PODCAST · leisure
Neutral Game
by Scanline Media
What makes fighting games tick? Pros can tell you how to get better. Lab monsters can teach you combos. But here at Neutral Game, we're passionate about design. An interesting movelist, cool system mechanics, interesting writing, good teaching tools, compelling single player! A few mid-level fighting game friends discuss the genre, and the magic of a good fight.
Episodes
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Neutral Game – Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Community Edition
When's Marvel? Right now. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 hit the FGC like a bombshell years ago, and despite some misgivings about its development time, the Ultimate revision is the one of record. In the world of tag fighters, there is none more prestigious, chaotic, and celebrated. But fifteen years after...
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Neutral Game Episode 53 – Prepping for a Major
How do you turn this show on again? Oh, like that. Ok. Hello, friends and folks! Welcome back to Neutral Game, your newbie friendly fighting game podcast! 2025 was a year where we were both super busy and there wasn't a lot of fighting game stuff we wanted to talk about, but 2026 will be…
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Neutral Game Episode 52 – Tekken 8
Well, it's a bit overdue, but let's talk about Tekken, shall we? The King of Iron Fist has returned, and our hosts have taken a while to sort out their feelings. Clearly, it's a well made game that does some impressive and admirable things. But it also engenders a weird sort of animosity in us?…
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Neutral Game Episode 51 – Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Six and Kyrie are more than ready to Rock the Dragon with the newest fighting game in the Dragon Ball series! But, while Dragon Ball FighterZ was a tag fighter in the style of Marvel vs. Capcom, and thus very familiar, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is an ~arena~ fighter. You know, that genre that...
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Neutral Game Episode 50 – Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (Part 2)
Today in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, 2B was released as the latest DLC character! Don't expect thoughts on her in this episode recorded last Thursday, but we have plenty of other thoughts about the cast of GBVSR, the modes and tutorials, the missteps, and the future of the game. Our artwork...
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Neutral Game Episode 49 – Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (Part 1)
The original Granblue Fantasy Versus, high-budget fighting game adaptation of the popular gacha game Granblue Fantasy was... imperfect, to phrase it kindly. Netcode, balance, systems, there were some shortcomings that could use addressing. Unfortunately, the game hit at the worst possible time…
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Neutral Game Episode 48 – Street Fighter 6 (Part 2)
Our Street Fighter 6 breakdown continues with discussions of the other half of the roster, modes, tutorials and training, handicap settings, World Tour discussion, and more. Plus, what's this about Rashid being legal at Evo despite how soon after his release that tournament will be? All this and...
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Neutral Game Episode 47 – Street Fighter 6 (Part 1)
Neutral Game is back with a new cohost to cover a 2023 hit! Street Fighter 6 has been eating up a lot of time over at Scanline Media, as many normal hang sessions quickly become SF6 lobbies. Where does this new game fit in the legacy of Street Fighter, how is it a response to the lessons of 4 and...
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Neutral Game Episode 46 – BlazBlue Centralfiction
The power of a rollback netcode update has revived an old favorite! Six and Miodrag bonded in early days over BlazBlue, and yet somehow have never done an episode on a main series entry- only the Cross Tag Battle spinoff. How does it fair when approached with a 2022 mindset, and does this new...
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Neutral Game – DNF Duel
For this special episode, Six is joined by fellow Scanline Media staffer Kyrie to talk about the DNF Duel beta! The first 8ing fighting game in a long time has Kyrie buzzing with excitement, and Six a little anxious though enjoying it. Let's talk new systems, new characters, new stuff! Miodrag…
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Neutral Game Episode 45 – Touhou 12.3: Hisoutensoku
Conventions deserve to be challenged in every medium, that's how we truly explore the form. It's in that spirit we are checking out Touhou 12.3 Hisoutensoku, the expansion to Touhou 10.5 Scarlet Weather Rhapsody. As you might guess, it's a Touhou fighting game. It's not the first, and it's not…
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Neutral Game Episode 44 – Guilty Gear Strive
This is an extension of our coverage of the beta, which you can find here or on the RSS as episode 42! Strive has now been out for almost a month, and met with great sales success. But how does the game hold up for our two genre fan hosts? Unusually, the podcast is split: Miodrag is pretty…
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Neutral Game Episode 43 – Learning to Lose
To pursue the way of fighting games is to pursue mastery. You aim to be stronger, faster, smarter, all in pursuit of the win. And thus, most fighting game education is around teaching you to win, making you more likely to win. But the reality that folks don't want to talk about is no matter how...
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Neutral Game Episode 42 – Guilty Gear Strive Beta
NOTE: This podcast was recorded before the announcement of Guilty Gear Strive's delay. The year's most anticipated fighting game briefly opened its doors and let us inside! Miodrag is a longtime Guilty Gear fan, whereas Six runs more hot and cold on the series. This beta of the newest entry…
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Neutral Game Episode 41 – Deckcember 2020
Another year has come and gone, and so has another Deckcember! Miodrag spent another month streaming tons of fighting games, and is here to report about a bunch of classic and forgotten fighters, as well as the current state of Fightcade 2's multiplayer services. Don't forget to check out Six and...
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Neutral Game Episode 40 – Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
An unlikely year ends with us checking out an unlikely game! The followup to the beloved Marvel vs Capcom 3, Infinite was the punchline of many jokes at the time of its release. And certainly, its presentation is a proper mess. But if you look beneath the surface, there's some cool gameplay to be...
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Neutral Game Episode 39 – Ninja Master’s
Even further into uncharted waters we go, as 2020 continues to offer little in the way of new fighting games. But glad we are for the shortage, as it has given us the occasion to explore gems of old. Few remember the name Ninja Master's: Hao Ninpo Cho, but this little-known Neo Geo fighter has...
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Neutral Game Episode 38 – Bloody Roar 2
Mankind knew that they could not save society. So instead of reflecting on themselves, they blamed the zoanthropes. In this long fighting game drought we're living through, Miodrag and Six turn to the past for another classic. The Bloody Roar series doesn't have a lot of life these days, but if 2...
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Neutral Game Episode 37 – Capcom vs SNK 2 & Kensei: Sacred Fist
In the middle of a strange year, Miodrag and Six take a look back at some... classics? That title might be a little generous to one of these titles. Capcom vs SNK 2 is a much beloved, never imitated team fighter classic, and Kensei: Sacred Fist is a video game that you can play! Make time for old...
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Neutral Game Episode 36 – Street Fighter V
Miodrag and Six are back to talk fighting games, and this time, V has come to(o). Street Fighter 4 was a WILDLY successful game that helped usher in a revival of the fighting game genre. After several years of expansion and patching, how does the legacy of its sequel stand in the line of a series...
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Neutral Game Episode 35 – Granblue Fantasy Versus
Neutral Game is back with the hottest pull in 2020 fighting games! The prolific veterans Arc System Works have adopted the Japanese gacha game juggernaut Granblue Fantasy into a fighting game. Will this olive branch extended from anime fighters towards Street Fighters stick the landing? Listen…
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Neutral Game Episode 34 – Tekken 7, Revisited
The Neutral Game crew is back to re-evaluate Tekken. How have the shifting meta, changes to the game, and new insights into how the game works affected their thoughts on the most popular 3D fighter in the world? Also, is Virtua Fighter ever coming back? (Probably not.) Don't forget to check out…
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Neutral Game Episode 33 – BBTAG 2.0
The Neutral Game cast is revisiting BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle in the wake of its 2.0 update! More RWBY! More Persona! More UNIEL, more BlazBlue! ...A boobie ninja and a tank? Wow, this roster got weird. How has this tag fighter changed in the last year, and what do these new characters bring to…
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Neutral Game Episode 32 – Them’s Fightin Herds
There ain't no cryin at THIS rodeo. The team at Mane6 making a My Little Pony fighting game discovered that while Friendship is Magic, legal action beats magic. And so they were forced to shelve their project... until an unlikely solution presented itself. The fruit of their efforts, Them's…
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Neutral Game Episode 31 – Ultra Fight Da Kyanta! 2
By popular demand, Miodrag and Six checked out Steam's hottest early access fighting game: Ultra Fight Da Kyanta! 2. It is possible you think you are prepared for what this game is. You are mistaken. It's a meme, it's a chaotic fast fighting game, it has interesting mechanics, surprisingly fun...
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Neutral Game Episode 30 – Dead or Alive 6
Faaaaaaame Douglas. On this episode of Neutral Game, Miodrag and Six play maybe the best 3D fighting game? Wow, it turns out DoA is really good! The two have their complaints about the costumes, the rough launch, and the focus on ecchi content, but the core gameplay is unassailable. If only…
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Neutral Game Episode 29 – Evo 2019
With Evolution 2019 now in the rear view mirror, we have a decent idea of how the various subcommunities and metas of the fighting game community are shaking out. What can we learn from the top 8s, the announcements, and from the choices Evo made as an organization? It's not all smiles and...
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Neutral Game Episode 28 – Samurai Shodown 2019
Show up to shodown. SNK is giving its samurai a spirited revival in the form of Samurai Shodown, a 2019 series reboot of the classic 2D weapon fighter. Will this turn out to be their last blade, or does the soul still burn? Six and Miodrag endeavor to find out in the latest episode of Neutral…
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Neutral Game Episode 27 – Mortal Kombat 11
Netherrealm's latest is also the newest episode for Miodrag and Six! Six has never played an MK seriously before, but Miodrag has given them a real shot in the past. How will this one treat newcomer and returner alike? Unfortunately, we can't just talk about the game, we find ourselves obligated…
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Neutral Game Episode 26 – Retro Collection 1 (TMNT, SSF2, SamSho3)
On this latest episode of Neutral Game, Miodrag and Six cover a trio of old fighting games: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Hero Turtles: Tournament Fighters for the NES, Super Smash Flash 2 for the PC, and Samurai Shodown 3 for the Neo-Geo. From this collection, often overlooked fighting games…
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Neutral Game – Interview with LostSoul
This week, Six had the opportunity to sit down with Guilty Gear pro and Evo 2018 top 3 player, LostSoul. One of the best GG players in the US, the Elphelt from the East Coast has proved that result was anything but a fluke, with impressive tournament showings that cement him as perhaps the best...
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Neutral Game Episode 25 – VS Puzzle Games (Magical Drop 3 & Money Puzzle Exchanger)
This month, Bear and Six sit down to talk about VS Puzzle Games, which share a lot with fighting games. We particularly focus on Magical Drop III and Money Puzzle Exchanger.
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Neutral Game Episode 24 – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The world’s biggest platform fighter has come to a new platform (heheh) with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and a whopping roster of 74 fighters, with more still to come. And yet, none of them is host Miodrag, who is out on vacation! Scrambling to put together a show, Six grabbed ver friends Kat and...
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Neutral Game Episode 23 – Soulcalibur 6
This month, Miodrag and Six welcome you back to the stage of history. Soulcalibur claims to be a tale of souls and swords eternally retold, and after over ten games, we can at least agree that the series has remained true to the elements at the soul of its success. The fundamentals are the same,...
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Neutral Game Episode 22 – Garou: Mark of the Wolves
SNK has a storied history of fighting games, from Art of Fighting to Samurai Shodown, and a wealth of other styles of fighting game besides. But of all their works, one of them is mentioned as perhaps being the best fighting game ever made. The end game of the Fatal Fury series, Garou: Mark of…
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Neutral Game Episode 21 – Mario Tennis Aces
Miodrag and Six welcome Mario to the show for the first (but likely not last) time as they discuss the Switch release, Mario Tennis Aces. It’s not that much of a stretch to imagine how a sports game can fit into the fighting game mold, but a Mario sports game? Well, this one’s a real moldbreaker....
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Neutral Game Episode 20 – The Spectator Experience
Another Evo has come and gone, and in its wake, Miodrag and Six contemplate what makes a good watching experience in a fighting game. Mechanics, presentation, commentary, community: all this and more combines, often in unexpected ways, to produce great spectator experiences. Plus: the duo comment...
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Neutral Game Episode 19 – Fighting EX Layer
This year has been so packed with new and noteworthy fighting games that Six and Miodrag have had to split the duties of coverage! When the developers of the old Street Fighter EX series finally decided to come back to the fighting game genre, we knew we had to be there to see what they made.…
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Neutral Game Episode 18 – BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
Fate will not be denied. Though we try to resist, fortune conspires for Miodrag and Six to come together once again and make a fighting game podcast… this time about the newest Arc Systems Works fighting game, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. Worlds collide, mechanics cross, but spacing and rushdown…
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Neutral Game Episode 17 – Street Fighter Alpha 3
As 2018 prepares to head into a fevered pace of fighting game releases, Six and Miodrag take a moment to look at the past before diving into the future. Neither of them played the Street Fighter Alpha series when it was popular, but it still has lessons to teach, even years removed. What systems...
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Neutral Game Episode 16 – Frame Data
One of the most common scapegoats for players frustrated by the complexity of games, frame data is demonized as the inscrutable language of the elite that the average player cannot make use of. You have to be OBSESSIVE to learn frame data. It’s such a BURDEN, it’s unreasonable! Or… is it? Maybe...
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Neutral Game Episode 15 – Teaching Guilty Gear, and a True Rivalry
This month, we’re focusing on the more personal challenges of our cohosts, as Miodrag and Six tackle different elements of fighting games in their lives. Miodrag introduces friends and coworkers to Guilty Gear, and observes the challenges and pitfalls of new players trying to adapt to the most...
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Neutral Game Episode 14 – Dragon Ball FighterZ
We’re about three months into 2018, and still no game has hit with the impact that Dragon Ball FighterZ has. With one of our favorite developers, Arc System Works, going all out to make a fighting game for a classic franchise, we couldn’t stay away. Miodrag and Six have spent the time in the lab...
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Neutral Game Episode 13 – Fantasy Strike
It is ever our endeavor to be your newbie-friendly fighting game podcast, so when famed competitive game designer David Sirlin and the team at Sirlin Games released a fighting game focused on making the genre more accessible, we took notice. Fantasy Strike declares that it has “cut the chaff to...
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Neutral Game Episode 12 – Deckember in Review
Over the course of December, Miodrag undertook an ambitious task: to stream over eighty different fighting games, and demonstrate their systems. This great project would be known as… Deckember. Now, on the other side of the endeavor, Colin and Miodrag convene to discuss the lessons of dozens of...
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Neutral Game Episode 11 – Gundam Versus
We touched on it briefly last month, but on this episode, Miodrag and Colin talk in-depth about Gundam Versus, the first of its kind to hit western shores. From mechanics and systems, to strategy and personal favorites, it’s a great beginner’s guide to a game that is at once both fresh and…
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Neutral Game Episode 10 – Team Fighting Games
This month on Neutral Game, we take a look at team fighting games! No, not… not the games where you build a team out of characters like Marvel vs. Capcom. I can see how you made that mistake, Miodrag did too! I’m actually referring to games where multiple PLAYERS work together on one team, like...
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Neutral Game Episode 9 – Building Better Fighting Games
As much as we love fighting games, they drive us crazy sometimes too. There are so many backwards ideas and traditions about how they should be built, stemming from the genre’s arcade origins, hardcore player elitism, or simple thoughtlessness. This episode, Miodrag and Colin take the opportunity...
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Neutral Game Episode 8 – Interview With Harrison
It’s easy for us to talk about what it’s like to get started in fighting games as a newbie, but in truth, it’s been a long time since either Miodrag or Colin started taking the genre seriously. We hope our advice can be a tool for newcomers, but… what is it actually like for someone who’s just...
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Neutral Game Episode 7 – Evo 2017
The world’s biggest fighting game tournament, Evolution, has come and gone! There were many fantastic fights, incredible comebacks, and all around stunning displays of skill Miodrag and Colin may never hope to match. In the wake of this yearly clash of titans, what announcements made us excited,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What makes fighting games tick? Pros can tell you how to get better. Lab monsters can teach you combos. But here at Neutral Game, we're passionate about design. An interesting movelist, cool system mechanics, interesting writing, good teaching tools, compelling single player! A few mid-level fighting game friends discuss the genre, and the magic of a good fight.
HOSTED BY
Scanline Media
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Neutral Game have?
Neutral Game currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Neutral Game about?
What makes fighting games tick? Pros can tell you how to get better. Lab monsters can teach you combos. But here at Neutral Game, we're passionate about design. An interesting movelist, cool system mechanics, interesting writing, good teaching tools, compelling single player! A few mid-level...
How often does Neutral Game release new episodes?
Neutral Game has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Neutral Game?
You can listen to Neutral Game on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Neutral Game?
Neutral Game is created and hosted by Scanline Media.
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