RPGFan's Random Encounter

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [https://www.rpgfan.com/game/clair-obscur-expedition-33/]. In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the host? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Zek Lu, Tin Manuel, and Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: RPGFan.com [https://www.rpgfan.com/] RPGFan Shop [https://www.rpgfan.com/shop] Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com [podcast@rpgfan.com] Twitter: @rpgfancom [https://twitter.com/rpgfancom/] Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social] Instagram: @rpgfancom [https://www.instagram.com/rpgfancom] Threads: @rpgfancom [https://www.threads.net/@rpgfancom] Facebook: rpgfancom [https://www.facebook.com/rpgfancom] Twitch: rpgfancom [https://www.twitch.tv/rpgfancom] This Episode's Related Links: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/clair-obscur-expedition-33/] Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Soundtrack Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/music-review/clair-obscur-expedition-33-original-soundtrack/]

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic! First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh take on turn-based combat. Why does Zek think it lives up to this universal acclaim? And then, Matt revisits a childhood favorite filled with nostalgia: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. It boasts some excellent quality-of-life changes and a fresh coat of paint while still keeping the wonderful "jank" of the original. Will this remaster live up to Matt's cherished memories of the original? Featuring: Jono Logan, Matt Wardell, and Zek Lu; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com [https://www.rpgfan.com/] RPGFan Shop [https://www.rpgfan.com/shop] Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com [podcast@rpgfan.com] Twitter: @rpgfancom [https://twitter.com/rpgfancom/] Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social] Instagram: @rpgfancom [https://www.instagram.com/rpgfancom] Threads: @rpgfancom [https://www.threads.net/@rpgfancom] Facebook: rpgfancom [https://www.facebook.com/rpgfancom] Twitch: rpgfancom [https://www.twitch.tv/rpgfancom] This Episode's Related Links: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/clair-obscur-expedition-33/] The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered/] MattWardellWrites [https://mattwardellwrites.wordpress.com/]

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX! First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven? And then, Zach is here to chat about a series very near and dear to us here at RPGFan: Lunar! The Lunar Remastered Collection is finally out, packaging Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar: Eternal Blue Complete in one package! Zach has played through both games many times, but did the new quality-of-life features enhance his experience? Featuring: Jono Logan, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel, and Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com [https://www.rpgfan.com/] RPGFan Shop [https://www.rpgfan.com/shop] Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com [podcast@rpgfan.com] Twitter: @rpgfancom [https://twitter.com/rpgfancom/] Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social] Instagram: @rpgfancom [https://www.instagram.com/rpgfancom] Threads: @rpgfancom [https://www.threads.net/@rpgfancom] Facebook: rpgfancom [https://www.facebook.com/rpgfancom] Twitch: rpgfancom [https://www.twitch.tv/rpgfancom] This Episode's Related Links: Blue Prince Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/blue-prince/] Lunar Remastered Collection Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/lunar-remastered-collection/] The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Leaks on Dev Site [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/16/oblivion-remastered-leaks-on-dev-website/]

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week! First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT. Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world? Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 Direct! In many ways, the full reveal was everything we hoped for, but there could be some warning signs for this new console as we move further into 2025. Tariffs, presales, and bear (markets), oh my. Featuring: Jono Logan, Dom Kim, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com [https://www.rpgfan.com/] RPGFan Shop [https://www.rpgfan.com/shop] Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com [podcast@rpgfan.com] Twitter: @rpgfancom [https://twitter.com/rpgfancom/] Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social] Instagram: @rpgfancom [https://www.instagram.com/rpgfancom] Threads: @rpgfancom [https://www.threads.net/@rpgfancom] Facebook: rpgfancom [https://www.facebook.com/rpgfancom] Twitch: rpgfancom [https://www.twitch.tv/rpgfancom] This Episode's Related Links: AI LIMIT Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/ai-limit/] Nintendo Switch 2 Direct RPG Rundown [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/nintendo-switch-2-rpg-rundown/] Deltarune Chapters 1-4 Will Launch on June 5th [UPDATE] [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/deltarune-chapters-1-4-june-5th/] Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Releases This Winter on Switch 2 [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/age-of-imprisonment-winter-switch-2/] Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster Is Coming to Switch 2 [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/bravely-default-remaster-switch-2/] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Will Have Switch 2 Editions [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/breath-of-the-wild-switch-2-editions/] Here’s What’s Coming to Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Lineup [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/nintendo-switch-2-gamecube-lineup/] Elden Ring Tarnished Edition To Grace Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/elden-ring-nintendo-switch-2/] SEGA Bringing Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut to Switch 2 with English Voice Option & More [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/yakuza-0-directors-cut-switch-2/] Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Coming to Switch 2 [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/02/final-fantasy-vii-remake-switch-2/] Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Revealed as Switch 2 Launch Title [https://www.rpgfan.com/2025/04/03/cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-switch-2/]

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop! Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts about the latest entry in the long-running series! Tom also recently played the latest game from The Stanley Parable's Davey Wreden, Wanderstop. What appears to be a simple cozy game on the surface is actually a deep and thoughtful meditation on how to recover from burnout (something I think many of us can relate to, given the last few years). Will it appeal to both fans of the genre and those who are looking for a more narrative-based experience? And finally, Jono gets to chat about an amazing new visual novel from the geniuses at inkle, Expelled! An Overboard! Game. This follow-up to 2021's Overboard! might be the perfect sequel, delivering everything that made the original great while also advancing the gameplay and world. If you're a fan of deductive games or visual novels, it is a must-play! Featuring: Jono Logan and Tom Naylor; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com [https://www.rpgfan.com/] RPGFan Shop [https://www.rpgfan.com/shop] Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com [podcast@rpgfan.com] Twitter: @rpgfancom [https://twitter.com/rpgfancom/] Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/rpgfan.bsky.social] Instagram: @rpgfancom [https://www.instagram.com/rpgfancom] Threads: @rpgfancom [https://www.threads.net/@rpgfancom] Facebook: rpgfancom [https://www.facebook.com/rpgfancom] Twitch: rpgfancom [https://www.twitch.tv/rpgfancom] This Episode's Related Links: Assassin's Creed Shadows [https://www.rpgfan.com/game/assassins-creed-codename-red/] Wanderstop Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/wanderstop/] Expelled! An Overboard! Game Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/expelled-an-overboard-game/] Overboard! Review [https://www.rpgfan.com/review/overboard/]