RPGFan's Random Encounter

Join the staff of RPGFan as they discuss the latest news and topics in the world of role-playing games.

  1. 2d ago

    358 - Stupid (Decisions by EA) Never Die

    On this episode of Random Encounter, we're taking a trip back in time for a game that is from the 2000s and a game that is inspired by the 2000s! First up, Stupid Never Dies is an action RPG from some former Capcom devs. Hmmmm... zombies in a mall? Checks out! With sick visuals, a dope soundtrack, and wack gameplay (I THINK this is how we used to talk back in the 2000s...), Stupid Never Dies certainly delivers a memorable experience. Does Mark enjoy the retro style or does he wish it was best left in the early naughts? And then Audra is here with a remastered classic RPG from the era, Tales of Eternia Remastered! Originally released as Tales of Destiny II for the PSX (not to be confused with the actual Tales of Destiny 2 for the PS2), this was a much-loved entry of the Tales series in its day. Does it still live up to those fond 2000s memories? And finally, EA breaks countless hearts by closing BioWare. Just a spectacular decision, EA. Did they ask themselves, "What could we do to make gamers hate us even more?" So, anyway, let's use the absolutely terrible news to chat about some of our favourite BioWare games! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Mark Roddison; Edited by George Peter Get in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links:Stupid Never DiesTales of Eternia Remastered ReviewTales of Destiny 2 Retro ReviewMass EffectMass Effect 2Mass Effect 3Mass Effect: Andromeda ReviewDragon Age: The Veilguard ReviewDragon Age: Origins Review

    358 - Stupid (Decisions by EA) Never Die
  2. Oct 13

    357 - Return to Metroidvania

    On this episode of Random Encounter, we're checking out the latest entries in two long-running and beloved series. First up, Matt is here to chat about the newest installment in the Castlevania series, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. This is not just a direct sequel to 1989's Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, but also the first real entry in the series in twelve years (eighteen if you only count the 2D entries). The team behind the game was also behind all the DLC for Dead Cells, including Return to Castlevania, so you would expect them to deliver a fantastic experience. Do they pull it off? Then, Ben dives into the absolutely massive new Fire Emblem game for the Switch 2, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. Since its first entry on the Famicom in 1990, the Fire Emblem series has been super popular... in Japan. It wasn't until 2003's Fire Emblem for the GBA that we got a chance to try it in the West. Since then, the series has had its share of ups and downs, but it looks like it is about to see a big "up" with this latest entry! Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Matt Wardell; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links:Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse ReviewCastlevania: Symphony of the Night ReviewFire Emblem: Fortune’s WeaveFire Emblem: Path of Radiance ReviewKotaku - Inside The Failed Fight To Unionize One Of Gaming’s Most Idealized Studios  Kotaku - Our Interview With Tim Schafer About Unionization At Psychonauts Studio Double Fine

    357 - Return to Metroidvania
  3. Sep 28

    356 - Tokyo Game Show 2026 Breakdown

    On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about one of the biggest gaming shows of the year! Every year, RPGFan covers the biggest RPGs and adventure games to come out of the Tokyo Game Show, but this year, we had a reporter on the floor! Matt Wardell was there to check out every booth he could, play every game they’d let him, and now he is here to give us the lowdown about his full experience at TGS 2026! From Final Fantasy VII Revelation to Stranger Than Heaven, he got to play them all! And if after listening to this, you would like to hear more about his time at the show, check out the RPGFan home page for all of his articles, including some spectacular photos from the show floor!  Featuring: Jono Logan, Matt Wardell, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links:Persona 4 Revival Hands-On Preview: It’s Time to (Re)Make History, Yeah! | RPGFan Stranger Than Heaven Hands-On Preview: This Oldboy Has a Few New Tricks | RPGFan Decapolice Hands-On Preview: Dial “RPG” For Murder | RPGFan Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Hands-On Preview: What a Wonderful Night to Have a Curse | RPGFan Flawless Abbey Hands-On Preview: To Sleep, Perchance to Dream | RPGFan Final Fantasy VII Revelation Hands-On Preview: Once More, With Feeling | RPGFan Blades of Mirage Hands-On Preview: Water You Waiting For? | RPGFan Tokyo Stories Hands-On Preview: The Night is Short, Walk On Girl | RPGFan Snack World: Reloaded Hands-On Preview: Fun to Play With, Not to Eat | RPGFan Hellheart Breaker Hands-On Preview: | RPGFan

    356 - Tokyo Game Show 2026 Breakdown
  4. Jul 13

    351 - I Don't Know Much About Sword Art Online, But I Know What I Like

    On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about new DLC for a game that spent over a decade in development, and another title that feels like it should have been released a decade ago. First up, Audra is here to chat about Endless Ragnarok, the new DLC for the action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink. The base game was our "returning champion" on our most anticipated list from 2020 through 2024, and was warmly received upon release. This new expansion adds a wealth of content and gameplay that might just reignite interest in the title. Next, Zek joins us to discuss Echoes of Aincrad, a new entry in the long-running Sword Art Online series. Based on the anime, this standalone title clearly hopes to recapture the feeling of the earliest games in the series by allowing you to create a brand-new character and introducing a fresh supporting cast. The problem is that the game feels like a subpar relic of an older RPG generation. Even as a PS3-era release, it would still fall short. Is there anything here to redeem it?   Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch:RPGFan.comRPGFan ShopEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomBluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.socialInstagram: @rpgfancomThreads: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links:Granblue Fantasy Relink: Endless RagnarokGranblue Fantasy Relink ReviewSword Art Online - Hollow Fragment- ReviewEchoes of Aincrad Review

    351 - I Don't Know Much About Sword Art Online, But I Know What I Like
4.6
out of 5
132 Ratings

About

Join the staff of RPGFan as they discuss the latest news and topics in the world of role-playing games.

More From RPGFan

You Might Also Like