spec Edition, The Oncoming Storm, Dondoko Island, Apathy 2, Eternal Warrior, The Endless World, The Epic Remains, Vacation Ends

Check out Dave's guest appearance on the Boss Rush 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](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> I am FINALLY caught up with Ryu Ga Gotoku and Sega's Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, and let me tell you, it feels great to play the games as they release now. This time, in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban, Kiryu and friends take on the streets of Honolulu. This episode talks about the new story, the unique logistical challenge that the non-Japanese setting presented, giant sharks, baby fetish men making snow, and much more.

Joining me for the discussion is DeadbeatPunk, the nicest man on the internet and host of WTFDYW?! podcast. Each episode of WTFDYW?! is a half hour topic discussion about something in particular that the guest wants, whether it be talking about a particular game or type of game, a TV show or a band. It's always a fun listen and it respects your time, and you can find it by going to this website.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup 13:50
Presentation 42:42
Gameplay/Combat 45:58
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:04:13
SPOILER WALL 1:09:06

Music featured in the episode is credited to Chihiro Aoki, Keitaro Hanada, Hyd Lunch, Hidenori Shoji, Yuri Fukuda, Saori Yoshida, 83key, and Rintaro Soma. Tracks used: Hawaiian Sunshine, Yokohama Sunset, Crashing Waves, Judgement -Shinpan- Hero Spec Edition, The Oncoming Storm, Dondoko Island, Apathy 2, Eternal Warrior, The Endless World, The Epic Remains, Vacation Ends

Check out Dave's guest appearance on the Boss Rush 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](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 120: Roadwarden (with Bryan Skursha - Pixelated Playgrounds) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/120 60459854-89ec-486d-b6d8-92a9146d7614 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Bryan Skursha to discuss Moral Anxiety Studio's choose-your-adventure RPG, Roadwarden. 2:14:31 yes From the first screenshot I saw of Roadwarden (Moral Anxiety Studio), I knew that I needed to check the game out. The art is simple, yet striking, and any screenshot will convey the quality of writing. Once I booted up the game, I found that the choose-your-adventure writing, the confident RPG mechanics and the music wrapped this into a rich total package. Joining me in this episode is returning guest Bryan Skursha of Pixelated Playgrounds podcast. Pixelated Playgrounds is a gaming book club style podcast, similar to Tales from the Backlog. It is worth your time, and you can check them out on your favorite podcast app or by visiting their website (https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:57 Story/World Setup 10:32 Story, continued 27:35 Visuals/Music/Sound Design 44:09 RPG/Choose Your Adventure Gameplay 55:21 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:21:46 SPOILER WALL 1:28:07 Soundtrack is credited to Nick Roder. You can support them by purchasing the Roadwarden OST on Bandcamp (https://nickroder.bandcamp.com/album/roadwarden). Music used in this episode: Roadwarden, Pelt of the North, Howler's Dell, Creeks, Heart of the Woods, Foggy Lake, The Spirits, Hovlaven, Roadwarden Reprise 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, roadwarden, roadwarden review, roadwarden analysis, roadwarden critique, indie game reviews, indie game review, indie game critique, indie games, indie game analysis, rpg review, rpg video games, roadwarden game From the first screenshot I saw of Roadwarden (Moral Anxiety Studio), I knew that I needed to check the game out. The art is simple, yet striking, and any screenshot will convey the quality of writing. Once I booted up the game, I found that the choose-your-adventure writing, the confident RPG mechanics and the music wrapped this into a rich total package.

Joining me in this episode is returning guest Bryan Skursha of Pixelated Playgrounds podcast. Pixelated Playgrounds is a gaming book club style podcast, similar to Tales from the Backlog. It is worth your time, and you can check them out on your favorite podcast app or by visiting their website!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:57
Story/World Setup 10:32
Story, continued 27:35
Visuals/Music/Sound Design 44:09
RPG/Choose Your Adventure Gameplay 55:21
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:21:46
SPOILER WALL 1:28:07

Soundtrack is credited to Nick Roder. You can support them by purchasing the Roadwarden OST on Bandcamp. Music used in this episode: Roadwarden, Pelt of the North, Howler's Dell, Creeks, Heart of the Woods, Foggy Lake, The Spirits, Hovlaven, Roadwarden Reprise

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

]]> From the first screenshot I saw of Roadwarden (Moral Anxiety Studio), I knew that I needed to check the game out. The art is simple, yet striking, and any screenshot will convey the quality of writing. Once I booted up the game, I found that the choose-your-adventure writing, the confident RPG mechanics and the music wrapped this into a rich total package.

Joining me in this episode is returning guest Bryan Skursha of Pixelated Playgrounds podcast. Pixelated Playgrounds is a gaming book club style podcast, similar to Tales from the Backlog. It is worth your time, and you can check them out on your favorite podcast app or by visiting their website!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:57
Story/World Setup 10:32
Story, continued 27:35
Visuals/Music/Sound Design 44:09
RPG/Choose Your Adventure Gameplay 55:21
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:21:46
SPOILER WALL 1:28:07

Soundtrack is credited to Nick Roder. You can support them by purchasing the Roadwarden OST on Bandcamp. Music used in this episode: Roadwarden, Pelt of the North, Howler's Dell, Creeks, Heart of the Woods, Foggy Lake, The Spirits, Hovlaven, Roadwarden Reprise

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

]]> 119: Cyberpunk 2077 + Phantom Liberty (with Adam Gumbert - Respawn Aim Fire) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/119 2c7e2095-0830-4e13-882b-6a1e3872ed12 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Adam Gumbert from Respawn Aim Fire to discuss CD Projekt Red's ambitious open world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion. 3:20:46 yes Cyberpunk 2077 has had quite a journey. From the disastrous launch, the warranted criticism, and years more work by the developers at CD Projekt Red, the game is finally in proper working condition, fine tuned into a magnificent experience. Add in the Phantom Liberty expansion, and you have some of the most compelling storytelling in AAA gaming. Joining me for the discussion is Adam Gumbert of Respawn Aim Fire, a gaming variety show, and Isle of Misfit Rolls, a D&D actual play podcast. You can check out Adam on Respawn Aim Fire (https://t.co/gK4XOeccAu) and Isle of Misfit Rolls (https://linktr.ee/Misfitrolls)! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49 Story Setup 11:46 Story Pacing 42:30 Music 50:52 Gameplay 1:06:01 Exploration/Driving 1:20:02 Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:29:34 SPOILER WALL 1:34:40 Music used in the episode is credited to P.T. Adamczyk, Marcin Przybyłowicz and Paul Leonard-Morgan. Tracks used: V (Przybyłowicz), Extraction Action (Leonard-Morgan), Never Looking Back (Adamczyk), Wushu Dolls (Przybylowicz), The Rebel Path (Adamczyk), Never Fade Away (Samurai - Refused), You Shall Never Have to Forgive Me Again (Adamczyk), Scavengers (Adamczyk), I'm a Netrunner (Adamczyk), Been Good to Know Ya (Przybyłowicz), Test of Loyalty (Adamczyk). You can support the artists by purchasing the album on Bandcamp (https://cyberpunk2077.bandcamp.com/album/cyberpunk-2077-radio-vol-1-original-soundtrack). Check out the King of Games 1996 tournament on Retro Hangover podcast (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, cyberpunk review, cyberpunk game review, cyberpunk 2077, cyberpunk 2077 review, cyberpunk 2077 analysis, cyberpunk 2077 critique, cyberpunk 2077 phantom liberty, phantom liberty podcast, cyberpunk 2077 podcast, cyberpunk 2077 phantom liberty review, cd projekt red podcast Cyberpunk 2077 has had quite a journey. From the disastrous launch, the warranted criticism, and years more work by the developers at CD Projekt Red, the game is finally in proper working condition, fine tuned into a magnificent experience. Add in the Phantom Liberty expansion, and you have some of the most compelling storytelling in AAA gaming.

Joining me for the discussion is Adam Gumbert of Respawn Aim Fire, a gaming variety show, and Isle of Misfit Rolls, a D&D actual play podcast. You can check out Adam on Respawn Aim Fire and Isle of Misfit Rolls!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup 11:46
Story Pacing 42:30
Music 50:52
Gameplay 1:06:01
Exploration/Driving 1:20:02
Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:29:34
SPOILER WALL 1:34:40

Music used in the episode is credited to P.T. Adamczyk, Marcin Przybyłowicz and Paul Leonard-Morgan. Tracks used: V (Przybyłowicz), Extraction Action (Leonard-Morgan), Never Looking Back (Adamczyk), Wushu Dolls (Przybylowicz), The Rebel Path (Adamczyk), Never Fade Away (Samurai - Refused), You Shall Never Have to Forgive Me Again (Adamczyk), Scavengers (Adamczyk), I'm a Netrunner (Adamczyk), Been Good to Know Ya (Przybyłowicz), Test of Loyalty (Adamczyk). You can support the artists by purchasing the album on Bandcamp.

Check out the King of Games 1996 tournament on Retro Hangover 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](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> Cyberpunk 2077 has had quite a journey. From the disastrous launch, the warranted criticism, and years more work by the developers at CD Projekt Red, the game is finally in proper working condition, fine tuned into a magnificent experience. Add in the Phantom Liberty expansion, and you have some of the most compelling storytelling in AAA gaming.

Joining me for the discussion is Adam Gumbert of Respawn Aim Fire, a gaming variety show, and Isle of Misfit Rolls, a D&D actual play podcast. You can check out Adam on Respawn Aim Fire and Isle of Misfit Rolls!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Story Setup 11:46
Story Pacing 42:30
Music 50:52
Gameplay 1:06:01
Exploration/Driving 1:20:02
Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:29:34
SPOILER WALL 1:34:40

Music used in the episode is credited to P.T. Adamczyk, Marcin Przybyłowicz and Paul Leonard-Morgan. Tracks used: V (Przybyłowicz), Extraction Action (Leonard-Morgan), Never Looking Back (Adamczyk), Wushu Dolls (Przybylowicz), The Rebel Path (Adamczyk), Never Fade Away (Samurai - Refused), You Shall Never Have to Forgive Me Again (Adamczyk), Scavengers (Adamczyk), I'm a Netrunner (Adamczyk), Been Good to Know Ya (Przybyłowicz), Test of Loyalty (Adamczyk). You can support the artists by purchasing the album on Bandcamp.

Check out the King of Games 1996 tournament on Retro Hangover 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](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

]]> 104: South Park: The Stick of Truth (with Adam Rivera) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/104 ebdfc7bb-5ecb-4da0-ae56-954908d5d3f3 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Adam Rivera to discuss Obsidian and South Park Studios' South Park: The Stick of Truth. 1:53:02 yes If you grew up alongside South Park like I did, and you loved video games, then you were probably let down by the licensed South Park games in the early years. All of that changed with 2013's South Park: The Stick of Truth by Obsidian Entertainment and South Park Studios. It looked like an episode of the show, it sounded like an episode of the show, the story was fun, and it introduced turn-based combat into the mix. It was a slam dunk back then, and I'm joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss how it holds up today! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15 Story Setup/South Park Tone/Humor 16:52 Visuals/Music/Voice Acting/"Playable South Park Episode" 29:12 Gameplay 43:40 SPOILER WALL 1:13:10 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, south park stick of truth, south park the stick of truth, stick of truth, stick of truth review, stick of truth analysis, stick of truth critique, south park, rpg podcast, rpg review, best rpgs the stick of truth review, south park the stick of truth analysis, best rpgs, best rpgs podcast, licensed games podcast, south park podcast If you grew up alongside South Park like I did, and you loved video games, then you were probably let down by the licensed South Park games in the early years. All of that changed with 2013's South Park: The Stick of Truth by Obsidian Entertainment and South Park Studios. It looked like an episode of the show, it sounded like an episode of the show, the story was fun, and it introduced turn-based combat into the mix. It was a slam dunk back then, and I'm joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss how it holds up today!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15
Story Setup/South Park Tone/Humor 16:52
Visuals/Music/Voice Acting/"Playable South Park Episode" 29:12
Gameplay 43:40
SPOILER WALL 1:13:10

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

]]> If you grew up alongside South Park like I did, and you loved video games, then you were probably let down by the licensed South Park games in the early years. All of that changed with 2013's South Park: The Stick of Truth by Obsidian Entertainment and South Park Studios. It looked like an episode of the show, it sounded like an episode of the show, the story was fun, and it introduced turn-based combat into the mix. It was a slam dunk back then, and I'm joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss how it holds up today!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:15
Story Setup/South Park Tone/Humor 16:52
Visuals/Music/Voice Acting/"Playable South Park Episode" 29:12
Gameplay 43:40
SPOILER WALL 1:13:10

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

]]> 102: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (with Matt aka Stormageddon & Flora Merigold) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/102 0e229882-0d09-495c-b73c-ff8b40c6de02 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite, Screen Snark) and Flora Merigold (Epilogue Gaming, Left Behind Game Club) to discuss Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios. 3:04:40 yes The day a new Yakuza / Like a Dragon game drops is like a holiday for me. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that we don't have to wait years for new games in the series anymore, as we got the Like a Dragon Ishin! remaster earlier in 2023, and then the connecting game, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name to set up the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name didn't need to exist, but I think it does a lot of interesting character work with Kiryu, as well as just being plain old fun to play. I'm joined in this episode by Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Screen Snark, Reignite podcasts (https://linktr.ee/dj_stormagedddon)) and Flora Merigold (Left Behind Game Club podcast (https://leftbehindgame.club/)) to discuss it all! You can check out Flora's writing on Epilogue Gaming (https://epiloguegaming.com/), including this article about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (https://epiloguegaming.com/ranking-the-yakuza-series-like-a-dragon-gaiden-the-man-who-erased-his-name/) and you can check out Matt's writing over on the "Fun" and Games Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/funandgamespod/posts?filters%5Btag%5D=writing) (free for all!) TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:25 Story Setup 20:00 Visuals/Voice Acting 55:23 Gameplay 1:11:50 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs 1:42:06 SPOILER WALL 2:01:10 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, yakuza critique, yakuza analysis, like a dragon critique, like a dragon analysis, like a dragon gaiden, yakuza gaiden, like a dragon gaiden the man who erased his name, like a dragon gaiden review, like a dragon gaiden analysis, like a dragon gaiden the man who erased his name review The day a new Yakuza / Like a Dragon game drops is like a holiday for me. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that we don't have to wait years for new games in the series anymore, as we got the Like a Dragon Ishin! remaster earlier in 2023, and then the connecting game, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name to set up the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name didn't need to exist, but I think it does a lot of interesting character work with Kiryu, as well as just being plain old fun to play. I'm joined in this episode by Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Screen Snark, Reignite podcasts) and Flora Merigold (Left Behind Game Club podcast) to discuss it all! You can check out Flora's writing on Epilogue Gaming, including this article about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and you can check out Matt's writing over on the "Fun" and Games Patreon (free for all!)

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:25
Story Setup 20:00
Visuals/Voice Acting 55:23
Gameplay 1:11:50
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs 1:42:06
SPOILER WALL 2:01:10

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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 day a new Yakuza / Like a Dragon game drops is like a holiday for me. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that we don't have to wait years for new games in the series anymore, as we got the Like a Dragon Ishin! remaster earlier in 2023, and then the connecting game, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name to set up the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name didn't need to exist, but I think it does a lot of interesting character work with Kiryu, as well as just being plain old fun to play. I'm joined in this episode by Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Screen Snark, Reignite podcasts) and Flora Merigold (Left Behind Game Club podcast) to discuss it all! You can check out Flora's writing on Epilogue Gaming, including this article about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and you can check out Matt's writing over on the "Fun" and Games Patreon (free for all!)

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:25
Story Setup 20:00
Visuals/Voice Acting 55:23
Gameplay 1:11:50
Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs 1:42:06
SPOILER WALL 2:01:10

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:
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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

]]> 94: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (with Mick Arcade) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/94 ab23ed36-345e-4b35-aaf9-a6617bea584a Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Mick Arcade to discuss BioWare's Star Wars role-playing game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. 2:09:27 yes Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR for those in the know) was, for many of us longtime fans, the Star Wars game that we had always dreamed of- a game that let you explore famous planets from the movies, become a jedi, befriend wookiees and play through an acclaimed story. But that was 20 years ago, and Star Wars games have come a long way. How well did KOTOR hold up along the years? Its story is still famous, but is it a one-trick pony if you've played before? Joining me for this special episode is friend of the show, voice actor, twitch streamer and much more, Mick Arcade! You can find Mick on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/mickarcade), on various Playotic channels (https://linktr.ee/playotic), Doorway to Nightmare (https://www.youtube.com/@DoorwayToNightmare), and many more places around the internet! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories with Star Wars & KOTOR/Opening Thoughts 1:42 Story Setup/Characters 16:48 Visuals/Music/Sound 43:36 Combat/Gameplay 56:54 Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:10:31 SPOILER WALL 1:23:29 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, star wars podcast, star wars, star wars games, star wars video games, star wars kotor, star wars knights of the old republic, star wars kotor review, star wars knights of the old republic review, kotor review, kotor, best rpgs, rpg review, crpg review, crpg, knights of the old republic, kotor, knights of the old republic review, kotor review, knights of the old republic podcast, kotor podcast Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR for those in the know) was, for many of us longtime fans, the Star Wars game that we had always dreamed of- a game that let you explore famous planets from the movies, become a jedi, befriend wookiees and play through an acclaimed story. But that was 20 years ago, and Star Wars games have come a long way. How well did KOTOR hold up along the years? Its story is still famous, but is it a one-trick pony if you've played before? Joining me for this special episode is friend of the show, voice actor, twitch streamer and much more, Mick Arcade! You can find Mick on Twitch, on various Playotic channels, Doorway to Nightmare, and many more places around the internet!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories with Star Wars & KOTOR/Opening Thoughts 1:42
Story Setup/Characters 16:48
Visuals/Music/Sound 43:36
Combat/Gameplay 56:54
Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:10:31
SPOILER WALL 1:23:29

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

]]> Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR for those in the know) was, for many of us longtime fans, the Star Wars game that we had always dreamed of- a game that let you explore famous planets from the movies, become a jedi, befriend wookiees and play through an acclaimed story. But that was 20 years ago, and Star Wars games have come a long way. How well did KOTOR hold up along the years? Its story is still famous, but is it a one-trick pony if you've played before? Joining me for this special episode is friend of the show, voice actor, twitch streamer and much more, Mick Arcade! You can find Mick on Twitch, on various Playotic channels, Doorway to Nightmare, and many more places around the internet!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories with Star Wars & KOTOR/Opening Thoughts 1:42
Story Setup/Characters 16:48
Visuals/Music/Sound 43:36
Combat/Gameplay 56:54
Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:10:31
SPOILER WALL 1:23:29

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

]]> 86: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (with Andrew & Dylan - Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/86 ad6d2833-6af8-4454-84fe-5b148ee175bd Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Andrew Kimball and Dylan Wren from Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers to discuss The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, the 2011 RPG by CD Projekt Red. 2:34:40 yes After the success of The Witcher 3, the second game in the Witcher franchise seems to have been instantly forgotten, despite garnering lots of acclaim back when it released in 2011. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is an incredibly ambitious game by CD Projekt Red, with a branching narrative that still puts modern AAA games to shame, but is severely hampered by outdated and inscrutable gameplay design. Joining me to discuss The Witcher 2 are Andrew Kimball & Dylan Wren, hosts of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers. Go check out their podcast and YouTube channel (https://www.fngamers.com/), it's awesome! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49 Setting/Story Intro 21:36 Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 53:08 Gameplay 59:19 SPOILER WALL 1:30:50 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, the witcher review, the witcher 2 review, the witcher 2 assassins of kings, the witcher 2 assassins of kings review, the witcher 2 game, the witcher 2 game review, the witcher 2 podcast, the witcher 2 assassins of kings podcast After the success of The Witcher 3, the second game in the Witcher franchise seems to have been instantly forgotten, despite garnering lots of acclaim back when it released in 2011. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is an incredibly ambitious game by CD Projekt Red, with a branching narrative that still puts modern AAA games to shame, but is severely hampered by outdated and inscrutable gameplay design. Joining me to discuss The Witcher 2 are Andrew Kimball & Dylan Wren, hosts of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers. Go check out their podcast and YouTube channel, it's awesome!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Setting/Story Intro 21:36
Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 53:08
Gameplay 59:19
SPOILER WALL 1:30:50

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 the success of The Witcher 3, the second game in the Witcher franchise seems to have been instantly forgotten, despite garnering lots of acclaim back when it released in 2011. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is an incredibly ambitious game by CD Projekt Red, with a branching narrative that still puts modern AAA games to shame, but is severely hampered by outdated and inscrutable gameplay design. Joining me to discuss The Witcher 2 are Andrew Kimball & Dylan Wren, hosts of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers. Go check out their podcast and YouTube channel, it's awesome!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:49
Setting/Story Intro 21:36
Visuals/Voice Acting/Music 53:08
Gameplay 59:19
SPOILER WALL 1:30:50

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

]]> 74: Like a Dragon: Ishin! (with Nave - Gaming Together) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/74 17f42e8c-e2ad-4bb1-95a5-63197037da64 Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Nave from Gaming Together: A Cooperative Podcast to discuss Ryu Ga Gotoku's Like a Dragon: Ishin!, the game that takes the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series into historical Japan. 1:55:44 yes For longtime fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a fun "familiar faces in new places" ride, almost like seeing your favorite characters putting on a play. Your favorite faces and voices take on the roles of historical figures in 1860s Japan, as rival forces compete for the rule of Japan and reshape society as we know it. Joining me in this episode is Nave from Gaming Together: A Cooperative Podcast, and you should check out the show (https://linktr.ee/gamingtogether), it's great! TIMESTAMPS Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:58 Story Setup/Familiar Faces in New Places 11:14 Open World/Setting/Combat 32:08 Visuals/Music/Closing Thoughts 1:03:02 SPOILER WALL 1:17:25 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, yakuza, yakuza review, yakuza podcast, like a dragon, like a dragon review, like a dragon podcast, like a dragon ishin, like a dragon ishin review, like a dragon ishin podcast, like a dragon ishin review For longtime fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a fun "familiar faces in new places" ride, almost like seeing your favorite characters putting on a play. Your favorite faces and voices take on the roles of historical figures in 1860s Japan, as rival forces compete for the rule of Japan and reshape society as we know it. Joining me in this episode is Nave from Gaming Together: A Cooperative Podcast, and you should check out the show, it's great!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:58
Story Setup/Familiar Faces in New Places 11:14
Open World/Setting/Combat 32:08
Visuals/Music/Closing Thoughts 1:03:02
SPOILER WALL 1:17:25

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

]]> For longtime fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a fun "familiar faces in new places" ride, almost like seeing your favorite characters putting on a play. Your favorite faces and voices take on the roles of historical figures in 1860s Japan, as rival forces compete for the rule of Japan and reshape society as we know it. Joining me in this episode is Nave from Gaming Together: A Cooperative Podcast, and you should check out the show, it's great!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:58
Story Setup/Familiar Faces in New Places 11:14
Open World/Setting/Combat 32:08
Visuals/Music/Closing Thoughts 1:03:02
SPOILER WALL 1:17:25

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

]]> 71: Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin (with Eric Gess - The Unlockables, and Keith Gasper - The Main Quest) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/71 9528be54-a400-4e87-bacd-6f12948b1b70 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Eric Gess (The Unlockables) and Keith Gasper (The Main Quest) to KILL CHAOS in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. 2:09:01 yes The gaming landscape is so full of games aping what makes other games successful that we end up with a lot of games that are of good quality but otherwise unremarkable. And then on the other side of the room is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Stranger of Paradise uses the setting of the first Final Fantasy game to give Jack space to cook, and cook he does. The result is a game that does swing and miss in some areas, but will leave a mark in your memory more than a lot of games that might be "better". So which of those would you rather play? Joining me to discuss Stranger of Paradise is Eric Gess of The Unlockables (https://linktr.ee/unlockablespodcast) and Keith Gasper of The Main Quest (https://linktr.ee/MainQuestPod), two podcasts that are great and worth your time. Click the links to check out their shows! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:12 Story Setup/Jack 19:24 Combat/Gameplay 34:16 Visuals/Music 1:08:18 SPOILER WALL 1:31:25 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, final fantasy podcast, stranger of paradise, stranger of paradise podcast, stranger of paradise final fantasy origin, stranger of paradise final fantasy origin podcast, stranger of paradise review, stranger of paradise final fantasy origin review The gaming landscape is so full of games aping what makes other games successful that we end up with a lot of games that are of good quality but otherwise unremarkable. And then on the other side of the room is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Stranger of Paradise uses the setting of the first Final Fantasy game to give Jack space to cook, and cook he does. The result is a game that does swing and miss in some areas, but will leave a mark in your memory more than a lot of games that might be "better". So which of those would you rather play? Joining me to discuss Stranger of Paradise is Eric Gess of The Unlockables and Keith Gasper of The Main Quest, two podcasts that are great and worth your time. Click the links to check out their shows!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:12
Story Setup/Jack 19:24
Combat/Gameplay 34:16
Visuals/Music 1:08:18
SPOILER WALL 1:31:25

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

]]> The gaming landscape is so full of games aping what makes other games successful that we end up with a lot of games that are of good quality but otherwise unremarkable. And then on the other side of the room is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Stranger of Paradise uses the setting of the first Final Fantasy game to give Jack space to cook, and cook he does. The result is a game that does swing and miss in some areas, but will leave a mark in your memory more than a lot of games that might be "better". So which of those would you rather play? Joining me to discuss Stranger of Paradise is Eric Gess of The Unlockables and Keith Gasper of The Main Quest, two podcasts that are great and worth your time. Click the links to check out their shows!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:12
Story Setup/Jack 19:24
Combat/Gameplay 34:16
Visuals/Music 1:08:18
SPOILER WALL 1:31:25

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

]]> 66: Nier: Replicant (with Brian Edwards- Character Issues, Cane and Rinse) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/66 5300e597-55b4-43b1-8eb8-2c63927940ce Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Brian Edwards of Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts to discuss Nier: Replicant. Yoko Taro's 2010 cult classic got a makeover in 2021, so let's find out how it is! 2:50:27 yes Dave is joined by Brian Edwards of Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts to discuss Nier: Replicant. Yoko Taro's 2010 cult classic got a makeover in 2021, so let's find out how it is! Nier will do anything to save his sick sister Yonah, and along the way he meets a stellar supporting cast of characters, including the stuck-up talking book Grimoire Weiss, the scantily clad badass Kaine, and the lovable Emil. Joining me to discuss the story, characters and gameplay is none other than Brian Edwards! You may have heard Brian on the wonderful Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts. Brian is a wonderful person and I loved this conversation with him- you should check out Character Issues (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747) and Cane and Rinse (https://caneandrinse.com/) by following the links! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:23 Story Setup/Characters/Repetition 16:09 Visuals/Music/Atmosphere 54:01 Gameplay 1:09:21 Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:24:33 SPOILER WALL 1:30:46 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, nier, nier replicant, nier automata, nier podcast, nier replicant podcast, nier automata podcast, yoko taro, yoko taro podcast, rpg, jrpg, rpg podcast, jrpg podcast, nier replicant review, nier review Dave is joined by Brian Edwards of Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts to discuss Nier: Replicant. Yoko Taro's 2010 cult classic got a makeover in 2021, so let's find out how it is! Nier will do anything to save his sick sister Yonah, and along the way he meets a stellar supporting cast of characters, including the stuck-up talking book Grimoire Weiss, the scantily clad badass Kaine, and the lovable Emil. Joining me to discuss the story, characters and gameplay is none other than Brian Edwards! You may have heard Brian on the wonderful Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts. Brian is a wonderful person and I loved this conversation with him- you should check out Character Issues and Cane and Rinse by following the links!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:23
Story Setup/Characters/Repetition 16:09
Visuals/Music/Atmosphere 54:01
Gameplay 1:09:21
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:24:33
SPOILER WALL 1:30:46

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

]]> Dave is joined by Brian Edwards of Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts to discuss Nier: Replicant. Yoko Taro's 2010 cult classic got a makeover in 2021, so let's find out how it is! Nier will do anything to save his sick sister Yonah, and along the way he meets a stellar supporting cast of characters, including the stuck-up talking book Grimoire Weiss, the scantily clad badass Kaine, and the lovable Emil. Joining me to discuss the story, characters and gameplay is none other than Brian Edwards! You may have heard Brian on the wonderful Character Issues and Cane and Rinse podcasts. Brian is a wonderful person and I loved this conversation with him- you should check out Character Issues and Cane and Rinse by following the links!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:23
Story Setup/Characters/Repetition 16:09
Visuals/Music/Atmosphere 54:01
Gameplay 1:09:21
Final Thoughts/Housekeeping 1:24:33
SPOILER WALL 1:30:46

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

]]> 53: Nier: Automata (with Andrew Kimball - Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers & Katie Shesko) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/53 470f0253-3ea2-4471-8c98-7046bbf15a03 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Andrew Kimball of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers and Katie Shesko to discuss Yoko Taro's breakout hit, Nier: Automata. 2:53:02 yes There are some games you never forget, and my first playthrough of Nier: Automata certainly fits that category. The marriage of story, gameplay and music makes this an emotional and impressive journey. Join me, Andrew Kimball (Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers) and Katie Shesko as we discuss this unforgettable game. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:20 Story Setup 24:50 Gameplay Shakeups 35:39 Music/Final Thoughts 1:03:26 SPOILER WALL 1:27:50 Check out Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers at their website (https://www.fngamers.com/), YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA) and wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out Katie's music on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@KatieShesko), Twitch (www.twitch.tv/katieshesko) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5c0krX51BSRvIeUe3ehQa9?si=KBg_xc3JTIGIZdrU_thoKA)! Katie's version of "City Ruins" was featured during the spoiler wall break in this episode! 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, nier automata, nier automata podcast, nier, nier podcast, nier automata review There are some games you never forget, and my first playthrough of Nier: Automata certainly fits that category. The marriage of story, gameplay and music makes this an emotional and impressive journey. Join me, Andrew Kimball (Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers) and Katie Shesko as we discuss this unforgettable game.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:20
Story Setup 24:50
Gameplay Shakeups 35:39
Music/Final Thoughts 1:03:26
SPOILER WALL 1:27:50

Check out Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers at their website, YouTube Channel and wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out Katie's music on YouTube, [Twitch](www.twitch.tv/katieshesko) or Spotify! Katie's version of "City Ruins" was featured during the spoiler wall break in this episode!

[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

]]> There are some games you never forget, and my first playthrough of Nier: Automata certainly fits that category. The marriage of story, gameplay and music makes this an emotional and impressive journey. Join me, Andrew Kimball (Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers) and Katie Shesko as we discuss this unforgettable game.

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts: 1:20
Story Setup 24:50
Gameplay Shakeups 35:39
Music/Final Thoughts 1:03:26
SPOILER WALL 1:27:50

Check out Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers at their website, YouTube Channel and wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out Katie's music on YouTube, [Twitch](www.twitch.tv/katieshesko) or Spotify! Katie's version of "City Ruins" was featured during the spoiler wall break in this episode!

[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

]]> 50: Citizen Sleeper (with DeadbeatPunk - WTFDYW?!) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/50 fa73775d-fbd1-4173-8c68-a9e359905933 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by DeadbeatPunk from WTFDYW?! podcast to discuss Gareth Damian Martin's 2022 sci-fi RPG, Citizen Sleeper. 2:05:21 yes After playing In Other Waters, I knew that whatever Gareth Damian Martin put out next, I would have to play it. I had high expectations for Citizen Sleeper, and it absolutely blew me away. Citizen Sleeper explores a sci-fi capitalist dystopia in space, but the thing that sets this one apart from contemporaries like Prey and Hardspace: Shipbreaker is the absolute quality of the characters and writing. Citizen Sleeper ties that writing into its innovative dice system, and the finished product is a real treat. I was joined by DeadbeatPunk from WTFDYW?! to discuss it! TIMESTAMPS Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:56 Story Setup/Characters 14:30 RPG Systems 40:21 SPOILER WALL 1:07:40 Check out WTFDYW?! at the show website HERE (https://wtfdyw.buzzsprout.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, citizen sleeper, citizen sleeper podcast, jump over the age, jump over the age podcast, citizen sleeper review After playing In Other Waters, I knew that whatever Gareth Damian Martin put out next, I would have to play it. I had high expectations for Citizen Sleeper, and it absolutely blew me away. Citizen Sleeper explores a sci-fi capitalist dystopia in space, but the thing that sets this one apart from contemporaries like Prey and Hardspace: Shipbreaker is the absolute quality of the characters and writing. Citizen Sleeper ties that writing into its innovative dice system, and the finished product is a real treat. I was joined by DeadbeatPunk from WTFDYW?! to discuss it!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:56
Story Setup/Characters 14:30
RPG Systems 40:21
SPOILER WALL 1:07:40

Check out WTFDYW?! at the show website 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

]]> After playing In Other Waters, I knew that whatever Gareth Damian Martin put out next, I would have to play it. I had high expectations for Citizen Sleeper, and it absolutely blew me away. Citizen Sleeper explores a sci-fi capitalist dystopia in space, but the thing that sets this one apart from contemporaries like Prey and Hardspace: Shipbreaker is the absolute quality of the characters and writing. Citizen Sleeper ties that writing into its innovative dice system, and the finished product is a real treat. I was joined by DeadbeatPunk from WTFDYW?! to discuss it!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:56
Story Setup/Characters 14:30
RPG Systems 40:21
SPOILER WALL 1:07:40

Check out WTFDYW?! at the show website 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

]]> 44: Undertale (with Eric Gess - The Unlockables) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/44 289480d1-2861-453c-beb2-a0f2e955c5d2 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Eric Gess from The Unlockables podcast to discuss Toby Fox's indie megahit, Undertale. 2:18:15 yes Another week, another game that I came to late, and did my best to understand why millions of screaming internet denizens love it. Undertale is the game this week, and I'm joined by Eric Gess, host of The Unlockables! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:29 Story Setup/To Kill or Not to Kill? 19:51 Gameplay 31:13 Combat 38:29 Soundtrack/Recommend? 51:38 SPOILER WALL 1:08:00 You can find The Unlockables by following this link (https://linktr.ee/unlockablespodcast)! The Unlockables is Backlog Approved! 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, undertale, undertale podcast, deltarune, deltarune podcast, indie game, indie game podcast, indie gaming podcast, undertale review Another week, another game that I came to late, and did my best to understand why millions of screaming internet denizens love it. Undertale is the game this week, and I'm joined by Eric Gess, host of The Unlockables!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:29
Story Setup/To Kill or Not to Kill? 19:51
Gameplay 31:13
Combat 38:29
Soundtrack/Recommend? 51:38
SPOILER WALL 1:08:00

You can find The Unlockables by following this link! The Unlockables is Backlog Approved!

[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

]]> Another week, another game that I came to late, and did my best to understand why millions of screaming internet denizens love it. Undertale is the game this week, and I'm joined by Eric Gess, host of The Unlockables!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:29
Story Setup/To Kill or Not to Kill? 19:51
Gameplay 31:13
Combat 38:29
Soundtrack/Recommend? 51:38
SPOILER WALL 1:08:00

You can find The Unlockables by following this link! The Unlockables is Backlog Approved!

[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

]]> 36: Elden Ring (with Ryan Juengling- List Off!) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/36 f3aaefa8-fb49-4575-bd18-63e1bcaa45ea Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Ryan Juengling from List Off! to discuss FromSoftware's game of the generation candidate, Elden Ring. 3:22:34 yes Elden Ring Month has begun on Tales from the Backlog! Up first, Dave is joined by Ryan Juengling from List Off! to discuss FromSoftware's game of the generation candidate, Elden Ring. With the elevator pitch of simply "Open-world Dark Souls" and wild expectations from fans, Elden Ring had a higher bar to clear than many new releases. Did it meet or even exceed expectations, or did it fall short? Listen in to find out! TIMESTAMPS Intros, Personal Histories, Opening Thoughts 00:46 First Impressions, Approachability 13:20 Open World, Exploration 51:19 Platforming, Crafting 1:19:12 Story, Boss Fights 1:38:41 Music, Final Thoughts 2:09:44 SPOILER WALL 2:29:29 Check out List Off! for more of Ryan (and his awesome co-host Brian) and some great gaming lists and discussions! Find everything List Off! via this link (https://linktr.ee/ListOffPodcast)! 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, elden ring, elden ring podcast, fromsoftware, fromsoftware podcast, dark souls podcast, elden ring review Elden Ring Month has begun on Tales from the Backlog! Up first, Dave is joined by Ryan Juengling from List Off! to discuss FromSoftware's game of the generation candidate, Elden Ring. With the elevator pitch of simply "Open-world Dark Souls" and wild expectations from fans, Elden Ring had a higher bar to clear than many new releases. Did it meet or even exceed expectations, or did it fall short? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros, Personal Histories, Opening Thoughts 00:46
First Impressions, Approachability 13:20
Open World, Exploration 51:19
Platforming, Crafting 1:19:12
Story, Boss Fights 1:38:41
Music, Final Thoughts 2:09:44
SPOILER WALL 2:29:29

Check out List Off! for more of Ryan (and his awesome co-host Brian) and some great gaming lists and discussions! Find everything List Off! via this link!

[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

]]> Elden Ring Month has begun on Tales from the Backlog! Up first, Dave is joined by Ryan Juengling from List Off! to discuss FromSoftware's game of the generation candidate, Elden Ring. With the elevator pitch of simply "Open-world Dark Souls" and wild expectations from fans, Elden Ring had a higher bar to clear than many new releases. Did it meet or even exceed expectations, or did it fall short? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS
Intros, Personal Histories, Opening Thoughts 00:46
First Impressions, Approachability 13:20
Open World, Exploration 51:19
Platforming, Crafting 1:19:12
Story, Boss Fights 1:38:41
Music, Final Thoughts 2:09:44
SPOILER WALL 2:29:29

Check out List Off! for more of Ryan (and his awesome co-host Brian) and some great gaming lists and discussions! Find everything List Off! via this link!

[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

]]> 32: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (with Alan Nichols - A Top 3 Podcast) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/32 17bf5bdf-c4ae-4240-8d2f-1e504bb9643b Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Alan Nichols to discuss The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. 2:34:58 yes Dave is joined by Alan Nichols to discuss The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. What was once little brother to the much more popular Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask has begun to resonate with many of us who grew up with the N64 during our childhoods. Add in some things that hit a bit closer to home since the pandemic started, and we have a game worth revisiting. But did the gameplay hold up? Listen to find out what we think. *I experienced some technical issues wirh my track recording that affected sound quality. Hope it doesn't hinder your enjoyment of the episode! -Dave TIMESTAMPS: Intro and Opening Thoughts 0:43 Personal Histories, Masks and Time Loop 9:30 Story and Setting, Music and "Zelda Stuff" 55:35 Spoiler Wall 1:56:41 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, the legend of zelda, the legend of zelda podcast, majora's mask, majora's mask podcast, the legend of zelda majora's mask, the legend of zelda majora's mask podcast, zelda majora's mask, zelda majora's mask podcast, nintendo 64, nintendo 64 podcast, nintendo podcast, majora's mask review Dave is joined by Alan Nichols to discuss The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. What was once little brother to the much more popular Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask has begun to resonate with many of us who grew up with the N64 during our childhoods. Add in some things that hit a bit closer to home since the pandemic started, and we have a game worth revisiting. But did the gameplay hold up? Listen to find out what we think.

*I experienced some technical issues wirh my track recording that affected sound quality. Hope it doesn't hinder your enjoyment of the episode! -Dave

TIMESTAMPS:
Intro and Opening Thoughts 0:43
Personal Histories, Masks and Time Loop 9:30
Story and Setting, Music and "Zelda Stuff" 55:35
Spoiler Wall 1:56:41

[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 Alan Nichols to discuss The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. What was once little brother to the much more popular Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask has begun to resonate with many of us who grew up with the N64 during our childhoods. Add in some things that hit a bit closer to home since the pandemic started, and we have a game worth revisiting. But did the gameplay hold up? Listen to find out what we think.

*I experienced some technical issues wirh my track recording that affected sound quality. Hope it doesn't hinder your enjoyment of the episode! -Dave

TIMESTAMPS:
Intro and Opening Thoughts 0:43
Personal Histories, Masks and Time Loop 9:30
Story and Setting, Music and "Zelda Stuff" 55:35
Spoiler Wall 1:56:41

[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

]]> 30: Dark Souls 3 (with Adam Rivera) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/30 19cea649-b457-4642-a9c3-e4e4cbffe742 Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss the finale (for now) in the Dark Souls series. 2:39:02 yes Dave is joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss the finale (for now) in the Dark Souls series. Dark Souls 3 combined the faster gameplay of Bloodborne with the usual Dark Souls gameplay, but was it a happy marriage? And what's going on with all the fan service? Find out how we feel in this episode! *Both Adam and I had some technical issues in this recording that affected the audio quality, but the conversation is worth it, I promise! Sorry! TIMESTAMPS: Story and gameplay changes pt 1 12:52 Gameplay changes pt 2 42:22 Bosses and final thoughts 1:08:36 Spoiler Wall 1:27:24 Follow Adam on Twitter (https://twitter.com/BooyaxBoy)! 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, dark souls, dark souls podcast, dark souls 3, dark souls 3 podcast, fromsoftware, fromsoftware podcast, elden ring, elden ring podcast, dark souls 3 review Dave is joined once again by Adam Rivera to discuss the finale (for now) in the Dark Souls series. Dark Souls 3 combined the faster gameplay of Bloodborne with the usual Dark Souls gameplay, but was it a happy marriage? And what's going on with all the fan service? Find out how we feel in this episode!

*Both Adam and I had some technical issues in this recording that affected the audio quality, but the conversation is worth it, I promise! Sorry!

TIMESTAMPS:
Story and gameplay changes pt 1 12:52
Gameplay changes pt 2 42:22
Bosses and final thoughts 1:08:36
Spoiler Wall 1:27:24

Follow Adam on Twitter!

[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 once again by Adam Rivera to discuss the finale (for now) in the Dark Souls series. Dark Souls 3 combined the faster gameplay of Bloodborne with the usual Dark Souls gameplay, but was it a happy marriage? And what's going on with all the fan service? Find out how we feel in this episode!

*Both Adam and I had some technical issues in this recording that affected the audio quality, but the conversation is worth it, I promise! Sorry!

TIMESTAMPS:
Story and gameplay changes pt 1 12:52
Gameplay changes pt 2 42:22
Bosses and final thoughts 1:08:36
Spoiler Wall 1:27:24

Follow Adam on Twitter!

[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

]]> 25: Bloodborne (with Moonborne & Jake Anderson) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/25 4625b307-fa2b-402e-aca0-202afe96ab2f Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Moonborne and Jake Anderson to take on FromSoftware's incredible gothic/Lovecraftian horror classic, Bloodborne. 3:26:06 yes Dave is joined by Moonborne and Jake Anderson to take on FromSoftware's incredible gothic/Lovecraftian horror classic, Bloodborne. FromSoftware took a big swing with Bloodborne, a game marketed as a werewolf slaying game but with a decidedly cosmic twist. Did that big swing connect? Check out the episode to find out. Follow Moonborne on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SSS_moonborne) and on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/c/SSStylishMoonborne)! 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, bloodborne, bloodborne podcast, fromsoftware, fromsoftware podcast, bloodborne review Dave is joined by Moonborne and Jake Anderson to take on FromSoftware's incredible gothic/Lovecraftian horror classic, Bloodborne. FromSoftware took a big swing with Bloodborne, a game marketed as a werewolf slaying game but with a decidedly cosmic twist. Did that big swing connect? Check out the episode to find out.

Follow Moonborne on Twitter and on Youtube!

[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 Moonborne and Jake Anderson to take on FromSoftware's incredible gothic/Lovecraftian horror classic, Bloodborne. FromSoftware took a big swing with Bloodborne, a game marketed as a werewolf slaying game but with a decidedly cosmic twist. Did that big swing connect? Check out the episode to find out.

Follow Moonborne on Twitter and on Youtube!

[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

]]> 21: King's Field: The Ancient City (with mysticreferee) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/21 f5c82155-3839-4525-ac84-af5b168f9f8d Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by mysticreferee to discuss part of FromSoftware's past, King's Field IV aka King's Field: The Ancient City. 2:59:02 yes Dave is joined by mysticreferee to discuss part of FromSoftware's past, King's Field IV aka King's Field: The Ancient City. For everybody who has jumped on the FromSoftware train in recent years, whether it was back on the PS3 with Demon's Souls or even Elden Ring, here is a game from an older version of FromSoftware, but it still shows a lot of the world building, atmosphere and even early versions of some of the mechanics that we now strongly associate with From. 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, fromsoftware, fromsoftware podcast, king's field, king's field podcast, king's field iv, king's field the ancient city, dark souls podcast, king's field review Dave is joined by mysticreferee to discuss part of FromSoftware's past, King's Field IV aka King's Field: The Ancient City. For everybody who has jumped on the FromSoftware train in recent years, whether it was back on the PS3 with Demon's Souls or even Elden Ring, here is a game from an older version of FromSoftware, but it still shows a lot of the world building, atmosphere and even early versions of some of the mechanics that we now strongly associate with From.

[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 mysticreferee to discuss part of FromSoftware's past, King's Field IV aka King's Field: The Ancient City. For everybody who has jumped on the FromSoftware train in recent years, whether it was back on the PS3 with Demon's Souls or even Elden Ring, here is a game from an older version of FromSoftware, but it still shows a lot of the world building, atmosphere and even early versions of some of the mechanics that we now strongly associate with From.

[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

]]> 19: Darkest Dungeon (with Andrew Tavin - TV Nopes and House of House) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/19 9058be2c-9d26-4c2f-bfe5-351f2d4910a1 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Andrew Tavin, host of the TV Nopes and House of House podcasts to discuss Red Hook Studio's 2016 dungeon crawler, Darkest Dungeon. 3:00:36 yes Dave is joined by Andrew Tavin, host of the TV Nopes and House of House podcasts to discuss Red Hook Studio's 2016 dungeon crawler, Darkest Dungeon. Darkest Dungeon brings pantheon-level turn-based combat, as well as heavy Lovecraft influence and some interesting mechanical ideas to the dungeon crawler genre. Find out how we feel in this thorough breakdown of the game! TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Darkest Dungeon 25:38, Spoiler Section 2:19:50 Find TV Nopes on your favorite podcast app or at its homepage (https://tv-nopes.fireside.fm/) Follow TV Nopes on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TVNopesPodcast) Find the House of House podcast on your favorite podcast app or its homepage Follow House of House on Twitter (https://twitter.com/HouseofHousePod) Follow Andrew on Twitter (https://twitter.com/andrewtavin) 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, darkest dungeon, darkest dungeon podcast, indie game, indie game podcast, darkest dungeon review Dave is joined by Andrew Tavin, host of the TV Nopes and House of House podcasts to discuss Red Hook Studio's 2016 dungeon crawler, Darkest Dungeon. Darkest Dungeon brings pantheon-level turn-based combat, as well as heavy Lovecraft influence and some interesting mechanical ideas to the dungeon crawler genre. Find out how we feel in this thorough breakdown of the game!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Darkest Dungeon 25:38, Spoiler Section 2:19:50

Find TV Nopes on your favorite podcast app or at its homepage
Follow TV Nopes on Twitter
Find the House of House podcast on your favorite podcast app or its homepage
Follow House of House on Twitter
Follow Andrew on Twitter

[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 Andrew Tavin, host of the TV Nopes and House of House podcasts to discuss Red Hook Studio's 2016 dungeon crawler, Darkest Dungeon. Darkest Dungeon brings pantheon-level turn-based combat, as well as heavy Lovecraft influence and some interesting mechanical ideas to the dungeon crawler genre. Find out how we feel in this thorough breakdown of the game!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Darkest Dungeon 25:38, Spoiler Section 2:19:50

Find TV Nopes on your favorite podcast app or at its homepage
Follow TV Nopes on Twitter
Find the House of House podcast on your favorite podcast app or its homepage
Follow House of House on Twitter
Follow Andrew on Twitter

[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

]]> 18: Death's Door (with Brian and Ryan - List Off!) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/18 0e436fa1-e334-4bd2-b323-1bb9e85184f4 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by both of the hosts of the List Off! podcast to discuss Acid Nerve's 2021 indie darling, Death's Door. 1:52:12 yes Dave is joined by both of the hosts of the List Off! podcast to discuss Acid Nerve's 2021 indie darling, Death's Door. Death's Door was a surprise hit in 2021, bursting on the scene with a great art direction and soundtrack, and paying homage to 2D Zelda games of the past. But was it all as cool as a crow wielding a bright red lightsaber? Listen in to find out! TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Door 12:39, Spoiler Section 1:18:18 Click here for everything List Off! (https://linktr.ee/ListOffPodcast) 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, death's door, death's door podcast, indie game podcast, death's door review Dave is joined by both of the hosts of the List Off! podcast to discuss Acid Nerve's 2021 indie darling, Death's Door. Death's Door was a surprise hit in 2021, bursting on the scene with a great art direction and soundtrack, and paying homage to 2D Zelda games of the past. But was it all as cool as a crow wielding a bright red lightsaber? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Door 12:39, Spoiler Section 1:18:18

Click here for everything List Off!

[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 both of the hosts of the List Off! podcast to discuss Acid Nerve's 2021 indie darling, Death's Door. Death's Door was a surprise hit in 2021, bursting on the scene with a great art direction and soundtrack, and paying homage to 2D Zelda games of the past. But was it all as cool as a crow wielding a bright red lightsaber? Listen in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Door 12:39, Spoiler Section 1:18:18

Click here for everything List Off!

[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

]]> 17: Dark Souls (with Jack Allen) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/17 66acc62d-e675-4198-a7d7-3a0af88bf485 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Jack Allen to talk about the perfect Valentine's Day game- Dark Souls. Don't give up, skeleton! 3:11:03 yes Dave is joined by Jack Allen to talk about the perfect Valentine's Day game- Dark Souls. Don't give up, skeleton! Dark Souls is a game that changed the way many people, your host included, look at video games, and specifically the way people look at difficulty in video games. Find out why we think this is truly worthy of that Game of the Decade title. TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dark Souls 10:50, Spoiler Section 2:21:47 Find Jack and his artwork at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages (https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures) 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, dark souls, dark souls podcast, souls podcast, souls, soulslike, soulsborne, fromsoftware, dark souls review Dave is joined by Jack Allen to talk about the perfect Valentine's Day game- Dark Souls. Don't give up, skeleton! Dark Souls is a game that changed the way many people, your host included, look at video games, and specifically the way people look at difficulty in video games. Find out why we think this is truly worthy of that Game of the Decade title.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dark Souls 10:50, Spoiler Section 2:21:47

Find Jack and his artwork at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

[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 Jack Allen to talk about the perfect Valentine's Day game- Dark Souls. Don't give up, skeleton! Dark Souls is a game that changed the way many people, your host included, look at video games, and specifically the way people look at difficulty in video games. Find out why we think this is truly worthy of that Game of the Decade title.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dark Souls 10:50, Spoiler Section 2:21:47

Find Jack and his artwork at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

[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

]]> 13: Disco Elysium (with Rick Firestone - Pixel Project Radio) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/13 19529088-2d51-4f1b-8486-40abdb29eecc Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Rick Firestone of Pixel Project Radio to discuss ZA/UM's 2019 classic, Disco Elysium. 3:44:28 yes Dave is joined by Rick Firestone of Pixel Project Radio to discuss ZA/UM's 2019 classic, Disco Elysium. Disco Elysium was a popular pick for 2019 Game of the Year, and Rick and Dave not only agree with that status, but would both put this game in their personal all-time pantheon of must-play games. Listen in to find out why! TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Disco Elysium 12:40, Spoiler Section 2:10:00 Noah Caldwell-Gervais on Disco Elysium (https://youtu.be/n_7ngJDbUQE) Listen to Pixel Project Radio on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pixel-project-radio/id1560979870) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6p3nzg32jm7xCiZFx0gno0?si=7fa5cee6e9854cbe) Follow Pixel Project Radio on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pixelprojectradiopodcast/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/pixelprojectpod?s=20) 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, disco elysium, disco elysium podcast, rpg, rpg podcast, disco elysium review Dave is joined by Rick Firestone of Pixel Project Radio to discuss ZA/UM's 2019 classic, Disco Elysium. Disco Elysium was a popular pick for 2019 Game of the Year, and Rick and Dave not only agree with that status, but would both put this game in their personal all-time pantheon of must-play games. Listen in to find out why!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Disco Elysium 12:40, Spoiler Section 2:10:00

Noah Caldwell-Gervais on Disco Elysium

Listen to Pixel Project Radio on Apple and Spotify
Follow Pixel Project Radio on Instagram and Twitter

[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
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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 of Pixel Project Radio to discuss ZA/UM's 2019 classic, Disco Elysium. Disco Elysium was a popular pick for 2019 Game of the Year, and Rick and Dave not only agree with that status, but would both put this game in their personal all-time pantheon of must-play games. Listen in to find out why!

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Disco Elysium 12:40, Spoiler Section 2:10:00

Noah Caldwell-Gervais on Disco Elysium

Listen to Pixel Project Radio on Apple and Spotify
Follow Pixel Project Radio on Instagram and Twitter

[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

]]> 8: Death's Gambit: Afterlife (with Moonborne) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/8 206b8c24-7c60-4aae-8379-290fb6bd9e6f Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by stylish combat enthusiast Moonborne to discuss White Rabbit's incredible entry into the 2D soulslike genre, Death's Gambit. 2:51:44 yes Dave is joined by stylish combat enthusiast Moonborne to discuss White Rabbit's incredible entry into the 2D soulslike genre, Death's Gambit. Death's Gambit, with its Afterlife expansion, is more than worthy of a seat at the table of the best 2D soulslikes, and a fun metroidvania to boot. Throw in a story that takes some interesting turns, and some cool lore ideas, and this is one that's an easy recommendation for fans of soulslikes and/or metroidvanias. TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Gambit 8:27, Spoiler Secton 1:46:50 Moonborne on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SSS_moonborne?s=20) 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, death's gambit, death's gambit podcast, deaths gambit afterlife, deaths gambit afterlife podcast, death's gambit review Dave is joined by stylish combat enthusiast Moonborne to discuss White Rabbit's incredible entry into the 2D soulslike genre, Death's Gambit. Death's Gambit, with its Afterlife expansion, is more than worthy of a seat at the table of the best 2D soulslikes, and a fun metroidvania to boot. Throw in a story that takes some interesting turns, and some cool lore ideas, and this is one that's an easy recommendation for fans of soulslikes and/or metroidvanias.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Gambit 8:27, Spoiler Secton 1:46:50

Moonborne on Twitter

[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:
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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 stylish combat enthusiast Moonborne to discuss White Rabbit's incredible entry into the 2D soulslike genre, Death's Gambit. Death's Gambit, with its Afterlife expansion, is more than worthy of a seat at the table of the best 2D soulslikes, and a fun metroidvania to boot. Throw in a story that takes some interesting turns, and some cool lore ideas, and this is one that's an easy recommendation for fans of soulslikes and/or metroidvanias.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Death's Gambit 8:27, Spoiler Secton 1:46:50

Moonborne on Twitter

[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:
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Twitter
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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

]]> 7: Dragon's Dogma (with Adam Rivera) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/7 8b3baa08-3c8d-4164-8df7-c877b8399fcf Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by professional griffin rider Adam Rivera to discuss Capcom's uncanny western RPG, Dragon's Dogma. 2:06:35 yes Dave is joined by professional griffin rider Adam Rivera to discuss Capcom's uncanny western RPG, Dragon's Dogma. This is a game where the combat shines, and the story goes in some really weird places with some of gaming's strangest pacing. And did you know that wolves hunt in packs? TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dragon's Dogma 8:15, 1:29:15 Follow Adam on Twitter (https://twitter.com/booyaxboy)! And Twitch! (https://www.twitch.tv/dezba713) 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, dragons dogma, dragons dogma podcast, capcom, capcom podcast, dragon's dogma review Dave is joined by professional griffin rider Adam Rivera to discuss Capcom's uncanny western RPG, Dragon's Dogma. This is a game where the combat shines, and the story goes in some really weird places with some of gaming's strangest pacing. And did you know that wolves hunt in packs?

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dragon's Dogma 8:15, 1:29:15

Follow Adam on Twitter! 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:
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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 professional griffin rider Adam Rivera to discuss Capcom's uncanny western RPG, Dragon's Dogma. This is a game where the combat shines, and the story goes in some really weird places with some of gaming's strangest pacing. And did you know that wolves hunt in packs?

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Dragon's Dogma 8:15, 1:29:15

Follow Adam on Twitter! 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

]]> 2: Ghost of Tsushima (with Aaron Angle and Ryan Delaney) https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/2 fe8374ba-a0cf-4034-a096-25c7345fc448 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 03:00:00 -0400 Dave Jackson full 1 Dave Jackson Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Delaney to discuss Ghost of Tsushima. 2:01:10 yes Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Delaney to discuss Sucker Punch Productions' 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima. This is a stunningly beautiful open world game that does not quite transcend genre tropes, but does a great job to hide them and build immersion. Throw in a few fun new mechanics and some great story moments, and you've got a recipe for a damn good game. TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Ghost of Tsushima 15:05, Spoiler Section 1:27:20 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, ghost of tsushima, ghost of tsushima podcast, ghost of tsushima review Dave is joined by Aaron Angle and Ryan Delaney to discuss Sucker Punch Productions' 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima. This is a stunningly beautiful open world game that does not quite transcend genre tropes, but does a great job to hide them and build immersion. Throw in a few fun new mechanics and some great story moments, and you've got a recipe for a damn good game.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Ghost of Tsushima 15:05, Spoiler Section 1:27:20

[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:
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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 Delaney to discuss Sucker Punch Productions' 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima. This is a stunningly beautiful open world game that does not quite transcend genre tropes, but does a great job to hide them and build immersion. Throw in a few fun new mechanics and some great story moments, and you've got a recipe for a damn good game.

TIMESTAMPS: Intro 0:00, Ghost of Tsushima 15:05, Spoiler Section 1:27:20

[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

]]>