In the episode, we review Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse & Ys X: Proud Nordics, celebrate the announcement of .hack//Z.E.R.O, and discuss news surrounding Bluepoint Games and Xbox.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 3:26 - Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse
• 28:25 - Ys X: Proud Nordics
• 1:05:46 - Article shout-out: Avowed Interview, PS5 impressions
• 1:16:41 - Article shout-out: People of Note brings a melodic twist to the classic Final Fantasy formula
• 1:18:15 - Article shout-out: No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files PS5 & Xbox port impressions
• 1:19:40 - CyberConnect2's 30th anniversary game revealed as .hack//Z.E.R.O. action RPG for consoles
• 1:34:50 - Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now available, $5 upgrade
• 1:42:35 - Ufotable announcements for Witch on the Holy Night and Tales of series
• 1:51:42- Sony Interactive Entertainment closes Bluepoint Games / Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond leave Xbox
• 2:12:36 - Pokemon LeafGreen Version and FireRed Version launch on February 27 for Nintendo Switch
• 2:17:25 - NIS America shares gameplay trailer for Etrange Overlord
• 2:19:47 - News headlines: Kyoto Xanadu screenshots, Nioh sales update, Shiren the Wander sales update, Mewgenics sales update
• 2:21:03 - NieR: Automata has shipped over 10 million copies worldwide, NieR remaster at 2 million, future tease
• 2:24:14 - WiZmans World Re;Try now available for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC
• 2:25:40 - Delivery service RPG Calamity Angels: Special Delivery is now available in the West
• 2:26:03 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Orion & Lumen DLC and update launch on February 25
• 2:27:34 - Drova: Forsaken Kin launches on April 23 for mobile devices
• 2:28:42 - Dragon is Dead launches on April 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch
• 2:29:03 - Monster-taming action RPG Voidling Bound launches on June 9 for PC
• 2:29:20 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In the episode, we review Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, preview Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and discuss all the news out of PlayStation's State of Play presentation.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:09 - Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
• 1:49:58 - Article Shoutout: Yasunori Nishiki Interview
• 1:55:36 - Article Shoutout: Monster Hunster Stories 3: Twisted Reflection preview features
• 2:05:28 - Konami reveals action RPG Rev. NOiR for PlayStation 5
• 2:10:26 - Castlevania: Belmont's Curse from Evil Empire and Konami launches this year for PS5, Xbox, Switch, and Steam
• 2:11:32 - Brigandine Abyss releases for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam in 2026
• 2:15:20 - Gothic action-adventure RPG Crimson Moon set to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
• 2:17:01 - Krafton reveals Project Windless for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox
• 2:19:58 - Beast of Reincarnation release date set for August 4
• 2:21:25 - Control Resonant shows off Dylan Faden's playstyle in its Gameplay Reveal trailer
• 2:23:19 - Pragmata World View trailer released during Sony's State of Play
• 2:24:30 - Mina the Hollower updates its release window to Spring 2026 and receives a limited-time demo for PS5
• 2:31:34 - Blizzard adds Warlock to Diablo II: Resurrected, Diablo: Immortal, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred
• 2:43:47 - CyberConnect2 30th Anniversary Game Project Announcement
• 2:47:00 - Crimson Desert gets its 3rd Features Overview video detailing gathering, cooking, customization, and more
• 2:47:56 - Monster Hunter Wilds ' large-scale expansion in the works, new update arrives on February 18
• 2:59:05 - Game Science shares 6-minute Chinese New Year Special video for Black Myth: Zhong Kui
• 3:00:14 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold more than 5 million copies, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 has sold 11 million copies
• 3:02:34 - Mewgenics sells half a million units 36 hours after launch
• 3:03:17 - Release Dates: Utawarerumono Zan 2, The Liar Princess and The Blind Prince, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, Dragonkin: The Banished, Aether & Iron, Blades of Fire, Gothic 1 Remake
• 3:07:27 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Nioh 3, and we discuss all the news out of the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:44 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
• 53:46 - Nioh 3
• 1:19:47 - Article Shoutouts: Shinra Archeology Cut Interview, Dosa Divas interview
• 1:30:47 - Kyoto Xanadu releases for Switch 1&2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in Summer 2026
• 1:39:38 - Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse launches February 19 for Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android
• 1:45:03 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok releases for Switch 2, PS5, PS4, and PC Steam on July 9
• 1:55:47 - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales will launch worldwide on June 18
• 1:58:59 - Another Eden Begins launches in Summer 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC
• 2:14:38 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on June 3 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S
• 2:24:21 - Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on February 24 / The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launches in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2
• 2:25:32 - Tales of Arise is coming to Switch 2 as Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn Edition on May 22
• 2:27:14 - Digimon Story: Time Stranger is coming to Switch 2 and Switch on July 10
• 2:29:45 - Pragmata Sketchbook Demo now available for consoles / Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection demo is now available
• 2:31:05 - Culdcept Begins & Culdcept The First announced
• 2:35:10 - Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Steam features trailer goes over ultrawide support, uncapped frame rates, and more
• 2:35:55 - Fantasy Life i The Primordial Dragon update arrives on February 6, new trailer released (and Mewgenics tangent)
• 2:37:55 - Pearl Abyss shares 2nd Features Overview video for Crimson Desert, detailing combat and progression
• 2:40:23 - Retro 3D open world RPG Dread Delusion set to release for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026
• 2:40:56 - Sales updates: Slay the Princess has surpassed 1 million copies sold across all platforms / Pokemon Legends: Z-A has sold 12.3 million copies
• 2:41:38 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Code Vein II, check out the Nioh 3 demo, and discuss the latest RPG news, including Utawarerumono, Crimson Desert, and more.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:58 - Code Vein II
• 36:39 - Nioh 3 Demo/Preview
• 1:07:45 - Dispatch final thoughts from Mikhail
• 1:13:47 - Article Shoutout: Steel Century Groove Review
• 1:15:26 - Article Shoutout: Persona 3 Reload Platform Comparison
• 1:16:44 - Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered launches worldwide on May 27 via Steam
• 1:25:43 - GeniGods: Nezha is a new action RPG coming to PS5 and PC in 2028, planned to be a series
• 1:38:32 - Narrative-driven adventure game Reigns: The Witcher launches on February 25 for PC and mobile
• 1:40:47 - Villion:Code releases for PlayStation 4&5 and Switch 1&2 in Japan on June 25
• 1:50:34 - Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter gameplay trailer released
• 1:52:47 - Pearl Abyss shares 15-minute Features Overview video for Crimson Desert
• 2:00:22 - Square Enix is releasing a new version of Final Fantasy VII on Steam
• 2:03:33 - Final Fantasy IX, VIII Remastered, III 3D Remake, and IV 3D Remake are now available on GOG
• 2:07:27 - Octopath Traveler 0 update brings improved sound quality, performance improvements, and more
• 2:08:04 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has sold over 1 million copies worldwide
• 2:08:13 - Monster Hunter Wilds sells 11 million copies, gets updates
• 2:13:22 - Interactive adventure game Dear me, I was... launches on February 12 for Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android
• 2:14:02 - 2D action RPG Under the Island launches on February 17 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC
• 2:15:13 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Arknights: Endfield, discuss Dispatch, and check out announcements made at the Xbox Developer Direct.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 2:04 - Arknights: Endfield
• 44:17 - Dispatch
• 52:25 - Article Shoutout: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Interview
• 1:00:43 - Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch II
• 1:06:56 - Fable from Playground Games launches Autumn 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
• 1:15:50 - Beast of Reincarnation showcases new gameplay at Xbox Developer Direct
• 1:19:33 - Life is Strange: Reunion announced for March 26 release on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC
• 1:25:09 - Nioh 3 gets a new 17-minute-long gameplay video ahead of its launch next month
• 1:29:17 - Demon Kill Demon ~Yomi 1984~ releases for Nintendo Switch in Japan on May 28
• 1:31:30 - Code Vein II Character Creator Demo is now available
• 1:36:58 - Free demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties now available
• 1:49:25 - New World: Aeternum is shutting down on January 31 next year, delisted from all platforms now
• 1:50:59 - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon surpasses 1 million units sold
• 1:51:11 - Final Fantasy II is coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass on February 3
• 1:52:34 - Warframe for Android launches on February 18, Switch 2 version launched Q1 2026 with 1080p 60fps support
• 1:54:52 - GreedFall: The Dying World launches on March 10 for PC and March 12 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
• 1:59:05 - The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin delayed to March to enhance the quality and polish (originally Jan 28)
• 1:59:23 - Narrative RPG Aether & Iron launches in Spring 2026 for PC

In this episode, we review Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes DLC, examine the English release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon, preview Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, and more.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 4:54 - Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes
• 43:38 - The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon
• 1:08:28 - Article shoutout: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties preview
• 1:11:38 - Article shoutout: Nintendo Switch 2 reviews for System Shock (2023) and Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader
• 1:18:26 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road sequel announced, with Ares Basara Seed DLC update coming on January 28 ; Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has sold over 800k copies worldwide
• 1:23:16 - Code Vein II Overview Trailer showcases character creation, Partners, combat, and more
• 1:23:59 - Makaism: Frenzy of the Netherworld 3rd Japanese trailer showcases Prinny and other Servants
• 1:29:21 - New screenshots for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined detail vocations, vicious monsters, and monster heart accessories
• 1:30:56 - Arknights: Endfield gets two new trailers ahead of launch, pre-registrations top 35 million
• 1:32:44 - Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for PS5 and PC being patched with Streamlined Progression next week
• 1:38:19 - Yakuza 3 Remastered standalone sales will end following Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties release
• 1:46:33 - Chrono Trigger Vinyl Soundtrack box set announced for March release in Japan and April release in the West
• 1:49:29 - The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy Original Soundtrack releases on January 17 digitally and April 24 on CD [SPOILER WARNING]
• 1:54:11 - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has sold 10 million copies worldwide ; Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Daima Adventure Through the Demon Realm Pack Part 2 is now available
• 1:56:15 - No Rest for the Wicked has sold 1 million copies on PC Steam
• 1:57:25 - Sea of Stars is coming to mobile on April 7 with pre-orders now live
• 2:03:33 - Metaphor: ReFantazio Guidebook Edition now available for PS5, Xbox, PS4, and Steam
• 2:06:22 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In our first episode of the year, we look back at the backlog games we've played over break and all the news in the last month.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction and end-of-year show/site notes
• 2:05 - Adam’s Backlog: Tales of Phantasia: Cross Edition
• 10:29 - Bryan’s Backlog: Octopath Traveler 0, Rise of the Ronin
• 12:00 - Josh’s Backlog: Kara no Shoujo trilogy, Warriors Abyss, Vital Shell, To Be Hero X
• 23:21 - James’ Backlog: Final Fantasy XIV, 2022 Square Enix RPGs
• 28:11 - Mikhail’s Backlog: The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, Cyberpunk 2077, various Switch 2 ports
• 37:09 - Chao’s Backlog: Trails beyond the Horizon, Emerald Dragon PCE, Baldur’s Gate 3, Gnosia anime
• 50:28 - Article shoutouts: Readers’ Poll results, personal top ten lists
• 54:27 - Article shoutouts: Code Vein II preview, Pokémon Legends Z-A DLC review, Phantom Blade 0 interview
• 1:03:18 - Article shoutouts: Yuka Kitamura interview, Nightdive interview, Hundred Line interview
• 1:17:07 - The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon note
• 1:18:13 - Larian Studios announces Divinity, its "'most ambitious title yet"
• 1:36:10 - Remedy Entertainment unveils Control Resonant for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
• 1:39:34 - Nagoshi Studio reveals Gang of Dragon for PC via Steam
• 1:44:24 - Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic announced for consoles and PC
• 1:49:57 - Falcom reveals Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, set to release in Fall 2026 worldwide for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC
• 1:52:23 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined demo now available on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch, and PC Steam
• 1:56:46 - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon - Sanctuary of Sarras expansion announced, set to release on December 15
• 1:58:14 - Final Fantasy IX animated series seemingly back in production at a new French studio with a 2028 release target
• 2:02:21 - Avowed launches for PlayStation 5 on February 17 alongside update adding new races, New Game Plus, and Photo Mode
• 2:10:28 - Sales updates: Digimon Story: Time Stranger, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, Octopath Traveler series, Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles, Dragon Quest XI, Danganronpa series
• 2:14:39 - Granblue Fantasy coming to Steam on March 10, 2026 in the west
• 2:25:15 - Diablo IV Lord of Hatred releases on April 28, 2026 with pre-orders including Paladin early access now
• 2:27:47 - Wrap-up and sign-off

From new franchises to big sequels to impressive remakes, there was a large variety of role-playing games released this year. From that list, here are our favorites from 2025.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introductions and Outline

8:06 - Best Remaster or Re-release

1:14:35 - Best Writing or Storytelling

2:22:35 - Best Artwork

3:07:39 - Best Design & Immersion

4:18:40 - Best Music

4:55:53 - RPG of the Year top Ten

5:49:43 - RPG of the Year 2025

6:26:14 - Thank You and Sign Off

In this week's episode, we review Octopath Traveler 0, talk Inazuma Eleven, Romancing SaGa, GenAI, and more.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction and end-of-year show/site notes
• 6:45 - Octopath Traveler 0
• 1:03:42 - Staff holiday video game plans
• 1:16:18 - Article Shout-outs: Inazuma Eleven, Let it Die: Inferno Review, GenAI discussion
• 1:44:59 - Article Shout-out: Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International
• 1:54:35 - Article Shout-out: Ys VS Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Interview
• 2:02:17 - Inazuma Eleven updates tangent
• 2:10:40 - Article Shout-out: The God Slayer interview
• 2:21:41 - Article Shout-outs: Demeo X Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked Review, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian Review
• 2:24:51 - Space samurai action RPG Sol Shogunate is coming to PC via Steam
• 2:27:45 - Dungeons of Dusk announced for PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android, macOS, and PC
• 2:31:14 - Sacred: Last Pixel of Ancaria announced
• 2:34:20 - Retro-style first-person fantasy action RPG Queen’s Domain announced for PC
• 2:37:17 - Fontworks LETS game font licensing cessation might affect Japanese game developer companies in 2026
• 2:46:07 - Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 "Into the Mist" gets new trailer, new Tom Morello collaboration revealed
• 2:51:51 - Code Vein II Prologue Trailer, Kyle McLeish trailer
• 2:52:38 - Elden Ring Nightreign's The Forsaken Hollows DLC has shipped over 2 million units worldwide
• 2:54:55 - Date updates: Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 Steam updates, Digimon Story: Time Stranger 1st DLC - Alternate Dimension, Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy Steam
• 2:59:20 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this week's episode, we review Demonschool, check out Sektori, and return to both The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy & Road to Empress.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:36 - Thanksgiving
• 6:13 - Programming notes going into 2026
• 8:01 - Demonschool
• 33:00 - Sektori
• 45:32 - The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy
• 56:25 - Road to Empress
• 1:16:56 - Magical Girl’s Witch Trial
• 1:27:38 - SacriFire open playtest set for January 2026
• 1:29:47 - Tsurugihime launches in Early Access in 2026
• 1:33:13 - Haishin Shoujo no Uraaka Meikyuu debut trailer
• 1:36:37 - Danganronpa 2x2 showcases new gameplay during Danganropa 15th Anniversary FES: Ultimate Appreciation Festival
• 1:41:10 - Octopath Traveler 0 screenshots showcase path actions, amity levels, party chat, ocean exploration, and three more travelers
• 1:44:04 - Sega confirms Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 upgrade options for PS5, Xbox, and Steam
• 1:58:01 - Another Eden x FF9 collab / AC Shadows x AoT collab / NieR x FFVII Ever Crisis
• 2:02:46 - Warframe's The Old Peace launches on December 10 for all platforms
• 2:03:37 - Caves of Qud for Nintendo Switch delayed to January 2026
• 2:04:08 - Wrap-up and sign-off