Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

Episode 238: A Musical Marathon

A new flavor that fills at least half a health bar. This week, we're back at it with more Marathon, now that we've both set foot on the visually striking world of Tau Ceti IV. Through devious contracts, vicious life-draining plants, and many intense losses, the runners continue their scavenging across this devastated planet. We've got more, though, including Rift of the Necrodancer's super tough take on the rhythm genre. We also delve into Batman: Arkham Origins as the playthrough of the series continues. There's also more Ghost of Yotei Legends as we take on the Oni, and just the smallest little preview of Pokopia. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 237: Resident Runner

Something like a ghost runner, but not that Ghostrunner. This week, we're back with some opening thoughts on Ghost of Yotei's new Legends mode, the return of Ghost's own slice of co-op action. A vast system of skills, weapons, and tons of cosmetics highlight this glorious free update to one of last year's greatest games. We've also got more Requiem, as a playthrough has been finished. Plus, more Marathon, now that the full game is released. The world of Tau Ceti IV is out to get each and every runner, and everyone fights back in their own way. There's a whole lot more this week, including a few awesome places we visited! Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 236: Rave City Requiem

A marathon of games. This week, we've actually played a ton of stuff. We'll start out with some opening thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom's ninth main installment in the long-running survival horror series. After that, it's back to Arkham City for more Batman as we continue running through Rocksteady's superhero classics. There's also a little Super Mario 64, a revisit to the Haunted Mansion, and a small start to Grand Theft Auto 3. Then, some games that haven't come out yet in beta or demo form with Marathon and Pragmata, as well as Rave Racer, on consoles for the first time since it's arcade release over 30 years ago. Plus, it was Pokemon Day, so we have some Pokemon-related news! Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 235: The Knight's Shield

Holy crossovers, Batman! It's the dynamic duo we thought we'd never see: Batman and Pokemon. This week, we're returning to Arkham Asylum for a more in-depth discussion on the ins and outs of Rocksteady's original Dark Knight adventure. After that, we take the first steps into Pokemon Shield, with the journey to becoming champion taking us through the magnificent Galar region. We also have another game that's new to both of us in Ridge Racer 6, the Xbox 360 exclusive that's already a blast to play. Plus, we discuss Sony's closure of Bluepoint games, a devastating story. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 234: A New World's State of Play

Break free from the PS3. This week, we're back with Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, a new racer roguelike that blends speed and synergies like never before. Through three maps stuffed with challenging races and constant customization, a new contender arrives in the massive field of repeatable, run-based games. Then, a mighty new State of Play from Sony brings tons of surprises, including Metal Gear Solid 4's debut on consoles that aren't the PS3, the return of Dead or Alive, and a remaster trilogy's completion with Legacy of Kain: Defiance. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 233: Peacekeepers - The Royal

"The Crew Arrives on a New World." This season's first big lore cutscene takes us into a discussion on one of the most influential games of all time, in its finest form. Yes, it's Prince of Persia for the SNES. Devious platforming, vicious swordplay, and an incredible soundtrack highlight one of the most challenging games of its time. A simple story turned complex through twenty levels of nonstop traps, puzzles, and shadows sets the stage for the daring and classic royal rescue that only a truly seminal game can bring. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 232: Arkham Galaxy

Riddle me this, Shepard. This week, we're taking you do the late 2000s with a pair of Unreal Engine 3 classics. First up, Mass Effect, BioWare's groundbreaking sci-fi epic. It's a game with its fair share of issues, but narrative stands strong despite some of the gameplay archaisms. After that, Batman: Arkham Asylum takes us back to the glory days of superhero games as the Dark Knight Detective takes combat and stealth to a new level in a Metroidvania-styled island taken over by the Joker. We've also got some big frustrations with Ubisoft's game cancellations. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 231: Top 10 Plays of 2025 Part 2

Games of the Year. We’ve each selected our Top 5 games, including our game of the year for 2025. You can expect many things this week. The rebirth of a legendary series. The followup to an open world action masterpiece. The total destruction of an underground world… and the destructed society of an underwater one. A new planet full of intrigue. The return to an island and the journey to others. The jaw-dropping works of one of gaming’s greatest auteurs. They’re all here. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 230: Top 10 Plays of 2025 Part 1

And now, the first half of the best of the best. This week, join us for #10-6 on both of our lists of the top 10 games we played in 2025. The variety is here with racing games, looter shooters (and another wild FPS), some early 2000s classics, as well as a new entry in an early 2000s classic. A franchise revival continued, and a franchise moving in a bold new direction, as well as a new IP with some of the greatest gameplay and storytelling in recent memory. They're all here, and they're all part of the almighty Top 10 Plays of 2025. Check us out on Bluesky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 229: Top 10 Plays of 2025: Honorable Mentions

Happy New Year! This year, we're starting off with three honorable mentions each from the games we played in 2025. From pioneers of one genre, to masterful executions of another, these six runners-up are no joke. A world of stealth and style awaits. Not to mention a wild flashback and a live service done right. Looking forward to a great new year of games starts with looking back at what came before! Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap!