All My Best Friends Are Digital

We talk a bit about accessibility in gaming, which is sadly all too often left to modders rather than the developers themselves. The games on the agenda (super serious) are Metroid Prime and Monster Train 2.What We're Playing01:19 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025)03:28 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024)07:00 Mark: Iron Meat (Retroware, 2024)16:32 GOOF: Metroid Prime (Retro Studios, 2002)35:12 Feature Game: Monster Train 2 (Shiny Shoe, 2025)SHOUT53:18 Caitlin: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn (Owlcat Games)54:10 Mark: Elden Ring: NIGHTREIGN patch (From Software)55:34 Mark: Kunitsu-Gami: Otherworldly Venture (Capcom)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We look back to the 3DS and Fire Emblem: Awakening, and question how weak the sauce is in Doom: The Dark Ages.What We're Playing01:00 Mark: Death Road to Canada (Rocketcat Games, 2016)12:59 Caitlin: Path of Exile 2 (Grinding Gear Games, 2024)24:31 GOOF: Fire Emblem: Awakening (Intelligent Systems, 2012)47:34 Feature Game: Doom: The Dark Ages (id, 2025)SHOUT1:08:08 Caitlin: Gold Gold Adventure Gold (Can Can Can a Man)1:09:38 Mark: Fallen Fates (Hibernian Workshop)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We finish our spoiler-free discussion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Caitlin expresses the view that she was tricked into playing Flashback: The Quest for Identity.What We're Playing01:30 Caitlin: Do No Harm (Darts Games, 2025)10:30 Mark: Void War (Tundra, 2025)21:44 GOOF: Flashback: The Quest for Identity (Delphine Software, 1992)35:39 Feature Game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive, 2025)SHOUT1:05:47 Caitlin: DELTARUNE (tobyfox)1:06:56 Mark: Elden Ring NIGHTREIGN (From Software)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's the end of the world in both the N64's Sin and Punishment and the new Clair Obscur, and there's lots of ennui to be had.What We're Playing01:05 Mark: Power Stone 2 (Capcom, 2000)12:27 Caitlin: Forever Skies (Far From Home, 2025)17:36 GOOF: Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Earth (Treasure, 2000)33:23 Feature Game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive, 2025)SHOUT1:05:06 Mark: Gears of War: Reloaded (The Coalition)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The N64 continues its redemption tour with F-Zero X, and South of Midnight is a strange mix of the novel and the derivative.What We're Playing00:50 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025)11:55 Mark: Astral Ascent (Hibernian Workshop, 2023)19:01 GOOF: F-Zero X (Nintendo EAD, 1998)34:34 Feature Game: South of Midnight (Compulsion Games, 2025)SHOUT1:00:23 Caitlin: Date Everything (Sassy Chap Games) 1:01:43 Mark: Ayaneo Pocket ACE (Ayaneo)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We navigate the twisting labyrinths of the human mind in Psychonauts, as well as the twisting labyrinths of the puzzling mansion(s) of Blue Prince.What We're Playing01:27 Mark: It Takes Two (Hazelight, 2021)13:03 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025)19:21 GOOF: Psychonauts (Double Fine Productions, 2005)38:37 Feature Game: Blue Prince (Dogubomb, 2025)SHOUT1:04:46 Caitlin and Mark: Malys (Summerfall Studios)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark's alleged contrarian status is tested by the ambitious, legendary Chrono Trigger and the humble, overlooked Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.What We're Playing01:04 Caitlin: LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System (LEGO, 2020)09:28 Mark: Lonestar (Math Tide, 2025)18:13 GOOF: Chrono Trigger (Square, 1995)38:08 Feature Game: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (Techland, 2013)SHOUT54:00 Caitlin: LUNAR Remastered Collection (GAME ARTS) 55:02 Mark: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nothing but sprites killing hordes of enemies this week, with Guardian Heroes and The Last Spell. Also hardware digressions with Saturn, RetroTink, and video switches.What We're Playing02:00 Mark: Rogue Loops (Fubu Games, 2025)06:30 Mark: Capcom vs. SNK 2 (Capcom, 2001)12:12 Caitlin: Look Outside (Francis Coulombe, 2025)20:48 GOOF: Guardian Heroes (Treasure, 1996)38:51 Feature Game: The Last Spell (Ishtar, 2023)SHOUT58:20 Caitlin: Scalable Video Switch1:01:27 Mark: Revenge of the Savage Planet (Typhoon)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We solve murders at our patrons' behest in The Case of the Golden Idol, whereasWE INTERRUPT THESE EPISODE NOTES FOR DYNOWARZDynowarz: Destruction of Spondylus! Featuring the most bomb-ass box cover and stodgy gameplay, is Dynowarz one of the greatest games ever or one of the worst games ever? The answer: YES.What We're Playing01:17 Caitlin: Final Fantasy IV (Square, 1991)05:29 Caitlin: The Last Meadow (Discord, 2025)09:55 Caitlin: 33 Immortals (Thunder Lotus Games)13:40 Mark: Rogue Loops (Fubu Games, 2025)22:32 GOOF: Dynowarz: Destruction of Spondylus (ACC, 1990)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynowarz:_Destruction_of_Spondylus#/media/File:Dynowarz_-_Destruction_of_Spondylus_(game_box_art).png36:08 Feature Game: The Case of the Golden Idol (Color Gray Games, 2022)SHOUT57:36 Caitlin (Shameless Hyping): Mario Kart World (Nintendo)58:11 Mark (Serious Hesitation): Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (SNK)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's all sci-fi this week! We've got all your bases covered--speculative crossovers (Split Fiction), anthropomorphic animals (Laika, Starfox 64), and psychological horror (Returnal)! Just stick your arm into the spiky alien machine. It'll probably be fine. What We're Playing00:57 Mark: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025)02:15 Mark: Monster Hunter Rise (Capcom, 2021)10:13 Mark: Laika: Aged Through Blood (Brainwash Gang, 2023)16:11 Caitlin: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios, 2025)22:57 GOOF: Star Fox 64 (Nintendo EAD, 1997)42:02 Feature Game: Returnal (Housemarque, 2021)SHOUT1:07:41 Mark: Project Gemini (People Can Fly)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We keep things light, even though they could get grim with an NES game named after a dead baby (Astyanax) and some existential angst with The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa.What We're Playing02:28 Caitlin: Final Fantasy IV (Obsidian, 2025)09:23 Mark: Metal Bringer (ALPHAWING, 2025)21:24 GOOF: Astyanax (Aicom, 1989)36:38 Feature Game: The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa (yeo, 2018)Interview with the designer: https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/19/18691106/the-friends-of-ringo-ishikawa-review-interview-yeoSHOUT56:31 Caitlin: Paralives (Alex Massé and team)58:04 Mark: 33 Immortals (Thunder Lotus)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ecco the Dolphin is cute in Japan but swole in the US, much like the dramatic growth a mushroom provokes in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Question: would Caitlin try to make Ecco into a hat?What We're Playing01:06 Caitlin: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025)02:53 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom, 2025)11:10 Mark: Mullet MadJack (Hammer 95 Studios, 2024)22:23 GOOF: Ecco the Dolphin (Appaloosa Interactive, 1992)Boris Vallejo's "macho" dolphin: https://www.borisjulie.com/product/ecco-the-dolphin/Japan's "cute" dolphin: https://videogameartarchive.com/image/14980490044338:42 Feature Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo EPD, 2023)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How much ax could an Ax Battler battle if an Ax Battler could battle ax is a question Golden Axe fails to address, but it gets to be brilliant and foundational all the same. We then turn to Avowed, Obsidian's latest RPG.What We're Playing01:02 Mark: The Hidden Ones (Morefun Studios, 2025)15:50 Caitlin: A Little to the Left (Max Inferno, 2022)18:23 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom, 2025)27:20 GOOF: Golden Axe (Sega, 1999)44:03 Feature Game: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025)SHOUT1:11:19 Caitlin: Dark Deity 2 (Sword & Axe LLC)1:12:49 Mark: Neon Inferno (Zenovia Interactive)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's all about swords, Aristotle, and romance this week, where we discuss Bushido Blade and Transistor.What We're Playing00:56 Caitlin: Final Fantasy III (Square, 1990)10:11 Mark: Whisker Squadron Survivor (Flippfly, 2025)18:35 GOOF: Bushido Blade (Square, 1997)30:46 Feature Game: Transistor (Supergiant, 2014)SHOUT55:45 Caitlin: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster (Konami)56:49 Mark: Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (Retroid)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We look back at Namco's other fighting game series, Soul Calibur. Also, in non-fighting games, the best horse game of all time, says Caitlin of Red Dead Redemption 2. What We're Playing00:59 Mark: Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown II, Samurai Shodown IV (SNK, 2019, 1994, 1996)Matt McMuscles' excellent Samurai Shodown history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yQoCrZBfIo13:11 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds Beta (Capcom, 2025)15:52 Caitlin: The Roottrees are Dead (Robin Ward, 2025)23:26 GOOF: Soul Calibur II (Namco, 2002)37:58 Feature Game: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar, 2018)SHOUT1:09:57 Caitlin and Mark: Saros (Housemarque)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We return to the humble beginnings of AMBFAD by discussing the Hellblade sequel, and we further mine Caitlin's childhood with Ch-Ch-Ch-Chip and Dale.What We're Playing00:52 Caitlin: Monster Hunter: Wilds BETA (Capcom, 2025)10:10 Mark: Helldivers II (Arrowhead, 2024)13:10 Mark: Eternal Strands (Yellow Brick Games, 2025)21:02 GOOF: Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers (Capcom, 1990)30:55 Feature Game: Hellblade II: Senua's Saga (Ninja Theory, 2024)SHOUT55:49 Caitlin: Monster Hunter: Wilds (Capcom)56:07 Mark: Sworn (Windwalk Games)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fighting games! Castlevania! Crawling over monsters in Dragon's Dogma 2! That pretty much covers all of human endeavors, really.What We're Playing01:06 Mark: Dead or Alive 6 (Koei Tecmo, 2019)04:38 Mark: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (Sega AM2, 2025)13:08 Caitlin: Void Crew (Hutlihut Games,, 2024)24:16 GOOF: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Konami, 2003)25:51 Feature Game: Dragon's Dogma II (Capcom, 2025)SHOUT1:01:34 Caitlin abandons all hope and optimism1:01:36 Mark: Avowed (Obsidian)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lots of talk of anime, cats, and anime-related cats this week! We take the Little Kitty to the Big City after we shoot so many things in Gunstar Heroes.What We're Playing01:53 Mark: Blade Chimera (Team Ladybug, 2025)09:21 Caitlin: Inkbound (Shiny Shoe, 2024)18:07 GOOF: Gunstar Heroes (Treasure, 1993)25:51 Feature Game: Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studios, 2024)SHOUT50:40 Caitlin: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive)53:04 Mark: Eternal Strands (Yellow Brick Studios)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talk about early indie darling Hyper Light Drifter, as well as Secret of Evermore from Caitlin's childhood. More light Sluggish Heavy Drifter, amirite?What We're Playing00:56 Caitlin: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus, 2024)09:40 Mark: 20 Minutes till Dawn (flanne, 2023)16:38 Mark: Rayman Legends (Ubisoft, 2013)22:18 GOOF: Secret of Evermore (Square, 1995)35:05 Feature Game: Hyper Light Drifter (Heart Machine, 2016)SHOUT53:33 Caitlin: Stage Fright (Ghost Town Games)55:08 Mark: Valkyrie Squad: Siege Breakers (Digital Crafters)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Having been emancipated from duties to the Veilguard, we return to Metaphor: ReFantazio. We also headbutt Caitlin's childhood with Bonk's Adventure.What We're Playing00:57 Mark: [REDACTED] (Striking Distance Studios, 2024)04:30 Mark: Gain Ground (Sega, 1988, 1991, and 1992)12:22 Caitlin: Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead, 2024)14:38 Caitlin: Fae Farm (Phoenix Labs, 2023)19:34 GOOF: Bonk's Aventure (Atlus, 1989)33:31 Feature Game: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus, 2024)SHOUT57:38 Caitlin: Dave the Diver: In the Jungle (MINTROCKET)58:46 Mark: MagicX 3:2 clamshell handheldAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Yet another unintentional theme this week, as we discuss troubled law enforcement officers in both Die Hard Trilogy for the good ol' PSX as well as Disco Elysium.What We're Playing02:00 Caitlin: Fae Farm (Phoenix Labs, 2023)11:35 Mark: [REDACTED] (Striking Distance Studios, 2024)21:36 GOOF: Die Hard Trilogy (Probe Entertainment, 1996)38:04 Feature Game: Disco Elysium (ZA/UM, 2019)SHOUT1:05:59 Caitlin: The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian)1:06:57 Mark: Double Dragon Revive (Yuke's)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We explore corrupt afterlife schemes with Grim Fandango and To the Moon! Where's a principled psychopomp when you need one?What We're Playing00:59 Mark: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024)05:25 Mark: Crypt Custodian (Kyle Thompson, 2024)13:23 Caitlin: Infinity Nikki (Papergames, 2024)22:15 GOOF: Grim Fandango (LucasArts, 1998) and its Remaster (Double Fine, 2015)36:18 Feature Game: To the Moon (Freebird, 2011)1:01:15 Spoilers Begin1:22:02 Spoilers EndSHOUT1:22:30 Caitlin: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios)1:23:36 Mark: OnexPlayer G1 and OnexSugar (OneNotebook)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Green Hat Adventure Boy returns for Ocarina of Time, this time with 100% more horse. Mark continues to get his Rogue-lite on with Ravenswatch.What We're Playing01:15 Caitlin: Factorio (Wube Software, 2020)10:55 Mark: Dead Cells (Evil Empire and Motion Twin, 2018)19:30 GOOF: The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (Nintendo EAD, 1998)35:27 Feature Game: Ravenswatch (Passtech, 2024)SHOUT52:58 Caitlin: Dispatch (AdHoc Studio)54:38 Mark: The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match (SNK)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We wade into a genuine retro gaming controversy. Two Aladdins enter, one Aladdin leaves! Caitlin is thrown into the deep end for her first roguelike Caves of Qud, and in a sad continuation of recent AMDFAD trends, the tutorial is lacking.What We're Playing01:20 Mark: Ruiner (Reikon, 2017)09:26 Caitlin: Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop (Beard Envy, 2024)21:30 GOOF: Aladdin (Virgin Interactive, 1993) and Aladdin (Capcom, 1993) 37:53 Feature Game: Caves of Qud (Freehold Games, 2024)Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup: https://crawl.develz.org/SHOUT1:01:40 Caitlin: The Witcher 4 (CD Projekt Red)1:04:07 Mark: Rabbit & Steel DLC (mino_dev)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Heavy questions of metaphysics and cosmology abound. Before Your Eyes is about the afterlife, Goodboy Galaxy questions whether a dog can pet itself, and Wing Commander: Privateer might be one of the circles of Hell.What We're Playing03:15 Caitlin: Helldivers II (Arrowhead, 2024)06:01 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024)07:58 Mark: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024)09:25 Mark: Prince of Persia: The Warrior Within (Ubisoft Montreal, 2004)11:05 Mark: Shogun Showdown (Roboatino, 2024)16:37 GOOF: Wing Commander: Privateer (Origin Systems, 1993)30:51 Feature Game: Before Your Eyes (GoodbyeWorld Games, 2021)SHOUT57:44 Caitlin: Cairn (The Game Bakers)1:00:01 Mark: Evercade and SNKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caitlin's Final Fantasy history tour continues! We then turn to Mark's childhood Disney game, The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse. Slander may ensue. We finally test the limits of procedural generation with Wildermyth, a tactical RPG that promises satisfying randomly-generated narrative.What We're Playing00:55 Mark: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Ubisoft Montreal, 2003)10:33 Caitlin: Final Fantasy II (Square, 1988)15:05 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024)24:08 GOOF: The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse (Capcom, 1992)36:15 Feature Game: Wildermyth (Worldwalker Games, 2019)SHOUT59:50 Caitlin: Marry a Deep One: Innsmouth Simulator (simulinati)1:00:59 Mark: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shockers abound this week. The World Ends with You is not the title of a Bond movie, it's a great DS game and a mediocre Switch game--and Pentiment is not just a chance to show off your history minor, it's also a murder mystery.What We're Playing01:02 Caitlin: Cats Hidden in Germany, Italy, and China (Travellin Cats, 2023-202404:28 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024)04:47 Caitlin: Inscryption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021)05:35 Mark: Exit the Gungeon (Dodge Roll, 2020)15:23 GOOF: The World Ends with You (Square Enix, 2007)28:45 Feature Game: Pentiment (Obsidian, 2022)Mild spoilers begin: 38:26Mild spoilers end: 45:20SHOUT52:48 Caitlin: Critter Café (Sumo Digital)53:44 Mark: Dungeon Clawler (Stray Fawn Studio)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We play Sifu, the very daunting beat-em-up game, as well as the beloved Beyond Good and Evil.Not only did Sifu make Caitlin play a tutorial, it was perhaps the greatest disservice imaginable to a superb game. One could say the same about Beyond Good and Evil with respect to Friedrich Nietzsche, but he doesn't deserve any better.What We're Playing00:41 Mark: Karate Survivor (Alawar, 2024)10:08 Caitlin: A Park Full of Cats (Devcats, 2024)10:47 Caitlin: Tokyo Jungle (Crispy's!, 2012)20:41 GOOF: Beyond Good and Evil (Ubisoft, 2003)34:08 Feature Game: Sifu (Sloclap, 2022)Excellent Sifu guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeVl3wl1Esg&t=1174sSHOUT51:47 Mark: Acts of Blood (Eksil Team)52:44 Caitlin: Strange Antiquities (Bad Viking)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

More Dragon Age! Caitlin and Mark have very different takeaways from The Veilguard. We also stress the difference between dwarves and vikings in The Last Vikings, another pre-WoW Blizzard offering.What We're Playing01:10 Caitlin: A Tower Full of Cats, and An Arcade Full of Cats (Devcats, 2022-2024)05:21 Mark: Persona 5 Tactika (P-Studio, 2023)10:36 Mark: Metal Slug Tactics (Leikir Studio, 2024)GOOF: The Lost Vikings (Blizzard, 1993)30:35 Feature Game: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024)SHOUT1:10:43 Caitlin: Path of Exile 2 (Grinding Gear Games)1:12:11 Mark: Mass Effect 5 (BioWare)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Thank goodness you're here to join us as we discuss Thank Goodness You're Here! It's all cats and meat pies this week, though thankfully not in combination.What We're Playing02:01 Caitlin: A Building Full of Cats, A Tower Full of Cats, and A Castle Full of Cats (Devcats, 2022-2024)14:53 Mark: Destiny 2 (Bungie, 2017)13:46 Mark: PortMaster, especially Bleed (Ian Campbell, 2013)27:58 GOOF: Road Rash (Electronic Arts, 1991)38:05 Feature Game: Thank Goodness You're Here (Coal Supper, 2024)SHOUT54:58 Caitlin: A Shelter Full of Cats (Devcats)55:48 Mark: Retroid Pocket 5 (Retroid)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caitlin has made her enthusiasm for cats and horses well-known, but let it not be forgotten that she is fond of all manner of other animals as well. It's all kinds of fauna this week, as we revisit The Lion King and look at indie darling Animal Well.What We're Playing01:14 Caitlin: Powerwash Simulator (FuturLab, 2022)11:20 Mark: Inscyption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021)13:46 Mark: PortMaster, especially Bleed (Ian Campbell, 2013)24:20 GOOF: The Lion King (Westwood Studios, 1994)36:15 Feature Game: Animal Well (Shared Memory, 2024)SHOUT53:17 Mark: The Void Rains Upon Her Heart (Veyeral)55:40 Caitlin: Barkour (VARSAV Game Studios)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's Halloween here at AMBFAD, and so we are going to discuss some horror games! The retro run-and-gun Zombies Ate My Neighbors hearkens back to a halcyon period of LucasArts, and Still Wakes the Deep will hit you right in the feels.  What We're Playing01:05 Caitlin: Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred (Blizzard Entertainment, 2024)03:51 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024)08:12 Mark: rRootage (ABA Games, 2003)https://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/15:27 GOOF: Zombies Ate My Neighbors (LucasArts, 1993)24:30 Feature Game: Still Wakes the Deep (Chinese Room, 2024)SHOUT55:12 Caitlin: Glyphica: Typing Survival (aliasBLACK)57:40 Mark: NERF Destiny 2 Ace of SpadesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caitlin has no experience with the Persona formula, whereas Mark is a longtime Persona stan--so we have you covered for Metaphor: ReFantazio. Caitlin's blood vendetta against tutorials reaches the game early Blizzard game Blackthorne, and no NPCs will survive her determination to learn as she goes.What We're Playing01:08 Mark: Inscyption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021)13:07 Caitlin: Neko Atsume 2 (Hit-Point, 2024)17:34 GOOF: Blackthorne (Blizzard Entertainment, 1994)31:04 Feature Game: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero, 2024)SHOUT58:27 Mark: Exodus (Archetype Entertainment)

It's a theme week here at AMBFAD, and we're doing grimy science fiction. From beneath the ground in Fallout to beyond the stars with the Void Bastards, we have you covered--with apologies for the salty language.What We're Playing01:14 Mark: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024)02:23 Mark: Street Fighter 6 (Capcom, 2023)12:20 Caitlin: Core Keeper (Pugstorm, 2024)20:34 GOOF: Fallout (Interplay, 1997)35:33 Feature Game: Void Bastards (Blue Manchu, 2019)SHOUT56:30 Caitlin: Fable (Playground Games)58:56 Mark: Windblown (Motion Twin)

Mark continues Caitlin's forced education on the Neo Geo with Shock Troopers, an underappreciated run and gun. They then discuss Death and Taxes, a narrative game with some strange framing choices.WE INTERRUPT YOUR EPISODE NOTES WITH URGENT HORSE NEWS: A horse game is incoming! What We're Playing01:01 Caitlin: Fire Emblem: Three Houses07:51 Caitlin: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom09:40 Mark: Halls of Torment (Casing Carrots, 2024)17:58 GOOF: Shock Troopers (Saurus, 1997)28:14 Feature Game: Death and Taxes (Placeholder Gameworks, 2020)44:19 Spoilers Begin51:25 Spoilers EndSHOUT52:43 Mark: Windstorm: Legend of the Khiimori (Aesir Interactive and NightinGames)

One ought never to overlook a chance to extol the virtues of Terry Bogard, so we discuss the classic Garou: Mark of the Wolves. In anticipation of the upcoming Veilguard, we touch on all the main Dragon Age games released thus far.What We're Playing00:50 Mark: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024)02:02 Mark: Anomaly Agent (Phew Phew, 2024)10:33 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2 (Hopoo Games, 2020)21:39 GOOF: Garou: Mark of the Wolves (SNK, 1999)32:35 Feature Game: Dragon Age (BioWare, 2009-)SHOUT1:18:39 Caitlin: Neva (Nomada Studio)

We finally show Nintendo some love in the form of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and get blown away (in many ways) by Tactical Breach Wizards.What We're Playing01:02 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024)08:45 Mark: The Ninja Warriors (Natsume, 1994)13:24 GOOF: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Flagship and Capcom, 2004)TechDweeb's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TechDweeb30:19 Feature Game: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024)SHOUT49:58 Mark: Halls of Torment (Chasing Carrots)52:19 Caitlin: Orcs Must Die: Deathtrap (Robot Entertainment)

All shooting, all the time! Both Rabbit and Steel and Undertale leverage shoot-em-up elements in novel ways, and they form a natural set with the punishing Ikaruga.What We're Playing00:57 Caitlin: Core Keeper (Pugstorm, 2024)08:19 Mark: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, 2019)13:49 Mark: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024)18:00 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox, 2024)21:21 GOOF: Ikaruga (Treasure, 2001)30:05 Feature Game: Undertale (Toby Fox, 2015)SHOUT52:27 Caitlin: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare)53:11 Mark: Iron Meat (Retroware)

Sometimes the only way to show that you love is to complain and nitpick, and that's exactly what Caitlin and Mark do with Fire Emblem--a game they both enjoy but think is sometimes borderline absurd. What We're Playing01:04 Mark: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024)08:47 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox, 2024)13:14 GOOF: Metroid (R&D Team 1 and Intelligent Systems, 1986) and Metroid: Zero Mission (R&D Team 1, 2004)25:10 Feature Game: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, 2019)SHOUT50:51 Caitlin: Goblin Cleanup (Crisalu)52:13 Mark: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (Capcom)

Caitlin reciprocates this week by trying ICO, one of Mark's all-time favourites. They also both explore the coming-of-age story I Was a Teenage Exocolonist, in which you play as... well, let's not undermine the excellent title, shall we?What We're Playing00:53 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024)08:45 Mark: Valkyrie Profile (tri-Ace, 1999)15:11 GOOF: ICO (Team ICO, 2001)29:54 Feature Game: I Was a Teenage Exocolonist (Northway, 2022)48:09 Spoilers Begin56:32 Spoilers EndSHOUT58:48 Caitlin: Fields of Mistria (NPC Studio)59:24 Mark: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox Software)

Caitlin said Valkyrie Profile was one of her top 10 games of all time, so let's take a deeper look! Mark reciprocates by listing his own top 10.What We're Playing00:41 Mark: Earth Defense Force 4.1 (Sandlot, 2016)11:15 Caitlin: Flock (Hollow Ponds and Richard Hogg, 2024)17:24 GOOF: Valkyrie Profile (tri-Ace, 1999)35:35 Mark's Top 10 Games of All Time36:07 Honourable MentionsDestiny/Destiny 2Dragon Age 2Dragon Age: InquisitionRisk of Rain Returns44:47 Top 10Star Control II: The Ur-Quan MastersVagrant StoryICOSilent Hill 2Dungeon Crawl Stone SoupMass EffectThe King of Fighters XIIISpec Ops: The LinePersona V RoyalHades1:11:20 SHOUT: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare)

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a strange and unexpected offering, an odd delight amongs a sea of derivative games. Caitlin then reveals her gaming autobiography, her top games of all time.What We're Playing02:03 Caitlin: Slay the Spire (Mega Crit, 2019)06:00 Mark: Pokémon Pinball (HAL Laboratory, 1999)Tech Dweeb's 10 Must Play Retro Pinball Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2X1tC9DjjQ&pp=ygUSdGVjaCBkd2VlYiBwaW5iYWxs13:15 Feature Game: Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Capcom, 2024)Special Bunraku Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=124HrR-M0iQ27:19 Caitlin's Top 10 Games of All Time28:30 Honourable MentionsSuikoden UndertaleAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsFinal Fantasy XVI33:43 Top 10Chrono TriggerBaldur's Gate 3HadesValkyrie ProfileMass EffectShadow of the ColossusDragon Age: OriginsFinal Fantasy VIThe Witcher 3Red Dead Redemption 2SHOUT58:44 Caitlin: Slay the Spire 2 (Mega Crit)59:33 Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero)

Quintet released some bangers on the SNES: ActRaiser, Soul Blazer, and Illusion of Gaia. How does their last one--Terranigma--measure up? And how much chill do you want in your journalism? Or, for that matter, your video games? Caitlin and Mark talk about Times & Galaxy.What We're Playing01:04 Mark: TMNT: Splintered Fate (Super Evil Megacorp, 2024)07:30 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024)12:43 GOOF: Terranigma (Quintet, 1995)26:51 Feature Game: Times & Galaxy (Copychaser Games, 2024)37:55 Spoilers Begin42:44 Spoilers EndSHOUT49:37 Caitlin: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Retro Studios)51:25 Mark: DNF Duel (Arc System Works)

If you had told us that we would be loving speedrunning in a first-person platformer, i.e. Neon White, we would not have believed you. If you had told us that Caitlin would still be knee-deep in Unicorn Overlord and underimpressed by one of Mark's all-time favourites, we would have easily believed you. What We're Playing03:19 Caitlin: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware, 2024)04:48 Mark: Journey to the Savage Planet (Typhoon Studios, 2020)GROB commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESsRiSbIuKM&pp=ygUham91cm5leSB0byB0aGUgc2F2YWdlIHBsYW5ldCBncm9i10:56 GOOF: Prince of Persia (Broderbund, 1989)24:30 Feature Game: Neon White (Angel Matrix, 2022)SHOUT55:17 Caitlin: The Garden Path (carrotcake)56:36 Mark: Whisker Squadron: Survivor (Flippfly)

Mark has many questions about many things Final Fantasy, and Caitlin is well-equipped to oblige--and Mark is able to recipocrate with a capsule biography of Firebrand, aka Red Arremer. The feature game is Firework, a horror/mystery story from China. Several things are mispronounced.What We're Playing00:46 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024)11:45 SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos (SNK Playmore, 2003)16:58 Demon's Crest (Capcom, 1994)30:28 Feature Game: Firework (Shiying Studio, 2021)49:28 Spoilers Begin1:03:29 Spoilers EndSHOUT1:04:01 Caitlin: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection (Capcom)1:05:21 Mark: Garou: City of the Wolves (SNK)

We dip our toes into mobile games this week with a Pokémon sleep tracker and the latest from MiHoYo. The Quintet appreciation continues with Illusion of Gaia, and we check out Unicorn Overlord with some mixed results.What We're Playing01:35 Caitlin: Pokémon Sleep (Select Button, 2023)07:01 Zenless Zone Zero (MiHoYo, 2024)16:57 GOOF: Illusion of Gaia (Quintet, 1994)27:47 Feature Game: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware, 2024)SHOUT50:14 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)52:14 Mark: Rogue Prince of Persia (Evil Empire)

Whether The Lost Crown is your first Prince of Persia (as it is for Caitlin) or not (as it is for Mark), it's undeniably an influential series of platformers with combat sequences. We'll see how well this latest offering fares. Plus, Mark kind of sort of not really tries Final Fantasy XIV! Maybe. Almost.What We're Playing01:21 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024)09:02 Mark: Vanquish (Platinum, 2010)18:39 GOOF: ActRaiser (Quintet, 1991)31:09 Feature Game: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Ubisoft, 2024)SHOUT51:42 Caitlin: Timespinner 2: Unwoven Dream (Lunar Ray)52:30 Mark: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments)

Survival game Pacific Drive has crafting and personality, but we'll see whether that's a marriage that works, especially given the scant guidance you receive in navigating its world. Conversely, Pokémon Ranger offers far too much guidance for its own good.What We're Playing01:02 Mark: Fight'n Rage (sebagamesdev, 2017)08:09 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024)19:23 GOOF: Pokémon Ranger (HAL Laboratory, 2006)29:08 Feature Game: Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios, 2024)SHOUT52:03 Caitlin: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Nintendo)54:00 Mark: Caves of Qud (Freehold)

It is pretty depressing that Tango Gameworks' reward for the ebullient and excellent Hi-Fi Rush was closure, but we get our own closure by eulogizing their work. There's also much discussion of action RPGs this week, assuming a broad enough definition.What We're Playing01:02 Mark: Tales of Arise (Bandai Namco, 2021)08:09 Caitlin: Diablo IV (Blizzard, 2023)12:54 GOOF: Legacy of the Wizard (Nihon Falcom, 1989)24:28 Feature Game: Hi-Fi Rush (Tango Gameworks, 2023)SHOUT48:27 Caitlin: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred (Blizzard)49:53 Mark: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (From Software)

We shot them up last week, and this week we are beating them up. One wonders what them did to deserve all this violence, but we move on to more pressing questions--such as, what ground food is best? And, how many mechanisms is too much, and how many light years past that is Astral Ascent? NB: The name of that weird creature in Golden Axe and Altered Beast is a "chicken leg." What We're Playing00:55 Caitlin: Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead, 2024)06:00 Mark: Streets of Rage 4 (Dotemu, 2020)11:48 GOOF: Alien vs. Predator (Capcom, 1994)19:37 Feature Game: Astral Ascent (Hibernia Workshop, 2023)SHOUT53:52 Caitlin: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare)56:41 Mark: Metal Slug Tactics (SNK)

Mark is some sort of degenerate killjoy who doesn't like Tolkien much, but can Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor win him over regardless? Caitlin's death-march through all the Final Fantasy games continues, as does the mining of classic titles from the NES to fuel GOOF.What We're Playing01:04 Caitlin: Final Fantasy II (Square)07:26 Mark: Have a Nice Death (Magic Design Studios)12 :17 GOOF: Dragon Spirit: The New Legend (Namco)23 :53 Feature Game: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (Monolith)44:23 Spoilers begin50:04 Spoilers endSHOUT51:57 Caitlin: LEGO Horizon Adventures (Guerilla)53:39 Mark: Dreamcast Capcom VS SNK 2 in English and Terry Bogard in Street Fighter 6 (Capcom and kind of SNK)