Novel Gaming!

This episode we played Sayonara Wild Hearts, a stylish 2019 rhythm action game featuring motorcycles, magical girl transformations, robot wolves, and of course, incredible music. But before we get into that, we check in on some stuff we've been reading, watching, and thinking about.ReadingTo Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill BlackgooseMost Ardently by Gabe Cole NovoaWatchingLittle Tiny Egg (YouTube)Revenge of the Sith theatrical re-releaseSinners (in theaters—go see it!)Lazarus (Adult Swim/Max)Thinking AboutPost-Direct Switch updatesShaboozeyFind us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

We are very excited to discuss 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins, the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, taking place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games novel, and the original trilogy's second prequel. (Discussion begins at 15:20, spoilers begin at 24:13.) But before we run off to face the dangers of the Second Quarter Quell, we explore the cornucopia of things we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately.Playing:Final Fantasy VIII: Remastered (PS4)Rayman Legends (PS4)Pokemon SoulSilver (DS)Watching:The Residence (Netflix)The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & SnakesThinking about:...the Hunger Games series all week long.Find us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

The Nintendo Switch 2 is on the way so we thought it was only right to celebrate its predecessor - the Nintendo Switch! We talk the launch, features, games and memories of the beloved console. Conversation starts around 41:50. Before then we check in on what we've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately (including a lot of talk about the Nintendo Switch 2).Reading:'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne CollinsHarriet Tubman Live in ConcertWatching:Severance Season 2 (Apple TV+)Last Meals (Mythical Kitchen)Thinking About: Human CurationNintendo Switch 2Find us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's a book club! And we read 'Redemption in Indigo' by Karen Lord. Listen in as we discuss this 2010 retelling of a Senegalese folktale that is... complicated. Conversation begins around 24:40. Before that, we check in on what we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately.Playing:Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PS5)Farcry 5 (PS5)Watching:Satoshi Kon FilmsRunning Point (Netflix)Thinking AboutPicasso and PaperDoing SomethingFind us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

What's the best music mechanic in video games? What are those songs from video games that stick with you? What musical artist would you mash-up with one of your favorite games? These are the questions we're answering this episode!A full list of songs played this episode are at the end of the show notes!But of course, we gotta check in on some of the stuff we've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately.Reading:'Murder in the Dressing Room' by Holly Stars'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne JonesThe Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne CollinsWatching:Common Side Effects (Max, Adult Swim)Say Nothing (Hulu)Agatha All Along (Disney+)The Bachelor 29 (Hulu)Thinking about:Drawtectives, Season 3 (YT: Drawfee Show)Music LeagueCarrying a tiny field notes notebookFind us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux Memorable music mechanics:DJ Cutman & Popcorn Kid, “Samurai” (The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor)Low Roar, “Bones (feat. Jófríður Ákadóttir)” (Death Stranding)Lektrique, Sam Lamar, “Black Magic” (Pistol Whip)“Fire Fire!!” (Um Jammer Lammy)“Mariachi Madness” (Rayman Legends)Songs from games that stick with you:Hikaru Utada, “Simple And Clean” (Kingdom Hearts)Nobuo Uematsu, “Zanarkand” (Final Fantasy X)Teruo Taniguchi, “Cassiopeia's Theme” (Pokemon Scarlet & Violet)Minako Adachi, , “Battle! (Gym Leader)” (Pokemon Sword & Shield)Yoko Shimomura, “Dearly Beloved” (Kingdom Hearts)ConcerendApe, “Volcano Mines (Molten Jelly)” (Stardew Valley)Kenta Nagata, “Dragon Roost Island” (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker)Seth Parker, “Wiggle Wigglebottom's Steamy Walking Tour” (Bugsnax)Andrew Prahlow, “Travelers” (Outer Wilds)Rage Against the Machine, “Guerrilla Radio” (Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2)Gaming/artist mash-ups:Red Dead Redemption 2

For this month's book club we read ‘The Full Moon Coffee Shop', a 2020 magical realism cozy novel by Mai Mochizuki, translated into English in 2024 by Jesse Kirkwood. Spoiler-filled discussion begins at 25:20. But before we unfold our star charts and dig deep into our houses and planetary rulers, let's talk about what we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately.Playing:Far Lone Sails (PS4)Okami (PS4)Wave Tale (Switch)Secret of Mana (2018, PS4)Watching:High Potential (Hulu)Mythic Quest (Apple TV+)the Legally Blonde duologythe Barbershop film seriesNickel BoysThinking About:PlayStation State of Play 2/12/25Split FictionPokemon Presents 2/27/25 speculation & wishlistDeath Stranding 2 (trailer)Find us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

It's our first "game club" episode of 2025, and we played Oxenfree, a spooky narrative-choice game featuring a group of teens lost on an island with nothing but a radio and each other. Discussion begins at ~21:26. But before we get into our combined five playthroughs of Oxenfree, we catch up on some of the stuff we've been reading, playing, watching, and thinking about recently.Reading:'The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires' by Grady Hendrix'Cuckoo' by Gretchen Felker-MartinPlaying:The Rise of the Golden Idol (Netflix/iPad)Watching:'I Saw the TV Glow' (Max)RuPaul's Drag Race, Seasons 16 & 17 (Paramount+ & MTV)The Traitors US, Season 3 (Peacock)Thinking About:Chappell Roan & Beyoncé at the GrammysFind us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.comLogo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

We're doing our first book club of 2025 and are ready for some love and flirty letters! We read 2019's 'This Is How You Lose the Time War' by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Conversation starts around 24:20. Before then, we check in on what we've been Playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Playing: Tchia (PS5) Coffee Talk 2: Butterfly & Hibiscus (PS5) FFVII Rebirth (PS5) Watching: Severance Season 2 (Apple TV+) Deep Space Discounts (DeepBlueInk) Dungeons & Drag Queens Season 2 (Dropout) Thinking About: Rosie Tucker Ethel Cain Quick, Relevant Sentences Switch 2 Find us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

It's 2025! And that means our 2024 Backlog Challenge is officially over. Listen in to hear what and how we did! Conversation starts around 25:50. Before then, we check in on what we've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately. Reading: ‘My Best Friend's Exorcism' by Grady Hendrix ‘The Invisible Kingdom' by Meghan O'Rourke Watching: Severance (Apple TV+) Silo (Apple TV+) Man on the Inside (Netflix) Thinking About: Movies & Going to Theaters! Find us on BlueSky or Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

It's a book club episode! And this December, we're picking up where we left off last December, because this month we read Rough Pages by Lev A. C. Rosen, the third book in Rosen's Evander Mills mystery series. But before we return to 1950s San Francisco, we talk about what we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately! Playing: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PS5) Melatonin (Steam) Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido (3DS) You're Getting Old (card game) Bugsnax: The Card Game Watching: Cunk on Earth (Netflix) Dream Productions (Disney+) Thinking About: End of year "wrap ups" Find us on Bluesky & Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

The end of 2024 is just around the corner, which means it's time to highlight some of our favorite books, video games, and other media from this past year. But of course, before we do that, we check in on some things we've been playing, reading, and thinking about. Reading: System Collapse by Martha Wells How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Anne Price Power Rangers Prime by Melissa Flores Watching: 65 (Netflix) Dead Boy Detectives (Netflix) Playing: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

We read the queer zombie novel "The Z Word" by Lindsay King-Miller! Conversation around this campy, yet thought-provoking story starts around 31:50. Before all that we check in on what we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately . Playing: Pokemon TCG Pocket (Mobile) Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PS5) Watching: Scooby Doo Live Action (2002 & 2004 Films) Gastronauts (Dropout) Roland Emmerich Movies (Stargate, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 10,000 BC) Great British Bakeoff 2024 (Channel 4) Thinking About: Art! What a Relief (Katie Gavin) ‘What It Is' by Lynda Barry Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Food is good we want to talk about it! To help us do that, we came up with three video-game-food-related questions. Main course starts around 24:00. Before then, we check in on some things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about! Reading: A little bit of 28 different book recommendations by thoughtful librarians 'What Doesn't Kill You' by Tessa Miller Watching: Ring (1998 Film) Ju-on (2002 Film) Audition (1999 Film) Gastronauts (Dropout) Thinking about: Pokemon TCB Pocket (Mobile) Find us on Twitter and Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Halloween is coming up, so Doug picked a novella he heard was scary... but it was mostly really gross! A flesh-eating mermaid, a gentle plague doctors, and a suspicious town with tons of children but only three adults. Discussion begins at ~19:00. Of course, before we get bloody, we check in on the stuff we've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Playing: Gravity Rush (PSP) Final Fantasy VII (Switch) Berry People (Steam) Watching: The Wild Robot (in theaters) A Different Man (in theaters) The Substance (in theaters) Thinking About: Non-horror Halloween movies Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

It's our 100th episode, and Vicki's back to celebrate with us! And what better way to celebrate 100 episodes—and with Vicki specifically!—than to talk about Platinum trophies and achieving that deeply satisfying 100%. And of course, before we get into all that, we check in on some things we've been reading, watching, listening to, and thinking about! Reading: 'Tales from the Cafe' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E. L. Konigsburg 'Shoot the Moon' by Isa Arsén 'Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture' by Kyle Chayka Watching: Agatha All Along (Disney+) Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (in theaters) Listening to: Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong (podcast) Thinking about: PlayStation State of Play Holy Horror Mansion trailer Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Afraid of AI taking over? Maybe don't read this book? Or do to prepare! We read 'Robopocalypse' by Daniel H. Wilson. Discussion begins ~18:00. Before that, we check in on some things we've been playing and watching. Playing: Monster of the Week (Michael Sands) Hatoful Boyfriend (Vita) Watching: The Film Experience by Professor David Thorburn (MIT OpenCourseWare) Misfits and Magic (Dropout) Find us on Twitter & Instagram: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

Very short video games are very nice. This episode, we talk about cool games that are less than 5 hours! Discussion starts around 27:10. Before we get into it, we check in on things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about! Reading: Power Rangers Comics by Boom! Studios 'Cue the Sun' by Emily Nussbaum 'Do You Dream of Terra-Two?' by Temi Oh Watching: Kristen Stewart Movies Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) Podcast Thinking about: Heat August 2024 Nintendo Indie Direct & Partner Showcase Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

This month for book club we read 'Chain-Gang All-Stars' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and there's not really a cute or funny way to introduce it. It's a heavy one... but also a really great one! Discussion begins ~19:53. Before we get into the book, we check in on some things we've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Playing: LEGO Builder's Journey (Switch) Final Fantasy VII (Switch) Watching: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime) Borderlands (2024 film, in theaters) Dìdi (in theaters) Thinking about: blink-182's One More Time Tour abolitionnotes.org's Guide to Books on Prison Abolition Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

We've probably logged a thousand hours between the two of us, but we've never dedicated an episode to it—we're talking about Stardew Valley! And because we've spent SO much time with it, we decided to take it to the next level and start new files with the Expanded Mod installed. But before we dig into our new expanded simulated lives, we check in on a couple things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about! Reading: 'A Blade So Black' by L.L. McKinney 'Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place' by Neema Avashia Watching: Wicked Little Letters (Netflix) Matilda the Musical (Netflix) Thinking about: Finding community & improving the world Voter registration Tony's Chocolonely exploitation-free chocolate Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's a Glitterjaw bonus crossover! We teamed up with our Distant Echoes friends to discuss the 2023 middle grade book 'Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena' by Mark Oshiro. Discussion starts right away because it's the only thing we talk about! Check out ⁠Distant Echoes: A Star Wars Podcast and other Glitterjaw shows on ⁠glitterjaw.com⁠! ⁠ Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's time to get scared and uncomfortable! We read the young adult horror book 'The Taking of Jake Livingston' by Ryan Douglass. Discussion begins ~21:25. Before we get our ghost on, we check in on some things we've been playing and watching lately. Playing: Metroid Prime (Gamecube) Octopath Traveler II (Switch) Watching: Fantasmas (Max) Never Stop Blowing Up (Dropout) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

You ever just buy games and not play them? Us too! Join us as we tackle some of our backlog with a friendly challenge! Tune in around 23:40 to hear the parameters and games that made our shortlist. Before then, hear about what we've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately. Reading: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comics Series (IDW) 'The Moth Keeper' by K. O'Neill Watching: The Acolyte: Episode 5 (Disney+) The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel by Jenny Nicholson (Youtube) Mice and Murder (Dropout) Thinking about: David Tennant Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

It's been an on-podcast journey of several years, but we've finally arrived at the epic conclusion of the Infinity Cycle! We're talking all about 'Infinity Kings' by Adam Silvera. Discussion begins ~30:00. And of course, before we get into all that, we check in on some things we've been playing and watching. Playing: Pokemon Sword (Switch) Pokemon Trading Card Game (Switch) Viewfinder (PS5) Stardew Valley Expanded Mod (Steam) Watching: 4'33" by John Cage The Acolyte (Disney+) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition theatrical release Thinking about: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

We played The Archipelago, a short 2022 tea-making game developed and published by Never Done Games, a two-person studio that makes the kinds of games that have never been done! Discussion begins around 28:00. But of course, before we exchange tea recipes, we catch up on some things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about! Reading: Childhood favorite picture books 'Can't Spell Treason without Tea' by Rebecca Thorne 'Retro Gamers Ultimate Retro Hardware Guide' Watching: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 (MTV/Paramount+) RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars Season 9 (Paramount+) But I'm A Cheerleader (Paramount+) Smartypants (Dropout) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod  Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie!  Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

We read 'Fireheart Tiger' by Alienate de Bodard! Conversation around this short, sapphic fantasy begins ~18:25. Before that, we check in on the things we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Playing: Pokémon Emerald (GBA) Pokémon Conquest (DS) Slay the Princess (Steam) Watching: Planet of the Apes Movie Series Arrival (2016 Film) Thinking About: 2024 Summer Olympics Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

You ever just need some direction or advice? Well, do we have some video game characters for you! Listen is as we discuss mentors in video games. Conversation begins ~24:05. And before we get into it, we check in on the things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately. Reading: DeadEndia Series by Hamish Steele 'How to Keep House While Drowning' by KC Davis 'Lagoon' by Nnedi Okorafor Watching: Alien (1979 Film) The Mummy (1999 Film) Challengers (2024 Film) Severance (Season 1, 2022) Thinking About: Delta Emulator on iOS Sixteenth Minute (Podcast) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

Vicki's back again, and this time for a book club episode! So you know that means: we've got a complicated, slippery, and confounding scifi tale to dissect. Listen to us unravel and do our best to understand Jeff VanderMeer's 'Dead Astronauts'. Discussion begins ~30:35. And of course, before we get into all that, we check in on some things we've been playing and watching. Playing: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) Pokemon TCG Live (mobile) Pokemon Scarlet Starters Tournament (Switch) Watching: 3 Body Problem (Netflix) Grey's Anatomy Season 19 (ABC/Hulu) Immaculate & The First Omen (in theaters) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

Since the dawn of home console video games (and technically even before that), there have been tie-in, licensed property, and cross-promotional video games based on your favorite movies, TV shows, comics, and more. Some are great, and some are... not. We share some of our favorites and not-so-favorites. But before that, we touch on stuff we've been reading, watching, and thinking about! Reading: 'To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma' by Molly Millwood 'Dead Astronauts' by Jeff VanderMeer 'The Sunbearer Trials' by Aiden Thomas 'Be Dazzled' by Ryan La Sala 'Out of the Blue' by Jason June Watching: Better Call Saul, Season 6 (AMC/Netflix) The Bear (FX/Hulu) Love Lies Bleeding (in theaters) The Ghostbusters film series Thinking about: Chappell Roan 'Cowboy Carter' by Beyonce House of Villains' second season cast reveal Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

We've got another book club! This month we read 2019's 'Gods of Jade and Shadow' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Before all that, we catch up on some of the stuff we've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Book discussion begins around 25:15. Playing: Pokémon Y (3DS) Final Fantasy VII (PS5) Watching: Kung Fu Panda Movie Series (Dreamworks) Imaginary (Blumhouse Productions & Tower of Babble) Game Changer: Sam Says 3 (Dropout) Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (Netflix) Thinking About: 2024 Mario Day Direct Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux 

Wake up, Comrade! Find your pants and solve this murder case with Doug and Katie. They played Disco Elysium, the 2019 detective role playing game. Conversation starts around 15:00. Before then, there's talk about what they've been reading and watching lately. Reading '60 Songs That Explain the '90s' by Rob Harvilla 'The Honeys' by Ryan La Sala Watching Sonic the Hedgehog (2020 film) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022 film) Drive-Away Dolls (2024 film) Never Have I Ever (Netflix) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod  Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie!  Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's a book club episode, and this month we read 'Ogres' by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a book about a world where humans are oppressed by ogres and revolution may be right around the corner. But of course, before we get into all that, we catch up on some of the stuff we've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Book discussion begins at ~31:00. Playing: Penny Larceny: Gig Economy Supervillain (Steam) Firewatch (Steam) Watching: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Netflix) Argylle (now playing) The Holdovers (Hulu) Mean Girls '24 (now playing) Thinking About: Gaming company mass layoffs Lee Carvallo's Podding Challenge on Glitterjaw The 2024 Queerty Awards Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

This game has EVERYTHING: skateboarding, RPG battles, cooking, dancing, romance, a bear mascot-led cult, a queer weightlifting auntie with librarian suitors, and a whole lot of family drama. We're talking about 2023's Thirsty Suitors from Outerloop Games. But before we break down all the exes, friends, and grade school boyfriends, we break down what we've been reading, watching, and thinking about. Game conversation begins around 30:00. Reading: 'Harrow the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir 'The Nineties' by Chuck Klosterman Watching: Star Trek: Discovery (Paramount+) Quiz Lady (Hulu) American Fiction (now playing) Fire of Love (Hulu/Disney+) Thinking About: The 96th Academy Awards Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Travel to Montana with Doug and Katie as they talk about the 2023 fantasy western horror book 'Lone Women' by Victor LaValle (discussion starts around 16:15). Before then, hear about the things they've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Playing Portal (Steam) Guacamelee! (PS Vita) Watching Polite Society (movie) We Are Lady Parts (Peacock and Channel 4) Skins (Hulu and E4) Thinking About Fantasy High: Junior Year (Dropout) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Help Wanted: Someone with a good ear for details and vast video game knowledge. Successful candidate should be able to discern clues, make informed guesses, and doesn't mind being occasionally wrong. Interested applicants should tune in, specifically around the 30:27 mark. Before then, be prepared to hear about what Vicki, Doug, and Katie have been reading, listening, and thinking about. Reading 'Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be' by Becky Kennedy 'Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore (1994–2007)' by Dan Ozzi 'Iron Flame' by Rebecca Yarros Watching Twisted Metal (Peacock) Pokémon Concierge (Netflix) Pokémon: Path to the Peak (Pokémon YouTube Channel) PokéNational Geographic (Elious Entertainment YouTube Channel) Thinking About Pokémon Unite God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla DLC 2024 Goals Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's a sequel! Remember 'Lavender House'? We're talking about the sequel, 'The Bell in the Fog', the second book in Lev A.C. Rosen's Andy Mills private eye series. Discussion begins at 25:00. And of course, we check in on some stuff we've been playing, watching, and thinking about. Playing: Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5) Super Mario RPG Remake (Switch) Fortnite Festival (PC) Watching: Quiz Lady (film, Hulu) Doctor Who Series 12 (Max) Thinking About: Video game consoles year-end wrap-ups Game Changer Season 6 trailer Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Vicki's here! And the end of 2023 is just around the corner, which means it's time to highlight some of our favorite books, video games, and other media from this past year. But of course, before we do that, we check in on some things we've been playing, reading, and thinking about. Playing Hades (Switch) Cult of the Lamb (Steam) Tchia (PS5) Venba (Steam) Isle of Swaps Demo (Steam) Reading Tarot (the cards) 'Never Ever Getting Back Together' by Sophie Gonzales 'Woman in Me' by Britney Spears Thinking About Guardians of the Galaxy, vol. 3 Catherine the Great (Hulu) Pokemon TCG Illustration Contest Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Join Doug and Katie as they talk about the 2021 epic fantasy book 'The Jasmine Throne' by Tasha Suri (discussion starts around 17:40). Before then, there's conversation around the things they've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Playing Batman: Arkham Asylum (Steam) Suika (Switch) Watching DoigSwift (Twitch) November Nintendo Indie World Showcase (YouTube) Thinking About DC Universe Vegan Reese's Cups Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Fighting, jumping and... dating monsters?! Sign us up! Join Doug and Katie as they discuss the 2023 metroidvania and dating sim, Romancelvania. Conversation starts around 18:30. Before then they check in on what they've been reading, watching, and thinking about. Reading 'Pageboy' by Elliot Page 'The Jasmine Throne' by Tasha Siri Watching Survivor UK (BBC One) The Challenge (MTV) Dragula (Shudder) House of Villains (E!) What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Thinking About The Internet/Social Media Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod  Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie!  Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

It's a Glitterjaw bonus crossover! We chat spoiler-free first impressions of Insomniac's brand new Marvel's Spider-Man 2 with Derek from Walloping Websnappers! We talk about the gameplay and enhanced PS5 haptics, our favorite suits for Miles and Peter, the community-minded “friendly neighborhood” of it all, and of course all the queers. Check out Walloping Websnappers and other Glitterjaw shows on glitterjaw.com! Website⁠ | ⁠Patreon⁠ | ⁠Discord⁠ Part of The Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

We dusted off our English degrees for this book club episode, because we're both reading 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin for the very first time, and there is a LOT to dig into. Discussion starts around 16:50. But first, we check in on what we've been playing and watching. Playing Baldur's Gate III (PS5) Unpacking (PS5) Watching Dirty Laundry (Dropout) Godzilla '54 (Max) No One Will Save You (Hulu) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

We're doing a fantasy video game club episode! Doug and Katie got witchy and built their own divination decks in the 2023 game The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood. Game conversation starts around 28:45, and heavy spoilers begin around 54:00. Before we get into all of that, we check in on all of the media we've been engaging with lately. Reading: 'Black Sun' & 'Fevered Star' by Rebecca Roanhorse Playing: Elden Ring (PS5) Watching: Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake (Max) Naked Attraction (Channel 4/Max) Thinking About: Epic Layoffs & entertainment industry strikes Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Deals with the devil, magic, and queer & trans pirates! The young adult fantasy novel 'The Wicked Bargain' by Gabe Cole Novoa is filled with that and more! Join Katie and Doug as they discuss the book (starts around 21:55) and the things they've been playing and watching. Playing The Teal Mask / Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC (Switch) Sea of Stars (PS5) Marvel's Midnight Suns (Steam) Watching My Adventures with Superman (Max) Bottoms (2023 Film) September Nintendo Direct Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Doug and Katie do their first ever gaming draft! They create teams of video game characters who fight and teams of characters who f***. Who would would you draft? Conversation starts around 21:10. Before then, they check in on what they've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Reading 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurd 'Counterfeit' by Kirstin Chen Watching Over the Garden Wall UNHhhh Thinking About Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

A queer, gender-bent Arthurian legend full of swords, spears, and sorcery? Sounds pretty great to us! We're talking about 'Spear' by Nicola Griffith. Conversation starts around 14:35. Before that, we chat about the things we've been playing, watching, or thinking about lately. Playing Dredge (PS5) Pokemon Unite (Switch) Pokemon Scarlet (Switch) Watching Dimension 20: The Unsleeping City (Dropout) Dimension 20: A Crown of Candy (Dropout) Dirty Laundry (Dropout) Thinking About Dungeons & Dragons Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Guess who's back for a special anniversary episooode! That's right, Vicki's back with Katie & Doug to play our own version of the Newlywed Game! ...er, the Old Friends Game? In any case, we're super good at it, so enjoy! Of course, before we prove our extreme synchronicity, we catch up on some things we've been reading, watching, and thinking about. Reading: 'The Severed Thread' by Leslie Vedder 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry 'Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex' by Angela Chen Watching: The Barbie Movie Outlander Call Me Mother Camp Wannakiki Thinking About: Big Brother 25 Non-human biologics and interdimensional beings Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Knock, knock. Who's there? Probably just some debris, right? Find out by listening to our conversation about 'The Scourge Between Stars' by Ness Brown. Conversation starts around 19:58. Before that, we chat about the things we've been playing, watching, or thinking about lately. Playing Fairune Collection (Switch) Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Switch) Watching My Adventures With Superman (Max) Jenna Stoeber (YouTube & Twitch) Thinking About Dragula Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Doug and Katie reminisce about the past ~10 years of the PS4 - the memories, the features, and the games. Conversation starts around 23:40. Before that, they talk about what they've been reading, watching, and thinking about lately. Reading ‘Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide' by Rupert Holmes ‘The Scourge Between Stars' by Ness Brown Watching The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 Thinking About June 2023 Nintendo Direct (Super Mario Wonder, Peach Game, Super Mario RPG) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Wow, this podcast smells so nice and relaxing... like a freshly opened bar of lavender soap. But wait! It also smells like... MURDER? This month we read 'Lavender House' by Lev AC Rosen, a queer murder mystery that takes place in the 1950s. Full-spoiler conversation starts at 35:20. But of course, before we get into that, we check in on everything we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Playing: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch) Beyond the Frame: The Finest Scenery (PS4) Assassin's Creed II (PS4, The Ezio Collection) Watching: The Ultimatum: Queer Love (Netflix) We're Here (Max) Thinking About: Gag Order (album) by Kesha Age of Pleasure (album) by Janelle Monáe Pixar's Elio trailer Star Wars Outlaws Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Everyone loves a trilogy, especially when it means everything gets a little bit gayer! It's our third Q&A episode, and this time we're focusing on gayming. We prepared three questions related to playing games as a queer person and queerness in video games! If you find yourself answering them as you listen, be sure to let us know, and we'll read your answers next time! As always, before we dive in, we check in on what we're reading, watching, and thinking about. Reading:'The Gravity of Us' by Phil Stamper'Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs' by Jamie Loftus Watching:The Ultimatum: Queer Love (Netflix) Somebody Somewhere (Max) Thinking About:Keep fighting the good fight against homophobia, transphobia, and conservatives' continued efforts to strip people of their rightsPlayStation Showcase - May 24, 2023 Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPodSend us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie!Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Aliens and invasions and lessons, oh my! We read and discussed 'The Lesson' by Caldwell Turnbull. Conversation starts around 39:00. Before then, Dug and Katie check in on what we've been playing, watching, and thinking about lately. Playing: Pokémon Violet (2022) Descenders: Extreme Procedural Free Riding (2018) Hi-Fi Rush (2023) Watching: Dragon Ball (Hulu) Junior Bake Off (Netflix) Thinking About: Survivor 44's Carolyn Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux

Join Doug and Katie in a gaming galaxy far, far away! That's right - they're talking Star Wars! Conversation about the games starts around 25:50, but the force is strong throughout this episode. Before then, they discuss what they've been reading, watching, and thinking about. Reading: 'Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker - The Manga' by A. Himekawa, A. Fukaya, T. Kisaki, H. Subaru, K. Liu 'Star Wars Lost Stars (Manga)' by C. Gray, Y. Komiyama 'Machinehood' by S. B. Divya Watching: Star Wars: Visions (Disney+) Hacks (HBO Max) Thinking About: Distant Echoes: A Star Wars Podcast Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always (Netflix) 'Chattahoochee' by Alan Jackson (1992 Song) Find us on Twitter: @NovelGamingPod Send us an e-mail: novelgamingpodcast@gmail.com Logo by: Katie! Theme song: "Bit Bossa" by Azureflux