Branching Path Podcast

John hosts his first episode, and he asks Kyle some ball-crushingly hard video game trivia questions. He also waxes poetic about some game called Wizardry for PS2 while Kyle quietly shakes his head (you can hear it if you listen closely!)

Branching Path Podcast listeners, come on down! Kyle tries to stump John with 23 of the hardest (testicle) hitting video game trivia questions he could come up with. Will John embarrass himself and reveal to everyone he isn't even a "Real Gamer (TM)"? (They also talk about games they've been playing for the first 30 minutes or so - but don't skip that and go right to the trivia. Please.)

John and Kyle have a wide-ranging discussion about a bunch of different games they've been playing over the past few months, like Pokémon Scarlet, God of War Ragnarok, Ys (Falcom), Vampire Survivors, Stellaris, and Chained Echoes. They have lots of games to recommend! And others to not!

John and Kyle give their hot takes on AI, AI art, and the Mick Gordon/Marty Stratton controversy at id Software over Doom Eternal's music and OST release. It's a heavy one, folks. Strap in.

John and Kyle talk about some of their favorite horror games this Hallowe'en, and examine what aspects of the horror genre they most appreciate and look for in a "horror" game. Kyle also talks about his recent sessions with "Scorned" and "Grounded" - two very, very different games that spooked him in different ways.

John and Kyle went full-bore on Terraria for the past couple of weeks - and they loved it!... mostly. John laments the limits of his turtle build, Kyle loves minion builds, and they both complain about the pillars (and the Moon Lord). Also, The Final Fantasy VII Extended Universe sees it's first death in the family, and God of War: Ragnarok approaches!

John and Kyle discuss video game compulsion, unhealthy relationships to virtual worlds, and what it's like to unplug... for the last time? They also dance around the uncomfortable topic of their official playtime. Because they're ashamed.

John and Kyle talk about their evolving, complicated relationship with Elden Ring (and maybe with Souls games in general?). Then, time for a nostalgic look-back at the PSX-era Final Fantasies - Kyle has strong opinions about FF8, and he's playing FF9 right now.

We kept you waiting for 2 whole months, but it's finally happening (queue Rand Paul meme). John and Kyle give you their unabridged Elden Ring thoughts. Though they both liked it a lot, in keeping with tradition they also have lots of nit-picks and gripes. Get out your bingo cards for such classics as, "F**k that sh!t", "dude that's the worst", and "generic compliment followed by a massive BUT". Enjoy!

John listens to Kyle (mostly) gush about Pokémon Legends Arceus and his childhood Pokémon dreams. Last week's discussion about SoulsBorne games continues with John and Kyle's take on the invasion mechanic, which eventually turns into giddy excitement for Elden Ring.

John and Kyle twitch uncontrollably as they anticipate the release of Elden Ring. In preparation, they've been trying to recapture the SoulsBorne magic by revisiting some old favourites (Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3). Also, John might be a robot now.

John and Kyle discuss the timelessness of Super Mario RPG, Kyle's ongoing addiction and love/hate relationship with FFXIV, and the results of this years Game Awards Game of the Year category. Opinions abound! Watch where you step!

Listen to Kyle talk about his latest addiction, while John listens on in dismay. John has also been revisiting some of his old favourites (FF7, FF8, Chrono Cross) - do they hold up? And Halo Infinite came out (kinda)!

John and Kyle talk for a long, long time about a game they had high, high hopes for. Did they love it? Are their childhoods ruined? Is Cloud a sociopath now? Strap in for an in-mother-freaking-depth discussion about this game that made a big splash.... over a year ago.

John and Kyle reminisce about some of their favourite video game tracks (with some short snippets for you to listen to). They also discuss the recent roll-out of Nintendo's Online + Expansion Pack, Returnal's new features, Animal Crossing DLC, and a new game from Stardew Valley creator Concerned Ape!

John and Kyle chat about the new Metroid DREAD for Nintendo Switch, which Kyle has yet to play, and which John has opinions on. Kyle recants his steaming hot JRPG take from last podcast, and the duo talks about putting old video game demons to bed.

Kyle and John do a deep dive on a few games they've been playing lately, including Tales of Arise (Kyle's not impressed), Outer Wilds (Kyle is smitten), God of War 2018, Resident Evil 2 and more! They also discuss John's recent controversial donation to some sketchy medical research...

John and Kyle spend a long time talking about Persona 5, as well as the broader concept of missables in video games and the curse of video game completionism. Kyle talks Tales of Arise and F.I.S.T., and John and Kyle both react to the games announced at Sony's Playstation Showcase.

John and Kyle welcome special guest Jake who shares a last name with John! The three of them discuss some of their favourite games, game consoles, video game composers, and more! Listen as Kyle confronts Jake about a long past grievance.

John and Kyle spend 45 minutes picking nits about Breath of the Wild, a game they both ultimately like, but that they think needs to be knocked down a peg. Also, Pokémon decides to go open world!

John and Kyle reminisce about the not-so-distant days of their deep-seated addiction to a 20-year-old MMO. They also ask viewers why FFXIV is so popular? Are their old man brains too weak to understand the appeal? Will John ever be able to control his bladder? Find out on this episode!

John and Kyle discuss video game subscription services like Xbox Games Pass, and what they could mean for video gaming as a hobby. They also discover the cost of an Ogre Battle 64 cartridge, and both opt to purchase it on the WiiU Virtual Console.

John and Kyle talk about their latest gaming exploits, and tackle the difficult subject of difficulty in games. When is too hard too hard for your cat?