Ep. 57 - Holiday Episode feat. Crossplay Conversations

We're closing the book on year three of No Small Games. In many ways, this has been the year of MORE for us and the podcast. We expanded the number of articles and reviews we publish on the website, grew our Patreon offerings and community, and we got to guest on so many other wonderful shows. Similarly, 2025 was also the year of more for the indie games space, with an incredible (and overwhelming) volume of stellar games. We just can't wait to see what year 4 and 2026 have in store for us and indie gamers! In addition to giving a recap of all of the games covered this past year, in Yearbook Vol. 3 we reveal our picks for their Top 5 games from the 2025-2026 year, and the fan favorite episodes voted on by YOU! Featuring superlatives and thank you's to No Small Games supporters, this episode is a tribute to all of you and all of these impactful indie games and game developers highlighted in the third year of the show! We are so grateful to all of you who have tuned in this year, and can't wait to bring you more indie game content in the years to come! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:07:57 - Reflections on the Year 00:15:54 - Recap of Games Covered in 2025-2026 00:23:20 - Kate & Emily's Top 5 Favorites 01:12:12 - Superlatives 01:35:46 - Thank You's 01:42:45 - Spring Season Announcement Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. 2026 is not messing around with the volume of incredible indie games coming our way!! This month's roundup features a quick look at this month's Steam Next Fest, with a whole bunch of great demos to check out on Steam. We also dig into the many, many new games we've been playing, including LOVE ETERNAL, Cairn, Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator, and Demon Tides. This episode also features a very special interview with Neha Patel, the audio designer for the upcoming narrative deckbuilder All Will Rise. Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - February 2026 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:49 - Icebreaker Question 00:13:04 - Indie Demos 01:08:58 - Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator 01:14:37 - LOVE ETERNAL 01:23:09 - Cairn 01:29:08 - Demon Tides 01:33:45 - Under the Island 01:40:51 - Super Battle Golf 01:44:10 - Relooted 01:50:39 - Dice A Million 01:53:45 - RV There Yet? 02:01:22 - Interview - Neha Patel Meet our Guest Neha Patel (she/her) @nehapolitan.bsky.social Neha is a freelance composer and sound designer and has worked on titles such as Venba, Eternights, Six Ages 2 and more. She recently launched The Freelancing/Money and Game Audio Newsletter, and is currently working as the sound designer for All Will Rise: A Narrative Courtroom deck builder about taking a billionaire to court for the murder of a river. Check out Neha's work on: Bluesky  Neha Patel Audio  Bandcamp Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Tiny Bookshop, by Neoludic Games, is a cozy management game where you sell books to the quirky but kind residents of Bookstonbury. With a caravan hitched to your tiny car, a load of books, and a dream of a peaceful life, you left your hometown to open your caravan bookstore. You'll meet friendly townsfolks and recommend books to them based on their preferences. You might even become a central member of this tightknit community by the end. In episode 60 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily get to explore their fantasy life of peace and quiet by the sea, in their discussion of Tiny Bookshop. The two share their thoughts on the book recommendation mechanic, which features a library of real book titles, authors and descriptions. You'll hear how the two feel about the Bookstonbury townsfolk, and which resident in particular got on Emily's case the most. We hope you love our final episode of our third year of the show! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:08:52 - Boss Battles 00:21:52 - Tiny Bookshop Discussion 01:36:10 - Game Ratings 01:41:14 - One Small Thing 01:45:27 - Next Game Announcement Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. Not to startle anyone, but we're officially one month into 2026, and the indie hits keep on coming! This roundup is absolutely packed with demos for upcoming games in 2026 that you'll want to keep your eye on. Prepare your wishlists, folks! We also have a ton of new releases to discuss, including both high profile and under-the-radar titles. But first, we have big news: the No Small Games girlies have been officially inducted into two Fantasy Critic leagues for their first season. We're talking draft results and strats! Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - January 2026 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:07:02 - Icebreaker Question 00:16:53 - Indie Game News 00:32:13 - Demos 01:14:45 - Marble Odyssey Sandbox 01:20:52 - THE SPIRIT LIFT 01:30:44 - The Artful Escape 01:37:20 - DEAD LETTER DEPT. 01:42:35 - Winter Burrow 01:49:20 - Skate Story 01:55:35 - The Roottrees are Dead Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

CloverPit, developed by Panik Arcade, took the internet by storm in 2025. Gaining viral success on social media and launching a hugely popular demo on Steam, the developers hooked players with an intriguing (and oddly relatable) concept. You find yourself trapped in a steel prison cell, with nothing but an ATM, a slot machine, and the dream of freedom. With a little luck and a lot of strategy, players must purchase lucky charms and synergize their effects to pay off exponentially growing debts. The whole package is wrapped in a grungy PS1-era visual style, and accompanied by plenty of irreverent humor. We were delighted to bring Danny on, from RoguePod LiteCast, to discuss this clever and addictive Balatro-like game. But first, we pressed him for a little lore on his own podcast and his history with the roguelite genre. Then we get into our praises and nitpicks in CloverPit, and discuss our winningest and goofiest strategies. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:07:10 - Weekly Boss Battles 00:12:00 - Meet our Guest - Danny, RoguePod LiteCast 00:36:00 - CloverPit Discussion 01:38:08 - Game Ratings 01:46:40 - One Small Thing Meet our Guest Danny (he/him) @roguepod-litecast.bsky.social Danny is one of the co-hosts of RoguePod Litecast. Along with his good friend David, the two are attempting to build the most comprehensive roguelite tier list, one game at a time. The biweekly podcast breaks down the merits and foibles of one roguelite per episode. Check out RoguePod LiteCast work on: Bluesky  TikTok  YouTube Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Bye Sweet Carole is a narrative-horror platformer, set in a world inspired by classic animated films. Teenage girl Lana is distraught, searching for her missing friend Carole Simmons, when she discovers some surprising news. She is in fact the princess of the far-off magical land of Corolla... and she is in mortal danger. Guide Lana through perilous situations and help her escape from the evil Mr. Kyn and investigate the secrets of Bunny Hall, all while she continues to search for her friend.  In episode 58 of No Small Games, we're diving into Bye Sweet Carole, one of our most anticipated games of 2025. Kate and Emily discuss the visual style and whether the developers pulled of the classic Disney-esque style. You'll find out how Kate fared playing a horror game with SO many bunnies, given her deep fear of rabbits. This game was a wild ride and so is this episode! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:47 - Boss Battles 00:18:54 - Bye Sweet Carole Discussion 01:24:32 - Bye Sweet Carole Spoilers 01:47:00 - Game Ratings 01:49:52 - One Small Thing 01:59:58 - Next Game Announcement Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. We've officially made it through 2025, both the longest and shortest year of all time. And we are so grateful to everyone who has listened to No Small Games, come to guest on the show, engaged with us on socials and supported us in any way. Thank you! This episode we have some awards show news to discuss, plus more new releases. The year might be over, but the indie game bangers just keep on coming, and some new releases might just be sneaking their way into our top 10 lists for the year. Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - December 2025 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:20 - Icebreaker Question 00:14:28 - Indie Game News 00:43:37 - Demos 00:50:58 - despelote 00:54:05 - Death Howl 00:59:55 - Cast n Chill 01:03:48 - Dispatch 01:11:06 - CorgiSpace 01:21:49 - I'm on Observation Duty 8 Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Fa la la la la la la la let's GO GAMERS!! It's Christmas time! It's the most wonderful time of the year!! No, not Summer Game Fest! It's time for the winter holidays and we've wrapped up a very special holiday episode to put under everyone's tree this year. The No Small Games girlies got together with the Crossplay Conversations crew for a very special indie game White Elephant party! All six of us came with a surprise indie game (or two) that we thought the group would enjoy. We had a blast choosing gifts to unwrap, choosing gifts to STEAL, and getting into the holiday spirit! We hope this episode will be a festive addition to your winter holiday plans! And most of all, we're wishing peace, joy and rest to all our listeners as 2025 comes to a close. Thank you for spending part of your year with us. We'll see you for the December roundup on New Year's Eve! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:52 - Meet our Guest - Crossplay Conversations 00:07:22 - Holiday Ice Breaker 00:14:20 - White Elephant Part 00:55:26 - Part 2 - Mini Game Reviews 00:58:45 - Mini Review - Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons 01:09:03 - Mini Review - Egging On 01:21:13 - The Wolf Among Us 01:31:56 - Mini Review - Miniatures 01:39:19 - Mini Review - What Remains of Edith Finch 01:50:16 - Mini Review - Bokura Meet our Guest Crossplay Conversations @crossplayconvos.bsky.social Crossplay Conversations is hosted by Jacob McCourt, Joseph Hooper, and Claire and Luke Lewis. They cover industry topics, game reviews, and light-hearted conversations about their favorite games. Check out the Crossplay Conversation team: Bluesky  YouTube  Jacob McCourt's Bluesky  Joseph Hooper's Bluesky  Luke Lewis's Bluesky  Claire Lewis's Bluesky Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato is the newest game from development studio Studio Bando, and has been one of No Small Games' most anticipated games of the last couple years. The story follows little Miho, a young boy attempting to help his grandma out in the kitchen. Cooking suddenly becomes much less straightforward when Miho is sent into the pantry to get a potato. He discovers a frog getting ready to pilfer the sack of potatoes, and winds up getting launched into a magical world beyond his imagination, just through the back of the pantry. Throughout the rest of SOPA, you guide Miho as he attempts to retrieve the stolen potatoes, save Nana's soup, and meets a colorful cast of characters along the way. In episode 56 of No Small Games, we're finally digging in to SOPA! This has been the on again, off again, will they, won't they game of the last couple years for the show, as we've been following the repeatedly updated release dates and windows that finally led to its release this fall. Kate and Emily share their thoughts on finally getting their hands on the game, surprises about. the final result, and their feelings at the prospect of a sequel. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:10:17 - Boss Battles 00:18:57 - SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato Discussion 01:18:38 - SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato Spoilers 01:37:03 - Game Ratings 01:43:53 - One Small Thing 01:50:04 - Next Game Announcement Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. The year is starting to draw to a close, which can only mean one thing: it's gaming awards season!! November was packed with news, from the new Steam Machine announcement to The Game Awards nominations. No Small Games once again had the great honor of getting to participate in the judging committee for The Indie Game Awards, so we also got to recap some of the standouts and surprises from the nominated games that we got to play. But don't worry, 2025 isn't done with the incredible new releases yet, and we have some great new games to tell you about, too! Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - November 2025 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:35 - Icebreaker Question 00:11:36 - Indie Game News 00:46:23 - Demos 00:58:08 - IGA Judging Prep Games 01:41:26 - The Séance of Blake Manor 01:45:50 - Dead Static Drive 01:51:35 - Egging On 01:56:20 - VIDEOVERSE 02:01:58 - As I Began to Dream Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com