The Gaming Journal: Recent Episodes
The Gaming Journal
The Gaming Journal is a video game podcast primarily focused on, though not entirely limited to, Japanese role playing games and game collecting. Episodes range from sharing about recent pick-ups and games in the backlog to early impressions, at length discussions, and full on retrospectives.
Welcome to episode 107! I take some time to talk about my experience playing Xenogears (PS1) on my Vita (5 hours in). I share my small collection with my PS1 copy, strategy guide, and recent pickup with the English translated Xenogears Perfect Works - The Real Thing Hardcover book. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 106! I talk about recently finishing Apartment 14-B, a short point-and-click murder mystery visual novel by developer Studio Notes as well as respond to a few recent comments on the podcast. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 105! This is a spoiler-free discussion of Suikoden V for the PlayStation 2 on story, characters, gameplay, graphics and art, sound design and music. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 104! It’s another (very big) pickups episode where I share about some recent game purchases — Alice: Madness Returns & Star Ocean: The Last Hope - International (PS3); Prey (PS4); System Shock Remake, Dead Space Remake (PS5); and Sea of Stars - Limited Backer Edition (Switch), as well as receiving my first issue of Retro Gamer magazine in the mail, and buying The X-Files Seasons 1-9 (and my experience watching season 1 so far). Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 103! It’s a bit unusual, but I share about a recent (really good) thrift store haul that I acquired including: Madden NFL 11 & MLB 10 The Show (PS3), Epic Mickey (Wii), Mass Effect Andromeda Collectors Edition Guide, Dresden Files book 1 & 6, Bleach Complete Sets dvds of Season 1, 2, 3, and 4 pt.1, Blade Runner Collectors Edition 5-disc blu-ray, and Band of Brothers / The Pacific steelbook dvd box sets. I also provide a very brief progress update of Suikoden V in the outro. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 102! It’s another pickups episode where I share about two more games I received from VGP in Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. I also respond to a listener comment at the end and briefly share about my experience watching Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and a quick progress update on Suikoden V! Shout-outs to HellFireRPGs and ImportGamingFTW! Go check them out! Oh, and hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 101! I share my recent big purchase in buying all three of the games in the Shadow Hearts series — providing a little background, pouring over each copy, and sharing some information about each game. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 100! Whoa! I geek out over two recent pickups: Suikoden: Woven Web of the Centuries (PSP) and Jade Empire (Xbox). I also share about two games I’ve been playing recently: Suikoden: Woven Web of the Centuries and Suikoden V. I wrap the episode up by talking about some purchase plans and preorders. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 99! I provide a spoiler-free discussion on my overall experience with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for the Nintendo Switch. I talk characters, story, world, combat, soundtrack, art design and performance. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 98! I share about a few more random pickups including: Ar Nosurge: Ode to An Unborn Star (PS3), Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4), Suikoden: The Unauthorized Strategy Guide, Gundam Wing Complete Series DVD, & two novels by Blake Crouch. I wrap the episode up by sharing about my recent experience (and success) of emulating Skies of Arcadia: Legends and Suikoden: Woven Web of the Centuries on Steam Deck. Hope you’ll enjoy!
Welcome to episode 97! I talk about 7 PS Vita pickups including: Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, Muramasa Rebirth, Lost Dimension, The Nonary Games, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Gravity Rush, & Freedom Wars. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 96! It’s all in the title — this is a response episode to StevoSupremo and the recent YouTube gaming community’s tag videos on sharing 5 games I dropped (and why I did). Here’s a link to Stevo’s response video: https://youtu.be/ppHa_lYjR-Y?feature=shared
Episode 95 is a short one! Talking two of the most recent pickups I’ve made for the Switch: Silent Hope and Langrisser I & II Remasters. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 94, I share my impressions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Royal Edition on Nintendo Switch (5 hours in) as well as my early impressions (2 hours in) of Unicorn Overlord, picking up a copy of Tales of Xillia 2 (PS3) and then close the episode out by sharing about my gaming plans and a few future purchases/pre-orders. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 93! I share my experiences recently playing/finishing Super Mario Odyssey and Mahoyo/Witch on the Holy Night (Nintendo Switch) and then close the episode out by responding to a recent comment regarding ranking personal favorites in the Persona series. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 91, I go through another small stack of recent pickups including: Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and This Way Madness Lies on the Nintendo Switch. I also talk picking up a blu-ray of Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker and close the episode out responding to a listener comment about Radiata Stories. Hope you enjoy!
I share a few recent game pickups: The Ascent (PS5), Unicorn Overlord (Switch), as well as briefly talk about my experience reading Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines novels and picking up the Wayward Pines dvd. I close out the episode talking about recently finishing the Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020) anime and respond to a listener comment on their top 5 favorite PS3 games. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 90! In it, I go through and talk about every game in my PS3 collection and share a little of my history with the console. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 89, I provide mini-discussions on the latest two games I’ve recently finished with Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (PS3) and Fort Solis (PS5) — sharing my overall experiences with both. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 88! I sit down after finishing DA: Origins and provide a spoiler-free discussion on my experience with the game—addressing story, characters, gameplay, sound/art design, as well as a few notable issues. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 87! In this episode I share about picking up Alpha Protocol: The Espionage RPG (PS3), Grandia III (PS2), Madden NFL 2002 (PS1), Retro Gamer Issue #254, as well as a few digital purchases on Steam: Encased, Gamedec, & The Ascent. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 86! I talk about my recent Dragon Age pick-ups, go through my entire collection of games and books, then share about my limited history with the series — playing Dragon Age: Origins (15 hours in) — and why I’m just now getting around to it all in 2024. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 85! Consider this a follow up to my impressions episode on Andromeda. I discuss a few notable issues/criticisms, characters, and my overall thoughts and feelings on the experience as a whole. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 84! Its another pickups episode and with it, I talk about 3 Switch games I picked up as well as finally receiving the book (and having read the first 4 chapters of) A Game In The Life by Jordan Rudek! Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to a very personal bonus episode! This is mostly just a behind the scenes conversation about some recent episode woes and why the most recent 84 Xbox Collection episode was taken down. I also share about the recent announcement that the Fate/Stay Night VN will be receiving an English localized port this year, talk a bit about some episode plans and share some gaming progress updates. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 83! This is a spoiler-free retrospective where you can expect to hear about: 1. An overview of the game + extra details, 2. Story, 3. Characters, 4. Gameplay, 5. Graphics & Atmosphere, and 6. Sound. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 82! I sit down with a cup of coffee and casually talk through a list of 23 games I plan to play in 2024. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 81! This is another big pickups episode where I share about games (as well as books and a dvd) I’ve received from December/January including: Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten (PS4), Weird West: Definitive Edition (PS5), Fate/Extra (PSP), Fate/Samurai Remnant, Witch on the Holy Night, Fate Extella: The Umbral Star & Fate Extella: Link, Dragon Quest Treasures & Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Switch), Mass Effect Andromeda novels, and Shenmue: The Animation dvd. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 80! I share my impressions (10 hours in) on playing Mass Effect: Andromeda (Steam Deck). As a new huge fan of the series, I tackle some of the common negative critiques and seek to provide a unique positive counterpoint based off my experiences so far. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 79, I talk about my video game related Christmas gifts including: the original Mass Effect tie-in novels and the complete comics book, Valkyria Chronicles: Remastered and Valkyrie Elysium (PS4), Spider-man: Miles Morales (PS5), and Dune Blu-ray. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 78! I discuss my top 10 favorite games played in 2023 and throw another 10 in there as honorable mentions. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 77! A spur of the moment topic on the verge of Christmas Eve, where I wax nostalgic on two of my favorite video game related Christmas memories. Hope you enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!
Welcome to episode 76! It’s a short one. I share the recent news of an ESRB rating for Cosmic Fantasy Collection and the listed publisher as Limited Run Games, then talk about picking up a second copy of Dragon Quest IX to eventually play coop with my son, and finally wrap up the episode by briefly sharing about playing a little DQIX and making some progress in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as well as talk some upcoming podcast plans. Hope you enjoy and have a merry Christmas!!!
Welcome to episode 75! This is a pseudo pickups part 2 where I share all the games (and new system) I’ve purchased and received over the last month and a half. And boy it’s a lot! A Switch game, two 3DS titles, Nier (PS3), four PS4 games, and a handful of PS5 games for my new console! At the end I briefly share a game I’ve recently finished in Medieval Fantasy: Wizard’s Choice (iOS). Hope you enjoy!
Episode 74 is all about sharing and discussing four Dragon Quest related pickups I’ve recently made: Dragon Quest X Offline and Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest - The Adventure of Dai (Switch), Dragon Quest Swords (Wii), and Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (DS). Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 73! In it I talk: playing Dragon Quest VIII (3DS) over the past week and why it’s been such a joy to play, two anime dvd pick-ups: Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai and Eighty-Six complete collections, and one game pick-up: Star Ocean: Second Story R (Switch). Finally, I close the episode out by sharing about future podcast plans. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 72! I’m back with another discussion on games I’ve recently finished, including: Retro Bowl College on iOS and BioShock on PS4. Hope you enjoy and happy Halloween!
Episode 71 is another personal gaming update episode where I talk about games I’ve recently finished: Shenmue (PS4) and Madden NFL 09 (Nintendo DS), recent pick-ups: Ghostwire Tokyo (PC), Elex, BioShock The Collection (PS4), and Red Dead Redemption (Nintendo Switch), and share a bit of my current/upcoming gaming plans. Hope you enjoy!
It’s episode 70! The title says it all! Welcome to the second in a mini-series where I share my physical game collections; this ones all about the Nintendo Wii. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 69! I discuss the highly renown, classic title Shenmue including: the story (no spoilers), gameplay, graphics, sound design and music, and throughout my personal experiences and joys playing it. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 68, I provide early impressions (2 hours in) of my experience with The DioField Chronicle on Switch. I talk early story set up and characters, gameplay, graphics, and sound design/soundtrack. Hope you enjoy!
Todays episode is the first in a new mini-series I’ll be doing (harkening back to the old days of YouTube gaming) where I sit down and go through all my physical games for each specific system I own - starting with all 11 games for my PS Vita. Hope you enjoy! And please consider leaving a rating, review, and a comment on Spotify so I can read it and interact with you in a future episode!
Welcome to episode 66! This is something I’ve wanted to do for some time, to sit down and flip through this tome of a book. As I go through, I provide commentary on not only aspects of the book that stand out, but also on the games/series themselves and throw in a lot of personal experiences and thoughts. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 65! I provide a quick update to my recent gaming life including talking recently finishing up a few titles (Trails in the Sky FC, Madden NFL 13), what I’ve been playing since the last episode (Suikoden V and Shenmue), and several recent pick-ups made: Jade Cocoon (PS1), Glory of Heracles (DS), Nayuta Boundless Trails, and Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster (Switch). I also talk a bit about my current/upcoming gaming plans. Hope you enjoy!
Episode 64 is here! Suikoden II is wrapped up and I discuss it here. I provide early impressions of Starfield and my settings/experience playing on Steam Deck. Finally, I share about recent pick-ups including: Shin-Chan, Anno Mutationem, & Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition (Switch), Madden NFL 09 (DS), and Ring of Red (PS2). Hope you enjoy!
In episode 63, I finally decide to sit down and go through all my Suikoden pick-ups (from earlier in the year) — Suikoden III, IV, Tactics, V, and Tierkreis as well as the strategy guides for II, IV, Tactics, & V and the complete 11 volume manga set for Suikoden III. Hope you enjoy!
In todays episode I talk games I’ve recently finished: Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition, Max Payne, Pajama Sam: No Need to Hide When It’s Dark Outside, Shadowrun Returns, & The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I also briefly share about some recent pick-ups (including custom made Steam Deck copies of the Trails in the Sky trilogy, and I close the episode by sharing games I’m currently playing: Trails in the Sky, Suikoden II, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 61, I discuss all the recent games I’ve finished: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Switch), Control (PS4), Putt-Putt: Saves the Zoo & Travels Through Time (Switch), Alan Wake (Xbox 360), and Quantum Break (Xbox One). — I also discuss my thoughts on playing Trails in the Sky (20+ hours in). Hope you enjoy!
In episode 60 I share about two more games I’ve recently finished: R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 (PS1) and Cave Story+ (Switch). Hope you enjoy!
Episode 59 is here and with it I bring you mini-reviews / discussions / closing thoughts on 3 games I’ve recently finished: Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil (Switch), Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology and Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale (3DS). Hope you enjoy!
It’s all in the title. I share my brief history with FromSoft and several of their titles over the years, then jump into talking about the few games I have by them in my collection, and close out the episode by explaining why I’m excited about giving Elden Ring (and FromSoft as a whole) a second chance. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 57, I talk about recently purchasing Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core and Tales of Symphonia Remastered (Switch) as well as my anticipation for several upcoming pre-order releases (Advance Wars 1 & 2: Re-boot Camp and Final Fantasy I - VI Pixel Remaster Collection). I close the episode out by sharing continued impressions of my play-through of Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (3DS) after 23 hours. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 56 I provide a recap of the first three games I’ve finished in 2023 and my experience with each and their respective series: Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (Switch), Mass Effect 3 (PS4), and MuvLuv Alternative (Vita). I then take some time to share about some games I’ve been playing and my experience so far with each: Madden NFL 13 (Vita) and Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (3DS). Thanks for listening!
In episode 55 I share a list of mostly 10 game purchases / pre-orders I plan to make in the first half of 2023. After this, I provide some quick updates to games I’ve been playing and a brief potential future episode outlook. Thanks for listening!
In episode 54, I close the year out by going through the top 10 favorite games that I played in 2022. What are they? Listen and find out! Hope you enjoy!
In episode 53, I share about plans for the next several episodes in the podcast. I then provide some information and share my excitement about a few lesser known upcoming releases: Mato Anomalies, Redemption Road, and the potential English release of the Cosmic Fantasy Collection — check out the YouTube content creator GTV Japan and his Cosmic Fantasy Retrospective. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 52, I share a quick update on my recent (albeit very limited) progress in playing games, including: Muv-Luv: Alternative, Mass Effect 3, and Trails From Zero. I also briefly talk about some recent pick-ups: Front Mission (DS), Front Mission 4 (PS2), Diablo III: Eternal Collection (Switch), Valkyrie Profile: COTP (DS), AI: The Somnium Files: NA (Switch), and a few pre-orders (Chained Echoes, Sea of Stars, Trails to Azure).
In episode 51, I take a little time to share about recent pick-ups (Muv-Luv trilogy, Utawarerumono 1 & 2 (Vita), Narita Boy, Star Wars KOTOR, Crysis 3 Remastered, Legend of Mana, Nier Automata, Live A Live, and Trails from Zero (Switch) and games I’ve been playing: Star Wars KOTOR, Muv-Luv Extra, Unlimited, and Alternative, and Trails from Zero. I conclude the episode by sharing about some exciting upcoming releases and purchase plans. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 50, I introduce a new segment to the podcast where I take a favorite game and reminisce on my experience playing it. The first game I talk about is one of my favorite JRPGs ever, Persona 4: Golden. Hope you enjoy!
In this bonus episode, I briefly share my initial impressions of the Valve Steam Deck since receiving it a week or so back including: the build and feel of the system, the Steam OS, and experiences with a handful of games on it (Cyberpunk 2077, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, Tyranny, Fallout: New Vegas, etc). Hope this is entertaining and helpful!
In episode 49, I go through and share about each game I’ve completed since finishing Dragon Quest V — Light Fairytale Ep.1, I Am Setsuna, Grandia II, Panzer Dragoon Remake, Crysis Remastered, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (Switch), and Mass Effect 2 (PS4). I provide mini-discussions on several games, most notably those mentioned in the title. I also share about several games I’ve been playing: Mass Effect 3, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, and Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 48, I talk about the Tri-Ace developed JRPG, Radiata Stories, on the PlayStation 2. I cover some of the story (light spoilers), stand out characters, the background and character design, amazing soundtrack, combat, and my overall thoughts and feelings on the game. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 47, I provide a full length discussion on Dragon Quest V. I start off by sharing/reading initial information about the game and it’s developers, then go through the strategy guide and story, taking time to share my favorite moments and experiences. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 46, I provide an update to some recent purchases I’ve made: Dragon Quest Builders 1 & 2 (Switch), Dragon Quest Heroes II (PS4), Dragon Quest Monsters+ Vol 1 - 5 manga, as well as both Suikoden (PS1 Classic) and Hexyz Force (PSP) on my Vita. I then share about the most recent Xenoblade Chronicles 3 trailer, the news of its new release date, and a bit about my excitement for Digimon Survive (releasing the same day). Then I share about games I’ve been playing: Dragon Quest V (DS) and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (Switch). At the end, I talk briefly about my time watching Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020) anime. As always, hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 45! It’s a super quick update to the games I’ve finished recently: Triangle Strategy, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, & Dragon Quest (Switch), purchases I’ve made: .hack//G.U. Last Recode, Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Edition (Switch), Dragon Quest V Strategy Guide, and games I’ve been playing: Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS), Tales of Arise (PS4) and Dying Light Platinum Edition (Switch).
Hey, welcome to episode 44! The title says it all. I talk entirely and exclusively about my impressions and experiences, 10 hours in, with the newest release by Square Enix, Triangle Strategy for the Nintendo Switch. Spoilers — I’m loving it. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to episode 43. The majority of the episode is focused on my early impressions of Elden Ring and the discussion of game difficulty and accessibility. After, I briefly share about my experience finishing Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and recently starting up its DLC in Future Connected. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 42, I take some time to share about some games I’ve been playing recently: Guardians of the Galaxy (PS4), Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch), and Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love (Wii). Hope you enjoy!
In episode 41, I share my thoughts on the most recent Nintendo Direct that took place on 2.9.22. There were tons of amazing JRPG reveals, and I take time to talk about the standouts including: Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Advance Wars 1 & 2 Re-boot Camp, Front Mission 1 & 2 remakes, Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition, Live A Live HD-2D Remake, and Klonoa 1 & 2 Collection. Stick around at the end to listen to one of Chrono Cross’ best songs, “Time’s Scar”. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 40, I discuss my experience playing through the original Mass Effect for the first time on the PS4. I briefly share my limited history with the series, why it’s taken so long to get into it, and why I enjoyed the first in the trilogy as much as I did. **I mention spoilers somewhere around the halfway point but don’t actually dive into them until later when I give a second/official warning. Hope you enjoy!
Hello and welcome to episode 39 of The Gaming Journal. I take time to share about recently finishing Cold Steel III and provide a discussion on my overall thoughts and experiences with the game. I share about some recent game pick-up’s what I’ve been playing recently (Cold Steel IV, Tales of Arise, Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch). I close out the episode by briefly discussing my enjoyment of My Hero Academia and, specifically, in getting caught up with season 5. Hope you enjoy! —— The YouTube content creators I mention in the episode can be found under the name FabryLON. He’s great! Okay, see you guys in the next one!
In episode 38, I close out the year in a bang with a full length non-spoiler discussion on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I then share a brief history overview of the series as well as the order I plan to play through for the rest of the games (and which might be best for newcomers). ***Make sure to stick around through the closing song to hear an extra super secret section where I provide minor spoilers and talk about one of my favorite parts of the game. Hope you enjoy and have a great New Years! That’s a wrap, 2021!
In episode 37, I wrap up 2021 by sharing my top 10 favorite games as well as sharing some honorable mentions and why they didn’t quite make the list. Towards the end, I briefly share about my current play through of Trails of Cold Steel II. Hope you have a great Christmas and enjoy the episode!
In episode 36, which is long overdue, I spend time providing an update on my gaming experiences. I share a few thoughts on finishing Eastward and enjoying playing through Madden 20 (of all games). I then jump into games I’ve been playing recently including: Crysis Remastered, Yakuza 5, DBZ Kakarot, Dragon Quest V, and Shin Megami Tensei V. I close out the episode by talking about some games I plan to pick up soon: Mass Effect Legendary, Halo Infinite, Dying Light, Star Wars: KOTOR, Guardians of the Galaxy, Crysis 2 & 3.
In episode 35, I take a moment to share about iam8bit’s recent announcement of partnering with Chucklefish (producer) and Pixpil (developer) to release physical merchandise for Eastward (Switch). I then transition to talk impressions on Tales of Arise (8 hours in), shelving P5: Strikers to play Eastward, and then close out by sharing about two upcoming releases I really want/will wait for a sale on: Lost Judgment and Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 34, I start off with a games on the horizon section on the upcoming indie action RPG Eastward by developer Pixpil. I then transition to discussing finishing 3 games since the last episode including: Soma Bringer (DS) by Monolithsoft, and Hades & Transistor (Switch) by SuperGiant Games. I close out by sharing about some recent YouTube content creators I have been listening to lately and disappointment that my favorite (Dustin Kreis) no longer seems to be active. Hope you enjoy!
It’s episode 33! I talk about two recent Switch pick-ups (Hades and Transistor) and my thoughts on those, putting the initial hours into Mother 3 and how it’s faring so far as a follow up to Earthbound, as well as recently picking back up Soma Bringer and hitting Act 5 of 6. I also share some impressions of the recently dropped Tales of Arise demo and how it solidified my pre-order on Best Buy. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 32, I discuss 1995’s Earthbound for the SNES (I played the virtual classic version on the 3DS). I provide background information on the development, and then proceed to talk characters, settings, art style, gameplay, story, and soundtrack. I also share some of my frustrations/quality of life issues and discuss how these did somewhat hold Earthbound back from being in my top 10 favorite JRPG’s of all time — which it absolutely would have otherwise. Ultimately, I love this bizarre, wholly unique and heartwarming game and I hope you’ll enjoy this deep dive!
Episode 31 is here! In it I provide a long form discussion on CDPR’s newest title, Cyberpunk 2077. Everything from its troubled launch and performance issues to its world, story, gameplay, and soundtrack. As always, I share my personal experiences and thoughts throughout. Hope you enjoy!
Episode 30 is here, and with it I take time to talk about Valve’s recently revealed Steam Deck (handheld Switch-like gaming PC), as well as why I reserved mine and why I’m so excited for it. I then discuss the inevitable, albeit unfortunate, all digital future of gaming and my thoughts on this (as well as how it ties in to me going all in on the Steam Deck as my next “console” choice). **Don’t worry, I still love collecting physical games and plan to as long as it’s viable! Hope you enjoy!
In episode 29, I provide a full length discussion on Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch. I share briefly about the history and development of the game, and then jump into talking about gameplay, characters, and story. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 28, I initially provide a brief spoiler-free review of the game Scarlet Nexus by Bandai Namco. After this (I provide a spoiler warning) I jump into a deeper dive discussion of the game as a whole by sharing thoughts, likes and dislikes, etc regarding the characters, story, combat, and overall gameplay. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy!
In episode 27, I provide a long-needed update to the podcast. Starting by sharing some recent games I’ve successfully finished with Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS) and Chrono Trigger (DS)! I then share about my experiences recently playing Earthbound (3DS) and The World Ends With You: Final Remix (Switch) as well as having shelved those to make time for Scarlet Nexus (PS4) of which I share general impressions (12 hours in). I close out the episode by sharing about two upcoming titles I’m interested in: Tales of Arise (PS4) and SMTV (Switch), receiving my copies of No More Heroes 1 & 2 and buying Shadows of Adam (Switch) from Limited Run Games. Thanks for listening!
In episode 26, I talk initial impressions right after viewing the worldwide simultaneous livestream for the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary livestream. While there were several other titles, I talk primarily about the 3 titles shown that will be receiving a worldwide release (TBA) for: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Dragon Quest Treasures, and Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate. I close out the episode by talking about how good the Dragon Quest X Offline version looks while lamenting that it’s still a Japan-exclusive.
Welcome to episode 25! Here I finally do a full length pick-ups episode where I hold and share a bit about each game I’ve purchased recently. Mother 1&2 and Mother 3 english-patched (GBA), Tales of the Abyss, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Yokai Watch, Pokémon: UltraSun, Metroid: Samus Returns, and Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater (3DS), SMT Persona 3 FES (PS2), Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Tales of Symphonia: Chronicles (PS3), Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection and Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP).
In episode 24, I go through and talk about my fairly limited yet interesting history with the Dragon Quest series, as well as share about my journey in collecting each main numbered entry I-XI (except for DQX). I take time to hold and talk about each physical copy; sharing unique aspects about each title, how and when I picked them up, etc. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 23, I spend some time talking about some huge classic JRPGs and series of games that I have, admittedly, not gotten around to either playing or finishing yet. Everything from Chrono Trigger to Earthbound, most of the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series, the Suikoden and Wild Arms series, Lunar, etc. I share briefly about my history with JRPGs, how I got into them a bit late and why I haven’t knocked many of these “greats” off my backlog yet. Hopefully I’ll get to soon!
Episode 22 is here after a little over a months hiatus! The first several minutes are catching up and sharing why it’s been so long. Then I jump right into talking about the three games I’ve finished since the last episode: Monster Hunter Rise, Coffee Talk, & Yakuza 4 Remastered. I also share about several games I’ve been playing recently: Deadly Premonition 2, Tales of Vesperia, & Dragon Quest XI: S. Finally, I close out the episode by sharing briefly about making a lot of recent game purchases and look forward to a future episode which will be all about those pick-ups!
In episode 11, I talk about Bravely Default (3DS) - first sharing background information on the game and it’s development, as well as notable names involved in the series. I then primarily focus on my experiences with it. [[SPOILERS start at around 15:45 and continue periodically throughout the remainder of the episode - I talk in depth about the normal/bad ending but also mention some aspects of the true/good ending as well]] Hope you enjoy! ——— Link to the Game Discussion: Bravely Default YouTube video by Dustin Kreis is provided below: https://youtu.be/CCFTNx1a30A
Episode 20 is here, and with it I take about 20 minutes to talk about my early impressions of Pokémon Shield (I’m loving it) and then proceed to spend roughly 20 minutes talking briefly about my history with the Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons/Rune Factory series, sharing a quick take on Rune Factory 4 Special, and closing out with a Games on the Horizon spotlight on Rune Factory 5 for the Nintendo Switch. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 19, I talk in depth about my history from childhood to adulthood with the Pokémon series, going through each generation in order and sharing memories and experiences along the way. I then talk briefly about my recent purchase of Pokémon Shield + Expansion Passes and my excitement to jump back into the series. Starting at 43:00, I share thoughts, hopes, and excitement for Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Hope you enjoy!
Episode 18 is a retrospective for Grasshopper Manufacturer and Level 5’s Nintendo 3DS eShop exclusive title “Liberation Maiden”. As usual, I cover general info, developers and their roles, and then jump into gameplay, combat, and general story (no major spoilers). I share my thoughts and experiences throughout and close with some miscellaneous facts about this unique little hidden gem. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 17, I briefly share that the next retrospective will be Liberation Maiden (3DS). I then jump right into sharing my impressions and experiences with the entire Monster Hunter Rise demo and how this has led me to highly consider pre-ordering the game, and then close out the episode by talking about reasons for purchasing Project X Zone 2 (3DS). Hope you enjoy!
Episode 16 is a big scattershot of various video game related news and hype. I start off sharing about Limited Run Games announcement today of No More Heroes 1&2 and NIS America’s The Silver Case 2425 physical Nintendo Switch copies — and then continue the Suda51 games discussion by discovering 2012’s 3DS eShop exclusive Liberation Maiden. Today’s Games on the Horizon spotlight is on Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (Switch). Closing the episode out, I share about 2 recent online purchases and why I made them — Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars and Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS). Hope you enjoy!
Episode 15 is entirely dedicated to a long form discussion of Obsidian’s 2019 action RPG, The Outer Worlds, of which I played the Switch version. As always, I share background and developer information and then jump into general story, gameplay, characters, and talk about my experiences with the game. Spoiler discussion starts at minute 39:00 and mostly continues to the end of the episode. And just remember, this episodes not the best choice, it’s spacers choice!
In episode 14, I share about a handful of recent game pickups including: DBZ: Attack of the Saiyans, Flower Sun & Rain (DS), Codename S.T.E.A.M. (3DS), Children of Zodiarcs, Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition, Ruiner, & Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition (Switch). I then talk initial Bravely Default II impressions (2 hours in), and close out the episode by introducing a new segment called Games on the Horizon where today’s spotlight is on Kingdoms of Amular: Re-reckoning (Switch). Hope you enjoy!
In episode 13, I discuss Divinity: Original Sin II: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch, including: the general story set up, gameplay, characters, soundtrack, and my experiences and thoughts on it. ——— The link provided below is an excellent beginners guide to the game by Fextralife, whom I mention being instrumental in helping me ease into this fantastic-yet-intimidating RPG: https://youtu.be/fHD-PQHzNmE
In episode 12, I share about Mistwalker Studio’s recent trailer for Fantasian; I go into background and details on the game, as well as share about my excitement for it. I also talk about my ongoing progress and enjoyment of The Outer Worlds, my building hype for Bravely Default II and my copy being delayed in shipping, and close out the episode by sharing initial impressions of the Project Triangle Strategy demo. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 10, I talk about finishing Ghost of Tsushima (PS4) and enjoying picking back up The Outer Worlds (Switch). I close by briefly sharing my initial impressions of Persona 5 Strikers (Switch). Hope you enjoy!
Episode 9 (I called it Ep.8 in the recording, oops!) is entirely dedicated to Soma Bringer developed by Monolith Soft. I cover some background to the game, it’s developers, gameplay, story, graphics, soundtrack, and share my experience with it. I end the episode by reading through some highlights from an interview with Takahashi and Mitsuda regarding initial development. Hope you enjoy! ——— Dustin Kreis’ YouTube video, Game Discussion: Soma Bringer, link is included below: https://youtu.be/ZmOUdwxJGH0
In episode 8, I talk about standouts from the recent Nintendo Direct (World’s End Club, Famicom Detective Club, No More Heroes 3, Project Triangle Strategy, Monster Hunter Rise, Bravely Default 2). I end the episode by discussing my experiences and enjoyment of Ghost of Tsushima (PS4).
Episode 7’s Dragon Ball Fusions Retrospective is here! I attempt to be as thorough as possible — covering everything from background information to fun facts; and review at length the story (no spoilers), gameplay, combat, music, graphics, and provide my personal experiences and several further Dragon Ball game recommendations. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 6, I provide a quick update on my next planned full length retrospective — Dragon Ball Fusions (3DS), as well as share about receiving my english patched DS cartridge of Soma Bringer and my brief time with it.
In Episode 5, I talk about some games on my backlog (13 Sentinels, Blue Reflection, Yakuza 7, Dragon Quest XI: S, Tales of Vesperia, Bravely Default) and share impressions with each one. I provide an update on my current play through of MS Saga: A New Dawn (PS2) and taking a break to try out some other games I haven’t had a chance to sit down with yet (Dragon Ball Fusions, Infinite Space, Hotel Dusk). I share reasons why my committed play through of MS Saga may take a while (Persona 5 Strikers being a big reason), and close out the episode by talking about a recent purchase: Flower, Sun, & Rain (DS) and my fascination with Suda 51’s work. I recommend checking out Hikkikomori Media’s YouTube B-sides videos on Suda’s games. Hope you enjoy!
In episode 4, I take some time to share about the arrival of my recent purchases of the Xenosaga trilogy for PlayStation 2. I talk briefly about the history of the series by Monolithsoft, as well as their other titles and my experiences with them. I also read the backs of the game cases, comment on some interesting aspects of each game, and lament both the lack of modern day ports/remasters and the high cost of buying and playing these games today. CORRECTION (I said Monolith Soft made Xenogears for the PS1, and this is not accurate, though some members who worked on Xenogears did help form Monolith Soft) ——— Below is a link to the recommended retrospective video by Enel that I mentioned at the end of the episode for those who are interested: https://youtu.be/Ls_ZBV2_DD4
In episode 3, I dive deep into the fascinating reality of the mundane in video games — why I enjoy it, why it’s so prominent in so many games, and why I think that is. I reference many games, including but not limited to: Shenmue, Yakuza, Deadly Premonition, Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, FFXV, RDR2, and Persona. Hope you enjoy! CORRECTION (I state Hidetaka Suehiro’s known as “Suda-51”, but should have said “Swery65” — both Swery and Suda share many similarities in that they are both eccentric Japanese developers that make extremely unique games - both are also known by shorthand names with a number in them)
Welcome to episode 2! I spend some time reviewing a little gem that I found in Retro Bowl developed by New Star Games for the iOS. ——— I also recall how my childhood memories of my dad playing football games had an impact on me, and consider some connections and similarities between sports games and JRPG’s.
Episode 1 is here! The first full length retrospective for the podcast on the Nintendo 3DS exclusive JRPG “Stella Glow,” developed by Imageepoch and produced by Atlus. I talk briefly about the developers and the background to the game, then dive right in discussing the game and my experience with it. I also touch on the developer’s other titles including Arc Rise Fantasia and the Luminous Arc series. Sit back, grab a beverage, and enjoy as we go through our first nostalgic trip of jrpg goodness! ——— Links provided below for the two recommended YouTube videos in the video: Tarks Gauntlet’s video on the history of the developer Imageepoch — https://youtu.be/yoLjbXcjHsk and Super Derek’s review for Arc Rise Fantasia — https://youtu.be/hNcrVjnXmJ8
It’s Episode 0! An introduction regarding my goals for the podcast, as well as some quick takes on several anime shows (Toonami’s IGPX, Gundam UC) and JRPG’s (MS Saga: A New Dawn, The Alliance Alive, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, The Last Story). ——— I also list off some games on my backlog, some I’m currently playing, and provide some recommendations on other video game podcasts. Here’s to the future of The Gaming Journal!