37: No notes, no plans, no problem!

Life had other plans this month. Kris and Rian ditch the episode notes and lean into the chaos, using their own unplanned episode as a jumping-off point to talk about what happens when you're a chronic planner and 2026 just won't slow down. In between, there's a detailed Read Watch Play (Rian miraculously finished a book, and there’s a farming sim that's eating Kris's soul), some stuff that’s Coming Right Up, and a Backlog Roulette spin. It's a laid-back one, but an honest one. Come hang.💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netChapters:0:00 Intro1:49 Read, Watch, Play36:18 Planning vs Vibing (main topic)1:01:04 Coming Right Up1:05:29 Backlog Roulette1:08:59 Outro and web linksRead:Vile Lady Villains https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1428054a-07af-4064-aeeb-a174c8174833 Outlander https://app.thestorygraph.com/series/111846 Contact https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc4440f5-4b50-4c83-b45a-db313713bc01On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ca6556da-2029-4fa8-a97c-12ddc65d050bThe Notebook https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9c00cf97-6058-4d19-a825-ba986c83bda1The Making of the Prince of Persia https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f368747c-e078-4e0e-9a43-2840c018fb81 (and the blog post that lead Rian to it: https://domelian.substack.com/p/read-this-before-your-next-long-project )Watch:Memento - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/77-memento?language=en-AUDevil Wears Prada 2 - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1314481-the-devil-wears-prada-2?language=en-AU Mother Mary - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1102883-mother-mary?language=en-AU Masters of the Universe - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/454639-masters-of-the-universe?language=en-AU Moonlight https://letterboxd.com/film/moonlight-2016/The Boondock Saints https://letterboxd.com/film/the-boondock-saints/The Pitt https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/250307-the-pittMasters of the Universe https://letterboxd.com/film/masters-of-the-universe-2026/Play:Coral Island - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1158160/Coral_Island/ The Last Gas Station - https://store.steampowered.com/app/3690030/The_Last_Gas_Station/ I Was a Teenage Exocolonist InKonbini https://store.steampowered.com/app/2723430/inKONBINI_One_Store_Many_Stories/Vampire Survivors https://store.steampowered.com/app/1794680/Vampire_Survivors/Vampire Crawlers https://store.steampowered.com/app/3265700/Vampire_Crawlers_The_Turbo_Wildcard_from_Vampire_Survivors/Yoshi and the Mysterious Book https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/yoshi-and-the-mysterious-book.htmlStar Fox https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/star-fox.htmlMixtape https://store.steampowered.com/app/2582320/Mixtape/🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast🦋 BlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.net🌐 Website - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

Kris and Rian talk about one of gaming’s most beloved formats: open-world games. What makes them so immersive? Why do they often feel overwhelming? And why is it that sometimes the best thing a game can do is gently pretend it's not telling you what to do? It's a big conversation with plenty of opinions, and a healthy dose of Bethesda jank appreciation. Plus: our Read Watch Play lists, Coming Right Up, and Backlog Roulette.💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.net0:00 Intro and episode overview1:45 Read Watch Play8:34 What we’ve been playing16:05 Main Topic: Storytelling in open world-games16:39 Defining open-world games22:49 Our favourite open-world games34:00 What we love: immersion & escapism36:27 Creating your own stories41:41 Exploration & freedom of choice43:41 The downsides: overwhelm & quest fatigue57:35 The Witcher problem and Bethesda jankiness56:54 Non-linear vs. linear storytelling1:08:07 Games we’re looking forward to1:15:37 Coming Right Up1:19:11 Backlog Roulette1:24:46 OutroBooks: Demon Star https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c7d399fd-543d-4ee9-9348-7a7ab2dc2c55Together is a Distant Star https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/619b8744-6298-4845-9a16-9d689e74ac45 Contact https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc4440f5-4b50-4c83-b45a-db313713bc01Film/TV:On Swift Horses https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1092506-on-swift-horses?language=en-AUCompanion https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1084199-companionSix Feet Under https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1274-six-feet-under Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Games:The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion https://store.steampowered.com/app/900883/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV_Oblivion_Game_of_the_Year_Edition_Deluxe_2009/Bully https://store.steampowered.com/app/12200/Bully_Scholarship_Edition/Fallout 4 https://store.steampowered.com/app/377160/Fallout_4/L.A. Noire https://store.steampowered.com/app/110800/LA_Noire/Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey https://store.steampowered.com/app/812140/Assassins_Creed_Odyssey/Yakuza 0 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2988580/Yakuza_0_Directors_Cut/Cyberpunk 2077 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1091500/Cyberpunk_2077/Ghost of Tsushima https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215430/Ghost_of_Tsushima_DIRECTORS_CUT/Starfield https://store.steampowered.com/app/1716740/Starfield/Mass Effect Legendary Edition https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition/Fable https://store.steampowered.com/app/2769570/Fable/Kingdoms of Amalur https://store.steampowered.com/app/102500/Kingdoms_of_Amalur_Reckoning/ Breath of the Wild https://www.nintendo.com/au/games/nintendo-switch/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild/?srsltid=AfmBOopFMbSarCY0gJA8y94fQuqZlCx4vjAK2CHi6ukMCArk1P2lPnETDinkum https://store.steampowered.com/app/1062520/Dinkum/Windrose https://store.steampowered.com/app/3041230/Windrose/Traveller’s Rest https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139980/Travellers_Rest/Saint’s Row https://store.steampowered.com/app/742420/Saints_Row/Crimson Desert https://store.steampowered.com/app/3321460/Crimson_Desert/ Dragon’s Dogma 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2054970/Dragons_Dogma_2/Return to Moria https://store.steampowered.com/app/2933130/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Return_to_Moria/My Time at Sandrock https://store.steampowered.com/app/1084600/My_Time_at_Sandrock/Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/ Rise of the Tomb Raider https://store.steampowered.com/app/391220/Rise_of_the_Tomb_Raider/ Ananta https://www.anantagame.comNeverness to Everness https://nte.perfectworld.com/en/Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced https://store.steampowered.com/app/3751950/Assassins_Creed_Black_Flag_Resynced/Star Wars: Outlaws https://store.steampowered.com/app/2842040/Star_Wars_Outlaws/🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube📸 Instagram🦋 BlueSky⁠🌐 Website

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netKris and Rian are back with a packed episode after a hectic few weeks.This month, we deep dive into the topic of re-reading: why we do it (or don’t), what we gain from returning to a book years later as a different person, and whether there’s still value in rereading when an AI can just summarise it for you.We also have a full-to-the-brim Read Watch Play segment, share what we’re excited about in Coming Right Up, and spill the beans on what we thought of the Wheels of Chaos video game picks we made for each other from a couple of months back (it’s a wonder we’re still friends after that!). And, of course, we have some new Backlog Roulette spins for the coming month.So strap in, people. This one’s a rollercoaster ride between serious and silly.0:00 Intro4:00 Read Watch Play34:20 Re-reading (main topic)1:07:16 Coming Right Up1:10:57 Backlog Roulette (& Wheels of Chaos)1:15:59 Where to find usMentioned in this episode:Dreams of the Dying https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/437b0c11-9b2c-4c59-9827-4049b1184bf5The Dead Zone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4cfb63a-2477-479e-99ea-e1003ce107d5Vile Lady Villains https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1428054a-07af-4064-aeeb-a174c8174833Mother Mary - https://letterboxd.com/film/mother-mary-2026/The Silence of the Lambs - https://letterboxd.com/film/the-silence-of-the-lambs/Hannibal - https://letterboxd.com/film/hannibal/ Deliver Me from Nowhere - https://letterboxd.com/film/springsteen-deliver-me-from-nowhere/A Big Bold Beautiful Journey - https://letterboxd.com/film/a-big-bold-beautiful-journey/ Suffragette - https://letterboxd.com/film/suffragette/Mary Queen of Scots - https://letterboxd.com/film/mary-queen-of-scots-2018/The Friend - https://letterboxd.com/film/the-friend-2024/The Bikeriders https://letterboxd.com/film/the-bikeriders/Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter https://store.steampowered.com/app/3375780/Trails_in_the_Sky_1st_Chapter/Late Shift https://store.steampowered.com/app/584980/Late_Shift/Minishoot’ Adventures https://store.steampowered.com/app/1634860/Minishoot_Adventures/Slay the Spire https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/I Was a Teenage Exocolonist https://store.steampowered.com/app/1148760/I_Was_a_Teenage_Exocolonist/The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449690/The_Walking_Dead_The_Telltale_Definitive_Series/ Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/Neopets: Mega Mini Games Collection – The Neopian Arcade Odyssey https://store.steampowered.com/app/4244160/Neopets__Mega_Mini_Games_Collection__The_Neopian_Arcade_Odyssey/I Am Future https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658040/I_Am_Future_Cozy_Apocalypse_Survival/Starfield https://store.steampowered.com/app/1716740/Starfield/🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast🦋 BlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.net🌐 Website - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netWe're back! After a month off, Kris and Rian return to talk about why handheld gaming is having such a major moment right now. From the Steam Deck to the Switch 2, from retro emulation handhelds to PC gaming on-the-go, we explore what makes portable gaming so compelling in 2026. And, as always, we cover our Read Watch Play for the month, which was surprisingly jam-packed.Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:46 - Read Watch Play36:23 - Topic: Handheld Gaming58:42 - Coming Right Up1:04:29 - Backlog Roulette1:07:05 - Wrap Up and LinksRead: Necessary Fiction https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4443d9a7-010b-45b3-aaa7-bf31c4a26c98 Bone of my Bone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e5fd67ae-67d6-4817-964f-0a07c5b998e7 Contact https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc4440f5-4b50-4c83-b45a-db313713bc01The Call of the Wild https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/42ab7a3e-6bd3-4c83-8325-8fae765c3df4Babel https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c2245d9c-2042-4c9b-8f00-c37253576fc0Watch: Heated Rivalry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/301507-heated-rivalry?language=en-AU The Beauty https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/273160-the-beauty?language=en-AU Six Feet Under https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1274-six-feet-under?language=en-AU  The Bikeriders https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1008409-the-bikeriders?language=en-AUThe Silence of the Lambs https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/274-the-silence-of-the-lambs?language=en-AU Dexter: New Blood https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/131927-dexter-new-bloodDexter: Resurrection https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/259909-dexter-resurrectionPluribus https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/225171-pluribusPlay: Dredge https://store.steampowered.com/app/1562430/DREDGE/  Windrose https://store.steampowered.com/app/3041230/Windrose/ Crimson Desert https://store.steampowered.com/app/3321460/Crimson_Desert/ Persona 5 Royal https://store.steampowered.com/app/1687950/Persona_5_Royal/On-Together https://store.steampowered.com/app/3707400/OnTogether_Virtual_CoWorking/Pokemon Pokopia https://pokopia.pokemon.com/en-us/Replaced (demo) https://store.steampowered.com/app/1663850/REPLACED/Why are all gaming handhelds huge now? - Brendon Bigley from Wavelengths (video) https://youtu.be/Pgd-5tBzZy8?si=ijawo2k0Zun7yUBU🔎 Where to find us📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcast📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcast🦋 BlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.net🌐 Website - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

💬 Join our Discord community! https://genreblender.net/discord🌐 Reviews, essays, and more on our website: https://www.genreblender.netAt least one of your favourite podcast hosts has been keeping a consistent writing schedule, so in this episode we share our writing habits and routines, current projects, writing environments, and tips and tricks to stay motivated and make real progress towards our creative writing goals.Of course, it wouldn’t be Genre Blender without our usual segments: Read Watch Play (featuring everything from Speak No Evil to The Handmaid’s Tale), Coming Right Up for what we’re excited for in the coming months, and the introduction of the brand-new Wheels of Chaos for our Backlog Roulette segment!Curious about what we’ve forced each other to read, watch, or play this time? Tune in to find out!Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:38 Read Watch Play31:27 The Writer's Desk56:37 Coming Right Up1:01:05 Backlog Roulette1:09:29 Where to find usBooks:Notes of a Native Son https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8b80b768-acab-4970-9379-aa59d3bc255fLuminous https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1f7bb53e-da74-4298-bb7a-d52eb3f5d40eThe Handmaid’s Tale https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/623a7568-a386-4f4f-acca-86f32897e064Iron Widow https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8f403954-2950-4903-bdc3-cecb460279e2 Cephrael’s Hand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/49b43f0a-24c2-4890-924a-25a32a16c455  Dune https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1ee3f05f-17bd-4cc1-bc6b-af353b97698a Bone of my Bone https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e5fd67ae-67d6-4817-964f-0a07c5b998e7 Pillion https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1287141-pillion?language=en-AU The Beauty https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/273160-the-beauty?language=en-AU Movies/TV:Stranger Things https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/66732-stranger-thingsStar Trek: Discovery https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/67198-star-trek-discoveryBlack Mirror https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/42009-black-mirrorPrincess Mononoke https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/128Apocalypse Now https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/28-apocalypse-nowHeartstopper https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/124834-heartstopper?language=en-AU Speak No Evil https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1114513-speak-no-evil?language=en-AU 28 Days Later https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/170-28-days-later?language=en-AUGames:LEGO: Voyagers https://store.steampowered.com/app/1538550/LEGO_Voyagers/Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/Saint’s Row https://store.steampowered.com/app/742420/Saints_Row/I Am Future https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658040/I_Am_Future_Cozy_Apocalypse_Survival/DREDGE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1562430/DREDGE/🔎 Where to find usYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastBlueSky⁠ - https://bsky.app/profile/genreblender.netWebsite - https://www.genreblender.net👉🏼 Follow KrisYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.social👉🏼 Follow RianInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rian.floydBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.comWebsite - https://www.rianfloyd.com

Join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netIn this special start-of-the-year episode, Kris and Rian deep-dive into their personal and creative themes, goals, and projects for 2026. They also cover a few big news items that happened over the last month, and discuss the books, movies, TV shows, and games that have captured their attention and hearts throughout December (ahem… let it be known there was absolutely no cramming to fit everything in before the year closed out). Kris surprises Rian by adding a little danger to Backlog Roulette, and the pair announce their buddy read for the first quarter of 2026.How about you? We’d love to hear your themes, goals, or projects for 2026! Feel free to share them in the comments below.We wish you all a happy and safe New Year!0:00 Intro2:10 The Newsstand8:48 Read Watch Play17:46 Main Topic: Themes, Goals and Projects for 202651:49 Backlog Roulette55:35 Coming Right Up (buddy reads pick for Q1)57:25 Connect with usRead: Wuthering Heights https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a72b94aa-4d4a-47dd-841b-583036ae006dYou've Lost a Lot of Blood https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0076165b-dba2-49a6-8e15-2618bba670fb Run Like Hell https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/76f65c1f-c464-4153-8bec-65e27d2cb8c4Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479b The Only Good Indians https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/79437676-42a1-4936-86ac-b885a7f33ac9The Long Walk https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/65a4aeef-9821-48ef-914a-79fb8646ab83This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9Watch:The Grand Budapest Hotel https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/120467-the-grand-budapest-hotelAll’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fairHeated Rivalry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/301507-heated-rivalryThe Abandons https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/223300-the-abandons?language=en-AUPlay:Enshrouded https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/Metroid Prime 4: Beyond https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/metroid-prime-4-beyond-nintendo-switch-2-edition.htmlSkate Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/1263240/Skate_Story/Dispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/Genre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

A wolf-PACKED episode to celebrate the launch of Kris’s debut novel ALPHA with a spoiler-free interview with the author himself about writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author. We also sift through a ton of gaming news to discuss a few of the biggest stories. Plus our Read Watch Play lists, what’s Coming Right Up, and the spin wheels are back for Backlog Roulette.ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLW6XHSB?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D1QGKKV46QJDT7D29R05ALPHA (The Alpha Cycle, Book 1) by K. D. Marchesi on The Storygraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5a22ee4f-eb80-49fa-9064-692b2b0fcf87Join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netChapters:00:00 Intro02:20 The Newsstand14:19 Read Watch Play34:37 Guest Spot: Interview with K. D. Marchesi1:02:52: Coming Right Up1:08:57 Backlog Roulette1:11:42 Find us onlineNews:Valve’s Steam Machine https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steammachineValve’s Steam Frame https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamframeValve’s Steam Controller https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamcontrollerBioWare’s N7 Day blog post https://blog.bioware.com/2025/11/07/n7-day-2025/Zoopunk https://www.tigames.com/zoopunkAlanah Pearce’s video about The Game Awards drama https://youtu.be/AYFAlImQR74?si=kRsqmLGbUSr3GBl-Books:Automatic Noodle https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4932a31d-9ece-44a3-a9bf-0b0735976cedCity of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95fScorched Grace https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4f3b1723-8342-4c9f-b1a6-4806b59791aeLabyrinth's Heart https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/137d7922-09ae-418f-b844-12275db3d939Triple Sec https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f01fa561-3254-483f-96e0-ee0565323b30 Level Apocalypse https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97df550b-5bf8-471b-9312-7c713d40479bCity of Girls https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4754905a-5f8a-491c-803a-bf315929c95f   TV/Movies:Wayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-waywardNow You See Me: Now You Don’t https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/425274-now-you-see-me-now-you-don-t Red, White & Royal Blue https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/930094-red-white-royal-blue IT: Welcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derry All’s Fair https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/258742-all-s-fair Bring Her Back https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1151031-bring-her-backGames:Bloomtown: A Different Story https://store.steampowered.com/app/2445990/Bloomtown_A_Different_Story/ Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/ Inn Tycoon https://store.steampowered.com/app/2749000/Inn_Tycoon/ ARC Raiders https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/Terminator 2D: NO FATE https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718460/Terminator_2D_NO_FATE/Kingdoms of the Dump https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/Other Links:Developmental Editor: Olivia HoferGenre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netSign up for more free content on our website: https://www.genreblender.netThe Genre Blender podcast has a new format, and Kris and Rian are excited to tell you all about it. The duo share their Read-Watch-Play updates and discuss some news after a hectic month. Stick around to the very end to see a brand new segment that should be as useful as it is entertaining.00:00 Intro to new format02:13 Updates07:09 Read Watch Play38:48 The Newsstand1:00:07 Backlog Roulette1:14:21 Outro and linksWe’re Evolving! Upcoming Changes for Genre Blender - https://www.genreblender.net/were-evolving-upcoming-changes-for-genre-blender/A Head Full of Ghosts https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2a55e7e5-8eaf-478e-82cf-62f717654fb1This Skin Was Once Mine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/fe204dee-e161-4a95-832b-e4fae34a49e9The Haunting of Hill House https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/cd81e978-d1dd-487b-ae20-1a16a63c425cThe Pallbearers Club https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/13845c2c-b586-490a-a8b4-1d164e02814dDark Bloom https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1217ace1-c7dd-43f7-aa3f-6b609b13eb5fEverything the Darkness Eats https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/358e9c7e-b767-4b32-8dde-415845fed7cbEXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9Queen of Faces https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/898a134e-3df2-46f1-9c41-44fbc68ba04aDune https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/438631-duneThunderbolts https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/986056-thunderboltsThe Hunting Wives https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wivesNow You See Me https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/75656-now-you-see-meNow you See Me 2 https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/291805-now-you-see-me-2In the Lost Lands https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324544-in-the-lost-landsWelcome to Derry https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/200875-it-welcome-to-derryWayward https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/255859-waywardFrankenstein https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1062722-frankensteinPokemon Legends Z-A https://store.nintendo.com.au/au/pokemon-legends-z-a.htmlTravellers Rest https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139980/Travellers_Rest/Habbo Hotel Origins https://origins.habbo.comFallout 4 Anniversary Edition https://fallout.bethesda.net/en/article/N00XVTawnzBBH7HNwv0hN/fallout-4-anniversary-edition-announcedNeopets mini games collection https://portal.neopets.com/news/oct23-neopets-mega-mini-games-collection-revealDispatch https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/The Outer Worlds 2 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/Rue Valley https://store.steampowered.com/app/2126190/Rue_Valley/Pigface Bookstore in Perth CBD https://perthisok.com/lifestyle/pigface-bookstore-perth/Episode of MinnMax podcast with guest Jason Schreier to explain the EA requisition (1:30:27) https://youtu.be/se-CQM_rXwM?si=drCfRuN1oQK78uW9Signourney Weaver on the 50-pages of movie script and her meeting with Disney https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-star-sigourney-weaver-has-met-with-disney-1236397969/Genre Blender on the web:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@genreblenderpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/genreblenderpodcastTikTok - http://tiktok.com/@genreblenderpodcast⁠BlueSky⁠ - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/genreblenderpodcast.comWebsite - https://www.genreblender.netFollow Kris and Rian:Kris on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/afictionalescapistKris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afictionalescapist/Kris on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/afictionalescapist.bsky.socialRian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rlfloydRian on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/rianfloyd.com

Kris and Rian get a healthy dose of nostalgia in this gaming-focused episode with a discussion about retro gaming, emulation, and gaming handhelds.Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netCheck out our website: https://www.genreblender.net00:00 Intro and announcement02:27 Read Watch Play14:32 Intro to main topic: retro gaming14:54 What is retro gaming?21:59 Is there a resurgence in retro games?32:46 What retro game devices do we use?49:54 The retro gaming scene is not just for millennials54:08 Speculation time58:17 Outro and linksBooks and games mentioned:Boudicca’s Daughter https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/efe69962-7e30-4f08-9fce-e98f8cb68acc EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9AI: The Somnium Files https://store.steampowered.com/app/948740/AI_The_Somnium_Files/Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBoundTrails in the Sky: First Chapter https://store.steampowered.com/app/3375780/Trails_in_the_Sky_1st_Chapter/The Touryst https://store.steampowered.com/app/1796410/The_Touryst/Hades II https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/Grimshire https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238470/Grimshire/ Articles and YouTube channels mentioned:Addicted to nostalgia | abc.net.au https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-14/how-retro-video-games-obsolete-collectors-items/105331068Team Retro https://www.youtube.com/@TeamRetro/videosWhy are younger generations embracing the retro game revival? | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/02/why-are-younger-generations-embracing-the-retro-game-revival Retro Game Corps https://www.youtube.com/@RetroGameCorpsMiyoo Mini (and Miyoo Mini Plus) Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2022/05/15/miyoo-mini-v2-guide/Anbernic RG35XX Family Starter Guide (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/06/07/anbernic-rg35xx-family-starter-guide/Guide: Shaders and Overlays on Retro Handhelds (Retro Game Corps) https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/09/01/guide-shaders-and-overlays-on-retro-handhelds/Follow us:Kris on YouTubeKris on InstagramKris on BlueskyRian on InstagramRian on BlueskyGenre Blender on the web:YouTubeInstagramTikTok⁠BlueSky⁠Website

What’s better than curling up with a good book on a chilly day? Why, becoming a bookseller and moving to the seaside with your tiny bookshop, of course! Kris and Rian played several hours of the latest cozy gaming phenomenon and, as usual, they have some thoughts.Be one of the first to join our Discord community! http://discord.genreblender.netCheck out our website: https://www.genreblender.netTiny Book Shop - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133760/Tiny_Bookshop/BooksLeviathan Wakes: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c83664bb-15bf-4404-b896-af6bbb0cfc18Those Left Behind: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d482b2d7-e672-4e9d-a7bf-3e168de41968The Stand https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/434e6801-21e5-4784-b3af-1b939a452380EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/74d10555-2ae2-4683-86a3-47d4db4bbda9Movies / TV ShowsConclave - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/974576-conclaveNosferatu - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/426063-nosferatu A Complete Unknown - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/661539-a-complete-unknown Battle of the Sexes - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/369192-battle-of-the-sexes The Hunting Wives - https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/244447-the-hunting-wivesAlien: Earth https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/157239-alien-earthStar Wars: Andor https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/83867-andorGamesPokemon FireRed https://pokemondb.net/firered-leafgreen World End Diner https://store.steampowered.com/app/1647190/World_End_Diner/Earthbound https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBoundJetpack Joyride https://www.halfbrick.com/games/jetpack-joyride-classicCanabalt https://canabalt.comFlappy Bird https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flappy_BirdUnpacking https://store.steampowered.com/app/1135690/Unpacking/Neko Atsume https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_AtsumePower Wash Simulator https://store.steampowered.com/app/1290000/PowerWash_Simulator/House Flipper https://store.steampowered.com/app/613100/House_Flipper/AFK Journey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFK_JourneyFarmville https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FarmVilleAnimal Crossing: New Horizons https://animalcrossing.nintendo.com/new-horizons/ Intro music: Heatwave by Bransboynd https://pixabay.com/users/bransboynd-51721546/Follow usKris on YouTubeKris on InstagramKris on BlueskyRian on InstagramRian on BlueskyGenre Blender on the webYouTubeInstagramTikTok⁠BlueSky⁠