The #Backlog Breakdown

Nate & Josh
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Arts
  • Semiweekly

A video game podcast from a Christian perspective endeavoring to encourage and equip the church to engage the medium wisely and responsibly.

  1. 1d ago

    Dead Space Remake: A Masterclass in Survival Horror? | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 222

    Welcome aboard the USG Ishimura! In Episode 222 of The Backlog Breakdown, Josh and Nate take on the 2023 remake of Dead Space, revisiting one of gaming's most beloved survival horror experiences. How does the remake compare to the original? The hosts explore the game's oppressive atmosphere, gruesome combat, Necromorph encounters, level design, resource management, zero-gravity sequences, and the many improvements that make this updated version shine. They also discuss the expanded story, Isaac Clarke's characterization, the game's dynamic difficulty system, and whether the changes made to the remake meaningfully improve the original experience. Beyond the scares and dismemberment, the conversation touches on Dead Space's science-fiction horror themes, including religious fanaticism, Unitology, humanity's pursuit of immortality, and the dangers of obsession. Is the 2023 remake the definitive way to experience Dead Space? And does this classic still stand among the best survival horror games? Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Dead Space, including its story and ending. Join The Backlog Breakdown for thoughtful conversations about video games, gaming culture, and how Christians can engage the medium wisely and well. Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share your thoughts on Dead Space with us!

    Dead Space Remake: A Masterclass in Survival Horror? | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 222

  2. 2d ago

    Redwall Chapters 1–8: Meeting Matthias and Cluny the Scourge | Readwall Ep. 2

    The journey into Mossflower Wood continues! Paul and Amy return for the second episode of Readwall, their Redwall read-along podcast, to discuss Book One, chapters 1–8 of Brian Jacques's classic fantasy novel. We meet Matthias, the young mouse dreaming of becoming a hero, enjoy the wonderful community and feast at Redwall Abbey, and get our first proper look at the ruthless Cluny the Scourge and his growing army of rats. Paul and Amy share favorite passages, discuss memorable characters like Constance the badger and Cornflower, laugh over the creative names and threats of Cluny's followers, and explore Brian Jacques's wonderfully descriptive writing. This discussion covers only the first eight chapters, so readers can join without worrying about spoilers beyond the assigned section. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering Redwall for the first time, we'd love to have you reading along! **Next reading assignment:** Book One, chapters 9–14. Send your favorite passages, questions, and reactions to readwallpodcast@gmail.com, or join the Readwall channel on The Backlog Breakdown Discord. Readwall is part of the Play Well Network, distributed by The Backlog Breakdown. Happy reading, and Eulalia!

  3. 6d ago

    Hey There, Sleepyhead! | PWN Call #9

    What should Christians think about horror movies? Can a horror film offer meaningful insight into the spiritual world, and where should we draw the line between engaging with fictional stories and taking the supernatural seriously? Welcome back to PWN Call, the podcast where friends from the Play Well Network gather to discuss the video games, movies, books, music, and other media they've been enjoying. In this episode, Paul, Josh, and Wes catch up on life, share their latest entertainment discoveries, and explore some fascinating questions about faith, storytelling, and popular culture. This week's recommendations include Street Fighter, Talk to Me, and You Can See Everything. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about games, movies, books, and the stories that shape us, subscribe and join the conversation. 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

    Hey There, Sleepyhead! | PWN Call #9

  4. Oct 19

    Absolum: Brilliant Combat, Complicated Story | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 221

    Nate and Josh take on Absolum in Episode 221 of The Backlog Breakdown, exploring a fantasy beat-'em-up that combines classic side-scrolling action with roguelite progression. With comparisons to Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Hades, the hosts examine what makes Absolum’s combat so satisfying. They discuss its combo systems, enemy encounters, upgrade choices, branching routes, and the progression loop that keeps each run feeling worthwhile. They also weigh in on the game’s charming art direction, soundtrack, and overall pacing. The conversation goes beyond mechanics, too. Nate and Josh consider why the story feels less successful than the gameplay and dig into the game’s factions, characters, and moral framework. From a Christian gaming perspective, they discuss themes of order and chaos, nature, magic, power, and human responsibility—and why the narrative may require discernment from some players. Their conclusion? Absolum offers an excellent gameplay experience with plenty of mechanical depth, but its storytelling may be a more complicated proposition depending on your perspective. Join The Backlog Breakdown for thoughtful conversations about video games, gaming culture, and how Christians can engage the medium wisely and well. Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share your thoughts on Absolum with us!

    Absolum: Brilliant Combat, Complicated Story | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 221

  5. Oct 16

    Readwall Episode 1: Introduction to Redwall

    Welcome to Readwall, a new Redwall read-along podcast from Paul and Amy, now part of The Backlog Breakdown podcast feed! Join us as we explore Redwall, the classic fantasy novel by Brian Jacques. Paul returns to a story he has loved for years, while Amy experiences it for the first time. Together, they'll read and discuss the book in manageable sections, exploring its memorable characters, vivid descriptions, humor, action, and adventure without spoiling what lies ahead. In this introductory episode, we share why we're starting this read-along, talk about Brian Jacques and the inspiration behind Redwall, and explain how you can read along with us. We'll meet every two weeks to discuss our assigned reading, favorite passages, standout characters, and listener contributions. Our first reading assignment is Book One, “The Wall,” chapters 1–8, roughly 40 pages. Readers of all experience levels are welcome, including families who want to enjoy the adventure together. Have a favorite line, a question, or a reaction to share? Email us at readwallpodcast@gmail.com And join the Redwall discussion channel in The Backlog Breakdown Discord and take part in the adventure!: https://tr.ee/hcvF_eR3LB Pour yourself some tea, open your book, and come along to Mossflower Wood. Happy reading!

    Readwall Episode 1: Introduction to Redwall

  6. Oct 12

    The Groks Will Cry Out | PWN Call #8

    Welcome back to PWN Call, the podcast where friends from the Play Well Network get together to talk about the video games, music, movies, books, and other media they've been enjoying lately. Expect thoughtful conversations, unexpected rabbit trails, and plenty of friendly banter along the way! In this episode, Nate, Josh, and Paul explore some surprising intersections between Christian faith and popular culture, share their latest gaming obsessions, revisit a cult-favorite comic-book adaptation, and announce an exciting new reading project. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about games, movies, books, and the stories that shape us, subscribe and join the conversation. 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

    The Groks Will Cry Out | PWN Call #8

  7. Oct 5

    Tunic Is More Than a Zelda Clone | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 220 w/ SpYke

    In Episode 220 of The Backlog Breakdown, Josh and Nate are joined by special guest SpYke to discuss Tunic, the acclaimed indie action-adventure game that has captivated players with its mysteries, puzzles, and sense of discovery. What begins as a seemingly simple Zelda-inspired adventure quickly reveals itself to be something far more ambitious. The hosts explore Tunic's unique instruction manual system, its approach to exploration and player guidance, challenging combat encounters, environmental storytelling, hidden secrets, and unforgettable late-game puzzles. Along the way, they discuss why Tunic has become one of the most celebrated indie games in recent years, whether its cryptic design enhances or frustrates the experience, and what makes uncovering its mysteries so rewarding. If you're a fan of indie games, puzzle games, action-adventure titles, or thoughtful video game analysis, this episode is for you. Featuring special guest SpYke, whose recommendation brought Tunic to the show in the first place. 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

    Tunic Is More Than a Zelda Clone | The Backlog Breakdown Ep. 220 w/ SpYke

  8. Oct 3

    Sony, Xbox & Kojima: Is AAA Gaming Having an Identity Crisis? | Headlines & Hot Takes Sept. 2026

    Sony's digital-only future may not be as inevitable as it once seemed. Kojima's mysterious new project Physint is no longer a PlayStation exclusive. Xbox continues reshaping its gaming business through major studio consolidation. And Nintendo once again reminds the industry how to make familiar franchises feel fresh. In this month's Headlines & Hot Takes, Nate breaks down some of the biggest gaming stories from September 2026 and explores a larger question lurking beneath them all: Is the AAA games industry becoming too risk-averse? 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

    Sony, Xbox & Kojima: Is AAA Gaming Having an Identity Crisis? | Headlines & Hot Takes Sept. 2026
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About

A video game podcast from a Christian perspective endeavoring to encourage and equip the church to engage the medium wisely and responsibly.

Information

  • Creator
    Nate & Josh
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    445
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 Captain's Log
  • Show Website
    The #Backlog Breakdown

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