On this episode of Random Encounter, we're diving into some recent non-RPG Final Fantasy spin-offs! First up, we have the first console entry in the long-running Final Fantasy rhythm game series, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line . Offering over 380 songs from every Final Fantasy game (with more songs from other Square Enix series on the way), it could be the ultimate entry of Theatrhythm , but does it get Bob tapping his toes along with the music? And then, the Shinra Electric Power Company puts our E...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two big recent RPGs, Octopath Traveler II and Like a Dragon: Ishin! When the original Octopath Traveler came out in 2018, we'd never seen anything like its HD-2D art style. Now, Square Enix is back with a sequel, Octopath Traveler II , that addresses many of the criticisms leveled at the game five years ago. Does Zach think that OTII measures up? And speaking of games we've been waiting years for, Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin was a samurai spin-off...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 14 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're digging into all the news from the Feb 2023 Nintendo Direct! Here at RPGFan, we look forward to Nintendo Directs like children look forward to Santa Claus. The only difference is that we KNOW when the man in red is supposed to arrive, but Nintendo always keeps us guessing. Thankfully, the wait is over for the first Direct of the year, and we got a massive sack of RPG presents! This week, the panel discusses all of the big news, chats about the most rece...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 7 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two games: one controversial, one not! Square Enix's recent release, Forspoken , had a rough ride during its development, and it doesn't look like that ended with its release. While many think it's a perfectly fine action RPG, others feel it's a disaster. Where does Izzy fall on that spectrum? Then, Brian indulges in his love of the beat-'em-up genre with the release of the RPG-infused River City Girls 2 ! And finally, should dated or prob...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr
On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel REALLY gets into talking about Marvel Comics and music! A surprise hit of 2022 was Marvel's Midnight Suns . Audra recently reviewed the supernatural-tinged strategy RPG, giving both Audra and Jono an opportunity to nerd the heck out about Marvel! Then, Mike gets a chance to chat with Audra about Coffee Talk , one of his favorite games of the last few years. And then suddenly, a wild Rhythm Encounter appears! Enjoy this brief but fun delve into the i...
Jan 16, 2023•57 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two awesome RPGs released at the tail end of 2022. First up, Caitlin talks about her experience with the retro-indie JRPG, Chained Echoes . Primarily developed by a single person for the last seven years, this incredible JRPG evokes all those feelings back in the 16-bit age but with a ton of modern touches. It's simply an astonishing achievement. And Abe is here to discuss a ground-up remake of a classic Squaresoft Super Famicom TRPG that ...
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 7 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the games we're most excited about in 2023! Each and every December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: a look ahead at the upcoming year. And this week on the show, our panel gets to geek out over it! What games do we think will be delayed? What games do we think are going to be disappointments? And what games will end up eating months of our lives? Find out in this week's episode! Featuring: Jono Logan, Tom Cox, Sam-Jam...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 47 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're catching up on some of the biggest and best RPGs over the last few weeks and months. First, Niki walks us through the bug-laden fields of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet ! Then, Des flies us into the great beyond with his thoughts about Star Ocean: The Divine Force ! And finally, Hilary and Jono get to geek out at the surprise drop of a brand-new game from the creators of Kingdom of Loathing and West of Loathing : Shadows Over Loathing ! Featuring: Jono Lo...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 15 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and Michael Sollosi team up to speak with the gang behind Zeboyd Games about their latest title: This Way Madness Lies ! Robert Boyd and William Stiernberg at Zeboyd Games have been turning out innovative indie RPGs since Breath of Death VII: The Beginning in 2010. And in their latest release, This Way Madness Lies , they improbably mash up the popular Japanese anime genre of Magical Girls with the works of the English Bard himself, William Shakespeare! ...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 23 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about asexual representation in video games. A few weeks ago, RPGFan published a feature by our own Caitlin Argyros, focusing on asexual characters in RPGs. Spoiler alert: it's a pretty short list. Though queer representation has been on the rise over the last decade, the aspec community still struggles to be seen and heard in all forms of media, including gaming. This week, Jono and Caitlin discuss various types of representation in video games...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 7 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and GC are taking a comprehensive look at Yakuza/Like a Dragon ! Every now and then, RPGFan publishes a game primer to help newcomers get into a new series. We've covered Trails , Tales , and Xenos , and now it's time to cover Yakuza ! With its recent rebranding into " Like a Dragon ," the long-running Yakuza series looks to be taking another big step into its future. If you've ever wanted to sample all the delights the district of Kamurocho has to offer...
Oct 24, 2022•1 hr 27 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Random Book Club again! Here at RPGFan, we love our JRPGs: Tales , Trials , and everything in between. But to understand where the genre came from, we need to look back almost forty years to two legendary Japanese creators: Yuji Horii ( Dragon Quest ) and Hironobu Sakaguchi ( Final Fantasy ). In the recent JRPG history book, Fight, Magic, Items: The History of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Rise of Japanese RPGs in the West , author Aidan Moher exp...
Oct 03, 2022•1 hr 20 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're tackling one of the biggest news weeks in recent memory! First up, we're discussing the recent Nintendo Direct, speculating about the big Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom announcement, and wondering how these 2023 release dates can possibly be coming up so fast. Then, we're embracing our inner fanboys to discuss the massive amount of Yakuza... I'm sorry, the massive amount of LIKE A DRAGON news that dropped last Wednesday! There are a ton of stories to get t...
Sep 19, 2022•1 hr 24 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is, once again, tempted to play Final Fantasy XIV ! With the release of the 6.2 patch of FFXIV , Mike is taking up the torch to try and convince Jono to create an account. Will he be successful? And Audra is here to chat about Dusk Diver 2 , an anime-inspired action RPG with more than a few elements of Yakuza/Persona ! Plus, Gamescom was last week, so everyone is excited to speculate about all the news from the show! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling,...
Sep 05, 2022•1 hr 3 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going virtual! First, Caitlin examines the origins of a virtual band in the music biopic game, We Are OFK . Then, Brian steps into a virtual fantasy world in one of the only full-scale JRPGs available on VR platforms, RuinsMagus . And finally, Jono is back in Nova Scotia and is trying to teach his Mom how to play video games. It's... not going great, but there is always hope! Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, Brian Mackenzie; Edited by Jono Logan ...
Aug 22, 2022•1 hr 11 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going handheld with two highly anticipated RPGs for the Nintendo Switch... First, Izzy digs into the HD-2D remake of the classic Super Famicom/Super Nintendo RPG, LIVE A LIVE . Now, not only do Western audiences FINALLY learn how the title is pronounced, but we have the opportunity to enjoy this seven-character epic with stunning graphics and remastered music! Then, both Zach and Izzy wax rhapsodic to Jono about the incredible new entry of the Xeno seri...
Aug 08, 2022•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Random Book Club time! Do you know what we love almost as much as video games? Books ABOUT video games! Bitmap Books just released their third edition of The Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games , and Hilary got an exclusive first look at this incredible volume. You know what that means, right? It means that Jono and Hilary get to geek out about adventure games for an hour! No, YOU fight like a cow! Featuring: Jono Logan, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jono...
Jul 25, 2022•1 hr 5 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the joy of hunting monsters! First, the panel chats about the RPGs and adventure games that caught their attention in the highly-anticipated June Nintendo Direct. Then, Jono gives Dom and Des a chance to geek out at length about the new expansion to Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak! Featuring: Jono Logan, Des Miller, Dom Kim; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com Email us: [email protected] Twitter: @rpgfancom In...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 6 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about sequels and demos! Zach chats about his time with AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, the new sequel to the beloved "mystery box" game. Mike shares some of his favorite RPG and adventure game demos from the 2022 Steam Next Fest. And the entire panel breaks down the big news stories of the week, including the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth announcement and the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct! Featuring: Jono Logan, Mike Salbato, Zach Wilke...
Jun 27, 2022•1 hr 10 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Not-E3 time! Even though the illustrious gaming show is skipping a year, that doesn't mean there isn't a ridiculous amount of gaming news to sift through. Our panel talks about their favorite games of each day of the "show," and discusses what the future might hold for E3 and other gaming events in 2023 and beyond! Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com Email us: [email protected] T...
Jun 13, 2022•1 hr 46 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel breaks down everything they’ve played over the last few weeks! Caitlin survives her first experience with the children of the night in Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong . Audra enjoys a bit of video game nostalgia with Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers , a visual novel that celebrates the world of arcades. And Jono digs into his comfort food of Fallout 4 by adding in mods that dramatically change the way the game is played! Featuring: Jono Logan,...
May 30, 2022•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about some of the best games we've played so far in May! As one of the biggest fans of the Suikoden series at RPGFan, Zach relished the opportunity to dig into Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising , but did it live up to his high expectations? Sollosi revisits the past with Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2 , giving him another opportunity to enjoy two tactical RPGs from his college years. And now that it's out of early access, Jono can't stop playing Ro...
May 16, 2022•1 hr 17 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time for some indie goodness down on the farm! Tarah makes her first appearance on the podcast, talking about the retro farm-sim Bit Orchard: Animal Valley for the Switch. This indie homage to Harvest Moon and Game Boy apparently makes for a very relaxing time (provided that you don't need to catch any frogs)! Next, Audra returns to Random to chat about the fun, if slightly underwhelming, dungeon crawler Anuchard . And then, Jono has been plowing through...
May 02, 2022•1 hr 3 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a page from Retro Encounter and talking about some of our favorite games of the past! Tyler is here to talk about his recent feature "So You Want to Get Into the Xeno Series," a deep dive into the series that started with Xenogears on the PSX and is heading toward Xenoblade Chronicles III on the Switch this September. Izzy and Jono get into a deep discussion about Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger's freshly-localized visual novel sequel, Radical Dr...
Apr 18, 2022•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s tabletop RPGs, farms, and Zelda-likes. Oh my! Neal returns to Random to talk about the recent Borderlands spinoff, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands , Brian shares his thoughts about how Rune Factory 5 has advanced the series, and Greg returns to chat about Arietta of Spirits ! Plus, Jono and the entire panel chats about the recent E3 cancelation and if the former giant of gaming conferences will be missed! Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, Greg Delmage, Brian...
Apr 04, 2022•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's pure chaos as the panel walks Jono through their thoughts on some of the latest RPGs! Making their first appearance on the show, Izzy is here to break down the "story of an angry man" that is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin . Then Niki shares her thoughts about Square Enix's latest 2D-HD entry, Triangle Strategy . And Des (another first-timer!) climbs in a futuristic mech to chat about the upcoming space strategy RPG, Relayer ! Featuring: Jono...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 13 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel looks back to the golden age of RPGs with the Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy IV , V , and VI ! We tackled the first three entries in the Pixel Remaster series ( I, II, and III ) back in Episode 221, but it's time to move to a new generation of console, the Super Nintendo! Cory dives into the first SNES entry, Final Fantasy IV , to see if it still holds up (it absolutely does). Alana gushes about her love of the Final Fantasy V job system and its g...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr 12 min
On this emergency episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about a game that has every RPG fan buzzing: Elden Ring ! The latest Souls-like masterpiece from the wizards at FromSoftware, Elden Ring looks to be the current front-runner for Game of the Year (and maybe Game of the Decade if these crazy-high review scores are to be believed). This week, Jono is talking with Bob Richardson about what makes Elden Ring's open world special, the innovations it brings to the Souls-like genre, and how the...
Feb 28, 2022•35 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two games that take place in very different types of open worlds! First up, Caitlin walks us through the expansive open world of Horizon Forbidden West , the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn . Improving on the original in almost every way, Forbidden West allows you to adventure in a world full of post-apocalyptic beauty (with better climbing mechanics, thank heavens)! We then take a deep dive (literally) with Dom into the world of fishing in Mo...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 24 min
On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to pull out our pencil-and-paper Pokédex because we're going back to when Pokémon ruled the Earth! Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest entry in the long-running Pocket Monsters series, and just about everyone is talking about how it could revitalize future titles. Our panel discusses what they think about the new semi-open world, beautiful 19th-century presentation, and apparently blood-thirsty Pokémon. We are also talking with Abe about Drinkbox ...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 7 min
