"The fifth thing is a mystery." This week, Aaron and James talk about a bad movie. Like, a really bad movie. We're talking about a real turd, here. End of blurb.

It’s 2026, which means that everyone’s favorite monster-collecting RPG series is turning 30! Join Aaron, James, and a group of returning guests for a roundtable discussion of the video games from this ultra-popular franchise. From the current state of the games, personal memories, and favorite entries to constructive criticisms and predictions for the future, there’s no facet of this creature-battling phenomenon we don’t discuss. Enjoy this freeform discussion of a media juggernaut that is truly near and dear to our hearts (well, almost all of us).

Another year has passed us by, and with it, a bunch of great games! Listen in as Aaron and James rank the top ten games they each played this year. They'll discuss disappointments, honorable mentions, surprise hits, and runaway favorites, all while dissecting both modern gaming trends and their own personal trends. And don't forget to listen until the end for some predictions for 2026. Enioy!

“Merry Christmas, Alfred. Good will toward men... and women.” This week, Aaron and James get into the holiday spirit by roaring about a wonderfully dark and playful entry in the Batman franchise with an equally-wonderful returning guest. From Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic performance to the film’s expressionist vision of Gotham, no subject is left undiscussed. Say what you will about the film’s focus on the villains, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to like. Hopefully you’ll feel so much yummier after listening!

"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?!" This week, join Aaron, James, and a returning special guest as they boldy go into the sci-fi action reboot of a beloved and groundbreaking franchise. Does the film succeed at walking the tightrope between Trekkie expectations and mainstream appeal? Do Star Trek films need a little Star Wars DNA, or perhaps the other way around? And how much lens flare is too much lens flare? Questions abound in this spirited discussion -- beam aboard and join in!

Yes, you read that correctly. This week, Aaron, James, and their camera crew venture off to an abandoned school in Japan to investigate the urban legend of a ghost that might have taken residence in one of the toilets. If you’re still reading, your hosts welcome you to accompany them on this journey, as this low-budget found footage pseudo-documentary is full of crazy twists and turns that, despite its flaws, are worth watching if not just to experience some of the more entertaining stereotypical elements of this brand of Japanese horror.

"In my restless dream, I see that town. Silent Hill. You promised you'd take me there again someday. But you never did. Well, I'm alone there now, in our "special place". Waiting for you." Armed with nothing but a plank of wood, Aaron and James are ready to confront the physical manifestation of their own psyches as they discuss an iconic horror game from a franchise that has had its ups and downs. They'll talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the remake relative to the 2001 original, including a detailed look at the atmosphere for which the game is renowned. And as usual they'll offer some inspired casting and director choices that (in their opinion) are superior to those of the forthcoming film adaptation.

"The Ruins held knowledge. We sold our souls for it. Altars built of concrete. Fed with blood and bone." This week, Aaron and James climb off their meat hooks and blast their way through cultists and eldritch horrors in this indie retro-inspired first-person shooter. Is this another Doom or Quake clone, or is there more meat to be found? Listen and find out! Or just play the game! Or buy the game, play it, and then listen! You've got options.

Your hosts have never been shy about professing their love for the Final Fantasy series and they aren't about to stop now. This week, Aaron and James invite two returning guests on to draft party members from one of their all-time favorite franchises. From DPS monsters to unbeatable black mages to summoners and healers, they draft some of the very best characters (and some surprises, too) from the very best the mainline series has to offer. Which characters will have the raw strength, magical powers, personality, humor -- and even sex appeal -- to warrant a spot in their parties? Listen in and find out!

"I am an appetite, nothing more." This week, Aaron and James start spooky season off with the 2024 Robert Eggers remake of a vampire classic. Join your hosts as they explore some of the acting and character choices, deviations from the original, and much more. What was Eggers' goal with remaking this movie? Does it earn the right to stand on its own? Does Nicholas Hoult play a cuck too often? These questions and more will (maybe) be answered!