RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter: - Xenoblade Chronicles 2 just received its final piece of pre-expansion DLC, adding Elma from Xenoblade Chronicles X to the Blade roster. Derek's got the details on how it all shakes down. - The highly-anticipated Valkyria Chronicles 4 is out in less than a month, but in the meantime, we delve into its recently-released demo to see how it holds up to its predec...

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 de...

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 playthr...

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 aren...

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@rp...

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...

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...

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 char...

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 beautifull...

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 Adv...

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

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Monster Hunter world is dissected. -We debate the merits of remakes (namely Secret of Mana and Shadow of the Colossus). -Wait, there's another Batman Telltale game? -And everyone seems disappointed with Tokyo Xanadu. Again. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Michael Sollosi and Robert Fenner Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpg...

2017 is now the past and it's time to start getting excited for 2018. In what's become a tradition here at Random Encounter, we take a brief break to look back at the past year in RPGs and then refocus on what's coming up next. From NieR to Xenoblade, this past year gave us a ton of games to play and not enough time to do it, and we're hoping 2018 brings even more surprises. Enjoy! Featuring: Robe...

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is dissected. -We give some initial thoughts on the Lost Sphear demo on the Nintendo Switch. -Derek tries to convince everyone that Romancing Saga 2 is worth it. -And the Monster Hunter World demo makes us feel... things? Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros and Nathan Lee Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Ema...

The latest installment of the Danganronpa series has proven to be a bit controversial given its explosive ending, so we're going to try something new with Random Encounter. In order to avoid ruining V3 for our regular listeners, we've decided to devote an entire episode to dissecting this title and all that comes with it. We would recommend only listening to this episode if you've played every gam...

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Everyone is excited to hear about the return of Valkyria Chronicles. -Caitlin regales us with tales from the frozen lands of Horizon Zero Dawn. -Rob confirms that Skyrim on Switch is Skyrim on Switch. -Derek and newcomer Nathan Lee give some thoughts on Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros and Nathan Lee Qu...

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Mike talks about South Park: The Fractured But Whole. -Derek tries to explain the history of .hack//G.U. -Rob constantly tries to derail the podcast since he hasn't played many RPGs lately. -The crew gives some thoughts on the violent trailers that came out of Sony's last press conference. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen and Mike Sollosi Question...

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Derek discusses his complicated relationship with Chaos;Child. -Rob tries to articulate his feelings on the opening of Danganronpa V3. -Caitlin argues that we should have covered Dying Light. -Derek gushes over The Secret of Mana Collection on the Switch. -We all try to come to terms with difficulty and tedium in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Tangledeep. Featur...

On this episode of Random Encounter: -Alana and Derek discuss the despair of Danganronpa V3. -Caitlin tries to convince Rob that Destiny 2 is worth his time. -Everyone loves the Octopath Traveler Demo. -Something something Ys VIII is awesome something something. -And everyone should check out the Etrian Odyssey 5 demo, like, right now! Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros...

This is another of our more random episodes of Random Encounter, but that gives us a chance to talk about a ton of games. We've got Pyre, Ever Oasis, Tokyo Xanadu, Miitopia, Final Fantasy XII and musings about how fun it's going to be to play Dragon Quest XI next year. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen and Stephanie Sybydlo Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.c...

We've obviously got to talk about Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, so that's what you're going to hear about for the vast majority of this episode of Random Encounter. Derek, Caitlin and Steph all seem to love it, and you'd probably do well to check it out yourself. After that, Rob talks a bit about his return to XCOM 2, and then we look at Famitsu's (questionable?) list of the top RPGs of all t...

While our friends up north are partying away, we thought it was a good idea to check in and see what everyone's been playing post E3. It's probably one of the most random episode of Random Encounter, as we talk about everything from Diablo 3's necromancer to Tokyo Xanadu. Oh, and there's a little Breath of the Wild and NieR talk, but nothing spoiler related. Enjoy and stay cool, friends! Featuring...

Coming to you from a hotel room cramped with too many tired people, it's the RPGFan E3 2017 podcast! Listen as we take you through our thoughts on this year's show as well as our exciting award selection. Which games blew us away? What disappointed us? Do we really need that much Skyrim? Find out now! Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Michael Sollosi, Mike Salbato, Robert Fenner, Pete...

Following some Fire Emblem Echoes and Surge talk, it's off to the hallowed E3 hype discussion. What are we excited to see at this year's trade show? Can we expect any news on the Final Fantasy VII remake? What about the latest titles from From Software? Will we ever see Kingdom Hearts III? Whatever the case, join us as we mentally prepare for what lies ahead in LA. Featuring: Robert Steinman and D...

Well, this one kinda came out of nowhere! The podcast crew is absolutely gushing about Prey, but what exactly makes this game so darn exciting? After that, we've got to discuss The Caligula Effect, Trails in the Sky the 3rd, and we have some more (non-spoiler) thoughts on Persona 5. Featuring: Robert Steinman, Derek Heemsbergen, Caitlin Argyros and Nick Ransbottom Questions? Comments? Spare Potion...