The Reformed Gamers

TRG turns 7!

Logan, Skinner, and Adam gather around the digital table to reminisce over the last 7 years of TRG before diving in to some of our favorite games of 2021. Every year, we give out a series of awards and this year is no different! This year, the awards are:

• Biggest Surprise (50:29)
• Best Indie (1:00:42)
• It's Not You, It's Me (1:06:54)
• In The Feels (1:15:39)
• Deer Listener Award (1:25:12)
• 2021 Game of the Year Picks (1:32:58)

Special shout-out to our Deer Listeners of 2021: Alex Castellanos, the TRG Discord Mods, Sound of the Raign, Kokorodaki, ChefJhai!

Housekeeping (13:54)

What We're Playing (20:01)

Topic (44:44)

Reco's (1:48:42)

• Bible Memory App
• Calico Board Game
• Foster/Adopt
• Missions Support/Perspectives Class
• Pray
• Share TRG with friends/family/etc.
• Check out model Gundams
• Watch Encanto

As always, if you like what we do here at TRG, consider supporting the show over on Patreon to net yourself perks like early, uncut access to every new episode!

Mukwano Coffee Promo
Mukwano Coffee is hooking listeners up! Head over to www.mukwanocoffee.com and use code TRG to get 10% off your order!

You can catch up with TRG by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and join our Discord server for community game nights!

Merry Christmas from TRG!

As 2021 draws to a close, for Christmas, we're bringing you our biggest episode of 2021 yet! There is one divisive game that we have yet to cover: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword! With a brand new release on the Nintendo Switch, it's up to Logan to figure out the differences between the original release and this new HD remaster. Joining Logan is friend of the show, Jonathan Steele, and former Legend of Zelda speed-runner, Derek Smith, to share their frustrations and highlights of this polarizing entry in the Legend of Zelda series.

Housekeeping (5:19)

• What Aspire & Celeste Have In Common
• Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl Review
• Heavenly Bodies Review

Mukwano Coffee Promo
Mukwano Coffee is hooking listeners up! Head over to www.mukwanocoffee.com and use code TRG to get 10% off your order!

What We're Playing (6:32)

Topic (32:36)

Non Spoiler Review (37:03)

Spoiler Discussion (55:00)

Patron Thank You's! (1:44:28)

A big thank you to our Patreon supporters for the month of December: Alex Castellanos, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, CongratsOn200EpisodesTRG.ThatIsAnImpressiveAccomplishment.HowLongCanIMakeThisUsername.WhoaItJustKeepsGoingAndGoingAndGoingAndGo., Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, Josh Broccolo, Kiefer Winborn, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matthew Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, Nate McKeever, Paige Pinson, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, Vincent Yu, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Recos (1:45:55)

• It Takes Two
• Button Shy Games
• Rocket League Sideswipe
• Spread some Christmas cheer
• Listen to some Christmas cheer

As always, if you like what we do here at TRG, consider supporting the show over on Patreon to net yourself perks like early, uncut access to every new episode!

You can catch up with TRG by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and join our Discord server for community game nights!

Designing an app is not easy. Releasing it to the public is not easy. So how did Charles Watson come up with, release, and maintain The GG App? Join me as I sit down with Charles and discuss the origins of The GG App, dealing with competition and theft of ideas, to where he sees the app going in the future.

Follow GG

• Twitter
• Website

Mukwano Coffee Promo
Mukwano Coffee is hooking listeners up! Head over to www.mukwanocoffee.com and use code TRG to get 10% off your order!

Timestamps

Housekeeping (4:37)

• The Halo Hype Is Real

What We're Playing (6:31)

Topic (16:22)

Recos & Closing (53:44)

• Join the TRG Forza Horizon 5 Club
• Halo Infinite

As always, if you like what we do here at TRG, consider supporting the show over on Patreon to net yourself perks like early, uncut access to every new episode!

You can catch up with TRG by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and join our Discord server for community game nights!

From all of us here at TRG: Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have this problem of the never-ending backlog. Is that a good thing? Or are we approaching video games differently than we do other things like books and movies? The guys from the Backlog Breakdown Podcast join me this week to discuss!

Check out The Backlog Breakdown on Twitter and listen to their show!

Timestamps:

Housekeeping (7:18)

• Check out the latest episode of Metroid Dread
• Skyward Sword HD Almost Sent Me Back to Therapy

What We're Playing (8:31)

Topic (26:54)

Patron Thank You's & Recos! (1:16:12)

As always, if you like what we do here at TRG, consider supporting the show over on Patreon to net yourself perks like early, uncut access to every new episode!

You can catch up with TRG by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and join our Discord server for community game nights!

Metroid Dread is better than Super Metroid. It’s a scientifically verified fact with experts and fact checkers.

Or so we hear. Metroid Dread has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch, reinvigorating the Metroid fanbase. But does it have what it takes to stand in the halls of the great Metroids before it? We argue that it not only does, but it reigns as the best 2D Metroid in the series. Jonathan Steele (of Episode 202) returns to help discuss this amazing GOTY contender.

Time-Stamps

Housekeeping (5:33)

• I Played Metroid Dread For An Entire Month
• The Potential Problem of Xbox Game Pass
• Is Halo Infinite's Multiplayer Releasing Monday?

What We Are Playing (6:55)

Topic (25:10)

Spoiler Territory (46:38)

Reco's! (1:27:22)

• Under Falling Skies (Board Game)
• Total Party Kill (Mobile Game)
• Pray for Logan's Adoption
• Metroid Content on YouTube

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.

The fourth installment in the long running Final Fantasy series introduced us to a hero who did a great evil. In 1991, Square released a game that was not only fun but had us asking questions about redemption and just how far someone can go before they cannot be forgiven. Hailed as one of the best Final Fantasy games, and JRPGs of all time, join us as we discuss Final Fantasy IV.

Joining this episode is Aki of AkiAndPeach. Head on over to their channel to check out their latest content and catch them live on Twitch!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AkiandPeach

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/akiandpeach

Housekeeping (6:21)

• Conquer Shinespark Challenges in Metroid Dread

What We're Playing (7:23)

Topic (31:21)

• Spoiler Territory begins at 31:21

Reco's! (53:53)

• Check out the new Dune film
• Destiny 2 Witch Expansion
• Support Logan's Adoption by Praying
• Check out one of the Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.

Terrible - causing or likely to cause terror; sinister.

With Halloween coming up, it's fitting for gamers everywhere to play and revisit some of their favorite scary video games. TRG is doing the same but with a game that may not be on everyone's radar: Metroid Fusion. The Metroid series has always been accustomed to themes of sci-fi, isolation, and even dread. But Metroid Fusion took these themes and cranked the dial up to 11. Friend of the show, Jonathan Steele, joins me on the mic to discuss the 2002 GBA classic, Metroid Fusion.

Housekeeping (8:45)

• Metroid Dread Playthrough
• Metroid Dread Review

What Have We Been Playing (10:05)

Topic (26:44)

Patron Thank You's! (1:19:59)

Shoutout to our Patrons who supported TRG in the month of October: AaronElWhite, Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe, Joe Morgan,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matthew Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Paige Pinson, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, Vincent Yu, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Reco's! (1:21:31)

• Overboss (Tabletop Game)
• Streambeats
• Pray for Logan's adoption
• Play any Metroid game (except Federation Force)
• Samus & Chill

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.

What if video games could teach you how to be successful in life?

Jon Harrison is a gamer, family man, and man of God. But he is also committed to helping people succeed. But what if we could learn keys to being successful from video games? Join Logan as he sits down with Jon Harrison to discuss his TEDx Talk, his book, Mastering the Game, and a little about his upbringing in a Presbyterian home.

Keep Up w/ Jon Harrison

• Twitter
• Blog
• YouTube
• Book

Housekeeping (4:22)

• Metroid Dread Review
• Metroid Dread Playthrough

What Have We Been Playing (5:11)

Jon dives in to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain for the first time, alongside Kirby's Adventure on the NES to offset the dark, gritty tones of MGS. Logan boots up the indie Metroidvania, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights.

Topic (14:44)

Here at TRG, we believe that everything has a worldview, including video games. From these worldviews, we're engaging with truths and teachings but the question is: do they line up with Scripture? Jon takes a similar approach to video games in that they do indeed teach us something. But how can what we learn be used for success in the workplace and life in general? Jon's message is so ingrained into his creativity and personality that he is committed to this through his blog and book, Mastering The Game. This is a fascinating conversation that shows video games have a place in today's society for the greater good. Jon has also had an amazing upbringing and we get into discussing religion and faith.

Reco's! (1:01:46)

• Sushi Go
• Dune (Book)
• Reel Leadership
• "Mastering The Game" by Jon Harrison

TRG is giving away a copy of Jon's book, Mastering the Game, to the first listener that contacts TRG on Twitter. Simply tag @TRGPodcast with the message, "Help me Master the Game". This giveaway is exclusive to listeners of the podcast in the United States.

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.

Words Are Not Hard Anymore

200 episodes. Almost 7 years. TRG has been making content geared around the focus of discussing video games, and things in the video game world, from a Christian perspective. It's been an incredible journey up to this point. Logan, Adam, and Skinner all sit down to discuss the early days of the podcast, how it's changed, and what the future will look like on the podcast. We could not have done this without God, or you, the Deer Community. Thank you for these past 200 episodes.

Housekeeping (2:40)

• Logan Flip Flopped on His Backlog
• Why You Should Play Kena: Bridge of Spirits
• Fantasian is a Solid JRPG That You Must Play

What Have We Been Playing (11:40)

Skinner descends into Kingdom Hearts 3 to talk highly of it's gameplay and gets giddy. Adam hops on the Backlog Train and works on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Logan despairs over some weird games he bought in his backlog and struggles through Scarlet Nexus.

What Have We Been Reading (26:30)

Adam and Skinner both discuss what they've been reading in the Bible, specifically Exodus and a few other books. Logan gets into Henry Cloud's "Boundaries" as he goes through a season of healing.

Topic (39:04)

Nearly 7 years of podcast episodes that are chock full of memories. The guys discuss how they came across TRG, how it's changed, and the future ahead. They also discuss some of their favorite games they've played over the last several years and crown an early GOTY of 2021.

Patron Thank You's! (1:23:36)

TRG would not be here without our Patrons! Thank you to those who supported TRG in the month of October: AaronElWhite, Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe, Joe Morgan,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matthew Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Paige Pinson, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, Vincent Yu, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Reco's! (1:25:21)

• Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
• Trail Life/American Heritage Girls
• Fit Prayer Into Your Schedule
• TableTalk Magazine
• Consider Supporting Logan's Adoption
• "Awake And Alive to Truth" by John Cooper

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.

Death Stranding is arguably Hideo Kojima’s most polarizing game. But it’s one worth persevering through. Death Stranding is a game that is like an onion with some deep, deep layers. In this episode, Matt Millsap and Henry Rigdon join Logan to help peel back those layers to see if Death Stranding stinks or surprisingly smells like a rose.

Housekeeping (5:56)

• Get extra content on our website and YouTube!
• More Death Stranding Talk on TRG's YouTube
• Check out Matt's other episodes of TRG:
  • Episode 121 - God of War (2018)
  • Episode 146 - What Remains of Edith Finch
  • Episode 174 - The Last of Us Part 2
  • Episode 189 - Chrono Trigger

The Games We've Been Playing (7:53)

• WarioWare: Get It Together
• Tales of Arise
• Metal Wolf Chaos XD

Topic (18:55)

Is Death Stranding designed to put forth a pro-life message? This is something that was noticeably absent from many reviews and reactions when it first came out. There was plenty of talk about how the game is a walking simulator in many a review but is Death Stranding merely a walking simulator? We here at TRG disagree and believe Death Stranding to be so much more.

Patron Thank You's! (1:17:26)

TRG would not be here without our Patrons! Thank you to those who supported TRG in the month of September: AaronElWhite, Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe, Joe Morgan,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matthew Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Paige Pinson, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, Vincent Yu, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Reco's! (1:19:07)

• "Did You Mean It?" by Natalie Millsap
• Bluey
• Trials of Imagination
• No Dumb Questions (Podcast)
• Backlog Breakdown Episode feat. Logan

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon and get extra perks.