Episodes

  • “On the path of Budo one does not strive for victory over an opponent... one strives to avoid defeat by one's own self.” - Akira Toriyama

    This week we are joined by Jared from Play Along Pod to charge up our ki and review this incredible entry into the Budokai Tenkaichi franchise! Dragon Ball is Super (heh) important to all three of us and is a significant aspect of our formative years - like most millennial podcasters. But in this episode we're talking about the strengths of this game as the most modern arena fighter in this franchise and how it pushes Dragon Ball readily into the hands of modern gamers!

    Please follow Jared & Play Along Pod at all the below links!
    https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introduction
    07:07 - History with Budokai Tenkaichi & Dragon Ball Franchise(s)
    27:56 - Introduction to new mechanics
    45:39 - Game Modes
    57:21 - Music / Sound Design / Voice Acting
    01:03:02 - Episode Battle
    01:07:26 - Player Retention & Franchise Relevance
    01:17:58 - Final Thoughts
    01:23:14 - Outro

    Music by: Takanori Arima, Toshiyuji Kishi, Kenji Katoh, and Seiji Hotta

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • The boys have never been more back in the spookiest month of the year. We're coming at you with our perennial topic of covering some of the scariest games that we've loved either from this year or in the past. Whether it's running from the incredibly large castle mommy or learning about how time loops in Nowhere, we have you covered for this year. Happy Halloween to everyone!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    02:08 - Housekeeping
    03:49 - Whatcha Playing??
    29:19 - Spooktober 2024
    01:22:26 - Outro

    Composer: Shoji Meguro
    Metaphor Refantazio Battle Theme

    Original Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

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  • For Glory & Honor, Nick and Will review Space Marine 2!! This week we have 40k on the docket to round out this action-packed fall season. In this episode Will and I both go in-depth on what makes this game sing on a technical level and how it offers a brilliant presentation worthy of being a hallmark entry into next gen consoles. From battling Tyrranid swarms to providing a proportionate response to heretical presence, we have you covered. The Emperor Preserves!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introduction
    02:06 - History with Warhammer 40k & Space Marine Franchise(s)
    06:39 - Story Setup & Context
    12:40 - Gameplay Mechanics
    41:59 - Music / Audio / Voice Acting
    47:00 - Narrative & Spoiler-inclusive Theories
    01:07:22 - Final Thoughts
    01:10:22 - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • I AM ASTRO BOT!!! What's up everybody!!! Starting off our content for October we're coming in strong. Will, Jacob and I all platinumed Astro Bot and decided we had to join our forces together to give in a comprehensive review. From the platforming, level design, boss design and pure nostalgia baked in we're covering everything here!

    Please follow Jacob at all his links below:
    https://jacobmccourt.notion.site/Jacob-McCourt-26154cdfc49446148a763abf6d7f9129
    https://twitter.com/JacobMcCourt

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions & Billing
    04:14- History w/ Astro Bot
    08:47 - Gameplay Mechanics (Level Design and IP Analysis)
    59:06 - Spoiler Territory (you know there are)
    01:12:55 - Outro

    Music by: Kenneth C. M. Young

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • The review of 2024 is finally upon us. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH IS HERE!! Want to say thanks to all our fans and listeners for being so patient for this release it means the world to us. This week I'm joined by Kolby Moyer from the Switch It Up Podcast and #1 Sephiroth stan to discuss this incredible title. This week we're digging into narrative structure, character highlights, mini games, open world map design and even uncovering the secrets to Dio's supplement routine! This is a jam-packed one so I hope you all enjoy

    Please check out Switch it Up Pod everywhere below!
    https://twitter.com/switchuppod
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3rIPLMwm1gOKUlDjULi6eE
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/switch-it-up/id1479042068

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    03:43 - Billing & Setup
    16:07 - Story Setup
    26:28 - Gameplay Mechanics
    42:07 - Character Highlights
    01:10:47 - Mini Games & Open World Design
    01:31:36 - Narrative & Spoilers / Theorycrafting
    02:24:18 - Outro

    Music by: Masashi Hamauzu, Mitsuto Suzuki

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • Hi Everybody! Surprise FNGC Drop for your Wednesday listening pleasure (remember every day can be a Friday if you Believe hard enough). This has been exclusive on Patreon for quite some time since April so on the cusp of posting our Asura's Wrath review over there, and in light of scheduling issues over here, now is the perfect time to let the world know if Rune Factory 4 is good or not!

    This episode was so fun and gives a lot of insight into specifically what Will does/doesn't like! Lots of Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley & Cult of the Lamb mentioned so make sure you take the chance to jump in and hear exactly what Will thought of this interesting farming adventure!

    Music, Mix & Master by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • So you thought we were done talking about this era of retro gaming last time huh? WELL GUESS WHAT WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN!! This time around we have an outstanding guest, Chris Coplien, from Retro Hangover Podcast jumping on board with us to discuss his favorite aspects of one of the most iconic console generations - Gen 5 (so iconic it even deserves 2 episodes)...Anyway, lots of fun had here we dig into deep cuts like the 3DO, Atari Jaguar and even the Pippin??? (I still don't believe that was a real thing but refuse to research it). Give this a listen and let us know what your favorites games were from the idyllic 90s generation!

    Please follow Chris and Retro Hangover with this link!
    https://linktr.ee/retrohangover

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    03:50 - Housekeeping
    07:44 - Gaming Updates
    35:54 - Gen V Retro Consoles Review
    49:37 - History of what Makes Gen V Special
    01:17:32 - Favorite Games from Gen V
    01:47:47 - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

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  • This week Nick is joined by Jala - of Jala-chan's Place Podcast - to review what is arguably the most infamous title in the FE franchise: Fire Emblem Fates! This 2016 TTRPG is a fascinating game to dig into and I'm frankly astonished that it exists to this day. From the updated mechanics, the deceptively good(?) map systems to even the mind-boggling "face-petting" with that 3DS stylus - we got it call covered in this review! As always, let us know what we missed and who was your favorite character from Birthright, Conquest or Revelations!

    Please find Jala & all her links below:
    https://www.jalachan.place/

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    06:29 - History w/ Fire Emblem
    14:08 - Fates Overview
    19:28 - Similarities to Shining Force 3
    37:04 - Gameplay Mechanics
    01:06:43 - Slamming Nintendo for the Streetpass
    01:38:08 - 3 Path Narrative Discussion
    02:31:13 - Spoiler Inclusive Thoughts
    02:43:24 - Final Pitch for New Players
    02:48:27 - Outro

    Music by: Hiroki Morishita, Takeru Kanazaki, Rei Kondoh, Masato Kouda, Yasuhisa Baba, Yuka Tsujiyoko, Yoshito Hirano

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • Hey folks! It's the mid-year check-in time for the Friday Night Gamecast. Last year on the fortuitous day of August 3, 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 released and people were immediately clamoring on social media that it was the game of the year, and it wasn't even close! I wanted to get together with William and see - is there a game out there that already has secured the top spot for 2024? WE DEFINITELY THINK SO! So join us as we catch up from the past couple of weeks and deliberate on what title holds the top spot for this year! Cheers!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    02:55 - Housekeeping
    06:22 - Nick's Steam Purchases
    11:42 - Game Pass Pricing Updates!?
    23:24 - Gaming Updates
    01:14:20 - 2024 GOTY Contenders???

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • It's time to talk about the incredible indie Metroidvania of 2024, Tales of Kenzera: Zau! Does this title have too many colons in it? Who tf knows?! This time around we're joined by ANOTHER brand new cast member to the show, CGDannyB to discuss what makes this title unique and important to the gaming landscape. Make sure you tune in this week so, you too, can find your Baba!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    03:44 - What Drew us Into Zau
    06:51 - What is Tales of Kenzera: Zau
    14:27 - Visuals & Gameplay
    33:25 - Enemy Variety & Combat Design
    41:31 - Return of the Fast Travel fight & Mapping Issues
    56:44 - Story Spoilers & Themes
    01:22:28 - Outro

    Please find CGDannyB at all his links below!

    https://www.twitch.tv/cgdannyb

    https://www.youtube.com/cgdannyb

    https://twitter.com/CGDannyB

    Tales of Kenzera Zau Tracks:
    Composed by: Nainita Desai

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • We're jumping back into the review season for the pod, we have a few lined up to be coming at you full force here pretty soon. We're joined this week by Matt Storm aka Stormageddon to discuss and do a full-blown analysis of Dragon's Dogma 2! This action RPG is pretty cool and quite polarizing for any who play it. We had great discussions surrounding the design ethos form the Itsuno-helmed team over at Capcom and what actually makes this experience special!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Introductions
    01:59 - Dragon's Dogma 2 Billing
    02:49 - Background & History
    18:11 - Story Setup
    39:09 - Considering the Open World
    01:00:09 - Fast Travel?
    01:23:05 - Combat / Pawns / Vocation System
    02:00:25 - Enemy Variety Issues
    02:08:17 - Story Conclusion & Spoilers
    02:29:36 - Final Thoughts
    02:40:45 - Outro

    Please find Matt at all their links & shows below!
    https://twitter.com/dj_stormageddon
    https://twitter.com/funandgamespod
    https://funandgames.libsyn.com/
    https://www.certainpov.com/reignite/

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    Dragon's Dogma 2 Tracks:
    Composed by: Satoshi Hori, Hana Kimura, Masahiro Oki, Shusaku Uchiyama

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

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  • What's up everybody!!! We are cooking this weekend. While you might think we're grilling in the backyard, nah Will and I are behind the mics and the keyboards making absolute magic happen. This week we're joined by Nave to do a roundup on the big 3 summer showcases (PS State of Play, SGF & the incomparable Xbox Summer Showcase)! This week is a little bit of a switch up - I'm using fun music from the trailers we were shown as a little change of pace for us this week. Also do not forget to stick around till the end so you can enjoy a couple of laughs with us in the post show while we roast the Sony Ponys!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Intro & Housekeeping
    2:56 - Game Updates
    27:37 - Main Topic (starting w/ the State of Play)
    50:41 - Summer Games Fest
    01:04:51 - Xbox Showcase
    02:03:43 - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • This week we are taking a quick break from reviewing games to not only duke it out amongst ourselves but also enrage our entire fanbase! This episode, we take the opportunity to catch up and dive into the worst games both of us bought day one. We want to hear from you all, were we right on the money with the worst games we got at launch or should we just stop moaning about it ;) Have a great weekend and make sure to keep gaming!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Intro & Housekeeping
    5:36 - Game Updates
    30:19 - Worst Day One Purchases
    01:23:42 - Outro

    Listen to Will's SideQuesting episode on Fun and Games below here:
    https://funandgames.libsyn.com/

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • After an extended break for us, the weekend is finally returned which means you get to enjoy our incredible review of Helldivers II! Helldivers II is the game that ignited social media for the beginning of 2024 and has maintained its prevalence in the gaming space this year. We're joined by our friend and patron, Eric Gess, returning to the show to deliver Freedom and Managed Democracy to all our wonderful listeners. Take some time while you're washing the dishes, cooking dinner, or mowing the lawn to show to YOURSELF what it means to be free!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Intro
    01:39 - Guest Intro w/ Eric
    06:38 - What is Helldivers II & Initial Thoughts
    15:37 - Lore & Story Setup
    21:00 - Mechanical Overview
    33:45 - The Shadow Game Director
    44:23 - Gamer's Guide to Keeping Up with Plasmamage (aka Will)
    56:08 - Dynamic Combat Elements
    01:04:15 - Most Hated Enemies
    01:20:03 - HD2 Controversies
    01:32:56 - Outro

    Intro Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    Helldivers 2 Score: Composed by Wilbert Roget, II

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • This week Will and I are discussing what OUR hopes and dreams would be for Grand Theft Auto 6. In our Game Update discussion this week we're continuing our conversation on Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and we start talking about everyone's new brainrot obsession: Stellar Blade! Make sure not to miss this one, lot's of different takes being made in this episode! Hope everyone is having a great week and we're looking forward to the weekend!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Intro
    2:33 - Game Updates
    25:53 - GTA6 Speculation
    01:02:05 - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • I got Will back on to Remake the FNGC Review of the Dead Space Remake (Neil Druckmann is punching the air somewhere this very moment)! We have a ton of fun on this episode and take this opportunity to get deeply into the mechanical weeds of this game to break down what makes it so special and effective as a survival horror game. Plus we get the chance to make the case for Dead Space 2 Remake!

    Time Stamps:
    0:00 - Intro
    5:53 - Start of Dead Space Review (Billing & Credits)
    11:29 - Primary Gameplay Mechanics
    27:02 - I need a weapon
    45:56 - The ghastly cast
    1:07:28 - Environments
    1:13:48 - Sound Design
    1:29:44 - NG+ additions
    1:34:50 - Making the case for Dead Space 2 Remake
    1:40:56 - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • It's the return of the FNGC squad and the boys are back and better than ever! For the debut of Season 3 we're jumping in hot to give our breaking Dragon's Dogma 2 impressions and a full blown review of our experience at Pax East 2024. Helldivers II and Persona 3 hot takes included jump in and don't miss out!

    Time Stamps:
    (0:00) - Intro
    (04:27) - Whatcha Playin?
    (11:04) - Dragon's Dogma 2 Impressions
    (29:42) - Pax East 24 Review
    (46:15) - Games Played at Pax!!
    (01:34:56) - Outro

    Music by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • What's up everybody! Long time no podcast :)

    This episode is going to be very similar to the last one that we put out where Will covered Mario Odyssey! Its straight to the point in covering all things around Half-Life 2. The elements that I (Nick) enjoyed, my critiques and whether it held up for me in 2023. We're also going to provide a beat-by-beat breakdown of the plot/levels throughout the game and where my headspace was at in each moment. So I hope you all enjoy, and thanks so much for your patience and consideration!

    Music, Mix & Master by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • Happy early Friday everybody! The Season 2 finale of FNGC is here for your listening pleasure. This was an incredibly fun episode to just have Will and myself in the booth and it's just kick back for a relaxing conversation about the best games of 2023. There's a extra section included here where I interview Will about the show and his thoughts on 2023 which is a "Hot Ones" styled interview but instead we're taste testing energy drinks! After nearly a month of doing remote recordings with featured guests, this felt great to sit back in person with Will to dig deep on what made this year so special. We will have one more episode releasing shortly after this and then go on a mild hiatus before jumping back in to do some great stuff for Season 3, so keep your eyes peeled!

    Time Stamps:
    (0:33) - Intro
    (03:10) - Houskeeping humblebrags
    (06:08) - Caffeine Ones Interview
    (25:32) - Whatcha Playin?
    (36:23) - 2023 Game of the Year Rankings!
    (01:29:01) - Outro

    Music, Mix & Master by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show

  • The FINAL FNGC Review for the 2023 season is here folks and let me tell you, what an episode this is. This week we're joined by the incredible, itsGoohi, to discuss at length the merits and weaknesses of Spider-Man 2. Is it a game that left us happy with the franchise and excited for the 3rd entry? Is it something that managed to touch our hearts emotionally? Time to jump in here and find out! Enjoy everyone!

    You better follow itsGoohi at all her platforms below!!!
    https://linktr.ee/ItsGoohi
    YouTube
    Twitter

    Time Stamps:
    (0:40) Intro
    (6:04) Spider-Man 2 Billing Notes
    (7:18) Story Setup
    (17:08) Overall Impressions & Ratings
    (24:44) Gameplay [Traversal, Skill Tree, Tips from Will, & Balancing Pete & Miles]
    (01:00:05) Visuals & Bugs
    (01:16:03) Character Depcitions
    (01:32:24) Narrative/Spoilers [Surprises, Venom, MJ Discussion, Bosses, Platinum]
    (02:23:33) Outro

    Music composed by: John Paesano

    Mix & Master by: Daniel Campoli
    https://www.danielcampoli.com/portfolio

    If you want to reach out to Nick and Will personally to engage with us about the show, follow us on any link here:
    https://linktr.ee/FridayNightGamecast

    Support the show