RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this week's Random Encounter, we've finally recovered from Not-E3, so now it's time to talk about the Switch 2! Nintendo's long-awaited follow-up to the Switch has finally released and, surprise, it's still the Switch! The Nintendo Switch 2 is burning up the sales charts and already consuming countless hours of folks' time. That said, there has been some controversy, including limited launch ti...

On this week's Random Encounter, the Summer Game Fest (AKA Not-E3) season is officially upon us! For video game fans, this period is like early Christmas. With nonstop gaming announcements, there is something for everyone! This week, our panel has been working hard keeping up with all the major events, so it's time to share our favourite games from across the showcases!  Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio...

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 . In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilker...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic! First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it li...

On this episode of Random Encounter , we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX! First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince , the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it l...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week! First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT . Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world? Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everythi...

On this episode of Random Encounter , it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop ! Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series! First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but does it live up to their hopes? Then, Zek c...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025! We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FPS perspective. Jerry is a massive Pillars fan, so...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian! For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glan...

On this episode of Random Encounter , it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy! First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector , a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper , Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this could be the sleeper hit of 2025! Next, Paul di...

On this episode of Random Encounter , Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases! First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins ! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to provide a much more streamlined action-RPG experien...

On this first episode of Random Encounter for 2025, Jono is missing, and it's up to the panel to find him! Just kidding; we aren't a semi-educational game from the 1990s. Jono has bronchitis this week, so it's up to the brand-new full-time host of Retro Encounter, Zach Wilkerson, to fill in for him! Joining Zach is Neal, who is chatting about the recent remake of one of the first RPG indie hits ev...

In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025! Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year? From Avowed to the Drago...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2024 ! After a few rocky years, The Game Awards have finally hit their stride for their 10th anniversary. There were some astonishing reveals, wonderful tributes, and a surprising amount of empathy for those struggling in today's gaming industry. With announcements ranging from the epic ( The Witcher...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about previews of two games we're excited for in 2025! First up is a hands-on preview of Obsidian's newest first-person RPG, Avowed . A spin-off from the beloved Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is being presented as Obsidian's answer to Skyrim . That said, it has an identity all its own, avoiding the full-on open world for a series of expansiv...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we are chatting about a long-awaited remake and an unexpected spin-off! First, Zach is here to share his experience with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake . This ground-up remake of the beloved Famicom/NES JRPG has been a long time coming, first announced in 2021. With updated graphics, mechanics, storyline, and scope, this second coming of DQIII (or given prio...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we have another two GOTY contenders for you! First up is Dragon Age: The Veilguard , the first new Dragon Age in a decade ! After BioWare's last two flops, they desperately needed a win, and it certainly sounds like they got one with this new installment of the long-running and beloved series! Audra is here to share all of her thoughts on how Dragon Age has evo...

On this episode of Random Encounter, two first-timers are joining us to chat about two of the year's biggest games! First up, Zek is joined by Zach to rave about Atlus' latest RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio . Known for the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, Metaphor offers a brand-new world full of all the things you love about previous Atlus games: close character relationships, incredible world-b...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about some recent game compilations! Game compilations are not only a fantastic way to re-experience older games, but they also offer excellent value for your money! Even if the games are a little old, you're still getting multiple games for the price of one. And if you're lucky, the developer will have gone the extra mile to add quality-of-li...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and Hilary geek out over a fantastic book focusing on the localization of beloved indie RPG, Undertale . Video game localizations have come a long way since the days of spoony bards. When we usually think about game localization, we think Japanese to English. But what about the other way around? Legends of Localization is a book series written by professio...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking politics! Well, no, not really, but there are some jokes about politics in here... First up, Izzy has played the first new Mana game since 2020's Trials of Mana remake, Visions of Mana ! With spiky hair, lush landscapes, and real-time RPG action, it's undeniably a Mana game, but does it live up to the heights of the series' golden age on the SNES?...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about some of video game history's most prolific anthropomorphic animal crimefighters! First up, Jono binge-plays the brand-new remaster of the third season of Telltale Games' Sam & Max series: The Devil's Playhouse . Lovingly remastered by Skunkape Games, does this remaster bring the 2010 point-and-click up to speed? Or is it left as roadkil...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re chatting about heisting steam-powered robots and the foggiest post-apocalyptic city you've ever seen. First up, Ben embraces his inner robot pirate with the sequel to 2015's TRPG, Steamworld Heist , Steamworld Heist II . The latest entry in the multi-genre Steamworld series, Heist II delivers a side-scrolling, turn-based spin on XCOM -style gameplay with...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re diving into a magical alpine journey and revisiting a classic RPG. First up, Abe joins us to discuss Dungeons of Hinterberg . This action RPG with Zelda and Persona -like elements is set in a beautiful Austrian resort town, combining combat, puzzles, and social interactions. How do these elements come together to create a memorable adventure (and vacation...