S7 E39 - DQFM's Best Video Games of 2025

Well, that's a wrap. Season 7 is over, and we're moving into Season 8 nextg week. But as for now, let's talk about video games. We did our first Best of 2025 episode a couple of weeks ago and never even got to video games. And we're a video games podcast! So here we are fixing that, talking about all the games that we think are worth talking about this year (unless we forgot something we played, which is also entirely possible). Austin gave some really good indie suggestions at the end, too, that you should totally pick up.Check out our YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@dqfm, and our Patreon at https://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

This week, we're going over the second book in the Mark of Erdrick manga series, published by Square Enix Books & Manga. We're really thankful to them for sending over advance copies for us to read and talk about. We do a mostly spoiler-free discussion of book 2, and it's a fantastic book to read. It's out today, and you can purchase it at the link below! Don't miss our other episode where we discuss the production of the series with editor Jennifer Sherman, just a few episodes back. Thanks a bunch, and we hope you love the book as much as we do!https://amzn.to/4qq8mAF

This was supposed to be a catch-all episode of the podcast, but it turns out that we're not very short-winded. We talk about books, movies, and TV in this part of our Best Of 2025 shows.

This week, Beej has been able to play DQ2 in the HD-2D Remake, and as you'd expect, he has thoughts. He might have had some trouble with autosave and losing progress, but that doesn't stop him from loving the game and seeing how it's a fantastic addition to the DQ series. https://dragonquest.fmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

It's more about the DQ2 HD-2D Remake post-game, with superbosses, Mal, and what might be the most frustrating thing Austin's played since the original Rendarak. Even Beej got to finally dig in on the DQ2 remake and see what all the fuss is about (and it's awesome!). https://dragonquest.fmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

This week we talk about he DQ2 HD-2D Remake's post game, though not every bit of it because Square Enix still has a moratorium they've asked to be honored. There are a lot of cool things going on, and Austin says that the final boss doesn't have as much finality as you'd expect. So what waits you after the credits roll? You'll just have to listen to find out!https://dragonquest.fmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

Austin spent a lot of time with the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 2, and it's by far the better adaptation in the new collection. Hear what he has to say about the new scenarios and character, and why the Prince of Cannock might not be quite as bad as he used to be. Also, Beej forgot to ask him about the kitty cat suit, and he feels terrible. Next time!https://dragonquest.fmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

Austin and Beej talk about good and the bad that come with DRAGON QUEST 1 HD-2D Remake, from the absurdly high difficulty at times (or should Austin just GIT GUD?) to the new content that ties all three entries of the Erdrick trilogy together. There's a lot of good in the game, but is it the strongest link in the new remake trilogy, or the weakest? Or the middle?! Listen to find out! https://dragonquest.fmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm

This week, the title says it all. Austin has played and beaten both games in the newest DQ HD-2D collection, and since it's out TODAY, you can listen to this, see what he thinks about it, and then go out and buy it for yourself! Enjoy!https://patreon.com/dragonquestfmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfm

This week, Austin talks about his experience with Pokémon Legends ZA and meeting our good friend Platty from the Slime Time podcast IRL! Pokémon has a hold on Austin, and he plays every game that comes out. So how does Legends ZA stand up to some of the lesser-loved ones like Scarlet/Violet? You gotta listen to find out! Or read his full review at ScreenRant here: https://screenrant.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-review/https://dragonquest.fmhttps://x.com/dragonquestfmhttps://bsky.app/profile/dragonquest.fmhttps://youtube.com/@dqfmhttps://patreon.com/dragonquestfm