Dunce (Dunce) Revolution

Send us Fan MailI mean, surely you've heard the news.We're not going to sit here and tell you something bombastic like, "It's the death of video games!" or anything like that. It's honestly just one console manufacturer feeling a little bold and trying to see what they can get away with.Granted, it sure does feel anti-consumer and another instance of the proverbial needle moving towards having less to show for your money, but hey, it's 2026 (current year argument), so what else is new?Beyond the current news griping, we also complain about Star Fox - a good looking game that, if using the self-proclaimed Nintendo metric of pricing games based on their worth, could probably stand to retail for just a bit cheaper.Also, we try to convince Porter to finally play BG3...by talking about BG1. It kind of works.

Send us Fan Mail"Why must everything be so nutso-buttso expensive!" is the question on our minds as we post this episode. The Steam Machine turned out to be a bit pricier than most people hoped, GTA6 is launching at 80 dollars - Thanks Mario Kart! - or a whole benjamin if you want access to all the in-game stores and accessories, and now Rockstar Games is asking us all to preorder but your physical orders will just be a code in a box!Despite this, we can't help but be a little excited at the game commercials we were treated with during the various Totally Not E3 Summer Games Fest/State of Play/Hexbox Showcase/Nintendo Direct/maybe some indie things. Listen, September is looking STACKED and even if it would be physically impossible to play everything coming out you know suckers like us will still fork over the cash.Wow, all we do is talk about money when the best things in life are free. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales is 59.99 dollars American MSRP.

Send us Fan MailMay is apparently chock full of goodness as we discuss three titles that totally impressed us: Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Forza Horizon 6  007 First Light Seriously, this might be our most positive episode ever. It's almost as if we actually like to play video games and get some kind of enjoyment from the hobby...despite what our previous 89 episodes would have you believe.Granted, the whole calendar seems to fall off the face of the earth around the currently scheduled GTA launch in November (third delay is the charm?), but at least we have these May flowers.Plus, maybe the rest of the year will fill in after Sony shows whatever it's planning at that big State of Play that will also be in select theaters for reasons yet unknown (the unrealistic part of me is hoping they decide to unveil a handheld console. Things were better in general when handheld consoles existed).

Send us Fan MailWe go on a real rambler this episode. I mean some all time tangents.But Porter, who always has his finger on the pulse (I really had to resist making that into a stupid joke) saw not only went to the theater and saw that new Mortal Kombat film, the one with the guy from The Boys, but also has played Mixtape and declares it a premature GOTY.Buzz played a game about evolving an animal that is decidedly not just a crab.

Send us Fan MailWe're talking about Saros, that action shooter rogue-light developed for the PS5 by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment (and who says "the PlayStation has no games"?) We really dig the combat and the zippy pace of the gameplay loop, but hotdog are those some rough looking facial animations.So, overall It's pretty good, but perhaps only the appetizer, the amuse-bouche if you will, for even more exciting things to come out this month."It's gotta be a strange twist of fateTelling me that Heaven can waitTelling me to get it right this timeLife doesn't mean a thingWithout the love you bringLove is what we've foundThe second time around"(And I ain't referencing the Olivia Newton-John version...Not because she's not great or anything, but if you know who covers this and you listened to the first 15 minutes of this episode... well, then you know too much!)

Send us Fan MailI think that episode title says it all.But, we don't stop with just one great indie game, because we also chat about Titanium Court, which is pretty, pretty, pretty good.And then for some inexplicable reason, Buzz went and played the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate, as in the first one, and talks about the weirdness of going back after living out whole lifetimes within BG3."I guess it would be that we just don't know how to make a bad game." - The Poncle team if they were ever hypothetically asked about their one weakness (This is not a real quote, I am just gassing them up).

Send us Fan MailWe cover a lot of ground in this episode, as we finally reconvene to talk about that really good Star Fox movie hidden inside a kind of mediocre sugar rush of a Mario sequel film.Buzz has also been living a cozy experience on a low stakes island with a cast of colorful characters. Sound familiar? Well it shouldn't, because it's not Animal Crossing or Pokopia, it's Tomodachi Life™: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch. It's kind of like watching TV, except you have to generate the cast and give them a lot of direction, but at least they have literally zero filters.But the real one to write home about has been a wholly new IP from Capcom: Pragmata. It's not a sad dad game, but you do have to contend with the robots from that awful Will Smith movie (which one am I right?). Bonus points for the child android not being horribly annoying.By the way, here's that Star Fox animated series we were talking about:https://www.youtube.com/c/AFoxinSpace

Send us Fan MailWe at one point compare it to the adult entertainment industry, and it makes a lot of sense in context, and for that I am feeling really proud.

Send us Fan MailIt's a real potpourri of topics since it's that quiet period between big monthly releases, but at least we'll always have Mahjong.We also get a bit topical and talk about the mass layoff at Epic, the Sony console price hikes, and the upcoming (and by now screening in theaters) "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" which I feel the need to quote because anytime the literal word movie is in the title it just feels wrong grammatically.Under no circumstances should you copy a Mahjong card.

Send us Fan MailThat was a lie. As it turns out, he was not having a blast.Also, in before even more drama with Pearl Abyss surfaces around things like undisclosed AI inclusion, the rancid control scheme (RIP M&K players), and the ongoing conga line of bugs and crashes. You just know there's more to come.Oh, and pour one out for anyone on an base PS5 or Xbox Series S, you definitely deserved better.

Send us Fan Mail69: 1. And so Pokémon Pokopia turned to its fellow disciple and said, "Lo Donkey Kong, though thou hast fought hard and strong to justify the purchase of a same feeling console, now is the time for thine rest."2. And Pokopia shall feed those hungry for Animal Crossing and offer succor to those who are lost and want for Pokécomfort.3. Verily, though thou not always feel the efforts of the billion dollar corporation, delight thyself in the work of Omega Force and see what is possible.

Send us Fan MailRE9 is really good and I don't feel the need to elaborate.Also you might be wondering why we refer to things that have already come out in this episode as if we are looking forward to them, and that's because our editor, who is also me, was being lazy and didn't get the episode done on time. (Yeah, Mar10 day at GameStop really aged well as a discussion topic...)However, to make up for it, we'll be uploading another episode today. Our six fans are going to be eating good at the buffet.

Send us Fan MailSorry, I was busy praying at the altar I made in the back of my non-walk-in closet to Leon S. Kennedy and almost forgot to post this episode.Anyway, besides talking about the ever important subject of "What if The Sopranos, but Muppets?" we also spend some time looking at Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, an RGG Studio entry that stretches the limits of asset reuse to the point that it's actually three Yakuza games in a trench coat hoping they can sneak in to see an R-rated film.We also talk a bit about Mewgenics and how that whole voice, or meow, cast seems to have at least one person you in particular will not approve of and how Buzz is really bad at the game.Meanwhile, Porter has been playing RE2, like a lot, and finally got around to 3. You could say he is ready for Raccoon City, but then again, did he ever really leave?Oh, and a 2023 remake of Wizardry for no reason. It's that kind of week I guess.

Send us Fan MailWe're entering a "when it rains, it pours" kind of February with releases, but the starting sprinkle is an interesting, if somehow improbably slimmed down yet still bloated, take on an old DQ classic - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. SE is very into recreating old hits and slapping RE words on the title (Reimagined, Rebirth, Reflux...).Speaking of RE words, no matter what we can all look forward to RE9 at the end of the month. In fact, Porter's so excited he's been all over that Raccoon City police station with a visit back to Resident Evil 2 (2019).And while we're on the subject of going back, Buzz takes us way back to the late 80's as he gasses on about how Last Armaggedon (think SMT but it's Demons vs. Aliens) needs the old remake treatment already!And finally, we end the episode on a bit of a dour note as we stand gobsmacked (but not really if you've been paying attention at all) as we suddenly have to contend with notable industry figures who may have some alleged ties to a predator, his island, and those creepy files.Yakuza Kiwami 3 better be halfway decent. I really need a win right about now.

Send us Fan MailHey, at least we're at that point in the year where we can start looking forward to games actually releasing! February seems to be a pretty packed month, what with a "re-imagined" Dragon Quest VII, Yakuza 3 getting the Kiwami treatment, Nioh going for the triple deluxe, and a brand new Resident Evil game with everyone's favorite feathered, layered, mid-length curtain cut with iconic side-swept part making his return.Putting aside the thrill of possibility and hope inherent to purchases we haven't made yet and therefore cannot be disappointed by, is the polar opposite, which is a game we didn't have to pay for that left us so, so disappointed: Highguard (developed and published by Wildlight Entertainment, Inc.).And sometimes we too like to double-down, and with that in mind, Porter ends the episode with a spoiler laden review of the film Return to Silent Hill, supposedly based off of Silent Hill 2 (amateur tip: you don't have to put your special spin on video game film adaptations, especially if you have no knowledge of the source material).We are really kicking off 2026 with a bang in the video game sphere!Also, did you see Chris-Chan got a Mewgenics press kit? That has to mean something.

Send us Fan MailWe ask the titular hard hitting question as we enter 2026 with our Switch 2 in hand, because between egregious DLC (Pokemon Legends Z-A and Donkey Kong Bananza), overpriced upgrade packages for half a decade old titles, and the totally "necessary" price hike for some games (Mario Kart World, full stop....No, seriously, please stop), we simply have to wonder.Did I hear you ask what spurred such ugly ranting dear reader? Why we dug further into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and found that it continues to be lacking, well lacking in everything but the cringe NPCs.It's not all doom and gloom in dry January however, as Porter fills us in on his latest addiction to idle clicker games on Steam and Buzz gives a glowing review of his first few hours with Pathologic 3.

Send us Fan MailAs it is ordained in the old texts, we have come together in the new year to compare our top ten games of 2025. We have crafted these lists independently, in total seclusion, to ensure that we are provided the purest and freshest lists for your consideration. We were also asked to dunk on a few games this year, because 2025, like in general, was just highs and lows all over the place.Also, can you believe it's our fourth season/year of this show already!? See everybody, you can do something with an extreme, almost robotic level of routine and still not be popular!Just like The Game Awards, we meander quite a bit before we get to the actual award ceremony:Biggest Disappointments (0:22:45)Most Overrated (0:47:04)Honorable Mentions (0:51:12)The Top Ten (0:54:29)

Send us Fan MailWe descend into that languid period of the year where the earth lies fallow and we begin to digest and churn what was Geoff Keighley's The Game Awards. The wire acrobatics, the career ending affair with a porcine muppet, and a jilted lover in the form of a man who wants to make spooky games all the way from Japan. Drama!We keep it tight and tidy by sticking to the following topics:Disgaea 1 Complete 0:13:39Skate Story 0:23:34Octopath Traveler 0 0:30:03The Game Awards 0:50:00

Send us Fan MailNah, it's actually pretty good, especially if you prefer the Prime series over the "MetroidVania" 2D entries.We cover a handful of late 2026 titles before dusting off the old crystal ball and telling who will win (or at least should win) at  Geoff Keighley's The Game Awards, brought you in part by that asset flip of a Hell statue he keeps showing off...Games and topics we churn out factory line style include:The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy  0:08:02Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road 0:15:46Escape The Mad Empire 0:21:29The Secret of Weepstone  0:27:19Kirby Air Riders 0:30:48Marvel Cosmic Invasion 0:41:53Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 0:50:40The Game Awards predictions 1:10:49

Send us Fan MailMan, that was a dry and dusty-musty Black Friday/Cyber Monday, with nary a deal to be found. Sort of the slow part of the year in general really. Don't worry though, we aren't talking about Geoff Keighley's the Game Awards...yet.Nevertheless, Porter has been honing his skills as a superhero coordinator in Dispatch and Buzz has been hitting those leader boards in Megabonk (I mean, he wishes, but top 5% ain't bad (it ain't great either)).Games we eventually get around to talking about include:Megabonk (0:04:10)Pokémon  Legends: Z-A  (0:11:33)Super Fantasy Kingdom (0:18:23)Dungeons and Dragons: Adventures in Faerun (0:26:29)Dispatch (0:44:20)PlayStation Portal (0:56:40)Final Fantasy X / Kingdom Hearts III (1:03:40)

Send us Fan MailAfter an abysmal time with Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, Buzz was saved from the worst ending thanks to the goddess of game release schedules saving the best for last: Dragon Quest  I & II HD-2D Remake!Porter takes a trip down memory lane for his Halloween by trying out Luigi's Mansion on the Virtual Console, which basically spat on him and called him "poor" (derogatory) at the end of his play through.We also hype up some Steam samplings that are already hot on the charts, and explore Steam's new store calendar feature (capitalism really popped off today).Games we finally enjoyed this episode include:Dragon Quest  I & II HD-2D Remake (0:08:23)BALL x PIT (0:43:21)Escape From Duckov (0:49:02)Luigi's Mansion (1:06:33)

Send us Fan MailI guess we're on our disappointment tour, because we didn't exactly enjoy the majority of titles we're talking about this week... (Hold me now / I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking / Maybe six feet ain't so far down)That is to say, games we are excited to talk about include:Pokemon Legends: Z-A  (0:02:10)Ghost of Yotei (0:41:56)Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines 2  (0:49:08)DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake  (1:20:40)You know, I'm something of a gamer myself.

Send us Fan MailPorter is very excited to tell you about his visit with the Ghost of Japan Christmas Past, that being Ghost of Yotei from Sucker Punch Productions. Even noted hater of fun, Buzz, might pick it up based on his glowing recommendation.Speaking of someone who never created the world's most famous internet OC, Buzz is visited by the Ghost of Vampire Christmas Yet to Come as he talks up Vampire: the Masquerade (both the TTRPG and original Bloodlines PC game) in heady anticipation of Bloodlines 2! Spoilers from the Ghost of Bad Games Present: It's kind of a garbage title...Here's all the ghosts we bust on this episode:Digimon Story: Time Stranger (0:06:33)Ghost of Yotei (0:16:37)Vampire: the Masquerade - the TTRPG (0:36:45)Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines (0:49:22)Bye Sweet Carole (1:00:55)Absolum (1:10:58)Alan Wake II (1:16:15) 

Send us Fan MailOh, "Spooky Season" is starting off right, whether you're a basic or a full blown goth, you surely can find something to love.Games we maybe give a little too much praise to this episode include:Silent Hill f (0:04:51)Digimon Story: Time Stranger (0:14:36)Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles (0:47:33)Game Pass price increases (0:58:47)Fortnite pulls Peacemaker emote (01:04:34)LEGO Game Boy (01:12:17)Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 (01:16:45)

Send us Fan MailDid you HAGS? Because we most definitely did not HAGS.But at the very least we are entering the best part of the year: October. Call me the "Gabaghoul" because...you know it's spooky out... and we have a lot of business to take care of gaming wise...Games we had mild anxiety over this episode include: Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (0:2:46)Silent Hill f (0:11:22)Hollow Knight: Silksong (0:30:12)Sonic Racing: Crossworlds (0:47:12)Hades II (01:01:26)Megabonk (1:12:17) Atelier Resleriana The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian (1:15:40)

Send us Fan MailWe sent Porter to report on Gen Con, the largest tabletop game convention in North America (He went of his own accord). At which, he was able to get the exclusive scoop on gaming celebs, including Matt Mercer and Margaret Weiss (He saw them as part of normal, routine events at the convention). And most importantly, he had a great time doing it (this part is true).Meanwhile, the isolated and weird lain-pilled NEET hikikomori femcel shut-in Buzz played a bunch of crap piling up on his HDD. He don't go places.Games we discuss include: Persona 3 Reload, Dragon Quest I/II, Date Everything, Brotato, and the D&D Gold Box Games.

Send us Fan MailHey, what can we say except it's really really good?No, seriously, this is a pretty positive episode overall, a rarity in the Dunce household... just feels nice to play a decent game that's worth your time and money?I was going to do a whole like, parody of the lyrics to the DK Rap here, but that seemed excessive and a little corny. So, just enjoy the episode and stay safe out there.

Send us Fan MailWe're thinking of a number from 1 to 100 this episode, and we expect you to use your telepathy to intuit the exact numeral. Of course, since you rolled up a test character using the latest Unearthed Arcana from DnDBeyond.com that was all about Psions (now with plenty of fresh sub-classes so all the other character classes can get in on the psychic fun), that should be a piece of cake.This is also an extra, and we mean EXTRA, long episode, because sometimes when you get Buzz and Will talking about TTRPGs, well frankly there's not enough tape in the recorder. Also, it doesn't help that they ping around from such topics as: The Gamers film series, "I Saw the TV Glow", Buffy, Vampire the Masquerade, Strahd (sensing a theme here...), Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, AIs turning into mechanized versions of the worst figures from history, and so much more!Are we really going to a Dark Sun episode next!? Yeah, I think so. Actually, seems to be getting some attention thanks to the popularity of the Dune film franchise of all things, so there you have it...

Send us Fan MailListen if Nicki Minaj is the Queen of Rap than Hideo Kojima is the king of cra.... no, even though it's a childish rhyme and fits the low-brow vibes of this show, it's not fair or representative of the efforts captured in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.While we capture our reactions to having now finished Death Stranding 2 in this episode, it is spoiler free. So, cool those piggies in some tar and join us in our meditations on Norman Reedus UPS delivery simulator part 2.We also briefly touch on the utter shame that is the massive Microsoft layoffs that have hit the videogame vertical hard. Let's be clear, we don't feel bad for the corporate entity that is Microsoft, who claim to be having a great year (yes, even in terms of videogame figures), but rather for all the team members who are suddenly looking for work and won't see their efforts on multi-year projects come to fruition. Shameful.

Send us Fan MailOkay, admittedly I was a little behind schedule this week, partly due to needing to install an updated PSU in the PC I use to edit these episodes, but at least I didn't have to date the PSU. Like in that popular new game Date Everything from Sassy Chap Games and published by Team17. Topical! (We do actually cover it in this episode, I am not just referencing newly released games blithely).I mean, yes, this episode is also actually already "dated" in the temporal sense because we were talking about Death Stranding 2 the night before it releases and, well, it's out now (we had some spot on predictions I might add).Beyond all that, Porter shares his thoughts on revisiting Relic Entertainment's Warhammer 40k: Space Marine, the Anniversary Edition, and Buzz does some rambling about computer parts. But the real offender is Remedy Entertainment's FBC: Firebreak (Two R. Entertainment developers...coincidence or something greater looming in the distance?). For two people who really like the Control universe and Alan Wake, we couldn't find many nice things to say about this one unfortunately.---Releases are falling on my headAnd just like the guy whose backlog's too big for his bedNothing seems to fitThose releases are falling on my head, they keep falling

Send us Fan MailAs the dust finally settles on the vacuous retail Hellscape, some emerge clutching furtively to their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. They wonder, as they careen around the open world of Mario Kart World Tour, was it worth it? Was any of it worth it?I mean kinda...sorta depends on how much you like Mario Kart and if you plan on playing a lot of the first party exclusives I guess? But either way you personally slice it, we are talking about the Nintendo Switch 2's launch.We ponder the reasoning behind Mario Kart World Tour being the game that kicks off the 80 dollar price point, Porter weighs in with some Cyberpunk 2077 thoughts, and Buzz shares his experiences with the Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster (He unlocked the JP Up ability for abilink and none of his friends have even started their files...ingrates!).We also take a trip down retail memory lane as we recall and then imagine some of the zanier encounters we have had at our favorite hobby stores. People get weird when they spend money, and that's a fact.--- Bobby: Mr. Gribble, who is your number one favorite hero?  Dale: You are if you get me a Switch 2.

Send us Fan MailIf you're lucky enough to have gotten a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you might share in the fan-base's anxiety as big box stores in the US and abroad continue to send cancellation notices for pre-orders (and accidental cancellation notices) just days in advance of the console's big launch. And so, we take a moment to reflect on the more chaotic moments that have brought us to this console release and where we think it might be heading in the coming months.From there, we pivot to a game that's been helping us pass the time, although "helping" is kind of an odd word in this case, as we've been shackled to less than helpful randoms in FromSoftware's Elden Ring Nightreign. For the love of Marika, please let us play as duos FromSoft.And yeah, so we're going to go check our shipping status again. Surely, there's a tracking number by now. Right? RIGHT!?This episode is dedicated to the memory of Jonathan Joss, whose talents helped shaped one of the greatest American animated series to grace television, and whose memory will be honored by the survivors of the violence that unjustly took him from this world.

Send us Fan MailThat's right, we played a bunch of spooky junk this week, but not before we stop and give Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 its flowers. That game was good all the way through, and is a real contender for game of the year at the almost halfway point of 2025.After clapping up what is clearly GotY, Porter shares his exploits with Id's latest foray into the Doom franchise with Doom: The Dark Ages. Sort of the Summer Beach Read of games from what I understand.From there, we turn the dial on the GrimDark air fryer from fantastical to fully Sci-Fi as Buzz shares his experiences on the frontier of known Imperium space in Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader (spoiler alert, everyone is mad when you try not to be a total arsehole).Anyway, here's a typical conversation in Rogue Trader:Protag: So, how do we feel about NOT nuking that orphanage from space that one person claimed might be heretical with no proof?Seneschal: My Lord, I beg of you to reconsider!Fish-Wife: They aren't nobles, what does it matter if they die?Bible Girl: By the Emperor's light! Any stain of heresy must be removed!Robot Wizard/Cleric: Beep-boop, don't ask me.Protag: Okay, fine, fire the missiles...Pretty good game, like an 8/10, but could use more Hillbilly Goblin.

Send us Fan MailYou guessed it, what with your highly perceptive ability to read and be aware of current releases, that we are talking about the quite excellent Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive.But not before we come down from the adrenaline rush that was the Nintendo Switch 2 midnight online preorder blitz that occurred stateside just the other week. It was, in fact, a bit messy (no one would shut up and take our money (yes, that's a timely and not played out reference to a visual meme done poorly in text)).We also ponder the future of Xbox consoles and the potential for MS to become more of a digital service provider, especially considering the recent price increase this late into the current console's lifecycle. Perhaps everything else literally will have to be your Xbox going forward?But finally, we get to Clair Obscur, which is honestly a serious contender for Game of the Year (and not even retailing at the standard price for AAA games - looking at you Mario Kart...). We avoid spoilers for anything past the early to mid-game.Also, we have since finished the title, so some comments we make wondering at the why and how of the setting have been made less....obscure since recording.We also don't make a joke about expedition 69.

Send us Fan MailWe've got a very special episode for our dear listeners, because we are answering YOUR questions. You asked, we answered (to the best of our limited abilities).We also discuss seeing some of the leads of Dungeons & Dragons, that being Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, departing from the franchise after years of contributions and fan interaction.And we round out this episode with a victory lap for Will as he recounts some of the best DnD playing that I have seen in literal years as a DM. I mean, to use the Horn of Silent Alarm like that, well, it's Nobel Prize level stuff.---And the last page reads, "And a very special thanks to..."And you turn the page and it's a little mirror super glued to the inside of the back cover that shows your reflection.

Send us Fan MailMuch like the spice, we played a melange of games this past week as we continue to nervously refresh our browsers waiting for the pre-order floodgates to open this week.We kick things off with Schedule 1 (TVGS), a management sim that is taking Steam by storm, even in its early access state, by offering an oddly charming and goofy spin on the Walter White experience (eyebrows, eyebrows, wink, wink, need we say more?).From there, Buzz reflects on his time as Robocop (Teyon). He got to say "Freeze slimebag!" and write some parking tickets. It's on the PSN if that's up your alley.He also played through the PSP port of Ape Escape: On the Loose, which is the PSP port of the original Ape Escape for the PSX. And that's all there really is to that.But best of all, Buzz played Omori (OMOCAT) developed by the web artist Omocat, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's like Earthbound, but if you were encouraged to do some light crying even before the end of the game.Meanwhile, while all of that was going on, Porter was blasting his way through Devil May Cry 1-4 (Capcom) like his soul depended on it. For a beloved series, it's a bit wild how the quality of the games varies so greatly from title to title, but you won't hear us crying about it.Anyways, if you want a Switch 2, here's hoping that you secure a pre-order, you know, assuming that the economic reality of our times doesn't shift wildly again in the next 72 hours. I mean, it's not like that could happen...again...and again...and again..."Robo wants a Switch 2."And I looked at him and I go, "No. It's just you and I Peter. Robo doesn't get a Switch 2. If Peter wants a Switch 2, Peter can have a Switch 2."Then he clip-clops in the suit over to the edge of the railing, and Peter starts bellowing, "ROBO WANTS A SWITCH 2!"

Send us Fan MailDexterity (Stealth) roll: 4"That's what she said. And you know what I. What was that? Okay, James."And really that's the energy we are bringing to this episode about everyone's favorite ne'er-do-wells, the Rogue. The class that makes being bad a good thing, especially when the lock picking, pick-pocketing, and peeping on people is done in the context of a dungeon and the folks getting burgled had it coming.Sarah joins Buzz to recount some of the history of the Thief to Rogue pipeline, while also looking at the current 5E 2024 subclasses which have seemingly only helped to improve the Rogue experience.Burns inspiration.Dexterity (Stealth) roll: 3"Don't let the killer get you. Like Halloween, I think it's for ghouls and goblins. and for the killer in disguise to choke you out. Regular scarves have the ends..."

Send us Fan MailOh, we're doing some complaining this episode about future toys that we cannot buy yet, but maybe we will be able to, but then again maybe not? Let's just say the uncertainty of, well, everything was already getting to us, but when you take away the shiny bread and circuses, it really gets one to thinking...Naturally we talk a bit about games we are playing, including Atelier Yumia and Wanderstop, but really we are here to point at that Nintendo Switch 2 price tag, before the tariff increases mind you, and jump up and down and screech like chimpanzees in front of the monolith.Well I'm Tariff Tony and I'm here to say Your Nintendo Switch is on a bit of a delay A delay, a deportation, a surcharge, unnatural inflation Another case of a bad international business relationFelons and technocrats tellin' lies And all the nerd gets is nothin' to buy! Fan boys deludin'em, CEOs fleecin'emWindwaker repeatin'em, Piranha cameras stay peepin'em Big D Bowser is scared o' me Cuz I don't pay 90 dollars and expect my online for free Lemme clear my throat, ha-ha-haaa !

Send us Fan MailBack-to-back-to-back episodes this week! We are either spoiling you all or Buzz is really behind on editing, and ultimately you decide. Either way, it's a jam-packed episode as we discuss some surprisingly timely games and some surprisingly untimely novels.We kick things off by laughing along with that Ubisoft Twitter account (I called it what I called it). Then we dive into Atelier Yumia and the Longest Subtitle Known to Man, I mean, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land  (KOEI TECMO GAMES), which we are both enjoying as new and veteran atelier fans.From there, we start think spacey thoughts as we share our experiences retreading the expanded Xeno-verse in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition (Monolith Soft). Big robot good, but time to actually get big robot not so good?Finally, we explore a new Steam game from Devolver Digital, Look Outside before taking a trip to old Dragonlance! (Yes, I know the world is Krynn, don't @ me). The Humble Bundle is definitely worth it, and no we are not sponsored (ever...)."A wizard is limited by the number of spells he can cast per day!"

Send us Fan MailWe finally finished grappling hooking our way through Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios, published by EA), and that means we have every right to complain about it. Loudly.Well, that's not entirely the case, as, surprising to literally no one, Porter enjoyed his overall time with it and Buzz has once again taken any excuse to gripe he can get. Be forewarned, we spoil the majority of the narrative in this episode, with special focus on the last thirty or so minutes of the game.We also squeeze in a bit of Dungeons & Dragons talk, specifically about Porter's impressions of the game as a newer player and how he is getting along. See that, free Dunce (Dunce) Dungeon mini-episode!We also talk a few early impressions of the Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition (Monolith Soft), which causes us to take a trip down memory lane to its predecessor series Xenosaga. You know, that space opera JRPG that had a character who helped Jesus perform his miracles (Yes, seriously).Come and try some sci-fiCome and read some fantasyWe've been cyberninjasWe've been dragon ridersWhere the kisses arehers and hers and some weird CEO's,Three's company too.

Send us Fan MailWe're discussing everyone's favorite pillar of the explore-socialize-combat holy trinity of D&D (I was referring to combat in case it's not your favorite, and honestly, that's fair).Of course, combat has been on our players' minds lately, as they are quickly approaching an encounter with a Black Dragon that has the potential to retire a few character sheets depending on how it all shakes out.We meander all over the place, as is our want, and end up talking about factions and the renown system, tucking the wizard in after combat to recharge your walking spell gun, memorable monster encounters vs. gathering around a monster shaped pinata, the pros and cons of the experience gain system, how Leomund's Tiny Hut is the best spell, and how Monks are eating good in the 2024 PHB.We also breakdown our thoughts on the recent layoffs to the team that helped launch the Sigil VTT and how that whole situation could have probably gone better...

Send us Fan MailThat's right, we played that obscenely popular Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios), but not without some major roadblocks from the always unnecessary EA account system. My personal hill is that no publisher needs their own launcher, account, service, or whatever. What am I already overpaying Sony for if not to enable a smooth multiplayer experience? And now I gotta stop and try to unblock an EA account to play the game I just threw down fifty dollars American for!?No, it's cool. It's fine. I am over it. I don't need to keep talking about it. I understand we got way bigger issues in both the world at large and locally to us all. Current year argument/makes a wide gesturing motion to a world on fire. Yes, we can move on to something more edifying. But it was, you know, BS.We also chat a bit about the growing multiplayer community in Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom) and the treat that is the Suikoden I/II HD Remaster (Konami)."Trust me, as a gamer myself, I understand your frustrations" ~ A support person who did not, in fact, understand my frustrations.

Send us Fan MailThat's right, we're playing the latest entry in the ever-popular Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds! (Well, maybe once the game opens up about 15 hours in...).Woah, calm down! That was a joke and totally hyperbolic. Also, it's not my fault that Monster Hunter Wilds has a delicious nougat-y center surrounded by a hard candy shell that must be broken down via hours of salivary action before it finally turns the car keys over to you, having finally recognized that you understand the dangers of the open road.What was I typing about? So, I made my character look like the protagonist from Eroica with Love by Yasuko Aoike (Yes, I know it's been on hiatus since 2012), who was actually modeled after Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. We have no affiliation with Plant, his music, art, or any other aspect of his career, nor have we been given permission to use his likeness. Luckily, this is not his likeness, it is the likeness of fictional character Dorian Red Gloria, Earl of Gloria who happens to to be modeled after Plant, so yeah. Also, big fans of Plant and Zeppelin.Anyway, Monster Hunter is pretty good, but that multiplayer menu and set up could use a second pass. Lots of spider and octopus monsters this time too. They really said, "Let's get weird!" and I can dig it.

Send us Fan MailThere's always room for more Yakuza, ahem, I mean Like a Dragon, and that's the whole focus of this episode as Buzz and Porter talk about their time with the recently released "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega/SEGA of America).And yeah, it's just a really good game, so if you were looking for about fifty minutes of people really enjoying a video game for a change, then you're in luck. You can also head over to https://www.duncerevolution.com/post/like-a-dragon-pirate-yakuza-in-hawaii-review to read our written review as well.We avoid any plot relevant spoilers and stick to discussing events that occur within the first few hours of the game, because we're damn decent like that.We also briefly chat about NetEase laying off the American Marvel Rivals team and wonder if you can ever make a game successful enough to avoid being laid off?

Send us Fan MailIt's another one of those episodes were the ghost of Audio Christmas Past, Present, and Future decide to haunt production, but we soldier on anyway. So, yes it was late, but at least it arrived! Also, you will hear us talk about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as if it is still not out when it is in fact already out by the time you hear this, so just be cool about it. In fact, you're guaranteed zero spoilers this way because we stick to only talking about the demo, so look at that, you can listen worry free now. I wouldn't mind a thank you very much for that actually.But to the meat of the matter - Porter gives us his impression on the recently released Civilization 7, a game which seems to have the fanbase fairly polarized. Meanwhile, Buzz also discusses his time with WARRIORS: Abyss, a game that isn't abysmal, just not very memorable.I would type more malarkey here to make it look like I am contributing, but I need to go see if I can figure out that new Sigil tool before tomorrow's session. 

Send us Fan MailIt's another character class centered episodes as we chat about everybody's favorite goody two shoes: the Paladin. Once again, Buzz sits down with a veteran level and current player in his campaign, Will, to chat about the class Will is actively playing. But first, we talk a little shop and about the nature of reviews, doing justice to creators vs. being consumer advocates when critiquing a piece of media, and the overall state of the industry lately. If you just want to hear some good old fashioned TTRPG talk, skip to around the 18 minute mark (18:00).We also find some time to have some very early thoughts about the 2024 Monster Manual, which has a surprising number of excellent updates. Will also returned from a trip to NYC, where he saw not one, but two DND live shows and shares his experiences at the theatre.I know the more hip generations talk about whether someone has "aura" or not, but I don't think they mean in the way a Paladin does....or do they?

Send us Fan Mail(It's not just a potentially randy joke in the title, it's also a Nosferatu (2024) reference....in fact let's say it was a Nosferatu reference first in case this isn't allowed or something, and any other interpretation wasn't our intent all along. Smoooooth.)No, but obviously we are discussing Warhorse Studio's "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" (published by Deep Silver), the sequel in what is now a series of Late Medieval action RPGs with some deeply immersive elements. To be completely at the Renaissance Fair about it, we get a little more critical in this episode as we get into the finer details of the game play. But, we did end up giving it a good score overall. What's that you say? You weren't aware we were also officially reviewing games now? Well guess what, we are! And you can check out Buzz' written review on our new website, www.duncerevolution.com, if you're more into reading or need to see a numeric score for some reason.We also briefly talk about the PSN monthly gift game for February 2025 "High on Life" and the "Monster Hunter Wilds" beta, you know, if you happened to be able to play it when the PSN finally came back online this past weekend... 

Send us Fan MailSo, to keep it brief, Porter played Mahjong IRL with some middle aged ladies in his neighborhood and he couldn't get enough of it. So then he went home and booted up Yakuza Kiwami to continue to playing the Microsoft Solitaire equivalent of Mahjong. And now he might actually finish Yakuza Kiwami (and it's about time).But first we start off with something slightly newer:  Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Jump Over the Age, 2024), a fresh take on cyberpunk, resource management, and most of all, dice rolls.And for no good reason, Buzz played some Dead By Daylight and learned the skill gap is real and that he will probably just stick to watching drag artists stream it on Twitch.Also, we come to the agreement that Goro Majima is probably the best character in any video game and we cannot wait for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

Send us Fan MailIf you couldn't tell by the episode title, Buzz is somewhat excited to have received the latest Nippon Ichi Software SRPG "Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero" early. In fact, not even some weird cold symptoms could keep him from mouth-breathing his way through some early impressions.Meanwhile, Porter shares his experiences with the surprise drop that was Ninja Gaiden 2: Black from Koei Tecmo. And since we let him get away with honestly too much on this podcast, Porter also shares his recommendation for the comic series "Die" (2018-2021, Image Comics). No, but actually it sounds really good.And because of the previous item, we get sidetracked talking about isekai as a genre and how the deep VRMMO plots could lay off some of their contrivances. "My life is like a videogame, trying hard" - no it's not. Stop. We got real problems to contend with and serious turmoil on a global scale. Now let's play some D&D...

Send us Fan MailWill joins the party again as we swap old stories of our time around the table fighting everyone's favorite vampire, Count Strahd von Zarovich. We deftly work our way from Ravenloft's humble origins in 1983 to the more contemporary Curse of Strahd module from 2016 and its revisions since.Spoilers for both the Curse of Strahd and Vecna: Eve of Ruin modules for D&D 5e (2014). We don't delve too heavily into plot spoilers, but if you plan to play through this module as a player, you might want to save this episode for after your campaign. However, if you're a DM, come on in and learn some tricks to really mess with your players!Naturally we meander all over the place, covering such topics as Mordenkainen's magnificent marketing schemes for spell names, why owning a piece of property may be one of the greatest plot hooks of all time, and how many times you can pull the doppelganger trick on your players (Answer: infinite number of times).So, push that girl into the healing pound, take a few levels in Cleric, and grab some Strahd electrum as we dive headlong into Barovia!