RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is, once again, tempted to play Final Fantasy XIV ! With the release of the 6.2 patch of FFXIV , Mike is taking up the torch to try and convince Jono to create an account. Will he be successful? And Audra is here to chat about Dusk Diver 2 , an anime-inspired action RPG with more than a few elements of Yakuza/Persona ! Plus, Gamescom was last week, so ever...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going virtual! First, Caitlin examines the origins of a virtual band in the music biopic game, We Are OFK . Then, Brian steps into a virtual fantasy world in one of the only full-scale JRPGs available on VR platforms, RuinsMagus . And finally, Jono is back in Nova Scotia and is trying to teach his Mom how to play video games. It's... not going great, but...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're going handheld with two highly anticipated RPGs for the Nintendo Switch... First, Izzy digs into the HD-2D remake of the classic Super Famicom/Super Nintendo RPG, LIVE A LIVE . Now, not only do Western audiences FINALLY learn how the title is pronounced, but we have the opportunity to enjoy this seven-character epic with stunning graphics and remastered m...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Random Book Club time! Do you know what we love almost as much as video games? Books ABOUT video games! Bitmap Books just released their third edition of The Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games , and Hilary got an exclusive first look at this incredible volume. You know what that means, right? It means that Jono and Hilary get to geek out about adventur...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the joy of hunting monsters! First, the panel chats about the RPGs and adventure games that caught their attention in the highly-anticipated June Nintendo Direct. Then, Jono gives Dom and Des a chance to geek out at length about the new expansion to Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak!   Featuring: Jono Logan, Des Miller, Dom...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about sequels and demos!  Zach chats about his time with AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, the new sequel to the beloved "mystery box" game. Mike shares some of his favorite RPG and adventure game demos from the 2022 Steam Next Fest. And the entire panel breaks down the big news stories of the week, including the Final Fantasy VII Rebirt...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's Not-E3 time! Even though the illustrious gaming show is skipping a year, that doesn't mean there isn't a ridiculous amount of gaming news to sift through. Our panel talks about their favorite games of each day of the "show," and discusses what the future might hold for E3 and other gaming events in 2023 and beyond! Featuring: Jono Logan, Brian Mackenzie, M...

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel breaks down everything they’ve played over the last few weeks! Caitlin survives her first experience with the children of the night in Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong . Audra enjoys a bit of video game nostalgia with Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers , a visual novel that celebrates the world of arcades. And Jono digs into his comfort food of Fal...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about some of the best games we've played so far in May!  As one of the biggest fans of the Suikoden series at RPGFan, Zach relished the opportunity to dig into Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising , but did it live up to his high expectations? Sollosi revisits the past with Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2 , giving him another opportunity to enjoy two ta...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time for some indie goodness down on the farm! Tarah makes her first appearance on the podcast, talking about the retro farm-sim Bit Orchard: Animal Valley for the Switch. This indie homage to Harvest Moon and Game Boy apparently makes for a very relaxing time (provided that you don't need to catch any frogs)! Next, Audra returns to Random to chat about th...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a page from Retro Encounter and talking about some of our favorite games of the past! Tyler is here to talk about his recent feature "So You Want to Get Into the Xeno Series," a deep dive into the series that started with Xenogears on the PSX and is heading toward Xenoblade Chronicles III on the Switch this September. Izzy and Jono get into a deep...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s tabletop RPGs, farms, and Zelda-likes. Oh my! Neal returns to Random to talk about the recent Borderlands spinoff, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands , Brian shares his thoughts about how Rune Factory 5 has advanced the series, and Greg returns to chat about Arietta of Spirits ! Plus, Jono and the entire panel chats about the recent E3 cancelation and if the former g...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's pure chaos as the panel walks Jono through their thoughts on some of the latest RPGs! Making their first appearance on the show, Izzy is here to break down the "story of an angry man" that is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin . Then Niki shares her thoughts about Square Enix's latest 2D-HD entry, Triangle Strategy . And Des (another first-timer!)...

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel looks back to the golden age of RPGs with the Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy IV , V , and VI ! We tackled the first three entries in the Pixel Remaster series ( I, II, and III ) back in Episode 221, but it's time to move to a new generation of console, the Super Nintendo! Cory dives into the first SNES entry, Final Fantasy IV , to see if it still ho...

On this emergency episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about a game that has every RPG fan buzzing: Elden Ring ! The latest Souls-like masterpiece from the wizards at FromSoftware, Elden Ring looks to be the current front-runner for Game of the Year (and maybe Game of the Decade if these crazy-high review scores are to be believed). This week, Jono is talking with Bob Richardson about what m...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two games that take place in very different types of open worlds! First up, Caitlin walks us through the expansive open world of Horizon Forbidden West , the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn . Improving on the original in almost every way, Forbidden West allows you to adventure in a world full of post-apocalyptic beauty (with better climbing mech...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to pull out our pencil-and-paper Pokédex because we're going back to when Pokémon ruled the Earth! Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest entry in the long-running Pocket Monsters series, and just about everyone is talking about how it could revitalize future titles. Our panel discusses what they think about the new semi-open world, beautiful 19th-cent...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to look at some of the best games of the previous year! RPGFan has released our annual Games of the Year feature , and this week, we're taking a deep dive. Join Jono, Alana, Brian, and Wes as they dig into the various categories, pick out their personal favorites, and (inevitably) end up adding multiple games to their backlogs for 2022!  Featuring: Jo...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're doing a little bit of cleanup! Some super interesting games were released at the very end of 2021, and we have some folks who played them! Audra is here to talk about her experience playing both Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space and its Chrono Cross -related DLC, Complex Dream . Dom is excited to chat about the recent PC port of Monster Hunter R...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a look in our crystal ball to preview the games of 2022! Every December, RPGFan publishes an extensive feature focusing on the games we're most excited for in the upcoming year. And this week, we get to talk about it! Does the panel think that Final Fantasy XVI will be released in 2022 or be delayed for another year? How about Starfield ? Will BOTW...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's awards night! The Game Awards 2021 were last Thursday, and so was our recording date! The resulting episode? Pure chaos!  Jono, Brian, and Niki try to talk about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl and Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition, but Mr. Geoff Keighley keeps throwing brand-new game trailers at them. Can they figure out t...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Greg is back! Greg and Jono reunite for Thanksgiving (despite both of them being Canadian) to talk about the fun of Final Fantasy-themed battle royales ( Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier ), the joys of retro-style adventure game throwbacks ( Obduction ), the excitement of unsubstantiated rumors ( Chrono Cross remake), and the delights of visual novels! Plus...

On this episode of Random Encounter, our panel descends deep into Dracula's Castle to deliver their thoughts about the recent Castlevania Advance Collection. Between 2001 and 2003, Konami released three Castlevania titles for the Game Boy Advance (Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance, and Aria of Sorrow). These games revived the Symphony of the Night-style of 2D-exploration gameplay and cemen...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're dipping our toes into some games highly inspired by the 80s and 90s! Abe is here to talk about the surprisingly excellent Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, waxing rhapsodic about its superb story and incredible 80s soundtrack! Then, Niki dives into the earliest era of the SNES with the surprise remake of the cult-favorite hybrid side-scroller/city-builder...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talkin' Tales! RPGFan's recent feature "So You Want to Get Into the Tales Series..." took a deep dive into dozens of Tales games to help you find your best entry point. This week, we have the author of that feature, Wes Iliff, and Tales superfan, Steph Sybydlo, to talk about their experiences with the games and where YOU should start if you want to get in...