Tales from the Backlog

By Dave JacksonLeisure Video Games Games

Tales from the Backlog episodes

September 02229: The Beginner's Guide (with Matt aka Stormageddon - "Fun" and Games, Reignite)
Update 10/1/2026 Several references were made in this podcast to YouTuber and critic Jacob Geller and his work. This podcast was released before his sexual assualt on another person was brought to light. Matt and I condemn these actions, and our hearts go out to the victim and everybody else who had traumatic memories brought up to the surface by the news. -Dave
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
After the breakout success of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden's next game is a bit darker and a lot more personal. The Beginner's Guide (Everything Unlimited Ltd, 2015) examines a lot of things, but at the forefront is the relationships we have with others and some complex and slippery situations that can arise. To say more would be to start spoiling things, but luckily we have a discussion longer than the game itself. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them)
Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/
Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:16 Introductions
4:38 Our Histories with Davey Wreden's Games
9:49 Top-Level Thoughts
13:38 Story and Game Setup
19:53 Narration and Thematic Overview
24:42 Who Should Play?
31:53 "Fun" and Games and Reignite
37:36 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
39:51 Spoilers- Davey & Coda
58:53 Spoilers- Thematic Exploration
1:31:24 Spoilers- More Thematic Exploration
1:52:51 Spoilers- Ending
Music used in the episode is credited to Ryan Roth. Tracks used: Vertibrae, The Whisper Machine, Stars, D.S. Al Coda, Escape from This Place
Check out Dave on Super Pod Saga talking about some great games you can get for under $5 full price- https://superpodsaga.com/episodes/5-buck-bangers-downwell
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 32 min
August 26228: Golden Sun (with Rebekah Valentine)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
It's not every day you revisit a favorite game from your teenage years, but today is that day as special guest Rebekah Valentine (Kotaku) joins me to discuss Golden Sun, one of the most beloved Game Boy Advance games. Camelot and Nintendo ended up splitting the game into two, and in this episode we focus on the first game, though we do discuss The Lost Age quite a bit as well. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Rebekah Valentine (she/her)
Check out her work at Kotaku https://kotaku.com/author/rvalentine
Check out Reb's look back at Golden Sun https://kotaku.com/25-years-ago-golden-sun-video-game-adventure-2000721340
Check out Reb writing as if it were 2002 again https://kotaku.com/golden-sun-the-lost-age-sequel-warp-week-2000723015
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/duckvalentine.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:18 Introductions
5:30 Our Histories with Golden Sun
12:47 Top Level Thoughts
17:42 Acknowledging The Lost Age
25:31 Story Setup
33:50 Golden Sins and Silent Protagonists
44:29 Story Thoughts
52:25 Combat and Djinn System
1:09:18 Equipment, Resource Conservation, Puzzles
1:28:25 Soundtrack
1:38:22 Wrap-Up Thoughts and Who Should Play?
1:45:15 Reb's Work at Kotaku
1:50:06 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:52:27 Spoilers- Golden Sun's Story and The Lost Age Setup
2:12:42 Spoilers- Dave Might Play The Lost Age?
Music used in the episode is credited to Motoi Sakuraba. Tracks used: Main Theme, World Map, Enemy Battle, Lighthouse Theme, Sol Sanctum, Main Menu, Battle With Saturos, Vale and Vault
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 33 min
August 19227: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (with Gen Moonen - "Fun" and Games)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Gen Moonen ("Fun" and Games) as they discuss Konami's 2006 entry in the Castlevania franchise, Portrait of Ruin. By this point, the series had largely moved past dual-screen and touchscreen gimmicks, settling on putting the menus and map on the bottom screen with the action on top. Add in a dual-protagonist setup and you've got a recipe for a good metroidvania experience. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's likely got what you're looking for, and there's value in that. Check out the discussion for more, and as always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Gen Moonen (they/she)
Check out "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/gnoisegenerator.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:22 Introductions
6:56 Our Histories with Castlevania
12:40 Top-Level Thoughts
19:51 Story Setup and Dual Protagonists
24:52 Castlevania Stories and Humor
31:19 Character Swapping Gameplay
44:52 Metroid vs Vania
50:13 Boss Fights, Painted Worlds and The Castle
1:03:52 Metroidvania Upgrades
1:08:41 Visual Design
1:16:40 Who Should Play?
1:25:50 "Fun" and Games Podcast
1:30:31 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:32:44 Spoilers- Painted Worlds and The Vampire Killer
1:53:38 Spoilers- More Story & Boss Fights
Music used in the episode is credited to Michiru Yamane unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Gallery of Labyrinth, Invitation of a Crazed Moon (Yuzo Koshiro), Chaotic Playground, Victorian Fear, Name Entry, Crucifix Held Close, The Night Flows
Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about Final Fantasy X: https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 24 min
August 12226: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (with Andre - Fine Time)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Andre (Fine Time, Neo Geo Go!, The Silent Discographer) as they discuss Square Enix's latest entry in the main Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age. For a certain style of RPG (that Dragon Quest arguably pioneered), it doesn't get better than this. Dragon Quest XI doesn't reinvent any part of its genre, but executes at top level throughout, though we still have some questions about directions that the story goes. This is a masterpiece, and we hope you enjoy the conversation. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Andre (he/him)
Check out Fine Time https://fineti.me/
Check out Neo Geo Go! https://neogeogo.show/
Check out The Silent Discographer https://the-silent-discographer.simplecast.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/pizzadinosaur.fineti.me
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:31 Introductions
6:06 Our Histories with Dragon Quest
10:19 Top-Level Thoughts
18:16 Story Setup and Thoughts
32:59 Feels Like Coming Home- Art & Music
51:03 Tickington
54:46 Combat and The Fun-Sized Forge
1:10:14 Thoughts on the Silent Protagonist
1:18:36 Lightning Round Thoughts
1:23:32 Who Should Play?
1:28:35 Andre's Podcasts
1:34:12 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:37:07 Spoilers- Some Early-Ish Story Talk
1:50:18 Spoilers- Act 2 Story
2:00:33 Spoilers- Act 3 Story
Music used in the episode is credited to Koichi Sugiyama. Tracks used: Overture, The Hero Goes Forth with Determination, Olé! Sylvando!, Unflinchable Courage, Bustling Town, Rab the Wizard, Light Though the Leaves of Love, Echoes of an Elusive Age
Check out Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about our favorite video game soundtracks: https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/
Check out Dave on The Rookie Run talking about Ocarina of Time https://www.youtube.com/@TheRookieRunVideoGamePodcast
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 33 min
August 05225: Arco (with Luis Aguasvivas)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Luis Aguasvivas as they discuss Arco (Franek, Max Cahill, Bibiki and Fayer, 2024). Arco blends tactical turn-based combat with a revenge story spanning multiple protagonists. It's an ambitious game that coalesces in some magical ways, but falls short in some others, making it ripe for discussion. As always, no spoilers in the episode for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Luis Aguasvivas (he/they)
Check out Luis's writing https://aguaspoints.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aguaspoints.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:20 Introductions
3:56 Our Histories with Arco
6:52 Top-Level Thoughts
13:13 Story Setup
17:52 Multiple Protagonist Structure
22:58 Dramatic Irony and Post-Colonial Narratives
28:48 Visual Design
35:33 Soundtrack
40:13 Combat
49:38 Fantasy Elements and Morality System
1:03:55 Who Should Play?
1:07:55 Luis' Writing
1:11:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:14:20 Spoilers- Different Story Paths
1:26:01 Spoilers- Act Five
1:39:41 Spoilers- Tizo's Story
1:51:22 Spoilers- Violence as Interaction in Games
2:01:54 Spoilers- Fighting the Ocean in Historical Fiction
Music used in the episode is credited to Bibiki. Tracks used: Arena y Alquitrán, Forgotten Memories, Blood Spit, Whispers of Magic, Where Iyos Live, Sempiternal
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 15 min
July 29224: Titanium Court (with Emily Merritt - No Small Games)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Emily Merritt (No Small Games) as they do their best to unpack AP Thompson's Titanium Court. Even AP Thompson's simplified description of "a match-3 tower defense game for people who like to read" still hides a mountain of detail, so this was a fun discussion about those component parts and especially how they tie together into a genuinely interesting narrative and commentary on the way we play games and "consume" media in general. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
Guest info: Emily Merritt (she/her)
Check out No Small Games https://nosmallgames.com/
Follow on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/aspecificegg
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title
0:20 Introductions
4:52 Our Histories with Titanium Court
8:18 Top-Level Thoughts
14:59 Story Setup and Worldbuilding
22:46 Theatre Inspiration and Humor
33:02 Visual Design
41:04 Music
48:45 Gameplay- Jobs and Goals
59:23 Gameplay- High/Low Tide
1:12:22 "Addictive" Games
1:17:24 Who Should Play?
1:23:04 No Small Games
1:28:19 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:30:17 Spoilers- Curses Lifted
1:45:11 Spoilers- Story Discussion
1:57:00 Spoilers- Story, Continued
Music used in the episode is credited to AP Thompson. You can purchase the soundtrack on Steam. Tracks used: Chimera Solo, Timeskip Titlecard and the Ten Years Later, The One AP Doesn't Like, Metamind Defense Grid Blues, Biome Select, Fourth Quarter, For a Dollar
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 32 min
July 22223: Pokémon Conquest (with Jared Moss - Play Along Podcast)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Jared Moss (Play Along Podcast) as they take over the land in Pokémon Conquest. This crossover between Pokémon and Nobunaga's Ambition puts the familiar monsters in tactical grid-based combat, with satisfying (if slow) progression. It's a fun twist on the familiar, even if it makes zero effort to tell an accompanying story with any juice. Please enjoy the discussion, and as always- no spoilers for a while!
Guest info: Jared Moss (he/him)
Listen to Play Along Podcast https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/playalong.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:27 Introductions
5:20 Our Histories with Pokémon/Conquest
9:17 Top-Level Thoughts
16:10 Story Setup and Thoughts
23:31 Teambuilding and Conquering the Land
37:43 Turn-Based Tactics
55:48 The Gateway to Grand Strategy?
1:06:13 Soundtrack
1:08:03 Wrap-Up Thoughts
1:12:39 Pacing for Handheld Play
1:16:36 Who Should Play?
1:21:13 Play Along Podcast
1:26:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:28:04 Spoilers- Favorite Pokémon and Teams
1:42:58 Spoilers- Story and Final Fights
Music used in the episode is credited to Shin-ichiro Nakamura, Ayako Toyoda and Takashi Yoshida. Tracks used: Main Theme, Episode Opening, Normal Battle, Dungeon Theme 1, Map Theme 1, Staff Roll
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 6 min
July 15Video Game Music Appreciation 101 (with Rick Firestone & Charlie Young)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guests Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) and Charlie Young for an introductory lesson about how to listen to and discuss video game music in more effective ways. The episode starts with some terminology and examples, then moves to a "close listening" exercise where you can apply what was taught earlier. Hope you enjoy!
Guest info:
Charlie Young (he/him)
Rick Firestone (he/him)
Check out Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card and Introductions
2:00 Topic Introduction
7:36 Developing a Palate- Melody, Harmony, Rhythm
19:37 Developing a Palate- Timbre, Instrument Choice, Dynamics
33:42 Developing a Palate- Texture and Form
46:07 Developing a Palate- Character, Affect
1:00:39 Patron Thank-Yous
1:02:39 Close Listening- Champion Cynthia (Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)
1:14:43 Close Listening- Decisive Battle: Yu Yevon (Final Fantasy X)
1:29:04 Close Listening- Gone Angels (Library of Ruina)
1:48:02 Close Listening- Alicia (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
2:09:02 Outro and Pixel Project Radio
Music used in the episode:
Earthbound OST- The Runaway Five on the Move! (Akio Ohmori, Ritsuo Kamimura, Keiichi Suzuki, Hirokazu Tanaka)
Blue Prince OST- Stories of All Manor (Trigg & Gusset)
Super Mario Bros OST- Ground Theme (Koji Kondo)
Final Fantasy IX OST- Vivi's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu)
Final Fantasy IX OST- Steiner's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu)
Dark Souls OST- Gwyn, Lord of Cinder (Motoi Sakuraba)
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector OST- Signalchaser (Amos Roddy)
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum OST- Champion Cynthia (Go Ichinose)
Final Fantasy X OST- Final Battle (Masashi Hamauzu)
Final Fantasy X OST- Zanarkand (Nobuo Uematsu)
Library of Ruina OST- Gone Angels (Studio EIM)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST- Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier)
Video-
5th Elite Four Battle Cynthia- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vzpDrO9dH0
Pokemon Trauma Cynthia Battle Flashbacks- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEKlXY-SYc
Final Fantasy X Trailer- https://youtu.be/riNzVUJumM8
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 17 min
July 08222: Mina the Hollower (with Matt aka Stormageddon - "Fun" and Games)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite podcasts) as they discuss Yacht Club Games' long-awaited action adventure game, Mina the Hollower. Blending several influences from The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, FromSoftware's catalogue and more, Mina the Hollower still managed to carve out a strong identity of its own while leaving a lasting impression. Listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while.
Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them)
Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/
Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Title Card
0:23 Introductions
6:41 Personal Histories with Yacht Club Games
12:34 Top-Level Thoughts
20:08 Story Setup and Weapon Choice
23:20 Exploring Influences
28:50 Visual Design and GBC Aesthetic
32:47 Burrowing Gives Mina Its Identity
43:47 Ways to Mitigate Difficulty
58:14 Open-Ended Structure and Exploration
1:09:07 Lightning Round!
1:14:34 Modifiers, Feats and Achievements
1:25:04 Music and Sound
1:34:43 Who Should Play?
1:40:15 "Fun" and Games, Reignite Podcasts
1:46:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
1:48:13 Spoilers- Weapons, Areas, Bosses
2:12:43 Spoilers- Final Boss and Ending
Music used in the episode is credited to Jake Kaufman unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Cinematic - Intro, A Sinking Feeling (Loner's Landing), The Congealed, Gator Gallop (Nox's Bayou), A Sickly Shore (Bone Beach), Central Ossex, The Brilliant Truth (Radiant Manor), End Credits
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
2 hr 37 min
July 01221: Minishoot' Adventures (with Roger Reichardt - Gamerheads Podcast)
Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Join Dave and special guest Roger Reichardt of Gamerheads Podcast as they discuss Soulgame Stuidio's 2024 top-down twin-stick shooting adventure, Minishoot' Adventures. The weird apostrophe will catch your attention, but the fantastic controls and satisfying gameplay will keep you grinning from ear to ear from start to finish. Or at least, that's how it went for us. As always, no spoilers in the episode until we warn you!
Guest info: Roger Reichardt (he/him)
Check out Gamerheads https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/
Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rogueleader76.bsky.social
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Preview and Title Card
0:22 Introductions
5:30 Our Histories with Minishoot' Adventures
11:35 Top-Level Thoughts
18:28 Story Setup and Storytelling
26:44 A More Approachable Bullet Hell
34:06 Very Reasonable Challenge
39:27 Sound and Visual Design
45:57 Exploration and World Structure
56:16 Soundtrack
1:01:41 Wrap-Up Thoughts
1:06:32 Who Should Play?
1:09:31 Gamerheads Podcast
1:13:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
1:15:59 Spoilers- The Secret of the Apostrophe
1:19:33 Spoilers- Story Talk
Music used in the episode is credited to Séverin Larose. Tracks used: Main Title, Dungeon, Boss, Battle, Overworld, Credits
Check out an interview with Séverin Larose on "Fun" and Games podcast: https://funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-210-minishoot-adventures
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
Support Tales from the Backlog
1 hr 41 min

About Tales from the Backlog

From the publisher's feed

A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no…