Sometimes I think I know about video games, and then a series that I'd been ignoring for years absolutely blows me away. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (Namco, 2004) is one of those games. Exhilerating air combat, the best spectacle that the PS2 could offer, and a grand and amazing soundtrack all set the hooks, then a surprisingly good story pulls you along for the ride. I'm truly flourishing in my new Ace Combat arc, and this is the first of many Ace Combat episodes on the show.

Guest info: MarcoMeatball- find him on YouTube and Bluesky!

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:30
• Story Setup 15:45
• Music/Visual Presentation 30:16
• Gameplay 51:38
• Closing Thoughts/Housekeeping/Guest Plugs 1:06:21
• SPOILER WALL 1:18:46

Music used in the episode:

• The Unsung War (Keiki Kobayashi)
• First Flight (Keiki Kobayashi)
• Ghosts of Razgriz (Junichi Nakatsuru)
• Wardog (Tetsukazu Nakanishi)
• Briefing 1 (Keiki Kobayashi)
• The White Noise (Keiki Kobayashi)
• The Journey Home (Katsuro Tajima)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Support Tales from the Backlog

Entering 2024, there were very few indie games as hotly anticipated as The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures, Devolver Digital)...but then release date came, it got good-not-great reviews, and seemed to inspire more disappointment than anything else. So what happened? And how is the game, actually? Buckle up, because we've got you covered.

Guest info: Roger Reichardt of The Gamerheads Podcast- https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:26
• Story Setup/Presentation 15:40
• Gameplay 41:45
• NO SPOILER SECTION

Music used in the episode is credited to Mike Georgiades. You can support them by purchasing the OST on Steam. Tracks used:

• Plucky Squire Theme
• Intro Theme
• Elven Game Card

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

Fullbright made a name for themselves with 2013's Gone Home, leading many to anticipate their next project. 2017's Tacoma, however, seems to have come and gone without much fanfare. It is a fairly simple game that may not reach the emotional peaks of Gone Home, but Tacoma is a very good game in its own right. And then, due to director Steve Gaynor's workplace behavior during the development of Open Roads, Fullbright was all but gone, leaving Tacoma kind of hanging in the "forgotten and under-appreciated" zone, in my opinion. Listen in to find out more!

Guest info: CtrlAltNoob. Find her videos, streams, writing and more here: https://bio.link/ctrlaltnoob

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:17
• Story Setup/Presentation 10:01
• SPOILER WALL 42:30

Music used in the episode:

• Elevator Theme (Fullbright)
• Space Station Ambiance (Fullbright)
• Is That All There Is (cover) (Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Bluesky
Instagram
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Support Tales from the Backlog

Learn about and support the SAG-AFTRA union and video game actors on strike.

Whenever the topic of "7/10 games" or "underrated games" or "bargain bin gems" comes up, Mad Max (Avalanche Studios) is almost guaranteed to be mentioned in the conversation. This game isn't tied into the movie storylines, but it does a great job of getting you into the grimy, desolate, hyper-masculine and violent world of Mad Max. It has its flaws, to be sure, but make no mistake- this is a blast.

Guest info: Cameron Warren & Jacob Price of The Pre-Order Bonus podcast

TIMESTAMPS

• SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike 0:00
• Intros/Histories with Mad Max/Opening Thoughts 0:49
• Story Setup 13:19
• Presentation 41:57
• Combat/Gameplay 52:04
• SPOILER WALL 1:25:42

Music used in the episode is credited to Mats Lundgren:

• Corpse Eaters Boss Fight
• Anyavista New Frontend
• Buzzard Attack
• Combat High
• Back Chum Crazy
• Theme Variation Edit

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
BlueSky
Instagram
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

As a fan of Red Candle Games' previous projects, Devotion (episode 139) and Detention (bonus episode on Patreon), Nine Sols instantly leapt onto my watchlist as soon as it was announced. However, as it released, I was a bit nervous to dive into it due to its Sekiro-inspired combat. I like Sekiro a lot, but did I want another one right then? Luckily, a few friends (including Josh, today's guest) convinced me to give it a whirl...and I was not disappointed. The combat is smooth and satisfying, the art and music are fantastic, and it tells what might be the best story in the genre. This is an awesome game, and I hope you enjoy the discussion!

Guest info: Josh aka DogNozzle. You can follow him on BlueSky!

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:22
• Story Setup 12:05
• Presentation 28:41
• Combat 43:14
• Metroidvania Design 1:12:19
• SPOILER WALL 1:31:47

Music used in the episode:

• Awakening (FFXX)
• A Glimpse of the Future (FFXX)
• Festival (FFXX)
• Crossing Blades (FFXX)
• Take a Tour in New Kunlun (Troy Lin)
• A Place for Restless Souls (FFXX)
• The Path for Us All ~ Yi's Theme (FFXX, Im Baek Hun)
• Main Theme II (FFXX, Im Baek Hun)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

I once heard the original Pathologic (Ice-Pick Lodge) described as "the best game you shouldn't play", which is an oddly appealing pitch to me. I need to see what it is that puts it in that category, ya know? Luckily for me, Pathologic 2 exists and seems to be the preferred way for many to get the Pathologic experience, and I was not disappointed with what I got. Dense worldbuilding, intriguing and mysterious characters, harsh but meaningful survival systems and more await anyone who decides to take our recommendation and play Pathologic 2.

Guest info: Jack, or as you may know him online, Piboi.

TIMESTAMPS

• Allegations against Nikolay Dybowski 0:00
• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 2:14
• Story Setup 15:18
• Presentation 38:26
• Gameplay 55:01
• Gameplay, continued 1:19:11
• SPOILER WALL 1:36:41

Music used in the episode:

• Shaman from the Downtown (Theodor Bastard)
• Darkness (Theodor Bastard)
• Disappearing (Theodor Bastard)
• Archaic Way (Vasily Kashnikov)
• Eternal Sacrifice (Vasily Kashnikov, Nick Balinov)
• Miracle Workshop (Vasily Kashnikov)
• Window to the Past (Vasily Kashnikov)
• Steppe (Vasily Kashnikov)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

In 2024, we began a new community event in the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- the Backlog Resolutions Challenge. A big group of us picked a list of games that had been collecting dust in our libraries and resolved to play them! This episode is all about how that challenge went- what worked, what didn't work, why most of us didn't complete our lists, and any adjustments we are making going into the 2025 challenge. If you'd like to join us, hop in the Discord server, make your list and start playing!

Guest info:

• Matt aka Stormageddon, host of "Fun" and Games and Reignite podcasts. Find everything they do at https://djstormageddon.com/
• Jared Moss, host of Play Along Podcast
• Soccr

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/General Thoughts 0:13
• Challenges 33:47
• Break/Patron Thank Yous 53:43
• Lessons Learned/Plans for the 2025 Challenge 55:03

Music used in the episode:

• "Tinykin" (Tinykin)- Alexis Laugier
• "BRIDGES" (Death Stranding)- Ludvig Forssell
• "Catchy" (Picross 3D)- Yasumasa Yamada, Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando
• "No.EX 01" (Xenoblade Chronicles X)- Hiroyuki Sawano

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

Dave recaps his favorite games that released in 2024 and discusses the year in podcasting, gaming and more. Catch Dave's favorite games from other years that he played for the first time in 2024 on Patreon, available to all paid patrons!

TIMESTAMPS:

• Intros/Reminiscing 0:18
• Honorable Mentions 5:40
• #10 13:44
• #9 18:01
• #8 21:15
• #7 26:38
• #6 32:01
• #5 36:34
• #4 41:17
• #3 46:40
• #2 52:26
• #1 and thank yous 59:23

Music used in the episode:

• 1000xRESIST - The Orchard (At Peace) (Drew Redman)
• 1000xRESIST - The Youngest Looks (Drew Redman)
• 1000xRESIST - Watcher (Drew Redman)
• Animal Well - Animal Well (Billy Basso)
• Animal Well - Dawn Chorus (Billy Basso)
• Animal Well - Flames (Billy Basso)
• Balatro - Main Title (LouisF)
• Balatro - Boss Blind Theme (LouisF)
• Dragon's Dogma 2 - Escort Mission (Tadayoshi Makino, Rei Kondoh, Inon Zur and Masayoshi Ishi)
• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Diving Beast Dancing Lion (Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Tai Tomisawa, Soma Tanizaka, Yuka Kitamura)
• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Gravesite Plain (Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Tai Tomisawa, Soma Tanizaka, Yuka Kitamura)
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Main Theme Battle Edit (Nobuo Uematsu, Shotaro Shima)
• Final Fantasy VII Remake/Rebirth - Nibelheim/Train Graveyard (Nobuo Uematsu)
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Dondoko Island (SEGA Sound Team/Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Yokohama Sunset (SEGA Sound Team/Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
• Metaphor ReFantazio - Akademia (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi)
• Metaphor ReFantazio - Main Theme (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi, Keisuke Honryo)
• Metaphor ReFantazio - Port Brilehaven (Shoji Meguro, Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi)
• Mouthwashing - Main Title (Martin Halldin)
• Nine Sols - Awakening (FFXX)
• Nine Sols - Walk Me Through History (FFXX)
• The Plucky Squire - A Very Happy Ending (Mike Georgiades)
• The Plucky Squire - Celebration & Moonbeard's After Party (Mike Georgiades)
• The Plucky Squire - Plucky Squire Theme (Mike Georgiades)
• UFO 50 - Devilition (Placement) (Erik Suhrke)
• UFO 50 - Mortol (Gameplay) (Erik Suhrke)
• UFO 50 - Play Forever (Erik Suhrke)
• UFO 50 - UFO 50 (Erik Suhrke)

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

Check out more information on the ongoing SAG-AFTRA video game actor strike and support the actors in any way that you can.

Batman video games got a resurgence with 2009's Arkham Asylum, continued to be critically acclaimed with 2011's Arkham City, and then started to become divisive with 2013's Arkham Origins and especially 2015's Arkham Knight. Since Arkham Origins takes place during Christmas, we've chosen to dive into that one. Arkham Origins seems to be the odd one out, the black sheep, when discussing this series, and we don't understand why- if the reason for disliking this game is that it doesn't star Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill...you're going to have to find another reason. This game rules! Listen in to find out why we feel so strongly about that.

Guest info: Mick Davis aka Mick Arcade. Check out Mick on Twitter and D&D adventures on Twitch

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 1:31
• Story Setup/Characterization of Batman 14:39
• Presentation 31:54
• Combat/Stealth Gameplay 38:01
• Open World Gameplay 50:25
• Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 58:26
• SPOILER WALL 1:06:23

Music used in the episode is credited to Christopher Drake. Tracks used: Carol of the Bells (Joker's Theme), Arkham Origins Main Titles, Shadow of the Bat, Assassins, Winter Comes to Gotham, Why Would You Save...Me?, Arkham Origins Suite, Arkham Origins End Titles

Check out Dave's guest appearances on Pixel Project Radio (talking about Souls games) and Super Pod Saga (talking about Metal Gear Solid 1-3)!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

System Shock 2 **(Looking Glass Studios/Irrational Games**, 1999) contains one of the most iconic images in gaming (the scifi horror Medusa-esque SHODAN) and one of the most iconic spiritual sequels in gaming (the Bioshock series), but I still feel like experience with System Shock 2 itself is relegated to those who were there playing on PC in 1999. What was it about this game that made it so foundational for the Bioshock series and so many other modern games? Well, it's a good thing I have this podcast to dig into it!

Guest Info: Doug Lief, host of Nostalgium Arcanum podcast

TIMESTAMPS
Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:19
Story Setup/Story Thoughts 13:43
Presentation 30:10
Gameplay 41:00
SPOILER WALL 1:11:09

Music used in the episode is credited to Eric Brosius. Tracks used: Medical, Engineering, Hydroponics #1, Science, Hydroponics #2, Operations #2, End Cutscene, Credits

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog

It all started with an elevator pitch, courtesy of someone on the Axe of the Blood God podcast- "A sokoban puzzle game with a JRPG story". Sign me up! Void Stranger (System Erasure, 2023) does boast those things, but to my surprise, Void Stranger is so full of secrets as well. But if you want to get at those secrets, Void Stranger will challenge you in more ways than one. Join us as we dive into this one-of-a-kind experience.

Guest Info: Steve from Indie Quest and Polykill Podcast. Check out his podcasts and Twitch channel!

TIMESTAMPS

• Intros/Personal Histories/Opening Thoughts 0:14
• Puzzles/Challenges 12:21
• Story Setup 33:09
• Presentation 38:36
• Closing Thoughts/Recommendations/Housekeeping 50:45
• SPOILER WALL 59:06

Music used in the episode is credited to Eero Lahtinen. You can purchase the album on Bandcamp. Tracks used:
Concern, Void Symphony, Gray is just Gray, Right?, Affection Air, Buzzing Boogie, Lax Lullabye, HARD SPACE, Roll Credits!

Support Tales from the Backlog on Patreon! or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi!
Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server!
Social Media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://www.instagram.com/jackallencaricatures/ and his other pages

Listen to A Top 3 Podcast on Apple, Spotify and [other podcast platforms](atop3podcast.fireside.fm)!

Support Tales from the Backlog