RPGaymer

And we're back for part 2 of the Soulsborne extravaganza! In this half we're talking about bests and worsts in the series as well as drafting a team of video game characters to make it through their very own Soulslike experience! Thank you  @Gingy   @TheCrawl  and  @ChamboTV  for the incredible episode! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

There aren't many genres as polarizing as the Souls genre. Today we're grabbing our great swords and slaying this Soulsborne beast! And by we, I mean returning guests  @TheCrawl   @ChamboTV  and featured special guest  @Gingy  ! Make sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss out on Part 2 next week! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

It's time for Part 2 of our incredible episode on the Persona series. This time we'll be covering a lot the 'best ofs' as well as playing a game of "Who's That Persona"! Come join the fun with two of my faves  @SpeedyHawk  and  @KBash  !

It's not just the Phantom Thieves stealing our hearts.. Persona is truly one of those Golden Series that has been ReLoaded quite a few times. So come join me in this FEStivity with content creator ROYALty,  @KBash  and  @SpeedyHawk  as we tackle this incredible series!

We're back with Part 2 of our episode with Fallout Creator (and all-around amazing human) Tim Cain! In this half of the episode, we're spending a little less time on the personal stuff and a little more on fun gaming-related topics. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

We have Tim Cain  @CainOnGames  with us on a very special episode today! Tim is a renowned game designer, programmer, producer, and project leader. He's the co-founder of Troika Games and is known for his work on Fallout, The Outer Worlds, and The Temple of Elemental Evil among many other titles. In this half of the episode, we're talking all things Tim! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Indie game developers know how to pay homage to some of the classics while still managing to make their games feel unique. Crystal Project may not be new, but if you're looking for a game to scratch that OG Final Fantasy itch, look know further. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

And we are back for our discussion on Video Game companions with ‪@SuperRADLemon‬ . In part 2 of the episode, we're covering some of gaming's best and the worst allies and what goes into a successfully crafted party member. Stick around for the end where we draft for an all star lineup of favorites to open their very restaurant! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Our video game experiences would be so boring without our fellow party members livening up the experience. And just like an RPG party, our podcasts are that much better with our incredible guests. Joining our conversation on Companions is incredible essayist and part time assassin: SuperRad! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

We're back like the Rainbow Road, baby! Part 2 of our episode discussing all things Super Mario with our special guest, Chambo! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Denim denim denim. Denim denim denim! The Mario episode is finally here, and we have a special treat in store for you today (and we promise it isn't a blue shell). We're joined by everyone's favorite Mario Kaizo streamer: none other than Chambo! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

As we discussed in part one of our episode, Turn Based Battles are here to stay! Come listen to which games had us wanting more and which games we kicked to the curb as we reminisce with  @SuperDerek  about some of the classics. Also, stick around for another game of 'Poorly Described', this time focused on RPGs! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Though the lines of defining RPGs become more blurred each year, one subset (and potentially the originator) of the RPG will always have a special place in our hearts. Turn-Based Battles have been a part of many a gaming nerd's lives since the dawn of console gaming. Come join the fun as we discuss the importance of TBBs across the ages as we're joined by world-class RPG expert  @SuperDerek  ! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

And we're back for part 2 of our episode on Cozy Games! Though most identify cozy games as farming or life sims, there are actually several different aspects one can look at in order to determine if a game is cozy or not. And who better to explain that than our favorite Queen of Cozy herself,  @Eeowna  ! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Grab your axes and watering cans! It's time to talk about all things cozy. If you're like me, you probably haven't got this far in life without a cozy game or two to get you through some of the harder days. But not all cozy games need to be life or farming sims, right? Joining our episode on one of the most inclusive genres in gaming is the queen of cozy herself,  @Eeowna  !

And we're back for Part 2 of our episode on the Wild Arms series! Today we'll be focusing on the series highlights and low points as well as ranking the series from worst to best. I also managed to pit  @davidvinc  and  @GamingBroductions  against each other in a winner-takes-all trivia showdown! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Wild Arms may not seem like it would work on paper (fusing a JRPG with a Western American setting), but if you ask any millennial nerd about one of their favorite PS1/2 JRPG series, it usually lauded for it's incredible setting and world building. Grab your cowboy hats and your six shooters because today  @davidvinc  and  @GamingBroductions  are joining the discussion on this incredible series.

Welcome back to part two of our episode on Water Levels. In this half of the episode we take some time to talk about how much we appreciate water in real life compared to how water levels tend to screw us over in some of our favorite (and least favorite) games. Stick around for the final part of the episode were we do another round of Would You Rather: Water Levels Edition. Also, don't forget to give our favorite scholar @ProfessorBopper a follow! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

We always like to see diversity in level design, right? Whether it's the a beautiful seaside area like Gondolia in DQXI or the dreaded Chemical Plant Zone in Sonic 2, Water Levels can be very divisive. Joining the conversation today is everyone's favorite gaming philosopher, ​⁠Professor Bopper! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

And we're back for part 2 of our discussion on one of the greatest handheld systems of all time. Joined by honorary guest  @KBash  (who basically has a PHD in the GBA), we're talking big love and appreciation for this little system. Is the Game Boy Advance the best version of Game Boy? Is is the best handheld system of all time??

RPGaymer has returned for season 4 and what better way to kick off a new season than with a deep dive into one of the greatest handheld systems of all time—the Game Boy Advance! Joined by honorary guest  @KBash  (who basically has a Ph.D. in the GBA), we're talking big love and appreciation for this little system. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

This year marks Earthbound's 30th birthday! Celebrate with us as we discuss what made this game a one-of-a-kind experience with our newest cohost, Zac! Also, be sure to check out our video on whether Earthbound is still worth playing today: https://youtu.be/wrU81DGdHOc?si=LS6WP-ZAq1alp2mo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

The DS duo of the Fire Emblem series are quite the contentious pairing. Not only did they suffer as lackluster retellings of the beginning of the series, but only one of them was released globally. However, these games do have some redeeming qualities and are a relatively fun, if not overly simple, way to experience the series' origins. We made sure to kill off everyone else so that way we could recruit Professor Bopper and ActualLizard to talk about the highs and lows of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Fire Emblem Awakening is often dubbed the savior of Fire Emblem series as things weren't looking good for one of our favorite tactics games. For better or worse, Fire Emblem Awakening introduced a lot of interesting new mechanics, like the pair-up system, while also reacquainting the series with offspring units. It's also known for its unbalanced gameplay that usually leads to playthroughs with only a handful of characters. Come hear our thoughts on the 3DS's first Fire Emblem entry! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

If you're a Westerner, it's very likely that you hadn't heard of the Fire Emblem series until the mid-2000s when Fire Emblem 7 was released outside of Japan. Though it was packaged as just 'Fire Emblem,' many were surprised to find that not only was it not the first title in the series but it was actually a prequel to its much more difficult sibling, FE6. Pull up a seat and listen as RPGaymer, ActualLizard, and Mekkah talk about why this game was the first released in the West and what made this GBA duo quite the odd couple. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

It's Fates time, my dudes. And it's about to get real ugly. Fire Emblem: Fates is a pretty polarizing entry. In some aspects, it's a mechanically sound, highly engaging game while still managing to be a mess of a plot. In order to tackle such a chaotic game, it's time to bring in a little bit of chaotic energy. Anyone else ready for the Professor Bopper + SpeedyHawk Dual Strike? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

It's time for us to continue our run-through on the Fire Emblem series and this time we're hitting two games in one. Path of Radiance is coveted as one of the best (if not the best) Fire Emblem and it super sucks that it's system-locked (looking at you Intelligent Systems). It's hard to pin down a singular reason as to why this game was so successful (deep characters, rich lore, and a lot of unique systems). Thankfully, ActualLizard and Professor Bopper are back again to help tag team what makes this duo so special. Oh, and Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn is the best Fire Emblem duology. There. I said it. Come at me. *Footage from @ProfessorBopper Thanks buddy! *Whitty commentary from @actuallizard

Fire Emblem Sacred Stones is the worst Fire Emblem in the series......said no one ever. All jokes aside, Sacred Stones is an incredible entry and often hits the top of most of Emblemer's Top 3 lists. What is it about this entry that makes it so appealing? Is it Eirika and Ephraim's diverging paths? The split promotion choices? Or just the fun, ol' GBA animations? In order to tackle this iconic game, Patrick is teaming up with the incredible Professor Bopper (again) and ActualLizard (again, again) who is definitely, 100% not actually a lizard (or is he?). If you've never played this game, make sure you scour those used game stores or pray that this eventually comes to the Switch. If you have, why is this game so special to you? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Season 3 might be over but that doesn't mean we're going to stop talking about your favorite games! One of the most gracious groups of content creators I've had the opportunity to work with is hands down the Fire Emblem community. In season 2, we blazed through the entire Fire Emblem series, but now is the perfect time to tackle each game individually! Fire Emblem Engage might be the most recent title but it does a lot of things right. I couldn't possibly tackle this game myself, so thankfully, I have ActualLizard and Mekkah joining me today. Seriously, Mekkah, can you just be my own personal engage ring at this point? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

It's been a long time coming but we've finally reached the season 3 finale of RPGaymer. What better way to close out the season than to talk about America's favorite pastime: RPG Mini Games. From Blitzball to Gwent, mini games have been a staple in the foundation of good gaming experiences. Sometimes you just need to take a breather from saving the world to catch a fish or race some chocobos… and maybe win an ultimate weapon while you're at it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Castlevania is another one of those series that has been around since the dawn of console gaming. Tales of Belmonts, whips, vampires, and crypts. The notoriety of its design grew so large that it even spawned its own sub-genre. Though the series has turned to dust, its image has been resurrected by many spiritual successors which carry on the incredible legacy. Drop in and give a listen on why the Castlevania series matters and how it has had such an impact on games today. And make sure to subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorBopper --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

The Legend of Zelda series has had its fair share of styles, but none contain as much whimsy as The Minish Cap. MC was released in 2004 but has recently resurfaced on the Nintendo Switch Online. On this episode of Bonus XP, we go over why this entry in the Zelda pantheon deserves a lot more praise for its accomplishments. Get your Kin Stones ready and fuse with us as we discuss how this tiny tale is still a giant adventure. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

How many times have you been galavanting about on a world map only to be jumped by 3 over-leveled dragons that make chopsticks out of your bones? Or have you been in a cave where every 10 steps you run into the exact same group of monsters you just fought? Encounters come in many shapes and sizes, but true game design only happens when they're curated by game developers to give an appropriate challenge that tests a variety of skills. Jason, Casey, and Patrick weren't ready to encounter this episode, so they had to bring along a 4th party member! Author of Fight, Magic, Items: The History of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Rise of Japanese RPGs in the West, Aidan Moher is here to help our trio take down this behemoth-ridden encounter! Purchase 'Fight, Magic, Items': https://fightmagicitems.rocks/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

You won't need to use the boost to get through this episode of RPGaymer! Star Fox 64 is a certified banger. Nintendo's first foray into 3D may have had its fair share of clunk, but you can't deny that they nailed this one. It's one of those pinnacle titles on the N64 that not only was super innovative for its time but also still holds up as an incredible game today. So make sure to barrel-roll your way into our discussion on what makes Star Fox 64 one of the best games ever made! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

The Super Nintendo is easily the best system ever made, right? No?

We all hate status effects, right? There's nothing worse than being caught in the middle of a dungeon without any antidotes to cure your poison. They can single-handedly turn mild encounters into merciless romps. But would video games be interesting if we removed status effects completely? Do they serve a grander purpose in game design that we don't actually realize? Gatherer rounds kiddos. It's time to cure you of your confusion. Jason, Patrick, and returning fan favorite, special guest Kbash are here to sift through both the nitty and the gritty of Status Effects, both good and bad. Stay fresh! There's no way to cure yourself of how much you're going to love this episode! Find KBash: Youtube: @KBash --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

You can never have enough Legends of Zelda content, right? This time on Bonus XP, we're highlighting oldie and genre-defining goodie: Ocarina of Time! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Working in the gaming industry is a dream for so many people. You get to play games for a living, what's not to love, right? Hosts Casey, Jason, and special guest Brendan Hesse from The Crawl all have unique experience writing and creating video game content like reviews, social media posts, YouTube Videos, and more. With their powers combined, they bring the inside scoop on what it's like to work as a journalist in the gaming industry, how the job can feel tiresome and rewarding at the same time, and some of their favorite (and least favorite) aspects. Also, listen in to see how the group rates and reviews older, classic games. Will Chrono Trigger retain its prestigious status without host Patrick there to defend it? Find Brendan: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCrawl/ https://www.twitter.com/Brendan_LH https://www.twitch.com/eyeamahab https://direct.me/hessebrendan --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

We're continuing with the Dragon Quest train, but this time, we're going to dive a little deeper into arguably (but not really arguably) one of the best RPGs ever made. From the well-rounded cast of characters to the vibrant visuals, Dragon Quest XI should be a staple in every RPG lover's library. Heavy spoiler warning on today's episode! It would be impossible to talk about this incredible game without ruining some of the huge plot points! NEW: Get your Gaymer Gear! Etsy: https://etsy.com/shop/RPGaymer

Not many games are as addictive as Roguelikes. The hook. The loop. The death. Repeat. Roguelikes and Roguelites have been around for quite some time now and have broadened into as much of a subgenre as RPGs. They are equally as frustrating as they are enjoyable (looking at you Darkest Dungeon

GC Vazquez & Cullen are back yet again to talk even more about Dragon Quest! This time we're taking a deep dive into the side games, like Monsters, Heroes, Swords, and Builders. Plus, we even spill some behind-the-scenes tea about Dragon Quest's former music composer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Dragon Quest is the childhood bedtime story of video games. Each entry is filled with the utmost comfort and familiarity, packed with adorable characters and creatures. All of its stories are parables of hope when things feel hopeless. With over 40 games in its complete library, Dragon Quest is easily one of the best series ever made. It's about time we took a deep dive into this epic series! In order to tackle this epic, we needed to join forces with the big guns: GC Vazquez and Cullen! Not only is it an honor talking about what makes Dragon Quest one of the best series in gaming, but doing a DQ master class with these content creators was truly an incredible experience. GC : @GCVazquez Cullen: @culIen --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

In honor of the upcoming release of Legends of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, we decided to give you a dose of one of our favorite entries with everyone's favorite Hylian Hero. Released in ‘91, A Link To The Past may be among the oldest entries in the franchise, but don't let its age fool you, she's still a beaut. Grab yourself a fresh glass of LonLon milk and gather round as we share some great memories of this game and explain how this game still holds up by today's standards. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

The original PlayStation is likely the most loaded system in terms of RPGs. From titles like Legends of Dragoon, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 7, and so many more, this system was known for housing banger after banger. I'm honestly surprised it took us this long to talk about how the PS1 era was one of the most influential eras in all of gaming. But here we are, gushing about our childhood, our faves, and the endless hours of random encounters. And what better way to pay homage to these classics than by teaming up with special guests, Gaming Broductions! Check out the Bros' productions: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingBroductions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Apparently, we can't get enough of Final Fantasy 9 because here we are analyzing, not only one of the best Final Fantasy characters but one of the best RPG heroes of all time. Kicking off our very first Bonus XP character analysis, there's no better character to talk about than everyone's favorite Black Mage: Vivi. From his adorably whimsical design to his existential character arc, Vivi is easily of Final Fantasy's most complex characters. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

You know that feeling you get when you achieve something? Like, doing something over and over again until you see results? Isn't that feeling great? Obviously by ‘achieving something', I mean leveling up. And by ‘over and over again,' you know I'm talking about that 400th slime you just slaughtered. Isn't grinding for experience fun?

With the Mario movie finally upon us, we wanted to take a moment and pay homage to this titan of a series! Mario 64 was certainly not our first Mario game, nor is it the best of the series, but it is still iconic. Mario's first foray into 3D might be a little rough by today's standards, but the memories we have of playing this game are irreplaceable. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Bad games. We've all played them. From the clunkiest platformers to the junkiest battle systems, bad games always find their way into innocent gamers' hands.  There are so many ways to determine if a game is bad. Do you look at reviewer scores? Do you stop playing it once it is no longer fun? Are some of the mechanics too ‘out there' that they break the experience? Gather round kiddos as we break down what goes into a bad gaming experience, where we draw the line on how far we'll play, and name-drop a title or two *cough cough* Quest 64.  Also, stick around for part 2 where we flip the script on our usual Poorly Described game. This time we're overselling bad games to make them sound much better than they actually are! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Yesterday, we were blessed with a 10-minute trailer for the upcoming Legends of Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom. Today, you're being blessed as Patrick and Jason are doing their due diligence and recorded a Hype or Ripe episode discussing all of the exciting goodies that appear in this trailer and all of the potential flops. This trailer not only offered is a glimpse of new areas for Link to explore but also a bunch of new mechanics that are drastically going to impact gameplay. All I can say is that I can't wait for another trip back to Hyrule and hopefully May 12 gets here very quickly! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Hold on to your job hats folks because we're in for a heck of a ride! First and foremost, we are pleased to announce our very first guest of the season, part-time hero, full-time YouTube sensation, KBash! Every video game content creator has that special someone who laid the groundwork in inspiring them to take the plunge into blazing their own video game review trail. KBash is one incredible guy and we will always be grateful, not only for his luscious locks or his hilarious game reviews but for playing a part in helping dreams come true! But enough gushing, we're here to talk about jobs and classes in RPGs! Player choice is a very important facet of gaming and the ability to customize characters can lead to some crazy builds. However, is this feature getting stale? Come gather around as Dr. Professor Surgeon General KBash and RPGaymer team up to take over the world… and maybe talk about jobs classes some too. Probably. I dunno. Follow KBash: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KBash Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBashShow --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support

Grab your D20 and your character sheet because we're playing Bunkers & Bad*sses! On this week's episode of Bonus XP, Patrick is joined by his husband Scott (awwwww!) as they recap and review their recent playthrough of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands on PS5. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands released in early 2022 with a rough start that made it difficult to play. Now a year later, is it actually worth playing this popular Borderlands spin-off? What do you think? Have you played Tiny Tina's Wonderlands? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rpgaymer/support