In this heartfelt and candid episode, Andrew, Dylan, and Aubrey come together to share some important news with their listeners—Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers will be taking a break. The crew opens up about the challenges of balancing life’s big changes, shifting priorities, and how their relationship with content creation has evolved over time. They discuss what led them to this decision, reflect on the journey so far, and explain what this hiatus means for their podcast, YouTube channel, and community going forward.

Listeners are assured that the existing content will stay available, and the Discord community will remain active. The group expresses gratitude for the support and camaraderie they've found along the way, sharing hopes that after some time away, they’ll return with renewed creativity and fresh ideas. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about recognizing limits, valuing creativity, and appreciating the wonderful community that’s sprung up around the show.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of indie content creation, the importance of mental health, and the genuine bonds formed through a shared love of gaming.

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In this episode, Andrew welcomes Phil Barrera from the Wait For It Podcast to dive deep into Assassin’s Creed Shadows. After years of anticipation, the series finally brings us to feudal Japan—and there’s a lot to unpack. The guys break down first impressions of the stunning setting, the introduction of dual protagonists Naoi and Yasuke, and what those new gameplay mechanics really mean for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

They discuss how the game stacks up to other entries in the franchise, offer honest thoughts about the story’s strengths and weaknesses, and weigh in on whether the dual protagonist system actually improves the Assassin’s Creed formula. You’ll also hear a candid chat about world-building, the divisive quest structure, memorable side content (or not), character development, and where Shadows fits into the overall AC RPG lineup.

As always, expect light spoilers (with plenty of warnings), gamer banter, and that average player perspective you know and love. Thinking about picking up the game or wondering if Shadows lives up to the hype? This conversation is for you!

Follow The Wait For It Podcast here - https://linktr.ee/waitforitpodcast

Follow the FN Gamers here:

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Welcome back to the Neighborhood! In this Neighborhood Watch episode, Andrew and Dylan catch up on everything they’ve been playing (and thinking about) in this busy gaming season. 

Andrew dives deep into indie gem Willow Guard, breaking down its ambitious blend of hack-and-slash combat, deck-building, and choice-driven storytelling—with a healthy dose of badgers and Witcher-meets-Redwall vibes. Dylan gives a spoiler-free overview of Blue Prince, the viral escape-room-meets-roguelike puzzler that has him hooked and jotting down clues in his notes app. The two also chat about the surprise Oblivion remaster drop, comparing it to other recent shadow drops and reflecting on the staying power of classic RPGs.

Stick around as they read out what the Friendly Neighborhood Gamers Discord community has been playing—featuring everything from Witcher 3, Expedition 33, and Ocarina of Time to classic fighting games and even Dragon Quest V.

If you’re looking for laid-back, real-world game talk and a window into what’s hot right now, this episode is for you! 

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Join Dylan Wren and special guest Dave Jackson from Tales from the Backlog and a Top 3 Podcast for an in-depth, down-to-earth conversation about Capcom’s latest action RPG sensation, Monster Hunter Wilds! Our hosts team up for a wide-ranging breakdown of everything Monster Hunter — from the perspective of a lifelong fan and a series newcomer.

They cover the series’ unique “prep-and-hunt” gameplay loop, the depth of combat, gear grinding, and the surprisingly nuanced evolution of the Monster Hunter formula in Wilds. Hear about first impressions of the open world, new weapon changes, the impact of in-game quality of life improvements, and why the monster battles themselves are the secret sauce behind Monster Hunter’s massive appeal. The duo also weigh in on the narrative side of Wilds: does the beefed-up story add anything, or is it just window dressing for more epic monster showdowns?

Whether you’re an old-school hunter or thinking of jumping in for the first time, this spoiler-light discussion (with a clearly marked story section at the end) is your perfect companion for your next gaming session. Plus, stick around for favorite monster rankings, endgame grind talk, and wishlist items for future updates!

Story Talk Timestamps:

Begins - 1:42:25

Ends - 2:10:01

Follow Dave here:

https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/episodes

Follow the FN Gamers here:

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Join Andrew, Dylan, and special guest Jordan Rae for a lively and inspiring discussion on all things nerdy and creative! In this episode, we welcome cosplayer, streamer, graphic designer, and fledgling podcaster Jordan Rae to the show. Jordan shares her journey from designing logos in college to building a community through cosplay, streaming, and her new horror-themed podcast, Read It and Reap.

We dive into the challenges and surprises of getting started as a creator, how conventions and streaming have helped Jordan build confidence, and what it’s like to find your place in the geek community. Jordan also talks about her favorite cosplay builds (including some dangerously cool cardboard weaponry!), the creative hurdles of streaming, and why starting a podcast with a friend was both intimidating and rewarding.

Of course, we get into gaming, chatting about everything from nostalgic Nintendo 64 memories and the emotional journey of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to the highs and lows of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and current PC favorites. Plus: a round of "Go On, Name Them" where Jordan and Dylan put their video game knowledge to the test!

Whether you’re a fellow content creator, die-hard gamer, or just here for good vibes, this episode is packed with candid insights, laughter, and plenty of inspiration to get out there and start creating.

Follow Jordan here:

• https://www.createandcurae.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/jorjorsbizarreadventure/
• https://www.twitch.tv/jorjorsbizarreadventure
• https://open.spotify.com/show/4yjoHz8JEIloPD0pAkCtwZ

Follow the FN Gamers here:

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Ready to take a trip down memory lane? In this episode, your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers—Andrew, Dylan, Aubrey, and special guest Braedon—revisit the formative video games that shaped their childhoods and left a lasting impact. 

From educational staples like Reader Rabbit and trial-by-fire PC demos, to the glory days of handhelds and console favorites like GameCube, DS, and Xbox, they share hilarious stories and heartfelt nostalgia. The crew unpacks obscure games only they seem to remember (Nanosaur, anyone?), the wild west of early online multiplayer, and the titles that cemented their lifelong love for gaming. 

Along the way, they reflect on how social gaming, tech misadventures, and even long family road trips helped define their tastes today—plus, they go head-to-head in a laugh-out-loud “video game synonym” quiz to close things out. Whether you grew up on Stronghold Crusader, Pokémon, Battlefield, or Animal Crossing, this episode is jam-packed with nostalgia, laughs, and genuine friendship. 

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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In this episode of the Neighborhood Watch, Andrew, Aubrey and Dylan share their thoughts on the following games:

• Do No Harm
• Balatro
• Avowed
• Tavern Manager Simulator
• The Outlast Trials
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Then, the FN Discord Community shares the games they've been playing and enjoying recently as well. We hope you enjoy!

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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We finally have a ton of information about the Nintendo Switch 2. In this episode, Andrew and Dylan share their thoughts on the recent Nintendo Direct dedicated to the new Switch. 

Talking points include:

• What makes Switch 2 different from its predecessor?
• Nintendo Discord?
• These prices, man...
• New games from Nintendo!
• Games coming to the Switch 2 that aren't Nintendo
• It's not Bloodborne 2, everyone settle down. Our thoughts on The Duskbloods

Let us know what you thought of the Switch 2 Direct by joining our Discord or leaving a comment on YouTube.

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Welcome hunters! It's time to return to the streets of Yharnam and kill some beasts because Bloodborne turned 10 this year! In this episode, we discuss one of our favorite games of all time. 

Topics include:

• The development of Bloodborne and why it's a PlayStation exclusive.
• Who actually owns the IP?
• The constant rumors of a remake/remaster/pc version.
• What would we like to see if FromSoft ever did make another game in this universe?
• Games we recommend to fill the emptiness left by Bloodborne.
• Our community's thoughts on what they'd like to see from a future game. 

Thanks so much for listening, and remember to fear the old blood!

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

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Video games have always been attempting the most realistic visuals that hardware and software allows. But over the last couple of generations the cost to value ratio of this pursuit seems to be diminishing. Games are taking longer to create and the advancements in visuals are sometimes barely noticeable or require hardware the average gamer doesn’t even have. Is this worth it?

In this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers, Andrew and Dylan discuss this topic and share their thoughts and opinions on the state of the industry, specifically when it comes to graphics and visuals in video games. 

Do you have thoughts on this topic? Join our Discord with the link below to let us know! Or leave a comment on the video version of this episode over on YouTube!

• WEBSITE 
  • https://www.fngamers.com/
• DISCORD 
  • https://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58 
• TWITTER
  • https://twitter.com/F_N_Gamerz
• INSTAGRAM
  • https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/
• YOUTUBE
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshA
• FANTASY CRITIC LEAGUE
  • https://www.fantasycritic.games/league/021e0fef-fd55-4c89-b380-4418c51a7727/2025

Support the show