Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

Episode 180: Spawn is Born, a Deal Awaits

Spawnic Underground. This week, delve back into the universe of Todd McFarlane's Spawn with the sixth generation's Spawn Armageddon. In this early-2000s hack 'n slash, Spawn wields an entire arsenal of weapons, powers, and a set of infinite chains that melt enemies like nothing. Join us for the first ten levels of this game, with more to come in future episodes. Demon hordes, smooth combat, and massive bosses await Spawn - and don't get us started on the spinoffs. All that and more as we begin October here on the podcast. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 179: Headed for Halloween

It's the end of September, so it's basically Halloween. This week, join us for some updates on Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies, Red Dead Redemption, Astro Bot, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (and Dawn of Sorrow), Multiversus, and more. Plus, just how awesome is Universal Studios? You'll learn just how cool it is in the intro, including a look at Super Mario World. Plus, news is headlined with developments from the Pokemon Company, a new PS1-themed collection for PS5, and, perhaps most importantly, a new game in the Like a Dragon franchise with pirates. Yes, it's time for the real games to begin. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 178: PS5 Pros and Cons

Bots, ghosts, and vampires... sounds like a semi-spooky time. This week, join us for a spoiler-free look into the gloriously joyful world of Astro Bot, one of the year's best new releases. We've also got some thoughts on Phasmophobia's creepy co-op gameplay, and the magic of rewind in the blisteringly hard Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. With news, it's the PS5 Pro as gaming's big topic, but we also take a look at some significant anniversaries, like Borderlands 3, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, and the Sega Dreamcast. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 177: Concord and the Cat

Not a good week for live service hero shooters. This week, we return to the Black Ops 6 beta for some more thoughts on maps and modes as Treyarch returns to the Call of Duty franchise. We're also looking at the in and outs of Gato Roboto, Doinksoft and Devolver's "mini Metroidvania" full of charm and classic tropes. We've got a glimpse at the Switch port of Pizza Tower here, as well. And then there's the topic of the hour, the fate of Concord, a game which lasted two weeks after its long, long development. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 176: Life in the Land of Games

The Markers on the Map Jumbo Coloring and Activity Book 2 is the perfect companion for travelers making the trip back to Gameland. Inside, you will find pages full of classic scenes, word searches, and other exciting features. This includes, but is not limited to: discussions on strange decisions that games used to make, the upsetting launch of a brand new IP, a look at the beta for one of the year's most anticipated games, and a dive into back-to-back showcases from a company that also has a museum launching soon. Don't forget to check every page of the book, because you might also discover a brand new season of Pokemon Drip. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 175: Masters of the Map Revelation

A seventh generation anomaly. This week, join us for a look back at some seventh generation games as we revisit the middle of the year 2013. We discuss some absolute classics like Borderlands 2, Red Dead Redemption, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, and rattle off a few more favorites. Plus, we've got a classic game, too: Godzilla Monster War for the Super Famicom. Yes, a game only released in Japan. All this and more, as well as our latest big lore cutscene! New episodes of the show will return this September. For updates, please check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap!

Episode 174: The Same Place as E3

E3 may be gone, but Anime Expo is stronger than ever. But first, take a look at the past in our latest lore cutscene! This week, we talk all about our trip to Anime Expo 2024, including what we did, what we saw, and what we bought. There was also tons of lore drops at the Sonic x Shadow panel, and a look at some upcoming games through demos. These include Metaphor Re: Fantazio, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Gundam Breaker 4, and Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. Plus, we're finally closing out the latest chapter of our battle pass mental health check-in. It's a packed episode as we head into the upcoming special! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 173: The Fifth Launch Lineup

We cannot ignore the fact that there's a Bubsy collection now. This week, it's the return of the Launch Lineup! This time, we're taking a look at the rollout of GameCube launch titles across Japan, North America, and Europe - but only the actual launch titles, so you won't see things like Melee or Pikmin here. What you will see is Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, Batman Vengeance, and even Tarzan and Donald Duck. With three launches in the span of a handful of months, the GameCube does have one of our more varied lineups. So go back in time with us, and then look at Limited Run's future slate. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 172: Directly Beyond Expectations

Marvel, baby. This week, it's the greatest Nintendo Direct of all time. It's got a little something for everyone. The grand reveal of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A new installment in the Mario and Luigi series. A Zelda game where you actually play as Zelda. A remaster of the one missing Donkey Kong Country game on Switch. A collection of seven legendary Marvel classics by Capcom. The English debut of Ace Attorney Investigations 2. A trilogy of HD-2D remakes for Dragon Quest. There's so much in this legendary Direct. Even in its eighth year, the Switch is going absolutely wild. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 171: Indiana Jones and the Xbox Showcase

Activision, why? This week, we take an in-depth look at an admittedly great Xbox Showcase for this year's Summer Game Fest. There's lots to be excited about coming out of Microsoft Game Studios, Bethesda, and their partners such as Gears of War E-Day, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Interesting new IPs get thrown in the mix like the endearing South of Midnight and a new turn-based RPG in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. And of course, some third-party heavy hitters like Metal Gear Solid Delta. But let's talk about Black Ops 6 and a really irritating decision when it comes to skins. All this and more! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.