The Unlockables Podcast

The Guiding Keys mini-series and the story of Kingdom Hearts comes to a close. For now. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

The final game in the Kingdom Hearts series and the final episode of Guiding Keys is Melody of Memory, a rhythm game that celebrates the incredible music of Kingdom Hearts. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Welcome back to part 2 of Kingdom Hearts Dark Road. The plot with the upperclassmen thickens as a young Xehanort continues on a path that will see him become the insidious antagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series! Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

We've reached the 12th ame in the Kingdom Hearts series and the penultimate game in our Guiding Keys adventures. Dark Road follows the story of a young Xehanort. What truths will be revealed to us about the Seeker of Darkness?Links and Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

2024 is coming to a close. Let's talk about the games that were played, the Game of the Year, and the state of the Unlockables as we go into a new year.Links and Social Media!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

On today's episode of the Unlockables we're talkin about the second Community Game of the Month chosen by the Unlockables community members. This month the game we played was Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus! Friend of the show and exalted community member Poppy the Masked Keaton stopped by to talk about this PS2 Classic! Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Adam from The Good, the Bad and the Backlog joins the show today as we discuss our first ever experience with a Pokémon Nuzlocke challenge! The rules we used for this run are the base rules for any nuzlocke run: one encounter capture per route, if a Pokémon faints you can't use it for the rest of the run, and you must nickname all Pokémon you catch. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

With Kingdom Hearts 3 completed, we can now move on to the second half of the Union X Story. The first Keyblade War has just concluded, and our player character along with the new Union Leaders chosen from the Dandelions have just entered a data version of the world they know for protection. What further mysteries will be revealed to us about the Master of Master's plan, Luxu, and the 13 Prime Darknesses? Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

The first Unlockables Community Game of the Month is here! Friend of the show and fellow dad Mick Davis stopped by to talk about the classic PS1 tactical RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics! Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

At long last we've arrived at the finale for Kingdom Hearts 3. In this episode we discuss the ReMind DLC, the Secret Reports, and some final thoughts on KH3 as a whole. What secrets lie ahead in Kingdom Hearts 4? Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Today's episode is dedicated to the GLORY OF THE EMPEROR. Fellow Space Marines Nick and Will of the Friday Night Gamecast Chapter stop by the Unlockables to help break down the insanity that is Warhammer 40000 and the hit new game from Saber Interactive, Space Marine 2! Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

The final confrontation with Master Xehanort is here at last, and the conclusion of base Kingdom Hearts 3. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

On this episode of Unlockables, its time to LIVE AND LEARN. After foolishly beginning the Year of Shadow at the end of the story, we've gone back to right the wrongs by playing the game where Shadow debuted, Sonic Adventure 2! Matt aka Stormageddon from "Fun" and Games podcast and the Reignite podcast stopped by the show to help us escape from the city and see the true origin of SHADOW. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

After finishing our adventures in the Disney Worlds, we begin racing towards the conclusion of Kingdom Hearts 3. The fate of Aqua and Ven hang in the balance as the long awaited confrontation with Master Xehanort finally begins. Links and Social Media! ⁠Support the Show on Patreon!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

In the late 90s, the industry and gamers were looking forward to the future, and it was 3D. But in the wake of the avalanche of 3D games, there were some titles that got overlooked at the time. The Suikoden series on PS1 was good, but just wasn't what people were looking for at the time. In recent years its reputation has grown as not only one of the great RPGs of its time, but one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Links and Social Media! Support the Show on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Welcome back to part three of our adventures in Kingdom Hearts 3! We're wrapping up our journey through the remaining Disney worlds while discovering some important plot points that will impact the conclusion of the game! Links and Social Media! Support the Show on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

The one true Gaming Prophet and master of Emulation Transformation Kade Call of Gaming Memories stops by the Unlockables to talk all things content creation, giving emulated games the SAUCE, and the ethics of emulation. He also offers some advice on where to start if you want to make your games look SAUCY. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Welcome back to part 2 of Kingdom Hearts 3, today our adventure in the Disney Worlds begins as Sora sets out to find the power of waking in order to save those who have been hurt by Xehanort and his schemes. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Sega recently announced that 2024 was the Year of Shadow. So naturally an episode on the infamous 2005 game Shadow the Hedgehog was necessary in order to celebrate properly. Friend of the show Keith Gasper stops by to talk all things Shadow, as we try to figure out why this game was made and if it succeeded in its vision for who Shadow should be as a character. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

At long last, our Guiding Keys journey brings us to the game that was the catalyst for this journey in the first place. Kingdom Hearts 3. You know the drill by now. A brief introduction featuring general information, first thoughts, gameplay and development history is followed by a dive into the story. The shadow of Xehanort looms large. Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

The annual State of the Industry episode is here! Kelvin and Rob from the Gaming Duo stop by to talk about the Big 3, leaks, trailers, layoffs and everything in-between with a positive spin! The Gaming Duo Links Links and Social Media! ⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

A light spoiler review of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth featuring discussions involving Final Fantasy VII Remake as well! Links and Social Media! ⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠ ⁠Eric's Twitter⁠ ⁠Unlockables Twitter⁠ ⁠Unlockables Instagram⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Kingdom Hearts X began life as a browser based game that was released in Japan only. It would eventually see release on smartphones as Unchained X and a later rebrand, changing the name once again to Union X. A CGI movie called X Back Cover was included with the 2.8 collection that covered the events of the first half of the story. It is here we first meet the most mysterious figure in Kingdom Hearts, the Master of Masters, and learn the truth behind the devastating Keyblade War. Links and Social Media! Linktree to All Socials Eric's Twitter Unlockables Twitter Unlockables Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

I played Ocarina of Time for the first time in 2024. This game and Zelda had long eluded me, but I decided it was finally time to sit down and play it all the way through, once and for all. ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Like a lot of people, I got drawn into the galactic conflict featured in Helldivers 2 to spread freedom and managed democracy across the vastness of space. In this episode I give some initial thoughts on my time with Helldivers 2, as well as some pontifications on the nature of Live Service games themselves. ⁠⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Before we fully move on to Kingdom Hearts 3, a tech demo included in the HD 2.8 collection allows us to spend a few hours with Master Aqua in the Realm of Darkness as she wanders endlessly without hope. Find out how her story ties into the end of Kingdom Hearts 1 and sets the stage for the long awaited Kingdom Hearts 3! ⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

With the imminent return of Master Xehanort, Yen Sid summons Sora and Riku to undergo the Mark of Mastery Exam. Their objective; enter the Realm of Sleep to unlock the Seven Sleeping Keyholes, restoring seven sleeping worlds to the Realm of Light and acquire the Power of Waking. Things do not go as planned, as Sora and Riku are separated at the beginning and forced to contend with Xehanort's machinations. Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

As the year comes to a close, there was a lot to celebrate in terms of the Unlockables. In this episode I record some of my thoughts on the show in 2023, my changing attitudes towards creating in the space of video game discourse, and the future of the show once my son is born in March 2024. Thank you to all for another incredible year! Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Kingdom Hearts Coded started as a mobile phone game in Japan before being remade for the Nintendo DS in the form of Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded. Will the mysteries of Jiminy's blank journal finally be revealed? And what will Re:Coded tell us about coming titles in the Kingdom Hearts series? The only clue we have is a mysterious new entry on the final page of the journal. "Their hurting will be mended when you return to end it." Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

We've wrapped up our playthrough of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and its time to connect the lingering plot threads. In this episode we go over the Blank Points secret ending, Xehanort's reports, and one final scene that takes place after the credits that ties the whole series together. Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the 2023 Corporate Game Awards! Before we celebrate the games, lets celebrate the cold, calculating, ruthless quest for industry efficiency and maximum shareholder value! ⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Part 3 of Birth by Sleep is here! Aqua achieves her lifetime goal of becoming a Keyblade Master, but this creates turmoil as she struggles to fulfill her duties as a master and balance her relationship with her friends. Can Aqua pull her friends together to overcome the schemes of Xehanort? ⁠⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

With Terra's fate unknown, we turn now to the story of Ventus for more answers. Who is the mysterious Vanitas? What is the true nature of the X-blade and what is Xehanort's ultimate plan? The lore becomes deeper on this episode of Guiding Keys! ⁠Linktree to All Socials⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Eric's Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Podcast Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Podcast Instagram⁠⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

We've learned a lot through the first four Kingdom Hearts games, but everything you think you know is about to change with Birth By Sleep. In part one we'll focus on the first of the game's three protagonists, Terra, whose struggles with the darkness and flaws cause tragedy. We are also introduced to the overarching antagonist of the Dark Seeker Saga, Master Xehanort, whose careful plotting behind the scenes has influenced the events in the previous games. Linktree to All Socials⁠ ⁠Eric's Twitter⁠ ⁠Podcast Twitter⁠ ⁠Podcast Instagram⁠ The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

We spend so much time talking about games, but as the industry has grown, the practice of making them has become unsustainable. Long development cycles with crunch that chew people up and spit them out have become the norm, while most studios seem like the are one underperforming game away from failure. I had some thoughts about the human cost of making games and I wanted to get them on paper. Linktree to All Socials Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

From Game of the Year and critical acclaim in 2016, to the most negatively reviewed game on Steam in 2023. Overwatch's journey as a game is a fascinating story, inextricably linked with the turmoil at Activision Blizzard and growing trends in the industry overall. Eric rambles about his extensive time with Overwatch 1 and identifies a few key points where he thinks it all started to go wrong. Linktree to All Socials Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

With a remake of Super Mario RPG due out in a few short months I decided to revisit the original for the first time in over 15 years to see what made Mario's swan song on the Super Nintendo something special. Linktree to All Socials Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Guiding Keys is back, and the next Kingdom Hearts game is Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. We fill in the blank spaces in Roxas's story between Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 2. But....who is this girl, and why doesn't anyone remember her? Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games! Guiding Keys is an in-depth review series on the Unlockables diving into every aspect of the Kingdom Hearts series. From story to themes, everything will be explored in order to make sense of the heavy and convoluted plot of Kingdom Hearts!

For your consideration, the Unlockables review of Final Fantasy 16.

On today's episode of the Unlockables, good firend of the show Brock Matthews stops by the show to talk about all things voice acting. Brock is an aspiring voice actor who has been honing is craft for several years and he offers some incredible insight into what it takes to break into the industry. Brock's Voice Reel Brock on Twitter Brock Email For Professional Inquiries Linktree Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

As has become annual tradition, the summer mail bag has returned for 2023! Eric took questions from the community about video games, food, life and everything in between! Linktree Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The intro song heard at the start of the episode was Littleroot Town by Duzzled, released under the Game Chops label, which is a label that licenses video game music under Creative Commons. Be sure to check out the channel here to support Game Chops and Duzzled! The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

With the plans of Organization XIII thwarted and Xemnas defeated, it's time to tie up the loose ends for Kingdom Hearts 2. Dive into the Secret Ansem Reports and discover how oversight by Ansem the Wise caused ripples throughout the Kingdom Hearts plot, and then stay to see what's left to do after the credits roll, featuring an appearance by the One Winged Angel himself. From here, we're moving on to 358/2 Days and Re:Coded. Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games! Guiding Keys is an in-depth review series on the Unlockables diving into every aspect of the Kingdom Hearts series. From story to themes, everything will be explored in order to make sense of the heavy and convoluted plot of Kingdom Hearts!

An important update regarding the future of Unlockables.

Sora, Mickey, Donald and Goofy have arrived in the home world of Organization XIII to stop their plans once and for all. Can they stop the completion of Kingdom Hearts? Will they rescue Kairi? And what of Ansem the Wise and Riku? The final showdown with Organization XIII and Xemnas begins! Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games! Guiding Keys is an in-depth review series on the Unlockables diving into every aspect of the Kingdom Hearts series. From story to themes, everything will be explored in order to make sense of the heavy and convoluted plot of Kingdom Hearts!

After discovering a shocking truth about the nature of their enemy, our heroes have no time to rest as a massive battle unfolds outside the walls of Hollow Bastion where all forces collide! The true nature of Organization XIII's plan is revealed. Can Sora and friends find their stronghold and stop them in time? And will he finally be reunited with Riku and Kairi? Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Since the beginning of time, humans have pondered the great questions. Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? And what does it mean to be a Final Fantasy game? With the upcoming release of Final Fantasy 16 this questions seems to be at the forefront now more than ever. To answer this question once and for all, the Unlockables assembled a crack team of the foremost experts of video game podcasters. Chris and Keith join the show for an epic discussion about the very heart and soul of the Final Fantasy franchise. Retro Hangover Chris Coplien Twitter Retro Hangover Twitter Chris Coplien Instagram Retro Hangover Instagram Keith's Linktree Main Quest Twitter Main Quest Instagram Main Quest Merch Main Quest Podcast Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Main Quest Podcast is a retro video game podcast where Keith takes on the insane task of replaying every game he's played throughout his life. Keith goes back to the 80s, and coming around to modern PC games replaces nostalgia with something better...or worse! It ain't a side quest for him, it's Main Quest! Retro Hangover is a podcast in which your hosts Shane Koski and Chris Coplien spotlight a different piece of video game history (be it a specific title, console, company or person) each episode. They provide a brief background, discuss their personal experiences, as well as their favorite aspects of the item in question. Oh and there's beer. The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

On the latest episode of Guiding Keys, Sora awakens having regained all of his memories, but before he can blink he finds himself thrust off on another adventure with Donald and Goofy to find Riku and King Mickey. Meanwhile, a mysterious group called Organization XIII is operating in the background. Will Sora be reunited with his friends, and will our heroes be able to overcome the machinations of the Organization? Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

This week on the podcast, Eric is joined by Aaron, one half of the legendary Super Pod Saga! They talk about the origin of the show, the incredible viral tweet on the Super Pod Saga twitter account, as well as some of Aaron's favorite games and how he got into gaming!! Super Pod Saga Website Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The intro song heard at the start of the episode was Littleroot Town by Duzzled, released under the Game Chops label, which is a label that licenses video game music under Creative Commons. Be sure to check out the channel here to support Game Chops and Duzzled! Aaron and Tommy are on a Super Pod Saga to discuss every video game topic in existence! Each week, they bring a discussion topic to the table and use their breadth of video game knowledge and history to talk about the subjects until there is nothing left to say! The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

It's been a long time coming, but we have finally arrived at Kingdom Hearts 2 in our Guiding Keys journey. After the events of Chain of Memories, our story picks up with Roxas, a mysterious boy who has unexplained ties to Sora. With six days of summer vacation left, Roxas is just trying to enjoy his time with his friends before school resumes. But there have been strange things happening lately, events that will change Roxas's life forever. Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!

Welcome to Gotta Watch 'Em All! A Pokémon rewatch series that is an Unlockables Patreon exclusive at the Super Rare Unlock tier, but today I am making it available on the public feed as a special promotion! In this first part, Ash begins his Pokémon journey. But despite his optimism and confidence, Ash quickly discovers that becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Master isn't as easy as he thought. After a rocky start with Pikachu and meeting Misty, will Ash persevere through his early troubles and continue to chase his dreams? Unlockables Patreon Eric's Twitter Podcast Twitter Podcast Instagram Thanks to Hyper Potions for letting us use one of their incredible songs for part of the intro! Be sure to check them out by clicking on the links and give them all the support! The Unlockables is a video game podcast about people's stories and memories around the video games they play, as well as the story of video games themselves! Each week a guest or guests join Eric on the show to talk about the games that meant the most to them growing up, the games they love now, and memories they have with friends, family, loved ones, or even themselves about playing videogames. There are also some solo episodes sprinkled in with random topics related to anything and everything video games!