No Small Games

By Kate Hunter & Emily MerrittLeisure Video Games Games

No Small Games episodes

February 20, 2025 Yearbook Vol. 2
Believe it or not, we just closed out our second year of No Small Games! This has truly been such a wild ride! From meeting in person for the first time at PAX, to helping to judge the Indie Game Awards, to launching our written reviews on the website, we've cherished every minute and every opportunity. And we can't thank you all enough for supporting us along the way!
In addition to giving a recap of all of the games covered in the first four seasons of the show, in the No Small Games Yearbook Vol. 2 we reveal our picks for their Top 5 games from the 2024-2025 year, and the fan favorite episodes voted on by YOU! Featuring superlatives and thank you's to No Small Games supporters, this episode is a tribute to all of you and all of these impactful indie games and game developers highlighted in the second year of the show! We are so grateful to all of you who have tuned in this year, and can't wait to bring you more indie game content in the years to come!
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:15 - Reflections on the Year
00:10:43 - Recap of Games Covered in 2024-2025
00:32:54 - Kate & Emily's Top 5 Favorites
01:13:23 - Superlatives
01:44:55 - Thank You's
01:53:55 - Spring Season Announcement
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social
Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social
No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social
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 3 min
February 06, 2025 Ep. 40 - Crypt Custodian feat. Matt Storm
Crypt Custodian, developed by Kyle Thompson, is a touching and adorable metroidvania. You play as Pluto, a little cat who has just arrived in the afterlife, after a tragic end cut short his cozy life with his human family. Some accidental shenanigans lead to him being banned to spend all of eternity cleaning up trash from the outskirts of the underworld by Kendra, the guardian of the afterlife. Now Pluto has to fight corrupted beings, sweep up trash and make friends in order to make it back into Kendra's palace.
In Episode 40 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily welcome Matt Storm to the show! Matt hosts a couple of gaming podcasts, including the "Fun" and Games Podcast, and is a self-described metroidvania "sicko." Together, the three discuss their experiences with this heartwarming (and occasionally heartbreaking) game. You'll hear their thoughts on this impressively large metroidvania map, the combat mechanics, and of course their favorite characters.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:09:50 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:21:10 - Meet Our Guest - Matt Storm
00:36:50 - Crypt Custodian Discussion
02:05:00 - Crypt Custodian Spoilers
02:11:05 - Game Ratings
02:18:28 - One Small Thing
02:36:40 - Next Episode's Announcement
Meet our Guest
Matt (they/them)
@djstormageddon.com
Matt Storm co-hosts and produces both the "Fun" and Games Podcast, covering all kinds of topics within gaming, and Reignite, a podcast by two friends who love storytelling, video games, and romance! They are also planning to return to streaming games on Twitch this year, and occasionally moonlight as a DJ. We're so grateful to them for joining us for this episode!
Check out Matt's content and podcasts on the following platforms:
Bluesky
"Fun" and Games Podcast
Reignite Podcast
Matt's Citizen Sleeper 2 Review
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 38 min
January 31, 2025 Indie Game Roundup - January 2025
Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.

This has been both the longest and shortest month in existence, but the good news is that we're back with a bunch of awesome indie games to talk about! This roundup features some brand new releases from the tail end of 2024, along with some indie classics popping in from our backlogs! Plus, we chat briefly about our most anticipated indies of the coming year, and some rad demos that we got to check out! Give your wishlists a pep talk before diving in, because they're about to grow!
Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.
You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - January 2025 Show Notes
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:00 - Icebreaker Question
00:05:32 - Indie Game News
00:19:26 - Demos
00:42:43 - Pummel Party
00:45:29 - Arctic Eggs
00:52:24 - Margot
01:03:00 - On Your Tail
01:08:56 - If Found...
01:13:03 - Stacklands
01:20:54 - Downwell
01:27:33 - Bastion
01:34:02 - Monument Valley
01:40:48 - Cave Hikers
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social
Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social
No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social
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 52 min
January 23, 2025 Ep. 39 - Another Crab's Treasure feat. HamonCutta
Another Crab's Treasure is a combat-oriented soulslike adventure set in an underwater world overrun by a few greedy creatures trying to get their grubby little claws, fins and tentacles on all the wealth of their community. You play as Kril, a tiny hermit crab whose shell was repossessed by a literal loan shark. Now, Kril has to fight his way through the shallows, reefs and open ocean to get his home back. You'll face formidable bosses and navigate through treacherous landscapes on your quest, but you'll also meet some new friends along the way. Just maybe, together, you can overthrow the capitalist system that has the sea in a chokehold.
In Episode 39 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily welcome HamonCutta to the show! Hamon is a gaming content creator who currently focuses mainly on soulslike and FromSoft games, which made her an absolutely phenomenal guest to chat with about Another Crab's Treasure. The three discuss their experiences with the combat and boss design, accessibility options, and narrative. But most importantly: what was everyone's favorite shell to wear?
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:07 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:09:43 - Meet Our Guest - HamonCutta
00:27:13 - Another Crab's Treasure Discussion
01:48:39 - Game Ratings
01:54:15 - One Small Thing
01:59:39 - Next Episode's Game Announcement
Meet our Guest
Hamon (she/her)
@HamonCutta
HamonCutta is a variety streamer and retired speedrunner who currently streams soulslike and FromSoft games primarily. At the moment, she is specifically working on preparing for Sekiro challenge runs. She also does the occasional just chatting and crochet streams, and produces both gaming and lifestyle content for YouTube.
Follow Hamon on the following platforms:
Twitch
Gaming YouTube
Lifestyle YouTube
Bluesky
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 2 min
January 09, 2025 Ep. 38 - Selfloss
Selfloss, developed by Goodwin Games, is an emotional action adventure game where we play as Kazimir, an old man who has found himself caught in between life and the beyond. As he moves through the purgatory he finds himself in, you must help him clear an infectious miasma that threatens this world. You also encounter a cast of friendly (or at least non-threatening) characters who are in need of Kazimir's healing abilities. Kazimir has been tasked with performing the ritual of Selfloss for anyone who needs it: helping these characters pay respect to their lost loved ones, and helping them to move on into the beyond. This is a beautiful and somber exploration of how we process grief.
In episode 38 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily discuss their experience playing the melancholy adventure game, Selfloss. First and foremost, you'll learn what whale they would both be if they were whales (it's relevant, we swear). The two also discuss their impression of the mechanics of Kazimir's all-in-one magical staff, and the combat in the game. You'll also hear their thoughts on the striking art and music that creates this world that Kazimir moves through. We hope you enjoy!
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:06:38 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:10:49 - Selfloss Discussion
01:18:41 - Game Ratings
01:24:37 - One Small Thing
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 31 min
December 31, 2024 Indie Game Roundup - December 2024
Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.

Even as the year closes out, 2024 does not slow down with fantastic indie game releases. In this latest roundup, we're recapping our participation in judging the Indie Game Awards, with a quick review of some of our highlights from the nominees. You'll also hear our take on the demo for Aikyam, which has quickly become a most anticipated game of 2025. And as always, we've got lots of new releases to talk about from this past month. From beautiful platformers celebrating classical music, to haunted cabins on conveyor belts, to having to pepper spray assailants while on the clock, December's games were truly a wild ride.
Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.
You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - December 2024 Show Notes
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:30 - Icebreaker - Recap of Most Anticipated 2024 Releases
00:11:34 - Indie Game Awards
00:15:15 - Neva
00:18:42 - 1000xRESIST
00:26:58 - Mouthwashing
00:34:28 - Balatro
00:46:26 - Demo - Aikyam
00:51:59 - Completely Stretchy
00:58:33 - Naiad
01:04:51 - The Cabin Factory
01:10:43 - Symphonia
01:16:54 - Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
01:20:53 - Supurr Cat Cafe: Sandwhich Rush
01:31:18 - Lost But Found
01:39:58 - Backlog Updates
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 49 min
December 26, 2024 Ep. 37 - Lake: Season's Greetings DLC feat. Jacob Price of The Pre-Order Bonus Podcast
The Lake: Season's Greetings DLC follows the holiday shenanigans of Thomas Weiss, and the other inhabitants of Providence Oaks, the setting of the base game story. Thomas is the father of Meredith Weiss, the protagonist of the original game, and in 1985 is the one and only mail carrier in town. This special holiday story gives players another cozy peek into life in this small town. We get a little more backstory for many iconic characters and get to know some new ones! Best of all, this slice of life narrative all takes place against the snow covered backdrop of this beautiful town.
In Episode 37 of No Small Games, and our second ever holiday episode, Kate and Emily are joined by Jacob Price of The Pre-Order Bonus Podcast, one of our favorite gaming podcasts! The three discuss their favorite movies to watch around Christmastime, Jacob shines some light on the buzz around Hot Frosty (the newest holiday "instant classic" to hit the scene), and the group shares their gifting recommendations in our Holiday Game Gift Guide. Of course, they also discuss their experiences playing the Lake: Season's Greetings DLC. We hope you love this episode, and that you have a peaceful and happy holiday season!
Spoiler Warning: listeners should note there are light spoilers for the games A Short Hike, Unpacking and Lake (the base game).
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:57 - Holiday Ice Breaker
00:12:42 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:17:05 - Meet Our Guest - Jacob Price
00:32:48 - Holiday Game Gift Guide
01:06:35 - Lake: Season's Greetings Discussion
01:49:35 - Lake: Season's Greetings Spoilers
02:08:19 - Game Ratings
02:14:00 - One Small Thing
02:23:35 - Next Episode's Game Announcement
Meet our Guest
Jacob Price (he/him)
@chipdip

Jacob co-hosts The Pre-Order Bonus Podcast, along with his co-host Cameron. Together, they've been producing episodes where they thoughtfully talk about their favorite games for over five years now. He has covered over 100 indie games on his Indie Impressions series. We are honored to have had the Pixel Professor himself join us for our holiday episode this year!
Check out The Pre-Order Bonus Podcast:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Patreon
Bluesky
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 27 min
December 12, 2024 Ep. 36 - UFO 50
UFO 50, developed by Mossmouth, is not just a single game. This is a retro-inspired pack of 50 games, that represent the full library of titles published by the fictitious game company UFO Soft. These games' fictitious release dates span from the years 1982-1989 and were playable on three made up consoles. As you can tell, the lore goes deep in this game. The developers were meticulous in how they designed the game from each date, making sure to constrain the game's technical requirements to reflect the technology of that era. However, developers Derek Yu and Jon Perry were also thoughtful in the genres that they represented, including borrowing from some more modern genres for their games' mechanics and systems.
In episode 36 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily discuss their experience playing the retro-inspired UFO 50. This episode takes on a slightly different format, since talking in depth about 50 whole games would require a whole season on its own. The hosts go back and forth sharing some of their favorite titles from the pack (along with some of the games that didn't land for them). They also discuss a bit of the lore within the game, and their own histories of playing video games "back in the day."
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:08:10 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:15:10 - UFO 50 Discussion
01:31:25 - Game Ratings
01:39:48 - One Small Thing
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 50 min
November 30, 2024 Indie Game Roundup - November 2024
Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.

This month has been incredibly packed with indie game news, events and lots of exciting new releases! Looking back, we can't believe all of this took place in just one month! In the November Indie Game Roundup, we've recapped the Save & Sound Showcase, we're looking ahead to the Indie Game Awards (which we're honored to help judge), and getting into all the games we've been playing lately! The new releases we're covering here include: Miniatures, Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina), Critter Café, and more!
Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.
You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - November 2024 Show Notes
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:10:40 - Save & Sound Showcase
00:20:50 - The Indie Game Awards
00:33:20 - Indie Game Mini Reviews
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 24 min
November 14, 2024 Ep. 35 - Little Kitty Big City feat. OlivesCrossing
Little Kitty Big City is an open world adventure game where you play as a small house cat who has fallen off of their cozy window perch and finds themselves on the streets of the big city. You have to get home, but the climb back up to your perch seems so daunting! But thankfully there are unexpected friends awaiting you in the urban sprawl. With the help of Crow, Tanuki, and a cast of other cute and quirky creatures, can you make it back home?
In Episode 35 of No Small Games, OlivesCrossing joins Kate and Emily to talk about Little Kitty Big City. The three share their favorite characters to befriend and talk about what their cat personality was in the game. Most importantly, you'll hear about their favorite hats! We hope you love this cute and cozy chat.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:36 - Weekly Boss Battles
00:11:00 - Meet Our Guest - OlivesCrossing
00:20:55 - Little Kitty Big City Discussion
01:13:00 - Game Ratings
01:17:15 - One Small Thing
01:25:45 - Next Episode's Game Announcement
Meet our Guest
Olive (she/her)
@OlivesCrossing
Olive is a cozy, community-focused content creator. She streams Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, Sims 4, Palia and the occasional other cozy game title. She first streamed in 2020 and has built a lovely and welcoming community across her Twitch and Discord spaces. She’s also a big fan of Twilight, Gordon Ramsey, and her cat, named Kitty.
Follow Olive on the following platforms:
Twitch
YouTube
Twitter
TikTok
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 28 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…