Markers on the Map: A Gaming Adventure

Episode 188: Awards Season Approaching

Are we just the GameBoy version of Game Country? This week, we take a look at the categories for this year's Game Awards, and discuss what we want to win, and what we think will end up winning when all is said and done. From mega hits like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Astro Bot, to stunning surprises like Balatro, and even upsetting snubs like Infinite Wealth and Silent Hill 2, this is going to go down as one of the most interesting Game Awards in recent memory. Also, don't miss the premiere of Pokemon Drip: Scarlet and Violet at the end of the episode! And have a Happy Thanksgiving! Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 187: The Sixth Launch Lineup

The dual screen gaming odyssey is here. This week, join us for a new installment of our Launch Lineup episodes, where we're taking an in-depth look at the rollout of Nintendo DS games, 20 years after the console released. It's a strange, small, and staggered release with a few major highs and some devastatingly lame lows (looking at you, Robots). The next generation of handheld gaming is here as mobile games have yet to truly take over. It's a simpler time, with the Nintendo DS, with comforts like PictoChat and Mario Kart DS keeping us entertained for weeks and years to come. Check us out on BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

Episode 186: Silent X Shadow

Back to our regularly scheduled everything. This week, we've got one our classic episodes where we talk about a ton of stuff we've been playing. This time, it's some closing, spoiler-free thoughts on Silent Hill 2, and that's not all. Sonic x Shadow Generations is finally here, and we delve into this refinement of Sonic's boost gameplay. We also have some positive thoughts on a mobile game in Pokemon TCG Pocket - and that's still just the start. At the end of the episode, we even have our first small dive into Metaphor spoilers. It's a little bit of a lot of things! Check us out on X and BlueSky @MarkersOnTheMap.

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.