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Ode to Games

by Logan Plant

A weekly show that discusses the latest games and news. We also look back on classic games and obscurities you may have missed! Join Kevin Vallene, Logan Plant, and Zach Rost each week for a fun round table gaming discussion!

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 14, 2025. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Ode to Ode to Games - Episode 250

    Kevin, Logan, and Zach (he's back!) sit down to record the last episode of Ode to Games. Join the gang for this epic final episode where they go over all of the Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundups, share their 5 favorite games from the last 5 years, and reminisce on all their favorite Ode to Games...

  2. Nintendo Direct Reactions: Zelda, Level 5 Is Back, and Power Pros - Episode 249

    Kevin and Logan react to all the amazing news from this week's Nintendo Direct, including Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Ghost Trick's surprise return, and Birdo's huge comeback! Plus, Power Pros' bizarre return to the West. Then, in the Ode To segment, the guys discuss the current state of the...

  3. Under-the-Radar Indie Games You Should Check Out - Episode 248

    Kevin and Logan highlight some of their favorite sleeper indies, including The Touryst, Demon Turf, and more. Plus, reactions to Star Wars Jedi Survivor's delay, recent reports surrounding E3, The Last of Us on HBO getting renewed, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:54 The Big 3 are skipping E3...

  4. Picking the Worst Games in Our Favorite Series - Episode 247

    Logan and Kevin go through their favorite gaming series… and spotlight the worst game from each of them! Plus, hear impressions for Fire Emblem Engage, Hi-Fi Rush, and the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct. And, the guys talk about the future of Halo after a rocky week at 343.

  5. Our 2023 Predictions for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo - Episode 246

    Kevin and Logan revisit their predictions from 2022, and make new guesses for the new year. Plus, Logan shares his impressions of The Last of Us on HBO, some wild Sports Story multiplayer tales, and more.

  6. Our 2023 Game Goals - Episode 245

    Kevin and Logan share three games they'd like to play in 2023. Plus, Ubisoft outlines its struggles throughout the last year, along with another Skull and Bones delay. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Rough times at Ubisoft 12:00 Xbox will hold a showcase this month 19:08 The Last of Us TV show…

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  7. The 2022 Odies - Episode 244

    Kevin and Logan are here with the only gaming awards show that matters: The Odies! Join us as we reveal our picks for the Best of 2022, including best soundtrack, indie, art direction, multiplayer, and overall Game of the Year.

  8. Our Most Anticipated Games of 2023 - Episode 243

    The unthinkable has happened: The Odies have been delayed! While you wait to find out what wins our 2022 awards, tune in to find out Kevin and Logan's most anticipated games of 2023.

  9. Games We Missed in 2022 - Episode 242

    Kevin and Logan walk through their Nintendo and PlayStation wrap-ups for 2022, sharing what games they played the most this year. Plus, they share which games they didn’t have enough time to get around to, including Stray, Crisis Core, Pentiment, and more. And, hear Logan’s first impressions of...

  10. Our Favorite Games from the 2022 Game Awards - Episode 241

    Kevin and Logan highlight their top picks from The Game Awards, including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Final Fantasy, and Earthblade. Plus, impressions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3, thoughts on Xbox raising game prices to $70, and disappointment with Monster Hunter Rise's new...

  11. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Open World Just Doesn't Work - Episode 240

    Logan has sunk nearly 20 hours into Pokemon Scarlet, and he's got a lot of mixed feelings about the franchise's first steps into a true open world. Hear about the negatives, like the broken leveling system and poor performance, and the positives, like the solid Pokemon design and good…

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  12. Voting on the 2022 Game Awards - Episode 239

    Kevin and Logan cast their votes on Game of the Year and all of the other categories for the 2022 Game Awards. Plus, more thoughts on Sonic Frontiers now that Logan has finished the game, more Xenoblade Chronicles 3 impressions, and franchises the guys are happy they gave a second chance.

  13. Sonic Frontiers Might Be the Best Sonic Game Ever - Episode 238

    After a year of rumors and buildup, Sonic Frontiers is finally here. And, it's exceeded all expectations, becoming Logan's favorite Sonic game of all time. Join Logan and Kevin as they talk about Frontiers' open areas, combat, story, traditional levels, and more. Plus, stick around to hear about...

  14. Our Wishlist for the Next 3D Mario - Episode 237

    Logan and Kevin celebrate five years of Super Mario Odyssey by breaking down what they want to see in Mario’s next 3D outing. Plus, Call of Duty could be staying on PlayStation, the PS5 passes a new sales milestone, and PlayStation could be working on a new Uncharted. And, stick around to hear...

  15. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S: Two Years Later - Episode 236

    The current generation of consoles has been underway for two years now, and Kevin and Logan are here to break down how it's gone so far. From the lack of first-party software, to the console-specific features like Quick Resume, the DualSense, and Game Pass, we talk about what we've liked and…

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  16. The Super Mario Bros. Movie Looks Great - Episode 235

    We have our first trailer for the Super Mario Bros. movie, and Logan and Kevin are excited about how it’s turning out. Plus, hear about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s latest trailer, Sony’s live service plans, and the panel’s memories of reading video game magazines growing up.

  17. The Stadia Shutdown, Horizon Remaster, and Way Too Many Witcher Games - Episode 234

    Kevin and Logan are here to say goodbye to the short-lived Stadia service. Meanwhile, CD Projekt has laid out far too many of their upcoming plans, with five new Witcher games, a new IP, and a Cyberpunk sequel all recently announced. Then, in the Ode To segment, the guys talk about their history...

  18. Our Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Movie Spoilercast - Episode 233

    Kevin has finally seen Sonic the Hedgehog 2, so it's time to do a Spoilercast! Join Kevin and Logan as they break down the best and worst parts of the Blue Blur's latest theatrical outing. Plus, The Last of Us on HBO gets a trailer, E3 is back, and we're close to getting our first look at...

  19. GTA Leaks, Video Game Spinoffs, and Why We’re Not Feeling the PS5 - Episode 232

    We’re nearly two years into the PS5 generation, and Kevin and Logan aren’t feeling the love. Tune in to learn why this generation has been a disappointment so far, with few changes on the horizon. Plus, hear about the huge GTA leaks at Rockstar, our favorite video game spinoffs, and Kevin’s...

  20. Zelda and Like A Dragon Highlight a Huge Week of News - Episode 231

    A Nintendo Direct, State of Play, and Tokyo Game Show led to a ton of new game announcements, and Kevin and Logan are here to break them all down. From Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to Yakuza's rebrand to Like A Dragon, hear about all the news you need to know about. Plus, Logan shares his…

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  21. Halo Infinite’s Rocky First Year Leaves the Franchise’s Future In Doubt - Episode 230

    It’s been a tough road for Halo Infinite since it launched last December, and it has Logan and Kevin questioning if the franchise should change hands moving forward. Plus, new details on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC announcement, Mario Kart Tour removes its Gacha mechanics…

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  22. Our Favorite Open World Games - Episode 229

    In light of the Saints Row reviews, Logan and Kevin break down their favorite open world games of all time. Plus, Sonic Frontiers finally has a release date. Sony is raising the price of a PlayStation 5, and Logan shares his impressions of the Splatoon 3 demo.

  23. We Don't Think Final Fantasy Is Struggling - Episode 228

    Final Fantasy's producer says the series is struggling, but Logan and Zach thinks it's in a pretty strong place right now. Plus, Sega's latest statement on Sonic Frontiers, the New Tales from the Borderlands leak, and the best monsters in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.

  24. Splatoon 3, Pokemon Presents, and More Mario Kart - Episode 227

    The Ode to Games crew discusses the latest Splatoon 3 news from this week's Nintendo Direct. And, they also dive into all of the updates from last week's Pokemon Presents, including the open world, the new battle mechanic, and more. Plus, impressions of Forza Horizon 5's Hot Wheels DLC, and the…

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  25. We're in Love With Live A Live - Episode 226

    Live A Live is here, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are all playing it! Join them as they share why they're impressed with the game so far. Plus, Mario Strikers' disappointing first update, a hint of GTA 6 news, and more. 0:00 Intro 0:22 Live a Live Impressions 23:30 First Details About GTA 6 28:57 A...

  26. Five Games We Could Play Forever - Episode 225

    What are your desert island games? That's the question Kevin, Zach, and Logan are answering this week. Plus, Playstation's new rewards program, Bear and Breakfast's delay, and another juicy edition of Rumor Roundup.

  27. Our Favorite Gaming Years of All Time - Episode 224

    What's the best year ever for video games? This week, Kevin, Zach, and Logan each weigh in on their favorite year in gaming history. Plus, reactions to Bayonetta 3, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and why Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak could be the best Monster Hunter ever.

  28. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Blows the Base Game Out of the Water - Episode 223

    Sunbreak is finally here, and it's fantastic! Join the Ode to Games crew as Zach and Logan share their experience with the latest Monster Hunter expansion. Plus, reactions to God of War's release date, Splatoon 3's special edition, and Forspoken's latest delay. And, as we've passed the halfway...

  29. Nintendo Direct Mini and the Best Announcements of June - Episode 222

    Nintendo finally spoke up, sharing a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase with a ton of great announcements. Join Kevin, Logan, and Zach as they share reactions to Mario + Rabbids, Persona on Switch, and Dragon Quest Treasures. Plus, the gang picks their favorite announcements and reveals from the…

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  30. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Sonic Origins Impressions - Episode 221

    Square Enix has pulled back the curtain on the next installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are very excited for what's in store. Plus, hear Logan's early impressions of Sonic Origins, Zach's final thoughts on The Quarry, and why Kevin is considering…

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  31. Starfield, Xbox's Big Show, and The Last of Us at Summer Game Fest - Episode 220

    A flurry of announcements have happened in the last week, and the Ode to Games crew is here to recap and discuss all the biggest news from this week in gaming. From the big gameplay reveal of Starfield, to the announcement of the Last of Us remake, we've got you covered.

  32. Mario Strikers Battle League and Ranking the Most Ridiculous 3D Sonic Levels - Episode 219

    In honor of all the Sonic Frontiers news drops lately, Kevin, Logan, and Zach are taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting the most bogus 3D Sonic levels in history. Plus, hear about all the news from the Sonic Central, the reported 1-2 Switch sequel, Mario Strikers Battle League, and more.

  33. Sonic Frontiers' First Gameplay Left Us Underwhelmed - Episode 218

    Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil 4, and Final Fantasy 16 made for one of the most memorable State of Plays so far, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are here to react to all the big announcements. Plus, Sonic Frontiers finally got its big gameplay debut, and reactions are... Mixed. Stick around to hear...

  34. Our Favorite Video Game Locations - Episode 217

    Kevin, Zach, and Logan are back to share their favorite virtual places to explore in this week's Ode To segment. In the news, hear about Sony's latest investor call, Sega's goals for high Sonic Frontiers review scores, and more. Plus, why Kevin is back on board the Pokemon franchise after years…

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  35. Xbox's Big Delays Are a Cause for Concern - Episode 216

    Starfield and Redfall have both been delayed, raising some big questions about Xbox's 2022 lineup. Plus, Nintendo is trying to avoid repeating history with the Switch's successor, and the guys break down what they want to see from Switch 2. And, hear the crew's initial reaction to the PlayStation...

  36. Switch Sports Doesn’t Live Up to Wii Sports Resort - Episode 215

    Logan and Zach have played a lot of Switch Sports, and they share their thoughts on the news sports, and the package as a whole. Plus, hear expectations for Microsoft’s summer showcase, Kevin’s final thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West, and the latest Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundup.

  37. What Secrets Is Splatoon 3 Still Hiding? - Episode 214

    Splatoon 3 finally has a release date, but we still haven’t seen everything this game has to offer. Join Logan, Kevin, and Zach as they discuss what they still want to see from the next entry in Nintendo’s shooter series. Plus, hear reactions to the Mario Movie’s delay, the Saints Row’s...

  38. Sonic Origins Charges Extra for Premium Fun - Episode 213

    Sonic’s latest classic collection is here, and along with it comes some more strange pricing from Sega. Join Logan and Kevin as they break down the announcement, as well as The Witcher 3’s next-gen delay, Amy Hennig’s revived Star Wars game, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s adjusted release date.…

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  39. Reactions to Sonic Movie 2, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands - Episode 212

    Zach and Logan have seen Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Listen in as they give their spoiler-free impressions of the sequel, while Kevin waits until August to see it. Plus, Kingdom Hearts 4 was announced this week, and the panel shares reactions to the early footage. And, first gameplay impressions of...

  40. Reactions to E3 2022’s Cancellation - Episode 211

    E3 2022 is off the books, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach share their reactions to the news. Plus, thoughts on the new Tomb Raider announcement, Xbox Series X’s stabilizing stock, and another discussion about Sonic’s quill length. And, in the Ode To, hear about the Game of the Year contenders at the ¼...

  41. Kirby and the Forgotten Land Impressions, and Reactions to Zelda's Big Delay - Episode 210

    The latest Kirby game is finally here, and Kevin and Logan share their early thoughts on Kirby's biggest Switch outing to date. Plus, Breath of the Wild 2 has been delayed to 2023, and the panel shares thoughts on what it means for the sequel and Nintendo's 2022 lineup. And, Sony has finally...

  42. Why We're Torn on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's DLC - Episode 209

    The first wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass is out now, and Logan and Kevin are torn on the product as a whole. Listen in as they hash out their thoughts on the good, the bad, and the (literally) ugly of the DLC. Plus, the Switch finally has folders, CD Projekt announced their…

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  43. Kevin Finally Got a PS5, and Logan and Zach Love Elden Ring - Episode 208

    The title really says it all for this week's episode of Ode to Games! Kev finally got his hands on a PlayStation 5, and he has thoughts on Astro's Playroom, Horizon Forbidden West, and the console itself. Plus, Logan and Zach are obsessed with Elden Ring, and are here to share more fun (and...

  44. Thoughts on Elden Ring, Kirby, and Strangers In Paradise - Episode 207

    The Ode to Games crew has been playing a ton of games this week! First up, hear Zach and Logan’s final thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West. Plus, early impressions of the demos for Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Strangers In Paradise. And, Logan and Zach have taken the plunge into Elden Ring…

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  45. Celebrating Five Phenomenal Years of Nintendo Switch - Episode 206

    Kevin, Logan, and Zach are throwing a huge birthday party for the Nintendo Switch on this week's Ode to Games, as Nintendo's lovely hybrid console just turned five years old. From their first memories of the console, to the definitive list of the top ten best Switch games, sit back and enjoy...

  46. Horizon Forbidden West's Open World Is Gorgeous and Bloated - Episode 205

    Horizon is finally here, and Logan and Zach have put a solid amount of time into the latest PS5 release. Hear about the game's highs with its brilliant combat and gorgeous visuals, and its lows with Aloy's chattiness and an overstuffed map. Plus, Kevin has impressions of the Uncharted movie, and...

  47. Our Reactions to the Wii U and 3DS Shutdown - Episode 204

    It's a sad day for Nintendo fans and gamers everywhere, as Nintendo has revealed plans to shut down service for two of its consoles. Join Kevin, Logan, and Zach as they react to Nintendo's announcement of the eShop closure on 3DS and Wii U. Plus, hear about Cyberpunk 2077's next-gen update, big...

  48. Why The February Direct Was One of Nintendo's Best - Episode 203

    From Mario Kart 8's DLC to Mario Strikers making a return, Logan, Kevin, and Zach were very impressed with the latest Nintendo Direct. Hear their impressions of all the big announcements, including Nintendo Switch Sports, Fire Emblem Warriors, and more. Plus, final impressions on Skyward Sword…

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  49. Sony's Bungie Acquisition, Switch's Sales Numbers, Sonic's Dexterity - Episode 202

    The Ode to Games gang walks through the latest acquisition to shake the games industry. And, the Switch just keeps selling, and we react to the first reported sales numbers for Metroid Dread, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and more. And in this week's Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundup,...

  50. Zach's PS5, Mafia 2's Glitches and Skyward Sword's Slog - Episode 201

    Ode to Games is back after the huge Episode 200 celebration! Zach's PS5 is here, along with Zach's impressions of Miles Morales, Hitman 3, and more. Kevin is diving into the world of Mafia 2 remastered, and has some entertaining stories to tell about the game's glitches. Plus, Logan is making his...

About this show

A weekly show that discusses the latest games and news. We also look back on classic games and obscurities you may have missed! Join Kevin Vallene, Logan Plant, and Zach Rost each week for a fun round table gaming discussion!

Hosted by

Logan Plant

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Ode to Games have?

Ode to Games has 251 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on February 17, 2023.

What is Ode to Games about?

A weekly show that discusses the latest games and news. We also look back on classic games and obscurities you may have missed! Join Kevin Vallene, Logan Plant, and Zach Rost each week for a fun round table gaming discussion!

How often does Ode to Games release new episodes?

Ode to Games publishes weekly, based on its 251 episodes since February 2018.

Who hosts Ode to Games?

Ode to Games is created and hosted by Logan Plant.
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