The Thirsty Mage

The Thirsty Mage celebrates the beginning of Spring by talking about the Game Boy Advance classic, Mario Golf: Advance Tour.

The pub reviews the GameCube titles that have been announced for Switch 2, along with a deeper dive into Path of Radiance.

Our preview coverage continues, as Casey and David discuss games that they'd love to see on Switch 2 but haven't been announced yet.

Is there any news besides the Nintendo Switch 2? Even our RPG podcast can't escape of the discussion of the possibilities of Nintendo's next console.

David and Paige travel back 22 years to enjoy the first Fire Emblem game to be localized in the West: The Blazing Blade.

Our first RPG Club game has come to an end, and we have a chat about our experience with the Dragon Quest III: 2DHD Remake and discuss why we hope this is the first of many from Square Enix.

The celebration continues, as David and Casey pick up the discussion in the PlayStation era in video games and chat about the greatest RPG moments in the early 3D era.

Join us as we raise a glass to 300 episodes of the Thirsty Mage RPG podcast! In this milestone episode, the nostalgia runs deep as we reminisce about the most unforgettable moments in RPGs from each generation of video games. From heart-pounding boss battles and hilarious player mishaps to tear-jerking character moments and ingenious problem-solving, we're sharing our favorite stories and celebrating the magic of role playing games. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a fresh-faced newbie, you'll love hearing about the epic quests, critical fails, and triumphant victories that have shaped our love for RPGs.

David and Casey reminisce about the good ole days of PC gaming in the mid to late 90s and 2000s

Paige explains the benefits of cosy RPGs to David, and shares her impressions on a pair in Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Infinity Nikki.

Our Top 25 RPGs from the Past 25 Years List is officially complete. After sharing the official ranking, we can compare it against some of our peers to see what games may have been unjustly cut, and where the general public may differ with our opinion.

The pub has our most spirited debate ever while trying to decide which 10 RPGs make up the rest of our Top 25 Games of the Past 25 Years List.

A Quarter Century of Quests: Reliving the Magic with Our Top 25 RPGs Remember those late nights, long after we should have gone to bed, controller in hand, exploring fantastical worlds, forging lifelong relationships (even if they were just with pixels on a screen), and saving the world from destruction? That feeling, that immersion, that pure escapism – that's the magic of a great RPG. And for the past 25 years, we've been blessed with an incredible bounty of them. Join us on the latest episode of The Thirsty Mage as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the very best that the world of role-playing games has offered. We're counting down our definitive Top 25 RPGs of the last 25 years, a celebration of the titles that defined a generation and shaped the landscape of interactive storytelling. From sprawling open worlds to tightly-knit narratives, from turn-based tactical combat to action-packed real-time battles, we've explored every corner of the RPG genre to bring you this carefully curated list. This isn't just a list; it's a conversation. It's a chance to reminisce about the games that stole our hearts, the characters we grew to love (and sometimes hate), and the moments that are etched into our gaming memories. Think back to the first time you cast Firaga, the thrill of leveling up, the agonizing choice between two equally powerful pieces of loot. These are the experiences that bind RPG fans together, a shared history of adventure and imagination. Our Top 25 RPGs list reflects that shared history, highlighting the games that pushed boundaries, innovated gameplay mechanics, and crafted stories that resonated with millions. This episode isn't just about nostalgia, though. It's also about rediscovering classics. Perhaps you missed a few gems along the way, or maybe you're looking for a new (old) obsession. Our countdown is the perfect guide for anyone looking to delve into the rich history of RPGs. We discuss what made each game special, its impact on the genre, and why it deserves a spot on our prestigious list of the Top RPGs of the last 25 years. Did your favorites make the cut? Prepare for some tough choices, passionate debates, and maybe even a few surprises. We've done our best to represent the diverse landscape of role-playing games, So, settle in, and join us as we celebrate a quarter century of incredible role-playing experiences. This is more than just a podcast episode; it's a time machine, a portal back to the worlds that shaped us. Tune in now to The Thirsty Mage and relive the magic of the Top 25 RPGs of the last 25 years. (3:30) First 16 RPGs of the Top 25 Games of the past 25 Years

The Thirsty Mage community meets up for part 1 of a multi-part spoiler-cast of Dragon Quest III HD2D. This episode covers the beginning of the game and includes the first five hours leading up to the arrival in Asham.

David and Jordan discuss Ys: Memoire, the remaster of The Oath in Felghana, which also happens to be a remake of Ys III. Jordan also shares his impressions on playing DragonAge Origins via Xbox GamePass.(:22) RPG Club Introduction(8:23) Ys Memoire - The Oath in Felghana(23:22) Octopath Traveler Update(31:36) Dragon Age Origins

Our backlogs each have one less game after playing Octopath Traveler, Silent Hill 2, and Chrono Trigger.(9:17) Reevaluating Octopath Traveler(17:45) Silent Hill 2 Remake(46:12) GamePass Rundown and Chrono Trigger

Paige shares the details of her recent trip to Japan. From the halls of the Nintendo Museum to the wilds of Dragon Quest Island, she provides the scoop on spending 10 days in the dreamland of video games.(4:45) Exploring Osaka(17:05) Nintendo Museum Impressions (40:25) Universal Japan Studios(59:30) Visiting Dragon Quest Island

The podcast ends 2024 with a quick look back on some of the recommended episodes from our almost 300 episode catalogue.https://discord.gg/5EY4xPd4Jb

The discussion at the pub this episode includes our biggest surprises, disappointments, and best Games of the Year for 2024.

The pub shares their thoughts on what to add, or not add, to their Christmas Wishlist.

Jordan shares his impressions on a pair of games with Dragon in the title: Dragon Quest III HD2D and Dragon Age: The Veilguard

In this episode, David and Casey discuss the new Pokemon mobile game and the upgraded Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.

Game, Games, and more Games. Jordan shares a spoiler-free review of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven and early impressions of DragonAge: The Veilguard. David shares his experience of playing Slay the Princess on Halloween.

David and Paige talk about their experience on the first third of Metaphor: Refantazio, from the opening until the party reaches Brilehaven.

David and Jordan provide a spoiler-free review of Ys X: Nordics and 8-Bit Adventures 2.

David and Casey share which games they feel would get a newcomer to RPGs hooked on the genre.

David and Paige share impressions of two of the biggest game released this year: Echoes of Wisdom and Metaphor Re:Fantazio.

On the cusp of a possible announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, Paige and David chat about what Nintendo has been up to lately.

We're in the thick of review season, with Jordan and David sharing their experiences with the Castlevania Dominus Collection and Reynatis.

David shares his thoughts about the first little bit of Sword of Mana, and Jordan gives us the inside scoop of what he saw at PAX West.

We're back with a spoiler-free review of the latest game to come from our favourite developer Square Enix, Visions of Mana.

Paige and Jordan talk about the Cat Quest games, Castaway, and muse about the Nintendo Online Service.

The pub has a discussion about the first few hours of Final Fantasy XV and what it's like playing the long developed game in 2024.

David and Jordan review two highly anticipated indie RPGs: Darkest Dungeon 2 and Gestalt: Steam and Cinder. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

With all of the improvements to the OS, and the addition of an OLED screen option, is Steam Deck currently the best device to play RPGs? Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

The latest Legend of Heroes game is finally here! David and Jordan provide a spoiler-free review of Trails Through Daybreak. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

Everyone talks about Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, but is it really the best Paper Mario game? Paige and David discuss the recently released remake and compare it to the original Nintendo 64 game. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

The thrilling conclusion to our ongoing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth series. David and Casey discuss the wild ending, and provide our final thoughts on what has been one of the greatest video game experiences ever created. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

The pub gets together to discuss the latest Nintendo Direct and share impressions of some of the demos made available during the Steam Next Fest. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

Paige provides a second opinion of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and the podcast goes through their favourite announcements from the Summer Game Fest and more. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

During this recent absence of big budget RPGs, David and Jordan get to their backlogs and share their impressions on Fading Afternoon, 1000XResist and Skald. Jordan also share his experience of playing Pokémon with his sons. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

Only two episodes remain in our extensive coverage of perhaps the greatest video game ever made, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This episode, we head back to the Nibel region and discuss what was great about traveling back to Cloud and Tifa's hometown, and share our favourite moments. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

With so many RPG releases, it's impossible to play everything once it releases. Sometimes, it's nice to go back to games we've either passed up or fell off of to see what we missed. This episode, we give Starfield and Legend of Legacy another try. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

It seems like everyday, a new indie game is released that's “inspired by” a classic video game that found success in the past. Are these games good for the industry and are they worth playing? We use the new indie game, Athenian Rhapsody as a case study. Wish there was an easier way to keep up to date on all the RPG news and releases? The Thirsty Mage is now publishing a monthly newsletter that provides all the RPG information you could want to know from the past month. Click on the link to read the web-based version online, or register your email to get a mobile friendly version sent directly to your device. https://thethirstymage.beehiiv.com/

Our Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is winding down as David and Casey share their favourite moments and memories from the third to last region: Cosmo Canyon.

Paige shares her review of two recently released indie RPGs: Broken Roads and Felvidek

The pub continues their adventure through Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, this time making our way through the jungle terrain of the Gongaga Region.

Jordan provides a spoiler-free review of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and the pub discusses how spiritual successors of retro classics should be made in the modern era.

The Corel Region in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the more pivotal areas, unfolding across the stretches of North and South, each with distinct encounters from the beach of Costa del Sol to the arid plains of the desert. This region, rich in quests and the lore of characters like Dyne, becomes a central stage in chapters 6 through 9, where adventurers amass World Intel and navigate through challenges in iconic locations like the Gold Saucer and face adversaries such as the Tonberry King. This podcast episode serves as a retrospective of the region, spanning from the moment the party steps onto the sandy shores until the heartbreaking last moments of a long lost friend.

This podcast episode ventures beyond just listing JRPGs, but also exploring how these game systems contributed uniquely to the evolution of the genre. From the pixel art of Square Enix classics to the groundbreaking narratives in games like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Cross, we'll dissect what made each platform stand out.

The Command & Conquer (C&C) real-time strategy series, first developed by Westwood Studios, has been a genre-defining and commercially successful franchise ever since its introduction in the mid-nineties. Any kid from that era who grew up with a PC capable of playing games has likely played at least one title from the long running series. This podcast episode relives what it was like going through the installation, building an army, and talks about the strategies used way back when to help either the Global Defense Initiative or the Brotherhood of Nod to victory.

Our Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coverage continues, as the pub relives their adventures in the Junon region. For any hardcore Final Fantasy 7 fan, the name Junon conjures upon the visage of a colossal cannon and the unmistakable yet insidious shadow cast by the notorious power conglomerate, Shinra Electric Power Company. As role-playing enthusiasts immerse themselves in the grand narrative of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the Junon region emerges as a pivotal juncture in their quest, fraught with challenges to conquer, legends to uncover, and a panoramic sea view that both inspires and forebodes. In this podcast episode, we chart an odyssey through this storied region, unpacking its sagas and secrets that etch themselves into the heart of this mythical RPG world.

Get ready to immerse yourself once more in the legendary world of Gaia with "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth," the anticipated second installment in the "Final Fantasy VII Remake" project. The game promises to bring beloved characters and memorable stories to life with breathtaking visuals and a modernized combat system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. In this episode we take a deep dive into the first region of the front runner for game of the year: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Don't worry, there will be NO spoilers beyond the Grasslands region. Support us at www.patreon.com/thethirstymage

Unicorn Overlord, a tactical RPG developed by Vanillaware and published by ATLUS, is captivating players on every console, including all three platforms of Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X|S. Vanillaware's latest project offers a rich blend of over-world exploration, real-time combat, and customizable parties with up to 60 unique characters, promising an immersive experience for tactical RPG enthusiasts. David and Jordan provide some spoiler-free impressions of the latest game from VanillaWare: Unicorn Overlord. Support us at www.patreon.com/thethirstymage

David gives thanks to everyone who has helped The Thirsty Mage make it to 250 episodes and then shares his thoughts on Golden Sun.

We have our first Game of the Year contender for 2024. David and Jordan discuss all their favourite things about Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Spoilers!

After a little Octopath Traveller 2 discussion, David and Casey discuss Pokemon Black and what you can play on a Mister FPGA.

The FromSoftware Boys once again found the time and patience to complete a playthrough of Dark Souls 2.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth has finally released, and David and Jordan share their experiences of the first four chapters.

David and Jordan once again go through the past, present and future of the RPG genre as they review 3 different games.

Jordan and David share their favourite RPGs currently available in Xbox GamePass and discuss if it's finally worth owing a Series X.

After the holidays, the podcast is on a Game Boy Advance kick starting with perhaps the best game on the platform, The Minish Cap.

David and Paige take a look ahead to 2024 and preview all the amazing games with a release date and a few without.

The hottest new RPG this November was In Stars and Time, and David gets to have a in-depth conversation about the game with the developer, Adrienne.

In the final episode of the year, the pub takes a looks at some of the biggest disappointments and pleasant surprises of 2023.

The crew has a discussion about the top 10 video games that released in 2023.

David is joined by the Creative Director of Outerloop Games, Eka, to get more insight to the fantastic RPG, Thirsty Suitors.

David and Paige get into the weeds (spoiler-free) of Persona 5 Tactica with talk about the indie RPG, Small Saga.

One of the greatest years for video games ends on a strong note with a slew of incredible November releases, including: Super Mario RPG, Persona 5 Tactica, and Thirsty Suitors.

Jordan and Casey take a brief departure from RPGs to play the latest 2D Mario Adventure from Nintendo.

Our esteemed co-host Jordan Rudek has wrote a book about the timeless video games and how they affected his life. In the episode, we discuss how folks born from the 80s on have grown up with video games by their side throughout their lives.

As Jordan welcomes the second season of Diablo IV, David says goodbye to despair after having completed the first Danganronpa and much of the second.

Casey has recently rediscovered the joy of playing FromSoftware titles, and after a journey through the latest Armored Core game, he and Jordan jump back into the flagship adventure: Dark Souls.

No matter how far, Paige will manage to find the latest and greatest RPGs, and this episode she tells us about the most exciting games from PAX Australia.

With Thanksgiving (Canadian) causing scheduling problems, David is on his own as he shares his spoiler-free impressions of the first half of the Spike Chunsoft hit: Dangenronpa.

This week on the pod, Jordan shares his impressions on Infinity Strash: The Adventure of Dai and why he decided to start playing Nier Replicant. David and Casey share their thoughts on Kingdom Hearts and Dark Souls.

It's never too early to start planing for the holidays, so David and Paige go through all the recent RPG announcements as well as talk about the demos of Silent Hope and Star Ocean Second Story R.

Baldur's Gate is all the rage, and in this podcast episode we provide a bunch of stories that explain why this game is so good.

David and Jordan put a check mark on another game in their backlogs, this time with a 5 hour go at Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

David and Paige talk about the first few hours of Sea of Stars and whether they're feeling the same vibes as the rest of the internet. Afterwards, they go through each other's Steam library to see if they remember the games they've played.

The pub takes a look at a whole heap of games, both released and upcoming, to determine if it's worth adding them to our backlog.

For our third, 5 hour RPG, David and Jordan attempt to brave the many floors of Dungeon Encounters.

Not a traditional RPG, but Jordan and Paige couldn't help discussing one of the logest awaited games in recent memory, Pikmin 4.

David and Paige discuss why Baldur's Gate is the talk of town and share their favourite moments from Act 1.

After some hurt feelings and a broken television, the pub gets together after 5 hours to talk about the second game from Tokyo RPG Factory, Lost Sphear.

David and Casey discuss the grand spectacle that is Final Fantasy XVI. No spoilers past the first third of the game are discussed.

In an effort to get through our backlogs, the Pub has come up with a strategy of playing RPGs for five hours to determine if its worth playing further. First on the list: Dragon's Dogma.

The folks at the pub are all playing something different this summer/winter, as Paige talks about Marie Atelier and David describes some early Final Fantasy XVI.

Japanese mystery games are all the rage these days, and the pub talks about a pair in Lost Judgment and RainCode.

After having played through the main story, Jordan and Casey share their experience playing Diablo IV.

2023 has already seen many huge RPG releases, but the year isn't over yet. David and Jordan reveal their top E3 season announcements.

There may be a brand new Final Fantasy on PS5, but we'll never forget the absolute masterpiece from the Super Nintendo era: Final Fantasy IV.

The pub is joined by Aidan Moher to discuss the demo of one of the biggest releases in 2023, Final Fantasy XVI

Yet another port of a classic RPG has launched and Jordan let's us know if Atlus was able to figure out how to capture the Etrian Odyssey experience on Switch.

This week on the podcast, Paige and Casey share their early experiences playing the game most everyone is playing these days: Tears of the Kingdom.

As we continue our lead up to the Final Fantasy release, we have a spoiler-free discussion of the Pixel Remaster version of Final Fantasy III.

Yes, it's another episode about the original Final Fantasy, though this time it's the version currently available on Nintendo Switch. No spoilers!

Casey and David reach deep within their backlogs and pull out Townsmen VR and The World Ends With You.

With the release of Tears of the Kingdom almost upon us, Jordan and Paige reminisce on their playthrough of Breath of the Wild.

David and Paige share their experience with Atelier Ryza 3 and the surprise release of a visual novel from Square Enix, Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo