Mario Characters That Aren't Mario | LFTF Ep. 001

Alex and Luke Talk Sonic the Hedgehog 2.Speed was the promise. Trauma was the water level. Developed by Sega Technical Institute and published by Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 launched for the Sega Genesis in November 1992 and cemented Sonic as Mario's true '90s rival. With the debut of Tails, the spin dash, bigger levels, and an even louder attitude, Sonic 2 became one of the defining platformers of its era. Three decades later, it remains a fascinating snapshot of the console wars—equal parts brilliant, frustrating, and unmistakably Sega.At the time of recording, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 holds a Metacritic score of 83. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story averages around 2.5 hours, though that's assuming you're actually making it through Death Egg Zone. As Alex and Luke quickly rediscover, Sonic wants you to go fast... while constantly punishing you for doing exactly that. Save states? No judgment here.Alex played on an original Sega Genesis, the Mega SG, and an Anbernic RG Arc D  while Luke tackled the game on a Sega Genesis Mini. Alex rolled credits—with a healthy assist from modern conveniences—while Luke bowed out before the finish line after reliving enough childhood trauma to satisfy him. Along the way, the brothers revisit the Genesis vs. Super Nintendo rivalry, debate whether Sonic 3 is secretly the superior game, and marvel at just how strange Sonic's world becomes once you leave Green Hill behind.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by little kid bikes. Whether they're balance bikes, pedal bikes, or training wheels, watching your kid discover two wheels for the first time never gets old.Audio Credits:"Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Main Theme)" from the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Original Soundtrack — composed by Masato Nakamura — © Sega.Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk Gravity, Stardust, and Nintendo Doing It Again.Super Mario Galaxy, developed and published by Nintendo, originally launched in November 2007 for the Wii and immediately redefined what a 3D platformer could feel like. By bending gravity, perspective, and level design into something playful and constantly surprising, Galaxy turns every planet into its own idea. It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about how delightfully strange the journey can be along the way. Nearly two decades later, it still feels like Nintendo showing off.At the time of recording, Super Mario Galaxy holds a Metacritic score of 97, placing it firmly in all-timer territory. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story runs about 19 hours, though going for full completion (yes, both playthroughs) pushes that significantly further. In true Mario fashion: approachable on the surface, quietly demanding if you want to see everything it has to offer.Alex played this one the proper way—on the Nintendo Wii, pointer controls and all. Luke played via Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Nintendo Switch, trading motion fidelity for modern convenience. Both dig into how Galaxy holds up today—from level design brilliance to the occasional “what is happening right now” moments that define the game’s charm.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by vinyl records. Wax, bb.Audio Credits:Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk Night City, Mainline Endings, and Never Having Dinner at Embers.Cyberpunk 2077, developed and published by CD Projekt Red, launched in December 2020 and has since completed one of the most dramatic redemption arcs in modern gaming. Set in the neon-drenched chaos of Night City, this open-world RPG blends cyberware upgrades, branching narratives, high-speed gunplay, and existential dread into one sprawling, synth-soaked package. Whether you came for Keanu Reeves, the hacking, or the moral ambiguity, this is a game that swings big and refuses to be subtle.At the time of recording, Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 on PC and 87 on Xbox Series X. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story averages around 25 hours, with completionist runs easily stretching beyond 60+ hours depending on how deep you dive into side gigs and fixer drama. In true Low Five fashion: you can mainline it, but Night City really wants you to linger.Alex played on PC and rolled credits, seeing one of the game’s endings through to completion. Luke played on Xbox Series X and is still roaming Night City — notably having never eaten at Embers. Together they unpack how the game feels post-redemption, where the writing shines, how the combat holds up, and whether the hype cycle ultimately helped or hurt the legacy.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by fake patriotism for the Olympics.Audio Credits: “V” from Cyberpunk 2077 Original Soundtrack — composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk, and Paul Leonard-Morgan — © CD Projekt Red. “You Don’t Know What Love Is” by Chet Baker — featured on Cyberpunk 2077 91.9 Royal Blue Radio — © respective rights holders. Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk Gifting Gamers, Low-Fi Picks, and  Sidequest Shenanigans.In a somewhat rare departure from the usual one-game deep dive, this episode is all about helping you find the perfect gift for the gamer in your life—even if that gamer is you. Alex kicks things off with five flexible gift categories to guide your shopping: from digital gift cards and magazine subscriptions to coffee table books, gaming gear, and local experiences that go beyond the screen. Whether you're buying for a console diehard or a casual button masher, there's something in here to spark an idea.Then it’s Luke’s turn, and with it comes one very chill list with two very unnecessary titles: Luke’s Low Five Low-Fi Games a.k.a. Luke’s Low Five Steamy D Starter Deck. It’s a thoughtful roundup of cozy, low-stakes games that pair perfectly with rainy days, worn-out thumbs, or your favorite overpriced seasonal beverage. If Alex’s segment gives you structure, Luke’s delivers specifics.This one’s a little looser than usual, but we manage to weave in some solid beats—so stick with us.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by head cheese.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk Hollow Knight and Silksong.The duo dive into a Metroidvania double‑header: first the seminal Hollow Knight (Team Cherry, 2017) and then its long‑awaited sequel Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry, 2025). We unpack the evolution of the form — bug‑infested kingdoms, needle‑wielding protagonists, soaring difficulty curves — while comparing how the first game laid the groundwork and Silksong raised the bar (and the anguish). Two games, one legacy, endless edge‑of‑your‑seat platforming. Hollow Knight earned a Metacritic score of 87 on PC and 90 on Switch. HowLongToBeat estimates place a standard full play‑through around 27 hours (main story) and up to ~65 hours for completionists. Silksong debuted with a Metacritic score of 91 (PC), classified under “universal acclaim”. Play time estimates suggest around 40‑45 hours for a meaningful run, with full completion pushing closer to 60 hours+. All in all, two hefty games that demand stamina, precision, and a willingness to die… a lot.Alex tackled Hollow Knight on his Nintendo Switch OLED, while Luke jumped into Silksong on his Steam Deck. Luke’s no stranger to the first game — he’s beaten Hollow Knight before — but neither of them rolled credits this time around. Along the way they compare platform experiences, controller feel, and how each game’s difficulty and structure landed differently for each of them.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by bein' fat bs who can't stop eating the rest of our Halloween candy.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk Cult of the Lamb.Ever wanted to combine dungeon crawling, base management, and theological terror into one cozy indie experience? That’s exactly the blend Cult of the Lamb serves. Developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital, this darkly adorable roguelike management mash-up dropped on August 11, 2022. You play a resurrected lamb who must build a loyal cult, perform rituals, and crusade through twisted lands to free a mysterious deity. It’s cute, creepy, and weirdly compelling.On Metacritic, Cult of the Lamb scores an 82 (PC) among critics. According to reviews and “How Long to Beat,” a standard playthrough lands in the 15–20 hour range. Go for completion, side content, or cult perfection, and it stretches further. It’s a neat balance point: deep enough to feel meaningful, short enough to avoid burnout.Both hosts tackled this one on their Steam Decks, with Alex also dipping into the PC version for a spell. Neither of them made it to the ultimate “credits roll” — instead, they got deep into the loops, the rituals, and the existential questions of lamb-leadership. They came away with both love and critiques of the pacing, combat variety, and the inevitable moral compromise.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by “Fantasy Football. Is it a video game, dude?”Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke Talk The Plucky Squire.What if a storybook adventure literally jumped off the page? That’s the magic trick The Plucky Squire pulls off. Developed by All Possible Futures and published by Devolver Digital, this imaginative action-adventure launched in July 2024 and instantly stood out for its clever transitions between 2D and 3D gameplay. With a charming visual style, punchy combat, and playful surprises around every corner, it’s a game that wears its heart—and its gimmick—on its sleeve.At the time of recording, The Plucky Squire held a Metacritic score of 83 on PC and 72 on Nintendo Switch. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story clocks in around 8.5 hours, though that can stretch with exploration (and admiring the delightful art direction). It’s short, sweet, and stylistically sharp—but not without a few rough edges.Alex played on Nintendo Switch, Luke on Steam Deck. Both made it to the final page and rolled credits. This is one of those rare games where the journey was as fun to talk about as it was to play—especially when it leapt from side-scroller to Zelda-lite to rhythm brawler to full-on tank sequence. You just have to see it to believe it.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by summer time ice cream runs.Audio Credits:“The Plucky Squire Theme” from The Plucky Squire Original Soundtrack — composed by Madeleine Wood — © Devolver Digital.Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming. Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Luke and Alex Talk Diablo IV.In this episode, Alex and Luke dive into Diablo IV, Blizzard Entertainment’s long-awaited sequel to the legendary action RPG series. Released in June 2023, Diablo IV brings players back to the dark, demon-infested world of Sanctuary with a new open-world structure, seasonal play, and a whole lot of skeleton-clicking chaos.At the time of this recording, Diablo IV holds a Metacritic score of 86. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story clocks in around 26 hours—though depending on your build, your class, or how easily distracted you get by side dungeons, it can stretch much longer.Alex played on both PC and Steam Deck and completed the main questline. Luke stuck to PC and is still meandering through Sanctuary like a cursed tourist. Together, they talk about their first real dip into the Diablo franchise, how the seasonal structure actually works, and why the always-online thing feels just forgivable enough.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Disc Golf.Audio Credits:  “Cathedral” by Leo Kaliski, from the Diablo IV Original Soundtrack — composed by Leo Kaliski, Ted Reedy, Ryan Amon, and Derek Duke — © Blizzard Entertainment. Includes a voice clip from Diablo I (“Fresh Meat”) — © Blizzard Entertainment.  Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Alex and Luke share their Top Five Games That Defined the Nintendo Switch.From launch titles to surprise late-era gems, the Switch has built a legacy as one of Nintendo’s boldest and most beloved consoles. In this episode of Low Five Top Five, the guys break down the games that shaped the system—whether through sheer cultural footprint, unexpected innovation, or just endless hours of personal joy.There’s debate, agreement, and a few wildcard picks that might raise eyebrows.Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

This episode, Luke and Alex kick off a brand-new segment: Low Five Top Five, where they rank their five favorite whatevers in gaming. First up? Top 5 Mario Characters That Aren’t Mario.It’s a surprisingly heated—and deeply nostalgic—ride through Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom. Expect strong opinions, twisted logic, and more than a few honorable mentions (and dishonorable disses). The lists may be Mario-free, but the stakes are high and the takes are hotter than a fire flower. This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by crystals. 🔮Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at [email protected] Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.