RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter: - It's the beefy Octopath Traveler discussion you've been waiting for! We're careful not to spoil any of the storyline, but be warned that there are some mild "gameplay spoilers" in terms of late-game features. - Chasm, one of the earliest Kickstarter success stories, is out after five-plus years of development. We delve into its depths and discover just how deep it is. - But Chasm isn't the only abyss we're plunging headfirst into; Fenner wants to make Derek relive the trauma of Operation Abyss: New Tokyo Legacy, for some reason. - Don't forget to check out new features columnist Tina Olah's first piece on RPG side quests, available under the "features" heading on our front page! Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Greg Delmage, Gino DiGioia, Nathan Lee, Robert Fenner Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: - Greg is back from making a movie and gallivanting in Paris (you know, just a regular couple of weeks for a star such as he) and he's here to talk up two games: hybrid dungeon crawler/item shop simulation Moonlighter and aesthetically Western but mechanically Japanese RPG Battle Chasers: Nightwar. - Meanwhile, Peter's digging into the backlog, juggling playthroughs of Shadow Hearts, Pokemon Ultra Moon, and a 100% run of Kingdom Hearts II. - The ubiquitous mobile platform continues to see a steady stream of gacha game releases. Between Star Ocean: Anamnesis, Dx2 Shin Megami Tensei Liberation, and the freshly-unveiled Idola Phantasy Star Saga, do any of them set Derek's world on fire? (Spoiler: Not a friggin' chance.) Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Greg Delmage, Peter Triezenberg Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: - E3 2018 has come and gone. We wrap up our final thoughts on the show with some input from the folks who couldn't attend the show in person. - Octopath Traveler is so close! Alana dishes on the preview she wrote after spending a few hours with the game, and the rest of us generally gush. - Xenoblade Chronicles 2's most substantial piece of DLC to date, an arena mode featuring Shulk and Fiora from Xenoblade Chronicles 1, had a surprise release during E3. How is it? - Ys VIII is out for Switch, and in case our three reviews on the site aren't enough, we engage in a little more discussion of this excellent title with a messy patch history. - Caitlin gives us the lowdown on two Western titles centered around player choice: the bloody Vampyr and not-so-bloody Detroit: Become Human. - Shining Resonance Refrain is out...today, actually! Alana's preparing to write her review and shares her initial impressions. - It's a good time for retro JRPGs ending in the number two, apparently. Alana and Sollosi jump back in time and space to Star Ocean 2 and Lunar 2, respectively. - Fenner is back with the lowdown on another weirdo niche game with a super-cool premise: The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa! Featuring: Caitlin Argyros, Alana Hagues, Derek Heemsbergen, Mike Sollosi, Robert Fenner Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

RPGFan is back from E3 2018, and we've got a lot to talk about. Cyberpunk 2077, Kingdom Hearts III, Dragon Quest XI, and more! Join our talented crew as they discuss the best RPGs they saw and played at E3 this year. Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Trent Argirov, Alana Hagues, Mike Salbato, Mike Sollosi, Nathan Lee, Stephanie Sybydlo, Liz Maas Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this special episode of Random Encounter, five of RPGFan's fantastic ladies convene for a chat about all things RPG, including a deep dive into their personal histories with our genre of choice! Note: The artwork for this episode was created by our social media maven, Stephanie Sybydlo herself! If you like what you see, consider checking out her illustrations present throughout our Fabula Nova Anniversaris feature. You could even do one better and support her by ordering a print through her Redbubble shop or making a commission! Seriously, she's great. Featuring: Stephanie Sybydlo, Caitlin Argyros, Alana Hagues, Hilary Andreff, Liz Maas Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: - Steph and Greg share final thoughts on The Alliance Alive and The Swords of Ditto. - The crew gets into a discussion about character customization by way of Path of Exile and the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy; how much freedom is too much freedom for our anxious host(s)? - Derek jumps back into Falcom's back catalog with the summery Nayuta no Kiseki. - E3 2018 is coming up! Square Enix and Sony just announced their conference plans, after all. Join us as we speculate on what else might be on the docket. - Miscellaneous news bytes include upcoming Switch indies like Mineko's Night Market and Minit, Final Fantasy XIV's long-awaited Patch 4.3, and more! Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Greg Delmage, Stephanie Sybydlo Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: - The Dad Game strikes back: Our God of War discussion comes to a close (for now) as we touch once more upon its themes and how they resonate (or don't) with each of us. No spoilers. - Sollosi gives us the rundown on Monster Hunter World's new siege event versus Kulve Taroth. - We strive to save the world in The Swords of Ditto, but how far does cartoonish charm carry it? - Caitlin's been playing something old and something new; how does choice impact Stories: The Path of Destinies and the demo for Detroit: Become Human? - We field a brief discussion on gaming phones before sharing a few moments from RPGFan's 20 Years of Milestone RPGs feature. - Happy 18th birthday, Breath of Fire IV! Listeners, what's YOUR favorite Breath of Fire? Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros, Mike Sollosi, Greg Delmage Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: - The critical consensus for God of War is glowing, but are its themes universally resonant? - Fenner takes us on a rocket ship ride to Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor. Existential dread and mop not included. - Alana attempts to verbally remove the hex placed upon her by Witch and the Hundred Knight 2. - Derek's been playing Grandia again, and it's as beautifully whimsical as ever. - We celebrate Xenogears' 20th anniversary! Cheers to its music, mechs, and more! - Listener mail: Is it worth revisiting Final Fantasy XV yet? Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Robert Fenner, Alana Hagues, Peter Triezenberg, Greg Delmage Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Rob may have departed the show, but his spirit (and rage) lives on. -Sollosi makes an enemy into a friend in the season finale of Batman: The Enemy Within and graces us with the term "murder pickle." Oh, what a delight. -Nathan explains why Kirito shouldn't be exercising his Second Amendment rights. -Fenner weighs in on the cutesy antics of Zwei: The Arges Adventure. -Derek explains why Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings should go back to art class, but makes a case for The Alliance Alive's atmosphere. -The crew touches on the "20 Years of Essential RPG Soundtracks" feature before talking news. Dragon Quest XI finally has a release date. Rejoice! Featuring: Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros, Mike Sollosi, Nathan Lee, Robert Fenner Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Ni no Kuni 2 does not disappoint. -Kiryu beats up a lot of people in Yakuza 6. -The Silver Case puts out some questionable content. -And Rob retires from RPGFan. No, really. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros, Robert Fenner and Mike Salbato Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com