No Small Games

By Kate Hunter & Emily MerrittLeisure Video Games Games

No Small Games episodes

December 14, 2023 Bonus - Wholesome Snack 2023
Did you think we were done with b-b-b-b-bonus episodes for 2023? Not quite!! On December 6, Wholesome Games held their Wholesome Snack: The Game Awards Edition 2023, a fun-sized 30 minute direct packed with indie game trailers and news. The showcase featured 20 new and upcoming game announcements, including many games that piqued Kate and Emily's interest!
In this bonus episode, Kate and Emily count down their top 5 games that they're most excited for from this event (in no particular order). The co-hosts also brought in some guesses about each other's picks... let's see how many they got correct! We hope you enjoy this bite-sized bonus episode, covering the bite-sized 2023 Wholesome Snack!
If you'd like to catch up on the entire Wholesome Snack, you can watch the entire showcase on YouTube.
Timestamps
Looking for a particular section of the episode? Check the timecodes below:
00:00:00 - Episode Start
00:00:30 - First Impressions of Wholesome Snack
00:03:40 - Kate & Emily's Top 5
00:27:50 - Runner-ups and Other News
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
38 min
December 07, 2023Ep. 16 - Goodbye Volcano High
If the end of the world was right around the corner what would you do? Who or what would matter most to you?
Fang and their friends are entering their senior year of high school with big ambitions and some big changes. Biggest of all, they're facing the looming threat of an asteroid hurtling towards Earth, threatening all life as they know it. Goodbye Volcano High, developed by indie game studio KO_OP, is part cinematic narrative adventure, part musical rhythm game, and touches on topics of love, friendship and change.
Join Kate and Emily for episode 16 of No Small Games, in which Kate and Emily review their experiences playing Goodbye Volcano High. The co-hosts reflect on their high school experiences and compare them to the ups and downs that Fang's friend group goes through in the game. They discuss their favorite gameplay mechanics, favorite characters, and the most shocking moments from their playthroughs.

Episode Timecodes
Winter Season Game Announcements ✦ 00:05:00
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:08:50
Goodbye Volcano High Game Discussion ✦ 00:13:45
Goodbye Volcano High Spoilers ✦ 01:13:00
Game Ratings ✦ 01:23:45
Kate & Emily's One More Thing ✦ 01:26:30
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 01:29:50
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 33 min
November 26, 2023 Game Dev Chat - Bear in the Snow with The Spookfish
"When I first moved into the old farm house after living in the city, I was surprised at how dark it got at night..."
This is how the instruction manual for the game Bear in the Snow begins. This game, along with the album it accompanies, was created by Dan Goldberg, who performs and publishes his music under the name The Spookfish. Each of the ten levels of the game is played along to the music of one of the songs from the album of the same name, and draws on Dan's experiences living in a cabin in rural Northeastern United States. There are many haunting and beautiful moments, as well as many secrets to be uncovered, in Bear in the Snow.
In the very first episode of No Small Games featuring a game developer, Kate and Emily chat in depth with Dan about his journey creating the game and learn how he went from zero game dev experience to publishing a ten-level game of his own design. Dan shares the heartfelt backstory behind his love of indie games and provides some insight into which games inspired him the most as he was creating Bear in the Snow. We hope you love this episode as much as we loved chatting with The Spookfish!
Meet the Game Dev
Dan Goldberg aka The Spookfish (he/him)
@the_spookfish
Dan is a musician and game developer who created Bear in the Snow, the album and accompanying indie game. You can read more about Dan's music in this feature from the New York Times.
Play Bear in the Snow on Itch.io

Find The Spookfish's music on the following platforms:
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 6 min
November 21, 2023Bonus - Indie World Showcase, Nov. 2023
It's time for yet another b-b-b-b-bonus episode!! Nintendo held their second Indie World Showcase of 2023 on November 14, featuring over a dozen announcements about new and upcoming indie games coming to the Switch. In this bonus episode, Kate and Emily discuss these updates, comparing which of the Switch releases they are most looking forward to and which trailers they found the most captivating. Did Emily correctly guess the games that Kate was most looking forward to? Did Kate identify the "Emily games" among the list of featured titles? Were there any immediate must haves that the two absolutely HAD to buy? Find out in this special bonus episode of No Small Games!
Timecodes
Looking for the hosts' reaction to a certain game announcement? Check the timecodes below:
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution - 00:05:20
Core Keeper - 00:08:10
On Your Tail - 00:09:45
Howl - 00:12:35
The Star Named EOS - 00:14:25
Backpack Hero - 00:17:00
Blade Chimera - 00:18:45
A Highland Song - 00:20:20
Moonstone Island - 00:23:10
Death Trick: Double Blind - 00:25:50
Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition - 00:28:20
Enjoy the Diner - 00:34:50
Heavenly Bodies - 00:37:31
The Gecko Gods - 00:37:50
Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist - 00:38:50
Urban Myth Dissolution Center - 00:40:35
Braid: Anniversary Edition - 00:41:50
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
48 min
November 09, 2023Ep. 15 - Mineko’s Night Market
Will you take on the challenge of discovering the truth about the legendary Nikko, revitalize the Night Market an petting all of the cats?
When Mineko and her dad move to a small island town in search of a new life and new opportunities, she has no idea how this town, her new friends, and a giant cat named Nikko will turn her life upside down. It's your task, as Mineko, to help revitalize the town's Night Market as you gain the resources and the knowledge to discovery the mystery of the legendary Nikko.
Join Kate and Emily for episode 15 of No Small Games, in which Kate and Emily review their experiences playing the narrative-driven social sim game, Mineko's Night Market. In their review, the two compare and contrast their favorite farming and life sims, reminisce about their childhood rivals, and discuss the characters they were most tickled by in this cute and quirky game.
Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:10:50
Mineko's Night Market Game Discussion ✦ 00:15:00
Game Ratings ✦ 01:05:00
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 01:10:10
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 19 min
October 26, 2023Ep. 14 - Killer Frequency
You're live on 189.16 - The Scream with Forrest Nash... and someone in town is hunting your listeners!
The year is 1987 and Forrest Nash is clocking into his late-night radio slot in a sleepy town in middle America, not knowing what thrills and chills await him and his producer, Peggy. In Killer Frequency, you must use your role as radio DJ to take calls from your frightened callers who are fleeing a masked killer— the Whistling Man, and to hopefully help them escape! Luckily, the radio station is chock full of clues and helpful information that will enable you to solve the puzzles to each of their salvation, so long as you can find them.
Join Kate and Emily for episode 14 of No Small Games, in which Kate and Emily review their experiences playing the mystery horror puzzle game, Killer Frequency. The two compare notes on the puzzles they solved, discuss their favorite radio station callers in the game, and share about their own real life experiences working for local radio!
Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:13:12
Killer Frequency Game Discussion ✦ 00:19:26
Game Ratings ✦ 01:06:20
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 01:10:55
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 16 min
October 12, 2023 Ep. 13 - Coffee Talk & Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly feat. Sheilur
Serve up a piping hot cup of tea while your customers spill their tea to you...
It's yet another a No Small Games double feature! This episode of No Small Games features a review of both games in the Coffee Talk series, in which you play as a barista at a late night coffee joint in alternate universe Seattle (yes, that Seattle), in which mythical creatures live a bustling modern life alongside humans. Get to know the intimate details of your customers lives as you craft beautiful beverages to soothe their souls.
In the lucky 13th episode of No Small Games, special guest Sheila (aka Sheilur) joins Kate and Emily to review Coffee Talk and Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. The three discuss this fantastical, yet relatable world, their favorite characters, and of course, share their favorite hot beverages. The squad share their highlights, the challenges they faced, and good, chill vibes in this episode.
Episode Timecodes
Meet our Guest - Sheilur ✦ 00:00:35
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:19:40
Coffee Talk Game Discussion ✦ 00:27:41
Coffee Talk Spoilers ✦ 00:52:45
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Game Discussion ✦ 01:13:06
Game Ratings ✦ 02:00:07
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 02:11:07

Meet our Guest
Sheilur aka Sheila (she/her)
@sheilur
Sheila is an African French Canadian 20-something year-old content creator, Twitch partner and YouTube vlogger. She primarily streams indie games and co-working sessions on Twitch, and publishes lifestyle vlogs to YouTube. A soft-spoken streamer, she has created a relaxing and welcoming environment within her online communities.
Follow Sheila on the following platforms:
Twitch
YouTube
Twitter

Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
2 hr 17 min
September 28, 2023Ep. 12 - Venba
Food and cooking have the ability to connect us across generations, cultures and time itself. Who do you connect with through food?

Follow the story of Venba and Paavalan, who leave their home in India to start a new life and new family in Canada. This game provides an intimate view into their lives, as they face the challenges of immigration, parenthood, and all of the nuances in between,

Join Kate and Emily for the twelfth episode of No Small Games, Kate and Emily review their experiences playing the narrative cooking game Venba, by Visai Studios. The two discuss their relationship to cooking, family recipes, and their favorite moments from this phenomenally beautiful and thoughtful game.

Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:10:50
Venba Game Discussion ✦ 00:18:27
Game Ratings ✦ 01:17:49
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 01:18:50
Kate & Emily's One More Thing ✦ 01:21:49

Some cool things you should check out
Venba Soundtrack - Tracks composed by Alpha Something
My Perfect Console - A fantastic video game podcast hosted by Simon Parkin of The New Yorker and The Observer
Kagayaki (2014) by Masakatsu Takagi - Kate's latest musical obsession

Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 33 min
September 14, 2023Ep. 11 - Lakeburg Legacies feat. MarcyLaycelle
What if the most important renewable resource in your society... was love?

Lakeburg Legacies is a social-based village management game where resource generation and progress centers around your townsfolk and their relationships. Grow your town's population through your matchmaking prowess, optimize production with some clever career coaching, and put Lakeburg on the map!

In the eleventh episode of No Small Games, special guest Marcy aka Marcylaycelle joins Kate and Emily to review Lakeburg Legacies, while they discuss their own personal gaming journeys and dating experiences in the process. The squad share their highlights, the challenges they faced, and oodles of friendship and laughs in this episode.
Episode Timecodes
Meet our Guest - MarcyLaycelle ✦ 00:00:45
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:19:35
Lakeburg Legacies Game Discussion ✦ 00:30:20
Next Episode's Game Announcement & Wrap up ✦ 01:49:00

Links to Check Out
Moonlight Wreath on Etsy
Black Girl Gamers - Play or Pass
Game: Vampire Survivors on Steam
Documentary: Coded Bias on Netflix
Meet our Guest
Marcy is a live streamer, content creator, and small business owner. Her streams are focused on mental-health, tarot, gaming, and makeup. She runs an Etsy shop, Moonlight Wreaths, selling beautiful, handcrafted wreaths and flower crowns of her own creation. In 2023, Marcy was also featured in the United States debut of Black Girl Gamers Play or Pass.
Follow Marcy on the following platforms:
Twitch
Etsy
Twitter
YouTube
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 57 min
September 01, 2023 Bonus - Happy Birthday Ooblets!
Wishing Ooblets 1.0 a very happy one-year anniversary!!

The quirky, colorful, farming sim, creature collector, card game adventure Ooblets first release in early access in July 2020. Since then, the game has evolved, grown, and developer Glumberland released the official 1.0 version of the game on September 1, 2022. In the last few years, Ooblets has touched the hearts and ignited the imaginations of many players, including both No Small Games hosts, Kate and Emily!

This bonus episode is a love letter to Ooblets. From the cute, funky little Ooblets and their slick dance moves, to the off-beat and relatable townspeople of Badgetown, Kate and Emily chat their favorite elements of the game.

Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro & Fall Season Announcement
00:12:12 - Ooblets Game Discussion
00:59:10 - Wrap-up
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
1 hr 4 min

About No Small Games

From the publisher's feed

No Small Games is an indie game recap and review podcast brought to you by hosts Kate and Emily! They became friends while streaming on Twitch and bonded over their love of indie video games. In each…