Just a Game Podcast

More than just a game: Ghost of ReFantazio

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby chat through their experiences playing two landmark games! Join us as we dive into the worlds of Ghost of Tsushima and Metaphor ReFantazio!

SPOILER WARNING

We start the chat for each game spoiler free, and then dive into full spoilers. We give you a warning cue, or use the episode chapters below (not the auto-generated ones!) to help you skip the bits you're not ready to hear yet!

[00:00.00 - 00:09.31] Hello and what are we playing?! (Citizen Sleeper and Escape from Ever After}

[00:09.31 - 00:26.41] Metaphor ReFantazio spoiler free

[00:26.41 - 00:47.26] Metaphor ReFantazio SPOILERS

[00:47.26 - 01:09.48] Ghost of Tsushima spoiler free

[01:09.48 - 01:25.29] Ghost of Tsushima SPOILERS

[01:25.29 - 01:27.31] See you next time!

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More than just a price tag

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:30:48 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby chat through the rising price of video games. Pricing, micro-transactions and subscription services - let's dive in!

Podcast Chapters and Spoilers

[00:00 - 06:23] Hello! And what are we playing? (Metaphor: ReFantazio and The Gardens Between)

[06:23 - 22:04] Expensive games and price perception

[22:04 - 36:06] Micro-transactions

[36:06 - 50:58] Subscription services

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More than just another nostalgia game

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby talk through their highlights from the recent Playstation State of Play, and then dive into the nostalgia of some more games from their childhood years!

Podcast Chapters and Spoilers

[00:00 - 17:00] Hello! And our highlights from Playstation's State of Play

[17:00 - 27:33] Ellen Whitaker's Horse Life (Story and gameplay spoilers)

[27:33 - 43:41] Crash Bandicoot Collection (Story and gameplay spoilers across the whole series)

[43:41 - 53:01] Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Story and gameplay spoilers)

[53:01 -55:21] See you next time!

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More than just a game: Dispatch

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby talk about Dispatch, created by Ad Hoc studio! Spoiler free to start, and then diving more into the story and characters - join us as we discuss this episodic, choice based, adventure game!

Podcast chapters and spoilers

[00:00 - 05:32] Hello! And what are we playing? (Ghost, Hades 2, Dispatch!)

[05:32 - 14:54] Dispatch - Spoiler free section

[14:54 - 18:57] Spoilers begin! Favourite characters

[18:57 - 25:48] In-game choices

[25:48 - 30:35] Replay value, and strength of writing

[30:35 - 36:32] Romances

[36:32 - 42:09] Endings & scope

[42:09 - 46:17] Season 2 predictions

[46:17 - 51:53] Mechanics and dispatching

[51:53 - 53:39] See you next time!

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More than just a 2026 wishlist!

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby catch up after the new year, and chat about the games that deserve to be on your radar for 2026. Keep your wishlist's handy - there are some great games already announced for this year. Let's dive in!

This episode is spoiler free! (But as always, use the chapters below if you're keen to hear nothing about certain games...)

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 04:58] Did we manage to play our Christmas games?!

[04:58 - 09:16] Round Up of 2025 games (Barnaby)

[09:16 - 11:14] Round Up of 2025 games (Sarah)

[11:14 - 12:49] The Spreadsheet!

[12:49 - 15:28] Games rolling over & Barnaby makes a resolution!

[15:28 - 17:54] We should probably at least mention GTA6...

[17:54 - 25:00] Upcoming 2026 games! (The Big Studios)

[25:00 - 32:00] Upcoming 2026 games! (Indie's)

[32:00 - 35:33] 2026 landscape

Links from today's episode

Extra Credits

Video Game Difficulty is Hard (But It Doesn't Have To Be) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ru5iSgiV84

People Make Games

The Rockstar Workers Fired Before They Could Finish GTA 6 -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9nOwjeznjI

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More than just a Christmas argument

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby bring their final games, and battle it out for the last 5 places on the Just a Game Top 10 games list! Happy Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

This episode is spoiler free! (But as always, use the chapters below if you're keen to hear nothing about certain games...)

Podcast Chapters

[00:00:00 - 00:05.46] Welcome! Barnaby is in trouble... (XCOM & Control Resonant)

[00:05.46 - 00:07.55] Recap of the existing games on the list

[00:07.55 - 00:11.07] Outer Wilds

[00:11.07 - 00:14.17] Horizon Zero Dawn

[00:14.17 - 00:17.24] Inscryption

[00:17.24 - 00:21.33] The Witcher 3

[00:21.33 - 00:25.05] Crash Bandicoot 2

[00:25.05 - 00:29.09] Inside

[00:29.09 - 00:33.07] Person 5 Royal

[00:33.07 - 00:36.27] Astrobot

[00:36.27 - 00:42.38] Final Fantasy 10

[00:42.38 - 00:47.18] Clair Obscur Expedition 33

[00:47.18 - 00:49.22] Round up

[00:49.22 - 01:10.57] Now we must choose!

[01:10.57 - 01:15.39] The final list

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More than just a Top Ten!

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby tee up the first half of their Top Ten video games of ALL TIME! We will be battling it out for the last five spots in the next episode.....

Plus! We share the games we're planning to play over the holidays.

This episode is spoiler free! (But as always, use the chapters below if you're keen to hear nothing about certain games...)

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 08:00] Hello! And what are we playing? (Thank Goodness You're Here, Ghost of Tsushima, XCOM)

[08:00 - 10:05] Kicking off our Top Ten list

[10:05 - 13:24] Overcooked 2

[13:24 - 16:21] The Last of Us Part Two

[16:21 - 19:04] Baldurs Gate 3

[19:04 - 21:56] Hades

[21:56 - 25:20] Mass Effect 2

[25:20 - 28:15] What games is Sarah playing this Christmas?!

[28:15 - 33:01] What games is Barnaby playing this Christmas?!

[33:01 - 34:58] The list completes...on Christmas Day!

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More than just a replay

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby dive into the many reasons we are compelled to replay video games! Got a huge backlog of games but started up that other game again for a 5th run through? You're in the right place friend. Welcome!

Podcast chapters

[00:00 - 05:15] Hello! And what are we playing?

[05:15 - 10:26] Capitalism!

[10:26 - 12:35] Nostalgia

[12:35 - 16:36] Romance options

[16:36 - 18:57] Recapturing a feeling & foresight

[18:57 - 20:27] Game design specifically for replays

[20:27 - 24:50] New Game +

[24:50 - 28:53] Trophies

[28:53 - 32:26] Challenge

[32:26 - 37:39] One more run vibes (XCOM, Baldurs Gate 3, Persona 5)

[37:39 - 48:07] Should we be replaying games?

[48:07 - 50:29] Closing out

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More than just a game: Blue Prince

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss the deck-building, strategy puzzle game that is Blue Prince! Join us as we get into how the game made us feel, our favourite puzzles, and how the story and mechanics can retain and/or lose the player as the game progresses.

SPOILER WARNING

We start this episode spoiler free, and then dive in to full spoilers. Use the episode chapters below (not the auto-generated ones!) to help you skip the bits you're not ready to hear yet!

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 06:06] Hello! And what are we playing? (FF7 Rebirth, Cryptmaster, Dispatch)

[06:06 - 12:11] SPOILER FREE - What is Blue Prince?!

[12:11 - 15:16] SPOILER SECTION BEGINS

[15:16 - 20:16] Our experience with the story

[20:16 - 28:33] Can a story this piecemeal stick the landing?

[28:33 - 43:09] Favourite puzzles and secrets!

[43:09 - 53:17] When the going gets hard - what changes would we make to the game?

[53:17 - 59:05] Final thoughts

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More than just a difficulty setting

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby dive into difficulty settings. When they're included by game creators, difficulty settings help a game reach a wider audience so that more people can enjoy all aspects of a game from story, to exploration, to combat. But what does that mean for the games intended experience? How do settings enhance or reduce what a player can get out of a game? And why does what difficulty setting you use seem to matter so much?

Please check the podcast chapters below for spoiler warnings. (Not the auto-generated chapters!)

Podcast Chapters:

[00:00 - 06:23] Hello and what are we playing?! (Banishers & Silk Song)

[06:23 - 11:09] Why do games have difficulty settings?

[11:09 - 21:26] Reducing difficulty

[21:26 - 26:53] Increasing difficulty

[26:53 - 30:00] Game play style as difficulty

[30:00 - 33:37] The one time Sarah completed a brutally hard game

[33:37 - 35:12] Flow state and the reward of challenge

[35:12 - 37:20] Why some games don't offer difficulty settings

[37:20 - 41:12] Platformers and difficulty

[41:12 - 43:46] Arcade games & the rise and fall of difficulty in home gaming

[43:46 - 49:20] Vocal opinions on difficulty settings

[49:20 - 53:41] SPOILER Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth anecdote (we discuss the ending)

[53:41 - 55:13] Enjoy your games!

[55:13 - 57:30] Thanks for listening!

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More than just a game: TLOU 2 Act Three

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby close out their three-part exploration of The Last of Us Part 2 video game. We're in Act Three! Join us as we unpack the culmination of this epic, harrowing and inspiring story.

Spoiler Warning!

We will discuss story moments from the entire video game, including the finale. If you haven't played the full game of TLOU2, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Podcast chapters:

[00:00 - 04:03] Hello! And what are we playing? (Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden)

[04:03 - 12:56] The Farm

[12:56 - 17:59] Lev, Abby & the Rattlers

[17:59 - 22:01] Ellie & the Rattlers

[22:01 - 27:06] Finding Abby

[27:06 - 31:16] Alternative Ending

[31:16 - 35:39] Dina & Joel

[35:39 - 43:27] Predictions

43:27 - 46:09] We love this game.

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More than just a game: TLOU 2 Abby

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby continue their exploration of The Last of Us Part 2 video game! Picking up where we left off, we talk through how Abby's Seattle days turn everything upside down, and how storytelling, mechanics and character arcs, challenge the player's views across both games.

Spoiler Warning!

We will discuss story moments from the entire video game, not just Abby's Seattle days. If you haven't played the full game of TLOU2, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Podcast Chapters:

[00:00 - 07:02] Hello & what are we playing?! (Cyberpunk 2077 and Metaphor: ReFantazio)

[07:02 - 08:40] Abby's Dad's.....name?!

[08:40 - 15:55] Picking up where we left off & the rug pull!

[15:55 - 20:52] Playing as Abby

[20:52 - 25:16] Relentless storytelling and first game parallels

[25:16 - 26:58] Lev

[26:58 - 33:05] How does the story try to shift opinions on Abby

[33:05 - 37:56] The Rat King

[37:56 - 42:03] The love triangle

[42:03 - 46:59] Ellie boss fight

[46:59 - 49:06] An inspiring story

[49:06 - 54:03] Something not a game (Thinking in Systems & Schmigadoon)

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More than just a game: TLOU 2 Ellie

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby dive into the The Last of Part Two! We're kicking off with Ellie's Seattle days. Join us as we discuss one of the most awarded, controversial, loved AND hated games of all time!

Spoiler Warning!

We will discuss story moments from the entire video game, not just the first three Seattle days. If you haven't played the full game of TLOU2, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 05:43] Hello & what have we been playing (Metaphor: ReFantazio & Lost Records Bloom & Rage)

[05:43 - 08:22] TLOU2: Us & time of release

[08:22 - 10:38] Part 1 or Part 2?!

[10:38 - 18:13] Violence in the game & youth of the protagonists

[18:13 - 25:04] Ellie's mindset & the shock of Joel

[25:04 - 29:23] Breaking from Ellie. When do you want it to stop?

[29:23 - 31:57] Is it Joel's game?

[31:57 - 36:49] Flashbacks & character progression

[36:49 - 45:44] Dina, & Ellie's grief

[45:44 - 48:14] The end

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More than just a pilot episode

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby catch up on their gaming year so far and, as a special treat to celebrate the start of Season 2, finally share the pilot episode with you! The episode that started it all!

Podcast Chapters:

[00:00 - 02:21] We're back!

[02:21 - 04:34] Toem, and nostalgia gaming feels

[04:34 - 06:16] Dragon Age Inquisition & Case of the Golden Idol

[06:16 - 08:47] Blue Prince, Steam Deck, & Date Everything

[08:47 - 09.49] Favourite dateable objects in Date Everything (no spoilers unless you don't want to know what objects you can date!)

[09:49 - 11:25] Cyberpunk

[11:25 - 12:05] Split Fiction

[12:05 - 12:56] Thirsty Suitors

[12:56 - 14:46] Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Cryptmaster, & Karma: The Dark World

[14:46 - 16:20] Two Point Museum, & Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

[16:20 - 18:40] It's the pilot episode! The theme is "cosy games".

[18:40 - 21:10] What is a cosy game

[21:10 - 23:12] Sarah's cosy game, (TLOU) & easy difficulty levels

[23:12 - 25:15] Barnaby's cosy game (Ratchet & Clank)

[25:15 - 29:32] Do we even like the traditional "cosy" games?

[29:32 - 31:00] Lake, & balanced cosy games

[31:00 - 32:50] Does Barnaby ever play traditional cosy games?

[32:50 - 35:56] Unpacking game. Is it really cosy?

[35:56 - 36:43] Can "cosy game" really be a defined genre?

[36:43 - 42:33] Segment: Mechanics that irritate Sarah (fast travel & enforced walking)

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Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 7

Fri, 30 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss the finale of Season 2 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

We were so excited for the culmination of Seattle Day Three - did the TV Show stick the landing? How did the character and story additions work for us? And have they managed to pull off a good enough ending to get everyone back for Season 3?

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

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Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 6

Fri, 23 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2, Episode 6 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

Another big episode for the TV show and the structural choices in this one were tough for us to get our heads around. Lots to dive into as we unpack how some very iconic moments from the game turned out in the TV show.

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 5

Fri, 16 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2, Episode 5 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

Gosh, day Two in Seattle was eventful. Let's unpack how things played out for the TV Show and where they managed to trick us! As we move into the last two episodes, we look ahead to predict where we think this season is going to leave us.

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 4

Fri, 09 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2, Episode 4 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

We loved this episode - for it's parallels, and it's differences! Is the TV show making good on it's changes? And how are our perceptions of the characters changing as the season moves into it's second half?

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 3

Fri, 02 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2, Episode 3 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

In the aftermath of the shocking second episode, the story is now fully underway! How well is the show handling intense emotion, new factions and the beginning of one very big roadtrip?

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 2

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2, Episode 2 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

Big episode for the show this week! Lots to unpack as we talk about the story beats we know so well, and how the changes are working out for us. A lot of new lore and action to get stuck into too.

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a TV Show! The Last of Us Season 2 Ep 1

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss Season 2 Episode 1 of the TV Show, The Last of Us!

We're gamers and writers who love the game, how are we getting on with the TV show? What's lost and gained when TV takes on gaming narrative? And will we still be in love with the franchise once the season concludes?

Join us for our very special mini series!

Spoiler Warning!

We have played The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2 from start to finish and will discuss story moments from the video games as well as the TV show. If you haven't played both games, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than just a Christmas roundup!

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 10:00:30 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby reflect on the games they've played this year in a cheeky, festive treat of an episode!

Podcast Chapters and Spoiler Warnings

[00:00 - 03:21] It's Christmas Day!

[03:21 - 12:23] Dragon Age The Veilguard (SPOILERS STORY & ENDING)

[12:23 - 22:17] Barnaby's games of 2024!

[22:17 - 33:19] Sarah's games of 2024!

[33:19 - 36:09] Being even more thoughtful about gaming (Shout-out to Daryl Talks Games!)

[36:09 - 41:32] Sarah's 2025 gaming plans

[41:32 - 44:57] Barnaby's 2025 gaming plans

[44:57 - 52:11] Something not a game (Queer book club and Bruges!)

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More than Just a Game: The Last of Us

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:00:10 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby dive into The Last of Us - an action-adventure game from 2013 that has won 48 awards and become a major TV Series. Join us as we look at how this game raised the bar for story and gaming mechanics, and discuss what sparked the popularity of this now major franchise!

Trigger Warning - This game covers some difficult themes. We discuss a section that covers the threat of sexual assault between 54.40 and 60.46. Please take care when listening.

Spoiler Warning - There are story spoilers for The Last of Us Part One throughout the episode.

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 05:10] What are we playing?

[05:10 - 08:41] Release and story overview

[08:41 - 14:05] Sarah's experience playing the game

[14:05 - 17:11] Joel & Ellie's relationship

[17:11 - 22:06] Barnaby's experience playing the game

[22:06 - 23:59] Why do people love the game so much?

[23:59 - 25:33] Environmental storytelling

Favourite moments

[25:33 - 30:53] Outbreak day

[30:53 - 33:44] Tess

[33:44 - 36:33] Generator scene

[36:33 - 46:21] Henry & Sam sequence

[46:21 - 53:30] Mighty thin ice

[53:30 - 01:00:46] David - content warning

[01:00:46 - 01:03:20] The giraffes

[01:03:20 - 01:14:36] The ending

[01:14:36 - 01:18:40] More than just a game

Something not a game

[01:18:40 - 01:24:39] Lorcana and Doc Martens

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Bonus! Should you play? Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:00:56 GMT

In this special bonus episode, Sarah and Barnaby are here to help you decide whether to play Dragon Age: The Veilguard!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a fantasy RPG where your decisions have a lasting impact on the world and characters around you. Defy the Gods! Unite the Veilguard!

Podcast Chapters (no spoilers)

[00:00 - 02:32] Welcome!

[02:32 - 07:15] First Impressions

[07:15 - 11:22] Combat

[11:22 - 14:01] Romance and dialogue

[14:01.- 16:33] Decisions

[16:33 - 21:33] Companion interactions

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Bonus! Indika

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 06:00:21 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby dive into the story of Indika, created by Odd Meter. Indika is an indie, story-driven game about a conflicted young nun trying to navigate life in an alternative 19th-century Russia, and it took several unexpected turns!

Content warning - this game covers some difficult themes. We discuss an instance of rape in the game between 25.32 and 27:42. Please take care when listening.

Spoiler Warning - there are story spoilers throughout the episode, consider popping back to this one later if you're looking to play it yourself!

Podcast Chapters

[00:00 - 01:34] Hello & what is Indika please?!

[01:34 - 03:11] Premise & experience

[03:11 - 04:57] "What the hell" moments

[04:57 - 08:01] Metaphorical mechanics

[08:01 - 12:30] Meeting Ilya

[12:30 - 17:36] Exploring innocence & Indika's past

[17:36 - 19:02] Difficult religious themes

[19:02 - 24:14] Indika relationship to Ilya

[24:14 -27:42] Inner turmoil

[27:42 - 31:07] Points are pointless

[31:07 - 33:06] More than just a game

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More than just a game: Baldurs Gate 3 Part Two

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:00:51 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby delve into Baldurs Gate 3 spoilers to chat about their favourite characters and moments. Baldurs Gate 3 is an action RPG that uses the rules and combat of the popular TTRPG, Dungeons and Dragons.

Podcast Chapters & Spoiler Warnings:

[00:00 - 02:18] Welcome to the spoiler episode!

[02:18 - 05:14] Shadowheart

[05:14 - 09:03] Lae'zel

[09:03 - 10:53] Minthara

[10:53 - 15:27] Wyll

[15:27 - 18:44] Gale

[18:44 - 21:21] Astarion

[21:21 - 24:43] Halsin, Jaheira and Minsc

[24:43 - 27:59] Karlach

[27:59 - 44:22] Our favourite moments

[44:22 - 50:45] Bugs

[50:45 - 56:20] Game patches & the pressure of release date

[56:20 - 59:24] More than just a game

Something not a game

[59:24 - 01:05:03] Mobile saunas and 90’s throwbacks

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More than just a game: Baldurs Gate 3 Part One (No Spoilers)

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:00:30 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby chat all about Baldurs Gate 3 - spoiler-free! Baldurs Gate 3 is an action RPG that uses the rules and combat of the popular TTRPG, Dungeons and Dragons.

Podcast Chapters & Spoiler Warnings:

What are we playing?

[00:00 - 03:31] - Faster than Light & Loop Hero (Game premise)

[03:31 - 05:53] Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (Mini Games)

[05:53 - 09:46] What is Baldurs Gate 3?

[09:46 - 13:33] Character Creation

[13:33 - 18:12] Our first Tavs

[18:12 - 27:11] Does BG3 do Dungeons & Dragons well?

[27:11 - 30:40] Why play Baldurs Gate 3?

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Bonus! Astrobot!

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:11 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss their first impressions of Astrobot!

Podcast Chapters and Spoiler Warnings

We talk about the home world and the first two areas in the game. There are spoilers for the game premise, level design, game design, mechanics and special bots throughout. If you want to play with no information at all - come back to this one once you've played the first two areas!

[00:00 - 01:48] Introduction

[01:48 - 03:51] What is Astrobot?!

[03:51 - 06:28] First impressions

[06:28 - 12:19] Favourite levels and mechanics

[12:19 - 17:17] Favourite bots

[17:17 - 20:42] Difficulty

[20:42 - 25:43] Game design

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More than just a game: Return of the Obra Dinn

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:27:28 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby talk about Return of the Obra Dinn! Obra Dinn is a one-bit monochromatic puzzle, adventure game created by Lucas Pope. The lost ship Obra Dinn has returned to port without its crew. You have been dispatched to uncover its mysteries!

Podcast Chapters & Spoiler Warnings:

No Spoilers Section

What are we Playing?

[00:00 - 06:11] Baldurs Gate 3

[06:11 - 08:56] Obra Dinn game premise and history

[08:56 - 10:35] Papers Please!

[10:35 - 12:31] Distribution & Style

[12:31 - 13:37] Revisiting Obra Dinn (shout out to Play Frame for their great play through)

[13:37 - 18:33 Obra Dinn Tutorial (Very minor spoiler - we mention the name of the first character you solve as part of the tutorial.)

[18:33 - 21:29] The "correct" mechanic

[21:29 - 24:08] "Guessing" mechanics.

[24:08 - 29:27] Tips for playing the Obra Dinn (No story spoilers - but we discuss the tricks & tips we used to beat the game when we needed help.)

Spoiler Section

[29:27 - 36:29] Story & later game mechanics (story spoilers)

[36:29 - 38:12] The music of Return of the Obra Dinn (story spoilers)

[38:12 - 44:01] Our standout moments (story spoilers)

[44:01 - 45:33] More than just a game (story spoilers)

Something not a game

[45:33 - 52:45] "Running Close to the Wind" & a trip to the Osteopath

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More than just a nostalgia game

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 11:58:28 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby take a trip down memory lane and discuss some of their favourite nostalgia games!

Podcast Chapters & Spoiler Warnings:

What are we playing?

[00:00 - 03:48] Persona 3 reload (game premise and length)

[03:48 - 05:22] The Last of Us Part Two Remastered (no spoilers)

[05:22 - 21:09] Goldeneye N64 (graphics, cheats, game premise)

[21:09 - 33:19] Final Fantasy 8 (game & story premise, character names,

(FF8 mild main character story SPOILER [31.27 - 32.16])

[33:19 - 46:40] Banjo-Kazooie (game & story premise, level content, mechanics)

[46:40 - 51:10] Kingdom Hearts series (game premise, level content,

[51:10 - 55:23] Mega man: Battle & Chase (game premise, mechanics)

[55:27 - 57:00] More than just a game

Something not a game

[57:00 - 01:02:03] Dungeons & Dragons, Planning for a big trip!

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More than just a game: Hades

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:58:25 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss the roguelite game Hades, looking at how Supergiant Games managed to elevate the genre to the next level.

Podcast chapters and spoiler warnings:

[02:53 - 04:56] Crow Country (Game premise, explorer mode, enemies)

[04:56 - 05:46] - Persona 3 (Game premise)

[05:46 - 07:46] Hades (Major spoilers: Story overview)

Supergiant Games History

[07:46 - 09:28] Bastion (Game premise, gaming mechanics,

[09:28 - 10:34] Transistor (Game premise, gaming mechanics)

[10:34 - 11:40] Pyre (Game premise, gaming mechanics)

[11:40 - 15:58] What is a Roguelike? What is a Roguelite?! (Original Rogue game from the 1980’s.)

[15:58 - 18:06] What other roguelikes/roguelites have we played? (Game premise for Slay the Spire, Dead Cells, Splunky & Rogue Legacy. 18:06 Hades.)

Hades!

[18:06 - 23:02] Why did Sarah even play a roguelite?! (Spoilers, God mode, difficulty)

[23:02 - 34:55] Bosses and Boss fights (Spoilers)

[34:55 - 38:55] The House of Hades (Spoilers. Hypnos, Achilles, Patroclus, Skelly)

[38:55 - 44:49] Gods & Boons (Mechanical spoilers. Athena, Hermes, Artemis, Ares, Demeter, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Dionysus, Sisyphus, Orpheus, Eurydice)

[44:49 - 45:17] Hades Soundtrack

[45:17 - 46:49] Chaos (Mechanical spoilers)

[46.49 - 50:00] Gaming mechanics (Spoilers)

[50:00 - 53:40] Hades 2. What would we like to see in the new game?

[53:40 - 56:31] More than just a game

What else have we been up to?

[56:31 - 59:36] Oxford!

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Bonus! Dragon Age The Veilguard - who do we want to romance?

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:33 GMT

In this bonus episode, Sarah and Barnaby talk about the recently announced companions in Dragon Age The Veilguard. Who will they try to romance? Which companions could romance each other?!

Follow along with who the NPC's are here! https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Companions_(The_Veilguard)

Spoilers

We talk about the content released about this game so far. If you want to play it without any information ahead of time - come back to this one at a later date!

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More than just a romance option

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:56:54 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby share their best gayming romances and try to figure out what makes romance options so special.

Podcast chapters and spoiler warnings:

What are we playing?

[2:20 - 3:27] Wildermyth Open Road (Game premise)

[3:27 - 5:08] Final Fantasy 7 Remake, & Gran Turismo 7 (Number of game chapters)

[5:08 - 7:17] What is a romance option?

Our best gaming romances

[7:17 - 13:30] Baldurs Gate 3 (Major story spoilers for main quest and origin characters)

[13:30 - 14:59] Horizon Series (Game romance mechanics)

[14:59 - 16:38] Hades (Romanceable characters)

[16:38 - 18:38] Assassins Creed Odyssey (mild side quest spoilers)

[18:38 - 21:48] Life is Strange 1 - 3 (Major story spoilers for the main storylines in Life is Strange 1 & 3.)

[21:48 - 26:35] Persona 5 (Romanceable character options.)

[26:35 - 37:50] Dragon Age Series Inquisition (Major main story spoilers, Romanceable character options and scene specifics.)

{37:50 - 38:09] Dragon Age Veilguard bonus

[38:09 - 42:28] The Witcher 3 (Romanceable character options).

[42:28 - 43:51] Batman romance?! Diablo 4 romance!

And the big game for Romance Options is….

[43:51 - 45:34] The Mass Effect Trilogy (Major story and character spoilers)

[45:34 - 47:00] XCOM: Marvel’s Midnight Sons (Game premise and mechanics)

[47:00 - 48:40] Mass Effect Trilogy growth and representation (Major story and character spoilers)

Our Gayming romance options

[48:40 - 51:40] Tali (Major story and character spoilers)

[51:40 - 57:47] Liara, Miranda, Kelly Chambers (Major story and character spoilers)

[57:47 - 01:09:13] Garrus, Kaiden, Thane and Steve (Major story and character spoilers)

[01:09:13 - 01:13:37] More than just a game

What else have we been up to?

[01:13:37 - 01:15:32] Bouldering and the theatre

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More than just a Co-Op game

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:52:55 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Barnaby discuss their best Co-Operative gaming experiences as they look at what makes Co-Op games great!

Podcast Chapters and Spoiler Warnings

What are we playing?
[1:30 - 2:43] Final Fantasy 7 Remake (character names)
[2:43 - 3:30] Tunic (Game premise)
Best Co-Operative Games
[3:50 - 5:49] Diablo 3 (game style, character classes)
[5:49 - 8:33] A Way Out (Major Spoilers: character names, ending of the game, action sequences)
[8:33 - 11:07] It Takes Two (story premise, character names, puzzle and mini games)
[11:07 - 12:08] Moving Out (game premise, trophies)
[12:08 - 16:43] Baldurs Gate 3 (style of Co-Op,14:18 - 16:43 character romance options)
[16:43 - 17:10] Untitled Goose Game (game premise)
[17:10 - 19:34] Lost Planet 2 (story premise)
Online Gaming [19:34 - 20:55]
Why we love Co-Op games [20:55 - 22:14]
[22:14 - 23:46] Child of Light (game premise, mechanics, characters)
[23:46 - 24:30] Beyond: Two Souls (mechanics, character)
Different kinds of Co-Op Game
[24:30 - 27:00] Parallel, Simultaneous, & Step-by-Step Co-Op. (Source - Game Makers Tool Kit)
[27:00 - 27:49] (Diablo 3 character class abilities)
[27:49 - 30:35] Co-Pilot Mode by XBOX. (Source - Extra Credits.)
The Best Co-Operative Game is...
[30:35 - 46:45] Overcooked 1 & 2 (Major spoilers for level content, game premise, mechanics)
What else have we been up to?
[46:45 - 49:24] Sprained ankles and butterbeans...

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