
Hype Factor: A Fantasy Critic Podcast
In this monthly podcast, Jon and Marcus discuss everything you need to know about Fantasy Critic. They breakdown the year's releases, discuss the news and predict review scores - all through a Fantasy Critic lens.Blue Sky: @hypefactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat (www.zapsplat.com)
Latest episodes

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 40min
Episode 09 - Chatting with Kyle Stephenson
In Episode 9, Jon and Marcus welcome SixOneIndie co-founder and co-host of The Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast, Kyle Stephenson to chat Fantasy Critic. Kyle dives into his hands on experiences at SGF and how he chooses indies for his fantasy critic teams. He also sticks around to discuss news, look back at June's releases and look forward to what's coming up in July. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:18 - Topic of the Month: Interview with Kyle Stephenson33:36 - News/Announcements56:07 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:26:11 - Pixel Prognostications1:35:02 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialFollow Kyle on Blue Sky: @MrKStep.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 08 - Emergency Summer Game Fest Round Up
In Episode 8, Jon and Marcus rundown all the 2025 fantasy critic relevant announcements from Summer Game Fest. GET HYPED!!! Follow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

May 26, 2025 • 1h 40min
Episode 07 - Ranking Unannounced Games
In Episode 7, Jon and Marcus take a stab at ranking the best options among the unannounced games on the Fantasy Critic website for the remainder of the 2025 season. They also discuss fantasy relevant news, announcements, look back at May's releases and look forward to what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Special shout out to @mattbrookbank.bsky.social for the topic suggestion!Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:15 - Topic of the Month: Ranking Unannounced Games35:45 - News/Announcements1:02:50 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:19:37 - Pixel Prognostications1:29:14 - Listener Questions1:38:10 - Closing

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 53min
Episode 06 - Talking with the Creator of Fantasy Critic (Steve Fallon)
In Episode 6, Jon and Marcus welcome Steve Fallon, the creator of Fantasy Critic. Steve lets us in on his fantasy strategies and discusses managing the site. He also sticks around to discuss Nintendo Switch 2 news, look back at April's releases and look forward to what's coming up in May. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro1:51 - Topic of the Month: Interview with Steve Fallon30:04 - News/Announcements1:22:08 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:44:47 - Pixel Prognostications1:49:22 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialJoin the Fantasy Critic Discord: https://discord.gg/wKg4zw8TZxIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 38min
Episode 05 - Annapurna Interactive
In Episode 5, Jon and Marcus do a deep dive into indie publisher Annapurna Interactive. They also discuss fantasy relevant news, announcements, look back at March's releases and look forward to what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro3:47 - Topic of the Month: Annapurna Interactive25:04 - News/Announcements1:11:52 - Hype Check - Looking Back & Ahead 1:22:22 - Pixel Prognostications1:28:14 - Listener Questions1:35:39 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 34min
Episode 04 - Let's Talk Indies
The hosts dive into the fascinating world of indie games, discussing how to strategically select them for fantasy gaming leagues. They highlight innovative titles like 'Harold Halibut' and 'Keep Driving' while exploring the unique risks of choosing lesser-known games. Upcoming releases spark excitement, including Capcom Fighting Collection and Borderlands 4, with reflections on potential delays. The conversation also covers bidding strategies and the significant impact of reviews on game choices. It's a blend of insights, advice, and pure gaming enthusiasm!

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 23min
Episode 03 - Navigating the Waiver Wire
In Episode 3, Jon and Marcus help you navigate the Fantasy Critic waiver wire. They also discuss relevant news, announcements, look back at January's releases and do a Hype Check on what's coming up soon. GET HYPED!!! Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro4:35 - Topic of the Month: Navigating the Waiver Wire32:58 - News/Announcements54:36 - Looking Back at January 202558:51 - Hype Check (Looking ahead)1:07:42 - Pixel Prognostications1:12:50 - Listener Questions1:20:40 - ClosingFollow us and send us your questions on Blue Sky: @HypeFactor.bsky.socialIntro/Outro Music by Zapsplat www.zapsplat.com

16 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 23min
Episode 02 - The Draft
The hosts dive into drafting strategies for the 2025 Fantasy Critic season, emphasizing the importance of research and understanding game scores. They discuss the risks and rewards of highly anticipated titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and recommend strategic sleeper picks such as Earthblade. Insights are shared on upcoming games like Dispatch and Two Point Museum, and caution is advised for potential underperformers. They also highlight the balance between risk and reward in selecting games, prepping listeners for a competitive draft.

Dec 9, 2024 • 51min
Episode 01 - The Basics of Fantasy Critic
Dive into the fascinating world of Fantasy Critic, where Jon and Marcus break down the essentials of scoring, drafting, and the waiver wire. Explore the strategic art of counterpicks that can turn the tide in fantasy leagues. Discover how effective roster management and customizable features enhance gameplay. The super drop feature adds an exciting twist, keeping players engaged throughout the season. Join a growing community of enthusiasts as they share experiences and strategies for success in this unique gaming format!