Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

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.

Episode 170: The Shape of Summer

A Valorant Moment. This week, we're delving straight into Summer Game Fest's opening showcases - the main show and Devolver's annual Direct. It's definitely a year that's light on surprises, but big on updates to things like Monster Hunter Wilds, Street Fighter 6, Alan Wake 2, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Anger Foot, Cult of the Lamb, Metaphor Re: Fantazio, Skate, Batman Arkham Shadow, Sonic x Shadow Generations and a whole bunch more. There's also a couple of smaller new announcements like Lego Horizon Adventures and Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind. We're also talking the Final Shape as Destiny's 10-year saga comes to its conclusion. Check us out on X and BlueSky@MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 169: A State of Swords and Superstars

Just what we needed, another live service. This week, we're taking a look at Sony's latest State of Play, which featured 14 games from PC ports to live service worries, remakes, and highly anticipated sequels. Throw in a few VR games, some Soulslikes, and some free-to-play stuff, and you've got an okay show. That's not all this week, though, as we delve into the full release of Multiversus, discuss more of Rise of the Ronin, and revisit Sonic Superstars for a moment or two. Plus, it's the Sun and Moon finale of Pokemon Drip! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 168: The Saga of Spawn

At last, the glorious return of SNES Revival. This week, we take a super deep dive into Todd McFarlane's Spawn for the SNES. It's a short but memorable 2D platformer and beat 'em up hybrid that those who have played both Street Fighter and Mega Man X will feel right at home with. Big sprites, vivid visuals, interesting life systems, and even more unique powers translate very well from the moody inked pages of this tragic antihero to the 16-bit world of the SNES. We've also got a few news stories this week as we continue counting down to Summer Games Fest! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 167: Ghost in the Well

The time has come: Bigmode. This week, we take a look at the first game published by Bigmode, Animal Well, a puzzle-based Metroidvania where a tiny blob must navigate the mysteries and strange horrors of an underground world. It may not be perfect, but it's one of the most interesting games in the genre we've seen in a while. That's not all, though, as we return for more Stellar Blade, Rise of the Ronin, and even Overwatch 2. It's the last couple of weeks before the onslaught of Summer Games Fest news! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 166: The Chaotic Industry

Come on, games industry. This week, it's a full episode of news as Microsoft is closing studios, including Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks and RedFall developer Arkane Austin. We go in-depth with our thoughts on these closures, as well as other closures, and the live service model. What's more, there's some wild news about Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League's missteps. It's not all bad, though, as we finally have confirmation on a brand new system from Nintendo. It's been a while since we had a whole episode about news, but the industry is in a strange place. Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.