Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

Episode 139: Zombies in a Rock Band

Dear video games, make Lego Rock Band 2. This week, we're finally taking a look at World War Z: Aftermath, an incredibly fun and satisfying game in a very oversaturated genre: co-op shooters. With tons of content and a variety of locations, it's a fantastic time. Before that, we get a lesson in finding antimatter in No Man's Sky from one of our characters, as well as remembering the hidden gem that is Lego Rock Band. This leads us down the rabbit hole of gaming demo kiosks that used to be a highlight of video game sections. We also go over some upcoming special episodes coming very soon! Check us out on X, you know, that one that was Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 138: Horizon Replay Remastered

Red Dead Redemption on PS4 costs what?! This one's got a little bit of everything. We have a big discussion on remakes and remasters and whether they're a good thing for gaming companies to release. We also return to Horizon: Forbidden West for some trophy cleanup and a run through the Burning Shores DLC expansion. After that, we've got some news stories like Keith David taking over the role of Zavala in Destiny, some wild monetization with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a Fall Guys crossover you'd never believe was a real thing! Check us out on X - that thing that used to be Twitter - @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 137: Diablo All-Stars

Did they have video games? The shelves were full. This week, we discuss the Diablo games leading up to Diablo 4, namely Diablo 3 and Diablo 2: Resurrected. We do also discuss a lot of Diablo 4 as the series continues its evolution, for better or worse. Each game is different, and each has a ton of positives as well as their fair share of negatives. We're also talking about the upcoming Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 and what characters we think should be in the game... and maybe a few crossovers that definitely aren't happening. Check us out on X, you know, the site that used to be called Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 136: Enter the Dragonfish

Three tangents! Ah, ah, ah! Two of them are gaming-related, though. This week, we return - after over two years - to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, for a new take on the modern classic RPG. Ichiban's story begins to unfold with twists and turns as one of us delves into the game for the first time. We've also got a few tangents, as noted. A new game comes to Apple Arcade with an interesting start. A string of spinoffs makes us think, "what characters need their own games?" And yes, Halloween season is here. We've seen the candy. Check us out on... X or Twitter or whatever it's called now @MarkersOnTheMap!

Episode 135: Like a Spartan

Marvel as we dodge spoilers in the most creative way. This week, we're returning to spoiler-free impressions of God of War Ragnarok, this time, from a different point of view. The good, the bad, and the strange design choices of it all are front and center in the return to Kratos' second journey in Norse mythology. Plus, we've got some stuff we forgot to talk about in regards to Final Fantasy XVI, as well as a new look at Spider-Man 2's story and special edition products! Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 134: Clive Rosfield’s Eikonic Hat

Clive doesn't actually wear a hat. But if he did, it'd be Eikonic. This week, we've got a long overview of Final Fantasy XVI, Square Enix's complete reinvention of the series as a character action game. Powers, bosses, quests, and more come up in this long segment. We're also looking at Square Enix as a whole, and their massive quantities of game releases. We've also got some truly awesome announcements from Limited Run Games' "E3" conference - a Jurassic Park Collection, Clock Tower's official US release, and the return of Gex! Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 133: Directly Adjacent to Games

In the words of the show, "that's gaming-related!" This week, we're back from a trip to Anime Expo, so we spend a bit of time discussing all the cool stuff we did there, including some Street Fighter 6 and Persona-based goodness. It was a great time, and we had to bring some of that into the episode! But that's not all - there's been a massive Nintendo Direct since we last recorded and we picked the best announcements to discuss, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Sonic Superstars, and more games that don't have "super" in the title. Plus, Pokemon Drip returns with the start of Black and White! Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 132: The Second Launch Lineup

The Launch Lineup returns! This week, we're tackling some wild topics like Joy-Con drift and the struggle of returning to a difficult game you've conquered in the past that you just can't seem to get back into. Then, we take an in-depth look at Final Fantasy XVI's opening hours and combat by way of the game's fantastic demo. We wrap this week up with the return of the Launch Lineup, and this time, we're looking at all of the launch titles from Xbox's 2001 release. From Halo to Dead or Alive to Project Gotham Racing, the Xbox's release was definitely unique. Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 131: Frontiers of Summer Games Fest

This episode asks the question, "what does XP taste like?" This week, we're looking at three more Summer Games Fest showcases, Xbox, Ubisoft, and Capcom. New reveals like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 3 Reload, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Clockwork Revolution lead the way in massive presentations full of updates. A huge portion of Starfield is front and center, a new Star Wars game brings the franchise into the open world genre, and we get our first look at Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora in a big gameplay reveal. Remakes, collections, new takes on old favorites, and more in this second part of 2023's "not E3" coverage! Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 130: Speaking of Final Fantasy

Geoff Keighley returns. This week marks the beginning of Summer Games Fest 2023, and we start with the big show, as well as Devolver's much-anticipated "Return of Volvy." We're talking about brand new updates and reveals like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Sonic Superstars, Remnant 2, Mortal Kombat 1, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, Lies of P, Alan Wake 2, Spider-Man 2, and of course, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. It's the return of "not-E3" season as we look into the future of gaming. Check us out on Twitter @MarkersOnTheMap.