Level With Us

Part Zelda-like, part Souls-like, Tunic is a game where you play as an adorable Fox on an adventure full of secrets and difficult combat scenarios! Perhaps the most unique thing about this game is the in-game guide you unlock over time, which we talk about at length in today’s episode! Join us for a cozy discussion about this cozy little game, and listen to Jared’s voice slowly deteriorate through...

Jared's at it again, trying to make Marcus question his sanity with some difficult quiz questions! This week, in honor of the Steam Deck's release, we read some of the descriptions from "shovelware" titles on the Steam store, just to see how ridiculous lesser-known titles on the platform can get. But! Some of the descriptions are deliberately fake ones made up by Jared. Can you tell which ones are...

Review code provided by Crows Crows Crows! The Stanley Parable has been re-released as an “Ultra Deluxe” edition, but does it still have the same impact today as it did back in 2013? We’re hear to discuss it and let you know if it’s worth your time! "The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe" is available on all platforms. Purchase here: https://www.stanleyparable.com/ The music you heard in this episode...

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an incredibly beloved game to so many people. We’ve reached out to some of its biggest fans to talk about the game and share their favorite chapters with us!   Check out the YouTube version of our retrospective HERE: https://youtu.be/5vZrLdaxXSE ...and if you've already seen it, you can skip ahead to our post-show commentary at 13:17! Thanks to all our P...

YouTube Version HERE: https://youtu.be/O3e5xAqcYQs Jared pulls a fast one on Marcus this episode and tries to get him to name certain characters in Elden Ring - AND guess their backstories! Despite having never played or looked up the game, how well do you think Marcus will do? Will you fare any better? Play along and let us know!   Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Challenge Revealed 1:14 - Th...

This week we talk about Acid Nerve's new indie release Death's Door! In this game you play as an adorable crow, and we appreciate that. Join us for another classic episode with all the usual segments, as well as some crow facts and book recommendations! Send us questions and comments that you want read on the show at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https:...

We're back for another round, this time to see who's the fakest fan of the Zelda series! This time we're playing "Name That Tune," and you can play along! Both of us will play 10 music tracks from 10 different mainline Zelda games; you score 1 point for guessing the game correctly, and an additional point if you can also name where in the game that track plays. Will you score higher than either of...

This week we are very honored to have Matthew Taranto ( Brawl in the Family & Tadpole Treble ) on the show to discuss Kirby's newest game! We're bringing back all our classic segments like Star Pieces and Quick Jabs, and even compete with Matthew to see who's the fakest Kirby fan. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear about Matthew's newest book, "Gamemaster Classified!" To learn more...

In this mini-sode, Marcus regales us with tales from his time in San Francisco at GDC 2022! Join us as we listen discuss what it was like to network with people in the games industry, nab free swag at the expo, play video games using ketchup and mustard bottles, and even meet someone we've discussed in a previous episode! Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us...

It's our show, but this time we only included the best segment! This episode Jared and Marcus are going toe-to-toe to see who's the fake fan this week. Expect all sorts of trivia questions, bad puns, and even a "Name That Sound Effect" challenge! The stakes are high - will their friendship survive? It's time to find out... Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach u...

We've got a slew of things to discuss this week, beginning with Jared taking first place in the Mina the Hollower art competition! It was such a honor to participate! After that we're spotlighting a charity games bundle, the sales of which will assist the victims of the conflict in Ukraine. Then, we've got some stray thoughts on Risk of Rain 2. As always, thanks for Leveling With Us! Mina the Holl...

Nintendo-WHO? It’s all about SONY now, baby! This week we’ve finally ventured outside our comfort-zone to play and chat about some Playstation games! We'll go over some of the biggest exclusives on the PS4 and PS5, including Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Returnal. Fair warning: this is a loosely edited episode compared to what we usually produce, but while we don't do our regular segme...

We don't have a regular episode today, mainly because Jared... did a thing! And he wants your feedback on it! This week we're sharing a short preview of an audio play he produced for the "Mina The Hollower" Art Contest (with music by Marcus!). If you want to hear the full version of Jared's art contest submission, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/Na7mnjfhb4o We'll be back next week with an e...

Steel Thy Shovel! We've been on a Yacht Club Games kick lately, so we thought it'd be worth checking out their recent release! This game seems to put the action in action/puzzle game, and it hooked us way more than we expected! Join us for a cozy discussion on our favorite characters, a math-y trivia question, and even some thoughts on the new Cuphead Show! Send us questions and comments that you...

Happy Valentine's Day! In a day all about celebrating our relationships with people close to us, what better game to check out than the award-winning It Takes Two? And, once again, this week we've got another special guest host! Join Jared and his wife Mariah as they discuss how brutally tearing apart stuffed animals can actually maybe make you grow closer as a couple? Send us questions and commen...

We may be enjoying Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but what about a verified Pokémon veteran? Well, let's ask one!! This week Jared interviews special guest (and game developer!) Hyrum about his thoughts on Arceus's new battle system, what Nuzlockes could potentially look like, and a brand new kickstarter that was just revealed! If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithU...

We're back! Everyone seems to be loving Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but does it resonate with us? Join us for a cozy chat about our first impressions of the game, the sound Kricketune makes, and maybe even a tangent about Jared's favorite fast food restaurant. If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: h...

Curl up by the fire and enjoy some holiday cheer as we reflect on the games that made 2021 so great! While not every game on our list may have come out this year, these are the ones that we experienced for the first time - and left a lasting impression on us. Let us know what your favorite games of the year were by writing us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail.com! Stay safe and happy holidays! You...

Professor, this reminds me of a puzzle! Welcome to our retrospective of the Professor Layton series - our biggest episode yet! Featuring special guest Bob from DearestHershel, a venerable Professor Layton expert, join us as we discuss the series' high points, low points, and every game and spin-off in-between! DearestHershel's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/dearesthershel If you have thought...

...Marcus? MARCUS?! Oh, that's right, he's on break! This week, Jared's flying solo to discuss the new Pokemon remakes. Are they a welcome blast of nostalgia? Or should they even exist? Let's talk about it, and while we're at it, let's also discuss a very similar game: 2018's God of War. If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You...

Are point-and-clicks still a thing? Apparently! This week we're discussing our impressions of Deponia, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the adventure game genre. You'll also be treated to Marcus trying to stump Jared with a bunch of gibberish words, and a short story about a voice actor Jared worked with recently. If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWit...

Before our next episode releases next week, we thought it'd be helpful to know what games are on the horizon for Level With Us! So, here is a sneak preview, accompanied by some excellent lo-fi beats composed by Marcus himself. Happy listening! As always, if you have thoughts you'd like to have read on the show, reach out to us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

It's time to discuss Demon Turf - a new 3D platformer which uses 2D sprites for its characters. While we were left a little divided on it overall, we've got plenty to say about its great movement and rad music! Be sure to stick around till the end for a special musical number from Marcus to all our listeners (but especially the ones that reviewed our podcast!). ;) If you have thoughts you'd like f...

We FINALLY get to talk about one of our favorite games of all time! A Short Hike is amazing, enough that we would recommend it to just about anyone. Still not convinced? Take a listen as we discuss the game design, struggle to come up with 'Quick Jabs,' and maybe even get a bit emotional about it. Oh! And as a special bonus, stick around for our 'Rabbit Holes' segment to hear a psuedo-Japanese-EDM...

3 games in one episode?! This time, we are covering three of the best indie games that have "deck-building," a board game mechanic Jared just can't get enough of: Slay the Spire, Dicey Dungeons, & Griftlands! You can expect less segments this time, but fear not, we've still got a couple quick jabs to get off our chests. Plus, stay tuned after the credits for a special educational lesson from M...