Marcus has been working on a new detective video game with his creative partner Nathan, and today we’re going to dive into what that was like! Join us as we discuss what makes for a good murder mystery scenario, some behind-the-scenes development stories, and find out whether this game truly is the “soulslike” of detective video games.

If you’re interested in winning a free copy of the game, find out at the end of this episode. Then, visit the YouTube version of this interview: https://youtu.be/8mzwqaMtNz0

Purchase the Rise of the Golden Idol: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/

(Also available on consoles!)

Check out Marcus and Nathan's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAY

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

3:28 - What is “Rise of the Golden Idol?”

5:04 - How did you get to work on this?

6:00 - “Writer” or “Narrative Designer?

7:23 - Do you feel any pressure or expectations working on the sequel?

9:57 - How do you start writing a murder-mystery scenario?

13:13 - Did the narrative inform the scenarios, or vice versa?

14:43 - Did you design alone, or paired up with other writers?

16:21 - What are your writing strengths?

19:14 - Did you have any ideas considered too “silly” for this game?

20:15 - Did you have to cut any scenarios you were excited about?

23:01 - What are you looking forward to about the launch? Any fun development stories?

25:24 - Who do you think will enjoy this game the most?

26:48 - Free Game Giveaway!

27:55 - Outro

UFO 50 is one of the most ambitious indies we've ever played: 50 games in one, and some of which are all-time classics! Here are our top ten.

If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:43 - Why do we love UFO 50?

8:42 - Deviltion

10:48 - Party House

13:45 - Camoflouge

15:30 - Porgy

17:54 - The Big Bell Race

19:02 - Rock On! Island

21:31 - Rail Heist

23:53 - Attactics

26:00 - Hyper Contender

28:25 - Mini & Max

31:49 - Outro

I don’t love Soulslikes…but I quite like No Rest for the Wicked so far. Here are my thoughts on the early access release! 

Check out my other reviews on GG!

https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer

If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Nintendrew joins this week to play a good old-fashioned game of Name That Tune! As an avid collector of N64 games, how will he fare against some cruelly obscure tracks from that console's library? Let us know how well YOU do in the game as well! And thanks for listening! Nintendrew YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Nintendrew?si=rKyOxHtOcY62cWJ8 Check out Drew's indie title C.A.R.L. on Switch! https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/c-a-r-l-switch/ (Also available on other platforms!) ...and here's our review of it: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uqxGEQ4Os55H2ySJFhGsl?si=ufA7favjSlWcyJ92pV2wLw If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro / Rules 2:33 - Track #1 3:29 - Track #2 5:22 - Track #3 6:55 - Track #4 9:00 - Track #5 11:11 - Track #6 12:42 - Track #7 14:50 - Track #8 16:41 - Track #9 20:03 - Track #10 22:34 - Track #11 23:34 - Track #12 25:56 - Track #13 28:01 - Track #14 20:41 - Track #15 32:30 - Final Thoughts

We’re back with another "Backlog Brunch!" Today we discuss a whole litter of titles we haven’t had the chance to bring up on the show before, such as Balatro, Sifu, Coral Island, and River City Girls 2, among others!

If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:43 - Super Mario RPG

1:39 - Persona 3 Reload

2:26 - Cassette Beasts

7:35 - Coral Island

9:13 - Cocoon

12:16 - Patrick’s Parabox

13:04 - Balatro

18:55 - River City Girls 2

21:00 - Sifu

23:56 - Outro

The Sonic Mania team returns - and so does Ray Hargreaves! Today we discuss Penny’s Big Breakway, a skill-based 3D Platformer (with an emphasis on the skill) by the former developers of Sonic Mania. We hope you enjoy our thoughts, Jared being awarded his very first quick jab, as well as a free game giveaway!

To find out how you can win a free copy of Penny’s Big Breakaway on Nintendo Switch, CLICK HERE: https://sweepwidget.com/c/78364-tonp0jsd

If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

00:47 - Main Discussion

13:24 - ⭒Star Pieces

18:10 - Quick Jabs

23:21 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

28:36 - Free Game Giveaway!

28:53 - Outro

30:08 - Bonus Scene

Today we reminisce about the good ol’ days of subpar Gameboy platformers, candy-themed web games, and driving each other crazy, with a nostalgic trivia battle! One advantage of us co-hosts being brothers is we know exactly what games each other has played, so we hope you enjoy 40+ minutes of us trying to stump each other, and going on plenty of nostalgic tangents along the way!

“Maybe Village” arrangement by Aivi and Surasshu: https://aivisura.bandcamp.com/album/the-black-box

We don’t know when the next episode will be, but if you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:20 - Marcus Challenge #1

2:40 - Jared Challenge #1

4:07 - Marcus Challenge #2

5:42 - Jared Challenge #2

9:22 - Marcus Challenge #3

13:14 - Jared Challenge #3

16:29 - Marcus Challenge #4

18:32 - Jared Challenge #4

23:13 - Marcus Challenge #5

26:38 - Jared Challenge #5

29:50 - Marcus Challenge #6

34:25 - Jared Challenge #6

36:10 - Marcus Challenge #7

38:56 - Jared Challenge #7

41:32 - Final Tally

43:50 - Bonus Scene

Dallin returns to help us review the newest triple-A Metroidvania: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown! There’s a lot to love about this game: Excellent Combat, a fun water level(?!), and an engaging mechanic new to the genre. Join us as we chat about this and much more, with only a tiiiiny rant about notification settings in this week’s episode of Level With Us!

Special thanks to Ubisoft for the review code!

We don’t know when the next episode will be, but if you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:25 - Main Discussion Begins

2:40 - The Story

3:40 - The Combat

7:48 - Exploration & Progression

10:45 - New Metroidvania Mechanic

13:36 - ⭒Star Pieces

17:57 - Quick Jabs

24:38 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

31:16 - Outro & Final Thoughts

32:47 - Bonus Scene

Surprise!! We’re back with one last little episode before the new year starts. It’s become a yearly tradition for Jared to spring a “Name That Tune” challenge on Marcus with absolutely no warning! Will you best him at it? Let us know!

Image Source: https://www.polygon.com/23648669/best-video-games-2023

We’ll be taking a break for a while, but if you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:41 - The Rules

1:37 - Song #1

4:10 - Song #2

6:57 - Song #3

8:09 - Song #4

9:19 - Song #5

11:00 - Song #6

11:49 - Song #7

13:37 - Song #8

15:23 - Song #9

17:01 - Song #10

19:55 - Song #11

21:04 - Song #12

21:56 - Song #13

22:50 - Song #14

24:24 - Song #15

26:10 - Song #16

27:27 - Song #16

28:01 - Song #16

32:16 - Final Recap

33:17 - Bonus Scene

It’s that time of year again, where we sit back and reflect on the frankly INSANE amount of games released in the past 12 months. These are each of our top 5 games of 2023 - and Jared’s #2 may SHOCK you! Also, listen for a surprise reveal at the end…

Wishlist Rise of the Golden Idol HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/

We’ll be taking a break for a while, but if you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:26 - Honorable Mentions

4:36 - Jared’s #5

5:59 - Marcus’s #5

7:22 - Jared & Marcus’s #4

10:43 - Marcus’s #3

12:21 - Jared’s #3

13:46 - Marcus’s #2

16:36 - ...Jared Rant?

18:16 - Jared’s #2

21:09 - Jared’s #1

23:04 - Marcus’s #1

24:33 - THE REVEAL

27:55 - Outro

Ahhh, do you smell that? Something special is ready to be taken out of the oven! We do really love a fresh-baked Paper Mario-inspired, don’t you? Take a listen to this episode to hear our thoughts on the game, including a few bread puns along the way!

Win a FREE COPY of Born of Bread by entering our giveaway!

https://sweepwidget.com/c/75462-b5ol7q1p

You can purchase the game on all major platforms:

https://www.wildartsgames.com/bornofbread

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:48 - What is this game?

1:14 - Main Discussion

6:26 - ⭒Star Pieces

8:25 - Quick Jabs

15:31 - Final Thoughts (& Game Giveaway!)

The SteamWorld Series of games are well known for being exceptionally good - so good, in fact, that one of them is in my top 5 games of all time. So, with the newest entry about to come out, how well does the developer do as they try and tackle the “City-Builder” genre? Listen to find out in this mini-review of the game!

You can purchase the game on all major platforms (including Game Pass!). Check it out here:

https://steamworldgames.com/

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

I guested on Marcus's podcast this week to try and stump him and his co-host Nathan with a trivia challenge! It was a lot of fun, and even if you haven't listened to their show, I recommend checking it out! Link below:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vhMLSn3txDw3YvpTluvVe?si=t9zLCtw2Rhyaw2CgIPwv_Q

Deckbuilding! In! SPACE! We have played the new indie title Cobalt Core and we love its single-axis combat system and its charming writing. This week we review the game with all our regular segments, with only a slight amount of spoiler-censorship at the end. 

You can purchase the game HERE - 

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2179850/Cobalt_Core/

Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/cobalt-core-switch/

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:48 - What is this game?

2:19 - Main Discussion

9:22 - ⭒Star Pieces

13:20 - Quick Jabs

16:34 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

20:50 - Outro

Welcome to the show where, at least this week, we talk about pigeons and make obnoxious noises! We got our hands on the new “Rhythm Royale” game, Headbangers! Listen to our overall thoughts on the game, and when you’re done you can enter our giveaway for a FREE copy of the game by clicking HERE: 

https://sweepwidget.com/c/74475-7z6kp5gq

You can also purchase the game HERE:

https://www.headbangers.game/

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:02 - What IS this game?

1:38 - Main Discussion

6:05 - ⭒Star Pieces

9:01 - Quick Jabs

11:24 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

15:25 - Outro & Free Game Giveaway!

Mamma Mia! Mario Wonder just came out, which means it’s time to flex our knowledge of the series with a little trivia challenge! Stick around to the end to hear our thoughts on Wonder, as well as a… semi-decent Mario impression.

Check out Jared’s GG profile HERE: https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:11 - Power-up Quiz

4:14 - Power-up Quiz, the sequel!

7:37 - Character Voice Challenge

13:27 - Mario Movie Quotes

16:32 - Isle Delfino Geography Quiz

21:27 - Nintendo’s OFFICIAL Mario Quiz?

27:06 - Our Mario Wonder Impressions

30:31 - Outro

31:25 - Bonus Round!

Take a little farm-sim, mix it with creature collecting, top it off with a little deck building, and you get the new indie title Moonstone Island! This week we discuss this game’s multiple facets, from its card-based combat to how low your chances of flirting are (in the game, AND real life!).

Purchase Moonstone Island here!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658150/Moonstone_Island/

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:11 - Main Discussion Begins

3:13 - Combat

6:29 - The Obvious Comparison

8:13 - ⭒Star Pieces

10:09 - Quick Jabs

11:50 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

15:52 - Outro

It seemed impossible, but Sea of Stars somehow flipped the script and made JRPGs fun. This week we discuss the game’s fantastic combat design & visuals, do a cooking show, and correct ourselves at the last possible second.

Purchase Sea of Stars here!

Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/sea-of-stars-switch/

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244090/Sea_of_Stars/

Playstation: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10004226

Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/sea-of-stars-demo/9nldmqt2njwj

If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:56 - Main Discussion Begins

2:40 - Combat

4:00 - Visuals

4:42 - Modern Touches

6:43 - Story

8:14 - (Sea of) ⭒Star Pieces

14:22 - Quick Jabs

16:36 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

22:48 - Outro

23:43 - Credits?

We’re back! So much has happened since we last got together, so this episode we’ll be catching up on Marcus’s new life developments, indie recommendations from our listeners, and a very cool handheld indie console: The Playdate! Also, we may or may not have worked on a video game - listen to find out more!

Reelistic Fishing: https://toadleyundercontrol.itch.io/reelisticfishing

(also eventually available on Playdate’s Catalog!)

Reelistic Fishing OST: https://youtu.be/gcbFKVno8HU?si=ViwXROgP867z6-jO

If you have indie recommendations, or are interested in trying the game we both worked on, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:37 - Catching up on #CatLife

1:32 - Playdate Console

4:46 - Playdate Game Spotlights

9:49 - Reelistic Fishing

13:34 - Get Recs!

16:46 - Outro

17:48 - Bonus Scene

We brought back special guest Ray Hargreaves to challenge him (and embarrass him if possible) with a Sonic-themed game of “Name That Tune!” He knows his Sonic games, but just how well will he fare? How well will YOU fare? Let us know!

Special thanks to Ray for participating and for sharing a few favorite Sonic tracks of his own!

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:53 - The Rules

4:32 - Track #1

6:24 - Track #2

7:17 - Track #3

8:06 - Track #4

9:08 - Track #5

10:06 - Track #6

11:03 - Track #7

12:56 - Track #8

14:28 - Musical Misfit #1

16:02 - Track #9

17:06 - Track #10

19:18 - Track #11

20:34 - Track #12

22:06 - Track #13

24:03 - Track #14

25:31 - Track #15

27:29 - Track #16

29:26 - Musical Misfit #2

31:56 - Score Update

32:20 - Track #17

33:47 - Track #18

35:29 - Track #19

37:18 - Track #20

38:22 - Track #21

40:44 - Track #22

42:17 - Track #23

44:16 - Track #24

45:58 - Track #25

48:02 - Musical Misfit #3

51:27 - Final Score!

52:08 - Musical Misfit #4

55:37 - Track ???

Marcus is now hitched, so it’s up to Jared to fill the new void in his life with some excellent indie recommendations! This week we’ve got a minimalist RTS, an insanely detailed city-builder, and a… minesweeper-like?! Purchase these excellent titles HERE: Let’s! Revolution! - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2111090/Lets_Revolution/ Ixion - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1113120/IXION/ Thronefall - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2239150/Thronefall/ Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:42 - Let’s! Revolution! 4:27 - Ixion 7:31 - Thronefall 10:39 - Outro

Part cozy game, part terrifyingly weird experience - we cannot get enough of Pikmin 4! This week Mariah joins Jared once again to discuss this new entry in the acclaimed yet lesser known Nintendo franchise. And a hearty congrats to the winner of our free game giveaway!

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:06 - Our History with the Pikmin Series

2:38 - Pikmin 4 General Thoughts

6:40 - ⭒Star Pieces

10:36 - Oatchi!

11:45 - Quick Jabs

15:28 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

21:16 - Outro

It’s been two months since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom came out, so how do we feel about it now? Keep in mind there are full SPOILERS in this episode, but if you don’t want to hear them, skip to the end to learn how you can win a free copy of an excellent indie title! Win a FREE COPY of Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon by telling us an indie game we should cover on our show! The winner will be randomly selected in a future episode. Enter by Contacting us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! Check out our episode about Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon! https://anchor.fm/levelwithus/episodes/Shovel-Knight-Pocket-Dungeon--Indie-Game-Spotlight-e1en1cv Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:59 - Do we still like it? 2:52 - The Story / Ending  7:50 - Favorite Sidequests 10:08 - The Combat 13:29 - …The Yiga Clan? 16:30 - Favorite Dungeons 19:48 - Our Final Thoughts 21:35 - Listener Mail Time! 27:13 - Indie Game Giveaway! 29:14 - Outro

Cy from Fireplace Gaming joins in this week to take a look at The Plucky Squire, which was just released! In this 2D top-down / 3D platform hybrid, you manipulate a storybook and engage in really well-designed puzzles. Take a listen to hear our thoughts on the game, and be sure to check out Cy’s other videos HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@fireplacegamingYT

We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

2:28 - Main Discussion

13:33 - ⭒Star Pieces

18:46 - Quick Jabs

24:21 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

30:30 - Outro

Video game trivia with a splash of roleplaying: Welcome to Fake Fan Fantasy II! In this exciting second installment, Jared plays Game Master while Marcus has to identify attractive Zelda characters, UI sound effects, and Pokémon he’s never heard of. Will he gain enough clue coins? Or is he truly the fakest fan?

Play along and let us know YOUR high score by contacting us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:44 - Marcus’s Backstory

5:13 - List of Challenges 

6:05 - The Rules

7:59 - Name That UI SFX

16:35 - Hot Zelda Character Game Show?

28:10 - Pokémon vs Yokai

35:07 - Fishing Minigame Challenge

40:18 - A Tender Moment

41:13 - PAL Version Titles

49:11 - The Temple of GC

1:01:20 - Indie Character Indexing

1:09:50 - The Results!

1:10:55 - The Ending

1:12:19 - Outro

Oops! All Marcus! Jared is gone this week, so Marcus finally took some initiative and made his own episode! In this short review, Marcus gives his thoughts on Toodee and Topdee, a charming puzzle platformer.

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

The wait is over! This week we talk about the highly-anticipated game everyone else is talking about: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. There are no major story spoilers in our discussion, but we do mention one big area you encounter in the first few hours of the game.

If YOU have thoughts on Tears of the Kingdom, such as a funny story that happened to you in the game, please let us know and we’ll read it on the next episode of our show! You can Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:29 - New-ish and New-er Areas

6:43 - Link’s New Abilities

16:35 - Sandboxy Puzzles

21:15 - ⭒Star Pieces

25:29 - Quick Jabs

28:02 - Who’s the Fake Fan?

32:22 - Final Thoughts

34:06 - Outro

Beardo’s journey continues as he tries to solve the final video game trivia challenges of “Levelwithandia!” Will he succeed and save his failing business? Or will he be dumb and call Mr. Game & Watch an anime character? Find out in this final chapter!

Marcus guested on “Escape This Podcast!” - Check it out: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-imt4k-1b0e86

…and be sure to also check out Marcus’s murder mystery podcast as well!

https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAYDTW

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:34 - Smash Taunt Challenge

6:10 - Sudden Death!

9:06 - Precious Metals pt. 1

10:39 - Precious Metals pt. 2

12:24 - Precious Metals pt. 3

15:33 - Canonical Murderers

22:00 - The Epic Conclusion

24:55 - Escape Room podcast plug!

26:36 - Marcus Murder Mystery podcast plug!

27:03 - Outro

Marcus challenged Jared to an all-out video game trivia battle - with a roleplaying twist! Grab your favorite beverage and settle in as these two bicker about different video game currencies, deckbuilding jargon, and knock-off names of video games. And be sure to stay tuned because pt. 2 will be posted next week! Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs  Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:47 - Backstory 4:36 - Video Game Knock-off Titles 11:43 - Deckbuilder Key Words 17:45 - Zelda Game "Firsts" 22:11 - Video Game Currencies 28:58 - Outro

Welcome to our side series “Backlog Brunch,” where we catch up on all the games we’ve been playing in the past couple months! While we’d love to dedicate a full episode to each game we play, Backlog Brunch will be our chance to share our thoughts on several games all-in-one! Stay tuned to the end to hear the winner of our DREDGE Giveaway!

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

2:17 - Metroid Prime Remastered

7:25 - Monster Train

13:14 - Hogwarts Legacy

18:48 - The Case of the Golden Idol

23:03 - Persona 4 Golden

26:52 - The Forgotten City

32:25 - Game Giveaway Winner!

35:12 - Outro

To win a free Switch code for DREDGE (North American region only), listen to the rules (28:00) and then e-mail us the creepiest undersea creature you can think of to LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! Today we review DREDGE, an indie that’s about fishing, item management, and maaayyyybe going just a little bit insane. Let us know what you think of our star pieces, quick jabs, and awful fishy puns as we talk about this game and its unique genre!  You can purchase DREDGE HERE: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/dredge-switch/ …as well as other platforms! Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:26 - What Genre IS this Game?! 3:35 - General Thoughts 13:24 - ⭒Star Pieces 19:00 - Quick Jabs 23:05 - Who’s the Fake Fan? 28:00 - Free Game Giveaway! 30:23 - Outro

Ragnarok may have come and gone a few months ago… but it’s never too late to revisit the Nine Realms! Today Jared is joined by Dan from Octopus Deathpunch for an extended deep dive into God of War: Ragnarok’s story and gameplay choices, and what we thought of them! MAJOR spoilers ahead; feel free to skip this episode if you want to experience the game fresh for yourself. Check out Dan’s website HERE: https://octopusdeathpunch.com/ …and his podcast HERE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/octopus-death-punch “God of War” themed lo-fi provided by © Audio Studio - Free Copyright Sounds [AS-FCS]: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC146xQqMy3UBnM5lDBeo21g Other Music provided by Lofi Girl: -“Daylight” by Team Astro -“7 Suns” by No Spirit -“Orion” by Hoogway Links: -https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/hidden-treasure -https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/between-worlds -https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/equation-of-time Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 3:12 - General Thoughts 7:55 - The Combat 14:58 - The Ending 21:20 - ⭒Star Pieces 25:04 - Quick Jabs 32:02 - Who’s the Fake Fan? 39:32 - Outro

The Professor Layton series isn’t dead!! With the announcement of “Professor Layton and the New World of Steam,” we thought it would be fun to not only speculate on what it could be like - but pitch our OWN ideas for what would make for a good franchise revival! Joining us once again is the impeccable Bob from DearestHershel to discuss ideas for the Story, Gameplay, and Setting of this new hypothetical game. I wonder how many predictions we’ll get right…? See more of DearestHershel’s content HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@DearestHershel To learn about DearestHershel’s “Lost City” Layton fan-game (and play it too!), check out this video: https://youtu.be/95lKvaHj_yk Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:58 - New Layton Announcement! 4:40 - Marcus’s Pitch 10:00 - Bob’s Pitch 15:19 - Jared’s Story Pitch 20:26 - Jared’s Gameplay Pitch 24:48 - Jared’s Final Twist 26:53 - New World of Steam Predictions 31:17 - Outro

We’re thrilled to once again welcome Ray Hargreaves on the podcast to discuss Sonic Frontiers (albeit a couple months late - whoops!). For this episode we talk about the ups, downs, and loop-de-loops that this game brings to the franchise. Expect fun rants, lots of laughs, and even a "Name That Tune!"

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - General Thoughts
5:00 - The Story
8:02 - The Gameplay / Setting
15:58 - ⭒Star Pieces
19:56 - Quick Jabs
26:41 - Who’s the Fake Fan
31:26 - Name That Tune
36:26 - Ray’s Top 3D Sonic Games
38:11 - Outro
39:24 - Bonus Scenes

Pure bliss. It's nice to remember why I love video games.

If you have a game recommendation, write us at LevelWithUsPodcast{AT]gmail[DOT}com !

Check out Digital Foundry's excellent video on how the game is a technical marvel: https://youtu.be/1qhV6Tv1FkM?si=fG9HXcagd8UmC6In

We were delighted to get to try Wavetale this week, an indie game where the player gets to glide along the ocean using a superb movement system. Listen to us gush about the overall presentation, get our star pieces and quick jabs mixed up, and plug a new podcast Marcus has been working on!

You can purchase Wavetale on the Switch eShop!
https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/wavetale-switch/
(Also available on other platforms.)

Check out Marcus’s podcast “Aurelius Whitlock’s Murder Museum” HERE!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aurelius-whitlocks-murder-museum/id1626780085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAYDTW

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - General Thoughts
5:37 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:06 - Quick Jabs
10:00 - Who’s the Fake Fan
16:26 - Rabbit Holes
19:03 - Outro

In this bonus episode, Marcus plays “Name That Tune” for some of the biggest games of 2022 - and so can you! Keep track of which music tracks you guess correctly, and see if you scored higher at the end of the episode!

For a little cheat sheet as you play, check out the video version of our episode!: https://youtu.be/-jAAftB_ljQ

Tell us your score by e-mailing us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - The Rules
2:14 - Song #1
3:55 - Song #2
4:39 - Song #3
6:40 - Song #4
7:52 - Song #5
9:55 - Song #6
11:07 - Song #7
11:55 - Song #8
13:17 - Song #9
14:02 - Song #10
15:00 - Song #11
16:29 - Song #12
18:30 - Song #13
19:16 - Song #14
20:41 - Song #15
22:54 - Song #16
24:13 - Song #17
25:02 - Song #18
26:43 - Song #19
27:55 - Song #20
28:38 - Song #21
29:28 - Song #22
30:03 - Song #24
30:29 - Overall Score!

We played a LOT of games in 2022 and these are our absolute favorites! Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Honorable Mentions 4:52 - Jared’s #5 5:44 - Marcus’s #5 6:13 - Marcus’s #4 8:25 - Jared’s #4 9:59 - Jared’s #3 10:51 - Marcus’s #3 12:00 - Marcus’s #2 13:41 - Jared’s #2 14:42 - Marcus’s #1 17:04 - Jared’s #1 19:03 - Most Anticipated Games in 2023 20:07 - Outro

This week we play with the format a bit as we each cover our own assigned indie game, then report back on it! Lil Gator Game and Soccer Story have a lot going for them, especially since they are heavily inspired by two of our favorite indie games: A Short Hike and Golf Story. But do they live up to those excellent classics? Join us for a cozy discussion, and quite possibly Jared's longest "quick jab" rant ever. You can purchase the games on the Switch eShop! Lil Gator Game: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/lil-gator-game-switch/ Soccer Story: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/soccer-story-switch/# (Both are also available on Steam & other platforms!) Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:31 - Lil Gator Game 6:12 - ⭒Star Piece 7:26 - Quick Jab 9:54 - Who’s the Fake Fan 14:00 - Soccer Story 20:26 - ⭒Star Piece 21:17 - Quick Jabs 29:19 - Who’s the Fake Fan 31:18 - Outro 32:52 - Bonus Scenes

Splenda! This week we are talking about the cutesy Farm-Sim-Meets-Pokemon indie game, Ooblets! Joining Jared today is cozy streamer “Cozy Louise,” who is here to lend her expertise on the game’s farming elements, dance battles, and weird names like “Frunbuns!” You can find Louise’s content HERE: Twitter: twitter.com/cozylouise72 Twitch: twitch.tv/cozylouise Youtube: youtube.com/@cozylouise Instagram: instagram.com/cozylouise/ You can wishlist or purchase Ooblets HERE: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/ooblets-switch/ (And on other platforms as well!) Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:34 - Special Guest! 1:05 - General Thoughts 6:08 - ⭒Star Pieces 7:29 - Quick Jabs 9:24 - Who’s the Fake Fan 13:21 - Louise’s Socials 14:44 - Outro 15:35 - Bonus Scene

This week we’re review-discussing 3 MORE indie games!: A Little to the Left, which is a cozy puzzle game (and ASMR?), Somerville, which is a dark, narrative-driven game (and action movie?), and The Knight Witch, which is a bullet-hell metroidvania with deck building elements (and about climate change?).

You can purchase A Little to the Left HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1629520/A_Little_to_the_Left/
...and Sommerville HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1671410/Somerville/
...and The Knight Witch HERE: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/the-knight-witch-switch/

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - A Little to the Left
7:01 - Somerville
12:48 - The Knight Witch
21:52 - What’s Next?

Today we celebrate making it to 50 episodes! We’re so grateful to have come this far, and look forward to even more episodes in the future! Join us for a little chat about our lives, our visions for the future of Level With Us, and even some Fake Fan questions! Also, the winner of our free game giveaway will be announced today!

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:07 - What’s Happening...in our lives?
6:14 - Favorite LWU Episodes
9:55 - Least Favorite LWU Episodes
13:41 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
12:54 - Quick Jabs
15:40 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
20:03 - The Future of Level With Us
25:09 - Game Giveaway Winner Announced!
26:06 - Outro
27:13 - Bonus Scene (Sorry Marcus)

Bwaaah! Mario & Rabbids are together again in Ubisoft’s new triple-A release, Sparks of Hope! Join us today as we discuss how refreshing it is to have a tactical strategy game with all the simplicity and fun that Mario games usually have to offer. Stick around for a special “Name That Tune” and even an indie game giveaway! Special thanks to Ubisoft for the review code! Instructions on how to enter the game giveaway: 1. Tell us what you like about our show, your favorite segment, or feedback on what you wish we did more often! 2. Do so by leaving a review on Apple podcasts, tweeting us @lvlwithus, or sending us an e-mail: LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com 3. Winner will be randomly selected and announced next episode! You can purchase Mario+Rabbids HERE: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/mario-plus-rabbids-sparks-of-hope-switch/ Documentary about the game’s composers: https://youtu.be/GfJKKDxuL-s Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - General Impressions 3:22 - Favorite Characters 7:11 - How it’s a “Mario” RPG 9:03 - ⭒Star Pieces 12:54 - Quick Jabs 15:40 - Who’s the Fake Fan? 17:48 - The “Cheat Sheet” 18:49 - Song #1 20:04 - Song #2 20:59 - Song #3 22:42 - Song #4 24:08 - Song #5 28:08 - Rabbid Holes - GAME GIVEAWAY! 30:29 - Outro

A top down action-platformer, a first-person farm sim, and a satiricle soulslike? What a variety! This week we’re covering three wildly different games: Trifox, Slime Rancher 2, and the Last Hero of Nostalgaia! We got to play a good chunk of each, so here are our thoughts, along with a Star Piece and Quick Jab for each one!

Special thanks to the developers for the review codes:
-Glowfish Interactive
-Monomi Park
-Over the Moon

You can find all 3 games HERE:

Trifox: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1211240/Trifox/

Slime Rancher 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1657630/Slime_Rancher_2/

The Last Hero of Nostalgaia: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1766100/The_Last_Hero_of_Nostalgaia/

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Special Guest!
1:55 - Trifox
3:58 - ⭒Star Pieces
5:41 - Quick Jabs
7:13 - Slime Rancher 2
11:47 - ⭒Star Pieces
14:29 - Quick Jabs
16:06 - The Last Hero of Nostalgaia
19:59 - ⭒Star Pieces
22:18 - Quick Jabs
25:36 - Outro
27:24 - Bonus Scene

This week we’re pleased to have Denise from SeeingStarsGaming on board to chat about recent title “Hokko Life” by Team17! Does it meet the “cozy” qualifications Denise’s channel is known for? Or did the creepy body proportions of its characters mentally disturb us? Listen to find out!

Denise’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeeingStarsGaming
Denise’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/seeingstargamer

You can find Hokko Life here:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/824000/Hokko_Life/
Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/hokko-life-switch/
PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10003839/
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/hokko-life/9nlrlnwd9x67

Thanks to RawX for the Hokko Life OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1cvfkX6Krw&ab_channel=RawX

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Special Guest!
3:08 - Main Discussion
8:37 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:43 - Quick Jabs
13:36 - Who's the Fake Fan?
16:35 - Final Thoughts
17:50 - How about this instead?
19:38 - Outro

Cat Quest III may sound like a silly game, but trust me when I say it's worth checking out. It may just surprise you... Check out my other reviews on GG! https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

As fans of Andrew Kenady (Nintendrew), we’re ecstatic that he’s released his own indie title called C.A.R.L.! And after playing through this action-platformer, we can indeed confirm that the game is G.R.E.A.T. (a Good, Really Exceptional, Amazing Time!). Listen to hear our full thoughts, and some more acronyms! Special thanks to Andrew for the pre-release review code!

C.A.R.L. is available on all major platforms!
Steam http://bit.ly/carlsteam
Nintendo Switch http://bit.ly/carlswitch
Xbox http://bit.ly/carlxbox
PS4/5 http://bit.ly/carlplaystation

Marcus’s Wild West Musical “Silk & Swenson”: https://www.byuradio.org/41953610-3fb2-4b2f-8dec-162768f677f5

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Main Discussion
5:20 - ⭒Star Pieces
7:13 - Quick Jabs
10:45 - Who's the Fake Fan?
17:51 - Final Thoughts
19:17 - Rabbit Holes
21:17 - Outro

Fast-paced gameplay! Bullet-time action! Metroidvania! These words describe recent indie release REDSHOT! For this week’s episode, we give our impressions of the game (and listen to some rad NES tunes as we do!).

Check out REDSHOT on Steam!
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1745520/REDSHOT/

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Jared’s GG Profile: https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Main Discussion
6:30 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:41 - Quick Jabs
11:56 - Who's the Fake Fan?
14:09 - Final Thoughts
16:09 - Outro

This week we are reviewing “Lost in Play” by Happy Juice Games! This is a point-and-click adventure without any pointing or clicking, and its art style reminds us of our favorite children’s cartoons we grew up with, like Gravity Falls, Hilda, and Over the Garden Wall! Join us as we discuss the game, debate whether fart jokes are tasteful, and make weird celery noises with our mouths! Check out Lost In Play on Steam and the Nintendo shop! Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328840/Lost_in_Play/ eShop: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/lost-in-play-switch/ Jared’s GG Profile: https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:45 - Main Discussion 7:00 - ⭒Star Pieces 10:09 - Quick Jabs 12:26 - Who's the Fake Fan? 21:36 - Final Thoughts 22:46 - Rabbit Holes 27:29 - Outro 28:25 - Bonus Scene

This week we turn to the more niche and eclectic indie games as we discuss “The Signal State” on Steam! This game is all about solving interesting programming-esque puzzles themed around modular synthesis! What is that, you ask? Listen to find out! And even if you’re not into modular synth, skip towards the end to hear some of Marcus’s synthesizer compositions, created on a Nintendo DS!

Check out The Signal State on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1577620/The_Signal_State/

More of Marcus’s DS Music:  https://soundcloud.com/pseudosemantics-1

Zachtronics Website: https://www.zachtronics.com/

Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - What is even happening?
3:32 - Main Discussion
11:13 - Who is this game for?
12:30 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
18:13 - Bonus Song