Tales from the Backlog

Episódios

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  225: Arco (with Luis Aguasvivas) 05.08.2026 2h 14min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Luis Aguasvivas as they discuss Arco (Franek, Max Cahill, Bibiki and Fayer, 2024). Arco blends tactical turn-based combat with a revenge story spanning multiple protagonists. It's an ambitious game that coalesces in some magical ways, but falls short in some others, making it ripe for discussion. As always, no spoilers in the episode for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Luis Aguasvivas (he/they) Check out Luis's writing https://aguaspoints.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aguaspoints.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:20 Introductions 3:56 Our Histories with Arco 6:52 Top-Level Thoughts 13:13 Story Setup 17:52 Multiple Protagonist Structure 22:58 Dramatic Irony and Post-Colonial Narratives 28:48 Visual Design 35:33 Soundtrack 40:13 Combat 49:38 Fantasy Elements and Morality System 1:03:55 Who Should Play? 1:07:55 Luis' Writing 1:11:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:14:20 Spoilers- Different Story Paths 1:26:01 Spoilers- Act Five 1:39:41 Spoilers- Tizo's Story 1:51:22 Spoilers- Violence as Interaction in Games 2:01:54 Spoilers- Fighting the Ocean in Historical Fiction Music used in the episode is credited to Bibiki. Tracks used: Arena y Alquitrán, Forgotten Memories, Blood Spit, Whispers of Magic, Where Iyos Live, Sempiternal Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  224: Titanium Court (with Emily Merritt - No Small Games) 29.07.2026 2h 31min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Emily Merritt (No Small Games) as they do their best to unpack AP Thompson's Titanium Court. Even AP Thompson's simplified description of "a match-3 tower defense game for people who like to read" still hides a mountain of detail, so this was a fun discussion about those component parts and especially how they tie together into a genuinely interesting narrative and commentary on the way we play games and "consume" media in general. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: Emily Merritt (she/her) Check out No Small Games https://nosmallgames.com/ Follow on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/aspecificegg Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:20 Introductions 4:52 Our Histories with Titanium Court 8:18 Top-Level Thoughts 14:59 Story Setup and Worldbuilding 22:46 Theatre Inspiration and Humor 33:02 Visual Design 41:04 Music 48:45 Gameplay- Jobs and Goals 59:23 Gameplay- High/Low Tide 1:12:22 "Addictive" Games 1:17:24 Who Should Play? 1:23:04 No Small Games 1:28:19 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:30:17 Spoilers- Curses Lifted 1:45:11 Spoilers- Story Discussion 1:57:00 Spoilers- Story, Continued Music used in the episode is credited to AP Thompson. You can purchase the soundtrack on Steam. Tracks used: Chimera Solo, Timeskip Titlecard and the Ten Years Later, The One AP Doesn't Like, Metamind Defense Grid Blues, Biome Select, Fourth Quarter, For a Dollar Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  223: Pokémon Conquest (with Jared Moss - Play Along Podcast) 22.07.2026 2h 5min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Jared Moss (Play Along Podcast) as they take over the land in Pokémon Conquest. This crossover between Pokémon and Nobunaga's Ambition puts the familiar monsters in tactical grid-based combat, with satisfying (if slow) progression. It's a fun twist on the familiar, even if it makes zero effort to tell an accompanying story with any juice. Please enjoy the discussion, and as always- no spoilers for a while! Guest info: Jared Moss (he/him) Listen to Play Along Podcast https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/playalong.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:27 Introductions 5:20 Our Histories with Pokémon/Conquest 9:17 Top-Level Thoughts 16:10 Story Setup and Thoughts 23:31 Teambuilding and Conquering the Land 37:43 Turn-Based Tactics 55:48 The Gateway to Grand Strategy? 1:06:13 Soundtrack 1:08:03 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:12:39 Pacing for Handheld Play 1:16:36 Who Should Play? 1:21:13 Play Along Podcast 1:26:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:28:04 Spoilers- Favorite Pokémon and Teams 1:42:58 Spoilers- Story and Final Fights Music used in the episode is credited to Shin-ichiro Nakamura, Ayako Toyoda and Takashi Yoshida. Tracks used: Main Theme, Episode Opening, Normal Battle, Dungeon Theme 1, Map Theme 1, Staff Roll Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  Video Game Music Appreciation 101 (with Rick Firestone & Charlie Young) 15.07.2026 2h 16min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guests Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) and Charlie Young for an introductory lesson about how to listen to and discuss video game music in more effective ways. The episode starts with some terminology and examples, then moves to a "close listening" exercise where you can apply what was taught earlier. Hope you enjoy! Guest info: Charlie Young (he/him) Rick Firestone (he/him) Check out Pixel Project Radio https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card and Introductions 2:00 Topic Introduction 7:36 Developing a Palate- Melody, Harmony, Rhythm 19:37 Developing a Palate- Timbre, Instrument Choice, Dynamics 33:42 Developing a Palate- Texture and Form 46:07 Developing a Palate- Character, Affect 1:00:39 Patron Thank-Yous 1:02:39 Close Listening- Champion Cynthia (Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum) 1:14:43 Close Listening- Decisive Battle: Yu Yevon (Final Fantasy X) 1:29:04 Close Listening- Gone Angels (Library of Ruina) 1:48:02 Close Listening- Alicia (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) 2:09:02 Outro and Pixel Project Radio Music used in the episode: Earthbound OST- The Runaway Five on the Move! (Akio Ohmori, Ritsuo Kamimura, Keiichi Suzuki, Hirokazu Tanaka) Blue Prince OST- Stories of All Manor (Trigg & Gusset) Super Mario Bros OST- Ground Theme (Koji Kondo) Final Fantasy IX OST- Vivi's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Final Fantasy IX OST- Steiner's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu) Dark Souls OST- Gwyn, Lord of Cinder (Motoi Sakuraba) Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector OST- Signalchaser (Amos Roddy) Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum OST- Champion Cynthia (Go Ichinose) Final Fantasy X OST- Final Battle (Masashi Hamauzu) Final Fantasy X OST- Zanarkand (Nobuo Uematsu) Library of Ruina OST- Gone Angels (Studio EIM) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST- Alicia (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier) Video- 5th Elite Four Battle Cynthia- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vzpDrO9dH0 Pokemon Trauma Cynthia Battle Flashbacks- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEKlXY-SYc Final Fantasy X Trailer- https://youtu.be/riNzVUJumM8 Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  222: Mina the Hollower (with Matt aka Stormageddon - "Fun" and Games) 08.07.2026 2h 36min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Matt aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite podcasts) as they discuss Yacht Club Games' long-awaited action adventure game, Mina the Hollower. Blending several influences from The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, FromSoftware's catalogue and more, Mina the Hollower still managed to carve out a strong identity of its own while leaving a lasting impression. Listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them) Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/ Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:23 Introductions 6:41 Personal Histories with Yacht Club Games 12:34 Top-Level Thoughts 20:08 Story Setup and Weapon Choice 23:20 Exploring Influences 28:50 Visual Design and GBC Aesthetic 32:47 Burrowing Gives Mina Its Identity 43:47 Ways to Mitigate Difficulty 58:14 Open-Ended Structure and Exploration 1:09:07 Lightning Round! 1:14:34 Modifiers, Feats and Achievements 1:25:04 Music and Sound 1:34:43 Who Should Play? 1:40:15 "Fun" and Games, Reignite Podcasts 1:46:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:48:13 Spoilers- Weapons, Areas, Bosses 2:12:43 Spoilers- Final Boss and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Jake Kaufman unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Cinematic - Intro, A Sinking Feeling (Loner's Landing), The Congealed, Gator Gallop (Nox's Bayou), A Sickly Shore (Bone Beach), Central Ossex, The Brilliant Truth (Radiant Manor), End Credits Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  221: Minishoot' Adventures (with Roger Reichardt - Gamerheads Podcast) 01.07.2026 1h 40min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Roger Reichardt of Gamerheads Podcast as they discuss Soulgame Stuidio's 2024 top-down twin-stick shooting adventure, Minishoot' Adventures. The weird apostrophe will catch your attention, but the fantastic controls and satisfying gameplay will keep you grinning from ear to ear from start to finish. Or at least, that's how it went for us. As always, no spoilers in the episode until we warn you! Guest info: Roger Reichardt (he/him) Check out Gamerheads https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rogueleader76.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Preview and Title Card 0:22 Introductions 5:30 Our Histories with Minishoot' Adventures 11:35 Top-Level Thoughts 18:28 Story Setup and Storytelling 26:44 A More Approachable Bullet Hell 34:06 Very Reasonable Challenge 39:27 Sound and Visual Design 45:57 Exploration and World Structure 56:16 Soundtrack 1:01:41 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:06:32 Who Should Play? 1:09:31 Gamerheads Podcast 1:13:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:15:59 Spoilers- The Secret of the Apostrophe 1:19:33 Spoilers- Story Talk Music used in the episode is credited to Séverin Larose. Tracks used: Main Title, Dungeon, Boss, Battle, Overworld, Credits Check out an interview with Séverin Larose on "Fun" and Games podcast: https://funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-210-minishoot-adventures Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  220: Pyre (with AJ Fillari) 24.06.2026 2h 33min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest AJ Fillari as they discuss Pyre (Supergiant Games, 2017). As your crew makes their way through their underworld hellprison, you take part in competitive rites with the goal of earning your freedom. The game explores the rhythms of sport and competition, win or lose, as well as political allusions, what it means to return home, and much more. Dave and AJ also discuss Supergiant's continuity as a studio and how it helps them consistently put out good games. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy! Guest info: AJ Fillari (they/any) Listen to dotzip podcast https://dotzip.online/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:27 Introductions 5:54 Our Histories with Supergiant Games 9:52 Top-Level Thoughts 17:20 Story Setup 24:45 Push and Pull Decision Making 31:56 You Gotta Lose Sometimes 43:26 Playing in the Rites 56:26 Cast of Characters and Reactivity 1:01:44 Art and Visual Design 1:06:13 Music 1:15:56 Who Should Play? 1:20:21 dotzip and AJ's work 1:25:06 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:26:49 Spoilers- Politics, Exile and Freedom 1:38:09 Spoilers- How Did Our Rites Go? 1:51:44 Spoilers- Who Should Go Free? 2:07:32 Spoilers- Endgame Results 2:14:02 Spoilers- Finale Music and Wrap-Up Music used in the episode is credited to Darren Korb. Tracks used: In the Flame (with Ashley Barrett), Surviving Exile, Glorious Tradition, Thrash Pack, Strange Voyage, Never to Return (with Ashley Barrett), Bound Together (with Ashley Barrett) Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  219: Drakengard (with IdolismJ) 17.06.2026 2h 36min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest IdolismJ as they tackle Drakengard (Cavia, Square Enix, 2003). Drakengard has a reputation for being bad, unplayable, interesting and edgelordy to a certain extent, and we can confirm that some, but not all of those, are correct. Drakengard challenges the player in ways that most games don't, driving you crazy alongside the protagonist. Whether the effect is intentional or accidental, Drakengard certainly left an impression on us. Listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while! Guest info: IdolismJ (he/him) Check out Jay's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@IdolismJ Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/idolismj Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/idolismj.yase.world TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:18 Introductions 4:26 Our Histories with Drakengard and Nier 7:28 Top-Level Thoughts about Drakengard 11:53 Story Setup and Caim's Well-Being 21:40 Following the Plot 27:43 Combat- "Is It Bad on Purpose?" 40:28 Music to Go Insane to 50:14 Air Combat 58:00 Auteur Theory, Revisited 1:08:54 Art, Party Members, Voice Acting 1:18:10 Who Should Play Drakengard? 1:21:58 IdolismJ on YouTube 1:27:16 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:29:04 Spoilers- Things Get Worse Until They End 1:39:23 Spoilers- Ending A 1:47:44 Spoilers- Ending B 1:51:55 Spoilers- Ending C 2:00:38 Spoilers- Ending D and Some Hairy Subject Matter 2:16:49 Spoilers- Ending E and Connection to Nier Music used in the episode is credited to Takayuka Aihara unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: Weapon Select, First Chapter - Sky, Fifth Chapter - Ground, Fourth Chapter - Ground (Nobuyoshi Sano), Fifth Chapter - Sky, First Chapter - Castle Interior, Eighth Chapter - Closing (Nobuyoshi Sano), Route C Staff Roll, Mission Clear (Nobuyoshi Sano) Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  218: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (with Claire - Date With Us) 10.06.2026 2h 54min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Claire as they deep dive Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, Kou Shibusawa, Nintendo, 2019). They discuss the life sim and battle elements, how they tie together to make you fear permadeath even more, the four playthroughs, and much more. As always, no spoilers for a while! Guest info: Claire (she/her/any) Check out Date With Us podcast https://www.datewith.us Check out Claire on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/claireafterall Get a sick wrestling belt https://www.trophysmack.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:21 Introductions 5:03 Our Histories with Fire Emblem 7:35 Top-Level Thoughts 14:36 Story Setup and Choosing Your House 23:49 Life Sim Elements and How To Spend Time 30:00 Teaching and Character Building 36:11 Relationship/Support Mechanics 40:25 Relationship and Dating Elements 55:36 Combat and Permadeath 1:05:18 Combat Basics 1:15:00 What's New in the DLC? 1:19:56 Soundtrack 1:26:10 Visual Design and Art 1:31:57 Who Should Play? 1:38:17 Date With Us and Claire's Streaming 1:44:36 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:46:26 Spoilers- Story Discussion 2:29:39 Spoilers- MVPs and Results Music used in the episode: The Crest of Flames (Yuka Tsujiyoko) Fódlan Winds (Takeru Kanazaki) Life at Garreg Mach Monastery (Takeru Kanazaki) Tearing Through Heaven (Hiroki Morishita) Tempest of Seasons (Rei Kondoh) A Guide for the Future (Takeru Kanazaki) A New Dawn (Takeru Kanazaki, Rei Kondoh) The Land Beloved by the Goddess (Takeru Kanazaki) Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  217: Many Nights a Whisper (with Flora Merigold) 03.06.2026 2h 36min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Flora Merigold (Epilogue Gaming, Left Behind Game Club) as they discuss Many Nights a Whisper (Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour, 2025). Many Nights a Whisper puts you in a high-pressure situation and asks you to make tough choices that will have an impact on whether you make the climactic shot or not. We discuss the marriage of narrative and mechanics, our approaches to granting or denying wishes, the shot, and much more. As always, there are no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Flora Merigold (she/her) Check out Epilogue Gaming https://epiloguegaming.com/author/flora-merigold/ Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/ Follow Flora on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/floramerigold.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:16 Introductions 3:53 Personal Histories with Many Nights a Whisper 5:44 Top-Level Thoughts 13:09 Story Setup and Wishes 20:29 Wishes, Tension and Thematic Explorations 38:53 Practice Makes Perfect 44:45 Music and Visuals 46:35 Who Should Play? 49:15 Flora's Creative and Artistic Work 53:41 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 55:56 Spoilers- Pink Cats and Healthy Tobacco 1:06:39 Spoilers- Removing Animal Souls and Making Gender Irrelevant 1:20:46 Spoilers- No More Work and Wanting a Nemesis 1:41:33 Spoilers- Mounting Pressure, No More Sleep, No More Religion 1:56:04 Spoilers- The Last Wish 2:09:53 Spoilers- The Shot and Final Musings Music used in the episode is credited to fingerspit. Tracks used: Many Nights a Whisper, Ten Years Ago You Were Chosen, Doing My Best Is All I Can Give Them, New Strength, My Heart's Faint Call, The Ceremony, Into the Moonless Night Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  216: Isles of Sea and Sky (with Jesse Guarascia) 27.05.2026 1h 44min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Jesse Guarascia (noclip, noclip_2 and more) as they strengthen their block-pushing muscles for a deep dive into Isles of Sea and Sky (Cicada Games, 2024). They discuss its rich world full of secrets, why Sokoban-style puzzles feel like a great foundation for weird narratives or layers of secrets, whether the open-ended design works well, and much more. As always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Jesse Guarascia (he/him) Check out noclip https://www.youtube.com/@NoclipDocs And check out noclip2 https://www.youtube.com/@Noclip2 And Blowback! https://blowback.show/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jesseguarascia.com TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title 0:22 Introductions 6:16 Our Histories with Isles of Sea and Sky 11:26 Top-Level Thoughts 18:38 Game Setup and Open Structure 29:19 Puzzle Design 40:40 Sokoban as a Base Layer for Building Secrets 53:15 Visual Design 1:00:00 Music and Sound 1:03:32 Who Should Play? 1:08:28 Jesse's Work at NoClip and More 1:16:53 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:19:17 Spoiler Section Music used in the episode is credited to Craig Collver. Tracks used: Isles of Sea and Sky, Ancient Island, Stoney Cliffs, Tidal Reef, From Sea to Sky Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  215: Kingdom Hearts (with Leah Haydu) 20.05.2026 2h 31min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Leah Haydu (Cane and Rinse, Character Issues) as they discuss Kingdom Hearts (Square Enix, 2001). Leah is a longtime fan and Dave just played for the first time, and that led to a great conversation about the infamous story, the Disney and Final Fantasy tie-ins, the action-RPG combat, and the simplicity at the "heart" of it all. Listen in for more, and as always, no spoilers for a while. Guest info: Leah Haydu (she/her) Check out Character Issues https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747 Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:29 Introductions 4:02 Our Histories with Kingdom Hearts 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts 19:24 Story Setup and Disney Stuff 33:10 Final Fantasy Stuff 35:16 Understanding Kingdom Hearts 43:25 The "Heart" of the Story 51:11 More Music Talk 58:16 Gummi Ship 1:02:32 Combat 1:23:45 Some Gameplay Criticisms 1:30:26 Who Should Play? 1:34:00 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse Podcasts 1:40:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:42:08 Spoilers- Disney Worlds 1:54:58 Spoilers- Let's Talk Plot 2:04:13 Spoilers- Sora, Riku and Ansem 2:16:55 Spoilers- Final Bosses and Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Yoko Shimomura: Dearly Beloved, Destiny Islands, Hollow Bastion, Welcome to Wonderland, Traverse Town, The End of the World, Dearly Beloved -Reprise- Check out Unlockables Podcast for an extensive dive into the story of Kingdom Hearts: https://unlockables.fireside.fm/tags/guiding%20keys Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  214: Cairn (with Rachel Watts) 13.05.2026 2h 41min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Rachel Watts (Thinky Games, Indieventure podcast) as they discuss Cairn (The Game Bakers, 2026). Cairn is a meticulous, thoughtful climbing game that takes you into the mind of an elite athlete as she attempts a climb that has never been done before. While it has some (unintentionally) frustrating moments, Cairn is an extremely strong and affecting game- listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while! Guest info: Rachel Watts (she/her) Check out Thinky Games https://thinkygames.com Check out Indieventure https://indieventurepodcast.co.uk TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:23 Introductions 5:09 Our Histories with The Game Bakers & Cairn 8:58 Top Level Thoughts 17:32 Story Setup and Characterizing Aava 31:40 Climbing Mechanics 37:36 High Difficulty Meets a Few Shaky Systems 54:53 Visual Design, Sound Design and Music 1:03:12 Survival on Mt. Kami 1:17:58 Who Should Play Cairn? 1:24:32 Thinky Games and Indieventure Podcast 1:28:54 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:30:30 Spoilers- Fun Moments & Tough Challenges 1:54:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Aava 2:22:42 Spoilers- Ending Discussion Music used in the episode is credited to Martin Stig Andersen, Gilda and The Toxic Avenger. Tracks used: The Mountain is Calling, Rise, Fatigue Is In Your Head, Only the Mountain, In My Gut, Stars, Part of a Whole Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  213: Hitman 3 & Freelancer Mode (with Scott Danielson) 06.05.2026 3h 10min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and returning guest Scott Danielson as they dive into the third and final entry in the Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy (IO Interactive), as well as its roguelike mode, Freelancer. This whole package is an absolute treat, and this also brings the Tales from the Backlog Hitman Episode Trilogy to a close. Listen in for allllll (most) of our thoughts! Guest info: Scott Danielson (he/him) TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:25 Introductions 8:25 Our Histories with Hitman 12:39 Top-Level Thoughts 17:13 Story Setup 24:43 Levels and Locations 34:16 What's New and Mission Stories 43:26 The Sandbox and Freelancer Mode 1:02:32 Other Bonus Missions 1:09:07 Who Should Play Hitman? 1:17:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:18:57 Spoilers- Dubai 1:37:53 Spoilers- Dartmoor 1:50:43 Spoilers- Berlin 2:10:03 Spoilers- Chongqing 2:27:31 Spoilers- Mendoza 2:41:54 Spoilers- Carpathian Mountains 2:53:56 Spoilers- Ending and Ambrose Island Music used in the episode is credited to Niels Bye Nielson. Tracks used: Death Awaits, Best-Laid Plans, Sceptres of Dubai, End of an Era, Planning, Death in the Family, Chongqing Requiem, Mission Accomplished Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  212: The Séance of Blake Manor (with Brian Edwards - Cane and Rinse, Character Issues) 29.04.2026 2h 13min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Brian Edwards as they dive into one of 2025's most acclaimed games, The Séance of Blake Manor (Spooky Doorway, Raw Fury, 2025). It's a captivating mystery set in an Irish countryside manor-turned-hotel, full of both literal and figurative ghosts, culminating in a grand séance. It's full of memorable characters, fantastic voice performances, Irish folklore and mythology, and always manages to keep you guessing. Check out the podcast for more. Guest info: Brian Edwards (he/him) Check out the Character Issues podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747?l=zh-Hant-TW Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:16 Introductions 4:24 Personal Histories 7:59 Top-Level Thoughts 14:15 Story Setup and Cast of Characters 24:18 Spooky Atmosphere 29:00 Character Schedules and the Passage of Time 41:41 Lack of Deductive Reasoning 48:43 Some Mechanical Frustrations 56:09 Some Puzzly Puzzles 58:44 Irish Folklore & Mythology 1:05:31 Who Should Play? 1:09:40 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse 1:19:04 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:20:57 Spoilers- Favorite Moments and Storylines 1:49:27 Spoilers- What's Going On Here? Music used in the episode is credited to Clement Panchout. Tracks used: The Séance of Blake Manor, Vincent Varley, Blake Manor I, Courtyard, The Ritual, Serenade for Evelyn Deane (End Credits) Check out Dave's guest DJ set on Chillscape: A Chill VGM Podcast: https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/chillscape-a-chill-vgm-podcast Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  211: Baby Steps (with Josh Galecki - Pixelated Playgrounds) 22.04.2026 2h 20min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest Josh Galecki (Pixelated Playgrounds, Moonroof Studios) to take a long walk into the woods of Baby Steps. Developed by Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzillo and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital, Baby Steps is an extremely unique game, one where its story of its failson protagonist meshes with its frustrating-yet-rewarding gameplay for a very rewarding and genuinely funny experience. Check out the podcast for more. Guest info: Josh Galecki (he/him) Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/ Check out Josh's games on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/search/?developer=Moonroof%20Studios Check out more of Josh's games on itch https://joshuagalecki.itch.io/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:11 Introductions 5:42 Our Histories with Baby Steps 9:42 Top-Level Thoughts 15:11 Characterization of Nate 20:18 Walking Mechanics 26:56 Difficulty and World Design 40:19 Hating On Nate and Comedy 54:27 Visuals, Music and Sound 59:13 Who Should Play Baby Steps? 1:04:16 Pixelated Playgrounds and Moonroof Studios 1:08:40 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:10:17 Spoilers- Jim, The Manbreaker, Other Challenges 1:32:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Nate 1:42:28 Spoilers- Nate's Journey and Endings 1:55:43 Accomplishments vs Achievements 2:04:23 Guys...Where Are We? Sound clips in episode were captured in game. The Secret Lives of Games interview with Bennett Foddy & Gabe Cuzillo- https://eggplant.show/152-walking-over-it-with-gabe-cuzzillo-and-bennett-foddy-baby-steps Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  Is It Harder for Video Games to Be Funny? (with Doug Lief & Gen Moonen) 15.04.2026 1h 57min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Guest info: Doug Lief (he/him) and Gen Moonen (they/them) Listen to Nostalgium Arcanum https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ Listen to Playing By Ear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playing-by-ear/id1815995146 Listen to Still Muppeting https://www.patreon.com/c/stillloadingpod/posts Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgames.libsyn.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:10 Introductions and Top-Level Thoughts 7:20 Unpredictability- Problem or Opportunity? 19:48 Failure Can Be Funny 38:35 Jokes In Any Form 50:07 Unique Challenges Facing Game Comedy 1:32:15 More Ways Games are Uniquely Funny 1:44:46 Wrap-Up Thoughts 1:48:56 Gen & Doug's Podcasts Music used in the episode: Secret Hoppin' (Vacation Mix)- ClascyJitto (Pizza Tower OST) Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp- Peter McConnell (Psychonauts OST) Dave's guest appearance on Play Along Podcast- https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  210: Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines (with TroytlePower) 08.04.2026 3h 7min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more! Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him) Check out all of Troy's work! https://troytlepower.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:17 Introductions 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society 28:06 Presentation and Game World 36:53 Music and Vibes 44:34 Vampire Lore TM 51:00 Character Building 1:02:04 Combat 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time... 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines? 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  PAX East 2026 Wrap-Up 05.04.2026 19min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Dave recaps 13 indie games that he played on the PAX East 2026 show floor. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:25 The Secret of Weepstone 2:05 Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes 2:59 Canvas City 3:51 DREADMOOR 5:03 Fractured Blooms 6:20 GNAW 7:31 Valor Mortis 8:32 Well Dweller 9:39 Never's End 11:17 ZWAARD 12:15 Project Lexa 13:37 Backyard Baseball 15:20 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon 16:31 Wrap-Up 17:06 More Indie Game Coverage! 17:52 Outro and How to Support Game links: The Secret of Weepstone- https://store.steampowered.com/app/3702100/The_Secret_of_Weepstone/ Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes- https://www.astrocrow.com/throwback Canvas City https://store.steampowered.com/app/3226830/Canvas_City/ DREADMOOR https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/ Fractured Blooms https://store.steampowered.com/app/3730310/Fractured_Blooms/ GNAW https://store.steampowered.com/app/2306490/GNAW/ Valor Mortis https://store.steampowered.com/app/2828710/Valor_Mortis/ Well Dweller https://store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/Well_Dweller/ Never's End https://store.steampowered.com/app/1999930/Nevers_End/ ZWAARD https://store.steampowered.com/app/2251170/ZWAARD/ Project Lexa https://store.steampowered.com/app/3162890/Project_Lexa/ Backyard Baseball https://store.steampowered.com/app/3935020/Backyard_Baseball/ Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon https://store.steampowered.com/app/1466060/Tainted_Grail_The_Fall_of_Avalon/ Music used: High Above the Land (The Flying Machine)- Jake Kaufman (Shovel Knight) Various tracks from The 16-Bit Starter Pack, composed by Bert Cole [bitbybitsound.com](bitbybitsound.com) For more PAX and indie game coverage, check out: https://theindieinformer.com/ https://www.sixoneindie.com/ https://nosmallgames.com/ https://funandgames.libsyn.com/ https://youtube.com/@crossplayconvos https://youtube.com/@danomak https://leftbehindgame.club/ https://youtube.com@NOLAnerdcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/pixelspectrum/ https://www.gamesandwich.com/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/747596 https://kzum.org/podcasts/underplayed/ https://youtube.com@CGDannyB https://youtube.com@Kimchica https://bossrush.net/ https://passthecontroller.io/ https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@PSTrophyRoom https://datewithuspodcast.podbean.com/ https://epiloguegaming.com/ https://somanygames.co.uk/ https://dotzip.online/ https://skyboxcritics.com/ https://www.quitthebuild.com/1h1d Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog
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  209: Chants of Sennaar (with Travis Colenutt - Left Behind Game Club) 01.04.2026 2h 24min

  Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Join Dave and guest Travis Colenutt on their language-learning journey up the tower in Chants of Sennaar (Rundisc, Focus Entertainment, 2023). What do our languages say about our culture, and how can learning another language change the way we see the world? All of this and more in the discussion! Guest info: Travis Colenutt (he/him) Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/ Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/traviscolenutt.bsky.social TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:21 Introductions 4:53 Why Did We Play Chants of Sennaar? 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts About Chants of Sennaar 16:06 Story and Language Learning Setup 28:00 Using Language to Make Progress 33:40 Learning About Culture Via Languages 39:04 Making Connections Via Languages 48:02 Stealth In My Puzzle Game? 53:58 Visuals, Music and Sound 1:08:31 Do We Recommend? 1:11:17 Left Behind Game Club 1:15:10 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous 1:17:34 Spoilers- The Devotees & Warriors 1:40:05 Spoilers- The Bards & Alchemists 1:55:32 Spoilers- The Anchorites & Ending Music used in the episode is credited to Thomas Brunet. Tracks used: The Call, Out of the Cavern and into the Light, Catch Me!, Envers, Bonds Reforged Catch Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about Rocky https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricaturesSupport Tales from the Backlog