Backlog Busting Project: Recent Episodes
Wes Harrington & Randy Isbelle
You hear Randy talk about it every week on the Football 2 the MAX Podcast and now we are happy to bring them on as a partner podcast.
You can listen to them every other week on the W2M Network feed or the W2M Network Youtube Channel, or search for them on I-Tunes, Stitcher, or Blubrry using "Backlog Busting Project."
This biweekly podcast, run by Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle chronicles their ongoing battle against the forces of Bak’laag — or to put it in laymen’s terms, their video game backlogs.
So what exactly is the Backlog Busting Project? Biweekly, Wes and Randy get together talk about some of the latest things in the gaming community, then dive right in to talking about their experiences with three different games:
- A game that Wes is playing but Randy is not
- A game that Randy is playing but Wes is not
- A game that both are playing.
It is a new adventure on each episode, so be sure to check out the description to see if they cover your favorite game.
On this Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle discuss epic battles, a bit of Chaos, and a dude named Tomba.
Wes covers one of the greatest Role-Playing Games of the PlayStation 1 era. Konami's Suikoden II. Is the game still as epic today, as it was back then?
Wes also has something on the platformer that has a cult following today in Whoopee Camp's Tomba!
While Randy covers one of the few games to play on the SEGA Game Gear, Sonic Chaos. Yes, he actually played it on a Game Gear. So, learn about dieing a lot. Also learn how the Game Gear is a battery sucking machine. Plus, is the game actually good?
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle discuss a newer title and two older Playstation games.
Randy talks Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. Does it deserve the Game of the Year hype it received? What about the Nemesis system? Is it something other games will use in the future? And does it stick to the Lord of the Rings lore.
He also discusses the David Jaffe Sony title that started a franchise in the original Twisted Metal. Does the game still hold up today?
Finally, Wes talks about playing the Konami PlayStation 1 classic, Suikoden. Was this RPG ahead of its time in terms of how it dealt with gameplay and characters? What makes the game so memorable? And where does it stand in JRPG history.
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle get a hankering for some Nintendo games. Plus, give love to one of the indie classics too.
Both guys discuss playing quite literally the Super Nintendo classic Platformer from Rare, Donkey Kong Country. Is the game a bit unfair in some places? Who's better? Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong? And what about those Kart levels?
Randy discusses the Gamecube hit Luigi's Mansion. Does the game actually get spooky? How is Luigi as a lead character? Is Gobbling up ghosts any fun?
Finally, Wes covers the Indie hit Limbo. Playdead's classic is one of those games that's universally loved, does Wes feel the same way? What about the setting and gameplay makes it standout?
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle travel back to some scary times with a little bit of the past and present included too.
Both guys discuss playing one of the final Telltale Games that was actually an adventure title, before Walking Dead changed their style, in Back to the Future: The Game.
Randy talks about the frightening and tense atmosphere of the surprisingly good Alien Isolation. Does it do the films justice?
Wes talks playing the remaster of one of the greatest Survival Horror games ever, in Resident Evil 1. What is it like going back to play this game now? Can you still feel the same scares, jumps and atmosphere? Did Capcom nail the remaster?
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle go exploring for some long stretches.
Randy and Wes tackle the beloved Playstation 2 classic Shadow of the Colossus. Both guys have an interesting history with Team Ico games. So, there thoughts on a game which is soon getting a Playstation 4 remaster, shall be interesting. Does the much hyped game live up to it for the Backlog Busters?
Randy also plays Long Live the Queen a visual novel type RPG from Hanako Games. Not usually a go-to genre for Randy, so his take on this may surprise people.
Finally, Wes continues his long trek through the Fallout games. This time, he goes through Fallout: New Vegas.
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle discuss three different kinds of games.
Both guys discuss the indie title Valiant Hearts: The Great War. How is the story? Does it give them a bigger interest in World War I, and is the gameplay enough to make the game worth it?
There's also some talk on Fallout 3. The huge game from Bethesda that changed the way the franchise is perceived. How did they implement this? Is there perhaps too much freedom in the game? Does it hold up today?
Finally, they cover Freedom Planet. An indie game from developer GalaxyTrail and available on Playstation 4. How does this 2D Platformer stack up?
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle have moved on from discussing Metal Gear. Now, they turn their attention to some more distinct fare.
Randy and Wes both have a discussion on the ups and downs of the Dontnod developed 2013 action adventure game Remember Me.
Randy focuses his attention on the 2014 multiplatform RPG that brought new meaning to licensed games, in South Park: The Stick of Truth. Does the game really feel like an episode of the series? How's the story and combat? Does he end up enjoying the game?
Wes talks Fallout 2, the second PC exclusive game in the series. How much of this Fallout game can be seen in the later games? Does it still hold up today? Some interesting takes for sure.
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle finish out their journey through the Metal Gear games.
Covering the 2010 Playstation Portable Game, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Is it truly one of the better games in the whole series? How does Metal Gear play on PSP?
They also get themselves ready for the next iteration with Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. A short prelude to Phantom Pain meant to give players a taste of what's to come.
Finally, they also discuss the 2013 multiplatform hack and slash spinoff by Platinum Games. Do these Metal Gear diehards give the game praise for taking the series in a unique direction? Should it get a sequel? You don't want to miss the Metal Gear Month finale.
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle once again keep their focus on only one game, because it is quite the doozy. Their adventure through the Metal Gear series hits the climax with the 2008 Playstation 3 title, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
Did they enjoy watching the movie's worth of storyline unfold? Is an older Solid Snake the best version of Snake? What about the other characters? And doesn't it still hold up as well as they remember it? Just some of the answers the two Metal Gear heads provide on this episode.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle continue going through more of Konami's big series. They once again keep the focus on one game this time.
On this one, it's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The 2004 Playstation 2 game. Do the two Metal Gear heads like how the story shapes up? What makes it stand out in the series? And do the things added improve the gameplay? These are just some of the things that they discuss about another classic game.
On this episode of Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle do something very rare for them. They discuss only one game for the whole show.
They continue their Metal Gear series focus, by covering the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. The Playstation 2 sequel to the first game, which released in 2001. How do they feel the story continues from MGS1? Does the gameplay improve on the first one? And where does it stand in the series for them. Listen to two Metal Gear series lovers discuss one of their favorite games.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle begin Metal Gear Month, which for at the time it was in celebration of the then imminent release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
The guys start from the top with the original Metal Gear on the Nintendo Entertainment System. What made this arcade shooter stand out back then? Does it still hold up now? Do they really count it as part of the series?
Then, it's only one of the most legendary games of all-time. A masterpiece from Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid 1. What makes this one of the best of all-time? Did MGS truly perfect stealth? What about the story that started it all? The guys discuss it all.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle look back at the passing of Satoru Iwata and what he meant to Nintendo and gaming in general.
They also discuss why Batman: Arkham Origins sticks out like a sore thumb of the recent Batman series of games. While assessing how good it is.
Randy talks about Guacamelee, what makes Drinkbox's indie darling such a great game? How cool is it playing as a Luchador? And more.
Wes talks about Final Fantasy V, it's job system, where it lands in Final Fantasy lore. Plus a special way to play the game too.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle go through some highs and lows on this one for sure.
First, they both played the Square-Enix joint, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The guys talk about their frustrations with the game, why it's confusing, and any thoughts on the Deus Ex franchise as a whole too.
Randy talks the underrated multi-platform game Epic Mickey. Is it perhaps the best game ever made featuring the mouse eared character? What makes it special? And does it give people nostalgia for some old cartoons?
Wes talks the Playstation 2 classic, God of War 1. The game that started a long running series, which is getting a new game soon. Does Kratos tale still hold up? Is it some of the best gameplay out there? Or does it falter under the massive weight of the boss fights?
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle tackle the game that really started it all for Sony's focus on indie games for the later generation systems, Unfinished Swan. Debuting on Playstation 3, A short, but beautiful look at themes not always explored in Video Games.
Randy talks on one of the Nintendo 64's biggest games from Rare, Perfect Dark. The next evolution on what they did with Goldeneye 007, does a game with much more, hold up today?
Finally, Wes discusses one of Tim Schafer and Double Fine's most beloved games, Psychonauts. A game that explores the mind with unique characters and an interesting story. How does Wes react to his experience from this multi-platform classic.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle go all over the spectrum on this one. But perhaps they all have one thing in common, nostalgia making a game better, than it actually is.
Both guys tackle the obtuse tank controls of Capcom's Onimusha: Warlords. Does this game deserve all the calls for it to return? Or are people misremembering the storyline and gameplay?
Another game that meets this premise is Randy's game, the SEGA Genesis not-so classic, Altered Beast. Is this one of the games that doesn't hold up?
Plus, Wes also talks the game that started it all for the franchise, Fallout 1. What's better the current version? Or this version on PC with more complications and strategy?
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle discuss three different kinds of platformers. Both guys discuss the old school joy of Shovel Knight. Exploring Why Yachtclub Games ode to the Metroidvania fits right in with the games that came before it. How Shovel Knight holds up as a character, and how it's brought back the retro asthetic for games.
Randy talks the Nintendo Wii creation, Kirby's Epic Yarn. He discusses how the game is a perfect example of what made the Wii special. Is it really one of the better Kirby games ever? And how is it in Co-op play?
Wes talks about one of the greatest games of all-time, and perhaps one of the prime examples of THE "Metroidvania" Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle talk at length about one of the greatest games of all-time, Super Metroid. What are some of the things that make the game so legendary? What about Samus Aran as a character makes her stand out? The atmosphere and powers in the game are unique too.
Randy then discusses one of the standout games in the Fire Emblem franchise. Fire Emblem: Awakening. How does the game feel on a portable system? Is it truly one of the better strategy games in existence?
Wes also talks about the puzzle game Quantum Conundrum developed by Airtight Games. Let's just say it's a game with a wacky scientist and a cat, I mean, how can you go wrong?
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle discuss the Playstation 1 classic, now part of a remastered collection, Crash Bandicoot. How do they feel the game holds up? Is the platforming actually good? What makes him a memorable character?
Randy then turns things towards one of the stellar hits on Nintendo's Wii U, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker. Randy speaks on the joy he feels playing the adventuresome puzzler, and hoping it gets a second game.
Wes discusses the PS3 title, Hydrophobia: Prophecy. A game with an odd name, but Wes' thoughts may have you wondering about the gameplay.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Square-Enix takes precedent on two out of the three games discussed on this one. Both Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle play Sleeping Dogs. Listen, as they expound on what makes the game so great, and why more people should play it. Wes plays Front Mission 3, the series that very recently came alive again. While Randy gets annoyed, bemused and at times disgusted with the Rare Nintendo 64 classic, Conker's Bad Fur Day.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle get a bit argumentative. Especially considering they are both playing games, the other finds polarizing. Randy has finished Earthbound and has a lot to say about it. This is much to the dismay of Wes, who holds the game in very high esteem. While both play Hotline Miami, and the listener gets to hear every moment of frustration Wes went through while playing. Although, Randy might feel much differently about it. Wes also plays The Cave as well.
Welcome to the first episode of the Backlog Busting Project. Where Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle introduce what this journey is all about. They discuss games they are adding to their backlogs, perhaps some news, but mostly they talk about playing older games. Through these 37 episodes, they played a variety of games across many generations.
On this show, the focus is on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, with both of them playing the game and speaking on it's innovative gameplay and touching story. While Randy begins his run through Earthbound. He gives his early thoughts on the game, but make sure to tune-in to the next show for much more on that. Wes discusses his love of RPG's and why Legend of Dragoon is one of the Playstation 1's most underrated gems.
On this episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Wes and Randy are once again joined by W2Mnet’s Robert Taylor as they discuss the best games of the Nintendo 64, Playstation 1, Gameboy Color and more, in their on-going efforts to determine the top 100 games of all time.
“Adventure Meme”, “Itty BItty 8-Bit”
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
The nomination process for the Backlog Busting Project's Top 100 Games of All Time, presented in conjunction with W2Mnet.com, continues this week as Wes Harrington, Randy Isbelle, and Sean Garmer discuss the games of the 16-bit era. Games from the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy, among other systems, are discussed and nominated.
"Adventure Meme", "Itty Bitty 8-Bit"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
After a hiatus of nearly one full year, the Backlog Busting Project returns as Wes Harrington and Randy Isbelle team up to take down their massive backlogs. But before they do, they're going to team up with the other staff of W2Mnet.com to determine the Top 100 Games of All Time. On this week's episode, Wes, Randy, and Robert Taylor discuss nominations from the 8-bit era of gaming.
"Adventure Meme", "Itty Bitty 8-Bit"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! In this episode, Wes and Randy discuss Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, BioShock, and Devil May Cry.
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
Furi (PS4/PC) (7/5)
Resident Evil 5 (PS4/XONE) (7/5)
Ghostbusters (PS4/XONE/PC) (7/12)
Song of the Deep (PS4/XONE/PC) (7/12)
Co-Play: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4)
Wes: BioShock (PS3)
SPOILER WARNING: We discuss the main twists of this game at around the 50-minute mark of the podcast.
Randy: Devil May Cry (PS2)
Next Episode’s Games:
Co-Play: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (SNES)
Randy: DOOM (PC)
Wes: The World Ends With You (NDS)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! In this episode, Wes and Randy discuss Until Dawn, I Am Bread, and Ori and the Blind Forest.
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
This episode’s logo makes use of “Dry Toast” by Jonathunder (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons. As always, the podcast itself is CC-BY-SA.
Play or Nay
Mighty No. 9 (PS4/PS3/XONE/X360/Wii U/PC) (6/21)
Umbrella Corps (PS4/PC) (6/21)
Pac-Man 256 (PS4/XONE/PC) (6/21
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE (Wii U) (6/24)
Co-Play: Until Dawn (PS4)
Wes: I Am Bread (PC)
Randy: Ori and the Blind Forest
E3 Talk
Due to scheduling issues, Wes and Randy did not record a special. However, they said their piece when they joined the Video Games 2 the MAX crew on their live reaction shows, (which you can already listen to on the W2M Network Feed or on Spreaker.)
Next Episode’s Games:
Co-Play: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4)
Randy: Devil May Cry (PS2)
Wes: BioShock (PS3)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! In this episode, Wes and Randy discuss Rise of the Tomb Raider, Undertale, and Life is Strange. Oh BOY, do they EVER discuss Life is Strange…
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (PS4/PS3/Vita) (6/7)
Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter (PS4/XONE/PC) (6/10)
Color Symphony 2 (XONE/PC/Wii U) (6/8)
Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS) (6/10)
Randy: Rise of the Tomb Raider (XONE/PC)
Wes: Undertale (PC)
Co-Play: Life is Strange (PC/XONE/PS4)
Next Episode’s Games:
Our next episode will actually be next Tuesday and be an E3 roundup, however the next regular episode on the 21st will have the following:
Co-Play: Until Dawn (PS4)
Randy: Ori and the Blind Forest (XONE/PC)
Wes: I Am Bread (PC)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! In this episode, Wes and Randy discuss MouseCraft, Super Meat Boy, and Epic Mickey 2. They also learn that trying to stream a non-interactive podcast while still trying to be somewhat interactive is a bad idea when you get raided on Twitch…
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/31)
Dead Island: Definitive Collection (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/31)
Soul Axiom (PS4/PC) (6/7)
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst (PS4/XONE/PC) (6/7)
Co-play: MouseCraft (PS4/PS3/PSVita/PC)
Wes: Super Meat Boy (PC)
Randy: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Wii U)
Next Episode’s Games:
Co-play: Life is Strange (PC/XONE)
Randy: Rise of the Tomb Raider (XONE)
Wes: Undertale (PC)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! In this episode, Wes and Randy are once again joined by Sean Garmer to discuss a Kingdom Hearts title. However, this time the panel isn’t quite as high on the game as they’ve been in the past… at least Wes and Randy liked the games that were picked by each other as part of our second Friday the 13th Special!
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
DOOM (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/13)
Homefront: The Revolution (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/17)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan (PS4/XONE/PS3/X360/PC) (5/24)
Overwatch (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/24)
Co-play as voted on by YOU: Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of Memories (GBA/PS3)
Randy as chosen by Wes: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GCN)
Wes as chosen by Randy: Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back! (PS1 via PSN)
Next Episode’s Games:
Co-play: MouseCraft (PSN)
Randy: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Wii U)
Wes: Super Meat Boy (PC)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
On this episode, we decide to switch things up a little and livestream the recording of the episode on Twitch! Then we discuss ActRaiser, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, and Uncharted: Golden Abyss before revealing the winner of the Episode 34 vote!
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
Back in 1995 (PC) (4/29)
Battleborn (PS4/XONE/PC) (5/3)
MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (PS Vita) (5/10)
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4) (5/10)
Co-Played Game: ActRaiser (SNES)
Randy’s Game: Max: The Curse of Brotherhood (XONE/X360/PC)
Wes’ Game: Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PS Vita)
Next Episode’s Games (Friday the 13th Episode)
Co-play as voted on by YOU: Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of Memories (GBA/PS3)
Randy as chosen by Wes: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GCN)
Wes as chosen by Randy: Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back! (PS1 via PSN)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
On this episode, we dive into two very story-driven games and one experience-driven game in Bastion, The Banner Saga, and Tearaway.
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
Ratchet & Clank (PS4) (4/12)
Dark Souls III (PS4/XONE/PC) (4/12)
Bravely Second: End Layer (3DS) (4/15)
Star Fox Zero/Star Fox Guard (Wii U) (4/22)
Co-Played Game: Bastion (PC/PS Vita)
Randy’s Game: Tearaway (PS Vita)
Wes’ Game: The Banner Saga (PC)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: ActRaiser (SNES)
Randy: Max and the Curse of the Brotherhood (Xbox One)
Wes: Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PS Vita)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Welcome back to the Backlog Busting Project! On this episode, we are once again joined by W2M Network’s Sean Garmer to talk Kingdom Hearts II. Aaaaand… that’s about it, because KHII dominated the entire conversation, but there’s still a little talk about Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels and StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
MLB 16 The Show (PS4/PS3) (3/29)
Hypersensitive Bob (PC) (3/29)
Gryphon Knight Epic (PS4/XONE/PC) (3/30)
Quantum Break (XONE/PC) (4/5)
Co-Played Game: Kingdom Hearts II (PS2 via PS3 remaster)
Randy’s Game: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (SNES)
Wes’s Game: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: Bastion (PC/PS4)
Randy: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (SNES)
Wes: The Banner Saga (PC)
The Backlog Busting Project’s outro theme is “Itty Bitty 8-Bit” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
On this delayed episode of the Backlog Busting Project, Sean Garmer of the W2M Network joins us to talk Kingdom Hearts with Wes, while Randy gets tangled up (in a good way) with Unravel. Then Wes and Randy discuss their teamwork issues within BattleBlock Theater.
The Backlog Busting Project intro theme is “Adventure Meme” by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.
Play or Nay
Day of the Tentacle Remastered (3/22) (PS4/Vita/PC)
Pokken Tournament (3/18) (Wii U)
Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympics (3/18) (3DS)
101 Ways to Die (3/22) (PS4/Xbox One)
Wes’s Game: Kingdom Hearts (PS2 via PS3 remaster)
Randy’s Game: Unravel (PS4)
SPOILER WARNING: The segment on this game starts at about 37 minutes in and continues to the 52 minute mark. If the game sounds interesting to you after the first few minutes, skip to BattleBlock Theater to avoid story spoilers.
Co-Played Game: BattleBlock Theater (PC)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: Kingdom Hearts II (PS2 via PS3 remaster)
Randy: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (SNES)
Wes: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
News Round-up
We wrapped up with our thoughts on the Extra Life 2016 marathon, and announced the final donation total of $1000. Thank you again to all who attended, and here‘s a link to paytonmarria’s Twitch channel.
Speaking of Twitch, expect to see Wes on there a lot more often, as he’s beginning his Stream Streak initiative TODAY at 5PM Pacific. Further scheduled streams will be coming up shortly.
The Backlog Busting Project’s special outro theme for this episode is… well, see for yourself.
Play or Nay
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) (3/4)
Tom Clancy’s The Division (PS4/Xbox One/PC) (3/8)
Hitman (PS4/Xbox One) (3/11)
EA Sports UFC 2 (PS4/Xbox One) (3/15)
Co-Played Game: Star Fox (SNES)
Randy’s Game: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)
Wes’s Game: Wild Arms (PS1 via PSN)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: BattleBlock Theatre (PC)
Randy: Unravel (PS4)
Wes: Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix (via Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD (PS3))
This week Wes and Randy play Lovers in a Dangerous Space Time, Randy painfully goes through The Order 1886, and Wes looks back at the first Syphon Filter.
Play or Nay
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest/Birthright (3DS) (2/18)
Far Cry Primal (PS4/XONE/PC) (2/23)
The Walking Dead: Michonne Episode 1 (PS4/PS3/XONE/X360/PC) (2/23)
Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 (XONE/PC) (2/23)
Co-Played Game: Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PS4)
Wes's Game: Syphon Filter (PS1)
Randy's Game: The Order: 1886 (PS4)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: Star Fox (SNES)
Randy: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)
Wes: Wild ARMs (PS1 via PSN)
News Round-up
Firewatch Developer having to give refunds
In this episode of the Backlog Busting Project: We talk about pushing buttons in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Wes may or may not have any idea what in the world happened in Catherine. Randy talks about Freedom Planet.
Randy spends the entire episode pushing Wes’s buttons.
Play or Nay
Crypt of the NecroDancer (PS4/Vita)
XCOM 2 (PC)
Firewatch (PS4/XONE/PC)
Unravel (PS4/XONE/PC)
Co-Played Game: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (GameCube for Randy, PS3 for Wes)
Wes’s Game: Catherine (PS3)
Randy’s Game: Freedom Planet (Wii U)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PS4)
Randy: The Order: 1886 (PS4)
Wes: Syphon Filter (PS1 via PSN)
News Round-up
EA Play is a Thing.
IN THIS EPISODE: Bubble Bobble, regretful rectangles, and freaking fanservice. It’s time for another edition of the Backlog Busting Project!
Play or Nay
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam (3DS)
Wes got it wrong but also (sort of) right: Intelligent Systems was behind the Paper Mario series, whereas AlphaDream has been handling the Mario and Luigi games.
Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)
LEGO Marvel Avengers (PS4/PS3/XONE/X360/WiiU/3DS)
AIPD: Artificial Intelligence Police Department (PS4/XONE/PC)
Co-Played Game: Bubble Bobble (NES)
Randy’s Game: Thomas Was Alone (PS Vita)
Wes’s Game: Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2 via PS3 HD Remaster)
Next Episode’s Games
Co-play: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PS2)
Randy: Freedom Planet (Wii U)
Wes: Catherine (PS3)
News Round-up
Super Smash Bros. on Wii U will open our 24-Hour Charity Marathon for Extra Life in just under 6 weeks from this post.
Sony did try to trademark Let’s Play, and the Trademark Office went “haha no“.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Season 5 is live and it’s pretty fun.
Welcome to the Backlog Busting Project! Starting things with a few HUGE announcements. Then, move on to discussing how much intensity is too much in God of War II, the puzzling plot twist of Professor Layton and the Curious Village, and Randy disappoints himself in Rocket Knight Adventure.
Play or Nay
Amplitude (PS4)
Avoider (WiiU)
Gone Home (PS4/XONE)
Resident Evil: Origins Collection (PS4/XONE)
Co-Played Game: God of War II (PS2 via PS3 HD Collection)
Wes’s Game: Professor Layton and the Curious Village (NDS)
Randy’s Game: Rocket Knight Adventure (GEN)