Tetracast 431: Going Off Script

In this episode, we check out Pokémon Pokopia and the early access release of Slay the Spire 2, alongside a new Sword Art Online RPG and industry news ahead of GDC 2026.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction2:15 - Slay the Spire 228:52 - Pokémon Pokopia42:56 - Article shout-out: Code Vein 2 review49:15 - Article shout-out: Vultures: Scavengers of Death interview50:52 - Mega Man Star Force interview and preview57:59 - Echoes of Aincrad is a new Sword Art Online action RPG releasing on July 101:11:55 - Suikoden: The Anime gets its first trailer, will begin airing from October 20261:13:03 - Cyberpunk ARPG Ruiner 2 revealed from Reikon Games1:14:43 - Sony Pulls Back From PlayStation Games on PC1:30:38 - NetEase to Stop Funding Nagoshi Studio as It Shrinks Gaming1:42:51 - Onimusha: Way of the Sword gets a new trailer at the Capcom Spotlight1:44:36 - Drinkbox Studios' action RPG Blighted will launch in Fall 2026 for PC and Nintendo Switch 21:46:07 - GreedFall: The Dying World story trailer, Dragonkin: The Banished co-op trailer, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy character trailers1:50:05 - Arknights: Endfield version 1.1 'Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied' launches on March 121:54:30 - Moonlighter 2 set to release on Switch 2, Crystalfall releases on March 20, Pragmata moves up one week to April 17, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar releases on PlayStation 5 and Xbox in May1:56:23 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Resident Evil Requiem, discuss the announcement of Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, and more.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction2:24 - Resident Evil Requiem32:00 - Steam Next Fest - Withering Realms, Dungeons of Dusk, Vampire Crawlers38:57 - Article Shoutout: New Blood Interactive’s Dave Oshry Interview on Dungeons of Dusk49:00 - Article Shoutout: Towerborne Review and Towerborne Interview51:05 - Article Shoutout: Tales of Berseria Remastered Impressions57:23 - Article Shoutouts: Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown review, Fallout 4 Anniversary on Switch 21:01:16 - Pokemon Winds and Waves are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide in 2027; Pokemon Champions releases this April1:15:04 - Pokemon Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox launches today1:20:07 - Disgaea Mayhem announced for Summer 2026 release on Switch 2, PS5, Switch, and PC Steam1:23:12 - Koei Tecmo to transfer part of Team Ninja to Gust (https://www.gematsu.com/2026/02/koei-tecmo-to-transfer-part-of-team-ninja-to-gust)1:30:23 - Nier collab with Overwatch, Evangelion1:36:31 - Where Winds Meet will get its first major expansion Hexi beginning March 6 with Chapter 1: Jade Gate Pass1:37:25 - Square Enix shares opening cinematic for Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy1:43:08 - Nine Dots Studio releases narrated gameplay overview video for Outward 21:44:43 - Owlcat Games shares trailers for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader 'The Infinite Museion' DLC and Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy gameplay1:47:01 - World of Horror Update 1.2 revealed1:50:19 - Release Dates: Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy, Tombwater, Neverness to Everness, Utawarerumono: Lost Frag shuts down1:58:40 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In the episode, we review Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse & Ys X: Proud Nordics, celebrate the announcement of .hack//Z.E.R.O, and discuss news surrounding Bluepoint Games and Xbox.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction3:26 - Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse28:25 - Ys X: Proud Nordics1:05:46 - Article shout-out: Avowed Interview, PS5 impressions1:16:41 - Article shout-out: People of Note brings a melodic twist to the classic Final Fantasy formula1:18:15 - Article shout-out: No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files PS5 & Xbox port impressions1:19:40 - CyberConnect2's 30th anniversary game revealed as .hack//Z.E.R.O. action RPG for consoles 1:34:50 - Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition now available, $5 upgrade1:42:35 - Ufotable announcements for Witch on the Holy Night and Tales of series1:51:42- Sony Interactive Entertainment closes Bluepoint Games / Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond leave Xbox2:12:36 - Pokemon LeafGreen Version and FireRed Version launch on February 27 for Nintendo Switch 2:17:25 - NIS America shares gameplay trailer for Etrange Overlord 2:19:47 - News headlines: Kyoto Xanadu screenshots, Nioh sales update, Shiren the Wander sales update, Mewgenics sales update2:21:03 - NieR: Automata has shipped over 10 million copies worldwide, NieR remaster at 2 million, future tease2:24:14 - WiZmans World Re;Try now available for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC 2:25:40 - Delivery service RPG Calamity Angels: Special Delivery is now available in the West2:26:03 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Orion & Lumen DLC and update launch on February 25 2:27:34 - Drova: Forsaken Kin launches on April 23 for mobile devices 2:28:42 - Dragon is Dead launches on April 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2:29:03 - Monster-taming action RPG Voidling Bound launches on June 9 for PC 2:29:20 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In the episode, we review Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, preview Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and discuss all the news out of PlayStation's State of Play presentation.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:09 - Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties1:49:58 - Article Shoutout: Yasunori Nishiki Interview1:55:36 - Article Shoutout: Monster Hunster Stories 3: Twisted Reflection preview features2:05:28 - Konami reveals action RPG Rev. NOiR for PlayStation 52:10:26 - Castlevania: Belmont's Curse from Evil Empire and Konami launches this year for PS5, Xbox, Switch, and Steam2:11:32 - Brigandine Abyss releases for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam in 20262:15:20 - Gothic action-adventure RPG Crimson Moon set to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC2:17:01 - Krafton reveals Project Windless for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox2:19:58 - Beast of Reincarnation release date set for August 42:21:25 - Control Resonant shows off Dylan Faden's playstyle in its Gameplay Reveal trailer2:23:19 - Pragmata World View trailer released during Sony's State of Play2:24:30 - Mina the Hollower updates its release window to Spring 2026 and receives a limited-time demo for PS52:31:34 - Blizzard adds Warlock to Diablo II: Resurrected, Diablo: Immortal, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred2:43:47 - CyberConnect2 30th Anniversary Game Project Announcement2:47:00 - Crimson Desert gets its 3rd Features Overview video detailing gathering, cooking, customization, and more2:47:56 - Monster Hunter Wilds ' large-scale expansion in the works, new update arrives on February 182:59:05 - Game Science shares 6-minute Chinese New Year Special video for Black Myth: Zhong Kui3:00:14 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold more than 5 million copies, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 has sold 11 million copies 3:02:34 - Mewgenics sells half a million units 36 hours after launch3:03:17 - Release Dates: Utawarerumono Zan 2, The Liar Princess and The Blind Prince, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, Dragonkin: The Banished, Aether & Iron, Blades of Fire, Gothic 1 Remake3:07:27 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Nioh 3, and we discuss all the news out of the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:44 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined53:46 - Nioh 31:19:47 - Article Shoutouts: Shinra Archeology Cut Interview, Dosa Divas interview1:30:47 - Kyoto Xanadu releases for Switch 1&2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in Summer 20261:39:38 - Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse launches February 19 for Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android1:45:03 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok releases for Switch 2, PS5, PS4, and PC Steam on July 91:55:47 - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales will launch worldwide on June 181:58:59 - Another Eden Begins launches in Summer 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC2:14:38 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on June 3 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S2:24:21 - Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on February 24 / The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launches in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 22:25:32 - Tales of Arise is coming to Switch 2 as Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn Edition on May 222:27:14 - Digimon Story: Time Stranger is coming to Switch 2 and Switch on July 102:29:45 - Pragmata Sketchbook Demo now available for consoles / Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection demo is now available2:31:05 - Culdcept Begins & Culdcept The First announced2:35:10 - Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Steam features trailer goes over ultrawide support, uncapped frame rates, and more2:35:55 - Fantasy Life i The Primordial Dragon update arrives on February 6, new trailer released (and Mewgenics tangent)2:37:55 - Pearl Abyss shares 2nd Features Overview video for Crimson Desert, detailing combat and progression2:40:23 - Retro 3D open world RPG Dread Delusion set to release for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2 in 20262:40:56 - Sales updates: Slay the Princess has surpassed 1 million copies sold across all platforms / Pokemon Legends: Z-A has sold 12.3 million copies2:41:38 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Code Vein II, check out the Nioh 3 demo, and discuss the latest RPG news, including Utawarerumono, Crimson Desert, and more.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:58 - Code Vein II36:39 - Nioh 3 Demo/Preview1:07:45 - Dispatch final thoughts from Mikhail1:13:47 - Article Shoutout: Steel Century Groove Review1:15:26 - Article Shoutout: Persona 3 Reload Platform Comparison1:16:44 - Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered launches worldwide on May 27 via Steam1:25:43 - GeniGods: Nezha is a new action RPG coming to PS5 and PC in 2028, planned to be a series1:38:32 - Narrative-driven adventure game Reigns: The Witcher launches on February 25 for PC and mobile1:40:47 - Villion:Code releases for PlayStation 4&5 and Switch 1&2 in Japan on June 251:50:34 - Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter gameplay trailer released1:52:47 - Pearl Abyss shares 15-minute Features Overview video for Crimson Desert2:00:22 - Square Enix is releasing a new version of Final Fantasy VII on Steam2:03:33 - Final Fantasy IX, VIII Remastered, III 3D Remake, and IV 3D Remake are now available on GOG2:07:27 - Octopath Traveler 0 update brings improved sound quality, performance improvements, and more2:08:04 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has sold over 1 million copies worldwide2:08:13 - Monster Hunter Wilds sells 11 million copies, gets updates2:13:22 - Interactive adventure game Dear me, I was... launches on February 12 for Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android2:14:02 - 2D action RPG Under the Island launches on February 17 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC2:15:13 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode, we review Arknights: Endfield, discuss Dispatch, and check out announcements made at the Xbox Developer Direct.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction2:04 - Arknights: Endfield44:17 - Dispatch52:25 - Article Shoutout: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Interview1:00:43 - Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch II1:06:56 - Fable from Playground Games launches Autumn 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC1:15:50 - Beast of Reincarnation showcases new gameplay at Xbox Developer Direct1:19:33 - Life is Strange: Reunion announced for March 26 release on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC1:25:09 - Nioh 3 gets a new 17-minute-long gameplay video ahead of its launch next month1:29:17 - Demon Kill Demon ~Yomi 1984~ releases for Nintendo Switch in Japan on May 281:31:30 - Code Vein II Character Creator Demo is now available1:36:58 - Free demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties now available1:49:25 - New World: Aeternum is shutting down on January 31 next year, delisted from all platforms now1:50:59 - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon surpasses 1 million units sold1:51:11 - Final Fantasy II is coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass on February 31:52:34 - Warframe for Android launches on February 18, Switch 2 version launched Q1 2026 with 1080p 60fps support1:54:52 - GreedFall: The Dying World launches on March 10 for PC and March 12 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S1:59:05 - The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin delayed to March to enhance the quality and polish (originally Jan 28)1:59:23 - Narrative RPG Aether & Iron launches in Spring 2026 for PC

In this episode, we review Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes DLC, examine the English release of The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon, preview Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, and more.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction4:54 - Dynasty Warriors: Origins - Visions of Four Heroes43:38 - The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon 1:08:28 - Article shoutout: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties preview1:11:38 - Article shoutout: Nintendo Switch 2 reviews for System Shock (2023) and Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader1:18:26 - Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road sequel announced, with Ares Basara Seed DLC update coming on January 28 ; Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has sold over 800k copies worldwide 1:23:16 - Code Vein II Overview Trailer showcases character creation, Partners, combat, and more 1:23:59 - Makaism: Frenzy of the Netherworld 3rd Japanese trailer showcases Prinny and other Servants 1:29:21 - New screenshots for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined detail vocations, vicious monsters, and monster heart accessories 1:30:56 - Arknights: Endfield gets two new trailers ahead of launch, pre-registrations top 35 million 1:32:44 - Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for PS5 and PC being patched with Streamlined Progression next week 1:38:19 - Yakuza 3 Remastered standalone sales will end following Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties release 1:46:33 - Chrono Trigger Vinyl Soundtrack box set announced for March release in Japan and April release in the West1:49:29 - The Hundred Line Last Defense Academy Original Soundtrack releases on January 17 digitally and April 24 on CD [SPOILER WARNING]1:54:11 - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has sold 10 million copies worldwide ; Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Daima Adventure Through the Demon Realm Pack Part 2 is now available 1:56:15 - No Rest for the Wicked has sold 1 million copies on PC Steam 1:57:25 - Sea of Stars is coming to mobile on April 7 with pre-orders now live 2:03:33 - Metaphor: ReFantazio Guidebook Edition now available for PS5, Xbox, PS4, and Steam 2:06:22 - Wrap-up and sign-off

In our first episode of the year, we look back at the backlog games we've played over break and all the news in the last month.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and end-of-year show/site notes2:05 - Adam’s Backlog: Tales of Phantasia: Cross Edition10:29 - Bryan’s Backlog: Octopath Traveler 0, Rise of the Ronin12:00 - Josh’s Backlog: Kara no Shoujo trilogy, Warriors Abyss, Vital Shell, To Be Hero X23:21 - James’ Backlog: Final Fantasy XIV, 2022 Square Enix RPGs28:11 - Mikhail’s Backlog: The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, Cyberpunk 2077, various Switch 2 ports37:09 - Chao’s Backlog: Trails beyond the Horizon, Emerald Dragon PCE, Baldur’s Gate 3, Gnosia anime50:28 - Article shoutouts: Readers’ Poll results, personal top ten lists54:27 - Article shoutouts: Code Vein II preview, Pokémon Legends Z-A DLC review, Phantom Blade 0 interview1:03:18 - Article shoutouts: Yuka Kitamura interview, Nightdive interview, Hundred Line interview1:17:07 - The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon note1:18:13 - Larian Studios announces Divinity, its "'most ambitious title yet"1:36:10 - Remedy Entertainment unveils Control Resonant for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC1:39:34 - Nagoshi Studio reveals Gang of Dragon for PC via Steam1:44:24 - Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic announced for consoles and PC1:49:57 - Falcom reveals Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, set to release in Fall 2026 worldwide for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC1:52:23 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined demo now available on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch, and PC Steam 1:56:46 - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon - Sanctuary of Sarras expansion announced, set to release on December 151:58:14 - Final Fantasy IX animated series seemingly back in production at a new French studio with a 2028 release target2:02:21 - Avowed launches for PlayStation 5 on February 17 alongside update adding new races, New Game Plus, and Photo Mode2:10:28 - Sales updates: Digimon Story: Time Stranger, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, Octopath Traveler series, Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles, Dragon Quest XI, Danganronpa series2:14:39 - Granblue Fantasy coming to Steam on March 10, 2026 in the west 2:25:15 - Diablo IV Lord of Hatred releases on April 28, 2026 with pre-orders including Paladin early access now2:27:47 - Wrap-up and sign-off

From new franchises to big sequels to impressive remakes, there was a large variety of role-playing games released this year. From that list, here are our favorites from 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Introductions and Outline8:06 - Best Remaster or Re-release1:14:35 - Best Writing or Storytelling2:22:35 - Best Artwork3:07:39 - Best Design & Immersion4:18:40 - Best Music4:55:53 - RPG of the Year top Ten5:49:43 - RPG of the Year 20256:26:14 - Thank You and Sign Off