The Single Player Experience

Sebastion Mauldin @SDM3

We all know that being a gamer is a lifestyle. We also know that gaming as a single-player gamer comes with its own set of problems. We have to worry about if a game is worth our time. If a game is worth its price tag. Not to mention the backlog of games that seem like an ever-growing boss fight that we just can't win. Enter the single-player experience, the video game podcast designed for solo gamers who wanna know about good single-player experiences. My name is Sebastion Mauldin. I've played hundreds of games and now I'm a video game reviewer who specializes in single-player games. My main quest is to help you manage your ever growing gaming backlog by letting you know which single player games are your time and money so that you can the best single player experience. 

  1. SEP 16

    Nintendo Direct Reactions: Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave, Hades II Hype, and My New Obsession and Recommendation

    Nintendo Direct Reactions: Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave, Hades II Hype, and My New Obsession and Recommendation Description: In this episode of The Single Player Experience Podcast, Sebastion breaks down the biggest Nintendo Direct announcements for Switch 2, including Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Hades II, Metroid Prime 4, and more. He also gives his brutally honest take on Nintendo’s pricing, dives into the hype surrounding Hades II, and shares his latest single-player obsession: Against the Storm. If you’re looking for honest reviews, strong opinions, and the best single-player game recommendations, this is the episode for you. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPO Watch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. #SinglePlayerGames #GamingPodcast #BacklogChallenge #GameReview #GamerLife #PCGames #PS5Games #Xboxgames #Switchgames #videogames #podcast #gaming Summary: In this episode, Sebastion Mauldin discusses the latest Nintendo Direct, highlighting key announcements such as Fire Emblem, Hades 2, and a new Pokemon game called Pokopia. He shares his personal experiences with Nintendo games, his thoughts on the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie, and provides a game recommendation of the week, Against the Storm. The conversation reflects on the impact of nostalgia in gaming and the pricing strategies of Nintendo.

    33 min
  2. SEP 15

    Bungie's Impact on Destiny's 2 Community Ft. Alec Tuab

    Destiny 2: Is this the End Ft. Alec Tuab Summary: In this engaging conversation, Sebastion Mauldin and Alec Taub delve into the emotional journey of gaming, particularly focusing on Destiny 2 and its community. They discuss the highs and lows of player experiences, the impact of Bungie's changes, and the search for new gaming adventures. Alec shares his passion for PC building and the unique experiences found at Micro Center, while also exploring the creative modifications that gamers are making to their hardware. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of gaming and the personal connections players have with their favorite titles. In this engaging conversation, Sebastion and Alec explore a variety of topics ranging from the aesthetics of space in movies to the nostalgia of gaming hardware. They delve into the challenges of adapting beloved franchises like Star Trek into video games, and share innovative concepts for new gaming experiences. The discussion also includes a fun trivia challenge, where Alec showcases his gaming knowledge, and concludes with recommendations for must-play games, highlighting the impact of classics like Half-Life and Bioshock. In this episode of the Single Player Experience, host Sebastion Mauldin welcomes Alec Taub, a passionate gamer and Destiny 2 enthusiast. They discuss the emotional journey of playing Destiny, the impact of Bungie's changes, and the community's reactions. Alec shares his thoughts on the current state of Destiny, his commitment to the game, and his excitement for upcoming titles. The conversation also delves into the joys of PC building, the visual fidelity of modern games, and the unique experiences of console modding. In this engaging conversation, Alec and Sebastion explore various themes in gaming, from nostalgic aesthetics and the evolution of hardware to dream game concepts and the allure of indie titles. They delve into the mechanics of storytelling in games, share trivia challenges, and conclude with personal recommendations, highlighting the impact of classic games like Half-Life and the excitement surrounding upcoming releases. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPO Watch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. #SinglePlayerGames #GamingPodcast #BacklogChallenge #GameReview #GamerLife #PCGames #PS5Games #Xboxgames #Switchgames #videogames #podcast #gaming

    1h 35m
  3. SEP 4

    Hollow Knight: My Third Attempt and Final a "Masterpiece"

    Hollow Knight: My Third Attempt and Final a "Masterpiece" Summary: In this episode of The Single Player Experience, host Sebastion Mauldin shares his complicated journey with Hollow Knight. After bouncing off the indie classic twice before, he gave it one last chance — and this time, it clicked. Sebastion breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and who the game is for, while also diving into the latest Hollow Knight: Silksong news and why Demonschool deserves your attention too. Whether you’re a Hollow Knight veteran or someone who just can’t get into it, this episode is for you. In this episode, Sebastion Mauldin explores his complex relationship with the game Hollow Knight, discussing its gameplay mechanics, aesthetic appeal, and the anticipation surrounding its sequel, Silksong. He shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges within the game, the strategies he employed, and his appreciation for the game's soundtrack and visuals. The conversation highlights the significance of indie games in the gaming landscape and offers recommendations for players interested in the metroidvania genre. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPO Watch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. #SinglePlayerGames #GamingPodcast #BacklogChallenge #GameReview #GamerLife #PCGames #PS5Games #Xboxgames #Switchgames #videogames #podcast #gaming

    30 min
  4. AUG 25

    The People v.s. AC Shadows and Nintendo is going to Nintendo Ft. Reggie Johnson

    The People vs AC Shadows and Nintendo is going to Nintendo Ft. Reggie Johnson Summary: In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the evolution of gaming, focusing on the differences between Western and Eastern RPGs, the impact of nostalgia, and the challenges of character creation. They discuss the pacing of combat in modern games compared to older titles, the grind for skills in RPGs, and the anticipation surrounding upcoming releases like GTA VI. The importance of storytelling in games and the comparison of gaming experiences over the years are also highlighted, providing a comprehensive look at the current state and future of gaming. In this engaging conversation, Sebastion M and Reggie J delve into various aspects of gaming, from the ease of referring to FIFA over FC 25, to the dynamics of gaming in relationships. They discuss the anticipation surrounding future games like GTA and Borderlands, while also critiquing the pricing strategies of Nintendo, particularly with the upcoming Switch 2. The duo reflects on the value of gaming, the challenges Nintendo faces in the market, and the potential PR issues stemming from their pricing decisions. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of accessibility and value in gaming, making for a thought-provoking dialogue that resonates with both casual and dedicated gamers. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPOWatch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. #SinglePlayerGames #GamingPodcast #BacklogChallenge #GameReview #GamerLife Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Single Player Gaming 06:16 Critique of Enemy Design and Combat Mechanics 12:21 Character Creation and Personal Gaming History 19:29 Trading in Games for New Experiences 27:46 Comfort Food Gaming: The Assassin's Creed Comparison 37:01 The Anticipation of GTA VI: Taking Time Off 43:31 The Future of Gaming: Release Dates and Delays 46:46 Current Gaming Experiences: What’s on the Playlist 51:47 Anticipation for Upcoming Games 56:49 The Value of Nintendo Games 01:02:12 Comparing Console Specs and Game Libraries 01:17:21 The Pricing Dilemma of Valhalla and Odyssey 01:23:36 The Value of Bundled Games 01:28:30 The Price Point Debate 01:34:43 Nintendo's PR Challenges vs. Niko's PR Problems Takeaways: The conversation dives deep into the differences between Western and Eastern RPGs. Nostalgia plays a significant role in how players perceive modern remasters. Character creation can be a frustrating experience in many games. The pacing of combat in older games feels slower compared to modern titles. Players often find themselves grinding for skills in RPGs, which can be tedious. The excitement for upcoming titles like GTA VI is palpable among gamers. The importance of storytelling in games is emphasized throughout the discussion. Game mechanics have evolved, but some players miss the simplicity of older designs. The impact of game design on player experience is a recurring theme. Comparisons between different gaming experiences highlight the evolution of the industry. FIFA is often easier to say than FC 25. Gaming can be a bonding experience in relationships. Anticipation for future games like GTA and Borderlands is high. Borderlands may not be reinventing the wheel. Switch 2's pricing is a significant concern for fans.

    1h 14m
  5. AUG 21

    The Five Best Single Player Games At gamescom ONL 2025! Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025

    The Five Best Single Player Games At gamescom ONL 2025! Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 Summary: In this episode, Sebastion Mauldin reviews the latest announcements from Gamescom, highlighting exciting new trailers and gameplay for titles like Lego Batman, Outer Worlds 2, and Ghost of Yotei. He discusses the mechanics and visuals of these games, sharing his thoughts on the overall showcase and what it means for single-player gaming enthusiasts. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPOWatch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. #SinglePlayerGames #GamingPodcast #BacklogChallenge #GameReview #GamerLife Description: Sebastion breaks down Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 and counts down his top 5 single-player game announcements. From Ghost of Yotei to LEGO Batman, hear what stood out, what fell flat, and which game instantly became his most anticipated of the year. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Single Player Gaming 00:50 Gamescom Opening Night Live Overview 01:14 Highlights from Gamescom Showcase 01:40 Introduction to the Showcase Highlights 02:10 Excitement for Colt of the Lamb Expansions 02:28 Exploring the Outer Worlds 2 Trailer 03:50 Romance Options and Genre Expectations 05:07 Pricing Controversies and Release Details 05:40 Surprising Announcement: Lego Batman Game 06:43 Sebastion's Love for Batman 07:39 Gameplay Insights and Expectations 09:27 Excitement for Ghost of Yote 10:22 Storyline and Character Insights 11:47 Anticipation and Comparisons to Other Games 12:08 Introduction to Moonlighter 2 13:06 Gameplay Mechanics and Features 14:27 Art Style Evolution and Design Quality 15:21 Release Date and Anticipation 15:51 Exploring Black Myth: Wukong's Legacy 18:35 The Future of Game Science and New Installments 18:48 Overview of Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 24:09 Excitement for Upcoming Titles 24:10 SPE Swipe Transition 1.mp4 Takeaways: Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight was a surprising announcement. Outer Wilds 2 trailer focused on companions and gameplay. Ghost of Yota is highly anticipated and set to release soon. The showcase featured a mix of AAA and indie games. Arkham-like combat in Lego Batman adds depth to gameplay. The pricing of games can impact player expectations. Gamescom showcased something for every type of gamer. Overall, the showcase was solid but not groundbreaking. Single-player experiences remain a strong focus in gaming. Community feedback is important for shaping future showcases.

    24 min
  6. AUG 21

    “I Owe You an Explanation” and the Games From Spring That you need to Play

    Summary: In this episode, Sebastian Mauldin returns to the podcast after a hiatus, sharing his experiences with various video games, particularly indie titles. He discusses his passion for indie games, his recent gaming experiences, and his thoughts on new releases like Citizen Sleeper 2, Blueprints, and Monster Hunter. The episode reflects on the evolution of the podcast and hints at future content. Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPO 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions. Watch Full Episodes of the Podcast On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ Takeaways: Sebastian has been playing a variety of video games during his hiatus. Indie games hold a special place in his heart. He has a love-hate relationship with certain games, like Vampire Survivors. Citizen Sleeper 2 surprised him with its depth and gameplay. Blueprints, while interesting, didn't resonate with him personally. Monster Hunter didn't capture his interest as expected. He is exploring new formats for the podcast to enhance listener experience. Sebastian is on the lookout for games that truly resonate with him this year. He emphasizes the importance of single-player gaming experiences. Future episodes will delve into more gaming recommendations and insights. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:22 Reflections on Absence and Return 00:50 Introduction to the Podcast and Host 02:05 Career Change and Personal Growth 04:54 Reformatting the Show 05:22 Passion for Gaming and Indie Games 06:01 Indie Game Passion and Addiction 16:35 Exploring Citizen Sleeper 2 21:46 Blueprints: A Puzzle Game Experience 24:36 Reflections on Gaming Preferences Welcome to The Single Player Experience Podcast — your home for all things single-player gaming! In each episode, we dive into the best narrative-driven adventures, hidden indie gems, and backlog battles that every gamer can relate to. ✨ Join our Discord community for game discussions & backlog support → https://discord.gg/YeCwD6gtDv 🎧 Listen to full episodes of the podcast here → https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBh5lXcbSKI3VCTb2qaPO 📌 Follow for more gaming breakdowns, reviews, and backlog confessions.

    26 min
  7. Civilization VII Controversy, College Football 25 Concerns, Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early Buzz + My Go-To Game Right Now

    MAR 30

    Civilization VII Controversy, College Football 25 Concerns, Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early Buzz + My Go-To Game Right Now

    Civilization VII Controversy, College Football 25 Concerns, Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early Buzz + My Go-To Game Right Now In this solo episode of The Single Player Experience, Sebastion dives into the latest buzz from the gaming world. First, he breaks down the evolving conversation around Civilization VII’s art style and whether the fanbase is being too critical or genuinely concerned. Then, he highlights troubling news about College Football 25’s Dynasty Mode and shares early impressions from reviewers about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. After that, Sebastion recommends a new indie title worth checking out, Mark of the Deep, and reveals what game has filled a sports-shaped hole in his gaming rotation. Whether you love strategy games, story-driven indies, or sports sims with a twist—this episode’s got something for you. Podcast Links:  Check out the Full Podcast in the link Below: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrruLWSRKIMHwhxIEV3z9lg/ Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-single-player-experience/id1634071295 YT: Single Player Experience #VIdeoGames #Gaming #Gamingvideos #VideoGamePodcast #GamingVideos Keywords Gaming, Single Player Experience, Podcast, Gaming Podcast, Video games, Podcasting, Gaming show, Single Player games, Video Games recommendations, Indie Games, Console Games, PC gaming,  Gaming Stories, Video Game Conversations, Single Player Gaming Twitter Hashtags: #Indiegames #Videogames #Gaming #Indies Tags: Keywords Gaming,Single Player Experience,Podcast,Gaming Podcast,Video games,Podcasting,Gaming show,Single Player games,Video Games recommendations,Indie Games,Console Games,PC gaming,Gaming Stories

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

We all know that being a gamer is a lifestyle. We also know that gaming as a single-player gamer comes with its own set of problems. We have to worry about if a game is worth our time. If a game is worth its price tag. Not to mention the backlog of games that seem like an ever-growing boss fight that we just can't win. Enter the single-player experience, the video game podcast designed for solo gamers who wanna know about good single-player experiences. My name is Sebastion Mauldin. I've played hundreds of games and now I'm a video game reviewer who specializes in single-player games. My main quest is to help you manage your ever growing gaming backlog by letting you know which single player games are your time and money so that you can the best single player experience.