RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s the end of the world as we know it, and Ditto feels fine!

First up, Ben is here to chat about the latest Pokémon spin-off, Pokémon Pokopia. Man is dead, and the Pokémon rule. We don’t think that anyone expected that we’d get a post-apocalyptic Pokémon game, but it turns out that it may have been the delightful life sim we were all waiting for! Ben certainly enjoyed it!

And then Matt is here to take us to...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about two new games that both take place on very different islands!

First, Bob is here to chat about the standalone sequel to 2023's Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse. This visual novel brilliantly mixes real-world history with folklore to create a compelling tale with a tinge of 80s nostalgia (and a CRT filter throughout)! Did Bob enjoy it as much as he enjoyed the original?

Next, Ben is here to talk about a new indie 2D Zelda-like, Under the Island. This adorable game...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're talking about two "old" games (though one is significantly older than the other)!

First up, Audra is here to share her thoughts on Ys X: Proud Nordics. But wait, didn't Ys X: Nordics just release in 2024? Yes, it did! But now, an even more complete version is here! Is it worth the upgrade if you bought the original? And if you are a Ys fan who hasn't played it yet, which one should you get?

Next, Patrick is here to chat about a brand-new Game Boy Color game, Infinity...

On this week's Random Encounter, it's all about games featuring cause and effect!

First up, Audra is here to chat with us about the time-travelling, Souls-like sequel to 2019's Code Vein: Code Vein II. Though it can occasionally feel like being trapped in a time loop while playing against a Souls-like boss, here the time travel is very literal as you travel back to the past to change the present. Audra has had some mixed opinions on it, so is it worth the time for Souls-like fans?

And then Hilary is here to explore inkle’s...

In our first Random Encounter of 2026, we're taking a look back at 2025!

While many would describe 2025 as a mixed bag (at best), there is no disputing that it was a banner year for video games. Not only did we finally get two of the most anticipated sequels of all time in Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II, but also brand-new original games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and Avowed. And that isn't even mentioning the several remakes and remasters of classics like the Lunar Remastered Collection, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The...

In our final Random Encounter of 2025, it's time to take a look ahead to the biggest games of 2026!

With the holidays in the rear view mirror, RPGFan is now building our annual most anticipated for the coming year feature. And there is no better way to wrap up 2025 than having the Random panel give everyone a preview of those titles we’re looking forward to as we wait for the calendar to turn.

From Dragon Quest VII Reimagined to Mina the Hollower, it’s time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our exci...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2025!

But before we get to all the reveals (and actual awards, I guess), we want to talk to Zek about the new Octopath Traveler game that was just released, Octopath Traveler 0! This entry, adapted from the mobile-only gacha game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, turns a lot of the conventions of Octopath on their heads, featuring over 30 characters instead of eight and including a massive town-building mechanic.

After that, it's all about The Game Awards! There were some big announcements...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're taking a look at two very different narrative adventures!

Back in the 2010s, Telltale Games reinvented the point-and-click adventure game with The Walking Dead, introducing new multiple paths and lasting choices. Unfortunately, they spread themselves a little too thin, and the studio closed. Thankfully, many of those developers went off to create their own studios, and that is how we got Dispatch, the new episodic superhero adventure game! Tom has played the entire season and can confidently say that it reaches, and maybe even exceeds, the heights of Telltale's output at...

On this week's Random Encounter, it's time to uncover some mysteries in two adventure games!

The Séance of Blake Manor has been making waves the last few weeks as one of the best mystery deductive games of the last few years. From the same devs that created the adventure game series, The Darkside Detective, Blake Manor drops the point-and-click interface and moves into the first person! Did Caitlin have an amazing time solving the mystery of why this game has been getting so much buzz?

And then we have a remaster of a classic e...

On this week's Random Encounter, we are looking at sequels both past and present!

First up, Zach is here with his thoughts about the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. While DQ I could have done with a few fewer "enhancements," it sounds like the new expanded story and features have made DQ II into one of the best Dragon Quest games ever!

And next, Zek is here to share his disappointment about the highly anticipated sequel to 2019's The Outer Worlds: The Outer Worlds 2. While it does have a bigger budget and scope...

On this week's Random Encounter, we are catching 'em all and beating 'em up!

When Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released in 2022, it signalled a newer, more experimental type of Pokémon game. Now, Game Freak is back with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the second entry in the Legends series. With a new real-time combat system, an urban environment, and giant Pokémon battles, Z-A looks like it promises everything that fans have wanted from the series, but does it pull it off? Niki has some thoughts!

And then, Bob is here to chat about the...

On this week's Random Encounter, we have a remaster of one of the greatest strategy RPGs of all time!

When Final Fantasy Tactics was released on the PSX in 1997, it marked the entry point for countless RPG fans into the world of SRPGs (aka TRPGs) By piggybacking off the success of the landmark JRPG Final Fantasy VII, Tactics introduced an entirely new audience to the grid-based strategy RPG goodness seen in previous SRPGs like Fire Emblem and Shining Force.

Since then, Tactics has seen numerous re-releases, including Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're chatting about one of the biggest indie releases of the year!

Boy, between Silksong and Hades II, September has been quite a month for indie games. Everyone here at RPGFan has been eagerly awaiting the full release of Hades II since its early release last year, and our patience has finally been rewarded! Zek and Matt are here to answer all of the big questions like: Is this highly anticipated sequel as good as the original Hades? What new gameplay mechanics has Supergiant Games brought to the table? And perhaps most...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're doing a Random Book Club for the brand-new tome from Bitmap Books: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World.

Over the last 20 years, the indie game scene has become just as important as the AAA industry, with games like Silksong showing sales numbers that many big devs would kill for! There are so many brilliant indies out there, such as Return of the Obra Dinn, Coffee Talk, and Hades, but which ones had the biggest impact on both the video game industry and the world?

50 Indie Games that Changed...

On this week's Random Encounter, let's head to the bazaar and see what the RPGFan stall has in stock!

First up, Niki is here to chat about Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar was a beloved entry in this long-running series on the Nintendo DS. Does this remake (with some updated branding) live up to the memories of the original?

Then, Neal is here to share his thoughts about Quartet, a new retro-style JRPG from the developer of Shadows of Adam. While it looks like a pretty standard SNES JRPG on...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're discussing a mobile-based gacha spinoff of a beloved JRPG and a Wii U classic that has finally made its way to a modern console!

Persona 5 has more than its share of spinoffs, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, and Persona 5 Tactica, and now there is a new game to add to the list: Persona 5: The Phantom X. This mobile and PC game is a full-fledged JRPG, but one with dozens of gacha mechanics in the way of a smooth gameplay experience. Was Audra able to get over these...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're playing an updated classic, a spin-off of a modern classic, and talking about the weirdest game I have heard of in a long time!

First up, Mark is taking off his nostalgia goggles to give the recent remaster of the CRPG classic Neverwinter Nights 2 an updated look! Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition follows many other enhanced editions of classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale. Does this new version live up to his fond memories of the original?

Then, Sean is here to chat about the newest entry in...

On this week's Random Encounter, we're back to business as usual! Not-E3 and the release of the Switch 2 hit us like a hammer. But now that things have finally settled down, it's time to chat about some games!

First up, Aleks gets a chance to talk up the long-awaited Chapters 3+4 of Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale, Deltarune! Chapters 1+2 released in 2018 and 2021 respectively, so for folks out there starved for Fox's trademark meta-narratives and ear-delighting music, these new chapters are a balm to the SOUL.

Then, Zek is here to talk about the new remaster of...

On this week's Random Encounter, we've finally recovered from Not-E3, so now it's time to talk about the Switch 2!

Nintendo's long-awaited follow-up to the Switch has finally released and, surprise, it's still the Switch! The Nintendo Switch 2 is burning up the sales charts and already consuming countless hours of folks' time. That said, there has been some controversy, including limited launch titles, 'digital' physical game cards, and major battery issues. Tune in as Jono chats with Tom and Paul about their experiences with the Switch 2 thus far and where they hope the console will go in the...

On this week's Random Encounter, the Summer Game Fest (AKA Not-E3) season is officially upon us!

For video game fans, this period is like early Christmas. With nonstop gaming announcements, there is something for everyone! This week, our panel has been working hard keeping up with all the major events, so it's time to share our favourite games from across the showcases! 

Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Mike Salbato, Stephanie Sybydlo, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan

Get in Touch:
RPGFan.com
RPGFan Shop
Email us: podcast@r...

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out!

Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Zek Lu, Tin Manuel, and Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

Get in Touch:
RPGFan.com
RPGFan Shop...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic!

First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it lives up to this universal acclaim?

And then, Matt revisits a childhood favorite filled with nostalgia: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. It boasts some excellent quality-of-life changes and...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX!

First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven?

And then, Zach is here to chat about a series very near and...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week!

First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT. Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world?

Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everything we hoped for, but there could be some warning signs for this new console as we move further into 2025...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop!

Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series!

Tom also recently played the latest game from The Stanley Parable's Davey Wreden, Wanderstop. What appears to be a simple cozy game on the surface is actually a...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series!

First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but does it live up to their hopes?

Then, Zek chats about the excellent (though slightly light on content) new entry in the Monster Hunter franchise: Monster Hunter: Wilds. The series has become more and...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025!

We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FPS perspective. Jerry is a massive Pillars fan, so does he think Avowed does Skyrim better than Skyrim?

Then, Jono is here to chat about the latest Like a Dragon game, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. For the first time...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian!

For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glance. But don't worry because our panel is here to let you in on our maple-scented secrets.

Steph is ready to virtually chat about 1000xResist, a 2024 GOTY contender from Vancouver-based...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy!

First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper, Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this could be the sleeper hit of 2025!

Next, Paul dives into Tales of Graces f Remastered, experiencing a classic Tales game for the first time. Bandai Namco has been on a roll with Tales re-releases, and this remaster brin...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases!

First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to provide a much more streamlined action-RPG experience. But did Origins manage to land a successful combo on Wes?

Next, Abe shares his thoughts on Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. This remaster of 2005’s PSP title Ys: The Oa...

On this first episode of Random Encounter for 2025, Jono is missing, and it's up to the panel to find him!

Just kidding; we aren't a semi-educational game from the 1990s. Jono has bronchitis this week, so it's up to the brand-new full-time host of Retro Encounter, Zach Wilkerson, to fill in for him!

Joining Zach is Neal, who is chatting about the recent remake of one of the first RPG indie hits ever: Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated. Released on Xbox Live Arcade back in 2011, Zeboyd Games' original Breath of Death VII delivered...

In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025!

Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year?

From Avowed to the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, it's time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our excitement for what 2025 has in...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about gaming's biggest night: The Game Awards 2024!

After a few rocky years, The Game Awards have finally hit their stride for their 10th anniversary. There were some astonishing reveals, wonderful tributes, and a surprising amount of empathy for those struggling in today's gaming industry. With announcements ranging from the epic (The Witcher IV) to the epically unexpected (Elden Ring Nightreign) this show had it all. All in all, it was a pretty fun three-plus hours!

With so much to talk about, we've assembled a panel ready to...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about previews of two games we're excited for in 2025!

First up is a hands-on preview of Obsidian's newest first-person RPG, Avowed. A spin-off from the beloved Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed is being presented as Obsidian's answer to Skyrim. That said, it has an identity all its own, avoiding the full-on open world for a series of expansive zones, similar to their previous RPG, The Outer Worlds. Mark got a chance to play through some of the early game, and he is excited to share his impressions!

...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we are chatting about a long-awaited remake and an unexpected spin-off!

First, Zach is here to share his experience with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. This ground-up remake of the beloved Famicom/NES JRPG has been a long time coming, first announced in 2021. With updated graphics, mechanics, storyline, and scope, this second coming of DQIII (or given prior remakes, third coming? Maybe fourth? No, fifth!) might be the perfect jumping-on point for folks interested in the iconic, long-running series!

Then, Caitlin joins us to discuss one of...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we have another two GOTY contenders for you!

First up is Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the first new Dragon Age in a decade ! After BioWare's last two flops, they desperately needed a win, and it certainly sounds like they got one with this new installment of the long-running and beloved series! Audra is here to share all of her thoughts on how Dragon Age has evolved since Dragon Age: Inquisition back in 2014!

And then Ben is here to torture Jono by chatting about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven...

On this episode of Random Encounter, two first-timers are joining us to chat about two of the year's biggest games!

First up, Zek is joined by Zach to rave about Atlus' latest RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Known for the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, Metaphor offers a brand-new world full of all the things you love about previous Atlus games: close character relationships, incredible world-building, and jaw-dropping UI. It's absolutely in the running for GOTY 2024!

But another contender for GOTY is the brand-new entry in the Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom...

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about some recent game compilations!

Game compilations are not only a fantastic way to re-experience older games, but they also offer excellent value for your money! Even if the games are a little old, you're still getting multiple games for the price of one. And if you're lucky, the developer will have gone the extra mile to add quality-of-life features, remastered graphics and sound, and lots of additional bells and whistles!

So, Zach is here to discuss the Castlevania Dominus Collection, a compilation of all...

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono and Hilary geek out over a fantastic book focusing on the localization of beloved indie RPG, Undertale.

Video game localizations have come a long way since the days of spoony bards. When we usually think about game localization, we think Japanese to English. But what about the other way around?

Legends of Localization is a book series written by professional video game and anime translator Clyde Mandelin. In his latest volume, Legends of Localization Book 3: Undertale, Mandelin walks us through the incredible process of taking Undertale, a Western...

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking politics! Well, no, not really, but there are some jokes about politics in here...

First up, Izzy has played the first new Mana game since 2020's Trials of Mana remake, Visions of Mana! With spiky hair, lush landscapes, and real-time RPG action, it's undeniably a Mana game, but does it live up to the heights of the series' golden age on the SNES?

Then, Jerry reviews what's been described as the first AAA video game ever developed in China, Black Myth: Wukong. Does this stunning Souls-like portend...