In part one (that's right) of our Game of the Year extravaganza, we look back at some of our favorites from 2019. And Death Stranding.

Episode Timeline:

(00:40) - Intro

(03:16) - Death Stranding

(10:46) - Tom Clancy's The Division 2

(18:41) - Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

(21:55) - A Short Hike

(27:02) - Phantasy Star

(31:00) - Slay the Spire

(37:45) - Telling Lies

(41:29) - Ape Out

(42:59) - Return of the Obra Dinn

(45:12) - Sayonara Wild Hearts

(48:55) - Discord GotY

(50:28) - Outro

We interrupt your holiday relaxation with a relentless onslaught of boss battle songs.

In this year's drunken season finale, Randy and D.J. try to figure out what's inside a cow, give themselves brand-new identities, and hold a lively debate about soup.

Episode Timeline:

(00:00) - Part 1

(52:35) - Part 2

(2:19:22) - End Credits

Take an extended listen to our favorite game music of 2019!

Randy paints the town neon in Concrete Genie. D.J. returns to Battlefield V in the new War in the Pacific update. And an endless army of dots want your money.

Episode Timeline:

(00:26) - Intro

(07:36) - Drunktacular hype

(11:24) - Battlefield V: War in the Pacific

(38:26) - Concrete Genie

(51:56) - Dots and Co.

(1:06:38) - Outro

We’re out drinking the devil in Afterparty and wielding the baseball bat of legend in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Also: Holedown arrives on the Switch, and we escape the early slog (mostly) as Death Stranding moves into an exciting new chapter.

Episode Timeline:

(00:26) - Intro/Drunktacular hype

(07:48) - Yakuza: Like a Dragon

(26:15) - Afterparty

(45:01) - Holedown

(52:47) - Death Stranding (light spoilers for chapter 3)

(1:03:09) - Outro

Death Stranding is here and we try to make sense of it. But that's not all: Google Stadia, Microsoft news from X019, and... Star Wars?!

Episode Timeline:

(00:26) - Intro/Google Stadia

(05:04) - X019

(19:37) - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

(23:26) - Death Stranding (light spoilers for chapters 1 and 2)

(1:08:55) - Outro

While we mentally prepare ourselves for Death Stranding, we're picking up some cash on the side in Neo Cab, making a mess in Luigi's Mansion 3, and trying to figure out what NieR: Automata is doing in Final Fantasy XIV.

Episode Timeline:

(00:26) - Intro

(04:11) - Extra Life

(05:39) - Google Stadia

(13:30) - Neo Cab

(36:10) - Luigi's Mansion 3

(57:38) - Final Fantasy XIV: YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse

(1:06:32) - Outro

We survived another Extra Life weekend! Hear about the games we played, including: We Were Here, Devotion, River City Ransom, Medievil, Spelunky, and, of course, Fortnite.

Episode Timeline

(00:26) - Intro
(08:05) - Good Morning/Spelunky
(09:14) - River City Ransom
(13:42) - Medievil
(26:44) - Fortnite
(39:09) - We Were Here
(50:56) - Devotion
(1:01:45) - Outro

We're getting spoooooky with creepy games like Return of the Obra Dinn, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, and Dishonored 2! Also, we have a poor grasp of what the word "spooky" means.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/ExtraLife hype

07:40 - Return of the Obra Dinn

30:48 - Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

46:22 - Dishonored 2

1:02:18 - Outro

D.J. embarks on a mysterious fitness adventure. Meanwhile, Randy builds beautiful lunch sets for cats in Inbento, then kills vikings dead in Bad North. And yes, there's Dragon Quest.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/ExtraLife hype

08:30 - Ring Fit Adventure

27:33 - Inbento

33:50 - Hashi

39:18 - Bad North

53:39 - Dragon Quest XI

1:04:20 - Outro

We check in on the spooky Castlevania-like, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, before having even spookier adventures in Worse than Death. Also, as usual: Spellworm. I mean, Dragon Quest XI. Dragon Quest XI and Spellworm.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/ExtraLife hype

07:47 - Spellworm

18:25 - Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

36:38 - Worse than Death

49:30 - Dragon Quest XI

59:41 - Outro

It's finally here: We take our first steps into the massive Dragon Quest XI. But first, What the Golf?

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

05:18 - Mario Kart Tour

10:52 - What the Golf

24:52 - Dragon Quest XI

59:41 - Outro

Between grinding the guardrails and firing off the pipe, Randy isn't sure what to make of Mario Kart Tour. Meanwhile, D.J. splatters everything in sight as a rampaging gorilla in Ape Out. Also, updates on Sayonara Wild Hearts and Link's Awakening.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/Sayonara Wild Hearts

06:11 - Link's Awakening, easy mode, and shooting dogs

19:02 - Mario Kart Tour

37:12 - Ape Out

55:24 - Final hours before Dragon Quest XI/Outro

Randy explores the strange world of Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (the new one!) while D.J. compares notes with the Game Boy Color version. Also, motorcycle swordfights in Sayonara Wild Hearts, and life as a horrible goose in Untitled Goose Game.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

03:10 - Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

23:27 - Untitled Goose Game

35:18 - Sayonara Wild Hearts

53:08 - William Shakespeare's Final Fantasy XIV

56:19 - Outro

Randy is back and D.J. can't wait to hear what he's been playing! (That is, Creature in the Well and Legend of the Skyfish.) Also, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne rears its chilly head, and, as a special bonus, mourning the loss of a dear friend!

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

7:12 - Creature in the Well

21:43 - Legend of the Skyfish

29:32 - Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

53:07 - Outro

We're wrapping up the summer with an episode full of our favorite game music, plus selections chosen by you, the listeners! Put your headphones on!

D.J. just got back from not playing any games at PAX West, and boy, are his arms tired! Meanwhile, Randy investigates the spooky doors of Control, and a strange boat makes its way across the wasteland in Far: Lone Sails.

Randy straps in for a roguelike doubleheader with Void Bastards and Rad. You'll never believe what happens! Meanwhile, D.J. watches six hours of creeper videos in Telling Lies. Also, part 1 of our 8619156137-part series on Dragon Quest XI.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

1:51 - Void Bastards

17:46 - Rad

36:44 - Dragon Quest XI

55:41 - Telling Lies

1:13:16 - Outro

Randy takes a detour through <em>Witcheye</em> before heading back to school in <em>Fire Emblem: Three Houses</em>. D.J. discovers new ways to experience <em>Dragon Quest</em> in <em>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate</em>. And yes, more <em>Dragon Quest Builders 2</em>.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/Immediately Witcheye!

09:04 - Cold open

12:15 - Fire Emblem: Three Houses

42:15 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate feat. Hero

56:21 - Dragon Quest Builders 2

1:03:44 - Outro

Randy takes up teaching in Fire Emblem: Three Houses but runs into trouble adjusting to campus life. D.J. keeps it wholesome (and mildly creepy) while delivering mail in Tiny Echo. Also: Dig Dugging ever deeper into Dragon Quest Builders 2.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/Dig Dug and the Case of the Too Casual Pants

07:49 - Fire Emblem: Three Houses

28:03 - Tiny Echo

35:53 - Dragon Quest Builders 2

55:17 - Outro

Randy gets wholesome by taking A Short Hike up a mountain. D.J. deals with a toilet conundrum (don't worry about it) in Dragon Quest Builders 2, then breaks his one rule in Final Fantasy XIV. Also: 2019's backlog champion revealed!

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/Backlog Attack winner

06:20 - Deadly Premonition: The Movie

08:37 - Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

13:16 - A Short Hike

33:11 - Dragon Quest Builders 2

42:03 - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

49:48 - Outro

We travel far into The Outer Wilds before settling into quiet life on a farm in Dragon Quest Builders 2. Also, the Backlog Attack wraps up with Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Deadly Premonition.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

03:16 - The Outer Wilds

31:05 - Dragon Quest Builders 2

47:57 - Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call

1:09:10 - Deadly Premontion

1:22:36 - Outro

The end of the Backlog Attack is in sight as we get into Wario Ware Gold, Tomb Raider Anniversary, and reveal your picks for our listener's choice games. Also: Randy has some words about that Switch Lite.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/Bathroom Break

04:54 - Switch Lite!

17:58 - Wario Ware Gold

35:28 - Tomb Raider Anniversary

48:25 - Backlog Attack week III.8 Final Chapter Prologue

58:47 - The Outro Wilds

We're beating the summer heat with a crippling drug habit in Dr. Mario World. (That's how Dr. Mario works, right?) Also, the Backlog Attack continues with Professor Layton: The Next Generation (actually his daughter) and Front Mission Evolved.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

09:16 - Layton's Mystery Journey

29:19 - Front Mission Evolved

43:24 - Dr. Mario World

1:02:24 - Outro

The Backlog Attack kicks off with Randy cheerfully slicing and dicing robots in Kirby: Planet Robobot. Meanwhile, D.J. struggles to make sense of the Flashback HD remake, but that's OK, because there's Shadowbringers.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro/New music

05:00 - Stranger Things Moment

06:34 - Flashback

25:30 - Kirby: Planet Robobot

35:45 - Ritual of the Moon: The Finale

46:46 - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

1:00:29 - Outro

We're commemorating our 400th episode in the only way that makes sense: By definitively naming the best 400 video games ever made. Also, we kick off this summer's Backlog Attack!

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

01:35 - Backlog Attack/The greatest 400 video games of all time, comprehensively and definitively ranked

1:02:39 - Outro

We're beating the summer heat in the frozen mountains of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and the... air-conditioned spectral movie theater of Persona Q2, I guess? Also, the Ritual of the Moon nears its end, and handy tips for staying alive.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/Backlog Attack: Prologue

07:11 - Become what you must

23:41 - Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

37:43 - Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth

58:45 - Ritual of the Moon

1:05:07 - Outro

With E3 and Keanu Reeves distant memories, Randy and D.J. settle back into the Nintendo groove in Cadence of Hyrule, with mixed results. Also: What to avoid, an what to avoid avoiding while slaying the spire, and another status update from the moon.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/E3 wrap-up

05:56 - SGDQ hype

12:20 - Ritual of the Moon

22:10 - Cadence of Hyrule

45:22 - Slay the Spire

1:09:24 - Outro

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is real, and we have opinions on it. Also, all the other big E3 2019 scoops, like Watch Dogs: Legion, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy VII Remake, The Avengers, and your favorite unreleased JRPGs from the 90s!

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/Animal Crossing: New Horizons

14:01 - Phantasy Star Online 2

15:53 - Microsoft/Project xCloud

24:54 - Doom Eternal/Watch Dogs Legion

28:37 - Final Fantasy VII Remake

32:26 - Cyberpunk 2077

35:24 - The Weird Avengers

37:55 - Legend of Zelda trifecta

43:33 - More old games

50:35 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

52:37 - Luigi's Mansion 3

54:04 - 12 Minutes

58:22 - No-shows

1:02:22 - Outro

Randy and D.J. finally initiate the month-long Ritual of the Moon. Also, hunting monsters with inadequately sized axes in Dauntless, and reevaluating our life choices in Slay the Spire. And: E3 looms.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/E3 hype gondola

21:57 - Ritual of the Moon: Week 1

37:21 - Dauntless

54:04 - Slay the Spire

1:12:55 - Outro

In a shocking twist, Randy sets up a factory farm on a remote planet in Slime Rancher. Meanwhile, D.J. navigates the ups, downs, and excessive spikes of adventure-puzzler The Way. Also, anyone want a Gameboy with a hand crank?!

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro

02:09 - Ritual of the Moon

04:28 - Playdate

24:16 - The Way

45:26 - Slime Rancher

1:08:51 - Outro

Randy embarks on a magical journey to the world of Culdcept Revolt. D.J. faces his greatest fear in Cosmic Star Heroine. Also: What does The Division 2 have in common with Final Fantasy XIV?

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/Tetris 99

08:07 - Ritual of the Moon

11:12 - Phantasy Star

16:19 - The Division 2

22:46 - Culdcept Revolt

46:46 - Cosmic Star Heroine

57:54 - Outro

Randy finds his calling as a traveling bard in Wandersong. Meanwhile, D.J. gets extra weird with Eternal Senia, which is probably a clicker game, then takes a lightning tour of Japan to explore Kyoto's red gates in, naturally, Explore Kyoto's Red Gates.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro/Surprise! It's the Flash

06:44 - Phantasy Star

12:08 - Eternal Senia

23:35 - Wandersong

41:28 - Explore Kyoto's Red Gates

55:21 - Outro

1:00:05 - Signing Off

A fun bear teaches Randy the ancient samurai code in Bushido Bear. D.J. plays the equally ancient Phantasy Star. A thoughtful conversation about a creator's responsibility devolves into a debate over whether or not hedgehogs should have human teeth.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro

02:50 - Koji Igarashi's horrible trailer

20:05 - Bushido Bear

38:08 - Bushido Blade

40:37 - Bushido Phantasy Star

1:05:53 - Outro

Randy returns to the world of Boxboy (and Boxgirl), now in lavish high definition. D.J. gets Fire Emblem in his Dragalia Lost. And the second part of our Labo VR experience, featuring Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro

03:23 - The Avengers, Part Deux

13:46 - Nintendo Labo VR (feat. Mario and Zelda)

39:18 - Boxboy + Boxgirl

58:38 - Dragalia Lost x Fire Emblem Heroes

1:12:21 - Outro

Randy unleashes his secret weapons in the brand new Steamworld Quest. D.J. subjugates his adorable neighbors in The Battle of Polytopia. Paul gets slimy in Assassin's Creed Odyssey.

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
01:45 - The Avengers!!!!!!!!!
09:35 - Steamworld Quest: The Hand of Gilgamech
29:20 - The Battle of Polytopia
44:35 - Assassin's Creed Odyssey
67:45 - Outro

Randy contemplates his new life as a fox in The First Tree. Meanwhile, D.J. contemplates his new life as a guy with cardboard strapped to his head as he delves into Nintendo Labo's VR kit. Also, making a triumphant return to the show: It's Battlefield 3!

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
02:51 - Tom Clancy's Battlefield 3
18:02 - Nintendo Labo VR
54:25 - The First Tree
72:10 - Outro

Randy discovers the joys of papercraft in Yoshi's Crafted World. Paul finally gives into Gwent in Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales. And D.J. ruins the idyllic landscapes with a giant circus tent in Islanders.

Episode Timeline:
00:42 - Intro
03:40 - SwitchFix wrap-up
07:02 - PlayStation Now
24:50 - Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
38:55 - Yoshi's Crafted World
55:04 - Islanders
70:00 - Outro

We've live from PAX East 2019! Hear about weird weasel things, and simple sandwiches. Fin~

Episode Timeline:
00:36 - Intro
02:05 - PAX East 2019
70:08 - Outro

On this week’s show, we’re dancing the night away with Crypt of the Necrodancer. We also spend some time with the latest Tom Clancy opus: Baba is You. Plus, Golf Peaks, and more competently crafted Ubisoft experiences™.

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
01:45 - PAX East hype
07:45 - Google Stadia
14:55 - Golf Peaks
24:02 - Crypt of the Necrodancer
36:27 - Baba is You
47:03 - Division 2
67:55 - Outro

Part 1 of our 25637852-part series on Tom Clancy's The Division 2. Randy discovers a new way to hold his Switch. Also, D.J. starts a shady underground robot fight club after getting kicked out of a shady underground mahjong fight club.

Episode Timeline:
00:44 - Intro
01:50 - PAX East hype
06:35 - Switchfix
17:50 - Doman Mahjong feat. Final Fantasy XIV
32:05 - Tom Clancy's The Division 2
59:25 - Front Mission
67:55 - Outro

Word Stacks and Crackdown 3 and Word Stacks and Final Fantasy XII and Front Mission and Word Stacks and Word Stacks and Word Stacks and Word Stacks and Word Stacks and Word Stacks.

Episode Timeline:
00:35 - Intro
01:49 - PAX East / Lebanon, Kansas hype
06:18 - Tetris 99
12:50 - Word Stacks
18:50 - Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
43:08 - Front Mission
56:08 - Crackdown 3
68:58 - Outro

The gang tries on some practical outerwear in The Division 2. Randy tries extra hard not to kill anyone in Deltarune. D.J. has had it with his coworkers Dragalia Lost. And you won't believe the lengths we went to in order to acquire a PlayStation 2.

Episode Timeline:
00:50 - Intro
02:48 - New music: Option Fire by Wally Chantek
05:48 - PAX East hype
08:40 - PlayStation 2 hype
18:40 - Deltarune
31:50 - The Tom Clancy's Division 2
51:58 - Dragalia Lost
60:40 - Outro

We take Tetris 99 for another spin (get it) before jumping into an anime robot in Daemon X Machina and continuing to Warhammer things in Vermintide 2. Also, after countless grueling hours of Etrian Odyssey Nexus, Randy starts Etrian Odyssey Nexus.

Episode Timeline:
01:06 - Intro
02:30 - Tetris 99
15:10 - RIP Reggie
19:25 - Warhammer: Vermintide 2
32:14 - Etrian Odyssey Nexus
48:13 - Daemon X Machina
57:33 - Outro

After a delicious taco-y detour, VGH's agents make their cases about what it truly means to Crack Down in Microsoft's latest. Also, a professional monster hunter joins the Monster Hunter cast, and Tetris battle royale is real and we played it.

Episode Timeline
00:31 - Intro 
00:43 - Taco Bell
05:40 - Monster Hunter
25:26 - Crackdown 3
43:15 - Apex
47:30 - Tetris
59:15 - Outro

We set out on the Sea of Thieves to learn practical skills like how to hold a compass, and how to maintain composure while getting owned by Xbox Live bilge. Also: Apex Legends, The Division 2, and Forza Horizon 4.

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
04:05 - Will Smith is blue
06:10 - Sea of Thieves
28:15 - Apex Legends
44:00 - Forza Horizon 4
58:30 - The Division 2: Division Harder
72:45 - Outro

D.J. learns how to fly a man-sized jet in Anthem, the new Destiny-like/Mass Effect-not-entirely-like. Paul gets acquainted with the Warhammer universe in Vermintide 2. And Downwell finally brings its gunboots to the Switch.

Episode Timeline:
00:32 - Intro
01:15 - contractually obligated banter
04:05 - Anthem
39:50 - Warhammer: Vermintide 2
54:14 - Downwell feat. Flip Grip
70:45 - Outro

With Earth finally shielded from interplanetary attack, we can finally concentrate on the things that matter, like Randy's 1000th playthrough of Uncharted 2. Also, Ace Combat 7, Pillars of Eternity 2, What Never Was, and not Metroid Prime 4.

Episode Timeline:
00:41 - Intro
02:01 - Metroid Prime 4
06:52 - Ace Combat 7
28:25 - What Never Was
34:20 - Uncharted 2
42:20 - Pillars of Eternity 2
61:45 - Outro

After 13 long years, it's finally back: Taco Tuesday. To celebrate, D.J. sits down with Kingdom Hearts expert, BTG Inferno, to find out why Kingdom Hearts III is such a big deal.

Randy is somehow tricked into playing New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (and Bowsette has nothing to do with it). Also, Pokémon Battle Trozei, and D.J. sees blue in the latest Final Fantasy XIV update.

Episode Timeline:
00:32 - Intro
07:42 - New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
27:10 - Final Fantasy XIV: Blue Mage is here
46:38 - Pokémon Battle Trozei
61:45 - Outro

Paul takes an ultimate look at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Randy takes a hazardous vacation in Just Cause 4. D.J. can't believe how many cookies he can afford thanks to Realm Grinder. And we gaze into our crystal ball to see what's in store for 2019.

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
05:15 - We are excited for video games in 2019
23:50 - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
46:05 - Just Cause 4
70:50 - Realm Grinder
84:38 - Outro

We've arrived in 2019 to tell you about our favorite Yakuza and non-Yakuza games from 2018.

Episode Timeline:
00:45 - Intro
03:15 - The video games of 2018
66:05 - Outro

Eight quick songs for your listening enjoyment.

Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.

Episode Timeline:
00:01:15 - Intro
00:06:30 - The First Half
01:27:02 - The Second Half
02:38:00 - Outro 

We take a look back at 2018 in game music and everything was Ben Prunty or Yakuza.

Episode Timeline:
01:01 - Intro
05:20 - The best video game music of 2018 as selected by our panel of video game music experts
61:10 - Outro

We dive into Life Is Strange 2 and find out just how strange life... is? On an even stranger note, we're thoroughly confused by The Haunted Island: A Frog Detective Game. Also, D.J. makes some questionable modifications to his Switch.

Episode Timeline

00:33 - Intro

05:49 - Life Is Strange 2

27:26 - Spyro minute

29:24 - The Haunted Island: A Frog Detective Game

39:11 - Flip Grip feat. Gunbird 2

52:47 - Outro

D.J. takes a day trip to the most fantastical of video game realms: Watch Dogs 2's San Francisco. Randy grapples with his perfectionist urges in Spyro the Dragon. Also, Cthulhu and the Third Reich: A classic combination?

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

00:59 - Viewer Mail/Laser League

07:48 - Drunktacular Hype

11:06 - Spyro the Dragon

32:59 - Watch Dogs 2

53:01 - Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics

1:07:20 - Outro

Paul causes all kinds of gruesome dismemberment in Mortal Kombat XL and Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise. D.J. experiences the five stages of grief during the latest Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival. And, finally, Randy plays Spyro.

Episode Timeline:
00:48 - Intro
01:33 - Drunktacular hype
07:08 - Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival
25:15 - Mortal Kombat XL/Injustice 2
47:15 - Spyro Reignited Trilogy
62:44 - Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
74:42 - Outro

Extra Life is a wrap! Laser League reveals Randy's true calling as an eSports pro, Paul flirts with a side career in voice acting thanks to Doki Doki Literature Club, and D.J. attempts to make sense of 14 hours of Kingdom Hearts.

Episode Timeline:
00:41 - Intro
01:50 - Drunktacular hype
10:18 - Kingdom Hearts
28:55 - Laser League
44:08 - Friday the 13th
53:58 - Doki Doki Literature Club
65:10 - Outro

We're taking a quick break from our 24 hours of Extra Life to tell you about some of the games we played, like Tetris Effect, We Happy Few, Business Clicker, Castlevania II, and... Guilty Summer Kiss 2: Bloody Secret? OK, sure.

Episode Timeline:
00:38 - Intro
01:20 - Extra Life hype continues
12:00 - Tetris Effect
23:30 - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
28:32 - Business Clicker
35:45 - Murder Mystery Adventure
39:55 - Guilty Summer Kiss 2: Bloody Secret
49:45 - We Happy Few
59:40 - Monster Hunter World: Behemoth
66:20 - Outro

Even with Extra Life right around the corner, we find ourselves distracted and wondering what it's like to play the Cowboy Game. Also, the thrilling deaths of Spider-Man and his lady friends, returning to New Donk City, and — why not? — Dragalia Lost.

Episode Timeline:
00:40 - Intro
02:01 - Extra Life hype
13:15 - Red Dead Redemption 2
21:00 - Spider-Man
46:58 - Dragalia Lost
52:05 - Super Mario Odyssey
68:02 - Outro

We're getting spooOOooOokythis week with Slayaway Camp, Detention, and... Soulcalibur VI? Also, Konami rises from the dead.

Episode Timeline:
00:51 - Intro
01:55 - EXTRA LIFE IS SOON
04:33 - Soulcalibur VI
18:04 - Slayaway Camp
37:28 - Detention
49:45 - Pixel Puzzle Collection
54:01 - Outro

We wrap up both Spider-Man and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, then bust ghosts like it's 2001 in the Luigi's Mansion remake. Also, getting raidy in Dragalia Lost, and self-dismemberment for fun and donuts in The Missing.

Episode Timeline:
00:38 - Intro
01:48 - What's up guys it's Call of Duty Black Ops IIII
05:10 - Spider-Man contest winner
07:11 - Extra Life hype
11:19 - Spider-Man
32:42 - Dragalia Lost
42:11 - Luigi's Mansion
54:30 - Shadow of the Tomb Raider
64:20 - The Missing
76:12 - Outro

Randy does some minor time traveling in The Gardens Between. D.J. survives the latest Monster Hunter World festival, only to find himself surrounded by dragons in Dragalia Lost. Paul sets everyone straight on what is a sword and what is an axe.

Episode Timeline:
00:38 - Intro
03:30 - Spider-Man
13:11 - The Gardens Between
24:45 - Dragalia Lost
43:24 - Monster Hunter World Autumn Harvest Fest
53:20 - Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
65:38 - Outro

Randy advances his chicken liberation agenda by implanting one with deadly explosives in Bomb Chicken, then spends some time in the slightly less volatile world of Hob. D.J. re-enters the Stage of History in Soulcalibur VI. Also, Fortnite for adults.

Episode Timeline

00:27 – Intro

03:22 – What is Fortnite?

14:50 – Bomb Chicken

25:27 – Soulcalibur VI

42:52 – Hob

57:28 – Shadow of the Tomb Raider

1:16:17 – Outro

Paul's thrilling 14859024-part Yakuza segment comes to a close as he wraps up Yakuza Kiwami 2. Also, Forza Horizon 4 vs. The Crew vs. a pleasant Hawaiian vacation, and a nearly endless buffet of exploding heads in Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise.

Episode Timeline:
00:38 - Intro
07:00 - Yakuza Kiwami 2
29:25 - Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
43:38 - Forza Horizon / The Crew
68:08 - Spider-Man minute
70:48 - Outro

We're continuing to murder people indiscriminately as Spider-Man but occasionally tagging in Lara Croft to show us how it's really done. Also, full-contact lawyering in the Yakuza studio's upcoming Judge Eyes.


Episode Timeline:
00:41 - Intro
02:50 - Judge Eyes
32:47 - Shadow of the Tomb Raider
53:22 - Spider-Man
65:09 - Outro

We've got Spider-Man fever, although we can't seem to remember all the words to his theme song. Also, a return to World War II via the Battlefield V beta, and follow-up thoughts on Pokémon Go and Dragon Quest XI.

Episode Timeline:
00:41 - Intro
03:10 - Viewer Mail feat. Pokémon Go and Dragon Quest
17:14 - Spider-Man
46:24 - Battlefield V
63:16 - Alphabear minute
65:60 - Outro

After a Pokemon-infested detour around Seattle, we're back to our old tricks: Gushing about the latest Yakuza game and arguing about donut semantics. Also: A tiny bit of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.


Episode Timeline:
00:42 - Intro
02:55 - Pokemon Go
17:30 - Yakuza Kiwami 2
38:10 - Donut County
62:25 - Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
69:18 - Outro

We're putting a wrap on this year's Summer Backlog Attack with the offensively relaxing Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, the extremely old Elder Scrolls: Arena, and the original Dragon Quest alla giapponese.

Episode Timeline

00:44 - Intro
05:56 - Bad sequels
14:10 - Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
35:20 - 日本語でドラゴンクエスト
52:10 - The Elder Scrolls: Arena
73:10 - Outro

Randy continues his trip deep down the Holedown hole. Paul remembers what it's like to Uncharted. D.J. is completely baffled by Street Fighter 1. Also, Life Is Strange hot takes.

Episode Timeline

00:39 - Intro
01:48 - Holedown
11:44 - Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
27:32 - Street Fighter
43:58 - Life Is Strange
57:20 - Doom
62:45 - Outro

It's most ambitious crossover event in VGH history: We played both sides of the Monster Hunter World x Final Fantasy XIV collaboration. Also, Randy discovers new things in Night in the Woods, D.J. plays the original Far Cry, and Paul tries a new Yakuza.

Episode Timeline

00:39 Intro
05:08 - Monster Hunter x Final Fantasy
22:48 - Yakuza Kiwami 2
30:18 - Night in the Woods
46:50 - Doom
64:30 - Far Cry
74:28 - Outro

Randy fills that Arkanoid-shaped void in his life with some Holedown before stepping back into No Man’s Sky to see if they’ve added more inventory slots. D.J. tries to learn about World War II via the original Call of Duty. Also, a brief Dragonball detour.

Episode Timeline

00:00 - Intro

01:18 - Evo 2018

12:24 - Holedown

27:47 - No Man’s Sky Next

53:16 - Call of Duty

1:10:22 - Outro

Randy and D.J. try to make sense of the new Shin Megami Tensei mobile thing. Also, life in an underwater subway in Splatoon 2‘s Octo Expansion, re-learning how to hunt in Monster Hunter Generations, and the summer Backlog Attack is back!

Episode Timeline

00:31 - Intro

01:58 - Shin Megami Tensei Liberation D×2

29:07 - Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion

40:25 - Monster Hunter Generations

49:02 - Backlog Attack!!

1:02:30 - Outro

Randy returns from the Jersey Shore (not that one) with tales of his re-Marstered life on, uh, Mars. D.J. goes into way too much detail over the new Steam version of Groove Coaster. Also, tips for enjoying Monster Hunter World‘s summer festival.

Episode Timeline

00:26 - Intro

01:45 - Captain Randy: Vacation Taker

06:50 - Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

26:23 - Captain D.J.: Groove Coaster

48:04 - Alec Mason: Space Friendhole

1:04:41 - Monster Hunter: Hunter Monster

1:14:15 - Outro

Paul starts traveling down the long and mysterious Octopath. D.J. makes things more difficult than necessary in Homesick. Also, an extreme throwback to BBS RPGs, and unexpected fun climbing a tower.

Episode Timeline

00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Octopath Traveler
028:50 - Homesick
42:12 - Legend of the Red Dragon
51:20 - Final Fantasy XIV: Heaven-on-High
66:20 - Outro

Beat the summer heat with some cool, red-hot game music, or something! We share our favorite Sega hits, favorite tropical Animal Crossing jams, and favorite... Antonio Vivaldi?

Episode Timeline

01:13 - Intro
03:04 - 🔥🎶🔥
76:10 - Outro

We're joining in The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, escaping the Commies in Black The Fall, and learning all about copyright law in the Westworld mobile game. And wait, is that Gravity Rush 2?

Episode Timeline

00:38 - Intro

01:36 - Gravity Rush 2

10:10 - How the Sausage is Made

11:00 - Westworld

30:03 - The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit

43:45 - Black the Fall

58:48 - Outro

Paul finally caves to peer pressure and tries Fortnite. D.J. leaves the arcade long enough to go treasure hunting in Gravity Rush 2. Randy does an in-depth analysis of the various Captains Toad. Also, Hollow Knight.

Episode Timeline

00:51 - Intro
01:58 - Groove Coaster
15:14 - Captain Toad Switch vs. 3DS
25:12 - Fortnite
42:45 - Gravity Rush 2
57:55 - Hollow Knight
74:00 - Outro

Randy tries Yoku's Island Express, the latest in the crowded dung beetle/fruit-trading/pinball adventure genre. D.J. goes on a leisurely cruise in Quarantine Circular. And, of course, Yakuza.

Episode Timeline

00:00 - Intro
01:28 - It's more E3
09:48 - Fortnite
22:49 - Yoku's Island Express
38:40 - Quarantine Circular
52:03 - Yakuza 0
67:28 - Outro

It's E3 week and we can't wait to hear all about the new Animal Crossing game!

Episode Timeline

00:00 - Intro

01:18 - E3 shenanginanz

1:11:32 - Outro

Randy unveils his plan for Word Domination. D.J. navigates the treacherous staircases of Runner 3. Paul plays the same old same old. And someone, somewhere is excited for E3. Also: How realistic of a tennis game is Mario Tennis Aces?

Episode Timeline

00:48 - Intro
02:00 - FFXIV: Ultima Weapon Ultimate
13:18 - E3 Hype?
28:50 - Mario Tennis Aces
36:20 - Word Domination
47:29 - Runner 3
64:40 - Monster Hunter World
72:45 - Minute of Wizard of Legend
75:14 - Outro

What is Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon? A miserable pile of dated graphics and clunky controls. (Depending who you ask.) Also: Burly Men at Sea, the further adventures of wizards, and the first five prime numbers.

Episode Timeline

00:52 - Intro
01:45 - Final Fantasy XIV teaches mathematics
11:58 - 2 orders of business
14:35 - Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
37:19 - Burly Men at Sea
50:10 - Wizard of Legend
68:20 - Outro

We brush off our demon negotiation skills in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux, ask the hard questions about what it means to be a Wizard of Legend, and lament the lack of tea kettles in Yakuza 6. Starring Paul Sandhu as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Episode Timeline

00:35 - Intro
03:10 - Star Trek minute
07:30 - Yakuza 6
24:14 - Wizard of Legend
37:08 - Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
55:20 - David Cage minute
58:10 - Outro

Destiny 2: What is it? For that matter, what was Destiny 1? Join us as we search for answers to these and other totally inane Destiny questions. Also: Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, and something called My Nintendo Picross: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Episode Timeline

00:11 - Intro

01:58 - Celeste soundtrack

10:04 - Destiny 2

42:27 - Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

56:50 - My Nintendo Picross: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

1:09:37 - Outro

We grab our cameras and try to piece together all the weird stuff going on in the prototype demo of SWERY's The Good Life. Also: Tumblestone, several generations of Hidden My Game by Mom, and the latest Nintendo drama.

Episode Timeline

00:36 - Intro

01:21 - How long is God of War?

04:22 - Mad at Nintendo

27:29 - Tumblestone

40:27 - The Good Life

56:44 - Hidden My Game by Mom

1:07:39 - Outro

Randy divides his time between a fighter pilot career in Rogue Aces and being a bad influence on Kratos Jr. in God of War. Speaking of bad influences, D.J. gets tips from Yakuza 6 on what to do if he ever finds himself stuck with a baby in a strange city.

Episode Timeline

00:42 – Intro

01:27 – Bad pronunciation advice

02:45 – Avengers: Infinity War

22:56 – God of War

39:04 – Yakuza 6

52:26 – Rogue Aces

1:09:57 – Outro

God of War is out and we can offer real, informed opinions on it, so we shift our focus to Nintendo Labo. Meanwhile, D.J. trades the actual Tokyo for Yakuza 6‘s approximation, and wonders just who all these Internet monster hunters really are.

Episode Timeline:

00:40 - Intro

02:02 - Nintendo Labo

10:08 - God of War

43:17 - Yakuza 6

59:43 - Monster Hunter World

1:14:19 - Outro

We've got Kratos on our minds this week, but he'll need to reclaim his title as the God of War from Lara Croft first. Randy feeds souls to the god of war in a new, very old version of Fire Emblem, and Paul finds time to stare at pretty trees in Monster Hunter. Also: we welcome our AI overlords in Semantris.

Episode Timeline

00:58 - Intro
05:28 - Random Movie Chat
09:48 - Lara Croft the new God of War
22:43 - Fire Emblem War
46:20 - Monster Hunter: War
61:30 - Semantris, Word War
64:28 - Outro

D.J. checks in from Japan, a mysterious land where arcades and Xenogears live on. Back in America, Randy plays Minit 60 seconds at a time, then spends time with Metropolis: Lux Obscura, which brings some much-needed sexism to the match 3 genre. Also: Ticket to Earth.

Episode Timeline

00:41 - Intro
01:55 - 日本しましょう
16:53 - Dragon Quest XI??
28:35 - Xenogears 20th Anniversary Concert
47:51 - Minit
61:30 - Metropolis: Lux Obscura
71:01 - Ticket to Earth
74:20 - Outro

Real people. Real lives. In between running 5Ks, Randy finds just enough time to stab every person, every rock and every tree, in Rise of the Tomb Raider. Meanwhile, Paul's just been sitting on his couch trying to escape from prison in A Way Out.

Episode Timeline

00:52 - Intro
02:42 - Cool Runnings w/ Cider
09:33 - Rise of the Tomb Raider
35:40 - A Way Out
58:48 - Outro

We find ourselves unmistakably inside the video game realm as Randy encounters Xbox Live pirates on the Sea of Thieves. Meanwhile, Paul plots a prison break in A Way Out, although he'd rather escape from Yakuza 5. D.J. doesn't like a Final Fantasy thing.

Episode Timeline

00:51 - Intro
09:48 - Sea of Thieves
31:03 - A Way Out
41:00 - FFXIV: The Forbidden Land, Eureka
57:05 - Yakuza 5
66:50 - Outro

Randy confronts various acrobatic and linguistic challenges in Fe. D.J. snoops on a gang of cool hackers in the #WarGames interactive-TV-series-game-thing. And events unfold over and over again in Last Day of June.

Episode Timeline

00:42 - Intro
02:00 - Music game minute
12:35 - Fe
32:55 - #WarGames
50:36 - Last Day of June
66:50 - Outro

Unfettered by inclement weather, Cap'n Randy takes his galleon in search of booty (and a bigger bucket) on the Sea of Thieves. Meanwhile, D.J. sticks to the familiar music game waters of DJMAX Respect. Also, someone's been drinking again.

Episode Timeline

00:00 - Intro
05:44 - Sea of Thieves
40:58 - DJMAX Respect
60:04 - Monster Hunter Wiggler World
66:10 - Outro

Paul heads Into the Breach for another chance to save humanity from giant insects, Randy hops aboard the Subsurface Circular, and D.J. takes a part-time job as a UFO. Also, a year later, how much do we love exchanging friend codes on the Switch? So much.

Episode Timeline

00:35 - Intro
01:42 - Merry Switchmas 2018
06:43 - Luigi's Balloon World
16:14 - Into the Breach
41:53 - Subsurface Circular
53:10 - Part Time UFO
61:00 - Mass Effect Andromeda
70:35 - Outro

On this week’s show: Garrus chat. Also, Paul finally makes room in his busy schedule to play Mass Effect Andromeda for some reason, and Randy regales us with tales of his recent experience with Dandara ON THE SWITCH.

Episode Timeline

00:41 - Intro
05:08 - Monster Hunter: World
11:28 - Mass Effect: Andromeda
46:00 - Dandara
66:35 - Outro

Paul and D.J. get pulled into Metal Gear Survive's weird alternate dimension of tower defense and zombies. D.J. interrogates robots on a train in Subsurface Circular. And Monster Hunter: World continues.

Episode Timeline

00:38 - Intro
02:10 - Monster Hunter: World
20:30 - Metal Gear Survive
37:30 - Subsurface Circular
55:10 - Outro

Randy delves into the world of thinly veiled 90s TV references in The Darkside Detective. D.J. plays the latest in one of his favorite genres: Shadow of the Colossus remakes. And Paul continues hunting monsters, somewhere.

Episode Timeline

00:44 - Intro
06:53 - The Darkside Detective
17:58 - Celeste
25:53 - Shadow of the Colossus
55:18 - Monster Hunter: World
71:12 - Outro

Randy shoots up space-terrorists in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare before uncovering Radiant Historia's dark underbelly of anti-anime DLC. D.J. gives an update on the state of fashion in Final Fantasy XIV. And Paul continues hunting monsters, somewhere.

Episode Timeline

00:35 - Intro
01:52 - Monster Hunter Hunt Night
07:14 - Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
28:48 - Final Fantasy XIV: Fashion Report
45:41 - Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
67:18 - Outro