Gaming In The Wild - Video Game Reviews

This week's pod is a grab bag of new games, including some warm takes on the much anticipated pixel art adventure Mina The Hollower, and the widescreen stealth-action blockbuster 007: First Light. Then we have some mid-playthrough thoughts on dreamy photography game OPUS: Prism Peak, and what going on with promising deckbuilder Fame or Folly (which I'm actually working on, a little!). Thanks for listening!Join Patreon for Discord and extras: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild. See my YouTube videos (like, sub, smash the... whatever!): https://www.youtube.com/gaminginthewild BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaminginthewild Steam Curator: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529

This week's podcast is a double-header: we have a full featured review of the excellent, original, surprising Pragmata — and a pretty chunky look at the recently released and well-reviewed (and regrettably review-bombed) Mixtape. We're really in the thick of 2026 now, and the releases are coming thick and fast, so I decided to cover both games in one bumper hourlong episode.In the roundup: Saros & OPUS: Prism Peak.Enjoy, folks!Support the show, join the community, and get fun extras:Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildLinks from the episode:Mixtape video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ERTrQswHdcMixtape article: https://somanygames.co.uk/articles/mixtape-isnt-confused-about-when-its-set-even-if-players-areFind the show elsewhere:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaminginthewildSteam Curator: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529

This week I'm joined by AP Thomson, the developer of Titanium Court, to discuss the release of one of the most creative indie games of the year so far. We talked about magic and mania, fairy stories, developing during lockdown, and the NYC gamedev scene that AP is a part of.In the roundup: Pragmata, REPLACED, Dosa Divas, Mixtape.Join Patreon for Discord and extras from me: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Find GITW on social media: http://gaminginthewild.com.Steam Curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529See the YouTube videos: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is a field report from the London Games Festival, including a glimpse of the industry-focussed events, and a report from the show floor of New Game Plus. Games played: Rewilders, Wax Heads, Dark Scrolls, The Florist, Mandrake, Please Watch The Artwork, Rhell, Hearth & Harbour, and There are No Ghosts At the Grand. Additional interviews: Jason from So Many Games, and Hilmar from EVE Online. I hope you enjoy it!Support this podcast: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Links for social media, Steam curator page, YouTube channel, etc: http://gaminginthewild.com.

This week's episode is a very special one. It's a conversation with Oscar Rydelius, aka Ratvader — the composer behind the inspired, symphonic soundtrack of Ultros, and its stunning audio and ambience. This interview was originally recorded for Lost In Cult as part of my work on the Ultros: Design Works book. It was included in the deluxe edition on CD. Special thanks to Shaun and Lost In Cult for agreeing that it should also go out in this public feed, for preservation's sake, and to reach as many people as possible.Pick up the Ultros book: http://lostincult.co.uk/ultros.Hear more of Oscar's work, and support him with a purchase: https://ratvader.bandcamp.comCheck out the Ratvader website: https://www.ratvader.comSee my initial 2023 Ultros review (episode 201 in the podcast feed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8B5Cw3fMSk See my interview with developer Hugo Bille (episode 202 in the podcast feed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5TJg2-OKqsSupport this podcast: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Thanks for listening!

This weeks episode is a grab-bag looking at an assortment of recent releases, and some games we have to look forward to in the month ahead, including: Cursed Words, Dosa Divas, Moomintroll Winter’s Warmth. Gecko Gods, Aether & Iron, Fishbowl, RACCOIN: A Coin-pushing Roguelike, Fame or Folly, Eternal Afternoon, Starfield, Moves of the Diamond Hand, Dosa Divas, Gecko Gods, OPUS: Prism Peak, Pragmata.Full April releases video: https://youtu.be/q2VS2uDo4aoBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaminginthewildSteam Curator: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529Discount game codes (5% goes to the channel): https://www.fanatical.com/en/?ref=gitwbb.Thanks for listening!

This week's episode has an interview with Michael French, head of the London Games Festival. He dropped by to talk about the programme, the venue change, and the place of of games in culture — and to answer some lightning round questions like "Spyro or Crash?", "worst controller?", and "best ever indie game?". Find more info on the event at http://games.london.In the roundup: Dread Delusion, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, Personal 5 Royal, Esoteric Ebb, Bloodletter, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War, Pokopia.Join the patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow on YouTube, Bluesky, etc: http://linktr.ee/gaminginthewildSteam Curator Page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And as always, thanks for listening!

This week's episode is about the wildly creative, utter bonkers, critically divisive Romeo Is A Dead Man, the latest from Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture. It's a game that throws a huge amount at the wall, from classic hack 'n' slash ('n' guns) combat, to '80s pulp cinema, Japanese mythology, UK rock iconography, Lychian surrealism, and classical philosophy. For me, that led to a fun, punk, oddly intoxicating game experience that acts as a valuable counterpoint to the more safe and predictable big-budget games.In the roundup: Resident Evil requiem, Esoteric Ebb, Homura Hime, London Games Festival.Join the Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildCheck out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWfsBe3N3bwFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Visit the GITW TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaminginthewildThanks folks!

This week's podcast is all about February's Steam Next Fest — a feast of new games that myself and the GITW community enjoyed to the fullest. First we run through my impressions of the 20 or so games I played, then move on to a personal top five, and the community's top ten game picks. We had a record number of particpants, with over 150 demos played — thanks as always to patrons Slater and soccr for making the spreadsheet work and crunching the numbers — it was a blast!In the roundup: Resident Evil Requiem, Esoteric Ebb, Raccoin, Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime, Planet of Lana II, REPLACED, March Indie Games, and the London Games Festival.LinksJoin the Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildMarch indie games video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkNksga-Q4cSo Many Games article: https://somanygames.co.uk/articles/indie-guide-feb-2026Steam Curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.comAnd thanks for listening!

Duskpunk is a quite brilliant "Sleeper-like" that came out at the tail end of last year. Set in the gritty, murky, war-torn city of Dredgeport, it casts those addictive, multi-functional dice and clock tabletop mechanics in a gritty Steampunk world.In the roundup: Romeo Is A Dead Man, Persona 5 Royal, Raccoin, REPLACED, and Steam Next Fest. Join Patreon for Discord and extras and the Next fest community event: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild. Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/.Buy discounted game codes via this link to support the channel: https://www.fanatical.com/en/?ref=gitwbb.And thanks for listening!

This weeks episode is a bumper one. First, there's a review Cairn, the ambitious granular climbing simulator; then, there's a 50-game guide ot the games we have to look forward to in 2026. In the roundup: Balatro (... yup, again), and Assassin's Creed Origins, of all things.Support the pod & join the patron community: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildYouTube channel: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewildCitizen Sleeper 2 book pre-order: http://lostincult.co.uk/citizensleeper2Follow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/ Social media and so forth: http://gaminginthewild.com Thanks for listening!(00:00:00) Intro(00:10:37) Cairn(00:32:59) Indie game guide to 2026(01:13:10) Outro

ARC Raiders is a multiplayer phenomenon and a surprise smash-hit that’s drawn in players not usually into that kind of thing: including me. To discuss, I’m joined by my ARC wingperson and MVP Ciarán Daly, to talk player behaviour, AI, emergent gameplay, and more.In the roundup: ROG Ally X, MIO: Memories In Orbit, Cairn, Cauldron.Watch me and Ciarán play the game: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGvXMgrjlCYtRfDNBcQ8AWJimHpMutVz4&si=K7El2MJCFzB7JG7X Support the channel, join the community, and get a free game code: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Follow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/ Social media and so forth: http://gaminginthewild.com Thanks for listening!

After spending December playing GOTY catchup and posting deliberations with various brilliant guests, it's crunch time. This episode is my personal games of the year list for 2025.Support the pod, join the patron Discord, and get a game code for 1000xRESIST, Citizen Sleeper, Ultros, or In Other Waters: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.See the YouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5Z4bBENvW0Follow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/.And thanks for listening, everybody!

The votes are cast and counted, and it's time to unveil the results of the Gaming In The Wild patron GOTY vote 2025!This annual fixture has slowly eclipsed my own GOTY list as the most-hype podcast of GOTY season in my mind. We had a record-breaking 50 voters, selecting 88 games, and one final winner. And to help me go through the results, I had one special guest: Blinkoom aka Steve from Indie Quest podcast. Enjoy the show, folks, it was a blast to create.Find Blink on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Blinkoom See Blink’s GOTY stream: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2648247802 Find Blink's podcast Indie Quest: https://indiequest.buzzsprout.comIf you'd like to join the community, hit up Patreon — new patrons at any tier get a free game code for 1000xRESIST, Ultros, In Other Waters, or Citizen Sleeper (while they last) — and you can vote next year! http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild  Happy holidays folks — I'll be back before NYE with my personal GOTY episode in the final episode of the year.00:00 Intro04:30 Blink's Top Ten51:54 Patron vote: lower ten01:25:53 Patron vote: top ten

This week's show is me catching up on a couple of intriguing late-year indie releases. Skate Story is a fantastical skating game where we play a demon skating out of hell to eat the moon — it's a masterclass in both skating mechanics and aesthetic. DISPATCH is the blockbuster visual novel that takes an original spin on a superhero story, with very human themes.Join the Patreon to support the show, join the community, and get a free game code, a Discord invite, ad-free episodes, and more: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildSee my videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildSteam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Special thanks to my Boss Tier Patrons: ShyGuy, KingChamp, Cerys, SusannaMaria, Nate, and Syd B. And thanks to you for listening :)

This week's podcast is a GOTY roundup with Brad Gallaway from the excellent So Videogames podcast. Brad brings a mixture of big hitters and hidden gems, including at least four games I hadn't even heard of before, so open your wishlists, and enjoy his picks!You can find the So Videogames podcast here: https://gamecritics.com/podcasts/Hop into Patreon to support this show and join the listener community: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.See the YouTube videos here: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.And find me on Steam and social media via: http://gaminginthewild.com.Thanks for listening, folks!

GOTY season is upon us! This year's special guest series kicks off with Ben from The Mimic's Veil, who dropped by to talk Silksong hot takes, Clair Obscur, The Game Awards, Consume Me, and some of the indie gems that he's hoping to squeeze in before year end.Find the Mimic's Veil on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/themimicsveil.bsky.social.Support this podcast on Patreon (and join the patron GOTY vote!): http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.See my videos: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWild.Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Peace!

This week's episode has a big November indie game preview section, as well as some chat about PowerWash Simulator 2, Carimara: Beneath the Forlorn Limbs, Possessor(s), Kirby Air Riders global test, Battle Suit Aces, Turtle Beach's Atlas 200 headset, and more. Enjoy!Support on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.November releases video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skEO-PmIadUSee the YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWild/shortsFollow on Bluesky, Insta, etc: http://linktr.ee/gaminginthewildSteam Curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is a an indie horror roundup, with mini-reviews of Buckshot Roulette and Clover Pit — the child (and grandchild) of Inscryption. The featured review is of Mouthwashing: a slowly unravelling space crew nightmare that's essential, but not for the faint of heart. Then finally, we have the community Next Fest roundup!Support on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Recent videos mentioned in the show:Indie Horror: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBOmKk_BGgNext Fest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N5vpuyTs5gFollow on Bluesky, Insta, etc: http://linktr.ee/gaminginthewildSteam Curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Thanks for listening!

BALL X PIT is close to perfect. It mixes diverse influences, from '80s arcade games, to '90s twin-stick shooters, bullet heavens, Balatro-likes, and the very best of the 2020s roguelike trend — all of which results in a compelling, addictive, and satisfyingly contemporary shoot ‘em up experience that stands shoulder to shoulder with its influences.In the roundup: Next Fest community event, Hades 2, Ghost of Yotei, JS AUX Ally accessories.Please do hop in to support this podcast if you can afford $1 a month! You get some extra bonus stuff: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.See the videos: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Find the show on social media: http://gaminginthewild.com. Check out this Steam curator page made by podcast supporter Dovetail: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/  And thanks for listening!

This week's grab bag episode includes first thoughts on Hades II, mid-game thoughts on the charming turn-based cartoon battler Wander Stars, and (spoiler free) final thoughts on Death Standing 2: On The Beach. In the roundup: all the news from the Tokyo Games Show, including the Nintendo, Xbox, Sony, and Annapurna directs that happened this month, and a light review of some Switch 2 accessories that Snakebyte sent my way.Support the show on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

Hollow Knight: Silksong is here! Join me as I recount my fraught and torrid journey through the kingdom of Pharloom. It's a wondrous place — immersive, vast, absorbing — but it's held within a game that's ruthlessly difficult, and trolls the player in a way that I've found difficult to enjoy.In the roundup: Time Flies, Lumines Remastered, Snakebyte Switch 2 accessories.Support the show on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildRead the Myrkur article: https://grapevine.is/mag/2025/09/15/echoes-of-the-end-inside-the-biggest-icelandic-video-game-of-2025/Read the VGC Silksong review: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/hollow-knight-silksong/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

Herdling is another vibey journey through a forlorn world from the young Okomotive studio. The shepherding gameplay is alternatively fun, clumsy, endearing, and frustrating, but overall, it’s a three-hour journey that is a must for indie game fans.In the roundup: Hollow Knight, and Silksong pre-game!Support the show on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

Sword of the Sea is like playable dream. It combines the simplicity and wonder of Journey, the oceanic splendour of ABZU, and the searing speed of The Pathless into a mesmerising new form — it's the apotheosis of the Matt Nava formula.Support the show: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

Wheel World is a free-flowing cycling game that's met with a surprisingly mixed reception, given the demo hype. It starts off well, but it's a game of two halves, in quite an unusual way.In the roundup: Haste, Cipher Zero, Artis Impact, Ovis Loop, Heistgeist, Donkey Kong Bananza, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, and more.See the videos: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWild Support this show: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFind the Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialRead my recent articles: https://grapevine.is/author/john-rogers/Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Thanks for listening!

Word Play is an ingenious new puzzle-roguelike that crosses the streams of Balatro and Scrabble. The result is a compelling little game with big potential.In the roundup: Cipher Zero, Haste, Driftwood, Ritual of Raven, Time Flies, Death Standing 2, Wheel World, and more.Here's that video of the Word Play dev talking about making his game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHKRWmfcMBwHere's the Ludocene site (best used in a phone browser): https://www.ludocene.comJoin the Patreon for bonus episodes: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildSub to the YouTube channel for more stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWildFind my on Bluesky, Insta, Steam, etc: http://gaminginthewild.comHere's my Medium page where I post article I write: https://medium.com/@johnbrnlvrogersThanks for listening!

It's the Year of Kong! Nintendo's first "proper" (don't @ me, Mario Kart fans) Switch 2 blockbuster is here, and it's one for the books. Donkey Kong is now a fully realised modern Nintendo mascot as he smashes, dances, and chomps his way through a series of wonderfully designed, multi-layered levels that are simply a joy to experience. A couple of minor-ish quibbles stop it from being an unreserved 10/10, for me at least — but that doesn’t detract from the headline: it truly is Donkey Kong’s time. In the roundup: Cipher Zero, Wildwood Down, Wheel World, Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson, The Drifter, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.Indie Quest guest appearance: https://indiequest.buzzsprout.com/1425403/episodes/17508234-episode-115-keep-on-questin-indie-people-with-john-of-gaming-in-the-wildSupport the show on Patreon to get a load of bonus episodes, a Discord invite, a thank you on the pod, and more: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Get more Gaming In The Wild stuff on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingInTheWild.Follow me on Bluesky, Insta, Steam, etc: http://gaminginthewild.com.Thanks to boss tier patrons KingChamp and ShyGuy — and thanks for listening!

This week's pod is a roundup episode featuring Blade Chimera, Midtris, and Death Stranding 2. In the roundup: Tron Catalyst, Tiny Garden, Preserve, Wheel World.I also talk about moving the podcast's hosting away from Spotify, given the unforgivable actions of the CEO, and discuss removing GITW from Spotify completely. For the record — Pocketcasts does it just as well; and YouTube Music has you covered if you have a YT Premium subscription.Links mentioned: My Grapevine cover story: https://grapevine.is/mag/feature/2025/07/04/the-summer-ring-road-around-iceland-in-12-days.The latest Gaming In The Wild YouTube videos: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Support me on Patreon for bonus episodes, Discord, blogs, and more: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Find the BlueSky, Instagram, Steam curator page, etc: http://gaminginthewild.com.Thanks for listening!

Hey folks! This week's pod gives some initial thoughts on Kojima's new joint Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, then runs through over 20 demos from the recent Steam Next Fest, including Ball X Pit, Herdling, MIO: Memories In Orbit, Hirogami, Death Howl, Gecko Gods, and more.Join the Patreon for extra stuff: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildSteam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Video version of the Next Fest section: https://youtu.be/zdqXD205SIk?si=y9ZZus1JclKr92K1Death Stranding 1 episode: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gaminginthewild/episodes/62-Death-Stranding-with-special-guest-Ciaran-Daly-e13qrur/a-a61t7f8Other stuff: http://gaminginthewild.comSpecial thanks to boss tier patrons Shy Guy, King Champ and essywoods. And thanks for listening!

Post-Hades roguelikes are a dime a dozen, but Lost In Random: The Eternal Die stands head and shoulders above the pack. It matches the gold standard set by the Supergiant classic with its strong art style, tight combat, satisfying progression, and build variety. Unlike much of the genre, it also respects your time, and it takes luck, thought, and skill to craft a winning build, and earn a winning run.In the roundup: Next Fest, Gecko Gods, MIO: Memories In Orbit, The Drifter, and more.Support the show, get extra stuff, and help me to 150 patrons! http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildHear the original Lost In Random review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lVYw1sOSMSee the June indie release video: https://youtu.be/dTxqYRvC7zc?si=rvcZ0AC6jWoq9mEf Follow me on Bluesky, Steam, and all the other places: http://gaminginthewild.comThanks for listening!

Hello folks! Here's a little bonus episode taken from a YouTube video I put out this week — it's a rundown of some of the most interesting games spotted at the summer showcases so far, including Summer Game Fest, Day of the Devs, State of Play, the Xbox Showcase, and the PC Gaming Showcase.If you're listening in Spotify, you can see game footage as you listen. If you're listening elsewhere and wanna see the games, have a look over here: https://youtu.be/JvxovKLmM9IThanks for listening as always! Come be a patron if you'd like more bonus stuff: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild. And you can find all kinds of useful pod and YouTube and Steam curator and social media links here: http://gaminginthewild.com.

Switch 2 is here! This week's show reviews Nintendo's brand new hardware, and the launch lineup — and wonders whether Switch 2 can become another indie game powerhouse. There's also a review of Spilled, a lovely little eco-game about cleaning up waterways and making the world a better place.In the roundup: Symphonia, Star Overdrive, Tainted Grail, Pipistrello & The Cursed Yoyo, Fast Fusion, Mario Kart World.Support the show on Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildCheck out my Pages of Play guest slot: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4anESwtFMWEUYwEbJlK1waCheck out the Best Ever Switch Indies video: https://youtu.be/48f-zXDkuaUAnd thanks for listening!

This week's episode looks at the hot new deck builder sequel Monster Train 2, and does a deep dive into the muddled but enjoyable Dragon age: The Veilguard.In the roundup: Star Wars Outlaws 'A Pirate's Fortune' DLC.Join the Patreon for a suite of patron-only bonus podcasts: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildGet extra GITW over on Youtube: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewildFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Find me on Bluesky etc: http://gaminginthewild.com Thanks for listening!

This week's show is a roguelike roundup, as I play some chilled out turn-based games as a Clair Obscur comedown.Reviewed: Star Vaders and Drop Duchy. In the roundup: To a T, Monster Train 2, Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon.If you'd like more GITW episodes, there are 16 patron bonus episodes you can unlock for a couple of bucks at http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Watch the videos I make on YouTube: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Follow the podcast's Steam curator page to see if games you're browsing come pod-recommended: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/.And thanks for listening, as always!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterfully wrought FRPG (or J'RPG?) that combines a romantic high fantasy world with a bold, vivid, original big-swing story. The From-inspired combat veers between pulse-racing and frustrating — but for a game of this sky high quality, it's worth gritting your teeth and parrying your way to the remarkable finale.In the roundup: Star Vaders, Drop Duchy, Monster Train 2.Become a patron for extra episodes! http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.I'm a BlueSky main these days: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.social.Thanks folks!

This is the final part of the KRZ community playthrough, looking at the excellent interlude Un Pueblo de Nada, the gorgeous sun-soaked village of Act V, and the optional epilogue, Death of the Hired Man.Thanks so much to everyone who has played along and sent in comments! This won't be the last time I play KRZ, but it might be the most special.Join the Patreon to support the show and get 15 bonus podcasts: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Find me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialGet more stuff on YouTube: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Thanks everybody!

Promise Mascot Agency is a pocket-sized open world like no other. Playing a disgraced Yakuza consigned to a dying former mining town, it's part open-world collectathon, part management sim, and part visual novel. But none of that does justice to game's truly bizarre charm, or the unrestrained chaos and humour that make it ones of the best indie games of the year so far.In the roundup: Clair Obscur, South of Midnight, Blue Prince, Drop Duchy, and more.Join the Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialSee videos on YouTube: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewildFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Thanks for listening!

London Games Festival 2025 was a packed event this year, with events including New Game+, Now Play This, Good Game Dev Club, Darkfield At The Ditch, the BAFTA Awards, and more. I was in London for the festivities, and this episode is my report on the festival.Games covered: Herdling, Will: Follow The Light, Passant, Beyond The Board, Battle Suit Aces, Gunboat God, Button Man, Moroi, Henry Halfhead, Time Flies, Wheel World, Lushfoil Photography Sim, All Will Rise, Treeplanter, and Vapourwave Pinball. Check out the Steam demos of some of these here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/LondonGamesFestival2025.In the roundup: Blue Prince, Promise Mascot Agency.Thanks to Genny Dixon, Fergus Craig, Kim & Nathan, New Game+, and Ciaran Daly.Become a patron for bonus episodes and loads of fun perks: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Find me on Bluesky, YouTube, the Steam curator page, etc: http://gaminginthewild.com.Thanks for listening!

Your host is off galavanting at the London Games Festival this week, so this episode a little inbetweener. It's a look back at the Nintendo Switch — which was *the* place to play indie games on console, for a while — and the great indies it'll be remembered for.In the roundup: Lushfoil Photography Sim, Promise Mascot Agency, Koira.This episode's audio is from a YouTube video you can watch here: https://youtu.be/48f-zXDkuaUPlease consider supporting the pod by becoming a patron! You get 15 bonus podcasts, a patron Discord invite, and more: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow the Steam curator page here to see recommendations while you browse games: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

Act IV of KRZ takes the form of an epic river journey that feels like the centrepiece of the game. It's a voyage down the Echo River aboard the Mucky Mammoth, with the player no longer behind the wheel. We drift between the various members of our ragtag group, deepening our understanding of Ezra, Will, Junebug & Johnny, Shannon, and the ailing Conway, who seems to be losing his grip on the world.As per this play along series, the pod is sprinkled with comments from patrons, pals, and listeners: thanks to Dovetail, Lenka, Zanem, Ray, Skogstokig, and Dave for chipping in. Y'all outdid yourselves in the act.You can join this playthrough (and future ones like it) at ⁠http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild⁠. You also get 15 patron bonus episodes, an invite to the Discord community, and the warm feeling of knowing you're supporting me in making this podcast.I'm away from my home studio for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow, but there's some Gaming In The Wild scheduled for YouTube later this week: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.And I'll be posting on social media from the road: ⁠http://gaminginthewild.com⁠.Thanks for listening, back soon!

This week we really do run the gamut of indie to AAA with reviews of tile-based solo dev strategy game Dawnfolk, and the latest Ubisoft blockbuster Assassin's Creed Shadows. Thanks to both developers for supplying review codes!In the roundup: Everhood 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Promise Mascot Agency.Support this podcast for the price of a coffee each month, and get loads of perks and extras for your generosity! http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildCheck out the YouTube for more GITW content: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.Follow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/And thanks for listening!

The third act of Kentucky Route Zero is a chunky one, featuring some new and recurring characters, pivotal story moments, and arguably the most iconic scene in the game.Join this playthrough, get bonus episodes, join the Discord, and support this podcast at http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.See the videos and find me on social media: http://gaminginthewild.com.Thanks for listening!

This week's episode takes a little breather from the KRZ playthrough as people catch up with Acts II & III. There's a good reason for that: Steam Next Fest happened last week, and a lot of people dived right into the ocean of demos.In fact, the GITW patron community played over 150 demos collectively then voted on their favourites. So this episode we have some honourable mentions, the community's top five, and then my own top five best of the fest. (You can watch the video version of the main segment here: https://youtu.be/nVfZDZIbq3A.)I also discuss the channel's recent little patron influx, and talk about trying to make podcasting and video-making into a part time job. If you're up for supporting me on that road, thank you so much — head here: https://www.patreon.com/gaminginthewild. And big thanks to boss tier patrons Shy Guy and Hollow, and new patrons Paolo, Rob, Gerudo, Bayleafu, Noah, Ethan, Dom, Brandon, Jeremy, and Toph. And all the veteran patrons too!In the roundup: AC Shadows, Everhood 2, Wanderstop, Monster Hunter Wilds.Follow the show on Bluesky here: https://tinyurl.com/gitw-blueskyAnd elsewhere on social media: http://gaminginthewild.carrd.coAnd as always, thanks for listening, enjoy the show!

This is second episode of the KRZ deep dive series and community playthrough. We cover Act II of the game — the Bureau of Reclaimed Spaces, The Zero, Random Access Self Storage, The Museum of Dwellings, and the Forest — and the second interlude, an interactive play entitled 'The Entertainment'.Thanks to everyone in the patron Discord who submitted comments and questions! Join them in supporting the show, and play along with us: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Hop over and sub to the YouTube for more GITW stuff, including the Next Fest roundup coming later this week: http://youtube.com/gaminginthewild.And thanks for listening!

The Kentucky Route Zero deep-dive begins! To mark five years of GITW, we're going back to the game that started it all. The first episode looks at Act I of the game, and the first interlude 'Limits And Demonstrations'.This game is a breakthrough, a landmark, and a high water mark for video games as art. Its acts and interludes contain multitudes: digital art exhibits, interactive poetry, a fully staged play complete with audience, and a tangled web of scenes, characters, and histories. At its heart lies a story about people falling through the cracks of America – but it contains so much more than that.It's also a GITW community playthrough, with patrons of the podcast playing along and offering insights and questions that become part of the pod. Feel free to play along, or to join the Patreon and add your own input for the next episodes at http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Thanks for listening!

Gaming in the Wild is five! And to celebrate, here's a special episode: a rundown of the 20 best indie games I've covered since the podcast began.Show your appreciation, support the show, and help me hit 100 patrons target! http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildYouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xbNKMtNKP8Thanks for listening everyone! and extra-special thanks to everyone in the Discord community. Here's to five more years !

This week's podcast features an interview with Andy Robertson, the veteran game critic who's launching Ludocene, a new kind of game discovery app. We also reflect on the launch of the Ultros: Design Works book and the podcast's forthcoming fifth birthday, including our community Kentucky Route Zero playthrough!Pre-Order the Ultros book: http://lostincult.co.ukKickstart the Ludocene app: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludocene/ludocene-game-discovery-from-people-you-trustJoin the Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewildFollow the show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page (thanks to Dovetail for maintaining it!): https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/Thanks for listening everybody! Onwards!(00:00) Musical intro(00:30) Pod begins(01:34) Ultros: Design Works is Go!(05:45) Podcast 5th Birthday & Patreon Drive(09:30) Andy Robertson on the Ludocene App

**Note: CS2 SPOILERS WITHIN!**I'm joined this week by Citizen Sleeper 2 creator Gareth Damian Martin, who dropped by on the eve of the game's release to talk about space kelp, slamhounds, farm stacks, and how they created one of the most compelling sci-fi worlds in all of video games.See a video version and sub to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtf6G9RAHJcListen to my Citizen Sleeper 2 review: https://open.spotify.com/episode/49XofEg52vW0s8g0pijdGi?si=5d957facf19948cfJoin the Patreon: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is a review of Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. It's an ambitious, intelligent, heartfelt sequel, and the first must-play indie game of 2025.Also: many thanks to the show's biggest supporter Magic Mind! Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link: ⁠https://www.magicmind.com/GAMINGLTJAN⁠. Every order supports the podcast, and there's a no-questions-asked guaranteed refund if you don't like it!As always, thanks to all the show’s 92 patrons - you, too, can support this podcast and get patron-exclusive bonus episodes at http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild.Find the podcast on social media via http://gaminginthewild.com. I'd like to hear from you!And finally, follow this Steam curator page made by podcast supporter Dovetail if you'd like to see when games your browsing come pod-recommended: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463-Gaming-in-the-Wild-%2528unofficial%2529/ Thanks for listening!

Thanks to #MagicMind for supporting the podcast. Get 45% off your first order with my GITW-exclusive discount link at http://magicmind.com/gamingLTjan. Every sale helps the pod, and there a no-questions-asked 100% refund available. It's a really good product, all shilling aside!***This week's episode is a newsy roundup featuring the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct (Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Doom: The Dark Ages), plus a preview of the imminent Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, and some thoughts on the PC release of Final Fantasy FVII: Rebirth.In the roundup: Afterlife EP, Eternal Strands, Hangry.Join the pattern: http://patreon.com/gaminginthewild Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminginthewild.bsky.socialFollow the Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43457463/Thanks for listening!