RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this week's Random Encounter, we're discussing a mobile-based gacha spinoff of a beloved JRPG and a Wii U classic that has finally made its way to a modern console!

Persona 5 has more than its share of spinoffs, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, and Persona 5 Tactica, and now there is a new game to add to the list: Persona 5: The Phantom X. This mobile and PC game is a full-fledged JRPG, but one with dozens of gacha mechanics in the way of a smooth gameplay experience. Was Audra able to get over these revenue traps to enjoy the solid game beneath?

And then Ben is here to talk about the first 100 in RPGFan history: Xenoblade Chronicles X! This classic JRPG was released on the Wii U, where no one really played it (but to be fair, no one really played the Wii U either). But now it's available on the Nintendo Switch, so no one has an excuse not to play this spectacular early entry in the long-running, beloved Xenoblade series! 

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Persona 5: The Phantom X Review
Persona 5 Review
Persona 5 Royal Review
Persona 5 Strikers Review
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Review
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're playing an updated classic, a spin-off of a modern classic, and talking about the weirdest game I have heard of in a long time!

First up, Mark is taking off his nostalgia goggles to give the recent remaster of the CRPG classic Neverwinter Nights 2 an updated look! Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition follows many other enhanced editions of classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale. Does this new version live up to his fond memories of the original?

Then, Sean is here to chat about the newest entry in the AI: The Somnium Files series, No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files. Does it live up to his expectations of the series so far, or did it lull him to sleep unlike poor Kaname Date?

Oh, and then we talk about an insane horse-girl-gacha game for a while because I honestly can't believe this thing exists!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Mark Roddison, and Sean Cabot; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition Review
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're back to business as usual! Not-E3 and the release of the Switch 2 hit us like a hammer. But now that things have finally settled down, it's time to chat about some games!

First up, Aleks gets a chance to talk up the long-awaited Chapters 3+4 of Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale, Deltarune! Chapters 1+2 released in 2018 and 2021 respectively, so for folks out there starved for Fox's trademark meta-narratives and ear-delighting music, these new chapters are a balm to the SOUL.

Then, Zek is here to talk about the new remaster of the PS2-era Atlus action RPG, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, now titled RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army! Now with improved graphics, a revamped combat system, and a slightly shorter title, will fans of Atlus' modern output like Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio find anything to love in this film-noir, detective-styled world?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Deltarune (Chapters 1+2) Review
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army Review
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we've finally recovered from Not-E3, so now it's time to talk about the Switch 2!

Nintendo's long-awaited follow-up to the Switch has finally released and, surprise, it's still the Switch! The Nintendo Switch 2 is burning up the sales charts and already consuming countless hours of folks' time. That said, there has been some controversy, including limited launch titles, 'digital' physical game cards, and major battery issues. Tune in as Jono chats with Tom and Paul about their experiences with the Switch 2 thus far and where they hope the console will go in the future!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Tom Cox, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Random Encounter 324 – Not-E3 2025 Extravaganza!
RPGs Coming This Week, 6/1/25

On this week's Random Encounter, the Summer Game Fest (AKA Not-E3) season is officially upon us!

For video game fans, this period is like early Christmas. With nonstop gaming announcements, there is something for everyone! This week, our panel has been working hard keeping up with all the major events, so it's time to share our favourite games from across the showcases! 

Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Mike Salbato, Stephanie Sybydlo, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
RGG Studio’s Project Century is Now Stranger Than Heaven in Summer Game Fest Teaser
Code Vein II Revealed, Coming 2026
Lies of P: Overture Available Now for Consoles, PC
Blighted is Drinkbox Studios’ Newest Metroidvania, Releasing 2026
Atomic Heart II Reveal Showcases Open-World Firefights, Mutant Wildlife & Robots
Mina the Hollower to Bring Spooky 8-Bit Action on October 31st
Moonlighter 2 Trailer Details Dynamic 3D Action & Shopkeeping Strategy
Dosa Divas to Stir Up Trouble and Serve It in 2026
Here’s Our First Look at TOEM 2’s Gameplay
Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School Announced at Summer Game Fest
Neverway is a Spooky Take on Life Sims
OFF To Launch Digitally on Switch, PC on August 15th
Persona 4 Revival Teaser at Xbox Games Showcase 2025

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out!

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Zek Lu, Tin Manuel, and Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

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This Episode's Related Links:
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Soundtrack Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic!

First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it lives up to this universal acclaim?

And then, Matt revisits a childhood favorite filled with nostalgia: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. It boasts some excellent quality-of-life changes and a fresh coat of paint while still keeping the wonderful "jank" of the original. Will this remaster live up to Matt's cherished memories of the original?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review
MattWardellWrites

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX!

First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven?

And then, Zach is here to chat about a series very near and dear to us here at RPGFan: Lunar! The Lunar Remastered Collection is finally out, packaging Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar: Eternal Blue Complete in one package! Zach has played through both games many times, but did the new quality-of-life features enhance his experience?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Blue Prince Review
Lunar Remastered Collection Review
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Leaks on Dev Site

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week!

First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT. Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world?

Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everything we hoped for, but there could be some warning signs for this new console as we move further into 2025. Tariffs, presales, and bear (markets), oh my.

Featuring: Jono Logan, Dom Kim, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
AI LIMIT Review
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct RPG Rundown
Deltarune Chapters 1-4 Will Launch on June 5th [UPDATE]
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Releases This Winter on Switch 2
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster Is Coming to Switch 2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Will Have Switch 2 Editions
Here’s What’s Coming to Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Lineup
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition To Grace Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025
SEGA Bringing Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut to Switch 2 with English Voice Option & More
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Coming to Switch 2
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Revealed as Switch 2 Launch Title

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop!

Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series!

Tom also recently played the latest game from The Stanley Parable's Davey Wreden, Wanderstop. What appears to be a simple cozy game on the surface is actually a deep and thoughtful meditation on how to recover from burnout (something I think many of us can relate to, given the last few years). Will it appeal to both fans of the genre and those who are looking for a more narrative-based experience?

And finally, Jono gets to chat about an amazing new visual novel from the geniuses at inkle, Expelled! An Overboard! Game. This follow-up to 2021's Overboard! might be the perfect sequel, delivering everything that made the original great while also advancing the gameplay and world. If you're a fan of deductive games or visual novels, it is a must-play!

Featuring: Jono Logan and Tom Naylor; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Wanderstop Review
Expelled! An Overboard! Game Review
Overboard! Review