HowLongToBeat Podcast

This week Josh has been spending most of his time scavenging parts from derelict ships, laughing at renaissance absurdity, and sticking his nose into a new criminal case. While Paula returned to the conflict of world domination, continued to catch them all, solved puzzles with bricks, and went rogue at the start of an epic adventure.  If that wasn't enough, the pair dive into a discussion about different video game business models and whether that subscription is really worth it, or if that DLC should have been part of the game in the first place. Can micro-transactions ever be okay? Tune in to find out! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:40 - Playing (Josh) 00:30:46 - Playing (Paula) 01:11:02 - Subscriptions VS Free VS Purchase 02:18:43 - Outro Games Mentioned: Josh: Ship Graveyard Simulator [PC], The Procession To Calvary [PC], Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney [PC] Paula: Civilization V [PC] (multiplayer - Hot Seat), PokeRogue [Browser], LEGO Builder's Journey [PC], Baldur's Gate III [PC]

After a little break Josh and Paula are back and they've been playing a bunch of games since the last mainline episode. Josh has finally defeated the big boss at the end of his epic adventure, made friends with underwater aliens, and lost his way in the 40K universe. Meanwhile Paula has been chasing cats through time, stuffing dogs into boxes, and delving into a seriously old school dungeon crawler. Then they have a chat about this month's HLTB Game of the Month, before finishing off this round of their guessing game and crowning a winner! The outcome will definitely not surprise anyone, but the game that gets picked just might. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:55 - Beaten 00:50:49 - Playing 01:57:35 - GotM: The World Ends With You 02:07:16 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], Harold Halibut [XSX], Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun [PC], PowerWash Simulator: Back To The Future DLC [PC], PowerWash Simulator: Warhammer DLC [PC], Mini Airways DEMO [PC], Old School Rally DEMO [PC], Morn DEMO [PC], Once Human DEMO [PC], I Am Your Beast DEMO [PC], Railroad Corporation 2 DEMO [PC], Heaven Will Be Mine [PC], WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship [PC] Paula: An Arcade Full of Cats: Timewarp Trouble [PC], Tengoku Struggle: Strayside [Switch], Dogs Organized Neatly [PC], Let's School [PC], Eye of the Beholder [MS-DOS vga version], Pokemon HeartGold [DS], PokeRogue [Browser]

This week it gets personal with a special bonus episode within which Josh and Paula get to talk about one of their favourite games of all time. Except these games are perhaps not the most celebrated titles for various reasons, but they love them all the same. Maybe they can pique your interest as well? HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:00 - Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth 00:35:15 - Kane & Lynch: Dead Men 00:59:35 - Final Thoughts

Sometimes a game can be so compelling that you can't help but fire up the passion and go ham on everything you have to say. So it is with Paula's current otome obsession, bringing an exclusive rant in today's episode. There's no discussion topic, there's no time! Not when there are things that need to be said and stories that need to be told. Meanwhile Josh has completed a few titles this week, retired a few more, and been playing some other stuff that's nowhere near as compelling. That and it's now clear who will be crowned the winner of our guessing game after next week's edition… and it will surprise nobody! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:55 - Beaten 00:17:33 - Retired 00:28:31 - Playing (Paula) 01:29:25 - Playing (Josh) 01:40:16 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Returnal [PC], Railbound [PC], Ghosts N Ghouls [PC], Animal Well [PS5], Dragon Quest Builders [PS5], Who Did It? [PC], Harold Halibut [XSX], Planet Crafter [PC] Paula: Let's School [PC], Project Zomboid [PC], Tengoku Struggle: Strayside [Switch]

This week Josh and Paula are making connections, building relationships, and hopefully growing into better human beings all round. As Paula continues to adventure in the kitchens of hell, Josh has been reconciling with relatives, bridging cultures, and bringing justice to paper cut-out animals. Never fret though, as the weird and wonderful keeps on going as they discuss what the term “indie” might mean in 2024. How has it changed since its original use, and is that even a good thing? These questions and more will be raised and possibly answered, but you'll have to listen to find out. Then it's time for Josh's brain to be on the spot once again as Paula quizzes him on a game he really should know. Will it be the redeeming round that puts him ahead? Or will he continue to trail behind as he forgets everything he ever knew?! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:42 - Beaten 00:34:41 - Playing 01:20:17 - What Does “Indie” Mean In 2024? 01:58:55 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Chants of Sennaar [XSX], Duck Detective: The Secret Salami [PC], Lil Gator Game [XSX], Harold Halibut [XSX] Paula: Mini Metro [Android], Tengoku Struggle: Strayside [Switch]

Nothing beaten, nothing retired, this week has been all about progress. Paula continues to work her way through the layers and kitchens of hell, while Josh figures out strange languages, explores an underwater city, fights vampires, and rolls race cars. Then the discussion turns to those pieces of plastic that promise a new world of gaming and an extension to the immersive promise of interactivity. That's right, we're talking video game peripherals; the good, the bad, and the strange. Finally, Paula shows just how easy it is to play our weekly guessing game, but can she nail it yet again? Tune in to find out! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:36 - Playing 00:54:36 - Video Game Peripherals 01:53:26 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship [PC], Returnal [PC], Harold Halibut [XSX], Chants of Senaar [XSX] Paula: Tengoku Struggle: Strayside [Switch]

The theme and topic this week is what makes a game worth the time and money it takes to experience whatever it has to offer. Is it as simple as a dollar-per-hour equation? Or are there other factors that come into play? Spoiler: of course there are! Meanwhile Josh has been fighting the jank of large late-game instability, while Paula gets into the groove of a new reality. Plus, could this be the redemption arc of Josh's less than stellar guessing game record? The answer may surprise you. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:08 - Beaten 00:23:16 - Playing 01:17:50 - When Is A Game Worth It? 01:43:53 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Mortal Kombat 11 [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game [PC], Returnal [PC] Paula: Norn9: Var Commons [Switch], Let's School [PC], Beat Saber [Quest 2], Tengoku Struggle: Strayside [Switch]

This week Paula and Josh are having some fun and have put together a little game-soundtrack-themed quiz to play. Will they be able to identify the game based on a short clip of music? Or will Josh fail to remember anything at all and maintain his idiocy?! Oh, and there's the usual games they've been playing and the weekly guessing game as well… enjoy! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:38 - Beaten 00:20:10 - Retired 00:23:18 - Playing 01:11:55 - Music Quiz Time Fun Time 01:39:45 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Horizon Chase Turbo [PC], Beasts of Maravilla Island [XSX], Berry People [PC], The Last Case Of Benedict Fox [XSX], Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game [PC],Mortal Kombat 11 [PC], WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship [PC] Paula: Norn9: Var Commons [Switch], Let's School [PC]

Every week Josh and Paula talk about the games they've been playing and what's new in their gaming world, but in this special bonus episode, they get to talk about their favourite games of all time.  Strap in for some spicy picks and discover some pure gems! HowLongToBeat forums - ⁠https://howlongtobeat.com/forum⁠ Discord – ⁠https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk ⁠Email - ⁠hltbpodcast@gmail.com ⁠Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:24 - Number 10 00:10:02 - Number 9 00:23:32 - Number 8 00:37:13 - Number 7 00:47:27 - Number 6 00:57:04 - Number 5 01:11:02 - Number 4 01:23:23 - Number 3 01:32:04 - Number 2 01:45:43 - Number 1 02:00:27 - The End

A new week is upon us and a new episode has landed! Find out about Paula's return to some of the more toxic corners of gaming on the internet, along with the wholesome conclusion to an excellent little cultural masterpiece. Witness Josh's insufferable unwillingness to figure out who developed what in the deep mud trucking game series that he's been ploughing for the last couple of weeks. Then get deep as the discussion turns to representations of disabilities in video games and some of the thoughts and considerations that need to be made. Not to mention a bit of a rant on a controversy that sparked the conversation in the first place. Top it all off with a round of the guessing game where Josh manages to really show just how well his memory works… or doesn't. Tune in to find out! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:43 - Beaten 00:06:54 - Playing 00:52:12 - Disability Representation in Games 02:02:28 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Mudrunner [PC], Hasbro's Battleship [PC], Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game [PC] Paula: Venba [PC], League of Legends [PC], Norn9: Var Commons [Switch]

It's been a long week of gaming and Josh has managed to finish off a few titles that he's been working through for a while. On the other hand, Paula is still chipping away at a few core games that have been getting better and better as she continues to dive into strange worlds and traffic control systems. The topic for discussion this week is the April Game of the Month over on HLTB, including this year's April Fool's pick, which Paula has a lot to say about. Although, it seems that not everyone in the community is as excited for a pigeon visual novel as our resident Otome expert. Finally, Josh gets to quiz Paula on a game in their guessing game, but will Paula finally be pipped at the post? Tune in to find out. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:14 - Beaten 00:19:09 - Playing 01:18:39 - GotM: Valiant Hearts / Hatoful Boyfriend 01:45:19 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Botany Manor [PC], Love Is All Around [PC], Overload [PC], Open Roads [XSX], Gemini Rue [PC], Nour: Play With Your Food [PS5], Street Fighter V [PC], Horizon Chase Turbo [PC], Red Dead Redemption [PS5], Mudrunner [PC] Paula: Mini metro [Android], Venba [PC], Norn9: Var Commons [Switch]

Have you ever reached that point in a game where you find yourself wading through pages and pages of instructional wikis, in an attempt to discover some indication of how to make some kind of progress? This week Paula and Josh are talking about so-called “wiki games” that keep their cards a little too close to their chest. Before that though, Paula has continued her conquering ways and emerged victorious over all those that oppose her. Meanwhile Josh has managed to find all the hidden things and maintain the fractured timeline of a surprisingly intriguing puzzle game. Then it's time to get the thinking brain installed once more, as he attempts to earn back some points in another round of the guessing game. We hope you enjoy this (slightly delayed) episode! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:23 - Beaten 00:16:01 - Playing 01:07:26 - Wiki Games 01:52:20 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Crime O'Clock [PC]. Overload [PC], Love Is All Around [PC], Lil Gator Game [XSX], Botany Manor [PC] Paula: Civilization V [PC], Norn9: Var Commons [Switch], Venba [PC]

All hail the great leader! Paula has been on a rampage, conquering the world and gaining power until every other nation pledges their loyalty at her feet. Also, Josh retired another game and has been messing about with his PC hardware like a big nerd thanks to some over the top clock speeds heating things up to the point of no return. This week the topic is all about modding games and some favourites that have been made over the years. However, not all mods are created equal, and sometimes Bethesda just needs to fix their own problems… get it together Todd Howard! Oh and Paula makes another guess as she attempts to pull even further ahead in that guessing game that's played at the end of each episode. Enjoy! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:55 - Beaten 00:08:59 - Retired 00:14:10 - Playing 00:55:56 - MODs and Modding 01:53:50 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Bloodshore [PC], A bunch of shitty puzzle games [PC], Two Digits [PC], (the) Gnorp Apologue [PC], Overload [PC], Street Fighter V [PC], Berry People [PC], Crime O'Clock [PC] Paula: Mini Metro [Android], Civilization V [PC], Pokemon Unite [Switch]

The streak has been broken, as Josh finally retired a game this week! There's still a lot to talk about as he and Paula have been beating and playing a bunch of other titles, including one that they played together along with some friends from HLTB. Then get settled in because this week the discussion focuses on what it's like to be a gamer from the perspective of a girl. Naturally Paula takes us through some of her experiences, both positive and perhaps a bit negative as well. Finally it's another round of the guessing game where Josh attempts to get the brain cogs turning and claw back some points. Please note: During our topic discussion this episode we talk about some things that may be difficult to listen to, so please look after yourself and talk to someone if you need any help. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:47 - Beaten 00:46:02 - Retired 00:50:59 - Playing 01:06:46 - Gaming as a Girl 02:00:11 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Virtuaverse [PC], Rituals [PC], Monster Prom 3: Monster Road Trip [PC], Somerville [XSX], Infinite Guitars [XSX], Overload [PC], Gemini Rue [PC], Street Fighter V [PC], Paula: Plague Inc. Evolved [PC], Monster Prom 3: Monster Road Trip [PC], Hatoful Boyfriend [PC], n-body [PC], Civilization V - Hotseat Duel [PC], New Pokemon Snap [Switch], Slice & Dice [Android], Mini Metro [android]

While Paula has stuck to a couple of longer-term adventures, this week Josh has been completing a bunch of shorter games and demos, while dipping a toe into the zombie apocalypse of the old west. Then it's Game of the Month time again the discussion turns to Return of the Obra Dinn, which is ultimately a chance to raise Paula's interest in playing it for the first time. Although, not before Josh attempts to confuse and bemuse when he throws up what could be a difficult game to guess in the guessing game… but is it really? HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:51 - Beaten 00:26:22 - Playing 01:10:14 - GotM: Return of the Obra Dinn 01:29:45 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Red Dead Redemption [PS5], Looking For Aliens [PC], Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling [PC], Alt-Frequencies [PC], Virtuaverse [PC], Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare [PS5] Paula: Terraria [PC], Plague Inc. Evolved [PC]

This week Josh and Paula have been travelling through the same Rusty Lake game, while exploring other strange worlds and stretching their brains into recursive logic and world-wide disease manipulation. It's been a bit of a week. However, all that is nothing compared to HLTB meeting an impressive milestone and prompting a discussion about how our hosts came to the site and how they use it. Finally there's an absolute classic on the table for the guessing game… but is Josh's brain still working well enough to figure it out? There's only one way to know! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:24 - Beaten 00:32:34 - Playing 01:13:39 - How we use HLTB 02:07:33 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Maquette [XSX], Lost Horizon [PC], Return To Grace [XSX], Poems & Codes (50 poem free update) [PC], Evan's Remains [PC], Scriptic: Dead Man's Phone - Season 1: Redman [Mobile], Underground Blossom [PC], Virtuaverse [PC], You Don't Know Jack 2015 [PC] Paula: Underground Blossoms [PC], Terraria [PC], Plague Inc. Evolved [PC]

The nostalgia is strong again this week as Josh and Paula continue their trip down memory lane and discuss a number of games that may or may not hold up by today's standards. Plus, they attempt to determine which elements might hold a game back, and why others manage to stay timeless and strong forever. Of course, they also have a good chat about the games they've been playing and see if Paula can continue her winning streak in another round of that guessing game! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:18 - Beaten 00:11:21 - Playing 00:55:07 - Dated Games 02:00:25 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: The White Door [PC], Samsara Room [PC], Forgotten Worlds [PC], Lost Horizon [PC], The Last Case Of Benedict Fox [XSX], Red Dead Redemption [PS5] Paula: Terraria [PC], Radiant Tale

This week Paula has been beating all the games and playing even more, while Josh continues to work through the same old titles, plus a couple of new ones. There are clubs and deportations, cowboys and bears, even some angry organs and walls made of flesh. Then they get all “back in my day” and discuss some of the big changes that have happened over the years and what they think gaming might be like for a younger generation of gamers. Was everything better way back when? No… but there might still be some things worth missing either way. Finally, can Josh earn a few points back to even the stakes in the weekly guessing game? The answer may surprise you! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Beaten 00:25:59 - Playing 01:09:54 - Next Generation of Gamers 02:13:36 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: McPixel 3 [XSX], 1943: The Battle of Midway (Capcom Arcade Stadium) [PC], Red Dead Redemption [PS5], Lost Horizon [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC] Paula: Not Tonight [PC], The White Door [PC], Samsara Room [PC], Terraria [PC], Norn9: Var Commons [Switch], Pokemon Showdown [Browser], Pokemon Scarlet [Switch]

In this episode Paula and Josh have been spreading their wings and trying out a bunch of different games. Paula has been surviving through different world's that may or may not be trying to kill her, while Josh has been moseying down memory lane and getting a bit retro and nostalgic. Quite the contrast to our topic of the week, which is the recent Steam NextFest, and we have a bunch of fresh demos and games to talk about that we each tried (with varying levels of success). Until finally, Paula has another attempt to out-guess the games and see if she can solidify her lead even further. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:06 - Beaten 00:07:26 - Retired 00:11:41 - Happy Birthday?! 00:13:45 - Playing 01:13:07 - Steam NextFest 01:58:41 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Life is Strange: Before The Storm [PS5], Assetto Corsa [PC], Street Fighter V [PS5], Horizon Chase Turbo [PC], Lost Horizon [PC], Red Dead Redemption [PS5], Capcom Arcade Stadium (1942) [PC], We Need To Go Deeper [PC] Paula: Project Zomboid [PC], Terraria [PC],  Not Tonight [PC], Norn9: Var Commons [Switch]

This week we get all romantic and have a big chat about everything Otome, Romance, and Valentine-related in video games, but not before we delve into everything we've been playing. Paula has levelled up her football skills while dealing with VIP clients and Pokemon Banks. At the same time Josh fought a giant foot, a tall ghost woman, and was swept up in the cringe of teen angst. Can he get over it in time to guess a game in the weekly guessing game? The answer may surprise you… (or not)… (in fact it probably won't). HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:18 - Beaten 00:08:47 - Playing 00:59:21 - Valentines / Otome / Romance 02:01:32 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Super Adventure Hand [PC], Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword [PC], Kawaii Girls [PC], Tower Unite [PC], Ghostwire Tokyo [PS5], Love Is All Around [PC], Life is Strange: Before The Storm [PS5] Paula: Fifa 23 [Switch], Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney [Switch], Pokemon Shining Pearl [Switch], Not Tonight [PC]

Josh has been drooling over some smooth animations this week, while puzzling in three dimensions and fighting for justice! Paula has spent her time investigating crime and appearing in court, before playing bouncer and turning children away from British clubs and pubs. They follow it all up with a weekly topic, focusing on physical gaming and the experience of actually buying games in Chile and Australia. What cultural differences change the landscape for us, and what similarities exist? Of course, they then finish everything off with another round of the guessing game, which may or may not be over in record time! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:59 - Beaten 00:15:00 - Playing 00:44:58 - Physical Gaming and Cultural Differences 01:23:13 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: TOHU [PC], .projekt [PC], Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery [PC], Injustice 2 [PS5], Super Adventure Hand [PC], Dragon Quest Builders [PS5], Love Is All Around [PC] Paula: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney [Switch], Not Tonight [PC]

This week we're talking about some Kickstarter and crowd-funding stories from the past and Josh gets quite fired up over a few specific examples; so strap yourself in for a rant a half. Meanwhile Paula has been reliving some glory days in the courtroom and Josh has been jumping between classic point-and-click adventures, Netflix mobile games, and a classic sim-racer (all of which are completed games that were not crowd-funded and still managed to be released without taking regular people's money and wasting it... oh sorry... that was another rant entirely). Then we bring it all to a close with another round of our guessing game. Will Josh struggle to identify a relatively obvious and recent title? Or is he too stressed out by arrogant developers taking people's money and delivering nothing at all in return... *cough*... enjoy the episode! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:29 - Beaten 00:16:54 - Playing 01:00:30 - Kickstarter / Crowd Funding Stories 01:52:40 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Gold Rush: Anniversary [PC], Escort Yourself Out [PC], Ghostwire Tokyo [PC], Scriptic: Dead Man's Phone Season 1: Redman [Mobile], (the) Gnorp Apologue [PC], Assetto Corsa [PC], .projekt [PC] Paula: Bokura [PC], Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei [Switch], The White Door [PC], Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney [Switch]

We're back to regular programming again this week as Paula tackles another series of Otome routes, while Josh gets stuck into a couple of mysteries and some point and click adventures. With only one retirement and a few more on the go, it's time for the winner of our guessing game to pick a title for the other to play, before kicking off a new round with a fresh guess. Will Paula take an early lead in this secondary instalment? The answer may surprise you! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:18 - Beaten 00:41:14 - Retired 00:44:08 - Playing 01:06:46 - Trophy/Achievement Hunting! 01:39:34 - Paula's Game Assignment 01:45:56 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: The Last Door [PC], Armikrog [PC], Wreckfest [PC], Adventure Of A Lifetime [PC], Spaceplan (replay) [PC], The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter [PS5], Hatred [PC], Super Adventure Hand [PC], Cube Escape: Paradox [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC] Paula: Olympia Soiree [Switch], Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei [Switch], Magicka 2 [PS5]

For this special episode, Josh and Paula are joined by Knalb, the Lord of the Threads, to discuss the HLTB Game of the Month games that featured in 2023. We discuss the highs and the lows, the good and the bad, and the long and the short, as we delve into the last twelve months of communal gaming experiences. Then we draw 2023 to a close with a quiz on the stats and data that has been teased from the threads and collated by our very special guest. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:29 - Knalb's Been Playing 00:13:06 - Live A Live 00:17:28 - Crypt Of The Necrodancer 00:24:22 - Metroid Prime 00:26:24 - The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 00:42:14 - Conker's Bad Fur Day 00:47:44 - Spiritfarer 01:00:40 - The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom 01:33:02 - Baba Is You 01:40:43 - Guacamelee 01:46:04 - Murder By Numbers 01:51:26 - Luigi's Mansion 01:53:49 - F.E.A.R. 01:59:27 - Grim Fandango 02:04:45 - Undertale 02:11:03 - Half-Life 02:18:50 - 2023 Favourites 02:23:14 - 2023 Overall 02:26:14 - Looking Ahead 02:27:20 - Quiz Time! 02:43:34 - Final Thoughts

Back with a long list of games played over the New Year/ Xmas break, Paula and Josh get stuck into some highs and lows of their gaming lives of recent times. Then they have a chat about Special and Limited Edition games that come with all those fun collectibles, or disappointing tat. Finally, Paula puts Josh to the test and we find out who has managed to win this round of the guessing game! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:40 - Beaten 00:33:36 - Retired 00:39:48 - Playing 01:16:19 - Special/Limited/Day One Editions 01:57:21 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Rusty Lake: Roots [PC], Cube Escape Collection (The Cave) [PC], Rusty Lake Paradise [PC], The Next World [PC], Pony Island (GotM) [PC], Dangeresque: The Roomisode Triungulate [PC], Endling: Extinction Is Forever [PS5], Traverser [PC], Absolver [PC], Under Zero [PC], Vigil: Blood Bitterness [PC], Teardown [PS5], Dragon Quest Builders [PS5], Injustice 2 [PS5], The Last Door [PC], Tribes 3: Rivals Playtest [PC] Paula: Cube Escape (Seasons, The Lake, Arles, Harvey's Box, Case 23, The Mill) [PC], Rusty Lake Hotel [PC], Cube Escape (Birthday, Theatre) [PC], Rusty Lake Roots [PC], A Little to the Left [PC], Cube Escape: The Cave [PC], Rusty Lake: Paradise [PC], Cube Escape: Paradox [PC], Ape Escape [PSX (through PS5)], Code: Realize - Wintertide Miracles [PS Vita], The White Door [PC], Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei [Switch]

In this bonus episode, Paula and Josh discuss what it's like to enter the world of gaming as a brand new gamer. What kind of barriers exist and what do developers assume players already know? What kinds of experiences are a good way to introduce someone to a brand new concept? Would you give that game to your child? All this and some extra tangents can be found within. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:06 - Gaming For Non-Gamers 00:49:22 - Pasing The Torch 01:21:22 - Final Thoughts

The year is ending, so we're going big and rolling out our Game of the Year Extravaganza! Featuring a bunch of our friends from the HLTB community who happened to wander by and offer their own perspectives on the year that's been 2023. To everyone listening, we wish you a happy new year and hope that 2024 is an awesome time for all. Strap yourself in… this is a big one! HowLongToBeat forums - ⁠https://howlongtobeat.com/forum⁠ Discord – ⁠https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk⁠ Email - ⁠hltbpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:12:30 - Our 2023 00:32:30 - Our GOTY Picks 00:42:19 - Hello? 01:11:20 - Who's There? 01:33:11 - ¿Quién es? 01:58:59 - Somebody? 02:24:59 - Papa? 02:40:03 - Anybody Else? 02:54:49 - Wer könnte es sein? 03:06:12 - The End?

It's the night before Christmas and we have a delightfully packed holiday themed episode for you today. Josh has finished off a few games, and been thrown in the deep end of running a galactic empire, with dubious results. While Paula has been solving cases and getting close to some pigeons with ulterior motives. Thankfully though, all is saved when we discuss the kinds of holiday-specific games and gaming experiences that we associate with this time of year. Then, can Paula pull away once again with another quick guess in our guessing game? Or will she struggle to reach into the dark depths of her memory with questionable success? Tune in to find out! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:58 - Beaten 00:22:07 - Playing 01:02:39 - Christmas / Holiday Gaming 01:43:16 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Assassin's Creed: Mirage [PS5], We Need To Go Deeper [PC], Stellaris [PC], Rusty Lake: Roots [PC], Look Inside [PC] Paula: Hatoful Boyfriend [PC], Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations [DS], Code: Realize - Wintertide Miracles [PS Vita]

As itchmas comes to a close, Josh has been playing more little itch.io games, along with the usual adventures that never seem to end. Meanwhile Paula has completed a few games that she's been working on for a while now, and getting back into others that were finished long ago. Plus, it's Game of the Month time again and the classic FPS Half-Life is on the table, ready to be dissected and considered on its 25th anniversary. Finally, Josh attempts to make short work of guessing a game for once, and the outcome may surprise you. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:13 - Beaten 00:30:00 - Playing 00:54:49 - GotM: Half-Life 01:18:06 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: The Anglerfish Project (itchmas) [PC], Feather Park (itchmas) [PC], Chalk Gardens (itchmas) [PC], Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures (Episode 4: The Bogeyman) [PC], Team Sonic Racing [PS5], The Next World [PC], Assassin's Creed: Mirage [PS5], Half-Life [PC], Paula: Wargroove - archipelago campaign [PC], Virche Evermore: Error Salvation [Switch], Quarantine Circular [PC], Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations [DS], Hatoful Boyfriend [PC]

As the end of the year draws ever closer, we have a look whether we succeeded with our gaming goals for 2023, as well as setting new ones for 2024. Meanwhile, Paula has been on an emotional rollercoaster while laser focused on her latest Otome. In contrast, Josh has played a whole heap of different games, including some Itchmas in July titles and some fresh takes on alternate media. Then we wrap everything up with a lightning round of our guessing game, where Paula may once again show us why she's the champ. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:29 - Beaten 00:17:07 - Retired 00:23:20 - Playing 01:25:05 - New Year Gaming Resolutions 01:50:20 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Cocoon [PC], Cube Escape Collection (Birthday, Theatre) [PC], Under Leaves [PC]. Lookouts [PC], Coloring Game: Pixel [PC], Soundmarine (itchmas) [PC], Sandtrix (itchmas) [PC], Pigeon Ascent (itchmas) [PC], Gotham Knights [PC], Half-Life: Source [PC], Yoshi Goes to Tesco (itchmas) [PC],Robocop: Rogue City [PC], Assassin's Creed: Mirage [PC], The Next World [PC],  Half-Life (GotM) [PC], Thirsty Suitors [PC], Disney Dreamlight Valley [XBOX SERIES S] Paula: Virche Evermore: Error Salvation [Switch], Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations [DS]

This week Paula and Josh have completed the same cat-themed time-travelling hidden-object game, but not a lot else. Once again they've avoided retiring anything, but Paula has been playing with clones, while Josh skated his way through some sentimental adventures in growing up. Finally, with the end of the year closing in, we have a chat about the HLTB Fantasy Critic League before Josh attempts to even up the scores and chase some all new stakes in our guessing game. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:33 - Beaten 00:07:15 - Playing 00:41:26 - HLTB Fantasy Critic League 01:05:15 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: An Arcade Full of Cats [PC], Thirsty Suitors [PC], The Next World [PC], Cocoon [PC]. Overcooked 2 [PS5] Paula: An Arcade Full of Cats [PC], Virche Evermore: Error Salvation [Switch], Wargroove [PC] (Archipelago)

Glory to Paula, as she deals with suspect documentation and terrorist cells at the border; while Josh hacks his way into some kid's chat logs, and fights no good darn dirty soviet robots. Then they both get stuck into the undeniable impact Undertale has had on gaming…along with their own thoughts and hot takes on this Game of the Month. Finally, can Paula solve the conundrum that is perhaps the most popular game on HLTB? Have a listen and find out!. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:58 - Beaten 00:24:15 - Playing 01:13:23 - Game of the Month: Undertale 01:33:55 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: The Tiny Bang Story [PC], ToriDori [PC], Sorry, James [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC]. Assassin's Creed: Mirage [PS5], Atomic Heart [PC], The Next World [PC] Paula: Papers, Please [PC], Pokemon Sapphire [GBA] (Nuzlocke Randomizer), Wargroove [PC] (Archipelago Custom Campaign), An Arcade Full of Cats [PC], Virche Evermore: Error Salvation [Switch]

As Josh fumbles around with PC hardware and cobbles together this edit, Paula has been expanding her horizons and trying new things in the world of gaming. Meanwhile Josh actually finished a few short adventures, a pretty bad racing game, and a brand new climb to the top of a very nice mountain. Back in the real world, Paula has been enjoying a symphony of video game classics, prompting a chat about favourite game soundtracks and recommendations. Finally, can Josh scrape together a little bit of a useful memory and gain some point in our guessing game? The answer may surprise you! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:58 - Beaten 00:22:06 - Retired 00:23:55 - Playing 01:02:05 - Game Music We Love 01:41:32 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Wallace & Gromit Episode 2: The Last Resort [PC], Wallace & Gromit Episode 3: Muzzled! [PC], NFS: The Run [PC], Looks Good [PC], Rusty Lake Hotel [PC], Jusant [PC], Sea of Stars [PS5], Assassin's Creed: Mirage [PS5], Cocoon [PC] Paula: Piofiore: Episodio 1926 [Switch], FIFA 23 [Switch], Jackbox Party Pack 6 [Browser], Project Zomboid [PC], Quarantine Circular [PC]

This week Paula's been getting deeper in mafia business and repeatedly dying while trying to survive the apocalypse. Meanwhile Josh has been finishing off a co-op adventure and taking the time to tidy things up before falling further into the Rusty Lake universe. What really matters though, are the comfort games we hold dear to our heart, so we have a bit of a chat about some perhaps unexpected titles that always make us feel good. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:05 - Beaten 00:15:29 - Playing 00:40:23 - Comfort Gaming 01:29:57 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: It Takes Two [PS5], Poems & Codes [PC], Looks Good [PC], Rusty Lake Hotel [PC], Tiny Bang Story, Doom/Quake, Journey, PowerWash Simulator, Glass Masquerade, Assassin's Creed, Assault Android Cactus,kane & Lynch: Dead Men Paula: Piofiore: Fated Memories [Switch], Project Zomboid [PC], Piofiore: Episodio 1926 [Switch], Code Realize: Guardian of Rebirth [plus the 2 fandisk], TLoZ: Majora's Mask, The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince, Fire Emblem: Awakening, A Short Hike, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Pokemon

After the onslaught of demos in the last episode, things have relaxed a little and we have a handful of titles to talk about. What happens though, when you get overwhelmed with choice and have to decide what to play, or maybe you just can't put down that hot new game in spite of other interests?! Our discussion this week focuses on gaming droughts and gluts, and our own experiences. Finally, it's Josh's turn to attempt a bit of redemption and put some points on the board in our HLTB guessing game! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:00 - Beaten 00:20:01 - Playing 01:00:38 - Gaming Droughts & Gluts 01:20:37 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Storm Boy [PC], Cube Escape Collection (The Mill) [PC], Poems & Codes [PC], Cities: Skylines II [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], “Windows 11” Paula: The Runemaster's Diary [PC], A Tiny Sticker Tale [PC], Piofiore: Fated Memories [Switch], Diablo II: Lord of Destruction [PC], Detective Pikachu [3DS]

Get ready for a gauntlet of games to excite the senses! Josh got COVID and spent his time playing a lot of small games, while Paula polished off one she's been working on for a while. Plus, the titles keep coming after Steam's latest NEXTfest event provided a heap of interesting demos to try out, but were they really worth it? HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:36 - Beaten 00:23:38 - Retired 00:25:53 - Playing 00:49:55 - Steam NEXTFest Demos 01:47:58 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery [PC], F.E.A.R. [PC], Cube Escape Collection (Harvey's Box, Case 23) [PC], Lords Of The Fallen (2014) [PC], The Adventures Of Bertram Fiddle: Episode 2 - A Bleaker Predicklement [PC], Safecracker: The Ultimate Puzzle Adventure [PC], Find All [PC], Find All 1, 2, 3, and 4 [PC], Project Cars 3 [PC], Lapin [Xbox Series S], Need For Speed: The Run [PC], Poems & Codes [PC], From Space [Xbox Series S], Tori Dori [PC], a shit-ton of demos Paula: Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo [Switch], Golf Peaks [PC], Piofiore: Fated Memories [Switch]

In this special irregular episode, we discuss the wide range of things we've learned from playing video games. The stories and experiences we've encountered through gaming are often a conduit to life lessons and discovering the world around us. They enrich our lives and teach us in unique ways that have lasting effects. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw

The Otome is strong with this one, as Paula stays hooked on threads and colours, while Josh has been coming to grips with pan-dimensional orbs and Tokyo-based hauntings with full mouse and keyboard support. Plus, this week we're talking about some of those games that we love, but everyone else seems to hate, and why that could be. Followed by an unexpected result in this week's guessing game! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:24 - Beaten 00:08:41 - Playing 01:09:23 - Some Games We Love 01:48:00 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Cube Escape Collection (Seasons, The Lake, Arles) [PC], It Takes Two [PS5], Gotham Knights [PC], Cocoon [PC], F.E.A.R. [PC], Kena: Bridge Of Spirits [PS5], Ghostwire Tokyo [PC],  Paula: Wargroove 2 [Switch], Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo [Switch], 

It's October, which brings the HLTB Triple Creature Feature for Game of the Month! Josh and Paula have a chat about the games featured for the month, and what the community are saying. Meanwhile, Paula starts theorising about sticks and strings, while Josh struggles against a janky little 3D platformer. Of course, none of that matters in the end, as it's Paula's time to try and gain an even larger lead in our guessing game, but could she have met her match? Have a listen and find out! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:33 - Beaten 00:19:36 - Retired  00:25:27 - Playing 01:07:27 - Topic 01:20:41 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Lies of P [PC], Adventures of Bertram Fiddle: Episode 1 - A Dreadly Business [PC], Toren [PC], Lords of the Fallen [PC], Kena: Bridge Of Spirits [PS5], Sea Of Stars [PS5], F.E.A.R. [PC],  Paula: Café Enchanté [Switch], The Wandering Village [PC], Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue [GBA], Golf Peaks [PC], Detective Pikachu [3DS], The Runemaster's Diary [PC], Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo [Switch],

What happens when you finish a meaningful gaming experience and are left with a void to fill? This week Paula and Josh discuss this phenomenon, along with their own ways of dealing with the end of a good thing. Meanwhile Josh has been getting emotional and is in love with a puppet, while Paula found herself stranded and poisonous, but still managed to protect her crown, in more ways than one. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:03 - Beaten 00:42:08 - Retired 00:50:23 - Playing 01:33:20 - Coping With The Void 01:48:17 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Vampire Survivors [PC], Last Call BBS [PC], Moonscars [PC], Disney Dreamlight Valley [Xbox Series S], Lies Of P [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC],  Paula: Kingdom: New Lands [PC], Subsurface Circular [PC], Stranded Deep [PS5], Café Enchanté [Switch], The Wandering Village [PC] NB: I was going to link the Café Enchanté soundtrack video, but since the podcast recording, the video has been taken down from YouTube.

After diving into the world of souls-bourne rings and knock-offs, this week Paula and Josh are talking about how far they'd go to “get good” and really put in the time to skill-up in difficult games. Then Paula comes in and shows just how good she is at guessing those games in our weekly guessing games… again. I mean, it's getting ridiculous at this point… we need a nerf. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:03 - Beaten 00:11:55 - Retired 00:24:36 - Playing 01:18:35 - Getting Good 01:37:27 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: When The Past Was Around [Xbox Series S], Iris Fall [Xbox Series S], GTA Online [PC], GRID Legends [Xbox Series S], Lapin [Xbox Series S], Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty [PC], Lords of the Fallen (2014) [PC] Paula: Cut the Rope [Android] (a.k.a ad hell), Café Enchanté [Switch], Elden Ring [PC], Kingdom: New Lands [PC], Just Dance 2023 [Switch], Yono and the Celestial Elephants [Switch]

This week Paula has multiple games added to her retirement list, while Josh has delved into Todd Howard's wonderful world of marketing BS. Together we have a chat about playing sequels, and whether it's worth playing an entire series to get up to speed. Then of course, Josh attempts to follow up with a perfect guess after last week when Paula nailed the game and achieved a maximum score! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:09 - Beaten 00:28:11 - Retired 00:38:50 - Playing 01:01:07 - Preparing For A Sequel 01:19:18 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Journey [PS5], Metal: Hellsinger [PC], Starfield [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], Elite Dangerous [PC], GTA Online [PC]  Paula: A Short Hike [PC], Lover Pretend [Switch], Townscaper [PC], Ben There, Dan That![PC], Café Enchanté [Switch]

We're back to the regular programming this week, with a whole bunch of games to talk about and what Josh and Paula thought about September's HLTB Game of the Month. Then hold onto your hats for a super epic edition of the game guessing game, where Paula goes into overdrive, but will she knock it out of the park, or struggle to find the right title?! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:37 - Beaten 00:21:29 - Retired 00:28:29 - Playing 01:29:16 - HLTB Game Of The Month 01:48:27 - Guess The Game 01:57:03 - Outro Games Mentioned: Josh: Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide [PC], PowerWash Simulator (content update) [PC], Divinity: Original Sin 2 [PC], Sea Of Stars [PS5], Vampire Survivors [PC], Sword & Fairy: Together Forever [Xbox Series S], Baldur's Gate 3 (had two big patches) [PC], It Takes Two [PS5], GTA V Online [PC] Paula: Radiant Tale [Switch], Pokemon Sleep [Android], Lover Pretend [Switch]

This week we bring you something different, with a very special guest: Dragonh. Can Josh be convinced that Nintendo have something interesting to offer? Hopefully we can all find out in this discussion about the whys and why-nots of getting into one of the oldest, and arguably most unique, gaming platforms available. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:28 - Getting To Know Dragonh 00:09:06 - Josh's Nintendo History 00:12:47 - The Main Event 01:33:15 - Last Words 01:34:27 - Outro

It's been a productive week of game playing, so we have a few more titles to share, but what about avoiding spoilers and not giving away too much? Our discussion this week explores the perils of avoiding spoilers, both as a gamer, and as someone talking about games on a podcast. Then the episode concludes with our new guessing game, but this time Josh is in the hot seat and trying to figure out the clues behind a very special game. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:52 - Beaten 00:10:40 - Retired 00:16:24 - Playing 01:08:39 - Avoiding Spoilers 01:38:41 - Guess The Game Games Mentioned: Josh: Halo: Combat Evolved (Anniversary Edition) [PC], Monster Jam: Steel Titans [PC], Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], Halo 2 [PC], It Takes Two [PS5] Paula: Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser], Pokemon Sleep [Android], BUSTAFELLOWS [Switch], Radiant Tale [Switch]

We're back with another week of gaming talk, and a special report from a game jam that Paula recently took part in. Plus, we take a new podcast game guessing game out for a test drive and see how it works! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward (intro/outro) and Abatage (incidental) Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:16 - Beaten 00:25:12 - Playing 01:12:52 - Game Jam 01:38:09 - Guess the Game 01:50:18 - Outro Games Mentioned: Josh: Wolfenstein: The Old Blood [PC], Baldur's Gate 3 [PC], Sword and Fairy: Together Forever [Xbox Series S] Paula: Paradigm Paradox [Switch], Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser], Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo [Switch], BUSTAFELLOWS [Switch], Radiant Tale [Switch]

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3! Paula is back and is accompanied by new host Abatage a.k.a Josh. What better time to make some introductions, discuss what we've been playing, and put a challenge out to the HLTB community?! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward Graphic design – M4thew and Pokepaw 00:00:00 - Season 3 Go! 00:01:45 - Introductions 00:12:30 - Beaten 00:35:39 - Retired 00:38:39 - Playing 01:26:48 - A Community Challenge Games Mentioned: Josh: The Surge [PC], Venba [PC], Guacamelee STCE [PC], Ghost Recon Breakpoint [PC], Dordogne [Xbox][, Road 96 [Xbox], BABBDI [PC], Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty [Xbox] Paula: Tri Force Heroes (multiplayer) [3DS], Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser], Paradigm Paradox [Switch], Winter's Wish: Spirits of Edo (a.k.a KimiYuki) [Switch]

The last episode of Season 2 is upon us. Once more, join Ric, Alex, and Paula as they discuss the games they've beaten/retired/played this week, as well as the past, present, and future of the podcast. Stick around for one final installment of How Long To Beat? The Game!... and stay tuned for Season 3! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward Graphic design – M4thew 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:38 - Beaten 00:28:59 - Retired 00:36:58 - Playing 01:20:06 - Past, Present, Future 02:01:32 - HLTB The Game Games Mentioned: Ric: Handshakes (Browser), Frog Detective (PC), Before Your Eyes (Android), FF VII Remake (PS4), Casual Birder (Playdate), Illumination (Playdate), Whitewater Wipeout (Playdate), Necro Crisis (Playdate), Bloom (Playdate), A Joke That's Worth 0.99$ (Playdate), WORD TRIP (Playdate), Grand Tour Legends (Playdate), Marvel Snap (Android), Radiant Historia (DS), Muramasa Rebirth (Vita), Yoku's Island Express (Switch), Redtape (PC) Alex: Inventory Hero [Playdate], Saturday Edition [Playdate], Snak [Playdate], Sasquatchers [Playdate], Battleship Godios [Playdate], b360 [Playdate], Star Wars: Jedi Survivor [Xbox], Garden Story [Steam Deck], A Little to the Left [PC], Sticky Business [PC], Spellcorked [Playdate], Ratcheteer [Playdate] Paula: Cube Escape Paradox [PC], Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser], Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition [3DS],  Paradigm Paradox [Switch]

Welcome back listeners! As always Ric, Alex, and Paula talk about the games they've beaten/retired/been playing - with a rant about Paula's new obsession -, and then talk about this week's topic: early access. They then finish off the episode with the second to last round of HowLongToBeat? The Game!  HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward Graphic design – M4thew 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:05 - Beaten 00:20:48 - Retired - Wait, Alex forgot something 00:26:25 - Retired - For real this time 00:27:25: - Playing 00:47:00 - Summer/Vacation Gaming 01:24:46 - HLTB The Game Links: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/cozy-games Games Mentioned: Alex: A Short Hike [Steam Deck], Tails of Iron [Steam Deck], Star Wars: Jedi Survivor [Xbox], Garden Story [Steam Deck], A Little to the Left [PC] Ric: Jack Bros (Virtual Boy), Revita (Switch), To Hell With The Ugly (PC), Melatonin (Switch), Marvel Snap (Android), FF VII Remake (PS4), Radiant Historia (DS), Muramasa Rebirth (Vita) Paula: Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser], Paradigm Paradox [Switch],

Welcome back listeners! This week's topic - nestled between our regular beaten/retired/playing and HowLongToBeat? The Game! segments - sees hosts Ric, Alex, and Paula discussing the joys of holiday/summer gaming. Apologies, there was a small segment that got corrupted so you might hear a tiny skip during the topic! HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward Graphic design – M4thew Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:16 - Beaten 00:00:00 - Retired 00:21:38: - Playing 00:47:15 - Summer/Vacation Gaming 01:13:48 - HLTB The Game Games Mentioned: Ric: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (PS2), Klonoa: Moonlight Museum (WonderSwan), Marvel Snap (Android), FF VII Remake (PS4), Radiant Historia (DS), Jack Bros (Virtual Boy), Revita (Switch), To Hell With The Ugly (PC), Alex: Transiruby [Switch], Star Wars: Jedi Survivor [Xbox], Garden Story [Steam Deck], Tails of Iron [Steam Deck] Paula: Pokemon Emerald [GBA], Hatoful Boyfriend [PC], Subsurface Circular [PC], Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos [PC], Pokemon Auto Chess [Browser]

This week's episode description was *not* written by ChatGPT… But it could have been! This week's topic - nestled between our regular beaten/retired/playing and HowLongToBeat? The Game! segments - sees hosts Ric, Alex, and Paula discussing the potential futures of AI in gaming. HowLongToBeat forums - https://howlongtobeat.com/forum Discord – https://discord.gg/v5F26Dk Email - hltbpodcast@gmail.com Music – Ian Edward Graphic design – M4thew 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:26 - Beaten 00:30:33 - Retired 00:35:26 - Playing 01:08:13 - AI in gaming 01:31:26 - HLTB The Game Games Mentioned: Ric: NUTS (Switch), The Multi-Medium (PC), FF VII Remake (PS4), Radiant Historia (DS), Klonoa: Moonlight Museum (WonderSwan), Jack Bros (Virtual Boy), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (PS2), Revita (Switch) Alex: The Case of the Golden Idol [PC], Golden Idol Mysteries: The Spider of Lanka [PC], Haiku the Robot [Steam Deck], Star Wars: Jedi Survivor [Xbox], Transiruby [Switch], Tails of Iron [Steam Deck] Paula: The Oregon Trail (1985) [Browser], Pokemon Emerald [GBA], Hatoful Boyfriend [PC], Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos [PC]