Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

A mind full of No Man's Sky. This week, we finally delve into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, one of the year's best games and one that's sure to be up for tons of awards. The modern realization of a turn-based RPG takes us into a world of devastation and complexity, where parrying mechanics, character abilities, and a wild skill system are just the start. After that, we go under the sea to revisit 2007's legendary BioShock and its twisted world of Rapture. We've also got some thoughts on Destiny 2's newest expansion, and some news on the Zelda movie's cast. Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Games got us to this point. This week, we've returned from the hallowed halls of what was once the location of E3 for another epic adventure at Anime Expo. We cover four days of fun, including awesome things we saw, dope items we picked up, and some absolutely incredible panels including one extremely relevant to something we always discuss on this very show. Gaming presence was bigger than ever this year, with tons of Sega and Atlus representation, Guilty Gear, Marvel Rivals, and more. Would you believe we also found some Ridge Racer stuff? Join us for a chat about all things AX in our annual special! Check out the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The sequel to Daryl Game. This week, it's finally upon us: Death Stranding 2. Join us for a massive introduction to the world of Hideo Kojima's latest masterpiece, from its gameplay systems, traversal and social mechanics, world-building, and more. A bigger and even better delivery game is here in the PS5's greatest technical and graphical showcase. It's a return to the world of connections first glimpsed in 2019, and it's just as strange as ever. Now, as for why we call it Daryl Game, you'll have to listen in. Plus, we've got quick thoughts on a Red Dead Redemption 2 replay and a huge new Phasmophobia update. And can we just say, "Save Tiny Chef!" Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Snow Games and the Seven Bidoofs. This week, jump into some full thoughts on Jurassic World Evolution 2, the mission-based sequel to the park builder extraordinaire. With a short campaign, we take a look at what sets this one apart. After that, we delve into Bleach Rebirth of Souls for a look at what makes a solid anime fighter. A great cast and gameplay make sure this one doesn't disappoint. And just what advancements are being made in the game industry? In addition to all of this, it's the premiere outfit in Pokemon Drip Elite, the return of a classic segment! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Fake energy drink, real fun. So here's the Inside Story - Bowser's Inside Story, that is, as we take a look at the Nintendo DS' classic third installment of the Mario and Luigi RPG series. We're also returning to Mario Kart World for a little bit of Knockout Tour, one of the series' new modes. After that, we give you just a sneak peak at some Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Bleach: Rebirth of Souls. Then we end with a quick look at some new stuff from Summer Game Fest's Xbox Showcase. Plus, we've got one more Game Tip of the Week in Space! Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

But can it run Doom? Join us for our first impressions on the Nintendo Switch 2, the long awaited sequel to the Nintendo Switch. With so many cool new features and a highly premium feel, this is one of the greatest console releases of all time. And what's a console without a fantastic launch title? We've got some thoughts on the incredible Mario Kart World. Just think, that's only half the episode, because there was also a State of Play and the Summer Game Fest show. It's "Not-E3" week on a whole other level! Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

The A-Team of our day. A pair of two modern Doom games highlight this week's foray into FPS madness. First up, Doom 2016 brings us into the modern Doom era with a memorable and frantic campaign that started this whole new trilogy and is a true classic in every sense of the word. After that, we return to the Dark Ages with a completed campaign and some comparisons between 2016 and Eternal - the most different one of all. So many set pieces, so many crazy weapons, and more enemies than you can possibly fathom, this is, indeed, a Doom episode. Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Biker Mice From Mars, seriously. Join us as we discuss some closing thoughts on this initial run through Rockstar's Bully, including mechanics, the open world, and more. After that, we finally dive into Balatro, where the deck can and will be broken almost immediately. Synergies, strategies, and the luck or lack of luck that can destroy your run highlight this chill (yet addictive) roguelike. Plus, we're still counting down to the Switch 2 launch with some thoughts on Nintendo's new Game Chat feature. Keep up with the show on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Medieval Doom featuring spaceships and robots. Let's introduce a few games here. First, comes Doom: The Dark Ages, id's new prequel to Doom 2016 and its sequel, the legendary Doom Eternal. It's a game that takes a little of what makes the others so good and gives it a unique identity, primarily from its incredible new shield mechanic. And then we take you back to the PS2 glory days with Rockstar's Bully, one of the company's more interesting takes. We've also got a thought or two on game key cards as the countdown to the Switch 2 continues! Check out our BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap!

Every good show has a season in space. Welcome to the third season of Markers on the Map! If you're new to the show, we set the stage each season with some lore, and delve into this constantly-shifting game industry, from the latest and greatest to the almighty classics that paved the way. This week, we've got Switch 2 pre-order stories, some familiar season premiere Fall Guys talk, and the return of a classic segment for a limited time. And Plok. We can't forget Plok! We're also on BlueSky if you'd like to keep up with the show @MarkersOnTheMap.