RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series!

First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but does it live up to their hopes?

Then, Zek chats about the excellent (though slightly light on content) new entry in the Monster Hunter franchise: Monster Hunter: Wilds. The series has become more and more popular in the West with every entry. Will this new game make a similar impression on the fanbase?

Finally, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that came out of nowhere in 2024, is nearing release in April. Zek played through the demo, and it sounds like it might just live up to, or even exceed, RPG fans' expectations!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Zek Lu, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars Review
Monster Hunter Wilds Review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Hands-on Preview

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025!

We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FPS perspective. Jerry is a massive Pillars fan, so does he think Avowed does Skyrim better than Skyrim?

Then, Jono is here to chat about the latest Like a Dragon game, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. For the first time since the Yakuza Kiwami 2 DLC, we get to play as the Mad Dog of Shimano himself, Goro Majima. Or should we say Sea Dog, as Majima has taken up a new profession as a pirate captain. Pirate Yakuza looks wild, but does it deliver all the high-seas hijinks it promises?

Featuring: Jono Logan and Jerry Williams; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Avowed Review
Pillars of Eternity Review
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian!

For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glance. But don't worry because our panel is here to let you in on our maple-scented secrets.

Steph is ready to virtually chat about 1000xResist, a 2024 GOTY contender from Vancouver-based developer Sunset Visitor. Matt is sailing the dead seas with Spiritfarer from Montreal-based developer Thunder Lotus Games. Jono is solving the mystery of The Crimson Diamond, created by Toronto-based solo dev Julia Minamata. And Aleks is storming the cottage of Toronto-based developer Black Tabby Games to Slay the Princess! And that's just the beginning!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, Matt Wardell, and Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
1000xResist Review
Spiritfarer Review
The Crimson Diamond Review
Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut Review
Sea of Stars Review
Lil' Guardsman Review
To the Moon Review
A Bird Story Review
Finding Paradise Review
Impostor Factory Review
Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode Review
Rogue Legacy Review
Rogue Legacy 2 (Early Access) Review
Nobody Saves the World Review
Crypt of the NecroDancer Review
Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda Review
Darkest Dungeon Review
Darkest Dungeon II Review
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Review
Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition Review
Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition Review
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown Review
SEASON: A letter to the future Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy!

First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper, Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this could be the sleeper hit of 2025!

Next, Paul dives into Tales of Graces f Remastered, experiencing a classic Tales game for the first time. Bandai Namco has been on a roll with Tales re-releases, and this remaster brings Tales of Graces, originally a 2009 Japan-only Wii game (and later a 2012 English PS3 release), back with updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements. With one of the best combat systems in the series, is it worth revisiting?

And finally, the panel discusses Sony’s failed foray into live-service gaming. With major cancellations making headlines, what went wrong (I'll give you a hint: The answer rhymes with Portnite)?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, and Paul Skevington; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Review
Citizen Sleeper Review
Tales of Graces f Remastered Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases!

First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to provide a much more streamlined action-RPG experience. But did Origins manage to land a successful combo on Wes?

Next, Abe shares his thoughts on Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. This remaster of 2005’s PSP title Ys: The Oath in Felghana, itself a remake of 1989’s Famicom classic Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, brings the series back into the spotlight. Does it feel like a relic of the past, or does it shine as brightly as it did in the PSP’s glory days?

Finally, the entire panel weighs in on the Switch 2 announcement trailer and shares their hopes for Nintendo’s new console in 2025!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Dynasty Warriors: Origins Review
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition Review
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review
Fire Emblem Warriors Review
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Review
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana Review

On this first episode of Random Encounter for 2025, Jono is missing, and it's up to the panel to find him!

Just kidding; we aren't a semi-educational game from the 1990s. Jono has bronchitis this week, so it's up to the brand-new full-time host of Retro Encounter, Zach Wilkerson, to fill in for him!

Joining Zach is Neal, who is chatting about the recent remake of one of the first RPG indie hits ever: Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated. Released on Xbox Live Arcade back in 2011, Zeboyd Games' original Breath of Death VII delivered a fun, retro-style JRPG with nostalgic 8-bit graphics. This remake updates the visuals to stunning 16-bit while also delivering a brand-new soundtrack from HyperDuck SoundWorks! Does this remake live up to the original?

Audra is also joining the panel to chat about the Ace Attorney-inspired adventure Paper Perjury. With delightfully pixelated graphics and compelling mysteries galore, did Paper Perjury have Audra standing up, pointing her finger, and screaming "Objection?"

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Audra Bowling, and Neal Chandran; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated Review
Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Review
Paper Perjury Review

In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025!

Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year?

From Avowed to the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, it's time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our excitement for what 2025 has in store!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Aleks Franiczek, Kyle Cantelon, Wes Iliff, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
RPGFan’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of 2025

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2024!

After a few rocky years, The Game Awards have finally hit their stride for their 10th anniversary. There were some astonishing reveals, wonderful tributes, and a surprising amount of empathy for those struggling in today's gaming industry. With announcements ranging from the epic (The Witcher IV) to the epically unexpected (Elden Ring Nightreign) this show had it all. All in all, it was a pretty fun three-plus hours!

With so much to talk about, we've assembled a panel ready to dive into the details of the show and chat about all the games that have us excited for 2025 and beyond!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Claton Stevenson, Gio Castillo, and Tin Manuel; Edited by Jono Logan

Get in Touch:
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Email us: [email protected]
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This Episode's Related Links:
Ōkami Sequel Revealed; Hideki Kamiya to Reprise Director Role
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Coming to PC on January 23rd, 2025
Final Fantasy XVI’s Clive Rosfield Joins Tekken 8
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Locks in February 4th Release Date
Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware’s New Co-op Roguelike Action RPG
Dave the Diver’s Adventures Continue With In the Jungle DLC, Debuts Late 2025
The Witcher IV Wows During Game Awards Reveal
The Outer Worlds 2 First Gameplay Trailer Showcases Action, Weapons, and Wit

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about previews of two games we're excited for in 2025!

First up is a hands-on preview of Obsidian's newest first-person RPG, Avowed. A spin-off from the beloved Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is being presented as Obsidian's answer to Skyrim. That said, it has an identity all its own, avoiding the full-on open world for a series of expansive zones, similar to their previous RPG, The Outer Worlds. Mark got a chance to play through some of the early game, and he is excited to share his impressions!

Next, we sent Zek all the way down to LA for a hands-on preview of Path of Exile 2, the sequel to the long-running, free-to-play action RPG, Path of Exile. What started as a Diablo-clone has evolved into a game with a massive community of fans who support the game through cosmetics and other ethical in-app purchases. Does this sequel live up to the standard set by the original, or did they literally sell out? Zek thinks it's the latter, and we hope so too!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Mark Roddison, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan

Get in Touch:
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Email us: [email protected]
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This Episode's Related Links:
Avowed is a Comfortable Return to Eora Preview
Pillars of Eternity Review
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Review
The Outer Worlds Review
Path of Exile 2 Hands-On Preview: Off to a Thrilling & Promising Start
Path of Exile Review

On this episode of Random Encounter, we are chatting about a long-awaited remake and an unexpected spin-off!

First, Zach is here to share his experience with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. This ground-up remake of the beloved Famicom/NES JRPG has been a long time coming, first announced in 2021. With updated graphics, mechanics, storyline, and scope, this second coming of DQIII (or given prior remakes, third coming? Maybe fourth? No, fifth!) might be the perfect jumping-on point for folks interested in the iconic, long-running series!

Then, Caitlin joins us to discuss one of the most unexpected spin-offs in years: LEGO Horizon Adventures. Essentially a lighthearted remake of the first game in the Horizon series, Horizon Zero Dawn, LEGO Horizon takes everything we love about this beautiful post-apocalyptic world and translates it into LEGO. That means stunning Lego recreations of many machine beasts, including Watchers, Thunderjaws, and Tallnecks! Does this LEGO spin-off capture what makes the Horizon series so special?

And finally, hey, we chat about politics for a while because this is the world we live in.

Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

Get in Touch:
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This Episode's Related Links:
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review
Lego Horizon Adventures Review