Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

Episode 185: The One About Black Ops 6

Campaign, and zombies, and multiplayer, oh my! It was inevitable - the Black Ops 6 episode. Did you know that in Black Ops 6, your skins from Modern Warfare 3 won't transfer? With that out of the way, it's a real deep dive into this year's Call of Duty. The campaign is being praised as the best in years... but is it really? Well, kind of. Zombies continues trends from the recent games while adding in some much appreciated quality of life features. And MP... let's just say the maps aren't where they need to be at right now. It's a big discussion. And we're reflecting on the state of gaming this year at the top of the episode! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 184: Tales from the Map IV

The Quest for Peace. The Gamekeeper is here to host this year's Halloween special! This time, a movie tie-in game takes center stage, and it's one we've been meaning to get to for years at this point. Full spoilers are here for a game full of frightening ghosts, tricky puzzles, and just a dash of whimsy. With plenty of rooms, each with their own unique ideas and mechanics, our brave hero ventures into this wild ride-turned-movie-turned game with tons of heart. It's almost scary how great a movie tie-in can be when done properly. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 183: Metaphorically Speaking

Time marches on, and the age of a new king draws nearer. In Atlus' incredible new followup to the legendary Persona 5 - Metaphor: ReFantazio - a king must be crowned, and it's up to you and your comrades to get the job done. It's Persona mechanics on a grand scale as the team opts for a fantasy world over modern day cities. Systems, style, and substance collide in one of the year's best. Speaking of the year's best, we also delve into Silent Hill 2's remake a bit more. And how about a few final remarks on Modern Warfare 3 as the game draws to a close? All that and more headed your way! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 182: Vessel of Fun

Set your Alarmo, you won't want to miss this week's episode of Markers on the Map! It's got a little bit of everything, like an interesting new piece of equipment from the fine folks at Nintendo. It's also got a philosophical discussion on characters we want to play as in games we don't want to play. Plus, new updates on games like Diablo IV's Vessel of Hatred expansion and more thoughts on Silent Hill 2 - plus a brief look at the remake. All this and more coming right up! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 181: Hyrule Hill

Pre-order now for *Snow Leopard* pet! This week, we take a look at The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a great new game where you finally play as Zelda. It's an exercise in finding new and interesting ways to break the game as you stack beds, attach to birds, and send your enemies right back at others in this new take on 2D Zelda. We're also looking at the opening hours of the original Silent Hill 2, right as the remake is starting to hit store shelves. And how about a small tease of what's to come with Metaphor via it's massive, hours-long demo? Plus we rattle through some State of Play highlights. All that and more, and did we mention *Snow Leopard* pet in Diablo 4? Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

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.