On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 . In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Zek Lu, Tin Manuel, and Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Get...
May 26, 2025•2 hr 16 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic! First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it lives up to this universal acclaim? And then, Matt revisits a childhood favorite filled with nostalgia...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min
On this episode of Random Encounter , we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX! First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince , the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven ? And then, Zach is here to chat about a serie...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr
On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week! First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT . Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world? Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everything we hoped for, but there could be some warning signs for this new console as we move further into ...
Apr 07, 2025•56 min
On this episode of Random Encounter , it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop ! Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series! Tom also recently played the latest game from The Stanley Parable 's Davey Wreden, Wanderstop . Wh...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 7 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series! First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but does it live up to their hopes? Then, Zek chats about the excellent (though slightly light on content) new entry in the Monster Hunter franchis...
Mar 10, 2025•56 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025! We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FPS perspective. Jerry is a massive Pillars fan, so does he think Avowed does Skyrim better than Skyrim ? Then, Jono is here to chat about the latest Li...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 24 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian! For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glance. But don't worry because our panel is here to let you in on our maple-scented secrets. Steph is r...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 31 min
On this episode of Random Encounter , it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy! First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector , a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper , Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this could be the sleeper hit of 2025! Next, Paul dives into Tales of Graces f Remastered , experiencing a classic Tales game for the first time. Bandai...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 16 min
On this episode of Random Encounter , Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases! First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins ! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to provide a much more streamlined action-RPG experience. But did Origins manage to land a successful combo on Wes? Next, Abe shares his thoughts on Ys Me...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min
On this first episode of Random Encounter for 2025, Jono is missing, and it's up to the panel to find him! Just kidding; we aren't a semi-educational game from the 1990s. Jono has bronchitis this week, so it's up to the brand-new full-time host of Retro Encounter, Zach Wilkerson, to fill in for him! Joining Zach is Neal, who is chatting about the recent remake of one of the first RPG indie hits ever: Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated . Released on Xbox Live Arcade back in 2011, Zebo...
Jan 06, 2025•58 min
In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025! Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year? From Avowed to the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake , it's time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our excite...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 51 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2024 ! After a few rocky years, The Game Awards have finally hit their stride for their 10th anniversary. There were some astonishing reveals, wonderful tributes, and a surprising amount of empathy for those struggling in today's gaming industry. With announcements ranging from the epic ( The Witcher IV ) to the epically unexpected ( Elden Ring Nightreign ) this show had it all. All in all, it was a...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 22 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about previews of two games we're excited for in 2025! First up is a hands-on preview of Obsidian's newest first-person RPG, Avowed . A spin-off from the beloved Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is being presented as Obsidian's answer to Skyrim . That said, it has an identity all its own, avoiding the full-on open world for a series of expansive zones, similar to their previous RPG, The Outer Worlds . Mark got a chance to play through some of...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we are chatting about a long-awaited remake and an unexpected spin-off! First, Zach is here to share his experience with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake . This ground-up remake of the beloved Famicom/NES JRPG has been a long time coming, first announced in 2021. With updated graphics, mechanics, storyline, and scope, this second coming of DQIII (or given prior remakes, third coming? Maybe fourth? No, fifth!) might be the perfect jumping-on point for folks i...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 19 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we have another two GOTY contenders for you! First up is Dragon Age: The Veilguard , the first new Dragon Age in a decade ! After BioWare's last two flops, they desperately needed a win, and it certainly sounds like they got one with this new installment of the long-running and beloved series! Audra is here to share all of her thoughts on how Dragon Age has evolved since Dragon Age: Inquisition back in 2014! And then Ben is here to torture Jono by chatting ab...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, two first-timers are joining us to chat about two of the year's biggest games! First up, Zek is joined by Zach to rave about Atlus' latest RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio . Known for the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, Metaphor offers a brand-new world full of all the things you love about previous Atlus games: close character relationships, incredible world-building, and jaw-dropping UI. It's absolutely in the running for GOTY 2024! But another contender fo...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 11 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about some recent game compilations! Game compilations are not only a fantastic way to re-experience older games, but they also offer excellent value for your money! Even if the games are a little old, you're still getting multiple games for the price of one. And if you're lucky, the developer will have gone the extra mile to add quality-of-life features, remastered graphics and sound, and lots of additional bells and whistles! So, Zach is h...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and Hilary geek out over a fantastic book focusing on the localization of beloved indie RPG, Undertale . Video game localizations have come a long way since the days of spoony bards. When we usually think about game localization, we think Japanese to English. But what about the other way around? Legends of Localization is a book series written by professional video game and anime translator Clyde Mandelin. In his latest volume, Legends of Localization Bo...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking politics! Well, no, not really, but there are some jokes about politics in here... First up, Izzy has played the first new Mana game since 2020's Trials of Mana remake, Visions of Mana ! With spiky hair, lush landscapes, and real-time RPG action, it's undeniably a Mana game, but does it live up to the heights of the series' golden age on the SNES? Then, Jerry reviews what's been described as the first AAA video game ever developed in China, Blac...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about some of video game history's most prolific anthropomorphic animal crimefighters! First up, Jono binge-plays the brand-new remaster of the third season of Telltale Games' Sam & Max series: The Devil's Playhouse . Lovingly remastered by Skunkape Games, does this remaster bring the 2010 point-and-click up to speed? Or is it left as roadkill on the highway of history? Then, Hilary chats about the recent demo of the eagerly awaited revival...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re chatting about heisting steam-powered robots and the foggiest post-apocalyptic city you've ever seen. First up, Ben embraces his inner robot pirate with the sequel to 2015's TRPG, Steamworld Heist , Steamworld Heist II . The latest entry in the multi-genre Steamworld series, Heist II delivers a side-scrolling, turn-based spin on XCOM -style gameplay with a healthy dose of adorable steam-powered robots. Does it live up to the first game and the rest of t...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 9 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re diving into a magical alpine journey and revisiting a classic RPG. First up, Abe joins us to discuss Dungeons of Hinterberg . This action RPG with Zelda and Persona -like elements is set in a beautiful Austrian resort town, combining combat, puzzles, and social interactions. How do these elements come together to create a memorable adventure (and vacation)? Then, Neal is here to chat about the modern remaster of Vay , a classic RPG from the Sega CD era....
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating our 300th episode with a special draft! Four years is a long time in the video game industry, so we’re making predictions about what things will be like when we record our 400th episode in April 2028. Jono has gathered all the hosts from the RPGFan podcasts to make their picks. Whoever gets the most predictions right in four years will win a video game! It's time to draft to the future! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff, Mike Salbato , a...
Jul 08, 2024•2 hr
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're breaking down all the RPG news from the June 2024 Nintendo Direct and chatting about the recent re-release of Monster Hunter Stories and its sequel! As usual, Nintendo's latest showcase brought the house down with a flurry of surprises. Far from the Switch going out with a whisper, this Direct made it clear that Nintendo intends to go out with a bang! Did Nintendo manage to outshine the Not-E3 presentations the previous week, or were fans left wanting m...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min
On this week's Random Encounter, we're all in on Not-E3 2024! For video game fans, this is one of the biggest weekends of the year, with nonstop announcements, trailers, and demos to fill your every waking hour! They've sure been filling ours, and that's why we've assembled an expert panel to break down the biggest RPG news from the shows for you. From Summer Game Fest to the Xbox Showcase, it's Not-E3 time! Featuring: Jono Logan, Kyle Cantelon, Noah Leiter, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Lo...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 57 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about the early access release of one of the most anticipated games in recent memory: Hades II . In October 2020, Supergiant Games' roguelike masterpiece Hades finally exited early access and entered the Steam and Epic libraries of countless gamers. And now, its direct sequel, Hades II , has entered early access. But this isn't a barebones experience. There is already more content in Hades II than in many completed games. Jerry and Tin have bee...
May 27, 2024•1 hr
On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono invites two of the folks behind the recent indie game Lil' Guardsman onto the show to chat about its development. Back in the early days of the pandemic, Toronto-based composer Scott Christian and his business partner Artiom Komarov made the remarkable decision to leave their successful careers and jump into the indie dev scene. Recruiting a small but passionate team of programmers, designers, and writers, they founded Hilltop Studios and successfully la...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, Zach joins the party to chat about the recent spiritual successor to the Suikoden series, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes , and the new DLC for Final Fantasy XVI , The Rising Tide . Hundred Heroes has been one of our most anticipated JRPGs since its Kickstarter back in 2020. Led by Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama, Hundred Heroes promised a return to the style of PSX Suikoden games (especially Suikoden II ) with gorgeous 2D graphics and an epic narrative...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, ex-host Random Greg Delmage returns to share his film expertise while chatting about the new Fallout TV show! Video game adaptations are hot right now, and Amazon has just dropped what might be the best one yet: Fallout ! Based on the long-running RPG series, Fallout , the show is an exploration of the far future after a nuclear war in the 21st century destroyed all of civilization. With a pitch-perfect mix of dark humor, brutal violence, and a retro-50s futu...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 29 min
