The #Backlog Breakdown

Last week, we talked about the deck-building Roguelike, Slay the Spire. But there were some things about the game that we failed to address that actually relate to our mission as a podcast. So, in this bite sized episode, both of the guys hopped on to talk about the darkness of the aesthetics of the game and to give a word of caution if those types of storytelling elements are a stumbling block for you.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

What is a Spire and how do you Slay it? Well, that question will not be answered on this episode, but "Why is Slay the Spire on our Top 100 Games list?" Yes, that question will be addressed.

Check out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more...

Nate likes Dragon Quest. But Nate does not like Minecraft. Does Nate like a Minecraft-styled Dragon Quest game? Or is it a Dragon Quest-style Minecraft game?

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is...

You voted. We listened. We played Metal Gear Solid 3. Now it's time to talk about it as a Backlog Book Club game. Even if we didn't all actually play the game. Interested in joining in next time? Jump in the Discord and join in the conversation!

Check out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of...

We like to talk a lot about the best that the medium of video games has to offer. But what about the games that we enjoy that are, objectively, nowhere even close?

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a...

This week, we have another Patron on to discuss the game they picked for us to play. This time around, the game is the computer classic Myst, and the Patron is The TechnoFunkBoy.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in...

This week, Nate gives a defense of video games as art: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all...

It's been (almost) 2 months since the Nintendo Switch 2 was released, so we invited on a couple of friends to talk about our experiences with it over the past couple of months and whether or not its worth your time and money.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network...

Josh talks about how he's using (and not using) his phone these days so he can play some more video games.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow...

Wesley Rea, The Henshin Dad Himself joins Josh to talk about one of his favorite games of all time: Xenoblade Chronicles 3. For those who may be new to the game, we'll tackle how it is different from the other games in the series, and what makes it worth the time investment. And for the Xenoblade veterans, we'll be diving deep into the themes and nuances of the the different elements of the game to show how lovingly crafted it is and what it has to say to us in the real world.

We'd love to hear from...

Every 6 months, we pick one of our question askers to win $25. Is it you this time? Are you the winner? Listen in as we reminisce and pick a winner!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner...

This week, we're tackling another Patron pick: Long Gone Days, the indie sci-fi RPG about an evil conspiracy to take over Poland. Our patron, gracious Josh, joins us to talk about why he picked the game and his thoughts on the experience.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a...

In this episode, Nate reflects on the often negative tone surrounding advancements in video games—especially when changes don’t meet players' expectations. Rather than reacting with frustration or cynicism, Nate challenges us to respond with the Christian virtue of kindness. How can we be salt and light in the gaming world, bringing grace, understanding, and encouragement into spaces that are often dominated by criticism? Tune in for a refreshing take on how we can elevate the conversation and reflect Christ—even in our favorite hobby.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media...

We're halfway through 2025 and we've played some video games! Do any of them deserve to be on our Top 100 list? Is there anything current on the list that needs to be dropped or shuffled? Why would we do that to our perfect list? All this and more on this week's episode of The Backlog Breakdown!

You can view our current Top 100 list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1shRB_fLOspxuBz78Ol8Dfx0RtEe0BMtnE0f3uUzIijQ/edit?usp=sharing

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out...

This week, Josh recounts his love (and possibly hatred) for the original GameBoy.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play...

The video game industry is in a tough place right now. On the one hand, there are a number of big budget releases that have failed to meet sales expectations due to their bloated budgets. And on the other hand, we're also seeing some smaller teams create well received games and rake in a decent profit for their work. What can we learn from the changing landscape?

The State of the Arc podcast referenced in this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/06xTeL7AIoE

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on...

On our Mega Man X episode, we noted that we don't really understand the story of how Mega Man X is related to Mega Man and what connections there may or may not be. In comes Wesley to correct our poor assumptions and set us straight. This week, he's tackling the lore behind Mega Man X and how it relates to the original series on the NES.

Check out Wesley's podcast, Retronim, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OMKTnOHBc08ayqkpu0JBY

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking...

This week, we're talking about another Patron pick: the 2012 immersive sim Dishonored. Isaac joins us to discuss what we think is special about the game and whether or not it holds up 13 years later.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation...

On this bite sized episode, Nate addresses his concerns with Quick Play's 5-point rating scale.

Check out the Quick Play episode where Mark breaks down his thoughts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL8hsiJxJFA

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that...

Our good friend and Patron, John, joins in to discuss his Patron Pick: The Banner Saga. Is it worth your time, or should it be left behind and forgotten? Are there any deeper themes the game touches on? Check out this week's episode and find out!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the...

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was only a couple of weeks ago. Let's talk about it between 2 bros!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of...

The Stanley Parable is an comedic walking sim indie game that's over 10 years old. It's also number 92 on our Top 100 games of all time. Does it still deserve its place there in 2025? Tune in and find out our thoughts on The Stanley Parable!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network...

Arkone Lightwave joins Nate to talk about the league of mediocre brotato chaps, our fantasy critic league, and all the movers and shakers from the first quarter 2025.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there...

Mega Man X is an SNES classic. But why? Is it really one of the greatest games ever made? Does it still hold up in 2025?

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a...

Watch out 2025, cause Nate is coming for you with his video games picks to play through this year!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all...

The guys reconvene to give an extended talk on the state of their backlogs, what they've played in 2025, and how gaming has changed for them this year.

Support our friend, the Technofunkboy, by donating to his Kickstarter today: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tfb/the-final-fantasy-mixes-10th-anniversary-remasters

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member...

This week, Josh uses a question posed in the discord as a jumping off point to discuss the current state of emulation and his thoughts on how it can be used to beat down your backlog.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to...

This week, the books talk about one of the most mysterious video games of all: a book! Why? Well, I guess you'll have to check it out to find out!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful...

This week, Josh reviews the Nintendo 3DS game: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker. What may be one of the longest and most cumbersome titles for a video game actually pans out to be a fun and interesting game, but it is as good as the rest of the series? Tune in and find out!

This week, the boys are joined by SPyKe, A.K.A. the Alter-Nate, a patron who chose for them to play and discuss The Talos Principle. Can A.I. ever experience consciousness? What does it mean for a machine to possess free will? Can a video game really delve deep into philosophical concepts while you run around completing light puzzles? Join us as we discuss the game and how we thought through some of what it has to say from a biblical worldview.

The brain trust returns! Nate, Parker, and Micah reconvene to discuss the current state of the industry. A lot has happened in the recent past, including new strategies for Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. What does that mean for the future of the video game industry?

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play...

The last we talked with Jordan, he was setting out to create his first video game through his solo development house, LuxCor Studios. Well, now that game is finished and available for anyone interested! Hear how the development affected the end product and his thoughts on creating his first game. And be sure to pick up Oracle of Meles on Steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2779160/Oracle_of_Meles/

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like...

This year, Josh is looking at being more intention in the games that he plays from his backlog. How did he determine what games to tackle? Tune in and find out!

We're all over social media (including Youtube!) and we'd like to hear from you! Click Here to visit our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other...

Unicorn Overlord was one of the highest reviewed games of last year, but did you know that the team who created that game have been around since the early 2000s? Join us this week as we take a look at the Japanese developer VanillaWare, and the handful of games that they've released here in North America.

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

Mark from Quick Play, who was on last year to talk about Outer Wilds with the guys, has a bite sized episode on the game's DLC: The Echoes of the Eye.

Check out the Quick Play podcast here: https://bio.site/quickplay

We're all over social media (including Youtube!) and we'd like to hear from you! Click Here to visit our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until...

Last year, Nate and Josh both played through Edelweiss's Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin. And this year, they'd like to talk about it! Is it as delicious as a steaming plate of seasoned sticky rice or as ruinous as a leftover sushi? Tune in and find out!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of...

Nate sits down to explain the 2025 Backlog Beatdown. While it's largely the same meta-game that we've held in previous years, this time there are a few new options for games that you don't own and for focusing on a select group of games you'd like to play through this year.

We're all over social media (including Youtube!) and we'd like to hear from you! Click Here to visit our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation...

We've made some New Year's resolutions here at the Backlog Breakdown, and we'd like to share them with you!

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out...

Merry Christmas! Our gifts to you include: answering a plethora of burning questions, a Christmas giveaway, and a Christmas roast from our friend, Wes.

We're all over social media and we'd like to hear from you! Click Here to visit our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

For our last episode of 2024, we have some awards to give out to various games; including being added to our prestigious Top 100 list!

Check out the list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1shRB_fLOspxuBz78Ol8Dfx0RtEe0BMtnE0f3uUzIijQ/edit?usp=sharing

We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of...