Alex and Luke venture into the rain-soaked world of Against the Storm, a roguelike city builder developed by Eremite Games. Released in November 2023, this highly acclaimed game invites players to balance resource management, exploration, and the survival of diverse species—all while contending with the endless storms that threaten their settlements.

At the time of this recording, Against the Storm boasts a Metacritic score of 91. According to How Long to Beat, playtimes vary widely, with 31 hours for the main story and up to 267 hours for completionists who dare to brave every tempest. Luke played entirely on his Steam Deck, while Alex split his time between Steam Deck and PC.

Join the hosts as they discuss the game’s unique mechanics, including its roguelike replayability and dynamic city-building systems. Hear how Against the Storm stacks up to other city builders, what strategies they employed to weather the storms, and why this game is worth the hype.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Jim Carrey’s Grinch.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke Talk Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, the puffball’s iconic 3D side-scrolling adventure for the Nintendo 64. Developed by HAL Laboratory and released in 2000, this game introduced players to the unique ability to combine powers, creating some truly wild and creative abilities for Kirby to wield as he battles the forces of Dark Matter across a beautifully colorful universe.

At the time of this recording, Kirby 64 holds a Metacritic score of 77, with its main story taking around 4 hours to complete, according to How Long to Beat. Both Alex and Luke revisited the game on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, with plenty of laughs, nostalgic moments, and minimal gripes.

Join the duo as they discuss the game’s unique charm, its place in the Kirby series, and whether or not it holds up after all these years.

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Join us for another episode of Low Five Friends as we venture into the dark, pixelated world of gaming with Adam Birch, also known as -IZMA-. This session, we unravel the eerie layers of Deadeus, a horror game ingeniously crafted for the classic Game Boy.

Hear from Adam about the artistic and gaming influences that shaped Deadeus, the technical challenges of Game Boy development, and the surprising journey to indie gaming acclaim. We'll also get a glimpse into Adam's broader creative pursuits and his future plans in game development.

Discover the chilling narrative of Deadeus for yourself—available for free on Itch.io. You can also purchase a physical copy from incube8 Games.

Music for this episode provided by Stoo Bubsy, featuring the tracks "Introduction" and "Gift of Life (Ode to Deadeus)." You can buy Deadeus Original Soundtrack by Stoo Bubsy on bandcamp.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke talk The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the latest entry in the Zelda series, flips the script by making Princess Zelda the main playable character. Developed by Nintendo and Grezzo, this action-adventure game was released for the Nintendo Switch on September 26, 2024, and has been turning heads with its innovative gameplay and fresh storyline.

Echoes of Wisdom brings a new twist to the classic formula, allowing players to use the Tri Rod to summon echoes—imitations of objects and monsters—and navigate through Hyrule and the Still World. With its blend of top-down and side-on views, the game offers a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that fans of the series have come to love.

At the time of recording, Echoes of Wisdom holds a Metacritic score of 86. According to HowLongToBeat, it takes roughly 25-30 hours to complete the main story.

Both Alex and Luke played on their Switch. Naturally. It's a Nintendo joint. They discuss the game's innovative mechanics, visual style, and how it stands up to other Zelda titles in the franchise.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by both the McDonalds Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel Breakfast Sandwich & hot sauce.

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Alex and Luke delve into Control, the mind-bending action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment. Set in the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, the game combines supernatural powers with an ever-shifting environment to create an intense and thrilling experience.

Luke played on his Steam Deck, while Alex tackled it on his PC. Both rolled credits. They dive into the game’s eerie atmosphere, blending Scandinavian 70s modern retro sci-fi aesthetics with supernatural elements. They share personal experiences with standout moments, like encounters with unsettling puppet shows and a man obsessively staring at a fridge, while breaking down why Control stands out as a unique and engaging title.

According to howlongtobeat.com, Control's Main Story stakes 11.5 hours. Be prepared for 20+. As of publication Metacritic gives the game a rating of 85 on PC.

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Luke and Alex Talk EA Sports College Football 25

Luke and Alex dive into EA Sports College Football 25, marking the long-awaited return of this beloved franchise. With a Metacritic score of 85, the game brings dynamic gameplay and the thrill of college football back to consoles.

Luke, with over 100 hours on his Xbox Series X, offers deep insights into the game's mechanics and dynasty mode. Meanwhile, Alex, with around 15 hours of playtime, brings a fresh perspective, using this opportunity to have some of his burning questions answered by Luke.

At the end of the episode, they dig into their first ever test mailbag, addressing listener questions and comments.

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Luke has a running bit where he gives Alex a hard time for declaring any game he enjoys as deserving of a spot in his top ten best games of all time. Well, the two finally sat down and declared their official lists. There are some spicy takes!

In this episode, Alex and Luke revisit their Greatest Games of All Time lists, making some surprising revisions. Tune in for updated picks, spirited debates, and fresh takes on the best games ever made.

This episode is unofficially brough tot you in part by Android.

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Luke and Alex Talk Disco Elysium

This month, we delve deep into the surreal and thought-provoking world of Disco Elysium. Developed by ZA/UM and released in 2019, this narrative-driven RPG puts players in the shoes of a deeply flawed detective navigating a city rife with political tension, personal demons, and existential crises. With a unique blend of noir aesthetics and psychological depth, Disco Elysium challenges players to solve a murder while grappling with the protagonist's fractured psyche.

Both Alex and Luke rolled the credits on this complex journey. Luke experienced the game on his Steam Deck, while Alex split his time between his Steam Deck and PC. The game boasts a Metacritic score of 91 on PC, praised for its narrative depth and freedom of choice. With around 30 hours needed to complete the main story, it’s a substantial dive into a richly detailed world.

Join us as we dissect the narrative layers, discuss our favorite moments, and ponder the philosophical questions posed by Disco Elysium. Whether you're a seasoned detective or new to the streets of Revachol, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most acclaimed RPGs of our time.

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Step into the eerie world of Deadeus, a unique horror game developed for the Game Boy by -IZMA-. This haunting title, originally released in 2019, immerses players in a dark narrative where a young boy has a prophetic nightmare that everyone in his village will die in three days. With 11 different endings and no direct path, players must explore, investigate, and decide the best course of action to potentially save the villagers or uncover deeper mysteries.

Deadeus stands out for its chilling atmosphere and intricate storytelling, all crafted within the constraints of classic Game Boy hardware. It showcases the power of pixel art and minimalist design to deliver a profoundly unsettling experience. Featuring music by Stuart Busby, the game’s soundscape adds an extra layer of tension to the gripping narrative.

Alex played Deadeus on his Analogue Pocket, embracing the physical cartridge experience, while Luke explored the game through a ROM on his Steam Deck. Both hosts experienced the game’s unique horror elements and discussed how it masterfully leverages its retro platform to deliver modern chills.

Join us as we delve into Deadeus’ complex storylines, explore its multiple endings, and discuss the game’s impact on the indie horror scene. If you’re a fan of retro gaming or looking for a fresh horror experience, Deadeus is a must-play.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Naz Reid.

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Alex and Luke talk Pine Creek.

Dive into the eerie world of Pine Creek, where the mysterious disappearance of a young girl in a seemingly tranquil town spirals into a tale of cults and ritualistic mysteries. Developed by Marco of Carmelo Electronics, with significant contributions from David Martínez Canales, Pine Creek is a Game Boy Color adventure that marries classic pixel art with a gripping narrative.

This game challenges players to explore, solve puzzles, and unravel a deep story about life, death, and the shadows lurking in Pine Creek. Enjoy moments of reflection and camaraderie, savor delicious in-game food, and lose yourself in the arcade games that dot this rich pixelated landscape.

Fully playable on original hardware via flashcart or any Game Boy emulator, Pine Creek offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience for veteran and new gamers alike. At the time of this recording, the game is celebrated for its authentic retro feel and compelling storytelling. It takes about three hours to beat.

Luke experienced Pine Creek on his Steam Deck through a ROM, while Alex enjoyed a physical copy on his Analogue Pocket, diving deep into the game's immersive world.

Join us as we dissect Pine Creek's intricate narrative, discuss its gameplay mechanics, and explore how it stands out in the indie gaming scene.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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