RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating our 300th episode with a special draft! Four years is a long time in the video game industry, so we’re making predictions about what things will be like when we record our 400th episode in April 2028. Jono has gathered all the hosts from the RPGFan podcasts to make their picks. Whoever gets the most predictions right in four years will win a v...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're breaking down all the RPG news from the June 2024 Nintendo Direct and chatting about the recent re-release of Monster Hunter Stories and its sequel! As usual, Nintendo's latest showcase brought the house down with a flurry of surprises. Far from the Switch going out with a whisper, this Direct made it clear that Nintendo intends to go out with a bang! Did...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're all in on Not-E3 2024! For video game fans, this is one of the biggest weekends of the year, with nonstop announcements, trailers, and demos to fill your every waking hour! They've sure been filling ours, and that's why we've assembled an expert panel to break down the biggest RPG news from the shows for you. From Summer Game Fest to the Xbox Showcase, it's N...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about the early access release of one of the most anticipated games in recent memory: Hades II . In October 2020, Supergiant Games' roguelike masterpiece Hades finally exited early access and entered the Steam and Epic libraries of countless gamers. And now, its direct sequel, Hades II , has entered early access. But this isn't a barebones experi...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono invites two of the folks behind the recent indie game  Lil' Guardsman  onto the show to chat about its development. Back in the early days of the pandemic, Toronto-based composer Scott Christian and his business partner Artiom Komarov made the remarkable decision to leave their successful careers and jump into the indie dev scene. Recruiting a small but pa...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Zach joins the party to chat about the recent spiritual successor to the Suikoden series, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes , and the new DLC for Final Fantasy XVI , The Rising Tide . Hundred Heroes has been one of our most anticipated JRPGs since its Kickstarter back in 2020. Led by Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama, Hundred Heroes promised a return to the s...

On this episode of Random Encounter, ex-host Random Greg Delmage returns to share his film expertise while chatting about the new Fallout TV show! Video game adaptations are hot right now, and Amazon has just dropped what might be the best one yet: Fallout ! Based on the long-running RPG series, Fallout , the show is an exploration of the far future after a nuclear war in the 21st century destroye...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a game-of-the-year contender and the latest from one of the industry's most visionary indie devs.  First up, Izzy is here to chat about Dragon's Dogma 2 . The sequel to Capcom's cult-classic Dragon's Dogma , DD2 is the true realization of many of the ahead-of-their-time gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. However, this positive fanfare has r...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at two very different kinds of follow-ups to beloved games: a spiritual successor and a fan game. First up, we're talking about a long-awaited revival of Ogre Battle -style SRPGs with Vanillaware's Unicorn Overlord (the most bizarre name for a game since Triangle Strategy ). Featuring a mix of real-time strategy, turn-based party combat, and overw...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a look at a long-running RPG series that has only made sporadic, but noteworthy, appearances here in the West! Mystery Dungeon began as a Dragon Quest IV spinoff back in 1993, but since then, there have been dozens of games in the series, including crossover titles with Final Fantasy ( Chocobo’s Dungeon 2 ) and Pokémon ( Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Re...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's finally time to talk about one of the most anticipated "Part 2s" in video game history: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ! Ever since part 1 of the FFVII remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Remake , was released in 2020, we've been desperate to know where the story is heading. Will it continue along as we remember it, or diverge in unexpected and, no doubt, controv...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're "cranking" up our game to chat about a farming-centric piece of DLC for a pixel-art action RPG and a rogue-like on a tiny, black-and-white screen. First, Nick is here to share his thoughts about the farming DLC for 2021's Eastward , Eastward: Octopia . Having received solid reviews back when it was released, this new DLC strips out all of the combat and r...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a remake of an 18-year-old game and the release of a game that felt like it took 18 years to come out. Since its announcement in 2016, Granblue Fantasy: Relink has been on many RPG fans' most anticipated lists (it was on ours in 2020, 2022, 2023 AND 2024). And after seven years, it's finally here! Des dives into this long-awaited action RPG to...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about the latest installment in the Yakuza franchise,  Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth , and the indie point-and-click adventure game, Lil' Guardsman . First, Jono dives into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth , the direct sequel to 2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon . Does Infinite Wealth live up to the lofty turn-based JRPG expectations set by its predece...

Welcome to 2024! This year at Random Encounter, we're on the road to episode 300, so let's start the new year right by chatting about some games! First up, Jerry is here to talk about the experimental visual novel, Slay the Princess . In complete opposition to just about every video game plot ever, here you need to kill the princess or the world is doomed! Or is it? With a ton of endings and twist...

On the final 2023 episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about all the games we're excited about that are coming in 2024! At the end of December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: our most anticipated games expected to come out next year. And that means a chance to get together on Random Encounter to have a year-end freak out about all the games that will inevitably be adde...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat all of the news from the 2023 Game Awards, and delve into two recent indie RPGs. First, The Game Awards came and went faster than the music playing off the winners! Baldur's Gate 3 was the champion of the evening with Best Game, but Alan Wake 2 walked away with a good share of the awards, as well. Join the panel as we gossip about the absolute boatload...

On the next Random Encounter, we delve into the vibrant worlds of Super Mario RPG and Persona 5 Tactica , and tackle the complex issue of redemption arcs in game publishing. First, Caitlin unpacks the Super Mario RPG Remake. Despite some minor frame rate drops and easy difficulty, does the game's timeless appeal shine through in this newly revitalized Switch release? Following that, Ben explores P...

On the next Random Encounter, we're taking a deep dive into Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name , Star Ocean: The Second Story R , and Dave the Diver ! First, Jono discovers the yakuza's latest crisis in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name . Does this shorter Yakuza tale live up to its pedigree? Then Izzy Parsons gets to relive their childhood with the recent remake, St...

On the next Random Encounter, we're exploring the narrative horror depths of World of Horror and the deep strategic and colorful layers of Wargroove 2. First, Bob Richardson will guide us through World of Horror . With its unique 1-bit artistic style and roguelike narrative structure, does the game offer a lasting experience that keeps players coming back for more? Following that, Ben Love will sh...

On this week’s Random Encounter, Zach steps in as your host to guide us through RPGFan’s 25th-anniversary special, Revisiting RPGFan Games of the Year: Bracket Battle . Joining Zach are Audra, Jimmy, and Aleks, each bringing their own perspectives on what makes a Game of the Year truly deserving of the title. But the final choice of the best GOTY in 25 years doesn’t lie with them; it lies with you...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into a piece of DLC that redeems one of gaming's biggest disappointments, a Souls-like that cannot tell a lie, and a classic celebrating its 30th anniversary. First, Aleks guides us through the shadowy world of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty . Does this DLC redeem 2020's Cyberpunk 2077 , or does it miss the mark? Following that, Noah takes us into the...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're delving into two recent farm-sim RPGs, exploring if they bring anything new to the genre. First, Niki takes us through the remaster/remake of the classic DS farm-sim Rune Factory 3 Special . Is there anything genuinely special about it, or should you stick with more recent entries of the series? Following that, Sam visits the enchanting universe of Fae Farm ....

On this week's Random Encounter, we're blasting off to new galaxies and sailing through enchanted seas with two of the most anticipated RPGs of 2023! First, Noah navigates the cosmic expanses of Starfield , Bethesda's highly anticipated space exploration RPG. With the expectations of Skyrim in Space ringing in everyone's ears, does Starfield end up living up to the hype? Or does it end up crashing...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into the realms of fantasy and musical adventure! First, Abe takes on the epic challenge of reviewing Baldur's Gate III, the long-awaited CRPG sequel that brings Dungeons & Dragons to life! With intricate storytelling, deep character customization, and intense tactical combat, does it roll a nat 20? Then, Audra explores the harmonious world of Stra...