How six years can change an industry--from local deathmatch FPS being all the rage (Perfect Dark), to online co-op third-person cover-hugging (Gears of War: Reloaded). What We're Playing 00:52 Mark: Marfusha: Sentinel Girls (hinyari9, 2021) 10:16 Caitlin: PEAK (Team PEAK, 2025) 20:15 GOOF: Perfect Dark (Rare, 2000) 39:27 Feature Game: Gears of War: Reloaded (The Coalition, 2025) SHOUT 1:03:22 Mark: Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch (Ocean Drive Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Metroidvania is a very popular formula. We see how much has it changed in the twenty years between its formalization in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and its indie apotheosis in Hollow Knight. What We're Playing 00:54 Caitlin: Coral Island (Stairway Games, 2023) 17:35 Mark: Mortal Sin (Nikita Todorovic, 2025) 27:05 GOOF: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Konami, 1997) 42:50 Feature Game: Hollow Knight (Team Cherry, 2017) SHOUT 1:00:49 Caitlin: Resident Evil: Requiem (Capcom) 1:02:04 Mark: Runa (Fennec) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's protagonist vs. protagonist week here at AMBFAD, and we repeatedly ask--why can't we all just get along? First it's Spy vs. Spy, and then Jan vs. Jan in The Alters. What We're Playing 01:41 Caitlin: A Building Full of Cats 2 (Devcats, 2025) 08:45 Mark: Star Trek: The Next Generation (NES/GB, Imagineering, 1993) 20:25 GOOF: Spy vs. Spy (GBC, Kemco, 1999) 32:50 Feature Game: The Alters (11 Bit Studios, 2025) 35:26 Spoilers Begin 36:52 Spoilers End SHOUT 55:03 Caitlin: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Square Enix) 56:46 Mark: Pragmata (Capcom) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run, we gun, we laugh, and we cry with Azure Striker: Gunvolt, and then we overcome jank and feel the call to adventure with Oblivion: Remastered. What We're Playing 01:04 Mark: Bleed 2 (Ian Campbell, 2017) 10:33 Caitlin: Mario Kart World (Nintendo EPD, 2025) 23:28 GOOF: Azure Striker Gunvolt (Inti Creates, 2014) 39:27 Feature Game: The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda, 2025) SHOUT 58:18 Caitlin: Beast of Reincarnation (GAME FREAK) 59:26 Mark: Blighted (DrinkBox Studios) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk a bit about accessibility in gaming, which is sadly all too often left to modders rather than the developers themselves. The games on the agenda (super serious) are Metroid Prime and Monster Train 2. What We're Playing 01:19 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025) 03:28 Caitlin: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Square Enix, 2024) 07:00 Mark: Iron Meat (Retroware, 2024) 16:32 GOOF: Metroid Prime (Retro Studios, 2002) 35:12 Feature Game: Monster Train 2 (Shiny Shoe, 2025) SHOUT 53:18 Caitlin: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn (Owlcat Games) 54:10 Mark: Elden Ring: NIGHTREIGN patch (From Software) 55:34 Mark: Kunitsu-Gami: Otherworldly Venture (Capcom) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look back to the 3DS and Fire Emblem: Awakening, and question how weak the sauce is in Doom: The Dark Ages. What We're Playing 01:00 Mark: Death Road to Canada (Rocketcat Games, 2016) 12:59 Caitlin: Path of Exile 2 (Grinding Gear Games, 2024) 24:31 GOOF: Fire Emblem: Awakening (Intelligent Systems, 2012) 47:34 Feature Game: Doom: The Dark Ages (id, 2025) SHOUT 1:08:08 Caitlin: Gold Gold Adventure Gold (Can Can Can a Man) 1:09:38 Mark: Fallen Fates (Hibernian Workshop) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We finish our spoiler-free discussion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Caitlin expresses the view that she was tricked into playing Flashback: The Quest for Identity. What We're Playing 01:30 Caitlin: Do No Harm (Darts Games, 2025) 10:30 Mark: Void War (Tundra, 2025) 21:44 GOOF: Flashback: The Quest for Identity (Delphine Software, 1992) 35:39 Feature Game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive, 2025) SHOUT 1:05:47 Caitlin: DELTARUNE (tobyfox) 1:06:56 Mark: Elden Ring NIGHTREIGN (From Software) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the end of the world in both the N64's Sin and Punishment and the new Clair Obscur, and there's lots of ennui to be had. What We're Playing 01:05 Mark: Power Stone 2 (Capcom, 2000) 12:27 Caitlin: Forever Skies (Far From Home, 2025) 17:36 GOOF: Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Earth (Treasure, 2000) 33:23 Feature Game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive, 2025) SHOUT 1:05:06 Mark: Gears of War: Reloaded (The Coalition) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The N64 continues its redemption tour with F-Zero X, and South of Midnight is a strange mix of the novel and the derivative. What We're Playing 00:50 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025) 11:55 Mark: Astral Ascent (Hibernian Workshop, 2023) 19:01 GOOF: F-Zero X (Nintendo EAD, 1998) 34:34 Feature Game: South of Midnight (Compulsion Games, 2025) SHOUT 1:00:23 Caitlin: Date Everything (Sassy Chap Games)  1:01:43 Mark: Ayaneo Pocket ACE (Ayaneo) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We navigate the twisting labyrinths of the human mind in Psychonauts, as well as the twisting labyrinths of the puzzling mansion(s) of Blue Prince. What We're Playing 01:27 Mark: It Takes Two (Hazelight, 2021) 13:03 Caitlin: R.E.P.O. (semiwork, 2025) 19:21 GOOF: Psychonauts (Double Fine Productions, 2005) 38:37 Feature Game: Blue Prince (Dogubomb, 2025) SHOUT 1:04:46 Caitlin and Mark: Malys (Summerfall Studios) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark's alleged contrarian status is tested by the ambitious, legendary Chrono Trigger and the humble, overlooked Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. What We're Playing 01:04 Caitlin: LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System (LEGO, 2020) 09:28 Mark: Lonestar (Math Tide, 2025) 18:13 GOOF: Chrono Trigger (Square, 1995) 38:08 Feature Game: Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (Techland, 2013) SHOUT 54:00 Caitlin: LUNAR Remastered Collection (GAME ARTS)  55:02 Mark: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nothing but sprites killing hordes of enemies this week, with Guardian Heroes and The Last Spell. Also hardware digressions with Saturn, RetroTink, and video switches. What We're Playing 02:00 Mark: Rogue Loops (Fubu Games, 2025) 06:30 Mark: Capcom vs. SNK 2 (Capcom, 2001) 12:12 Caitlin: Look Outside (Francis Coulombe, 2025) 20:48 GOOF: Guardian Heroes (Treasure, 1996) 38:51 Feature Game: The Last Spell (Ishtar, 2023) SHOUT 58:20 Caitlin: Scalable Video Switch 1:01:27 Mark: Revenge of the Savage Planet (Typhoon) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pocky & Rocky scoffs at so-called difficult games like Soulslikes, and Artis Impact scoffs at the limitations of RPG Maker. What We're Playing 01:03 Caitlin: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Robot Entertainment, 2025) 08:15 Mark: The Rogue Prince of Persia (Evil Empire, 2025) 18:31 GOOF: Pocky and Rocky (Natsume, 1992) 28:36 Feature Game: Artis Impact (Mas, 2025) SHOUT 53:03 Caitlin: Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes (Alt Shift) 54:25 Mark: Valor Mortis (One More Level) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We solve murders at our patrons' behest in The Case of the Golden Idol, whereas WE INTERRUPT THESE EPISODE NOTES FOR DYNOWARZ Dynowarz: Destruction of Spondylus! Featuring the most bomb-ass box cover and stodgy gameplay, is Dynowarz one of the greatest games ever or one of the worst games ever? The answer: YES. What We're Playing 01:17 Caitlin: Final Fantasy IV (Square, 1991) 05:29 Caitlin: The Last Meadow (Discord, 2025) 09:55 Caitlin: 33 Immortals (Thunder Lotus Games) 13:40 Mark: Rogue Loops (Fubu Games, 2025) 22:32 GOOF: Dynowarz: Destruction of Spondylus (ACC, 1990) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynowarz:_Destruction_of_Spondylus#/media/File:Dynowarz_-_Destruction_of_Spondylus_(game_box_art).png 36:08 Feature Game: The Case of the Golden Idol (Color Gray Games, 2022) SHOUT 57:36 Caitlin (Shameless Hyping): Mario Kart World (Nintendo) 58:11 Mark (Serious Hesitation): Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (SNK) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all sci-fi this week! We've got all your bases covered--speculative crossovers (Split Fiction), anthropomorphic animals (Laika, Starfox 64), and psychological horror (Returnal)! Just stick your arm into the spiky alien machine. It'll probably be fine.  What We're Playing 00:57 Mark: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025) 02:15 Mark: Monster Hunter Rise (Capcom, 2021) 10:13 Mark: Laika: Aged Through Blood (Brainwash Gang, 2023) 16:11 Caitlin: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios, 2025) 22:57 GOOF: Star Fox 64 (Nintendo EAD, 1997) 42:02 Feature Game: Returnal (Housemarque, 2021) SHOUT 1:07:41 Mark: Project Gemini (People Can Fly) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We keep things light, even though they could get grim with an NES game named after a dead baby (Astyanax) and some existential angst with The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa. What We're Playing 02:28 Caitlin: Final Fantasy IV (Obsidian, 2025) 09:23 Mark: Metal Bringer (ALPHAWING, 2025) 21:24 GOOF: Astyanax (Aicom, 1989) 36:38 Feature Game: The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa (yeo, 2018) Interview with the designer: https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/19/18691106/the-friends-of-ringo-ishikawa-review-interview-yeo SHOUT 56:31 Caitlin: Paralives (Alex Massé and team) 58:04 Mark: 33 Immortals (Thunder Lotus) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ecco the Dolphin is cute in Japan but swole in the US, much like the dramatic growth a mushroom provokes in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Question: would Caitlin try to make Ecco into a hat? What We're Playing 01:06 Caitlin: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025) 02:53 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom, 2025) 11:10 Mark: Mullet MadJack (Hammer 95 Studios, 2024) 22:23 GOOF: Ecco the Dolphin (Appaloosa Interactive, 1992) Boris Vallejo's "macho" dolphin: https://www.borisjulie.com/product/ecco-the-dolphin/ Japan's "cute" dolphin: https://videogameartarchive.com/image/149804900443 38:42 Feature Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo EPD, 2023) SHOUT 55:35 Caitlin: South of Midnight (Compulsion Games) 56:15 Mark: Absolum (Dotemu) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much ax could an Ax Battler battle if an Ax Battler could battle ax is a question Golden Axe fails to address, but it gets to be brilliant and foundational all the same. We then turn to Avowed, Obsidian's latest RPG. What We're Playing 01:02 Mark: The Hidden Ones (Morefun Studios, 2025) 15:50 Caitlin: A Little to the Left (Max Inferno, 2022) 18:23 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom, 2025) 27:20 GOOF: Golden Axe (Sega, 1999) 44:03 Feature Game: Avowed (Obsidian, 2025) SHOUT 1:11:19 Caitlin: Dark Deity 2 (Sword & Axe LLC) 1:12:49 Mark: Neon Inferno (Zenovia Interactive) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about swords, Aristotle, and romance this week, where we discuss Bushido Blade and Transistor. What We're Playing 00:56 Caitlin: Final Fantasy III (Square, 1990) 10:11 Mark: Whisker Squadron Survivor (Flippfly, 2025) 18:35 GOOF: Bushido Blade (Square, 1997) 30:46 Feature Game: Transistor (Supergiant, 2014) SHOUT 55:45 Caitlin: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster (Konami) 56:49 Mark: Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (Retroid) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look back at Namco's other fighting game series, Soul Calibur. Also, in non-fighting games, the best horse game of all time, says Caitlin of Red Dead Redemption 2.  What We're Playing 00:59 Mark: Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown II, Samurai Shodown IV (SNK, 2019, 1994, 1996) Matt McMuscles' excellent Samurai Shodown history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yQoCrZBfIo 13:11 Caitlin: Monster Hunter Wilds Beta (Capcom, 2025) 15:52 Caitlin: The Roottrees are Dead (Robin Ward, 2025) 23:26 GOOF: Soul Calibur II (Namco, 2002) 37:58 Feature Game: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar, 2018) SHOUT 1:09:57 Caitlin and Mark: Saros (Housemarque) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We return to the humble beginnings of AMBFAD by discussing the Hellblade sequel, and we further mine Caitlin's childhood with Ch-Ch-Ch-Chip and Dale. What We're Playing 00:52 Caitlin: Monster Hunter: Wilds BETA (Capcom, 2025) 10:10 Mark: Helldivers II (Arrowhead, 2024) 13:10 Mark: Eternal Strands (Yellow Brick Games, 2025) 21:02 GOOF: Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers (Capcom, 1990) 30:55 Feature Game: Hellblade II: Senua's Saga (Ninja Theory, 2024) SHOUT 55:49 Caitlin: Monster Hunter: Wilds (Capcom) 56:07 Mark: Sworn (Windwalk Games) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fighting games! Castlevania! Crawling over monsters in Dragon's Dogma 2! That pretty much covers all of human endeavors, really. What We're Playing 01:06 Mark: Dead or Alive 6 (Koei Tecmo, 2019) 04:38 Mark: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (Sega AM2, 2025) 13:08 Caitlin: Void Crew (Hutlihut Games,, 2024) 24:16 GOOF: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Konami, 2003) 25:51 Feature Game: Dragon's Dogma II (Capcom, 2025) SHOUT 1:01:34 Caitlin abandons all hope and optimism 1:01:36 Mark: Avowed (Obsidian) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lots of talk of anime, cats, and anime-related cats this week! We take the Little Kitty to the Big City after we shoot so many things in Gunstar Heroes. What We're Playing 01:53 Mark: Blade Chimera (Team Ladybug, 2025) 09:21 Caitlin: Inkbound (Shiny Shoe, 2024) 18:07 GOOF: Gunstar Heroes (Treasure, 1993) 25:51 Feature Game: Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studios, 2024) SHOUT 50:40 Caitlin: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive) 53:04 Mark: Eternal Strands (Yellow Brick Studios) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minigames abound in the WarioWare series (featuring a drive-by discussion of the Mario Party games), and then we ponder the corporate dystopia that is video gaming in Citizen Sleeper. What We're Playing 00:58 Mark: Deadzone: Rogue (Prophecy Games, 2025) 11:34 Caitlin: Hidden Capybaras with Orange (Whimsical Universes, 2023) 17:00 GOOF: WarioWare: Twisted! (Nintendo SPD, 2004) 34:04 Feature Game: Citizen Sleeper (Jump Over the Age, 2022) SHOUT 57:19 Mark: Drift Survivor (MEWSTURBO) 59:57 Caitlin: Coral Island Multiplayer (Stairway Games) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk about early indie darling Hyper Light Drifter, as well as Secret of Evermore from Caitlin's childhood. More light Sluggish Heavy Drifter, amirite? What We're Playing 00:56 Caitlin: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus, 2024) 09:40 Mark: 20 Minutes till Dawn (flanne, 2023) 16:38 Mark: Rayman Legends (Ubisoft, 2013) 22:18 GOOF: Secret of Evermore (Square, 1995) 35:05 Feature Game: Hyper Light Drifter (Heart Machine, 2016) SHOUT 53:33 Caitlin: Stage Fright (Ghost Town Games) 55:08 Mark: Valkyrie Squad: Siege Breakers (Digital Crafters) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having been emancipated from duties to the Veilguard, we return to Metaphor: ReFantazio. We also headbutt Caitlin's childhood with Bonk's Adventure. What We're Playing 00:57 Mark: [REDACTED] (Striking Distance Studios, 2024) 04:30 Mark: Gain Ground (Sega, 1988, 1991, and 1992) 12:22 Caitlin: Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead, 2024) 14:38 Caitlin: Fae Farm (Phoenix Labs, 2023) 19:34 GOOF: Bonk's Aventure (Atlus, 1989) 33:31 Feature Game: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus, 2024) SHOUT 57:38 Caitlin: Dave the Diver: In the Jungle (MINTROCKET) 58:46 Mark: MagicX 3:2 clamshell handheld Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yet another unintentional theme this week, as we discuss troubled law enforcement officers in both Die Hard Trilogy for the good ol' PSX as well as Disco Elysium. What We're Playing 02:00 Caitlin: Fae Farm (Phoenix Labs, 2023) 11:35 Mark: [REDACTED] (Striking Distance Studios, 2024) 21:36 GOOF: Die Hard Trilogy (Probe Entertainment, 1996) 38:04 Feature Game: Disco Elysium (ZA/UM, 2019) SHOUT 1:05:59 Caitlin: The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian) 1:06:57 Mark: Double Dragon Revive (Yuke's) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore corrupt afterlife schemes with Grim Fandango and To the Moon! Where's a principled psychopomp when you need one? What We're Playing 00:59 Mark: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024) 05:25 Mark: Crypt Custodian (Kyle Thompson, 2024) 13:23 Caitlin: Infinity Nikki (Papergames, 2024) 22:15 GOOF: Grim Fandango (LucasArts, 1998) and its Remaster (Double Fine, 2015) 36:18 Feature Game: To the Moon (Freebird, 2011) 1:01:15 Spoilers Begin 1:22:02 Spoilers End SHOUT 1:22:30 Caitlin: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios) 1:23:36 Mark: OnexPlayer G1 and OnexSugar (OneNotebook) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Green Hat Adventure Boy returns for Ocarina of Time, this time with 100% more horse. Mark continues to get his Rogue-lite on with Ravenswatch. What We're Playing 01:15 Caitlin: Factorio (Wube Software, 2020) 10:55 Mark: Dead Cells (Evil Empire and Motion Twin, 2018) 19:30 GOOF: The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (Nintendo EAD, 1998) 35:27 Feature Game: Ravenswatch (Passtech, 2024) SHOUT 52:58 Caitlin: Dispatch (AdHoc Studio) 54:38 Mark: The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match (SNK) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We wade into a genuine retro gaming controversy. Two Aladdins enter, one Aladdin leaves! Caitlin is thrown into the deep end for her first roguelike Caves of Qud, and in a sad continuation of recent AMDFAD trends, the tutorial is lacking. What We're Playing 01:20 Mark: Ruiner (Reikon, 2017) 09:26 Caitlin: Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop (Beard Envy, 2024) 21:30 GOOF: Aladdin (Virgin Interactive, 1993) and Aladdin (Capcom, 1993)   37:53 Feature Game: Caves of Qud (Freehold Games, 2024) Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup: https://crawl.develz.org/ SHOUT 1:01:40 Caitlin: The Witcher 4 (CD Projekt Red) 1:04:07 Mark: Rabbit & Steel DLC (mino_dev) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavy questions of metaphysics and cosmology abound. Before Your Eyes is about the afterlife, Goodboy Galaxy questions whether a dog can pet itself, and Wing Commander: Privateer might be one of the circles of Hell. What We're Playing 03:15 Caitlin: Helldivers II (Arrowhead, 2024) 06:01 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024) 07:58 Mark: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024) 09:25 Mark: Prince of Persia: The Warrior Within (Ubisoft Montreal, 2004) 11:05 Mark: Shogun Showdown (Roboatino, 2024) 16:37 GOOF: Wing Commander: Privateer (Origin Systems, 1993) 30:51 Feature Game: Before Your Eyes (GoodbyeWorld Games, 2021) SHOUT 57:44 Caitlin: Cairn (The Game Bakers) 1:00:01 Mark: Evercade and SNK Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin's Final Fantasy history tour continues! We then turn to Mark's childhood Disney game, The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse. Slander may ensue. We finally test the limits of procedural generation with Wildermyth, a tactical RPG that promises satisfying randomly-generated narrative. What We're Playing 00:55 Mark: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Ubisoft Montreal, 2003) 10:33 Caitlin: Final Fantasy II (Square, 1988) 15:05 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024) 24:08 GOOF: The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse (Capcom, 1992) 36:15 Feature Game: Wildermyth (Worldwalker Games, 2019) SHOUT 59:50 Caitlin: Marry a Deep One: Innsmouth Simulator (simulinati) 1:00:59 Mark: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shockers abound this week. The World Ends with You is not the title of a Bond movie, it's a great DS game and a mediocre Switch game--and Pentiment is not just a chance to show off your history minor, it's also a murder mystery. What We're Playing 01:02 Caitlin: Cats Hidden in Germany, Italy, and China (Travellin Cats, 2023-2024 04:28 Caitlin: Luma Island (Feel Free Games, 2024) 04:47 Caitlin: Inscryption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021) 05:35 Mark: Exit the Gungeon (Dodge Roll, 2020) 15:23 GOOF: The World Ends with You (Square Enix, 2007) 28:45 Feature Game: Pentiment (Obsidian, 2022) Mild spoilers begin: 38:26 Mild spoilers end: 45:20 SHOUT 52:48 Caitlin: Critter Café (Sumo Digital) 53:44 Mark: Dungeon Clawler (Stray Fawn Studio) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We play Sifu, the very daunting beat-em-up game, as well as the beloved Beyond Good and Evil. Not only did Sifu make Caitlin play a tutorial, it was perhaps the greatest disservice imaginable to a superb game. One could say the same about Beyond Good and Evil with respect to Friedrich Nietzsche, but he doesn't deserve any better. What We're Playing 00:41 Mark: Karate Survivor (Alawar, 2024) 10:08 Caitlin: A Park Full of Cats (Devcats, 2024) 10:47 Caitlin: Tokyo Jungle (Crispy's!, 2012) 20:41 GOOF: Beyond Good and Evil (Ubisoft, 2003) 34:08 Feature Game: Sifu (Sloclap, 2022) Excellent Sifu guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeVl3wl1Esg&t=1174s SHOUT 51:47 Mark: Acts of Blood (Eksil Team) 52:44 Caitlin: Strange Antiquities (Bad Viking) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We check out a classic strategy RPG series with Shining Force II, then hurry up and die with Elden Ring: Nightreign. What We're Playing 01:03 Caitlin: Cryptmaster (Paul Hart, Lee Williams, and Akupara Games, 2024) 07:12 Mark: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios, 2025) 19:38 GOOF: Shining Force II (Sonic! Software Planning, 1993) 36:02 Feature Game: Elden Ring: Nightreign (FromSoftware, 2025) SHOUT 55:16 Caitlin: Once Upon a Katamari (RENGAME) 57:12 Mark: Spine (Nekki) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More Dragon Age! Caitlin and Mark have very different takeaways from The Veilguard. We also stress the difference between dwarves and vikings in The Last Vikings, another pre-WoW Blizzard offering. What We're Playing 01:10 Caitlin: A Tower Full of Cats, and An Arcade Full of Cats (Devcats, 2022-2024) 05:21 Mark: Persona 5 Tactika (P-Studio, 2023) 10:36 Mark: Metal Slug Tactics (Leikir Studio, 2024) GOOF: The Lost Vikings (Blizzard, 1993) 30:35 Feature Game: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare, 2024) SHOUT 1:10:43 Caitlin: Path of Exile 2 (Grinding Gear Games) 1:12:11 Mark: Mass Effect 5 (BioWare) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thank goodness you're here to join us as we discuss Thank Goodness You're Here! It's all cats and meat pies this week, though thankfully not in combination. What We're Playing 02:01 Caitlin: A Building Full of Cats, A Tower Full of Cats, and A Castle Full of Cats (Devcats, 2022-2024) 14:53 Mark: Destiny 2 (Bungie, 2017) 27:58 GOOF: Road Rash (Electronic Arts, 1991) 38:05 Feature Game: Thank Goodness You're Here (Coal Supper, 2024) SHOUT 54:58 Caitlin: A Shelter Full of Cats (Devcats) 55:48 Mark: Retroid Pocket 5 (Retroid) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin has made her enthusiasm for cats and horses well-known, but let it not be forgotten that she is fond of all manner of other animals as well. It's all kinds of fauna this week, as we revisit The Lion King and look at indie darling Animal Well. What We're Playing 01:14 Caitlin: Powerwash Simulator (FuturLab, 2022) 11:20 Mark: Inscyption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021) 13:46 Mark: PortMaster, especially Bleed (Ian Campbell, 2013) 24:20 GOOF: The Lion King (Westwood Studios, 1994) 36:15 Feature Game: Animal Well (Shared Memory, 2024) SHOUT 53:17 Mark: The Void Rains Upon Her Heart (Veyeral) 55:40 Caitlin: Barkour (VARSAV Game Studios) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Halloween here at AMBFAD, and so we are going to discuss some horror games! The retro run-and-gun Zombies Ate My Neighbors hearkens back to a halcyon period of LucasArts, and Still Wakes the Deep will hit you right in the feels.   What We're Playing 01:05 Caitlin: Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred (Blizzard Entertainment, 2024) 03:51 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024) 08:12 Mark: rRootage (ABA Games, 2003) https://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/ 15:27 GOOF: Zombies Ate My Neighbors (LucasArts, 1993) 24:30 Feature Game: Still Wakes the Deep (Chinese Room, 2024) SHOUT 55:12 Caitlin: Glyphica: Typing Survival (aliasBLACK) 57:40 Mark: NERF Destiny 2 Ace of Spades Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin has no experience with the Persona formula, whereas Mark is a longtime Persona stan--so we have you covered for Metaphor: ReFantazio. Caitlin's blood vendetta against tutorials reaches the game early Blizzard game Blackthorne, and no NPCs will survive her determination to learn as she goes. What We're Playing 01:08 Mark: Inscryption (Daniel Mullins Games, 2021) 13:07 Caitlin: Neko Atsume 2 (Hit-Point, 2024) 17:34 GOOF: Blackthorne (Blizzard Entertainment, 1994) 31:04 Feature Game: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero, 2024) SHOUT 58:27 Mark: Exodus (Archetype Entertainment) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a theme week here at AMBFAD, and we're doing grimy science fiction. From beneath the ground in Fallout to beyond the stars with the Void Bastards, we have you covered--with apologies for the salty language. What We're Playing 01:14 Mark: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024) 02:23 Mark: Street Fighter 6 (Capcom, 2023) 12:20 Caitlin: Core Keeper (Pugstorm, 2024) 20:34 GOOF: Fallout (Interplay, 1997) 35:33 Feature Game: Void Bastards (Blue Manchu, 2019) SHOUT 56:30 Caitlin: Fable (Playground Games) 58:56 Mark: Windblown (Motion Twin) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark continues Caitlin's forced education on the Neo Geo with Shock Troopers, an underappreciated run and gun. They then discuss Death and Taxes, a narrative game with some strange framing choices. WE INTERRUPT YOUR EPISODE NOTES WITH URGENT HORSE NEWS: A horse game is incoming!  What We're Playing 01:01 Caitlin: Fire Emblem: Three Houses 07:51 Caitlin: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 09:40 Mark: Halls of Torment (Casing Carrots, 2024) 17:58 GOOF: Shock Troopers (Saurus, 1997) 28:14 Feature Game: Death and Taxes (Placeholder Gameworks, 2020) 44:19 Spoilers Begin 51:25 Spoilers End SHOUT 52:43 Mark: Windstorm: Legend of the Khiimori (Aesir Interactive and NightinGames) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One ought never to overlook a chance to extol the virtues of Terry Bogard, so we discuss the classic Garou: Mark of the Wolves. In anticipation of the upcoming Veilguard, we touch on all the main Dragon Age games released thus far. What We're Playing 00:50 Mark: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024) 02:02 Mark: Anomaly Agent (Phew Phew, 2024) 10:33 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2 (Hopoo Games, 2020) 21:39 GOOF: Garou: Mark of the Wolves (SNK, 1999) 32:35 Feature Game: Dragon Age (BioWare, 2009-) SHOUT 1:18:39 Caitlin: Neva (Nomada Studio) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We finally show Nintendo some love in the form of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and get blown away (in many ways) by Tactical Breach Wizards. What We're Playing 01:02 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024) 08:45 Mark: The Ninja Warriors (Natsume, 1994) 13:24 GOOF: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Flagship and Capcom, 2004) TechDweeb's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TechDweeb 30:19 Feature Game: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024) SHOUT 49:58 Mark: Halls of Torment (Chasing Carrots) 52:19 Caitlin: Orcs Must Die: Deathtrap (Robot Entertainment) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All shooting, all the time! Both Rabbit and Steel and Undertale leverage shoot-em-up elements in novel ways, and they form a natural set with the punishing Ikaruga. What We're Playing 00:57 Caitlin: Core Keeper (Pugstorm, 2024) 08:19 Mark: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, 2019) 13:49 Mark: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024) 18:00 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox, 2024) 21:21 GOOF: Ikaruga (Treasure, 2001) 30:05 Feature Game: Undertale (Toby Fox, 2015) SHOUT 52:27 Caitlin: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare) 53:11 Mark: Iron Meat (Retroware) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vagrant Story is one of Mark's all-time favourite games, but is he ready to talk about Ashley Riot's butt? Can Caitlin cope with the madness that is JoJo? Or capybara feet? It's a whole lot. StarVaders allows us a break to focus entirely on the game of it. What We're Playing 01:29 Mark: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (Anchor, Inc, 2006) 16:05 Caitlin: Capybara Spa (Cozy Bee Games, 2022) 22:31 GOOF: Vagrant Story (Square, 2000) 48:30 Feature Game: StarVaders (Pengonauts, 2025) SHOUT 1:05:24 Mark: 8bitdo Pro 3 (8bitdo) 1:08:37 Caitlin: At Fate's End (Thunder Lotus) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes the only way to show that you love is to complain and nitpick, and that's exactly what Caitlin and Mark do with Fire Emblem--a game they both enjoy but think is sometimes borderline absurd.  What We're Playing 01:04 Mark: Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments, 2024) 08:47 Caitlin: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox, 2024) 13:14 GOOF: Metroid (R&D Team 1 and Intelligent Systems, 1986) and Metroid: Zero Mission (R&D Team 1, 2004) 25:10 Feature Game: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, 2019) SHOUT 50:51 Caitlin: Goblin Cleanup (Crisalu) 52:13 Mark: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (Capcom) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin reciprocates this week by trying ICO, one of Mark's all-time favourites. They also both explore the coming-of-age story I Was a Teenage Exocolonist, in which you play as... well, let's not undermine the excellent title, shall we? What We're Playing 00:53 Caitlin: Rabbit and Steel (mino_dev, 2024) 08:45 Mark: Valkyrie Profile (tri-Ace, 1999) 15:11 GOOF: ICO (Team ICO, 2001) 29:54 Feature Game: I Was a Teenage Exocolonist (Northway, 2022) 48:09 Spoilers Begin 56:32 Spoilers End SHOUT 58:48 Caitlin: Fields of Mistria (NPC Studio) 59:24 Mark: Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (Gearbox Software) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin said Valkyrie Profile was one of her top 10 games of all time, so let's take a deeper look! Mark reciprocates by listing his own top 10. What We're Playing 00:41 Mark: Earth Defense Force 4.1 (Sandlot, 2016) 11:15 Caitlin: Flock (Hollow Ponds and Richard Hogg, 2024) 17:24 GOOF: Valkyrie Profile (tri-Ace, 1999) 35:35 Mark's Top 10 Games of All Time 36:07 Honourable Mentions Destiny/Destiny 2 Dragon Age 2 Dragon Age: Inquisition Risk of Rain Returns 44:47 Top 10 Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters Vagrant Story ICO Silent Hill 2 Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup Mass Effect The King of Fighters XIII Spec Ops: The Line Persona V Royal Hades 1:11:20 SHOUT: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a strange and unexpected offering, an odd delight amongs a sea of derivative games. Caitlin then reveals her gaming autobiography, her top games of all time. What We're Playing 02:03 Caitlin: Slay the Spire (Mega Crit, 2019) 06:00 Mark: Pokémon Pinball (HAL Laboratory, 1999) Tech Dweeb's 10 Must Play Retro Pinball Games:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2X1tC9DjjQ&pp=ygUSdGVjaCBkd2VlYiBwaW5iYWxs 13:15 Feature Game: Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Capcom, 2024) Special Bunraku Performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=124HrR-M0iQ 27:19 Caitlin's Top 10 Games of All Time 28:30 Honourable Mentions Suikoden  Undertale Animal Crossing: New Horizons Final Fantasy XVI 33:43 Top 10 Chrono Trigger Baldur's Gate 3 Hades Valkyrie Profile Mass Effect Shadow of the Colossus Dragon Age: Origins Final Fantasy VI The Witcher 3 Red Dead Redemption 2 SHOUT 58:44 Caitlin: Slay the Spire 2 (Mega Crit) 59:33 Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices