The #Backlog Breakdown
We're a video game podcast that seeks to encourage and equip the church to engage the medium wisely and responsibly.
188: Long Gone Days (w/ Josh)

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
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The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a...
bite sized: take a breather

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.
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187: Top 100 Mid-Year Refresh

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...
bite sized: gameboy hot takes

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...
186: How Many A's Does It Take To Make A Hit?

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...
bite sized: mega man lore (ft. wesley rea)

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...
185: Dishonored (w/ Isaac)

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...
bite sized: critiquing a critique

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...
184: The Banner Saga (w/ John McKelvey)

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...
bite sized: switch two sentiments

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...
183: The Stanley Parable

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
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The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network...
bite sized: a mediocre league update

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
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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...
182: Mega Man X

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...
bite sized: nate is locked and loaded

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...
181: The Backlog Report

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...
bite sized - evolution on emulation

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...
180: Haunted Cosmos

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...
bite sized: shin megami tensei devil survivor 2 record breaker

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!
179: The Talos Principle (w/ SPyKe)

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.
brain trust "bite sized": the state of the industry

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...
178: Oracle of Meles (w/ Jordan Leithart)

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...
bite sized: josh's 2025 game plan

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...
177: Vanillaware

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
<...bite sized: outer wilds: echoes of the eye (ft. quick play mark)

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...
176: Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

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...
bite sized: The 2025 Backlog Beatdown Rule Set

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...
175: A Look Ahead
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...
king sized: merry christmas

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.
174: That's All, Folks!
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...
bite sized: the mediocrest chap

This week, Nate takes some time to run down the standings of our Fantasy Critic league and crown the winner of 2024!
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.
173: Backlog Breakdown No Densetsu: Zeruda III (w/ Paul & Wes)
It's another Patron Pick! This time around, Paul requested that we play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. He jumped on, along with Wes, to talk about this seminal game in the LoZ series.
Be sure and check out The TechnoFunkBoy's music on Bandcamp: https://thetechnofunkboy.bandcamp.com/
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...
king sized: giving thanks

Nate and Josh got together to talk about what they're thankful for...and it ended up taking a bit longer than expected. Go figure.
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.
172: Thank You
With Thanksgiving coming up, we decided to talk about the concept of thankfulness and the benefits of cultivating gratitude in the midst of an industry that markets the latest as the greatest.
We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown
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The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a...
bite sized - cozy gaming

Sometimes, you just want to cozy up with some comfort food. And video games are no exception. This week, Josh attempts to nail down the slippery moniker of "coziness" in gaming, and how it might pop up in other unlikely titles.
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...
171: Outer Wilds (w/ Mark)
It's time for another Patron Pick, where our patrons get to pick a game for us to play and talk about. This time around, we have on Mark Erickson from the Quick Play podcast to talk about Outer Wilds.
Be sure and give Mark's podcast, Quick Play, a listen by clicking here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quick-play/id1623478883
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...
170: The Evil Within (Spooptober 2024)
Every year, we play a spooky game in October. This year, we tackled Tango Gameworks' The Evil Within. And now, we have some thoughts: some good, some bad, and some ugly. Are there any deeper truths to be mined while playing the game? Listen in and find out!
Check out Josh's recommendation of Canterbury's music video for Gloria by clicking here: https://youtu.be/8h6vXvxrf-Q?si=1ibfWpG8bKnwGnvF
And Nate's recommendation of For The Gospel's discussion on A Theology of Fun by clicking here: https://youtu.be/4nPD0kbr7Pg
We'd love...
bite sized: slumping it

On this week's bite sized episode, Nate talks about...what he wants to talk about.
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.
bite sized: imperfect
This week, Josh addresses how we are to take Paul's charge to think on what is "pure and lovely" while also playing video games and engaging with media that vividly depicts the sinfulness of mankind.
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...
169: Genre Studies: Horror
It's October, which means that spooky things abound. And when it comes to video games, horror is a popular genre that stretches back to the earliest days of home consoles. But what exactly is horror, and how can it be used well in video games? Should Christians stay away from it, or can there be a redemptive purpose in horror?
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...
bite sized? Snap Chatter - The After Years

Nate gets the gang back together as Logan Sharp joins the podcast to discuss the current state of Marvel Snap, and how the game has changed since he's been away.
When you're done with the episode, check out Logan's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTheoLogan898
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...