RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter: - It's our annual Games of the Year episode! Join four of RPGFan's enthusiastic editors as we discuss the site's awards for the best RPGs of 2018. Don't forget to check out our written feature over at https://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2018/index.html. - With 2019 already in full swing, the year's first major release, Kingdom Hearts III, is only weeks away. We d...

On this episode of Random Encounter: - It's our final show of 2018! The core trio of Derek, Caitlin, and Greg get together for a leisurely chat on what we've been playing over the past few weeks, from Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together to Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions. Okay, so it's a lot of games with "Tactics" in the title. - In a year packed with so many games, some were sure to slip...

On this episode of Random Encounter: - The beloved casts of Persona 3 and Persona 5 take to the stage in a pair of all-new dancing games! We briefly check in with Nathan to see how they fare. - The whole crew weighs in with their thoughts on Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu and Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee. Don't miss a special surprise interview with the most adorable guest we've ever had on Random Encount...

On this episode of Random Encounter: - We've got a glut of new features headed to RPGFan this holiday season, including Top 20 lists, video content, and hot takes on the hottest RPGs from...an eight-year-old's perspective?! Greg has all the details. - Derek's freshly back from a trip to Las Vegas for Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2018. We've got the scoop on what to expect from the game's next ex...

On this episode of Random Encounter: Like a bolt from the blue, Toby Fox teased and released his first follow-up to Undertale with only 24 hours of warning. Deltarune took us all by surprise. (Note: Even acknowledging what Deltarune is constitutes something of a spoiler, but we did our best not to delve too heavily into the game for the time being. We'll revisit this one somewhere down the line!)...

On this episode of Random Encounter: Did Derek lose two days of his life playing Timespinner, or did he perform his own quantum leap? Fenner backs up his rambling adoration for this new-but-retro action RPG in the vein of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Caitlin just finished a marathon stream of everything major in Final Fantasy XIV 4.4: Prelude in Violet. How does this latest batch of content...

On this episode of Random Encounter: - It's a full house as former Random Encounter hosts Rob Steinman and Stephen Meyerink return (alongside veteran Caitlin Argyros) as special guests to discuss the season's hottest releases! - Metroidvanias: We love 'em, but not every one gets the formula down pat. We discuss what makes Chasm crumble in the face of contemporaries like Hollow Knight. - We tackle...

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...