Do you like sipping coffee in a cozy shop on a cold rainy day? Well we do too! This Friday we're back again joined by our great friends, Kate & Emily of No Small Games, to discuss the indie darling - Coffee Talk. Set it an alternate history full of elves, orcs, harpies and sirens we play the role of a mysterious barista who owns and operates the coziest late-night coffee talk with absolute vibes. We break down why Nick would be a terrible barista, why this game works and how you might want t...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Once in a while a game releases that changes the fabric of the gaming world. In recent history the likes of Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, Breath of the Wild and even more have left their own indelible mark on the gaming industry and are still discussed in our communities to this day. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is the next game to have this level of impact. We're joined by Rick Firestone of Pixel Project Radio to fully deep dive into E33 and provide you a critical analysis. So kick back, grab a dr...
Jun 20, 2025•2 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 71
We're Back! If you can believe it or not, we went to Boston again and had a fantastic time. Will and I take the chance to review our trip and our fantastic time covering all the incredible titles at Pax East 2025. Incredible indies, outstanding panels and a Boston city re-review are inbound for you to enjoy. We want to take another opportunity to give a huge shout out to all the incredible creators that we got to see like Emily & Kate of No Small Games, CGDannyB, the Patriarch of the Dojima ...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 70
It's that time again and we're ready to bring the heat! It's the end of the year and Will has returned to join me in judging our Game of the Year 2024! So this year has been incredible, but we're switching up our formula for delivery. We're not only heralding what we think were our favorites of 2024 - we're giving plenty of other games their just due by awarding them "Best in Class" for their respective categories. Hot takes, spicy wings and non-stop caffeinated fun! Make sure you don't miss our...
Jan 31, 2025•2 hr 46 min•Season 3Ep. 69
One of the biggest JRPGs of 2024 deserves one of the biggest FNGC episodes of Season 3 and we are here to deliver! This week I'm joined by Same Heaney (of No Limits!) and Dave Jackson (Tales from the Backlog) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Metaphor Refantazio. A fascinating title that expects much of the player and provides even more in return. We face idealism, nihilism, and a journey of the hero and the self as we travel with the protagonist across the Kingdom of Euchronia. We discover...
Jan 24, 2025•3 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 68
We're back folks!!! Coming back on this outstanding Friday to review one of the hotly anticipated WRPGs of 2024, Dragon Age: The Veilguard!! This week Nick is joined by Courtney to discuss the ups and downs of this infamous title. This game got a lot of flack in various internet pockets of "those who shall not be named" but Courtney did a great job joining me for this episode to talk about the complexities of this very large title. Whether you're completely new to the Dragon Age series, or a lon...
Jan 10, 2025•2 hr 45 min•Season 3Ep. 67
This week, Nate & Jono return to the podcast to join us to review Star Wars Outlaws! The latest title from Ubisoft and an open world "Scoundrel Simulator" has all kinds of interesting things that the boys need to help us break down for everybody. Walk into the cantina with us to fully take in this hive of scum and villainy >:) Please follow The Elder Trolls at all the below links! https://linktr.ee/eldertrollspodcast Music by: Wilber Roget II If you want to reach out to Nick and Will pers...
Dec 06, 2024•2 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 66
“On the path of Budo one does not strive for victory over an opponent... one strives to avoid defeat by one's own self.” - Akira Toriyama This week we are joined by Jared from Play Along Pod to charge up our ki and review this incredible entry into the Budokai Tenkaichi franchise! Dragon Ball is Super (heh) important to all three of us and is a significant aspect of our formative years - like most millennial podcasters. But in this episode we're talking about the strengths of this game as the mo...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 65
The boys have never been more back in the spookiest month of the year. We're coming at you with our perennial topic of covering some of the scariest games that we've loved either from this year or in the past. Whether it's running from the incredibly large castle mommy or learning about how time loops in Nowhere, we have you covered for this year. Happy Halloween to everyone! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introductions 02:08 - Housekeeping 03:49 - Whatcha Playing?? 29:19 - Spooktober 2024 01:22:26 - Outro...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 3Ep. 64
For Glory & Honor, Nick and Will review Space Marine 2!! This week we have 40k on the docket to round out this action-packed fall season. In this episode Will and I both go in-depth on what makes this game sing on a technical level and how it offers a brilliant presentation worthy of being a hallmark entry into next gen consoles. From battling Tyrranid swarms to providing a proportionate response to heretical presence, we have you covered. The Emperor Preserves! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduct...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 63
I AM ASTRO BOT!!! What's up everybody!!! Starting off our content for October we're coming in strong. Will, Jacob and I all platinumed Astro Bot and decided we had to join our forces together to give in a comprehensive review. From the platforming, level design, boss design and pure nostalgia baked in we're covering everything here! Please follow Jacob at all his links below: https://jacobmccourt.notion.site/Jacob-McCourt-26154cdfc49446148a763abf6d7f9129 https://twitter.com/JacobMcCourt Time Sta...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 62
The review of 2024 is finally upon us. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH IS HERE!! Want to say thanks to all our fans and listeners for being so patient for this release it means the world to us. This week I'm joined by Kolby Moyer from the Switch It Up Podcast and #1 Sephiroth stan to discuss this incredible title. This week we're digging into narrative structure, character highlights, mini games, open world map design and even uncovering the secrets to Dio's supplement routine! This is a jam-packed on...
Sep 28, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Hi Everybody! Surprise FNGC Drop for your Wednesday listening pleasure (remember every day can be a Friday if you Believe hard enough). This has been exclusive on Patreon for quite some time since April so on the cusp of posting our Asura's Wrath review over there, and in light of scheduling issues over here, now is the perfect time to let the world know if Rune Factory 4 is good or not! This episode was so fun and gives a lot of insight into specifically what Will does/doesn't like! Lots of Har...
Sep 11, 2024•29 min
So you thought we were done talking about this era of retro gaming last time huh? WELL GUESS WHAT WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN!! This time around we have an outstanding guest, Chris Coplien, from Retro Hangover Podcast jumping on board with us to discuss his favorite aspects of one of the most iconic console generations - Gen 5 (so iconic it even deserves 2 episodes)...Anyway, lots of fun had here we dig into deep cuts like the 3DO, Atari Jaguar and even the Pippin??? (I still don't believe that was a r...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Season 3Ep. 60
This week Nick is joined by Jala - of Jala-chan's Place Podcast - to review what is arguably the most infamous title in the FE franchise: Fire Emblem Fates! This 2016 TTRPG is a fascinating game to dig into and I'm frankly astonished that it exists to this day. From the updated mechanics, the deceptively good(?) map systems to even the mind-boggling "face-petting" with that 3DS stylus - we got it call covered in this review! As always, let us know what we missed and who was your favorite charact...
Aug 09, 2024•2 hr 54 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Hey folks! It's the mid-year check-in time for the Friday Night Gamecast. Last year on the fortuitous day of August 3, 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 released and people were immediately clamoring on social media that it was the game of the year, and it wasn't even close! I wanted to get together with William and see - is there a game out there that already has secured the top spot for 2024? WE DEFINITELY THINK SO! So join us as we catch up from the past couple of weeks and deliberate on what title holds...
Jul 26, 2024•2 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 58
It's time to talk about the incredible indie Metroidvania of 2024, Tales of Kenzera: Zau! Does this title have too many colons in it? Who tf knows?! This time around we're joined by ANOTHER brand new cast member to the show, CGDannyB to discuss what makes this title unique and important to the gaming landscape. Make sure you tune in this week so, you too, can find your Baba! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introductions 03:44 - What Drew us Into Zau 06:51 - What is Tales of Kenzera: Zau 14:27 - Visuals &...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 57
We're jumping back into the review season for the pod, we have a few lined up to be coming at you full force here pretty soon. We're joined this week by Matt Storm aka Stormageddon to discuss and do a full-blown analysis of Dragon's Dogma 2! This action RPG is pretty cool and quite polarizing for any who play it. We had great discussions surrounding the design ethos form the Itsuno-helmed team over at Capcom and what actually makes this experience special! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introductions 01:59...
Jun 28, 2024•2 hr 51 min•Season 3Ep. 56
What's up everybody!!! We are cooking this weekend. While you might think we're grilling in the backyard, nah Will and I are behind the mics and the keyboards making absolute magic happen. This week we're joined by Nave to do a roundup on the big 3 summer showcases (PS State of Play, SGF & the incomparable Xbox Summer Showcase)! This week is a little bit of a switch up - I'm using fun music from the trailers we were shown as a little change of pace for us this week. Also do not forget to sti...
Jun 14, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 55
This week we are taking a quick break from reviewing games to not only duke it out amongst ourselves but also enrage our entire fanbase! This episode, we take the opportunity to catch up and dive into the worst games both of us bought day one. We want to hear from you all, were we right on the money with the worst games we got at launch or should we just stop moaning about it ;) Have a great weekend and make sure to keep gaming! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 5:36 - Game Updates 30...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 54
After an extended break for us, the weekend is finally returned which means you get to enjoy our incredible review of Helldivers II! Helldivers II is the game that ignited social media for the beginning of 2024 and has maintained its prevalence in the gaming space this year. We're joined by our friend and patron, Eric Gess, returning to the show to deliver Freedom and Managed Democracy to all our wonderful listeners. Take some time while you're washing the dishes, cooking dinner, or mowing the l...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 3Ep. 53
This week Will and I are discussing what OUR hopes and dreams would be for Grand Theft Auto 6. In our Game Update discussion this week we're continuing our conversation on Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and we start talking about everyone's new brainrot obsession: Stellar Blade! Make sure not to miss this one, lot's of different takes being made in this episode! Hope everyone is having a great week and we're looking forward to the weekend! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:33 - Game Updat...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 52
I got Will back on to Remake the FNGC Review of the Dead Space Remake (Neil Druckmann is punching the air somewhere this very moment)! We have a ton of fun on this episode and take this opportunity to get deeply into the mechanical weeds of this game to break down what makes it so special and effective as a survival horror game. Plus we get the chance to make the case for Dead Space 2 Remake! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 5:53 - Start of Dead Space Review (Billing & Credits) 11:29 - Primary Game...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 51
It's the return of the FNGC squad and the boys are back and better than ever! For the debut of Season 3 we're jumping in hot to give our breaking Dragon's Dogma 2 impressions and a full blown review of our experience at Pax East 2024. Helldivers II and Persona 3 hot takes included jump in and don't miss out! Time Stamps: (0:00) - Intro (04:27) - Whatcha Playin? (11:04) - Dragon's Dogma 2 Impressions (29:42) - Pax East 24 Review (46:15) - Games Played at Pax!! (01:34:56) - Outro Music by: Daniel ...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Season 3Ep. 50
What's up everybody! Long time no podcast :) This episode is going to be very similar to the last one that we put out where Will covered Mario Odyssey! Its straight to the point in covering all things around Half-Life 2. The elements that I (Nick) enjoyed, my critiques and whether it held up for me in 2023. We're also going to provide a beat-by-beat breakdown of the plot/levels throughout the game and where my headspace was at in each moment. So I hope you all enjoy, and thanks so much for your ...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Happy early Friday everybody! The Season 2 finale of FNGC is here for your listening pleasure. This was an incredibly fun episode to just have Will and myself in the booth and it's just kick back for a relaxing conversation about the best games of 2023. There's a extra section included here where I interview Will about the show and his thoughts on 2023 which is a "Hot Ones" styled interview but instead we're taste testing energy drinks! After nearly a month of doing remote recordings with featur...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 49
The FINAL FNGC Review for the 2023 season is here folks and let me tell you, what an episode this is. This week we're joined by the incredible, itsGoohi, to discuss at length the merits and weaknesses of Spider-Man 2. Is it a game that left us happy with the franchise and excited for the 3rd entry? Is it something that managed to touch our hearts emotionally? Time to jump in here and find out! Enjoy everyone! You better follow itsGoohi at all her platforms below!!! https://linktr.ee/ItsGoohi You...
Dec 01, 2023•2 hr 27 min
Happy Thanksgiving and the happiest of Black Fridays to you all! **Spoilers in this episode** This week we're joined by Kolby, Tyler and Jared to discuss the one and only, Tears of the Kingdom. Arguably one of the best Zelda games ever and in the upper echelon of 2023, Zelda has been a constant since it dropped earlier this May. In this show we jump in the deep end to discuss what makes this title special and why you deserve to continue your play-through. As previously mentioned at the top of th...
Nov 24, 2023•3 hr 22 min
Happy Friday Everyone! As we wind down this crazy GOTY season we're starting to put out our full-blown reviews on the outstanding experiences that we've had the chance to play so far this year. I'm joined by Jordan Moore of Complete Xbox to review Starfield! This fantastical, surreal and sometimes frustrating space adventure was really quite the experience from top to bottom and Jordan and I took our time to really get down to the heart of this wonderful game. Join us to prep for all the 2023 Ga...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 59 min
This week Will and Nick are being incredibly quiet this week on an incredibly quiet topic...PSYCH we're back and being loud and proud about our favorite silent protagonists in gaming. From traumatized super soldiers coping with the loss of their bunny rabbit, to spacefaring mercenaries who's only friends are the prey she hunts, to goofy lil Hylian manlets - we're breaking down the best quiet characters gaming has to offer. (Also Will is back to oust Nave from the throne of the FNGC Co-host seat!...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 48
