115: Xenogears (with Michael Berger - Bits of Time)

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36:27

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country artist with a club residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Plus, stick around for our new segment, Thunder Strike, where Troy features upcoming festival performer Riley Green’s hit song “Damn Good Day to Leave” to give you a taste of what’s to come at Country Thunder in 2025.…

for ca. et år siden 3:17:56

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

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

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

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

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

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#Video Games #Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #David Jackson #Games #Tales From The Backlog

Tales from the Backlog

115: Xenogears (with Michael Berger - Bits of Time)

Tales from the Backlog

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published for ca. et år siden

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Tales from the Backlog

1
159: Metaphor: ReFantazio (with Scott White) 2:13:51

for 22 hours siden2:13:51

2:13:51

Only one studio out there can inspire the following sentence- the first time I saw the menu UI in Metaphor: ReFantazio , I knew that Atlus and Studio Zero were cooking. They've mastered the art of making menu-based RPGs flashy and stylish, as well as mastering the "Persona" calendar-based structure in general. On several fronts, this is the best game this studio has made, but left us wanting in a few areas as well. Listen in to this deep dive discussion and let us know what you think! Guest info: Scott White Check out his writing: https://linktr.ee/scottwhite Check out RPG University podcast: https://linktr.ee/RPGU_IP Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/professorrpg.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:35 Intro/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 10:43 Story Setup 35:05 Presentation 46:25 Combat/Archetype System 59:47 Life Sim Gameplay 1:15:43 SPOILER WALL, Patron Thank-Yous 1:17:37 Spoiler Section Music used in the episode is credited to ATLUS Sound Team. Tracks used: Call of Magic (Shoji Meguro) A Brief Respite (Shoji Meguro) Castle of Dread (Maiko Katagiri, Shoji Meguro) Warriors in Valour (Keisuke Honryo, Shoji Meguro) Journey's Legs (Shoji Meguro) Ode to Heroes (Shoji Meguro) Hero's Awakening (Shoji Meguro) Formidable Foe (Shoji Meguro) King's Verdict (Shoji Meguro) Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pixelated Playgrounds about Persona 4 Golden: https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! Support Tales from the Backlog…

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1
158: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (with Geoff Moonen - "Fun" and Games) 2:49:47

for 8 dage siden2:49:47

2:49:47

In my ongoing first-time playthrough of the Metal Gear Solid series, we've arrived at the canonical end of Solid Snake's story, while seeing series creator Hideo Kojima at his most self-indulgent (yet) and most creative. Metal Gear Solid is a series of multitudes, and 2008's Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is no different. Listen in to find out what we thought! Guest info: Geoff Moonen Check out "Fun" and Games podcast https://funandgames.libsyn.com/ Follow Geoff on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/geoffmakesnoise.bsky.social Need a voice actor? https://www.geoffmoonen.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:28 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 18:42 Story Setup 35:02 Story Themes/Presentation 54:08 Gameplay 1:18:28 Final Thoughts/Plugs 1:30:24 SPOILER WALL 1:32:18 Spoiler section Music in the episode is credited to Harry Gregson-Williams. Tracks used: Old Snake Metal Gear Saga Midnight Shadow Haven Troopers Breakthrough Drebin 893 Guns of the Patriots Father & Son Everything Begins Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pixels and Polygons! https://open.spotify.com/show/1scBiQBcm6u03qSjFkDvzD?si=k1OReY87SRSamyl6bPgiCw Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

1
157: Unpacking (with Kate Hunter - No Small Games) 1:59:57

for 15 dage siden1:59:57

1:59:57

Ever since the podcast started in 2021, I always knew I'd do an episode about Unpacking (Witch Beam, 2021) someday. John Fogerty sang that someday never comes, but here we are, and Unpacking is on the show! Unpacking is a great example of using the interactivity of video games to tell a story in a unique, gameplay-forward way. Through the ONE SIMPLE TRICK of unpacking boxes and organizing your stuff when you move, a life story is told, and it's fantastic. Listen in for the deep-dive conversation! Guest Info: Kate Hunter aka Katerblossom Listen to her podcast No Small Games https://nosmallgames.com/ Follow her on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Check her streams out on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/katerblossom TIMESTAMPS Title Card 0:00 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:26 Story Setup 11:47 Gameplay/Music/Presentation 26:12 Final Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping Spoiler Wall/Patron Shoutouts 48:38 Spoiler Section 50:34 Music used in the episode is credited to Jeff van Dyck. You can purchase the soundtrack on Bandcamp . Tracks used : Unpacking Theme Child's Play Own Two Feet Friends for Life Infatuation Lost and Found Home Sweet Home Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: Bluesky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Support Tales from the Backlog…

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1
156: Mouthwashing (with Ash Parrish) 1:51:06

for 22 dage siden1:51:06

1:51:06

Mouthwashing (Wrong Organ, 2024) is a rare horror game that gets scarier after you finish the game. Its nonlinear structure, reality-blurring presentation and subtle (at times) storytelling leave you to put the pieces together yourself. Once you do that, you'll find a strikingly real story where the most unbelievable thing is the fact that it takes place in outer space. We had a great discussion on the show about what this game says about certain types of leaders, what "taking responsibility" means, analogues to the games industry and much more! Guest info : Ash Parrish , journalist and critic for The Verge. Find her work here https://www.theverge.com/authors/ash-parrish Follow her on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/adashtra.bsky.social Check out the Insert Credit Show https://www.youtube.com/@insertcreditshow Content warnings for Mouthwashing: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/1312968 TIMESTAMPS Title Card 0:00 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:16 Story Setup/Themes Overview/Presentation 9:30 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 30:54 SPOILER WALL 37:50 Music used in the episode is credited to Martin Halldin . You can purchase the soundtrack on Steam . Tracks used: Main Theme Medium Rare The Windows are Plastic Dragonbreath Theme Heroes Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

1
155: Shenmue (with Luis Aguasvivas) 1:52:58

for 29 dage siden1:52:58

1:52:58

I remember reading about Shenmue (AM2 of CRI, Sega, 2000) in the magazines back in the day and really marveling at how cool it all sounded- a revenge/investigation story, a town with characters that live their own lives outside of interacting with you, life in small-town Japan...but I didn't have a Dreamcast, so I never got to play it and eventually forgot about it as everyone else seemed to move on too. But over the past 5 years, I've also become a huge fan of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, and I eventually decided it was finally time to play Shenmue. Listen in to the discussion to hear what we think! Guest info: Luis Aguasvivas . Find his writing and games criticism at https://aguaspoints.com/ and more at https://linktr.ee/laguav TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:22 Story Setup/Setting 14:37 Gameplay/Closing Thoughts 39:51 SPOILER WALL/Thank Yous 1:16:24 Music used in the episode Shenmue - Sedge Tree (Takenobu Mitsuyoshi) Hip De Hop (Yuzo Koshiro) Working Man (Osamu Murata) Hazuki Residence (Takenobu Mitsuyoshi) Tears of Separation (Ryuji Iuchi) Check out Dave's appearance on 1 Hour, 1 Decision talking about the first hour of Avowed! https://linktr.ee/tc1h1d 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
154: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (with John Rogers - Gaming in the Wild) 2:23:27

for 5 weeks siden2:23:27

2:23:27

When Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Jump over the Age / Gareth Damian Martin, 2025) was announced, it was a surprise, but it also jumped straight to the top of my most anticipated games list. And while it fulfills the promise of a sequel by doubling down on the strengths of the first game, it also introduces some harsh mechanics that took a lot of people by surprise. Join us as we dig into all aspects in this discussion. Guest info: John Rogers, host of Gaming in the Wild. Find him at https://gaminginthewild.carrd.co/ and https://www.youtube.com/gaminginthewild TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:25 Story Setup/Themes Overview 12:59 Presentation/Music 40:29 Gameplay 49:10 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 1:18:02 SPOILER WALL 1:26:48 Music used in the episode is credited to Amos Roddy: You can purchase the soundtrack at https://amosroddy.bandcamp.com/album/citizen-sleeper-2-starward-vector-original-soundtrack Tracks used: Starward Vector A Different Sun Signalchaser Hex There Are Always Choices Suncatchers The Stray The Belt Flows Imagined Futures Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
153: Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (with MarcoMeatball) 1:56:33

for 6 weeks siden1:56:33

1:56:33

Sometimes I think I know about video games, and then a series that I'd been ignoring for years absolutely blows me away. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (Namco, 2004) is one of those games. Exhilerating air combat, the best spectacle that the PS2 could offer, and a grand and amazing soundtrack all set the hooks, then a surprisingly good story pulls you along for the ride. I'm truly flourishing in my new Ace Combat arc, and this is the first of many Ace Combat episodes on the show. Guest info: MarcoMeatball - find him on YouTube and Bluesky ! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:30 Story Setup 15:45 Music/Visual Presentation 30:16 Gameplay 51:38 Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping/Guest Plugs 1:06:21 SPOILER WALL 1:18:46 Music used in the episode: The Unsung War (Keiki Kobayashi) First Flight (Keiki Kobayashi) Ghosts of Razgriz (Junichi Nakatsuru) Wardog (Tetsukazu Nakanishi) Briefing 1 (Keiki Kobayashi) The White Noise (Keiki Kobayashi) The Journey Home (Katsuro Tajima) Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Support Tales from the Backlog…

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1
152: The Plucky Squire (with Roger Reichardt - The Gamerheads Podcast) 1:20:36

for 7 weeks siden1:20:36

1:20:36

Entering 2024, there were very few indie games as hotly anticipated as The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures, Devolver Digital)...but then release date came, it got good-not-great reviews, and seemed to inspire more disappointment than anything else. So what happened? And how is the game, actually? Buckle up, because we've got you covered. Guest info: Roger Reichardt of The Gamerheads Podcast - https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/ TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:26 Story Setup/Presentation 15:40 Gameplay 41:45 NO SPOILER SECTION Music used in the episode is credited to Mike Georgiades. You can support them by purchasing the OST on Steam . Tracks used: Plucky Squire Theme Intro Theme Elven Game Card Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram 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…

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1
151: Tacoma (with CtrlAltNoob) 1:58:17

for 8 weeks siden1:58:17

1:58:17

Fullbright made a name for themselves with 2013's Gone Home , leading many to anticipate their next project. 2017's Tacoma , however, seems to have come and gone without much fanfare. It is a fairly simple game that may not reach the emotional peaks of Gone Home, but Tacoma is a very good game in its own right. And then, due to director Steve Gaynor's workplace behavior during the development of Open Roads, Fullbright was all but gone, leaving Tacoma kind of hanging in the "forgotten and under-appreciated" zone, in my opinion. Listen in to find out more! Guest info : CtrlAltNoob . Find her videos, streams, writing and more here: https://bio.link/ctrlaltnoob TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:17 Story Setup/Presentation 10:01 SPOILER WALL 42:30 Music used in the episode: Elevator Theme (Fullbright) Space Station Ambiance (Fullbright) Is That All There Is (cover) (Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller) Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: Bluesky Instagram Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and other podcast platforms ! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

1
150: Mad Max (with Jacob Price & Cameron Warren - The Pre-Order Bonus) 2:14:10

for 9 weeks siden2:14:10

2:14:10

Learn about and support the SAG-AFTRA union and video game actors on strike . Whenever the topic of "7/10 games" or "underrated games" or "bargain bin gems" comes up, Mad Max ( Avalanche Studios ) is almost guaranteed to be mentioned in the conversation. This game isn't tied into the movie storylines, but it does a great job of getting you into the grimy, desolate, hyper-masculine and violent world of Mad Max. It has its flaws, to be sure, but make no mistake- this is a blast. Guest info: Cameron Warren & Jacob Price of The Pre-Order Bonus podcast TIMESTAMPS SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike 0:00 Intros/Histories with Mad Max/Opening Thoughts 0:49 Story Setup 13:19 Presentation 41:57 Combat/Gameplay 52:04 SPOILER WALL 1:25:42 Music used in the episode is credited to Mats Lundgren: Corpse Eaters Boss Fight Anyavista New Frontend Buzzard Attack Combat High Back Chum Crazy Theme Variation Edit Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: BlueSky Instagram 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
149: Nine Sols (with Josh) 2:41:12

for 10 weeks siden2:41:12

2:41:12

As a fan of Red Candle Games ' previous projects, Devotion (episode 139) and Detention (bonus episode on Patreon), Nine Sols instantly leapt onto my watchlist as soon as it was announced. However, as it released, I was a bit nervous to dive into it due to its Sekiro-inspired combat. I like Sekiro a lot, but did I want another one right then? Luckily, a few friends (including Josh, today's guest) convinced me to give it a whirl...and I was not disappointed. The combat is smooth and satisfying, the art and music are fantastic, and it tells what might be the best story in the genre. This is an awesome game, and I hope you enjoy the discussion! Guest info: Josh aka DogNozzle. You can follow him on BlueSky ! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:22 Story Setup 12:05 Presentation 28:41 Combat 43:14 Metroidvania Design 1:12:19 SPOILER WALL 1:31:47 Music used in the episode: Awakening (FFXX) A Glimpse of the Future (FFXX) Festival (FFXX) Crossing Blades (FFXX) Take a Tour in New Kunlun (Troy Lin) A Place for Restless Souls (FFXX) The Path for Us All ~ Yi's Theme (FFXX, Im Baek Hun) Main Theme II (FFXX, Im Baek Hun) 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
148: Pathologic 2 (with Jack) 3:01:57

for 11 weeks siden3:01:57

3:01:57

I once heard the original Pathologic ( Ice-Pick Lodge ) described as "the best game you shouldn't play", which is an oddly appealing pitch to me. I need to see what it is that puts it in that category, ya know? Luckily for me, Pathologic 2 exists and seems to be the preferred way for many to get the Pathologic experience, and I was not disappointed with what I got. Dense worldbuilding, intriguing and mysterious characters, harsh but meaningful survival systems and more await anyone who decides to take our recommendation and play Pathologic 2. Guest info: Jack , or as you may know him online, Piboi . TIMESTAMPS Allegations against Nikolay Dybowski 0:00 Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:14 Story Setup 15:18 Presentation 38:26 Gameplay 55:01 Gameplay, continued 1:19:11 SPOILER WALL 1:36:41 Music used in the episode: Shaman from the Downtown (Theodor Bastard) Darkness (Theodor Bastard) Disappearing (Theodor Bastard) Archaic Way (Vasily Kashnikov) Eternal Sacrifice (Vasily Kashnikov, Nick Balinov) Miracle Workshop (Vasily Kashnikov) Window to the Past (Vasily Kashnikov) Steppe (Vasily Kashnikov) 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
Backlog Resolutions 2025 1:51:04

for 12 weeks siden1:51:04

1:51:04

In 2024, we began a new community event in the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- the Backlog Resolutions Challenge . A big group of us picked a list of games that had been collecting dust in our libraries and resolved to play them! This episode is all about how that challenge went- what worked, what didn't work, why most of us didn't complete our lists, and any adjustments we are making going into the 2025 challenge. If you'd like to join us, hop in the Discord server , make your list and start playing! Guest info : Matt aka Stormageddon , host of "Fun" and Games and Reignite podcasts. Find everything they do at https://djstormageddon.com/ Jared Moss , host of Play Along Podcast Soccr TIMESTAMPS Intros/General Thoughts 0:13 Challenges 33:47 Break/Patron Thank Yous 53:43 Lessons Learned/Plans for the 2025 Challenge 55:03 Music used in the episode : "Tinykin" (Tinykin)- Alexis Laugier "BRIDGES" (Death Stranding)- Ludvig Forssell "Catchy" (Picross 3D)- Yasumasa Yamada, Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando "No.EX 01" (Xenoblade Chronicles X)- Hiroyuki Sawano 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
2024 In Review/Games of the Year 1:12:26

for 13 weeks siden1:12:26

1:12:26

Dave recaps his favorite games that released in 2024 and discusses the year in podcasting, gaming and more. Catch Dave's favorite games from other years that he played for the first time in 2024 on Patreon, available to all paid patrons! TIMESTAMPS : Intros/Reminiscing 0:18 Honorable Mentions 5:40 #10 13:44 #9 18:01 #8 21:15 #7 26:38 #6 32:01 #5 36:34 #4 41:17 #3 46:40 #2 52:26 #1 and thank yous 59:23 Music used in the episode : 1000xRESIST - The Orchard (At Peace) (Drew Redman) 1000xRESIST - The Youngest Looks (Drew Redman) 1000xRESIST - Watcher (Drew Redman) Animal Well - Animal Well (Billy Basso) Animal Well - Dawn Chorus (Billy Basso) Animal Well - Flames (Billy Basso) Balatro - Main Title (LouisF) Balatro - Boss Blind Theme (LouisF) Dragon's Dogma 2 - Escort Mission (Tadayoshi Makino, Rei Kondoh, Inon Zur and Masayoshi Ishi) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Diving Beast Dancing Lion (Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Tai Tomisawa, Soma Tanizaka, Yuka Kitamura) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Gravesite Plain (Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Tai Tomisawa, Soma Tanizaka, Yuka Kitamura) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Main Theme Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima) Final Fantasy VII Remake/Rebirth - Nibelheim/Train Graveyard (Nobuo Uematsu) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Dondoko Island (SEGA Sound Team/Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Yokohama Sunset (SEGA Sound Team/Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio) Metaphor ReFantazio - Akademia (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi) Metaphor ReFantazio - Main Theme (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi, Keisuke Honryo) Metaphor ReFantazio - Port Brilehaven (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi) Mouthwashing - Main Title (Martin Halldin) Nine Sols - Awakening (FFXX) Nine Sols - Walk Me Through History (FFXX) The Plucky Squire - A Very Happy Ending (Mike Georgiades) The Plucky Squire - Celebration & Moonbeard's After Party (Mike Georgiades) The Plucky Squire - Plucky Squire Theme (Mike Georgiades) UFO 50 - Devilition (Placement) (Erik Suhrke) UFO 50 - Mortol (Gameplay) (Erik Suhrke) UFO 50 - Play Forever (Erik Suhrke) UFO 50 - UFO 50 (Erik Suhrke) 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…

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147: Batman: Arkham Origins (with Mick Arcade) 1:32:53

for 14 weeks siden1:32:53

1:32:53

Check out more information on the ongoing SAG-AFTRA video game actor strike and support the actors in any way that you can. Batman video games got a resurgence with 2009's Arkham Asylum, continued to be critically acclaimed with 2011's Arkham City, and then started to become divisive with 2013's Arkham Origins and especially 2015's Arkham Knight. Since Arkham Origins takes place during Christmas, we've chosen to dive into that one. Arkham Origins seems to be the odd one out, the black sheep, when discussing this series, and we don't understand why- if the reason for disliking this game is that it doesn't star Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill...you're going to have to find another reason. This game rules! Listen in to find out why we feel so strongly about that. Guest info : Mick Davis aka Mick Arcade . Check out Mick on Twitter and D&D adventures on Twitch TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:31 Story Setup/Characterization of Batman 14:39 Presentation 31:54 Combat/Stealth Gameplay 38:01 Open World Gameplay 50:25 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 58:26 SPOILER WALL 1:06:23 Music used in the episode is credited to Christopher Drake. Tracks used: Carol of the Bells (Joker's Theme), Arkham Origins Main Titles, Shadow of the Bat, Assassins, Winter Comes to Gotham, Why Would You Save...Me?, Arkham Origins Suite, Arkham Origins End Titles Check out Dave's guest appearances on Pixel Project Radio (talking about Souls games) and Super Pod Saga (talking about Metal Gear Solid 1-3)! 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…

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1
146: System Shock 2 (with Doug Lief - Nostalgium Arcanum) 1:57:32

for 15 weeks siden1:57:32

1:57:32

System Shock 2 **( Looking Glass Studios/Irrational Games**, 1999) contains one of the most iconic images in gaming (the scifi horror Medusa-esque SHODAN) and one of the most iconic spiritual sequels in gaming (the Bioshock series), but I still feel like experience with System Shock 2 itself is relegated to those who were there playing on PC in 1999. What was it about this game that made it so foundational for the Bioshock series and so many other modern games? Well, it's a good thing I have this podcast to dig into it! Guest Info : Doug Lief , host of Nostalgium Arcanum podcast TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:19 Story Setup/Story Thoughts 13:43 Presentation 30:10 Gameplay 41:00 SPOILER WALL 1:11:09 Music used in the episode is credited to Eric Brosius . Tracks used: Medical, Engineering, Hydroponics #1, Science, Hydroponics #2, Operations #2, End Cutscene, Credits 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
145: Void Stranger (with Steve - Indie Quest, Polykill Podcast) 2:12:28

for 16 weeks siden2:12:28

2:12:28

It all started with an elevator pitch, courtesy of someone on the Axe of the Blood God podcast- "A sokoban puzzle game with a JRPG story". Sign me up! Void Stranger ( System Erasure , 2023) does boast those things, but to my surprise, Void Stranger is so full of secrets as well. But if you want to get at those secrets, Void Stranger will challenge you in more ways than one. Join us as we dive into this one-of-a-kind experience. Guest Info : Steve from Indie Quest and Polykill Podcast . Check out his podcasts and Twitch channel ! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:14 Puzzles/Challenges 12:21 Story Setup 33:09 Presentation 38:36 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 50:45 SPOILER WALL 59:06 Music used in the episode is credited to Eero Lahtinen. You can purchase the album on Bandcamp . Tracks used: Concern, Void Symphony, Gray is just Gray, Right?, Affection Air, Buzzing Boogie, Lax Lullabye, HARD SPACE, Roll Credits! 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
144: Control (with Nick & Will - Friday Night Gamecast) 2:51:51

for 17 weeks siden2:51:51

2:51:51

Remedy Entertainment have built a sort of extended universe by this point, but 2019's Control is both the piece that introduced a lot of people to their world and the key that unlocked the possibility for an extended universe in the first place. Control's Men in Black-meets-SCP Foundation setting is ripe for creative sci-fi storytelling and Remedy took full advantage of that. Despite some hiccups in the story and gameplay that may wear out its welcome, Control is an undeniably cool game. Guest info : Nick & Will from Friday Night Gamecast . TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:22 Story Setup 16:21 Presentation 52:02 Gameplay 1:02:50 SPOILER WALL 1:39:50 Music used in the episode : Take Control (Old Gods of Asgard) Counterfeit (Petri Alanko & Martin Stig Andersen) Sankarin Tango (Petri Alanko & Martin Stig Andersen) Voces Ignotas (Petri Alanko & Martin Stig Andersen) Poram Ad Inferno (Petri Alanko & Martin Stig Andersen) Nihil Es Simplex (Petri Alanko & Martin Stig Andersen) 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
143: Shadow Tower: Abyss (with Adelaide Lohkamp) 2:10:58

for 18 weeks siden2:10:58

2:10:58

What was FromSoftware up to before Demon's Souls? Most people know about the King's Field series, and the Armored Core sickos have been around too, but they were even more prolific in the RPG and dungeon crawler space than just King's Field. Shadow Tower: Abyss (2003), the sequel to the Playstation game Shadow Tower, was never officially localized in English, but thanks to FromSoftware's explosion in popularity, the cottage industry of Souls creators, and most importantly a fan translated ROM, we can now go back and see some of the DNA that eventually made it into Demon's Souls and beyond. Guest info : Adelaide Lohkamp - find her on YouTube . TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:26 Story Setup/Presentation/Gameplay 17:42 SPOILER WALL 1:32:13 Music and sound used in the episode is credited to Yukinori Takada, Tsukasa Saitoh, Kota Hoshino, Yūki Ichiki, Yūji Kanda. Tracks used: Main Menu Theme Opening Cutscene End Credits YouTube walkthrough and lore explainer by ElucidatedByFire. 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…

Tales from the Backlog

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142: Night in the Woods (with Rick Firestone - Pixel Project Radio) 2:25:28

for 19 weeks siden2:25:28

2:25:28

Night in the Woods ( Infinite Fall , 2017) challenges us in a lot of ways. The gameplay mechanics are a means to get you from one side of town to another and nothing more. The protagonist can be unlikable. The story is much more local than your standard "save the world" fare. And it's all the better for the direction it takes. Instead of a sweeping epic, we get a very emotional, personal, close-to-home look at a small slice of American life. And as a result, we get a very rich and interesting story, which is the main focus of this podcast. Guest info : Rick Firestone of Pixel Project Radio podcast . Correction - In the episode I state that Charles Huettner and Sven Ruthner have music credits- they have animation credits, and I mixed up my notes. Oops! TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:17 Story Setup 10:39 Presentation/Music 32:34 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 45:35 SPOILER WALL 54:31 You can purchase the soundtrack here . Tracks used: Title (Alec Holowka) Back to the Holler (Alec Holowka) Die Anywhere Else (Alec Holowka, Scott Benson) Possum Springs (Alec Holowka) Home Again (Alec Holowka) Angus Story (Alec Holowka) Mae's House (Alec Holowka) End Credits (Alec Holowka) 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…

Tales from the Backlog

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141: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (with Aaron Angle & Ryan Arrington) 2:53:25

for 20 weeks siden2:53:25

2:53:25

Final Fantasy VII Remake started this epic remake project off with a bang, and it left us with a few questions, namely "what will they do with Aerith?" and "how will they handle the more open world nature of the game post-Midgar?". Both of those answers came in somewhat messy and/or convoluted forms, which I won't spoil here in the podcast description, but it's a good thing we have nearly 3 hours of podcast here to discuss it all! Guest info : Aaron Angle of [A Top 3 Podcast](atop3podcast.fireside.fm) & Ryan Arrington . TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:24 Story Setup 13:39 Story, continued 32:51 Presentation 49:24 Combat/Open World 1:03:07 Minigames 1:25:03 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:32:02 SPOILER WALL/Patreon Thank-Yous 1:38:31 Music used in the episode : Main Theme of FFVII - Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu) Nibelheim Train Graveyard Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Eager SOLDIER (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima) The Gold Saucer - Night Out with Tifa (Nobuo Uematsu) Midgardsormr (Nobuo Uematsu, Yoshitaka Suzuki) Queen's Blood (Mitsuto Suzuki, Junnosuke Usui) Fiddle de Chocobo (Nobuo Uematsu) Cosmo Canyon - Sanctum of Planetology (Nobuo Uematsu) Aerith's Theme - The White Materia (Nobuo Uematsu) J-E-N-O-V-A - Tenacity (Nobuo Uematsu) Aerith's Theme - Return to the Planet (Nobuo Uematsu) You can purchase the soundtrack via Square Enix . Check out Dave talking about Final Fantasy and modern RPGs on Fine Time and Crossplay Conversations podcasts this week! Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

1
...On Backlogs (with Matt aka Stormageddon & Marcus Stewart) 2:10:35

for 21 weeks siden2:10:35

2:10:35

To celebrate 3 years of Tales from the Backlog, I figured it was time to talk about the namesake of the show- The Backlog. Do we get FOMO as dozens of great games release every year? Do we feel pressure to complete the games we buy? What's the best approach to keep our habits healthy? All this and much more in this discussion episode! Guest info : Matt aka Stormageddon of "Fun" and Games and Reignite podcasts. Marcus Stewart of The Indie Informer . Find Marcus on Twitter and Twitch . Music used in the episode : Pandora's Place (Yakuza 0)- SEGA Sound Team Frozen Soul (Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere)- Tetsukazu Nakanishi Yoga (Wii Fit)- Toru Minegishi, Manaka Tominaga Check out Dave's guest appearance on Retro Hangover discussing System Shock 2! 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
Games I Played at GDEX 2024 27:19

for 22 weeks siden27:19

27:19

Here are the games I played at GDEX 2024 gaming convention in Columbus, Ohio! Games mentioned in the episode: Skate Fish Tales of Thisrea Zakumba: Astraia Dark Sky Derelict Mole Maiden Quiet On Set RA RA BOOM Intro/Outro music composed by Bert Cole- check them out at bitbybitsound.com 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
140: Decarnation (with Jala Prendes - Jala-chan's Place, The Level & Dave Cox - Monster Dear Monster) 2:44:59

for 22 weeks siden2:44:59

2:44:59

Have you ever thought to yourself, "how scary could this pixel art horror game be? It's just pixels!". If so, you and I are the same. And granted, Decarnation (Atelier QDB, 2023) isn't an in-your-face type of horror. It's more of a psychological, empathetic horror and dread for what your character is going through. And it's very, very effective! This is a really unique horror game with fantastic pixel art, sound design and music- highly recommended! Guest info : Jala Prendes of Jala-chan's Place and The Level podcasts & Dave Cox of Monster Dear Monster podcast. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:23 Story Setup/Theme Introductions 13:35 Presentation 31:32 Gameplay 42:05 SPOILER WALL/Patron Thank-Yous 1:08:06 Music used in the episode is credited to fleur et bleue, Akira Yamaoka, ALT 236 & AL 9000. You can support the artists by buying the soundtrack, part 1 and part 2 .Tracks used: fleur et bleue - Tout Depend de Toi, Decarnation, Grolia, Orfevre De La Nuit, The Cell, Cracks in the Mask, Lizzy et Marco 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
139: Devotion (with Jill Grodt - The Indie Informer) 1:56:43

for 23 weeks siden1:56:43

1:56:43

Stop me if you've heard this story before. A game that I once thought would be too scary for me to play, so I spoiled the entire story for myself only to realize that it sounded too good to not experience for myself. Add Devotion ( Red Candle Games , 2019) to that list. Despite the controversy surrounding the game and subsequent delisting from all major storefronts, this one is worth seeking you. You can purchase and download it directly from the Red Candle Games website . Guest Info : Jill Grodt , editor-in-chief of The Indie Informer and podcaster on The Indie Council podcast. Find more from Jill on YouTube and Twitch . TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:26 Story Setup/Gameplay 14:32 Horror/Presentation 37:02 SPOILER WALL 53:15 Content warnings for Devotion Music used in the episode is credited to Vincent Yang. You can support them by purchasing the album directly from the Red Candle Games website . Tracks used: Devotion, Lady of the Pier (Gong Li Fang), Come on! Have a Bite, A Way of No Return, Lady of the Pier (Du Mei Shin) 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…

Tales from the Backlog

1
138: Silent Hill (with Stephanie Klimov - Boss Rush Network) 1:50:19

for 24 weeks siden1:50:19

1:50:19

As a fan of Silent Hill 2 (episode 10 of Tales from the Backlog, by the way), I figured at some point I would need to go back and play the original. Silent Hill (Team Silent, Konami, 1999) was really interesting to go back and play, for a couple of reasons, most notably that I thought I knew what the game and town's whole deal was, but that was apparently not the case in the first game. The other surprise was that I found this pretty breezy from a mechanical perspective, which was welcome after really struggling through Resident Evil 1. It was an interesting trip back through history, and led to a great conversation! Guest Info : Stephanie Klimov , podcaster and editor for Boss Rush Network TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories with Silent Hill/Opening Thoughts 0:21 Story Setup 12:58 Presentation 26:48 Gameplay 43:48 Closing Thoughts/Plugs/Housekeeping 59:42 SPOILER WALL 1:08:12 Music used in the episode is credited to Akira Yamaoka. Tracks used: Silent Hill, Led Into Madness, Meeting Cybil, No Dream, Tears of Blood, Dr. Kaufmann, Killing Time Content Warnings for Silent Hill Catch Dave on the Gaming Memories 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…

Tales from the Backlog

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137: Deadly Premonition (with Patrick & James - Retro Spectives) 2:48:26

for 25 weeks siden2:48:26

2:48:26

There has been a lot of talk about the cult classic "7/10 game" lately, and no game better exemplifies this than Deadly Premonition ( Access Games, 2010 ). It's one of those games where the average might land on 7/10 because there will be a lot of 10's and a lot of 3's in the review score distribution. Memorable characters, poor graphics, lifelike town, terrible combat, fun mystery and rough performance combine to create a very interesting game, to say the least. Guest info: James Tuerlings and Patrick Arthur of Retro Spectives podcast . TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:32 Story Setup/Twin Peaks Influence 14:40 Gameplay 42:03 Music/Presentation 1:15:51 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Plugs 1:28:18 SPOILER WALL 1:46:39 Polygon interview with Deadly Premonition director Swery65. Music used in the episode is credited to Riyou Kinugasa, Takuya Kobayashi and Hiromi Mizutani. Tracks used: Greenvale, FBI Special Agent, Found You!, Underground, The Woods and the Goddess, Raincoat Killer, Red Tree, The Goddess 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…

Tales from the Backlog

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136: Omori (with Aaron Angle - A Top 3 Podcast) 2:23:43

for 26 weeks siden2:23:43

2:23:43

Sometimes a game has such striking and memorable art that one screenshot will implant that game into your head, even if you never play it. Omori ( Omocat , 2020) was almost one of those games for me. A combination of thinking the game would be too scary and having tons of other games available kept Omori on the periphery for a long time, until today's guest, Aaron, played it and kept (lovingly) pestering me to play it. And while I can't say that I loved every aspect of the experience, the story and presentation of mental health struggles were good enough to see me through to its emotional conclusion. I'm very glad I took Aaron's recommendation seriously, for once. Guest info: Aaron Angle of A Top 3 Podcast TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:23 Story Setup/Themes 11:36 Presentation/Music 30:35 Gameplay/Combat 41:12 SPOILER WALL 59:52 Music used in the episode is credited to Bo En, Jami Lynn and Pedro Silva. You can support them by purchasing the album on Steam or Bandcamp ! Tracks used: Title, WHITE SPACE, By Your Side, Tussle Among Trees, Trees..., World's End Valentine, OMORI, DUET Content warnings for Omori Check out Dave's guest appearance on Pages of Play podcast! Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and other podcast platforms ! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

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135: Lost Odyssey (with Ryan Batie - Lightning Strikes Thrice) 2:53:26

for 27 weeks siden2:53:26

2:53:26

Lost Odyssey , by Mistwalker and feelplus , is almost legendary at this point. A darker, sadder RPG by Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a moody yet eclectic soundtrack by Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu and short stories interspersed throughout by famed Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu, there is pedigree and talent behind the game, and perhaps most crucially- you probably can't buy it, unless you own an Xbox console. Situations like this tend to lead to inflation of a game's merits, not to mention all of the "this is the real Final Fantasy 13" memes out there. So does Lost Odyssey live up to its mythical reputation? Tune in to find out! Guest Info: Ryan Batie (they/them) of Lightning Strikes Thrice , a JRPG play along podcast. Check them out at their website or on your favorite podcast app, and support them via Patreon for bonus shows including Icons & Eikons, a Final Fantasy XIV play along podcast. TIMESTAMPS Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:35 Story Setup 16:48 Pacing/Game Length 42:06 Presentation/Music 53:24 Combat/Gameplay 1:05:46 SPOILER WALL 1:45:40 Music used in the episode is credited to Nobuo Uematsu. Tracks used: Prologue, Battlefield, Neverending Journey, A Formidable Enemy Appears!, The Gun Barrel Battle, Main Theme, Howl of the Departed, An Immortal Life Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi ! Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server! Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple , Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)! Support Tales from the Backlog…

Tales from the Backlog

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134: A Space for the Unbound (with CGDannyB) 2:03:51

for 28 weeks siden2:03:51