Axe of the Blood God: An RPG Podcast

More like Lame Key Cards. Kat, Nadia, Eric, and Victor discuss the pros and cons of physical vs digital and what it means specifically to the history and culture of RPGs. Could it be that sometimes BOTH approaches are appropriate and that instead of pitting them against each other we should be addressing the underlying corporate systems that prevent us from experiencing art as anything other than consumers? Probably!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.comNote: Microsoft and the Xbox brand remain subjects of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement for their complicity in the ongoing apartheid and genocide of Palestine. In the interest of journalism we've chosen to cover Microsoft but encourage you to visit https://www.bdsmovement.net/microsoft for more information. Also in this episode: The joy of getting a map with a game The frustration of downloading mandatory patches EA really is the worst What Tales game needs a remaster Hernias and Ronald McDonald Timestamps: 6:30 - Main Topic - Game Key Cards and the Importance of Physical Game Releases 1:05:14 - Random Encounters 1:11:04-ish - The Tavern - Dragon Age and Mass Effect Remasters, Tales of Xillia Remaster 1:34:00 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] The Hollow City - [Tales of Xillia 2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To HD-2D, or not to HD-2D? That is the question Eric, Nadia, and special guest Timothy Monbleau are asking on this week's episode.From retro revivals like Live-A-Live and Dragon Quest to brand-new throwbacks like Octopath Traveler and The Adventures of Elliot, Square sure loves its depth-of-field-and-bloom-filled pixel-art dioramas! But should EVERY mid-budget RPG be adopting this style or is there a time and place for this look? All that and more on a very anachronistically aliased episode of Axe of the Blood God!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Super Smash Bros Beach Volleyball He Is Coming Eric's in his Movie Era Nadia hates Casablanca Timestamps: 8:48 - Main Topic - Adventures of Elliot and the Future of HD-2D 57:36 - Mailbag 1:03:20 - Random Encounters 1:04:28 - The Tavern 1:28:10 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] One With Hope I - [OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliot is killing the adventurer industry.Big Switch 2 RPG news as we react to the announcements coming out of the latest Nintendo Direct! Kat, Nadia, and Eric discuss the pros and cons of digital storefronts, the impact tariffs are having on video games, and more Magic: The Gathering talk!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales Octopath Traveler 0 Monster Hunter Stories 3 Persona 3 Reload Game Key Card Controversy Switch Price Increases Monster Hunter Wilds Eeveelution Tier List Why Fast-Travel is Killing RPGs Magic: The Gathering Pre-release My Girl spoilers Timestamps: 5:36 - Main Topic - Switch 2 Partner Direct 58:08 - Random Encounters - Monster Hunter Wilds 1:12:32 - The Tavern - Eric's Magic Pre-release Report 1:31:20 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Bestower of Wealth - [OCTOPATH TRAVELER Arrangements Break & Boost Vol.2] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Bee Gees once said, "Give me that knight fever!"Polish up your plate mail, pledge fealty to your lord of choice, and prepare to get chivalry wit it; we're talking knights!Eric, Nadia, and special guest Len Hafer discuss Paladins, Dark Knights, Pegasus Knights, Dragon Knights, Onion Knights, and more on this deep dive into the archetypes and mechanics that make characters sing. It's Class Conscious: Knights!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Is Donkey Kong Bananza an RPG? No but we're talking about it Should you have a Switch 2 yet? Eric's Final Fantasy IX Update! I thought Donkey Kong wanted to kill me Timestamps: 8:06 - Main Topic - Retro Handhelds 58:08 - Random Encounters 1:00:56 - The Tavern - Donkey Kong Bananza 1:26:16 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Rose of May - [Final Fantasy IX] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is that a bespoke third-party retro handheld in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?Special guest Jake Steinberg joins Kat, Nadia, and Eric to discuss the rise of the boutique industry of retro handhelds that has emerged over the past decade. From playing vintage GBC carts to emulation machines that can give you a PS2 in your hands, the crew gives you everything you need to know to start your journey into the world or retro handhelds!For more of Jake check out his Youtube channel:https://youtube.com/@jakesteinberg?si=Z2kaNkSkH-qNwSQlTune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: The problems with the state of game preservation Why the Playdate rules Live Action Zelda casting news Eric's Final Fantasy IX Update The Best Games of the PSP Timestamps: 6:56 - Main Topic - Retro Handhelds 58:108 - Random Encounters 1:18:48 or so - The Tavern 1:47:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] A Little Friendship - [Golden Sun] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Letter Tiiiime, It's Letter Tiiiime!Kat, Nadia, and Eric answer your burning questions this week as well as discuss Naoki Yoshida's recent comments about the future of Final Fantasy and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. All that and quite a bit of talk about pizza on this week'sTune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Fahrensius' origin story Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Subnautica news Final Fantasy IX Retrospective Kat says "The MMOs don't count" and I'll never forgive her Gundam TCG The Tale of the Talking Finger Timestamps: 6:56 - Main Topic - Mailbag - What RPG would you speedrun? 14:56 - What ISN'T an RPG? 28:28 - What sharacter have we seen age the most? 37:20 - What's Nadia's favourite pizza place? 45:20 - What games use non-active party members the best? 55:44 - Where does Poe's name come from? 57:20 - Boardgame Sidequest? 1:02:16 - Random Encounters 1:24:40 - The Tavern 1:47:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Not Alone Jazz Arrangement - [Square Enix Jazz - Final Fantasy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: Microsoft and the Xbox brand remain subjects of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement for their complicity in the ongoing apartheid and genocide of Palestine. In the interest of journalism we've chosen to cover Microsoft's recent layoffs but encourage you to visit https://www.bdsmovement.net/microsoft for more information.In the wake of an 80 billion dollar investment in AI and the layoff of over 9000 workers, Microsoft ain't lookin' so hot. What does this mean for the rest of the video game industry? Special guest Giovanni Colantonio joins Eric and Nadia to precisely that!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: The starfish part of Animorphs Who tanks the Uber driver? Persona 5: The Phantom X's Subway Slammer Summer Games Done Quick Battle Train Rematch Umamusume Timestamps: 6:56 - Main Topic - What Is Happening At Xbox? 1:02:16 - Random Encounters 1:04:00 - The Tavern 1:20:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Entry of the Gladiators - [Julius Fucik] Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Palma - [Phantasy Star] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate our 4th Annual Trans Lifeline Charity Livestream, Sena Bryer of Final Fantasy XIV fame is here to fight to the death! Kat, Nadia, Eric, and Sena will enter the ring with their favorite Final Fantasy but only one can emerge victorious. It's a debate for the ages with hot takes that would make a purposely-inflammatory youtube thumbnail blush. You'll pay for the whole seat but you'll only need the edge on this very special episode of Axe of the Blood God!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Final Fantasy XVI for Switch 2 Monster Hunter Update Why Sakaguchi was the Boss The Front Mission 3 Disaster Timestamps: 14:52 - Main Topic - Defend Your Favorite Final Fantasy 1:29:08 - Random Encounters 1:38:38 - The Tavern - Kat's Attempt to Finish FF7 Rebirth, and FFXIV Update 1:20:32 - SENA'S NOSTALGIA NOOK Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] Filter Branch - [PlayOnline Viewer] Final Fantasy Main Theme - [Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're halfway through 2025 and if we were only judging years by the quality of their RPGs this would be a pretty good one! By every other metric; it sure is a year!This week Kat, Nadia, and Eric are recapping the RPG standouts of the year so far and predicting what hits we still have on the horizon!Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Clair Obscur 100 Line Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering Monster Hunter Wilds PC optimization Elden Ring: Nightreign's longevity Kingdom Come Deliverance II Fantasy Life i Deltarune 3 + 4 Pokemon Legends Z-A A lot of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Discourse Timestamps: 9:04 - Main Topic - 2025 So Far 46:56 - 2025 RPGs to Watch Out For 1:01:16 - Random Encounters I dunno, it just blends into Random Encounter lately - The Tavern 1:20:32 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] Pub - [Lunar Knights] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Abandoned Ship - [Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to duel!The Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set is here and the hosts have been ripping packs and building decks. Kat, Nadia, and Eric are joined by special guest Shivam Bhatt to dive into the deep cuts, the flavor, the art, and everything about this landmark moment in FF and MtG history.Also, it's me; I'm the FFXIII guy who knows what Fal'cie and L'cie are. It's honestly pretty straightforward.Tune in to live recordings of the show every Saturday morning at https://www.twitch.tv/bloodgodpod, subscribe for bonus episodes and discord access at https://www.patreon.com/bloodgodpod and celebrate our 10th Anniversary with new merch at https://shop.bloodgodpod.com Also in this episode: Fantasy Life i How fish give birth The Zelda Movie Eric's journey to Summer Games Fest The Expanse RPG Critical Role's move to crush Dungeons & Dragons Eric's phrase of the day! Timestamps: 5:40 - Main Topic - Magic: the Gathering Primer 42:56 - How to Get Into Magic 1:06:16 - Random Encounters 1:35:12 - Nadia's Nostalgia Nook Music Used in this Episode: Do Your Best - [Breath of Fire III] A Curious Tale - [Secret of Mana] Mhaura Selbina Voyager - [Final Fantasy Tribute Thanks] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices