One Controller Port is a video game podcast focused on Japanese games, retro titles and other related topics. Part of OneControllerPort.com, which features video reviews, articles, podcasts, streams and more! Find me on Twitter @Oculin
In this episode, we tackle a long-standing frustration of mine: the current state of Final Fantasy XIV. As someone who loved FFXIV 1.0, I've long been off the Final Fantasy XIV train. Today, I have some negative feelings about the game's current state, so I wanted to talk to someone who still likes it.Alex Fraioli, who previously appeared on our podcast about Love Letter RPGs, returns to discuss his love for Final Fantasy XIV in the modern day.Visit Alex's website for his links.
This week I talk about my time at LVL UP EXPO 2025, look at the games announced in the Qureate Direct, and what to call what I do.LinksKoitsugi Steam PagePulsar Crash Steam PageLost in Space Steam PageScar Lead Salvation Steam PageGame On! WebsiteQureate DirectWho is Ben
We spend a lot of time consuming information about Japanese games from fellow English speakers located outside Japan. Amber Vještica, Editor-in-Chief at Automaton Media West, covers games from inside a Japanese games news outlet, giving her team unique access and insight into local Japanese video game culture.We discuss her role at the company, how they choose what types of stories to cover, and Automaton West's goals for bringing Japanese gaming news to English-speaking audiences.Automaton Media West's WebsiteAutomaton Media West's Twitter / X
This week I talk about my return to fighting games, DMM Game's AI Translations Process, how age impacts your Tomodachi Life, Konami Medal Games, and Gunvolt 3.Podcast LinksEx Capcom Producer InterviewKeita Takahashi InterviewDMM AI Translation TalkAdults No Longer have Friends for Tomodachi CollectionIndustry Experts Talk Tariffs on Switch 2
Despite what some people might assume, Japanese adventure games and visual novels are a big blind spot for me. And while I've enjoyed the games, most titles in the genre rarely grab my interest.In this episode, I talk to Bowl of Lentils, who has created videos about the genre's history and why these games matter. We go in-depth into the genre's core appeal, history, and future outlook. We also talk a bit about the Trails series.Bowl of Lentils LinksTwitterYouTube ChannelSakura Wars TranslationDVD Visual Novel Company Video I Mentioned
This week, I talk about my final thoughts on Sanctum 2 and Ed-0: Zombie Uprising, give a little postmortem on my Nintendo video, and talk the new VR Chat webcam support and Copilot for Xbox.Opening Music from Sanctum 2Scar-Lead Salvation WebsiteVRChat Webcam SupportXbox Copilot ProgramSangokushi Taisen WebsiteMillion Arthur GP Usage Announced
As weird as my gaming tastes are today, I think I'm still ultimately a Nintendo fan at heart. Reflecting on my recent Nintendo video made me want to talk to a younger fan to better understand what they love about Nintendo today.Josie of the Josie Woah YouTube channel took the time to talk to me about how she got into Nintendo, her view on classic Nintendo games, and what she loves about the Nintendo Switch.Josie Woah's Linktree
This week I go through some recent picks ups, talk about some small mobile games, and give my thoughts on Storybook Workshop and Super Bunny Man.Opening Music From Storybook WorkshopRPG Maker WITH Cross Platform SupportWeather Forecaster - Predict Tomorrow's Weather
I have a long history of using machine translation to help me read Japanese news stories, talk to fan bases online, and sometimes even play games. However, when you don't know the original language, it's hard to understand what impact these tools may have on how we interact with the Japanese language.I talked with Cargodin, a fan translator on games like Napple Tale and Blue Legend of Water, about how she views the English audience's relationship with the Japanese language as changing over the years.Cargodin's LinksCargodin's BlogTwitterBlueSkyTranslationsNapple Taleb.l.u.e. Legend of WaterLinda CubePlanet Laika
This week, we return to video and talk about Wizardry Variants Daphne's success and my thoughts on Super Mario Wonder, Shining Blade, and 007 Quantum of Solace. Podcast Links Opening Music from 007 Quantum of Solace SensorTower Wizardry Variants Daphne Financial Reports Sensor Tower Mobile Revenue Rankings December 19th to January 1st Sensor Tower Mobile Revenue Rankings January 2nd to January 8th Wii U Online Replacement Services Warning by Nintendo Please stay in my Memories Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Meme
I used to want to be a game journalist, but I gave it up once I left college. Recently, I was contacted by Luis Aguasvivas, a modern-day game journalist who also contributes to the non-profit New York Videogame Critics Circle. I asked him about his view on the present and future of game journalism, how his personal experiences affect his work, and what he thinks he contributes to the conversation about games. Luis' Works"Playing Games While You're Sick" (Final Fantasy VIII Article)Is It "A Profound Waste of Time" to Like A Video Game Magazine?Video Game of the Year: Live at LI Retro Gaming Expo! Luis' LinksLuis' WebsitePopMattersBluesky New York Videogame Critics CircleWebsiteYouTubeDonate Page
This week is Game of the Year 2024! We give rewards for various categories that highlight the games I played this year. We also have a last-minute emergency news story about Million Arthur and a new podcast scheduled for next year. Podcast LinksMillion Arthur NFTs ending services
This week we talk about the Game Awards announcements and trailers, as well as review One Controller Port output in 2024. 2024 Game AwardsGogh Multiplayer 4Gamer Article
This week we talk Koei Tecmo's reasoning for investing in AAA, Dragon Quest III mod drama, Media Vision shutting down Meggido 72, and Square Enix's use of AI in game development. Opening Music from Shining Blade Media Vision Shutting Down Megiddo 72 Square Enix AI Usage During SaGa: Emerald Beyond Square Enix AI Bot Hisui-chan Noda Game Maker 4Gamer Recommended Booth Strategies Koei Tecmo Expands from 2500 to 5000 Employees, Commits to AAA Koei Tecmo Highest Sales Thanks to Mobile 2023 Game Revenue Newzoo Dragon Quest III Remake Mod Backlash
Games designed for kids can be enjoyable even for adults, though they often require looking at them with a different mindset than traditional games. In this episode, I talk to Vinnk of the Famicom Dojo podcast about his enjoyment of games for kids, how his kids grew up with games, and the impact they've had on his family life. Vinnk's Links Vinnk's Import Game Shop Japan Retro Direct @FamicomDojo @FamicomDojoLIVE
This week we talk about a butt-controlled switch game, FFXI on consoles, and how Square-Enix's gamified investment's impact on game design. Opening music from Trauma Center KetsuBattler Twitter Account Toshihiro Nagoshi Talks Game Design Melon Books's November Discount 4Gamer's Symbiosis Genesis Impressions
I talk about the role of modern booth babes, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, and navigating what's next for me in FFXI or FFXIV. Podcast Links Opening Music from Xenoblade Chronicles X Inside-Games 2024 Tokyo Game Show Booth Babe Photos Xenoblade Chronicles X Definition Edition Announced Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Complete Tweet Hot Pot Gaming Ray Barnholt Final Fantasy XI Proof of Concept Video
Sometimes, Japanese games have a certain allure to them that I have trouble quantifying. I've really started to question why I and others hold a game on a pedestal partly because of its country of origin. I also sometimes wonder why it's easy to feel awkward when engaging with Japanese gaming communities and personalities, setting aside the language barrier. In this episode, I talk to Ray Barnholt about his experience with Japanese games throughout his life, his passion for Boku no Natsuyasumi, and how he achieved his dream interview with the Director of the series. Ray's Links (rdbaaa.space)Ray's Boku no Natsuyasumi Magazine IssueRay's Natsumon Review
This week I talk about a Final Fantasy VII Reeve fanbook, FFXI crafting guilds, new Switch localizations, and the team behind VR Kanojo. Links PC-FX Fan Club PRGE PodcastArtist Black's Reeve NationMomotaro Detetsu Play Asia ListingModel Debut Nicola 3 Launch TrailerNightmare Operator Steam PageAll in Abyss: Judge the Fake Steam PageLevel5 Vision 2024Venus Vacation Prism AnnouncedVR Kanojo Development Team Introduction Page
Phantasy Star Online played a massive role in popularizing online console games at the turn of the century. However, I often struggle to convey its appeal today. I talked to two YouTubers, DeployableLover and Section Skyly, who actively play the game today, about their experience and what they like most about it. Section Skyly YouTubeTwitchKo-fiTwitter DeployableLover YouTubeTwitchPatreonKo-fi
This week we talk about the point of beefy new hardware, Himitsu no Aipri's home release, the return of Freedom Wars, and my review of Mercenary Kings. Opening Music from Mercenary KingsFreedom Wars Getting and HD Release and Testing for SequelHimitsu no Aipri coming to Nintendo SwitchBrave Exvius Developer Turns ProfitableNintendo Switch 2 "Leak"
This week we talk about the Japanese festival Wii game Ennichi no Tatsujin, a new Love & Berry collab, more thoughts on gamified investment, and a doujin game. Disney Step 4Gamer ArticleLove & Berry Pripara CollabWebX-Asia
This week, I reflect on a year of my time on HorizonXI, a Final Fantasy XI rollback server, and an overview of how the Final Fantasy XI experience evolves on the road to level cap. What Barbie and Bratz Bring to Games with Princess Poki – Hot Pot Gaming Interview The Most PC-FX TRPG – Sparkling Feather – PC-FX Fan Club Episode 8
Licensed games, especially those aimed at kids, are easy to dismiss and ignore as a traditional game player. However, Princess Poki helped me see the value of games like Barbie and Bratz. In this podcast, we talk about the rise of Cozy Games, Fashion Dreamer drama, and what Barbie and Bratz games mean to her.
This week is full of cool games – as long as you let them be. Plus, I talk PlayStation Portal's success, Momotaro Densetsu Edutainment, and the re-return of Million Arthur! Opening Music from Picturebook Games The Royal BluffPlayStation Portal "best selling accessory in dollar sales 2024 Mat Piscatella TweetNew Chinese Million Arthur GameKonami's Momotaro Densetsu Education Edition Event
This week we talk about recent Nintendo throwbacks, Coin Musme's closed beta test, a lo-fi study app, and a limb-based brawler. Links Opening Music from Luigi's Mansion 2 Dark MoonKoROBO TrailerKyle Bosman's Famicom Detective Club VideoFamicom Detective Club Emio The Smiling Man TrailerGogh - Study App 4Gamer ArticleCoin Musme Closed Beta Test VideoAlex FraioliPastel Parade Steam PageCyborg-Prototype
Respectful game criticism can be tough, especially when being critical. Alex Fraioli recently had to walk that line when creating a video criticizing the narratives and dialog of the 16-bit RPG love letters, Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes. I talk to him about his experience creating that video and about his hopes for creating his own RPG in the future. Alex's LinksAlex's Video – Blanding on the Shoulders of Giants YouTube Channel Patreon Website Bluesky Twitter
This week I try to understand why I feel there's a news drought, plus I talk about my final thoughts on Chaos Rings and Back 4 Blood. Opening Music from Chaos RingsAlex Fraioli's Video on Love Letter RPGsAlex Rider Stormbreaker ReviewNES Repair Video
This week I talk about the Strinova beta test, me being judgmental about anime, creators and anime girls, plus I finally play Spider-Man 2! Opening Music from Spider-Man 2 DSLily in DreamWorld Steam PageLuck Tuna ReviewGekigemu's Video on Japanese Video Games
I talk with SnowyAria about our shared interest in "Bad" and "Kusoge" titles, including what makes them worth playing and loving. SnowyAria Twitter – https://x.com/SnowyAria Kusoge Coffeehouse Import Game Journal and Translation Blog – https://kusoge.cafe/ My Main Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@OneControllerPort If you wanna support me on Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/onecontrollerport
I tried my best as the new monster on the block at Monster High, plus I talk Final Fantasy XI and break down my struggles with Blade Arcus. Pokemon Frenda Inside Japan ArticlePokemon Frenda Video DemonstrationPrincess Poki YouTube Channel
This week is two firsts! My first time seriously playing Tetris and a Musou game. I get weirdly granular with what are already popular genres. Opening Music from Tetris Hot Pot Gaming 20 Years of Fan Translations with Matt Dragon Quest Champions Shutting Down My Dragon Quest Champions Video Puzzle Game Twitter
Fan Translations exploded. I talk to Matt LaFrance, a 20-year veteran, about why he got involved, how the scene developed, and his future outlook. Matt's Links Fan Translation Projects WebsiteFan Translation Ko-fiFan Translations YouTube Channel18+ Translation Mastadon
I talk about doing a game-ish diagnosis test, my time with Yoshi's Topsy Turvy, Oreca Battle 2, and studying Japanese with Shashingo. Opening Music from Yoshi Topsy Turvy Washing your Hands at the Sushi Bar Video Collector Ninja Video Starfox Adventures Review Cleaning Two PSPs While Chatting PSP Matt's Translation of Anime Fan Club Communication Ore'n Game Page Oreca Battle 2 Location Testing MyMaid Emusubi Shashingo Steam Page
This week, I discuss LvlUpExpo 2024, a port mortem on my Xeno series Panel, and Square Enix's and Koei Tecmo's Financial Reports. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music from Xenosaga: Episode IIIPC-FX Fan Club Podcast Episode 7 Gaming Junk Pile RepairMy LvlUpExpo 2024 PanelPizza BanditGunmetal Gothic Lost in Space: The Adventure GameRicket: Jae's Really Peculiar GameCoveting import / obscure games twitter questionDo you prefer remasters on modern consoles or originals twitter question Square Enix Cancelled Multiple HD Titles Koei Tecmo Seeing Big Success with Nobunaga AmbitionDouble Jump Tokyo 4 Gamer Blockchain Gaming Report
This episode is about re-embracing portable games, exploring a snack company's virtual museums, my dream Buddy Mission BOND theme park attraction, and the struggle of getting into fighting games. Opening Music from Granblue Fantasy VersusMy EVO Podcast OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website
I talk understanding addictive tendencies using FFXI, Wii U/3DS shutdown's impact on my view of games, and 2008's ultimate stress relief game. Podcast Links Opening Music from Zenses: RainforestDLSite Disables Most Credit Card Company ProcessingLove & Berry's Arcade Button ToyCapcom Ending Toware no Palm ServiceGunvolt PuzzMixNatsumon's English Named Trademarked OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website
This week, we talk about Gundam SEED on PS2, Princess Peach Purikura, Million Arthur's Re-death, and hostess club games. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music from Mobile Suit Gundam SEEDWashing Your Hands at the Sushi Bar Doujin GameCollectorNinja Doujin GameBloomberg's Japan Economy VideoAnyAustin YouTube ChannelCard en Ciel TrailerI My Merry Princess Peach Event WebsiteMillion Arthur NFT Game Ending ServiceBunny Garden WebsiteSchool Girls Zombie Hunter Quick Play
This week I ramble on about my feelings on the current view of the game industry and the new Kusogeeeeee platform. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links 50 Years of Video Game RevenueThe Emotion Engine TweetKusogeeeeee WebsiteTokyo Indie Game Summit Digital Hearts x Rosetta AI Translation Talk
This week I talk Japanese edutainment games, my weird feelings on Wii revivals, and talk about my thoughts on Granblue Fantasy Relink. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Notes Opening Music from Granblue Fantasy Relink5 Minute Unexpected Ending: Monochrome Library Launch TrailerMonster Hunter Stories coming to Switch Summer 2024Guitar Life - Lesson 1Endless Ocean Luminous Coming May 2nd 2024
This week we go all over the place, talking Switch's presence in Japan, Konami's actual place in the game market, people's goals for learning Japanese, and Game Genome's deep dive into Love & Berry. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music from My Japanese Coach"Expertise" as a Video Game Content Creator and CommentatorPC-FX Podcast Episode 6: Who Killed the PC-FX?Sazh's Story: Heads of Tails ReviewRomance and the Three KingdomsHanaechansoft Note Blog PostMabinogi Eternity ProjectFFXI / Nobunaga Ambition InterviewGame Data Library Japan Industry BreakdownSmartphone App Revenue Weekly ReportNintendo Retains a "Sense of Danger" to Their ApproachSwitch Overcomes Nintendo DS Sales NumbersFashion Dreamer Sales CommentaryVG Style Saavy Sales WikiLove and Berry Game Genome 4 Gamer Coverage (Link 1 and Link 2)Love and Berry Game Genome Inside Games CoverageAutomaton Media's Geolocation Japanese Game Market Analysis
I talk new games I got, a new Fashion Rhythm game, Final Fantasy XIII, the LoveLive Tweet and letting go of Another Code Recollection. Podcast Links Opening Music from Final Fantasy XIIIBowl of Lentils' Thoughts on Another Code RecollectionInside Games' Another Code Recollection ImpressionsWatcha Primaji Shutting DownDragon Quest Xross Blade Shutting DownMy Dragon Quest Xross Blade VideoPrimaji HimitsuPrimaji Verge4Gamer's Primaji Himitsu ImpressionsLove Live! School Idol Festival 2 Release Date and Shutdown Date Announced OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website
This week I talk about a train building game in a horse derby-style, Xenoblade rumors, and I give my final thoughts on Star Fox Adventures! Opening Music from Star Fox AdventuresMy Final Fantasy XI Draft VideoNavigating the PC-FX Sales MessPC-FX Fan Club Ko-fiXenoblade Chronicles X Remake RumorsSodatetsu WebpageMagician's Dead Launch Reception OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website
It's game of the year for 2023! We talk characters, import games, speed games, RPGs, disappointing games, and a surprise last minute upset. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music from Kira Kira Pop PrincessThe Nintendo ChroniclerDaddy's Birthday
This week, I ramble about the Japanese PC market, Casio Loopy, anime games, inflated expectations, SEGA's revivals, and Hajime Tabata. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links: Opening Music from My Happy MannersLove & Berry Daddy's BirthdayBlur Exorcist Action RPGSpy X Family ScreenshotsReturn of Dosupara Utsunomiya Tsuruta store openingFrontier PC Building GameLove and Deep SpaceNEW GAME BASED NO THE OUTCAST TrailerThe Day Before Shutting DownLast of Us 2 Multiplayer CancelledTabata's JP Games Incorporated News PageGame AwardsE3 is Dead
This week, I give my final thoughts on two Wii games, including Arc Rise Fantasia. Plus a typing game and a game about reading books. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music from Arc Rise FantasiaJujutsu Kaisen Typing Game WebsiteFinal Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis Launching on PCUnexpected Ending in 5 Minutes: Monochrome Library (5分後に意外な結末 モノクロームの図書館) WebsiteJapanese Game Sales November 20th to 26th 2023Level 5 Vision II Live StreamChase Chase Jokers x Bombergirl Cross Ever CharacterSamba de Amigo Love & Berry CostumeWorld Flipper Shutting DownDissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia Shutting Down404 Game Re:set Shut downBlue Archive 3rd Most Revenue for October 2023
This week, I talk about Quester coming to Switch, Square Enix NFT news, Fairy Carrots, and my thoughts on Boku no Natsuyasumi 2. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Neptunia: Sisters vs. Sisters coming to XboxPokemon Concierge TrailerQuester coming to Nintendo SwitchFairy Carrots Steam PageSquare Enix Symbiogenesis Lottery System AnnouncementAbandoned Animal Crossing Video on Ko-fi
This week, I talk about a Taiko Drum Accessory, cute video game girls, a parkour racing game, and my final thoughts on Toukiden Kiwami. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links Opening Music Toukiden KiwamiNintendo Chronicler's VideoOCP Gameplay ArchivingPS5 Slim Disc Drive Requires Internet ConnectionNintendo Patents Detachable Dual Screen HardwareTaiko Drum Master AccessoryUtopia 2 TrailerFreeJack Online Steam PageGame of Life 2nd Week Sales Outsells Sonic Superstars Launch WeekMurasame Castle, Devil World and Castlevania Legends come to NSOSakurai Talks Shoryuken
This week I talk HuneX's Tensho brand, a new game from the Oreca Battle / Otocadoll developers, and some Blue Breaker research I'm doing. OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website Podcast Links: Opening Music from Blue Breaker Arrange Soundtrack DiscOren WebsiteOtocadoll Acrylic StandsHuneX's Tensho WebsiteTouch Detective 3 + Complete Case Files
I rant about my issue with raid combat in Rabbit & Steel and Final Fantasy XIV, and then close out the Hop! Skip! Dance! lore. Podcast Links Opening Music from Rabbit & SteelAll Four Hop! Step! Dance! CommercialsKamiya's New YouTube ChannelUchitore AnnouncedModel Debut 3 Nicola Launches SoonRabbit & Steel Steam PagePC-FX Fan Club Podcast Farland Story FX w/ Mr. JakesTeam Innocent Reference Documents Post OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website
This week is a shorter episode, with a quick personal update, a new Buddy Mission BOND stage play, and Magicami's shutdown / crowdfunded revival. Opening Music from Buddy Mission BONDNews Hunting Stream3DS and Wii U Servers Shutting DownMGCM Combat Edition Steam PageMagicami Shutting Down and Kickstarting an Offline VersionStarri Steam PageNew Buddy Mission BOND Stage Play OCP Links: OCP Ko-fi OCP Main Channel OCP Plus! Commentary Channel PC-FX Fan Club YouTube One Controller Port Website