Tales from the Backlog

Dave Jackson
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  • Video Games
  • Updated weekly

A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle.

  1. 5 hr ago

    217: Many Nights a Whisper (with Flora Merigold)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Flora Merigold (Epilogue Gaming, Left Behind Game Club) as they discuss Many Nights a Whisper (Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour, 2025). Many Nights a Whisper puts you in a high-pressure situation and asks you to make tough choices that will have an impact on whether you make the climactic shot or not. We discuss the marriage of narrative and mechanics, our approaches to granting or denying wishes, the shot, and much more. As always, there are no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Flora Merigold (she/her) Check out Epilogue Gaming https://epiloguegaming.com/author/flora-merigold/ Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/ Follow Flora on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/floramerigold.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:16 Introductions 3:53 Personal Histories with Many Nights a Whisper 5:44 Top-Level Thoughts 13:09 Story Setup and Wishes 20:29 Wishes, Tension and Thematic Explorations 38:53 Practice Makes Perfect 44:45 Music and Visuals 46:35 Who Should Play? 49:15 Flora's Creative and Artistic Work 53:41 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 55:56 Spoilers- Pink Cats and Healthy Tobacco 1:06:39 Spoilers- Removing Animal Souls and Making Gender Irrelevant 1:20:46 Spoilers- No More Work and Wanting a Nemesis 1:41:33 Spoilers- Mounting Pressure, No More Sleep, No More Religion 1:56:04 Spoilers- The Last Wish 2:09:53 Spoilers- The Shot and Final Musings Music used in the episode is credited to fingerspit. Tracks used: Many Nights a Whisper, Ten Years Ago You Were Chosen, Doing My Best Is All I Can Give Them, New Strength, My Heart's Faint Call, The Ceremony, Into the Moonless Night Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    2h 36m

  2. 27 May

    216: Isles of Sea and Sky (with Jesse Guarascia)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Jesse Guarascia (noclip, noclip_2 and more) as they strengthen their block-pushing muscles for a deep dive into Isles of Sea and Sky (Cicada Games, 2024). They discuss its rich world full of secrets, why Sokoban-style puzzles feel like a great foundation for weird narratives or layers of secrets, whether the open-ended design works well, and much more. As always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Jesse Guarascia (he/him) Check out noclip https://www.youtube.com/@NoclipDocs And check out noclip2 https://www.youtube.com/@Noclip2 And Blowback! https://blowback.show/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jesseguarascia.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:22 Introductions 6:16 Our Histories with Isles of Sea and Sky 11:26 Top-Level Thoughts 18:38 Game Setup and Open Structure 29:19 Puzzle Design 40:40 Sokoban as a Base Layer for Building Secrets 53:15 Visual Design 1:00:00 Music and Sound 1:03:32 Who Should Play? 1:08:28 Jesse's Work at NoClip and More 1:16:53 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:19:17 Spoiler Section Music used in the episode is credited to Craig Collver. Tracks used: Isles of Sea and Sky, Ancient Island, Stoney Cliffs, Tidal Reef, From Sea to Sky Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    1hr 44min

  3. 20 May

    215: Kingdom Hearts (with Leah Haydu)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Leah Haydu (Cane and Rinse, Character Issues) as they discuss Kingdom Hearts (Square Enix, 2001). Leah is a longtime fan and Dave just played for the first time, and that led to a great conversation about the infamous story, the Disney and Final Fantasy tie-ins, the action-RPG combat, and the simplicity at the "heart" of it all. Listen in for more, and as always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Leah Haydu (she/her) Check out Character Issues https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747 Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:29 Introductions 4:02 Our Histories with Kingdom Hearts 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts 19:24 Story Setup and Disney Stuff 33:10 Final Fantasy Stuff 35:16 Understanding Kingdom Hearts 43:25 The "Heart" of the Story 51:11 More Music Talk 58:16 Gummi Ship 1:02:32 Combat 1:23:45 Some Gameplay Criticisms 1:30:26 Who Should Play? 1:34:00 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse Podcasts 1:40:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:42:08 Spoilers- Disney Worlds 1:54:58 Spoilers- Let's Talk Plot 2:04:13 Spoilers- Sora, Riku and Ansem 2:16:55 Spoilers- Final Bosses and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Yoko Shimomura: Dearly Beloved, Destiny Islands, Hollow Bastion, Welcome to Wonderland, Traverse Town, The End of the World, Dearly Beloved -Reprise- Check out Unlockables Podcast for an extensive dive into the story of Kingdom Hearts: https://unlockables.fireside.fm/tags/guiding%20keys Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    2h 32m

  4. 13 May

    214: Cairn (with Rachel Watts)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Rachel Watts (Thinky Games, Indieventure podcast) as they discuss Cairn (The Game Bakers, 2026). Cairn is a meticulous, thoughtful climbing game that takes you into the mind of an elite athlete as she attempts a climb that has never been done before. While it has some (unintentionally) frustrating moments, Cairn is an extremely strong and affecting game- listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while! Guest info: Rachel Watts (she/her) Check out Thinky Games https://thinkygames.com Check out Indieventure https://indieventurepodcast.co.uk TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:23 Introductions 5:09 Our Histories with The Game Bakers & Cairn 8:58 Top Level Thoughts 17:32 Story Setup and Characterizing Aava 31:40 Climbing Mechanics 37:36 High Difficulty Meets a Few Shaky Systems 54:53 Visual Design, Sound Design and Music 1:03:12 Survival on Mt. Kami 1:17:58 Who Should Play Cairn? 1:24:32 Thinky Games and Indieventure Podcast 1:28:54 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:30:30 Spoilers- Fun Moments & Tough Challenges 1:54:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Aava 2:22:42 Spoilers- Ending Discussion Music used in the episode is credited to Martin Stig Andersen, Gilda and The Toxic Avenger. Tracks used: The Mountain is Calling, Rise, Fatigue Is In Your Head, Only the Mountain, In My Gut, Stars, Part of a Whole Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    2h 42m

  5. 6 May

    213: Hitman 3 & Freelancer Mode (with Scott Danielson)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and returning guest Scott Danielson as they dive into the third and final entry in the Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy (IO Interactive), as well as its roguelike mode, Freelancer. This whole package is an absolute treat, and this also brings the Tales from the Backlog Hitman Episode Trilogy to a close. Listen in for allllll (most) of our thoughts! Guest info: Scott Danielson (he/him) TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:25 Introductions 8:25 Our Histories with Hitman 12:39 Top-Level Thoughts 17:13 Story Setup 24:43 Levels and Locations 34:16 What's New and Mission Stories 43:26 The Sandbox and Freelancer Mode 1:02:32 Other Bonus Missions 1:09:07 Who Should Play Hitman? 1:17:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:18:57 Spoilers- Dubai 1:37:53 Spoilers- Dartmoor 1:50:43 Spoilers- Berlin 2:10:03 Spoilers- Chongqing 2:27:31 Spoilers- Mendoza 2:41:54 Spoilers- Carpathian Mountains 2:53:56 Spoilers- Ending and Ambrose Island Music used in the episode is credited to Niels Bye Nielson. Tracks used: Death Awaits, Best-Laid Plans, Sceptres of Dubai, End of an Era, Planning, Death in the Family, Chongqing Requiem, Mission Accomplished Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    3h 10m

  6. 29 Apr

    212: The Séance of Blake Manor (with Brian Edwards - Cane and Rinse, Character Issues)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Brian Edwards as they dive into one of 2025's most acclaimed games, The Séance of Blake Manor (Spooky Doorway, Raw Fury, 2025). It's a captivating mystery set in an Irish countryside manor-turned-hotel, full of both literal and figurative ghosts, culminating in a grand séance. It's full of memorable characters, fantastic voice performances, Irish folklore and mythology, and always manages to keep you guessing. Check out the podcast for more. Guest info: Brian Edwards (he/him) Check out the Character Issues podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747?l=zh-Hant-TW Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:16 Introductions 4:24 Personal Histories 7:59 Top-Level Thoughts 14:15 Story Setup and Cast of Characters 24:18 Spooky Atmosphere 29:00 Character Schedules and the Passage of Time 41:41 Lack of Deductive Reasoning 48:43 Some Mechanical Frustrations 56:09 Some Puzzly Puzzles 58:44 Irish Folklore & Mythology 1:05:31 Who Should Play? 1:09:40 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse 1:19:04 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:20:57 Spoilers- Favorite Moments and Storylines 1:49:27 Spoilers- What's Going On Here? Music used in the episode is credited to Clement Panchout. Tracks used: The Séance of Blake Manor, Vincent Varley, Blake Manor I, Courtyard, The Ritual, Serenade for Evelyn Deane (End Credits) Check out Dave's guest DJ set on Chillscape: A Chill VGM Podcast: https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/chillscape-a-chill-vgm-podcast Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    2h 14m

  7. 22 Apr

    211: Baby Steps (with Josh Galecki - Pixelated Playgrounds)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Josh Galecki (Pixelated Playgrounds, Moonroof Studios) to take a long walk into the woods of Baby Steps. Developed by Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzillo and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital, Baby Steps is an extremely unique game, one where its story of its failson protagonist meshes with its frustrating-yet-rewarding gameplay for a very rewarding and genuinely funny experience. Check out the podcast for more. Guest info: Josh Galecki (he/him) Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/ Check out Josh's games on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/search/?developer=Moonroof%20Studios Check out more of Josh's games on itch https://joshuagalecki.itch.io/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:11 Introductions 5:42 Our Histories with Baby Steps 9:42 Top-Level Thoughts 15:11 Characterization of Nate 20:18 Walking Mechanics 26:56 Difficulty and World Design 40:19 Hating On Nate and Comedy 54:27 Visuals, Music and Sound 59:13 Who Should Play Baby Steps? 1:04:16 Pixelated Playgrounds and Moonroof Studios 1:08:40 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:10:17 Spoilers- Jim, The Manbreaker, Other Challenges 1:32:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Nate 1:42:28 Spoilers- Nate's Journey and Endings 1:55:43 Accomplishments vs Achievements 2:04:23 Guys...Where Are We? Sound clips in episode were captured in game. The Secret Lives of Games interview with Bennett Foddy & Gabe Cuzillo- https://eggplant.show/152-walking-over-it-with-gabe-cuzzillo-and-bennett-foddy-baby-steps Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    2h 20m

  8. 15 Apr

    Is It Harder for Video Games to Be Funny? (with Doug Lief & Gen Moonen)

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Guest info: Doug Lief (he/him) and Gen Moonen (they/them) Listen to Nostalgium Arcanum https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ Listen to Playing By Ear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playing-by-ear/id1815995146 Listen to Still Muppeting https://www.patreon.com/c/stillloadingpod/posts Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgames.libsyn.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:10 Introductions and Top-Level Thoughts 7:20 Unpredictability- Problem or Opportunity? 19:48 Failure Can Be Funny 38:35 Jokes In Any Form 50:07 Unique Challenges Facing Game Comedy 1:32:15 More Ways Games are Uniquely Funny 1:44:46 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:48:56 Gen & Doug's Podcasts Music used in the episode: Secret Hoppin' (Vacation Mix)- ClascyJitto (Pizza Tower OST) Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp- Peter McConnell (Psychonauts OST) Dave's guest appearance on Play Along Podcast- https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

    1hr 57min
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About

A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Jackson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tube Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Tales from the Backlog

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