Explore every episode of the podcast Red Rooster's Gaming Coop

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week I am taking on some more requests for DM advice. Although these requests were not specifically aimed at me, I collected up requests from a Reddit source where DMs of all different experience levels were posting to source opinions. I provide my advice in this episode and try to bring a different perspective, especially for those who may be newer to the hobby, and bring some assumptions with them about how things should be due to their experience with 5e. Tune in to hear my advice and even the outcome one poster had after utilizing the advice they got, albeit not from me. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week I am giving my report card on how I think Sony did with their double bill of the general State of Play and State of Play Japan. The shows were broadcast back to back, and promised to offer a huge amount of PlayStation content! I'm always excited when I see Sony making efforts to win back the Japanese gaming scene. Whenever I go into a September game presentation, I tend to try and temper my expectations, as these ones are usually closer looks at things we have already seen, sprinkled with a couple of minor new announcements for good measure. That was certainly the case here, but how did it tune out? Tune in to hear my thoughts on this year's September presentation, and which games got my attention. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

In the area that I live, we have recently had a run of unusual and relatively severe weather. I have always been interested in understanding how changes in weather occur and the science behind these things. This inspired me to talk about how weather, extreme or otherwise, and the shifting of seasons can impact your game, and more importantly, how it can be represented in your game. Weather can be a great tool to underline a certain feeling you want to convey, or to add an unexpected complication to a scenario. It is often overlooked, but when properly utilized, it can be a great tool to help your game. Tune in to hear me discuss about the ways I have utilized weather and seasons in my own games. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This year I decided to do a report card on Gamescom and it's big kickoff event, the Geoff Keighly helmed Opening Night Live. Gamescom has been around for a long time and always arrives at the end of the summer months. As a result, there isn't always anything too huge announced that we didn't already know about, but it is always exciting when there is a big global gaming event to tune into. ONL clocked in at over 2 hours this year, and there was a lot of coverage for the overall Gamescom show from all the big gaming publications. Tune in to find out if the show itself was a good one this year.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week I am revisiting the topic of the best accessories to be used at the TTRPG table (focussed on D&D and D&D adjacent games). I have previously discussed this in a broader sense a long time ago, but I wanted to revisit the subject. This time I tried to research what a new DM might find if they googled what the best accessories to get were, or if they used AI to generate themselves a list. What I found was not great and actually surprised me quite a bit. So I also wanted to include what I consider to be the top 5 types of accessories to be used, or at least what I consider to be the best ones for my table. Tune in the hear if there are any suggestions you might find useful, but also to  hear about some odd suggestions from the internet!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

The SNES has turned 35 years old as of August 23, 2026. This console probably had the biggest impact on me over all others. So many classics were born here, and we have yet to see such a generation grace us again since that time. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but I truly believe when one talks about a golden age in gaming, this was the generation that represents that, and the SNES is a very huge part of that. So many of the games from this platform have stood the test of time and are frequently revisited and reiterated on time and time again to this day. The influence and the innovation of the SNES continues to echo past its time in the sun, and continues to be felt quite keenly. Tune in to find out what made this platform so special, and why people of my generation often fawn over this console.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

The amount of HP a character has, the way that they heal, and the mechanics of dying and ultimately death are huge influencers to the culture of play that emerges in each edition of D&D. This week I am comparing how each edition has handled this important aspect of the game, and how its systems have changed and evolved, leading to fairly different feeling editions. I have been thinking a lot about these differences, and after going over it all again, it really gives great insight on how the game has changed around it. Tune in to hear my thoughts on the various different approaches and my ideal approach for my own home games. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week I am introducing a new segment for the show that will air from time to time. If you kinda recognize the title, that's because it is an intentional reference to the "Trails" series of games, specifically starting with Trails in the Sky. The Trails games are many in number, and the franchise has long held a reputation of having a very strong and rewarding narrative if you have kept up and played them all. I have long wanted to make my way through these games but have felt that the task was too daunting to complete. However, after having completed a prior episode examining the first title in the series, I really fell in love with it and decided to make a sub-series dedicated to my pursuit in getting through the entire franchise! It will be a long time to get through, but I'm looking forward to it! No specific timeline is set, it will be at my own pace, and this episode is outlining how I envision this new segment will go. Tune in to hear all about it and hear what other big series I am eyeballing for the same treatment. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

Last week I gave my impressions and report card on how Gen Con 2026 was from my own personal experience, based on the games I played and the events I attended. I did not have time to really dig into the news that dropped there this year. I wanted to give myself a little bit of time as well to let in sit with me so I could really form my opinion. Now it is time to delve in. This week I am recapping all of the news that struck me at the convention and my thoughts on it - from the announcement of the new Vampire: The Masquerade to the wealth of announcements from the D&D camp, I provide my reactions and thoughts. Tune in to hear what news stories interested me and what I felt moved the needle. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

In the next episode of the Top 100 video games of all time, I am reaching back a few decades for an old Disney licensed classic. Back then, a licensed game could mean a throwaway disposable title... unless the Capcom name was attached to it. Capcom had a legendary run of licensed Disney titles during the NES era and even running into the SNES era. Their games almost always hit, and one of their earliest games in this run was Duck Tales, based on the popular cartoon show of the time. This was a title that set the expectations and quality levels that gamers could expect: a game that respected the source material but took chances with its concept and somehow successfully married interesting and experimental design with a known property, and the result was a legendary game whose influence can still be felt to this day. Tune in to hear why this game is still so revered today and why you should get out there to find a chance to play it.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I am freshly back from Gen Con 2026, and exhausted! I had a great time though and I decided to do things a little different this time - I brought along a road mic with me and my friend Marc and I reconvened at the end of each day to debrief and go over the days events and impressions we had. This week I have presented all those recordings spliced them together into a sort of live journal.  At the end I provide my overall report card for this year's Gen Con, so tune in to hear our live recounting of the show and my overall impression after all is said and done. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

Dungeons and Dragons was a huge moment in gaming back in 1974, and its popularity bled into the fledgling video game industry very early on. Today, so much of what we see of in video games is owed to the influence of D&D. Hit points/life bars, levelling up, character statistics, all these elements came from D&D are can be seen in many different video game genres, not just RPGs. I wanted to provide my top 5 list of the best officially licensed D&D video games to date. There are a ton of official D&D video games to choose from, so tune in to hear what my current top 5 are, as well as an added bonus list of top 5 games that are D&D inspired or adjacent.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This episode is going live on the first day of Gen Con! I decided to do an episode talking about its overall history and the impact it has had on the TTRPG industry. It has grown in much the same way that D&D grew from it's inception - they both started out as a small niche shared passion project, and grow almost uncontrollably over the years and is now one of the biggest gaming cultural touchstones in North America. Tune in to hear about the history of Gen Con and some of my own personal memories of the convention over the years. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

I previously did an episode of Crowing From the Perch talking about how everything is on fire with massive layoffs at XBOX and the death of physical media imminent at Playstation. I have had more time to ponder on all these moves being made and sifting through the quagmire of negativity, and I wanted to talk about what a path forward looks like for all these platform holders. It isn't easy and there are still negative times ahead, but I think there is a way through it all and a potential for a bright future on the other side! Tune in to hear me assess and brainstorm how each company might, or at least SHOULD, take their next steps.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Goodman Games, and of course, Dungeon Crawl Classics is their flagship property. Although DCC itself as a system isn't 25 years old yet, it is very core to Goodman Games today, along with its sibling games, Mutant Crawl Classics and Xcrawl Classics. This years DCC Day features content across all 3 of their lines, and the usual collectors variant covers of the DCC Core Rulebook, and a foil variant of one of their recent DCC adventures. Unfortunately this year we did not get any extra 3rd party content to supplement it. Tune in to hear my thoughts on what we did get though, and how I ranked and graded them overall.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

As this year marches on, it is time once again to look back at what we have already played to date and determine the best of the bunch. If you can believe it, the year is already over half way done, and we have actually had a surprising amount of outstanding games so far. In Q2 alone there was quite a selection to choose from, and it gave me a fair bit of difficulty to pick just one absolute favourite overall! Tune in to get reminded of what came out over the past 3 months and hear which one I crown as the top title of Q2 2026!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

The Wight is not so much an overlooked monster, as it is an under-utilized monster. When you need to add some spice to your undead or vary things up a bit instead of the usual band of zombies or skeletons, a Wight can be an interesting variation and a truly terrifying menace! "The plant life seems to wither and die and the sounds of life, including the buzzing insects all fall silent in the barrow mound you have just discovered..." This is the first sign to players that things are not right, and a sign post of something terrifying to come... However, that all depends on what edition you are playing! Tune in to hear how different this monster appears in the modern day editions and how it evolved through the years from its terrifying beginning in the white (wight?) box! 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

With all this bad news of Sony opting to get rid of physical games from January 2028 and forward, I wanted to focus again on a company that is all about physical media - Blaze Entertainment and their Evercade platform! The cart being looked at today is the 35th entry in their main line, a duo pack of Goodboy Galaxy and Witch N' Wiz. These 2 titles are modern games designed to be played on their original hardware and associated limitations (Game Boy Advance and the NES respectively). They both got physical releases created on their target platforms but joined forces for this Evercade cart to great effect. Although they are each very different games, tonally they are in step with one another and both ooze charm. Tune in to hear why this duo cart should be a serious consideration for your next Evercade pickup if you do not already have it. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

Crowdfunding is a huge boon to the TTRPG industry. This has allowed many small to mid sized developers and publishers to get their dream products and niche ideas out to very specific audiences in a way that mitigates risk to themselves. In other words, it has enabled the indie scene to flourish and help to keep some publishers doors open. If you are a fan of TTRPGs, then chances are that you may have backed a crowdfunded product or at least picked up the end result of one, even if you didn't know it. In this episode I am presenting my top 5 favourite projects that I backed and received the final product for! Tune in to hear which ones  I loved and stick around as I also go over the ones I am looking forward to for future as well as a couple of the disappointments as well.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week is a grim week indeed. Sony shocked the gaming world with a huge announcement last week that all physical discs would come to an end of production for PlayStation consoles as of January 2028, meaning their future consoles will be digital only, controlled by Sony alone. Xbox started this week off delivering on its much dreaded "reset", confirming many of the troubling recent rumours to be true, and launching one of its biggest ever job cuts. It is a bad time in the industry right now if you are a consumer, developer or anything in-between (other than a corporate executive I guess). Tune in to hear me give my opinions on these difficult subjects. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

Another Free RPG Day has come and gone. This year I lined up early and had a great time! There was a pretty large variety of stuff on offer, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on all the items I was hoping for. In this episode I am giving an overview of many of the selections that were out there, both D20 based and non-D20, as well as giving you my top 5 picks for this years Free RPG Day, before giving it a final grade. Tune in to hear what my favourite picks were, it was a surprise for me to be honest!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week I had to do a full spotlight on the Star Fox franchise! The new game is now out for the Nintendo Switch 2 and it is spectacular! By all accounts this game is flying off shelves and is being received quite positively. This is especially timely as there is also a glut of terrible news in the PlayStation and Xbox worlds, whereas Nintendo is the lone platform keeping the joy of gaming alive. This week I go over every main release for this franchise, which has seen various ups and downs over the years, and I give you my opinion on all of them! Tune in to hear about what makes this franchise so special, and why the most recent release is a game changer.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

In the finale to my month of Raveloft content, I am going to sum it all up. I have talked already about the best Ravenloft supplements out there from the older editions (which was primarily in AD&D 2e), I did my impressions of the new Campaign Setting book The Horrors Within for 5.5e, and even a look at the preorder incentive Shadows of Sithicus. To cap it all off, I am going to compare Ravenloft's different representations from the two different editions it has appeared in the most: 5e/5.5e and AD&D 2e. There are lots of notable differences between them and there will be many people who prefer one over the other, so it's time to determine which one does it best. Tune in to hear how I identified and classified each expression of this famous setting and which one I feel comes out on top. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

I have been playing 007: First Light, Mina the Hollower and more recently, The Adventures of Elliot quite a bit, so naturally, I thought it would be a good time to share my impressions of these games! It is a surprisingly active time for video game releases in what is typically a quiet release time of the year. All 3 of these games really are pulling my attention each night and it is sometimes very difficult to settle on which one to play. Regardless of choice though, it is going to be a good time. With number of huge releases lined up for the rest of the year to come, tune in to this week's episode to see if any of these ones currently available might tempt you in the meantime. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

The new Ravenloft: The Horrors Within book has now been released widely and is easily available for purchase wherever you get your D&D books from. It has been out at local game stores for the past couple of weeks and I am now ready to give my first impressions of this new tome. If you already own Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, then you will want to hear this episode first to see what the crossover content is like. I also give my brief impressions on all the supporting products that came out with this book - the Ravenloft DM Screen, Map Pack and Tarokka Deck. Tune in to hear if this group of releases will appeal to you. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

The last Summer game showcase of the big platform holders happened last week and it's time to review it. Nintendo was the first company to push the Direct style of presentation that now dominates the industry in the Summer rush of announcements, and whether you love, hate, or find yourself somewhere in between with your feelings for Nintendo, it's hard to deny that they also handle this format as one of the best. This year was different though, as Nintendo had held off on an early year Winter general direct, so there was definitely some pent up anticipation. After a few prominent leaks and sky high expectations, the 50 minute show finally aired, and in typical internet fashion, everyone has opinions.. including me! Tune in to hear my thoughts on this big show and how it compared to the other big ones from this Summer's series of game showcases.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I was pretty excited when I saw that a pre-order incentive for the new Ravenloft book was going to be Shadows of Sithicus, which is also the scenario that will be the basis for the newly revamped D&D Encounters public play program to support their new seasonal model. The reason for my excitement was that this is the name of a very well done Ravenloft scenario from Dragon Magazine issue # 351 in the 3rd edition era. My mind started speculating on all the cool connections we might see. Is this going to be a 5e remake of that scenario? Or will it be a continuation? Well now that it has been out for a bit, I have had a chance to look this new scenario over, and it turns out it is something I did not expect. Tune in to hear my thoughts overall and a side by side comparison of the 2 similarly titled adventures. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

Once again it feels like E3! With these game showcases scheduled so close together, it really feels exciting. This year was a really big one too. This week's episode will focus on Sony's State of Play, Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, and XBOX's Games Showcase. All 3 were massive and they all had huge news. I couldn't even fit in the proper news cycle for this week's show with the amount of announcements that got made! Tune in to hear what I thought of each show and what games got me the most excited.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

With the looming release of Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, I wanted to start off a series of episodes focusing on the horror setting. If you have played in a Raveloft game, such as Curse of Strahd for 5e, and are hungry for more, there are the 2 other books for 5e, but don't dismiss the original Ravenloft run of products! Ravenloft started as a standalone adventure scenario during AD&D 1e, but due to its popularity, It eventually got expanded into its own dedicated campaign setting with a line of accessories all its own. In this episode I explore what products from this original line that the community considers to be the must haves. Tune in to get some suggestions on what to pick up to expand your Ravenloft game!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

Later this week, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be celebrating 1 year since its launch! As a result, I wanted to talk all about how the year has gone so far for this follow-up device to one of the most successful consoles of all time. Right from it's first official unveiling in January 2025, to its in-depth preview in April 2025 and it's eventual, and much anticipated launch on June 5, 2025, I go over my own personal experience of pre-ordering and standing in line for the midnight release of the console, and all the hits and misses Nintendo has had with it in the year since then! The Nintendo Switch 2 is almost ready to show off to the world what is in store for the next year, so I thought it would be fun to look back and reflect on its wild first year. Tune in to hear some of my hot takes and what my favourite games have been so far.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week's episode was inspired by a recent video from Seth Skorkowsky on YouTube. Table rules are something that every table should have. This isn't the same thing as a session zero, but more like ground rules for play at your table. These "rules" are not system dependant, scenario reliant or in any way tied to a specific game. They are truly just a set of expectations and common sense rules you would like observed at the table. It sounds easy enough, but I am willing to bet many of you out there have had someone run afoul of one or more of these proposed table rules I am talking about. To be honest, my own table rules arent codified or anything, most typically act as unspoken and unwritten rules that my players just seem to know (at least I think they do!) Tune in to hear what these rules are and if and what the exceptions are.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

The next entry in the top 100 games of all time is Sonic the Hedgehog! That's right, the original game that started it all, the 1991 Sega Genesis classic. This game was the start of Sega's most successful run with the Sega Genesis which ended up giving Nintendo a run for their money this time around. For good reason too, as Sonic has endured to this day as both a character and the original game is cemented as an important and iconic classic in the annals of video game history. If there were ever a Mount Rushmore of video games, Sonic would definitely be on it right next to Mario, and it's all thanks to this excellent first entry in the series. Tune in to hear me wax nostalgic about my first experiences with Sonic as a Nintendo devotee and the nefarious way in which I secured a Sega Genesis to have this game!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I can't believe it's already that time of year - the time to secure your Gen Con event tickets. As usual, this is always a bit a of a stressful part of the process, but thankfully its the last thing before the convention. So now all I have to do is kick back and wait. This year's schedule was a mix of success and some not so much. The overall results is a mix of stuff I am excited to play regardless, I just wish I got a couple more games that were different, but alas the RNG gods weren't kind and I had a long line to wait behind meaning that some tickets were gone by the time I go to the front to secure my tickets. Tune in to hear what my schedule looks like this year and what changes I am contemplating making between now and the convention.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

The 3rd Neo Geo Arcade collection for the Evercade brings us another set of 6 games, including some titanic sized classics! However, this one also contain titles I was not aware of prior to this cartridge. The other 2 collections have also had some like that, but for this 3rd collection, I had not heard of nor played 50% of the titles on here. For the other 50% though, they are all fairly legendary hallmark entries in their respective series. Just as I was thinking that I will have completed all the Neo Geo collections for Evercade with this episode, they went and announced a 4th collection! Tune in to hear what I think about this latest batch, and what one game surprised me as I really enjoyed but was sure I wouldn't prior to playing it. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week's episode was inspired by the recent news of D&D Drops, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks statement about D&D moving into more of a "live service" model, and the excellent You Tube video from GameMasters (check it out here - https://youtu.be/4Bjjv6U53zg?si=VRb2NyaDSyqx3TJG ). I think this is an important topic to talk about as it will have a lasting impact on the future of this hobby. Digital gaming books in the TTRPG space certainly has some advantages, but it also has a lot of drawbacks that should be considered as well. Tune in to hear me debate wth myself over the merits and issues with digital vs. physical RPG books, and let me know your answer to the question I pose to the audience at the end!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week is a very unexpected episode for me. I am going to give you my own impressions after finishing Mixtape. This was a game I previously stated that I have no interest in, but due to the strong reactions it is getting online and strong critical reactions, together with the fact that it was on Game Pass, I gave it a shot and was rather surprised with how I felt about it by the end. Mixtape is a short experience, clocking in at around 3.5 hours. It is truly bizarre to me why this title has sparked such strong discourse online, which really got me thinking about the culture of reviews in the video game industry and I wanted to talk more on that issue as well. Tune in to hear me get a bit unexpectedly fired up about this subject. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

There are so many TTRPGs I would love to play, but there is only so much time. This week I wanted to talk about the top 5 TTRPGs I would play if given the opportunity. Unfortunately due to the time demands of this hobby, it's not as easy as it seems when balanced with the other demands of life and other hobbies. That said, I hope I can convince one of my groups or even find a different group to play these games with. Some games would fit well in a con play or store play environment while others would likely be better suited to longer term home play. Tune in to hear what are the top 5 TTRPs I would play, at least as of May 2026 - this is a list that will be ever evolving as time goes on. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

Xbox has been in the news quite a bit again, but this time it is not the same kind of story we have typically seen before. It appears a sense of hope is returning to Xbox! With the arrival of Asha Sharma, and her drive so far, it is really speaking to the spirit of what Xbox was from the early days and now we see some actions that support the words. Microsoft has had a challenging time with Xbox in the last number of years, and the fans that have stuck by them have been through it. Now it appears the pendulum may truly be starting to swing the other way (finally). Many are skeptical though, but only time will truly tell. Tune in to hear my thoughts on this new feeling that is creeping up, and see if you can sense it too. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I recall just a year or so ago, there was a supposed DM shortage "crisis" that was being talked about up and down D&D social media and You Tube content creators. The concern was that too few people were taking on the mantle of DM leading to less games being able to be played and ultimately leading to a shrinkage of the hobby. At least that was the impression that being given. I have been in this hobby for a very long time, and there has always been a DM shortage! Today it is easier than ever to learn how to DM, and there are more DMs than ever. The trick of it is learning how to become a good DM. Tune in to hear me weigh in on this subject and learn what got me all riled up to talk about it today.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week I want to look back at all the games that released in the first quarter of this year. There were some pretty big, and highly anticipated titles that are going to make things more difficult come the end of the year when it comes time to decide what the game of the year was. In order to better help myself get there, I thought this would be a good way to start having those discussions more often and ongoing as the year progresses. Gone are the days the days when all the good games would only come out during the holiday season, now we get huge releases all throughout the year! Tune in to hear what my favourite games were for the first quarter of 2026!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week, I have been thinking a lot more on the recent Wizards of the Coast Gary Con showing. They made some waves in the community by bringing Luke Gygax in and announcing a new Greyhawk book to be released. The buzz was that they were looking to court the old guard again who had largely abandoned them over the years. If this is true, it got me thinking, what could they do to really make a run at this? In this episode I try to think of what they would have to do in order to find success. Tune in to hear my thoughts, and the 7 instincts they have that would likely get in the way.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

This week I wanted to give my impressions on 3 games that I have been waiting for some time to release - all coming out in the same week! Replaced was announced so long ago I had started to think it would never be released, but here it is! It was announced so long ago that it is a rare modern day Xbox exclusive (for now). Mouse: P.I. For Hire was likewise announced a long time ago, and after seeing umpteen trailers for it, I began to think that this was going to end up being a disaster! Lastly, Pragmata, like the others, got an announcement many years ago but was shortly thereafter seemingly forgotten about by Capcom. However after all this time, it finally got re-revealed to the world and eventually released as of last week. Tune in to find out how these 3 anticipated games fared as I give my first impressions on what I have played so far for each of them. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I miss the old days of Dragon and Dungeon Magazine - I didn't realize how good we had it back then until the magazines were no longer there anymore. There have been a few attempts to bring TTRPG magazines back, such as with Gygax Magazine, but many failed to gain enough traction to be sustainable. However, there continue to be other publications that are trying to keep this format alive, and I want to spotlight 2 of them today: KNOCK! and Mad Scribe Magazine. Both are unconventional magazines, but both have kept themselves relevant and very good content wise. I was unaware of their existence for some time and always wished I knew about them sooner - but luckily for you, I can tell you more about these publications and why they are worth your time and money. Tune in to hear about both and how you can get your hands on their back issues and be there for the newest publications. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

There are very few times in video game history where you can remember everything about where you were in your life and what you were doing when you first played a particular game. Halo is one of those game for me. This game looked pretty fun from afar, but once I got my hands on the Xbox controller and got to try it for myself, I had one of those moments. Whenever I hear the chanting monk-like vocals of the title screen or the thumping suspenseful music in combat, I am brought right back to my College days, playing Halo with my friends for hours on end thinking that it doesn't get much better than this. Tune in to hear my thought on the original Halo, and why I think it belongs here in the top 100 games of all time. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

With all the attention Greyhawk is getting lately, I wanted to take some time to express my love for this campaign setting. It was one of the first settings published for D&D, released to the world by a reluctant Gary Gygax, who believed no one would want to play in someone else's sandbox in lieu of a setting of their own creation. Thankfully he opted to release this to the public anyway, as it is not only a flavourful gritty and lived in feeling world, it was also the inspiration to many DMs and creators alike to springboard into their own creations, much like Gary had thought they would prefer. Tune to hear what 5 elements I chose to talk about for this episode.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

I am back with a new Evercade Expeditions episode. This time I am looking at the Neo Geo Arcade 2 collection. Much like the first one, there is a good variety of games that cover a lot of ground for the types of games SNK was known for. This particular collection contains one fairly significant and beloved title in a popular fighting franchise, but also some unsung titles that didn't get the recognition I think they deserved, and a couple that I had never even heard of before. Tune in to hear what is included in this collection and my thoughts on each one. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

This week I am tackling a fresh new round of DM advice questions. I scoured the internet and found a number of requests for advice. This time it is themed around first time DMs taking up the DM mantle whether through curiosity or necessity, and looking for advice to be successful. I noted many questions are around how to tell a great story, and I of course have lots of opinions on the very nature of that question! Tune in to hear my answers to these fledgling DM questions as well as a sensitive question about gamer hygiene habits!

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

Xbox suddenly announced that they will be doing a games showcase presentation, this time a partner preview of upcoming 3rd party titles coming to Xbox platforms. The announcement however, seems to have gone fairly unnoticed as many people didn't even realize this happened until it was already done. This presentation certainly had a couple of interesting announcements and some surprises as well. As expected, there was a big focus on titles that are coming to Game Pass day one, are Xbox Play Anywhere titles, or better yet, are a combination of both! The Xbox Play Anywhere designation certainly has a draw for me since I have the ROG Xbox Ally X! Tune in to hear what I thought was done well during this presentation, and what I felt were the opportunities to improve upon for future.

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Saving Throes podcast! This is my Tabletop role-playing game podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a topic or theme along with my take on current happenings in the world of tabletop role-playing games and semi regular updates on the games I am currently involved with, or new games or products I have come across.

I wanted to share a new story from my D&D experience - this time a very recent experience! Last week I took on the role of a D&D Camp Counsellor for a group of 6 kids between ages 10 - 14 over March break. It was a gruelling experience but a lot of fun too. I have a lot of public play experience as well as running tables of kids, but this was a 5-day campaign arc that I ran for the same group of kids and I came back with a lot of lessons learned and some great gaming memories! I think the kids all left at the end of the week with great gaming memories too and fantastical tales to tell their friends when they return school. Tune to hear how I prepared for this and how the experience actually played out. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC

Welcome to the Pining For Pixels podcast! This is my video game variety show podcast, part of the Red Rooster's Gaming Coop network where I talk gaming and gaming culture every week. Each episode will feature a subject or theme that interests me, and I will speak about what is on my mind in the world of video games!

I had initially planned to do a different episode this week, but then I started playing Crimson Desert, and shortly thereafter I knew I had to talk about this game. It is the game of the moment right now, and lots of people have very strong opinions on it, both for good and bad. It was a highly anticipated game, and has turned into a very divisive one, as well with a heap of its own controversy. I want to cut through all the controversy and get to the core of my thoughts on this game. It was not really on my radar at all prior to its release, but it has ended up making a huge splash with me. Tune in to hear my impressions with this game so far and why I think that gaming review sites have been all over the place, and why it is so hard to review a game like this at release. 

If you would like to reach out, you can reach me at redroostersgamingcoop@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! 

Follow me on X: @RedRoosterGC