RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this week's Random Encounter, we're delving into two recent farm-sim RPGs, exploring if they bring anything new to the genre.

First, Niki takes us through the remaster/remake of the classic DS farm-sim Rune Factory 3 Special. Is there anything genuinely special about it, or should you stick with more recent entries of the series? Following that, Sam visits the enchanting universe of Fae Farm. Does it set itself apart in the saturated market of farming simulations, or do the numerous bugs salt the fields for the future of this title? Finally, our panel takes a moment to consider the influence of the original SNES Harvest Moon. How has this classic shaped the farm-sim genre, and what traces of its legacy can be found in modern titles?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Niki Fakhoori, and Sam-James Gordon; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Rune Factory 3 Special Review
Rune Factory 5 Review
Fae Farm Review
Harvest Moon Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're blasting off to new galaxies and sailing through enchanted seas with two of the most anticipated RPGs of 2023!

First, Noah navigates the cosmic expanses of Starfield, Bethesda's highly anticipated space exploration RPG. With the expectations of Skyrim in Space ringing in everyone's ears, does Starfield end up living up to the hype? Or does it end up crashing to Earth (along with crashing to our desktops)?

Then, Caitlin sets sail to mysterious islands in the retro-RPG Sea of Stars. Set in the same world as The Messenger, this indie gem combines classic JRPG elements with vibrant 2D graphics. Caitlin dives into the game's unique combat system, captivating story, and unforgettable soundtrack. Does Sea of Stars shine as bright as its celestial namesake?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, and Noah Leiter; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Starfield Review
Sea of Stars Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're diving into the realms of fantasy and musical adventure!

First, Abe takes on the epic challenge of reviewing Baldur's Gate III, the long-awaited CRPG sequel that brings Dungeons & Dragons to life! With intricate storytelling, deep character customization, and intense tactical combat, does it roll a nat 20? Then, Audra explores the harmonious world of Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. Combining the thrill of RPGs with the beauty of musical theatre, Stray Gods offers a unique experience filled with memorable characters and catchy tunes. Does it hit the right notes for Audra?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Abraham Kobylanski, and Audra Bowling; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Baldur's Gate III
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition Review
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition Review
Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're stepping into the wrestling ring and exploring an anti-RPG!

First, Neal gets into his tights and fights for the title with WrestleQuest, a pixel RPG that echoes the golden era of professional wrestling. Filled with iconic wrestles and thrilling moves, does it pin Neal's attention? Then, Ben explores the mysterious world of 24 Killers, an anti-RPG in the style of Moon. Filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and absurd plot twists, does it live up to the classic PSX-era of anti-RPGs?

Featuring: Jono Logan, Neal Chandran, and Ben Love; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
WrestleQuest Showcases Gameplay in Developer Walkthrough
24 Killers Review
Moon Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're looking at a lost Nintendo game, and what might become one of the greatest RPG soundtracks of all time.

If you are from the West, you may not have heard of Marvelous: Another Treasure Island. This late-era SNES/Super Famicom title was never localized, but it had a massive impact on gaming history, especially for The Legend of Zelda franchise. Josh chats with us about if the game holds up today, or if it is a link best left in the past. And then Patrick is here for a mini-Rhythm Encounter to talk about a potential "Music of the Year" contender, the Octopath Traveler II soundtrack! Let's break and boost!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Patrick Gann, and Joshua Lindquist; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Marvelous: Another Treasure Island Review
Octopath Traveler II Original Soundtrack Review
Octopath Traveler II Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're finally breaking free of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Not-E3, and Final Fantasy XVI! Time to talk about some (other) games!

First up, Audra delights in the RPG crossover to end all RPG crossovers, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. Probably not the game you want to try to get into the Trails series, but if you're a fan, it's a must-play. And then Peter takes a deep dive into the world of anime detectives and sexy ghosts in the new title from the creator of Danganronpa, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code.

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, and Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie Review
So you want to get into The Trails Series…
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Review

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about Final Fantasy XVI!

It's been six years since the last numbered Final Fantasy game, but the wait is finally over, and Final Fantasy XVI has finally arrived! There's so much to talk about that we're dedicating an entire episode to it, hosted by our FFXVI reviewer, Zach! Whether you've just started the demo or have already beaten the game, there is something in this Random Encounter for everyone who is excited about this brand-new fantasy epic!

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Ben Love, Caitlin Argyros, David Silbert & Des Miller; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Final Fantasy XVI Review

On this week's Random Encounter, it's all about Not-E3!

 If you're a video game fan, Not-E3 week is like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween all rolled into one! Though a few shows are still coming up next week, the big ones are all finished, and our panel is here to discuss the massive amount of RPG and adventure game news and trailers that dropped! It's one of the biggest episodes of the year, and we've assembled a fantastic panel, so let's talk about some games!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Alvin Lim, Hilary Andreff, Mike Salbato, & Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Coming Early 2024 on Two Discs
Kiryu Returns As Joryu in Like a Dragon Gaiden, Launching November 9th
Action RPG Sand Land Highlights Akira Toriyama’s Signature Style in Debut Trailer
Baldur’s Gate III Reveals Actor Jason Isaacs To Voice Antagonist Enver Gortash
Freedom Games Announces Dark Deity 2
Control Pinnochio’s Strings in Lies of P Demo
New Trailer Emerges for Path of Exile 2
New Demonschool Trailer Showcases Dark Atmosphere and Stylish Battles
Create Your Own Zelda-like Dungeons in Quest Master on PC, Switch
SacriFire Heats Up With New Trailer
SEGA and RGG Studio Reveal Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth with Tasteful Nudity
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis Summer Game Fest Hands-On Impressions
Final Fantasy XVI Demo Out Tomorrow, June 12th
Project Re Fantasy Resurfaces as Metaphor: ReFantazio; Persona 3 Reload, 5 Tactica Confirmed

On this week's Random Encounter, we're seeing the beginnings of the Not-E3 season!

If you're a video game fan, it's getting close to the most wonderful time of the year! There are slightly under two weeks until Summer Game Fest, but we still have a ton of news to discuss from Wednesday's PlayStation Showcase and Thursday's Marvelous Game Showcase, including Final Fantasy XVI, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Rune Factory 6. Join our panel to learn all about the RPGs and adventure games we will be playing in 2023 and 2024 (and heck, we might also talk about some games that aren't RPGs)!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Alvin Lim, Des Miller, Izzy Parsons; Edited by Jono Logan

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This Episode's Related Links:
Phantom Blade Zero Announced for PlayStation 5
Cat Quest: Pirates of the Purribean Drops Anchor in 2024
New “Salvation” Trailer for Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI Preview: The First 5 Hours
Granblue Fantasy: Relink Adventures Onto PS5, PS4 This Winter
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Showcases Mythical Monsters, Magic, and Danger in Debut Trailer

On this Saturday's emergency Random Encounter, we're discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!

We've assembled a panel of three people who loved Breath of the Wild, one who liked it, and one who just wasn't a fan. The plan was to meet up to talk about the entirety of TOTK, beginning to end. Unfortunately, that plan ran directly into a major roadblock, which was that TOTK has got to be one of the most massive games ever made. So, here are our 40+-hour impressions instead! Is it as good as we all hoped? 

Featuring: Jono Logan, Des Miller, Izzy Parsons, Joshua Lindquist, and Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan

Get in Touch:
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Email us: [email protected]
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This Episode's Related Links:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Review
Random Encounter 268 - A Latte to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Review