Axe of the Blood God: USG's Official RPG Podcast

We're halfway through 2025 and if we were only judging years by the quality of their RPGs this would be a pretty good one! By every other metric; it sure is a year!This week Kat, Nadia, and Eric are recapping the RPG standouts of the year so far and predicting what hits we still have on the horizon!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Clair Obscur 100 Line Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering Monster Hunter Wilds PC optimization Elden Ring: Nightreign's longevity Kingdom Come Deliverance II Fantasy Life i Deltarune 3 + 4 Pokemon Legends Z-A A lot of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Discourse Timestamps: 9:04 - Main Topic - 2025 So Far 46:56 - 2025 RPGs to Watch Out For 1:01:16 - Random Encounters I dunno, it just blends into Random Encounter lately - The Tavern 1:20:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Abandoned Ship - [Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to duel!The Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set is here and the hosts have been ripping packs and building decks. Kat, Nadia, and Eric are joined by special guest Shivam Bhatt to dive into the deep cuts, the flavor, the art, and everything about this landmark moment in FF and MtG history.Also, it's me; I'm the FFXIII guy who knows what Fal'cie and L'cie are. It's honestly pretty straightforward.Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Fantasy Life i How fish give birth The Zelda Movie Eric's journey to Summer Games Fest The Expanse RPG Critical Role's move to crush Dungeons & Dragons Eric's phrase of the day! Timestamps: 5:40 - Main Topic - Magic: the Gathering Primer 42:56 - How to Get Into Magic 1:06:16 - Random Encounters 1:35:12 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Mhaura Selbina Voyager - [Final Fantasy Tribute Thanks] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Editor's Note: While we opted to cover this showcase, we would be remiss if we didn't once again highlight the ongoing Xbox boycott A Persona 4 remake! An Xbox handheld! Some actual RPGs! But no Fable? Kat and Nadia react to the Xbox Showcase and speculate on what's in store in 2026. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Timestamps: 0:10 - Xbox handheld reax 7:20 - Persona 4 Revival 10:39 - Clockwork Revolution 13:46 - Roundup: Animo, Fallout 76, and more 22:00 - Xbox's outlook in 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a Podcast Key Card™. To download the episode, an internet connection and enough free space in your Nintendo Switch 2 system memory or microSD Express card are required. Once the episode is downloaded, you're ready to play!Kat and Nadia recap their Switch 2 experience so far, what RPGs to look forward to in the Switch 2's future, and what was announced at Sony's State of Play and Summer Games Fest.Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Bravely Default HD Cyberpunk 2077 Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Link's Awakening Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering Pre-Release Timestamps: 7:12 - Main Topic - Switch 2 Impressions 40:16 - Random Encounters 43:44 - State of Play and Summer Games Fest Recap 1:04:48 - Nintendo Store 1:20:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Group (Meal) - [Yu-No] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FromSoftware's multiplayer Elden Ring experience is here and we're here to figure out exactly what it even is. Kat, Nadia, Eric, and special guest Mitchell Saltzman discuss this divisive new addition to Elden Ring and more on this week's Axe of the Blood God!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com In this episode: Persona 4 remake seemingly confirmed by the OG voice cast? Switch 2 game key cards woes EA abandoning RPGs Mario Kart FOMO Summer Games Fest predictions A power drill down the pants Timestamps: 6:50 - Main Topic - Elden Ring: Nightreign 47:16 - Random Encounters 1:13:36 - SGF Predictions 1:25:12 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Rememberance - [Vagrant Story] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nintendo Switch™ Family of Video Gaming Entertainment Consoles is dead. Long live the Nintendo Switch 2™ Family of Video Gaming Entertainment Consoles.Kat, Nadia, and Eric deliver the final judgement on the Switch's contributions to the RPG landscape. From Pokemon's bumpy road to Fire Emblem's revival to Square's blunderbuss, it's all here in this satisfyingly clickable episode of Axe of the Blood God!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com In this episode: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Octopath Traveler/2 Pokemon's Switch Legacy Animal Crossing: New Horizons Xenoblade Chronicles X Timestamps: 5:50 - Main Topic - Switch RPG Quest: Definitive Edition 1:00:56 - Random Encounters 1:11:04 - The Tavern - Fantasy Life 1:22:16 - Xenoblade Chronicles X Final Thoughts 1:31:20 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Your Voice - [Xenoblade Chronicles X] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're getting 'Norted! And you're getting 'Norted! And YOU'RE getting 'Norted!Xakt, Dianxa, Ixerc, and special guest Kexim are here to discuss the old adage; "When Nomura closes one door, he opens another with a very large key"Missing Link's cancellation and Kingdom Hearts IV's new screenshots have stirred up conversation and Giant Bomb's own KH expert Mike Minotti is here to tell us all about itTune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Justice for 358/2 Days Nintendo Store San Fransisco Bravely Default HD Do serial killers like Aerosmith? Timestamps: 10:08 - Main Topic - What is the future of Kingdom Hearts? 47:20 - Random Encounters 49:12 - Final Fantasy x Magic the Gathering 1:04:48 - Nintendo Store 1:25:00 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Dearly Beloved (Swing Ver.) - [Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The maps are mini but the discourse is maxi!Kat, Nadia, and Victor embrace their cartographical spirit this week as they discuss the pros and cons of the mini-map; Does EVERY game need them? Do NO games need them? At what point should you meet the game's systems where they are and adapt? Find out on this week's disorientingly good episode of Axe of the Blood God!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: LIVE reactions as the Final Fantasy x Magic: the Gathering cards are revealed! Sakura Wars 2 fan-translation Dokyusei Tokimeki Memorial ~forever with you~ Emotional Play Maddy Thorson's latest Super Mario World romhack, Masterpiece, with art by friend of the show, darcydee Miserable Canadian clowns Timestamps: 07:20 - Main Topic - Do RPGs need mini-maps? 40:44 - Random Encounters 45:20 - Final Fantasy x Magic the Gathering Reactions 1:02:08 - The Tavern: Sakura Wars 2, Dokyusei, Tokimeki Memorial 1:20:20 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Continuation of the Dream - [Sakura Wars 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rent is too damn high!Hey, it's rough out there. But as development costs climb, retail prices skyrocket, and the institutional knowledge of decades of journalism slips out from under us due to corporate greed, Kat, Nadia, and Eric are at least here to explain what this means for the future of RPGs!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Gameification of Disney World Chrono Trigger remake - PSYCH! Fandom is the worst website in the world Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 impressions update! Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering hype Timestamps: 05:50 - Main Topic - What to do about expensive video games 52:08 - Random Encounters 55:24 - Polygon and Giant Bomb's collapse 1:10:28 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 update 1:30:16 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Enjoyment Theme - [Sakura Wars 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sacre Bleu! Incroyable! Tabarnak! We get to say all these words and more on this week's episode of Axe of the Blood God, which is about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Special guest Kenneth Shepard joins Kat, Nadia, and Eric (they're together again!) on this quest to ask this Paintress lady what her whole deal is. Also in this episode:  Stop right there, criminal scum! Suddenly, Oblivion Remastered. Breath of Fire 4 is on PC! What does this portend? The Gang Pre-Orders the Switch 2 The Hundred Line is just what the Danganronpa sicko ordered. We drive a carpool directly into a dancing baby. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro/Housekeeping 03:00 - Main Topic (Clair Obscur review) 50:15 - Random Encounters 1:00:04 - The Tavern 1:39:38 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music used in this episode: Do Your Best! (Breath of Fire III) Patty's Pub (Dragon Quest XI) A Curious Tale (Secret of Mana) Je Suis Fatigue (Tom Cardy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Eric, Nadia, and special guest Lucas White won't find out in the Lunar: Remastered Collection but they'll sure discuss localization choices like it. Find out if the new re-release does justice to these cult classics of the 32-bit era. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Updates on the Switch 2 pre-orders SaGa x Vampire Survivors for the sickos Eric's Sunderfolk review Why Pokemon cards are BANNED Timestamps: 09:08 - Main Topic - Switch 2 Hands-on Impressions 52:08 - Random Encounters 56:08 - The Tavern - Switch 2, SaGa x Vampire Survivors, Sunderfolk 1:35:24 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Adventure Road - [Lunar 2 - Eternal Blue] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am the Black Mage! I casts the spells that makes the peoples fall down! Time to put on your robe and wizard hat; we're talkin' Black Mages! From Vivi to Donald Duck, all your favourite magic missile-slingers are here and ready to nuke Eric, Nadia, and special guest Timothy Monbleau! Special Thanks to Edwyn "Omahdon" Tiong, voice of Black Mage. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch by Nina Matsumoto at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Final Fantasy XIII re-examined?! Blue Prince Impressions Amagami mentioned Everyone's Donald Duck impressions Timestamps: 04:00 - Main Topic - Switch 2 Hands-on Impressions 1:04:40 - Random Encounters 1:05:56 - The Tavern - Final Fantasy XIII and Blue Prince 1:31:41 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Mystic Mysidia - [Final Fantasy IV: Celtic Moon] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should've called it the Swiitch. Kat, Nadia, Eric, and special guest Brian Shea tell you everything you need to know about the Nintendo Direct Switch 2 announcements plus Brian's hands-on experience at the recent press event. There's a slew of RPGs of all stars and stripes heading for the console. Whether you'll be able to get your little hands on them without selling a body part or two remains to be seen. But at least we can talk about them for free! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch by Nina Matsumoto at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Mario Kart Worlds Donkey Kong Bananza Bring back Mario Paint Dark Pictionary Timestamps: 04:00 - Main Topic - Switch 2 Hands-on Impressions 1:03:12 - Random Encounters 1:05:16 - The Tavern - Switch 2's RPG Line-up 1:40:40 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Romantic Vagrant - [Bravely Default: Flying Fairy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast of mine glows with an awesome power! Its hot takes tell me to treat you! TAKE THIS! My love, my anger, and ALL my opinions! Super Robot Wars is joined by some other games also announced in the opening left hook of the Nintendo Direct one-two punch combo. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch by Nina Matsumoto at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: What games do we want to see "Switch 2 Versions" of? The bizarre development behind Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 How to get a pet in Night City Pokemon TCG Pocket Update Don't smoke Timestamps: 06:20 - Main Topic - Nintendo Direct 58:40 - Random Encounters 1:08:16 - Pillars of Eternity Anniversary 1:15:46 - The Tavern - Cyberpunk and Pokemon TCG Pocket 1:40:40 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] The Lazy Detective Agency - [Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living here in New LA, fighting villains from afar. You got to find first gear in your giant robot car. The Xenoblade saga on Switch is now complete with the inclusion of Xenoblade Chronicles X (Xenoblade Cross if you're nasty). But it's been 10 years since the original release on WiiU; has it aged well? The very idea of video games "aging well" is a concept invented by tech-capitalists so don't ask me that. Instead ask "How much of the current open-world RPG landscape do we owe to it, do the gameplay elements designed for the WiiU transpose to the Switch well, and exactly how fantastic a game is it?" All these questions and more will be answered by Kat, Nadia, Eric, and Victor on this interstellar episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch by Nina Matsumoto at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Tuning the skill floor of the player vs the encounter Kat's many adventures at GDC Palworld's still at it What we want out of a Persona 4 remake Timestamps: 08:00 - Main Topic - Xenoblade Chronicles X 53:50 - Random Encounters 1:01:54 - Tavern - GDC 1:32:30 - Persona 4 Remake Wishes 1:40:40 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Your Voice - [Xenoblade Chronicles X] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The only two good things to come out economic recession. Eric, Nadia, and special guest Lucas White are here to give the long-running, cult-classic Atelier series it's flowers. But can the latest entry, Yumia, hang with the Ryzas and the Maries and the Irises and the Eschas and the Logys? Listen up to find out! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Should you play Final Fantasy XIV constantly? The cultural importance of The Problems Clown Wizardry Variants Daphne Nadia rolls credits on Monster Hunter Wilds New merch by Nina Matsumoto available now at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Timestamps: 08:00 - Main Topic - What is Atelier? 49:32 - Random Encounters 52:32 - Tavern 1:19:28 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Reminiscent Hill - [Atelier Ayesha] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oscar season has passed but the stars are still out; all 108 of them! Kat, Nadia, and Eric are joined by a special guest who literally wrote the book on Suikoden; Aidan Moher! They discuss the ups and downs of the recently released remaster and whether they are the versions of Suikoden you should play! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Other Suikoden news of varying quality! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Adult Swim memories Timestamps: 10:24 - Main Topic - Suikoden I&II HD Remaster 51:12 - Random Encounters 1:08:00 - The Tavern - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 1:32:16 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] A Bustling Town - [Suikoden II] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wanna feel old? Well don't! You're only 10 years older than you were when Axe of the Blood God started and if you placed the entirety of your life so far in Carl Sagan's cosmic calendar you would exist as a mere blip in the final second of the final day. But there's never been a better blip to exist in than this one if you're really into RPGs! So join Kat, Nadia, Eric, and Victor as they discuss what they believe to be the finest RPGs the last 10 years had to offer. Whether you're a new listener or you've been with us since the beginning, thank you for your support. Here's to 10 more bloody years! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Pokemon Direct update! A very special appearance by Ben Starr New merch by Nina Matsumoto available now at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Timestamps: 06:20 - Main Topic - Top 10 RPGs of the Past Ten Years 1:42:52 - Random Encounters 1:57:46 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Matoya's Cave (Airship Cruise Beats Version) - [Square Enix Airship Cruise Beats] *SPOILERS* THE FINAL LIST: 10- Octopath Traveler II 9- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 8- Persona 5 7- Fire Emblem: Three Houses 6- NieR: Automata 5- Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers 4- Elden Ring 3- Undertale 2- Baldur's Gate III 1- Disco Elysium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's just another MonHun Monday! Bring your Cool Drinks to survive the Hot Takes in our review of Monster Hunter Wilds. Will this be the entry that makes MonHun skeptics take the leap? Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss this Elder Dragon-sized game! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering Remembering 10 Years of Blood God Why are we not excited about new Avatar? NetEase layoffs Lunchboxes! Timestamps: 05:20 - Main Topic - Monster Hunter Wilds Review 40:52 - Random Encounters - 10 Years of Blood God 59:12 - The Tavern - Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering 1:17:52 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] The Village of Wind and Meadow - [Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Obsidian's new covert entry in the Pillars of Eternity world is out now; but is it just a Skyrim-like? I don't mind telling you upfront; no. But what IS it, I hear you screaming? Kat, Nadia, Eric, and special guest John Carson are here to tell you! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: The February Cornucopia of RPGs Pokemon TCG Pocket update! The State of Magic: The Gathering *hacker voice* I'm in Timestamps: 05:04 - Main Topic - Avowed 43:02 - Random Encounters 1:00:48 - Magic: The Gathering 1:12:46 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] South Town Guitarist ~ Summer - [Tokimeki Memorial 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The only thing orthodox about this episode of Axe of the Blood God is the allusions the Catholicism! Eric is joined by special guest Leana Hafer to talk RPG news and they're both joined by other special-guest Jason Fanelli and other other special guest Nadia Oxford to dig into one of the biggest RPGs of 2025 so far; Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Mechabellum Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter feat. Victor's Mini-Dropouts Civilization VII Eric's Final Fantasy XII update Video games are water Timestamps: 07:12 - Main Topic - Kingdom Come: Deliverance II 56:26 - Random Encounters 1:23:08 - The Tavern 1:44:28 - Leana's Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Chaotic Bar - [Phantasy Star Online ] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is once again Letter Tiiiiiiime. Kat, Nadia, and Eric answer YOUR burning questions like: What are some big freaky guys? If you'd like a chance to have your letters read on a future episode join us over on the discord! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: The future of BioWare after layoffs How to handle spoilers and learn to appreciate the journey Final thoughts on Persona 3 Reload Getting very bad grades Timestamps: 04:22 - What Will Major Franchises Look Like When The Creators Are Gone? 12:48 - What Cybernetic Parts/Tattoos Do You Want? 19:36 - How Do You Pick A Game Back Up? 26:24 - Will We See A World With Shorter RPGs? 34:08 - Newsletter Wishlist 39:44 - Freaky Big Guys 44:28 - Should We Bring Back Fixed Camera Angles/Pre-rendered Backgrounds? 48:24 - What Folklore and Myth Would You Like To See Explored? 52:24 - Plans For More Audio Commentaries? 58:40 - Random Encounters 1:03:24 - The Tavern 1:20:16 - This Week In Gekkoukan 1:30:40 - Citizen Sleeper 2 1:27:44 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Here She Comes - [Xenosaga Episode II] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If it is then Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is looking like The Birth of Venus. Why did turn-based RPGs ever fall out of vogue? Did they ever? Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss the mainstream resurgence of the turn-based RPG and wether we might be seeing even more on the horizon. All that and more on this menu-based episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Post-Mortem Dynasty Warriors: Origins Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana The Fast And The Furious is the Yakuza of movies Timestamps: 05:50 - Main Topic - Are We In A Turn-Based Renaissance? 46:20 - Random Encounters 49:24 - The Tavern 1:27:44 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Spumoni - Franca's Cafe - [Phantasy Star Online 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Switch 2 is here! Well, it's THERE. Somewhere. But now we know that when it gets HERE it will look like that! And sometimes that's all you can ask for in this crazy world. Join Kat, Nadia, Eric, and Good Vibe's Gaming's Jon Cartwright as they discuss everything we know and everything we DON'T know about Nintendo's new console. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Remembering David Lynch's monumental influence on gaming The dark side of Mario Paint Kat's Final Fantasy XIV Progress report! Timestamps: 04:16 - Main Topic - SWITCH 2 REVEALED 59:44 - Random Encounters 1:36:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Audrey's Dance - [Twin Peaks] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If everything is an RPG then nothing is an RPG. Nadia, Eric, and special guest Reb Valentine are here to discuss the RPG-ification of games over the past decade and change; what does it mean to adopt RPG-like mechanics? When are systems metaphor for player action and when are they a means to pad out a progression loop for commercial value? Are either of those things better than the other? All this philosophy and more, Horatio, on this episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Harvest Moon Memories Our holiday gaming sessions BIG GAMES COMING TO SWITCH 2 Nine Sols What's wrong with game awards categories Final Fantasy XII is a really good video game Snakes & Ladders Timestamps: 05:50 - Main Topic - Why Is Every Game An RPG Now? 1:03:32 - Random Encounters 1:08:04 - The Tavern 1:45:20 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Lilycove City - [Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a new year, and that means a whole lot more RPGs are on the way to ruin our backlogs and occupy our time. Kat, Nadia, and Eric gather together to talk about all the big hits you should look out for, as well as: What's Nintendo going to do in 2025? Who drew Persian like that? The Blood God buys the super-expensive Terra statue? Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - The 2025 RPG Preview Music used in this episode: The AOTBG Intro Theme Sophisticated Fight [The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blood God hosts are taking a quick holiday break so as a treat we're pulling a classic episode of Pantheon of the Blood God out from behind the paywall! Listen to this deep-dive into Dragon Quest Builders 2 and if you like what you hear subscribe at the $10 tier to access the entire back catalogue of Pantheon of the Blood God. Or better yet, give the gift of the Blood God this holiday season with Patreon's new subscription gifting feature. Regular episodes will be back soon but until then enjoy this classic: Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an action RPG that's literally about building yourself up from scratch. You cook the food that sustains you. You build the forges that fire your swords. Heck, you want to sleep in an Inn? Build it yourself, lazybones. And when you do, it just feels so good. Minecraft's blood runs thick through Dragon Quest Builders 2, but Square Enix's game adds so much more to Mojang's classic block-building phenomenon. At least that's what Nadia says. But is it Pantheon worthy? That's what Eric and Nadia are here to discuss alongside two very prominent Builders with beautiful voices: Jon Cartwright and Brandon Jones!  Topics of Discussion: The joys of building affronts to God Malroth Rulez #1 Are these Bri'ish accents actually any good? Eric builds one big toilet for his villagers and forces them all to go at the same time Tom Nook blows goats, I have proof. Music Used in Episode: The Dragon Quest Theme (Dragon Quest Builders 2) Cave Theme (Dragon Quest Builders 2) Bustling City (Dragon Quest Builders 2) Gateway (Mega Man X8) Village Theme: Khrumble Dun (Dragon Quest Builders 2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The appointed time is upon us. You've waited all year to hear the Axe of the Blood God's best RPG picks for 2024 (er, right?) and we're ready to dish. Nadia, Kat, and Eric hash out the winners in this extra thicc episode. Several categories are up for discussion beyond "Best RPG of 2024," such as this year's best character performance, this year's best visuals, and, uh, this year's best "freaky little guy." To listen is to understand, so shove this episode into your ear-holes, and we'll see you in 2025. Thanks for your continued support! Also in this episode 2024's biggest RPG news stories Our holiday plans (spoilers, we're all putting down roots for two weeks)  TEETH TEETH TEETH Jingle Bells, Santa smells [like sulphur]  Timestamps 00:00 - Intro   05:10 - RPG Awards 1:36:42 - Random Encounters 1:38:27 - The Tavern 1:56:50 - Nostalgia Pit Music used in this episode Don't Cry, Baby [Ragnarok Online] Jenova Lifeclinger [Final Fantasy VII Rebirth] Game Opening [Metaphor] Heismay's Awakening [Metaphor] Faring in the Ocean [Steamworld Heist 2] No Promises to Keep [Final Fantasy VII Rebirth] Warriors of Valor [Metaphor] The Promised Consort [Shadow of the Erdtree] Brush Your Teeth [Raffi] Campanella Stage 1 [UFO 50] Adventure [Dragon Quest III 2DHD] Mass Destruction [Persona 3 Reload] Hero's Awakening [Metaphor] Do Your Best! [Breath of Fire III] Patty's Pub [Dragon Quest IX] Ding Fries are Done [Peter Griffin] Welcome, My Lord [Ragnarok Online] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is done. Geoff Keighley descended from Gamer Mountain with the results of 2024's Game Awards scrawled onto two stone tablets. (Brought to you by Mountain Dew.) Kat, Eric, and Nadia understandably have opinions about the games that were snubbed, and the games that received recognition. How about you? Do you agree with Geoff's decrees? Are you with us? Or against us? Listen to this episode and use your heart to decide. And make sure to have a hard think about overlooked gems this year while we talk about our own "hidden" favourites. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and Discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode Intergalactic planetary, planetary Intergalactic Give Steam World Heist 2 its due Siri has opinions about Witcher 4's Ciri Eric's cat has opinions about everything Sweet Valley Twins fans rise up Time stamps 00:00 - Intro 08:30 - Main topic: The 2024 Game Awards 47:21 - Random Encounters 52:27 - The Tavern: Overlooked RPG Gems for 2024 1:19:52 - The Nostalgia Nook Music used in this episode Battle Theme [Metaphor: Refantazio] Do Your Best! [Breath of Fire III] It's a Sin [Pet Shop Boys] Paddy's Pub [Dragon Quest IX] A Curious Tale [Secret of Mana] Faring in the Ocean [Steam Powered Giraffe] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pour yourself a delicious bowl of proprietary memory cards and fire up an unskippable cutscene; we're talking all about what 30 years of Playstation has meant for RPGs! Are we in a better timeline than the one where Square stuck with Nintendo? Find out on this week's episode! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Pokemon TCG Pocket Update! What's happening with Elden Ring 2? Path of Exile 2 Fantasian: Neo Dimension is here! Timestamps: 01:44 - Main Topic - How Playstation Shaped RPG History 54:08 - Random Encounters 1:01:16 - The Tavern 1:28:24 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] A Good Beating - [Fantasian] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blood God hosts are taking a quick holiday break so as a treat we're pulling a classic episode of Pantheon of the Blood God out from behind the paywall! Listen to this deep-dive into Lunar: Silver Star Story and if you like what you hear subscribe at the $10 tier to access the entire back catalogue of Pantheon of the Blood God. Or better yet, give the gift of the Blood God this holiday season with Patreon's new subscription gifting feature. Regular episodes will be back soon, including our year-end lists, but until then enjoy this classic: For the March 2023 edition of the Pantheon of the Blood God, Kat, Nadia, and Eric are joined by Anthony John Agnello and Aidan Moher for Lunar: The Silver Star Story! Their increasingly unhinged conversation covers the following: The story of Working Designs Luna's Boat Song SHADOW MADNESS And much, much more! Then the verdict: Is Lunar: Silver Star Story worthy of the Pantheon of the Blood God? Listen in and find out! As always, a huge thanks to our $10 and up Patrons for all your support! Every month we pick a new RPG for Pantheon contention, which is voted on by the Blood God community at large. Next up: Super Mario RPG! Join the Discord to discuss the episode, and to follow our Monthly Game Club discussions! Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction 05:00 - Hosts' history with the Lunar series 24:20 - Lunar's development history 57:29 - Critical reception 1:16:20 - Does Lunar deserve to be in the Pantheon? 1:43:20 - The Verdict 1:56:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I hope you don't mind missables because there's no perfect route through this episode; it's time for Romancing SaGa! Kat, Nadia, and Eric are enlightened by special guest Lucas White's SaGa knowledge as they discuss both of this year's SaGa entries: Emerald Beyond and Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Who got snubbed in the Keighleys? Is Sony going to ruin anime forever? What is Obsidian cooking with Avowed? Final Fantasy XIV Update! Timestamps: 07:44 - Main Topic - Romancing SaGa Primer 41:22 - Random Encounters 45:24 - The Tavern 1:28:24 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Battle - [Romancing SaGa 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Canadian kid's game show "UH-OH" character Punisher once said; IT'S SLIME TIME. Kat, Nadia, Eric, and special guest Cam Hawkins discuss the newest DQ from SE. Is the HD-2D remake of Famicom classic Dragon Quest III the definitive version? Is it a good jumping off point for new players of the series? Did you know it's actually Dragon Quest VI in Japan? All this and more in this episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Pokemon TCG Pocket update! A whole lotta Falcom talk for the Ys and Trails/Kiseki-heads Eric's Dragon Age: The Veilguard update Nadia teaches us how to swear Victor finally picks a theme song for The Tavern Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic - Dragon Quest III HD-2D 37:22 - Random Encounters 47:04 - The Tavern 1:35:44 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Boktai DS] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Village - [Dragon Quest III] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, it's a bit bonkers out there! Why not retreat for a moment into the human race's oldest form of escapism; video games! Games like Stardew Valley are no-brainers but you may be surprised what kinds of games our panel takes comfort in when it feels like the world is burning down around them. All this and more on this week's Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Mario and Luigi: Brothership Mass Effect! Now for TV! Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket Star Trek beef Kat's Persona 3 update! Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic - Cozy RPGs 44:40 - Random Encounters 1:01:36 - The Tavern 1:35:44 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Town Theme - [Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone look under your chair and put on your custom "Kiss the Rook" aprons I've made for you because it's time to dig into another of the massive RPGs of the year -- Dragon Age: The Veilguard! From character creation to romance, from classes to dungeon design, the writing and the role-playing, the good and the bad; Kat, Nadia, Eric, and special guest Leana Hafer cover it all on this very special episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Xenoblade Chronicles X is back! Dragon Quest III HD-2D Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket Monster Hunter Wilds Timestamps: 07:12 - Main Topic - Dragon Age: The Veilguard 1:06:40 - Random Encounters 1:11:12 - The Tavern 1:40:00 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Leliana's Dance - [Dragon Age: Origins] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a dragon's age since we've had a new Dragon Age but the time has finally arrived. Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss the entire series, its influences, its impact, and more as we get closer to the launch of Veilguard! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Monster Hunter Wilds Beta The retro collecting rabbit hole You all need to save the Saturn talk for a Victor episode More Emio: The Smiling Man! Halloween stories Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic 1:06:40 - Random Encounters 1:13:20 - The Tavern 1:34:24 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BAT! Join Kat, Nadia, and your old pal from the edit bay Victor Hunter as they discuss the hottest (and sometimes the most mechanically interesting) characters in RPGs; the dhampir! They're not JUST for bisexuals! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Come play FFXI with us Astar, a robot from Planet Danger More Metaphor! Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic 1:14:00 - Random Encounters 1:18:16 - The Tavern 1:31:20 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Solar Boy Django - [Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to Fantazio. Again! Kat, Nadia, and Eric, are joined by IGN's Michael Higham to discuss the biggest RPG release of October, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Take a shot every time someone mention's Persona, or for the full effect take a shot every time someone doesn't mention SMT. All that plus leaks, anime recommendations, passionate pleas from Nadia to end the console wars, and more on this week's jam-packed episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: The Game Freak hack Waypoint's corpse Before Your Eyes Persona 3 Update! Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Timestamps: 04:16 - Main Topic 1:03:28 - Random Encounters 1:15:44 - The Tavern - Waypoint 1:53:56 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Cinematic Tale - [Persona Q2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unionizations, lay-offs, tragic passings! It's been A Year! Eric, Nadia, and special guest Jesse Vitelli discuss the biggest headlines of the year and take a look at the latest Legend of Zelda! It's an episode of tonal whiplash and fond reminiscence! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games were fun! Mrs. Incredible. I'll say she is. Subscribe to Jesse's newsletter: Send News Dragon Quest at the centre of the culture war Cadet Kelly Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic 1:03:56 - Random Encounters 1:09:58 - The Tavern - Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 1:33:52 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Skull Pirates - [Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's extra beefy episode of Axe of the Blood God, we welcome special guest Jason Schreier and talk about his upcoming book, Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment. Tune in for a preview that brings context to some of Blizzard's biggest successes, mishaps, and controversies, including its campus culture, the sexual harassment lawsuit leveled against it, and the infamous Cosby Suite.  Also in this episode: First impressions of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Gosh, the PS5 Pro sure exists Nintendo! Put a GBA game slot on Switch 2, you cowards! See a horse? Download a horse How Nadia lost her pocket money to rigged potato chip giveaways Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro/Main topic [Blizzard] 52:34 - Random Encounters 1:18:50 - The Tavern 1:29:07 - Further Blizzard Discussion: The Cosby Suite 1:54:24 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music used in this episode:  Do your Best! [Breath of Fire III] Patty's Pub [Dragon Quest XI] A Curious Tale [Secret of Mana] Battle Theme [Metaphor: ReFantazio] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, you see these are uh... Pocket Buddies! And we don't catch'em. We seal'em! In uh, Pocket Orbs! Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss Nintendo's suit against the creators of Palworld and what this means for patents and Pokemon-esque projects going forward. Plus, the crew has been playing some Dragon Age Veilguard! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: The appeal of fine Pokemon china You'll never guess where these Pirate Yakuza are! UFO50 Final Fantasy VII Orchestra Timestamps: 03:12 - Main Topic 36:36 - Random Encounters 44:18 - The Tavern - Dragon Age 1:31:07 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Virbank City - [Pokemon Black and White 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And it doesn't even have a new Ridge Racer. Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss the PS5 Pro, it's fascinating price point, Astrobot, Sony's future, and more on this week's episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Emio: The Smiling Man Where are there squirrels? Praise Bahamut! A Baldur's Gate III Co-op update! When did YOUR eyesight start going, listener? Timestamps: 04:56 - Main Topic - PS5 Pro 40:32 - Random Encounters 44:32 - The Tavern 1:17:04 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Jungle - [PlayOnline Viewer] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 2006's Dawn of Mana (a totally fun game, don't let anyone tell you otherwise) we have a new mainline entry in the storied Seiken Densetsu series. Does Visions of Mana prove that the mana tree still has plenty of good years left in'er, or is the vision getting blurry? Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss this colourful action RPG and more on this episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Witch Hat Atelier Bring back Slayers! More Final Fantasy VI discussion Everyone definitely agrees Legend of Mana is the best Timestamps: 03:12 - Main Topic - Visions of Mana 39:08 - Random Encounters 43:12 - The Tavern 1:16:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook - CONTENT WARNING 1:22:24 - End of Content Warning Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Cliff Town Gato - [Legend of Mana] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brr. Can you feel the chill in the air? Maybe you can, maybe you can't. The weather's been really screwy this summer. This week, the Blood God crew wades hip-deep into 2024's fall RPG season to evaluate what's coming, and to take a guess at which games look likeliest to bogart all their attention through September and October. Will it be the mystical Metaphor ReFantazio? The utterly charming Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom? Or perhaps the beleaguered Dragon Age Veilguard will dominate the autumn season. Listen in and shout your own choices at your audio output device. Or tune into the show live next time at twitch.tv/bloodgodpod. We show up every Saturday at 9:30 PT /12:30 ET. Also in this episode: Nadia is back, but RIP to her luggage Visions of Mana early impressions Our "canon event" games This is Tenchiverse and that "cabbit" did indeed turn into a spaceship Timestamps 00:00 - Main topic: Fall RPG Preview 55:28 - Random Encounters 1:12:13 - The Tavern 1:30:27 - Nostalgia Nook Music used in this episode Do Your Best! [Breath of Fire 3] Patty's Pub [Dragon Quest IX] A Curious Tale [Secret of Mana] Scream [Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode Kat, Eric, and special guest Brian Shea discuss all the news out of Gamescom! Does Xbox still need a Mario? What is happening with Blizzard? All these questions and more will be answered in this week's episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Kat is invaded by turkeys Role-playing with sports games More Game Informer memories! Timestamps: 05:52 - Gamescom Announcements 52:48 - Random Encounters + Wukong 1:10:48 - The Tavern Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Mog Resort - [Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode Kat, Eric, Nadia and special guest Matt McMuscles discuss the history of beat'em ups, RPGs, and where the twain shall meet! What is the first RPG beat'em up crossover? What even IS Yakuza? How does George Kamitani tie it all together? All these questions and more will be answered in this week's very special Trans Lifeline Charity Livestream episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Tales of! The Bouncer! Legend of Mana! Shenmue! All of Victor's favs are here! Timestamps: 00:00 - Main Topic 50:28 - Random Encounters 52:16 - The Tavern 1:26:08 - Nadia's Nostalgia Pit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode Kat, Eric, and special guest Alex Van Aken discuss the current landscape of soulsbornes, the future of soulsbornes, what makes a soulsborne a soulsborne, and please can we call it something else so I can stop saying soulsborne. And no one talks about Code Vein and Stranger of Paradise enough. Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Black Myth: Wukong Kaiju No 8 D23 2XKO Timestamps: 14:23 - State of Soulsbornes 59:56 - Random Encounters 103:49 - The Tavern 1:36:38 - Alex's Game Informer Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Pirates of Pravoka - [Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode Kat, Eric, and special guests Saniya Ahmed and Nicole Carpenter discuss recent layoffs in both journalism and development. How will Bungie's layoffs change the future of Destiny? Does Destiny HAVE a future? Should it? All these question and more will be answered in this week's Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Kat has nice things to say about Final Fantasy XIV Fast AND Furious? In this economy? Gathering the Magic Arranger Timestamps: 05:04 - Game Informer Layoffs 20:00 - Bungie Layoffs 50:56 - Random Encounters 58:40 - The Tavern 1:19:28 - Eric's Nostalgia Pit Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] rtown0 (Δ Server Aqua Capital Mac Anu) - [.hack//INFECTION] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Summer o' Summoners on Axe of the Blood God! We're celebrating summoners, extoling evokers, and commemorating callers! But first we have to decide who qualifies? Are Pokemon Trainers summoners? Is Ichiban a summoner? Is listening to a podcast not a kind of summoning? That's right, as far as I'm concerned YOU'RE my favourite summoner, dear listener. All this and more on this week's Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Unionization and strikes! Courage the Cowardly Dog Eric watches terrible TV Twisters! Timestamps: 13:20 - Main Topic - Our RPG Backlogs 53:52 - Random Encounters 56:32 - The Tavern 1:19:28 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Keepers of the Void - [Final Fantasy Brave Exvius] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, it's a long-overdue look at the colossal Trails series! Kat, Nadia, and Eric are joined by Trails expert James Galizio to discuss the latest entry to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary; Trails Through Daybreak. How do you get into a series with a dozen entries in the same narrative? Is Daybreak a good place to jump in? What's the best game in the series? Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: MAHVEL Trading military secrets Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Visual novels and ADV games are different things! Tsukihime is, in fact, a visual novel. Hijinks! Timestamps: 13:20 - Main Topic - Our RPG Backlogs 40:06 - Random Encounters 49:54 - The Tavern 1:21:02 - Nadia's BIRTHDAY Nook?! Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Birthday - [Monster Rancher 2] Daily Life - [Trails Through Daybreak] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all got one. Some are bigger than others but we can all agree that we can't get enough of'em. No, not opinions. I'm talking backlogs! Whether it's a real life shelf with a copy of Shadow Hearts you borrowed from your friend 7 years ago and can't quite bring yourself to play but also don't want to give back, or your digital shelf full of game titles you've never even heard of, we've all got games we swear we'll get around to someday. Kat, Nadia, and Victor discuss some of their biggest blind spots and more on this episode of Axe of the Blood God! Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod and subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod Also in this episode: Kat is still working on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Megami Tensei novels in English for the first time Nadia has finished Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Please go play Curse Crackers Timestamps: 13:20 - Main Topic - Our RPG Backlogs 57:20 - Random Encounters 1:07:40 - The Tavern 1:29:42 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Carnival Subarea - [Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices