RPGFan's Random Encounter

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 LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:We Are OFK Review

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 series, Xenoblade Chronicles 3!Featuring: Jono Logan, Izzy Parsons, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:LIVE A LIVE ReviewSo you want to get into the Xeno Series…Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 2 ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country Review

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 LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:RPGFan Chapters Exclusive Review: The Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games, Third EditionYouTube: Jonathan Coulton - All This Time (Official Video)Old Skies Steam Next Fest 2022 Demo ImpressionsKathy Rain: Director’s Cut ReviewWhispers of a Machine ReviewYouTube: Double Fine Adventure

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 LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Monster Hunter Rise Review (Des)Monster Hunter Rise Review (Dom)

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 Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative ReviewXenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct Delivers New Trailer, Gameplay and Expansion Pass DetailsCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion Coming to All Major Platforms This WinterFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth Comes to PS5 Next Winter as Part 2 of a Trilogy

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 LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Final Fantasy XVIBear and BreakfastMarvel’s Midnight SunsOne Piece OdysseyHonkai: Star RailGotham Knights9 Years of ShadowsThe UnlivingSymphony of War: The Nephilim SagaSacriFirePaper Animal RPGWrestleQuestSunday GoldPersona 4 GoldenPersona 5 RoyalStarfieldPentiment

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, Audra Bowling, Caitlin Argyros; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong ReviewArcade Spirits ReviewArcade Spirits: The New Challengers ReviewFallout 4 Review

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 Rogue Legacy 2! All in all, a pretty solid mid-May for RPG gaming! Featuring: Jono Logan, Michael Sollosi, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising ReviewMakai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome ReviewZ.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman ReviewRogue Legacy 2 (Early Access) ReviewSo you want to get into The Suikoden Series…

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 RPG DLC at a rapid pace, sharing his thoughts about CrossCode: A New Home and Lost Judgment: The Kaito Files.Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Anuchard ReviewLost Judgment: The Kaito Files ReviewCrossCode: A New Home DLC Review

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 Dreamers. And in honor of its 30th anniversary, Audra has finally played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the first time (spoiler alert, she loved it)!Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:So you want to get into the Xeno series…Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition ReviewRadical Dreamers – Le Trésor Interdit ReviewThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past ReviewEarthbound Review