Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest Jesse Guarascia (noclip, noclip_2 and more) as they strengthen their block-pushing muscles for a deep dive into Isles of Sea and Sky (Cicada Games, 2024). They discuss its rich world full of secrets, why Sokoban-style puzzles feel like a great foundation for weird narratives or layers of secrets, whether the open-ended design works well, and much more. As always, no spoilers for a while.

Guest info: Jesse Guarascia (he/him)

• Check out noclip https://www.youtube.com/@NoclipDocs
• And check out noclip2 https://www.youtube.com/@Noclip2
• And Blowback! https://blowback.show/
• Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jesseguarascia.com

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title
• 0:22 Introductions
• 6:16 Our Histories with Isles of Sea and Sky
• 11:26 Top-Level Thoughts
• 18:38 Game Setup and Open Structure
• 29:19 Puzzle Design
• 40:40 Sokoban as a Base Layer for Building Secrets
• 53:15 Visual Design
• 1:00:00 Music and Sound
• 1:03:32 Who Should Play?
• 1:08:28 Jesse's Work at NoClip and More
• 1:16:53 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:19:17 Spoiler Section

Music used in the episode is credited to Craig Collver. Tracks used: Isles of Sea and Sky, Ancient Island, Stoney Cliffs, Tidal Reef, From Sea to Sky

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest Leah Haydu (Cane and Rinse, Character Issues) as they discuss Kingdom Hearts (Square Enix, 2001). Leah is a longtime fan and Dave just played for the first time, and that led to a great conversation about the infamous story, the Disney and Final Fantasy tie-ins, the action-RPG combat, and the simplicity at the "heart" of it all. Listen in for more, and as always, no spoilers for a while.

Guest info: Leah Haydu (she/her)

• Check out Character Issues https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747
• Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:29 Introductions
• 4:02 Our Histories with Kingdom Hearts
• 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts
• 19:24 Story Setup and Disney Stuff
• 33:10 Final Fantasy Stuff
• 35:16 Understanding Kingdom Hearts
• 43:25 The "Heart" of the Story
• 51:11 More Music Talk
• 58:16 Gummi Ship
• 1:02:32 Combat
• 1:23:45 Some Gameplay Criticisms
• 1:30:26 Who Should Play?
• 1:34:00 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse Podcasts
• 1:40:24 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:42:08 Spoilers- Disney Worlds
• 1:54:58 Spoilers- Let's Talk Plot
• 2:04:13 Spoilers- Sora, Riku and Ansem
• 2:16:55 Spoilers- Final Bosses and Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Yoko Shimomura: Dearly Beloved, Destiny Islands, Hollow Bastion, Welcome to Wonderland, Traverse Town, The End of the World, Dearly Beloved -Reprise-

Check out Unlockables Podcast for an extensive dive into the story of Kingdom Hearts: https://unlockables.fireside.fm/tags/guiding%20keys

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest Rachel Watts (Thinky Games, Indieventure podcast) as they discuss Cairn (The Game Bakers, 2026). Cairn is a meticulous, thoughtful climbing game that takes you into the mind of an elite athlete as she attempts a climb that has never been done before. While it has some (unintentionally) frustrating moments, Cairn is an extremely strong and affecting game- listen in to find out more, and as always, no spoilers for a while!

Guest info: Rachel Watts (she/her)

• Check out Thinky Games https://thinkygames.com
• Check out Indieventure https://indieventurepodcast.co.uk

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:23 Introductions
• 5:09 Our Histories with The Game Bakers & Cairn
• 8:58 Top Level Thoughts
• 17:32 Story Setup and Characterizing Aava
• 31:40 Climbing Mechanics
• 37:36 High Difficulty Meets a Few Shaky Systems
• 54:53 Visual Design, Sound Design and Music
• 1:03:12 Survival on Mt. Kami
• 1:17:58 Who Should Play Cairn?
• 1:24:32 Thinky Games and Indieventure Podcast
• 1:28:54 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:30:30 Spoilers- Fun Moments & Tough Challenges
• 1:54:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Aava
• 2:22:42 Spoilers- Ending Discussion

Music used in the episode is credited to Martin Stig Andersen, Gilda and The Toxic Avenger. Tracks used: The Mountain is Calling, Rise, Fatigue Is In Your Head, Only the Mountain, In My Gut, Stars, Part of a Whole

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and returning guest Scott Danielson as they dive into the third and final entry in the Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy (IO Interactive), as well as its roguelike mode, Freelancer. This whole package is an absolute treat, and this also brings the Tales from the Backlog Hitman Episode Trilogy to a close. Listen in for allllll (most) of our thoughts!

Guest info: Scott Danielson (he/him)

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:25 Introductions
• 8:25 Our Histories with Hitman
• 12:39 Top-Level Thoughts
• 17:13 Story Setup
• 24:43 Levels and Locations
• 34:16 What's New and Mission Stories
• 43:26 The Sandbox and Freelancer Mode
• 1:02:32 Other Bonus Missions
• 1:09:07 Who Should Play Hitman?
• 1:17:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:18:57 Spoilers- Dubai
• 1:37:53 Spoilers- Dartmoor
• 1:50:43 Spoilers- Berlin
• 2:10:03 Spoilers- Chongqing
• 2:27:31 Spoilers- Mendoza
• 2:41:54 Spoilers- Carpathian Mountains
• 2:53:56 Spoilers- Ending and Ambrose Island

Music used in the episode is credited to Niels Bye Nielson. Tracks used: Death Awaits, Best-Laid Plans, Sceptres of Dubai, End of an Era, Planning, Death in the Family, Chongqing Requiem, Mission Accomplished

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest Brian Edwards as they dive into one of 2025's most acclaimed games, The Séance of Blake Manor (Spooky Doorway, Raw Fury, 2025). It's a captivating mystery set in an Irish countryside manor-turned-hotel, full of both literal and figurative ghosts, culminating in a grand séance. It's full of memorable characters, fantastic voice performances, Irish folklore and mythology, and always manages to keep you guessing. Check out the podcast for more.

Guest info: Brian Edwards (he/him)

• Check out the Character Issues podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747?l=zh-Hant-TW
• Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:16 Introductions
• 4:24 Personal Histories
• 7:59 Top-Level Thoughts
• 14:15 Story Setup and Cast of Characters
• 24:18 Spooky Atmosphere
• 29:00 Character Schedules and the Passage of Time
• 41:41 Lack of Deductive Reasoning
• 48:43 Some Mechanical Frustrations
• 56:09 Some Puzzly Puzzles
• 58:44 Irish Folklore & Mythology
• 1:05:31 Who Should Play?
• 1:09:40 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse
• 1:19:04 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:20:57 Spoilers- Favorite Moments and Storylines
• 1:49:27 Spoilers- What's Going On Here?

Music used in the episode is credited to Clement Panchout. Tracks used: The Séance of Blake Manor, Vincent Varley, Blake Manor I, Courtyard, The Ritual, Serenade for Evelyn Deane (End Credits)

Check out Dave's guest DJ set on Chillscape: A Chill VGM Podcast: https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/chillscape-a-chill-vgm-podcast

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest Josh Galecki (Pixelated Playgrounds, Moonroof Studios) to take a long walk into the woods of Baby Steps. Developed by Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzillo and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital, Baby Steps is an extremely unique game, one where its story of its failson protagonist meshes with its frustrating-yet-rewarding gameplay for a very rewarding and genuinely funny experience. Check out the podcast for more.

Guest info: Josh Galecki (he/him)

• Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/
• Check out Josh's games on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/search/?developer=Moonroof%20Studios
• Check out more of Josh's games on itch https://joshuagalecki.itch.io/

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:11 Introductions
• 5:42 Our Histories with Baby Steps
• 9:42 Top-Level Thoughts
• 15:11 Characterization of Nate
• 20:18 Walking Mechanics
• 26:56 Difficulty and World Design
• 40:19 Hating On Nate and Comedy
• 54:27 Visuals, Music and Sound
• 59:13 Who Should Play Baby Steps?
• 1:04:16 Pixelated Playgrounds and Moonroof Studios
• 1:08:40 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:10:17 Spoilers- Jim, The Manbreaker, Other Challenges
• 1:32:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Nate
• 1:42:28 Spoilers- Nate's Journey and Endings
• 1:55:43 Accomplishments vs Achievements
• 2:04:23 Guys...Where Are We?

Sound clips in episode were captured in game.

The Secret Lives of Games interview with Bennett Foddy & Gabe Cuzillo- https://eggplant.show/152-walking-over-it-with-gabe-cuzzillo-and-bennett-foddy-baby-steps

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Guest info: Doug Lief (he/him) and Gen Moonen (they/them)

• Listen to Nostalgium Arcanum https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/
• Listen to Playing By Ear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playing-by-ear/id1815995146
• Listen to Still Muppeting https://www.patreon.com/c/stillloadingpod/posts
• Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgames.libsyn.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:10 Introductions and Top-Level Thoughts
• 7:20 Unpredictability- Problem or Opportunity?
• 19:48 Failure Can Be Funny
• 38:35 Jokes In Any Form
• 50:07 Unique Challenges Facing Game Comedy
• 1:32:15 More Ways Games are Uniquely Funny
• 1:44:46 Wrap-Up Thoughts
• 1:48:56 Gen & Doug's Podcasts

Music used in the episode:

• Secret Hoppin' (Vacation Mix)- ClascyJitto (Pizza Tower OST)
• Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp- Peter McConnell (Psychonauts OST)

Dave's guest appearance on Play Along Podcast- https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more!

Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him)

• Check out all of Troy's work! https://troytlepower.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:17 Introductions
• 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines
• 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts
• 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection
• 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society
• 28:06 Presentation and Game World
• 36:53 Music and Vibes
• 44:34 Vampire Lore TM
• 51:00 Character Building
• 1:02:04 Combat
• 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time...
• 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines?
• 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing
• 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories
• 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward

Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Dave recaps 13 indie games that he played on the PAX East 2026 show floor.

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:25 The Secret of Weepstone
• 2:05 Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes
• 2:59 Canvas City
• 3:51 DREADMOOR
• 5:03 Fractured Blooms
• 6:20 GNAW
• 7:31 Valor Mortis
• 8:32 Well Dweller
• 9:39 Never's End
• 11:17 ZWAARD
• 12:15 Project Lexa
• 13:37 Backyard Baseball
• 15:20 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
• 16:31 Wrap-Up
• 17:06 More Indie Game Coverage!
• 17:52 Outro and How to Support

Game links:

• The Secret of Weepstone- https://store.steampowered.com/app/3702100/The_Secret_of_Weepstone/
• Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes- https://www.astrocrow.com/throwback
• Canvas City https://store.steampowered.com/app/3226830/Canvas_City/
• DREADMOOR https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/
• Fractured Blooms https://store.steampowered.com/app/3730310/Fractured_Blooms/
• GNAW https://store.steampowered.com/app/2306490/GNAW/
• Valor Mortis https://store.steampowered.com/app/2828710/Valor_Mortis/
• Well Dweller https://store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/Well_Dweller/
• Never's End https://store.steampowered.com/app/1999930/Nevers_End/
• ZWAARD https://store.steampowered.com/app/2251170/ZWAARD/
• Project Lexa https://store.steampowered.com/app/3162890/Project_Lexa/
• Backyard Baseball https://store.steampowered.com/app/3935020/Backyard_Baseball/
• Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon https://store.steampowered.com/app/1466060/Tainted_Grail_The_Fall_of_Avalon/

Music used:

• High Above the Land (The Flying Machine)- Jake Kaufman (Shovel Knight)
• Various tracks from The 16-Bit Starter Pack, composed by Bert Cole [bitbybitsound.com](bitbybitsound.com)

For more PAX and indie game coverage, check out:

• https://theindieinformer.com/
• https://www.sixoneindie.com/
• https://nosmallgames.com/
• https://funandgames.libsyn.com/
• https://youtube.com/@crossplayconvos
  
• https://youtube.com/@danomak
  
• https://leftbehindgame.club/
• https://youtube.com@NOLAnerdcast
  
• https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/pixelspectrum/
• https://www.gamesandwich.com/
• https://www.buzzsprout.com/747596
• https://kzum.org/podcasts/underplayed/
• https://youtube.com@CGDannyB
  
• https://youtube.com@Kimchica
  
• https://bossrush.net/
• https://passthecontroller.io/
• https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@PSTrophyRoom
  
• https://datewithuspodcast.podbean.com/
• https://epiloguegaming.com/
• https://somanygames.co.uk/
• https://dotzip.online/
• https://skyboxcritics.com/
• https://www.quitthebuild.com/1h1d

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and guest Travis Colenutt on their language-learning journey up the tower in Chants of Sennaar (Rundisc, Focus Entertainment, 2023). What do our languages say about our culture, and how can learning another language change the way we see the world? All of this and more in the discussion!

Guest info: Travis Colenutt (he/him)

• Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/
• Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/traviscolenutt.bsky.social

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:21 Introductions
• 4:53 Why Did We Play Chants of Sennaar?
• 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts About Chants of Sennaar
• 16:06 Story and Language Learning Setup
• 28:00 Using Language to Make Progress
• 33:40 Learning About Culture Via Languages
• 39:04 Making Connections Via Languages
• 48:02 Stealth In My Puzzle Game?
• 53:58 Visuals, Music and Sound
• 1:08:31 Do We Recommend?
• 1:11:17 Left Behind Game Club
• 1:15:10 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:17:34 Spoilers- The Devotees & Warriors
• 1:40:05 Spoilers- The Bards & Alchemists
• 1:55:32 Spoilers- The Anchorites & Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Thomas Brunet. Tracks used: The Call, Out of the Cavern and into the Light, Catch Me!, Envers, Bonds Reforged

Catch Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about Rocky https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

Join Dave and guest Bryan Skursha as they deep dive Death Howl (The Outer Zone, 11 Bit Studios, 2025) on their journey through the underworld to find out what the hell a soulslike deckbuilder even is. Brutal turn-based combat, a story about grieving and a mother's love, and all the fucked up guys a gamer could ask for. Listen in to find out more!

Guest info: Bryan Skursha (he/him)

• Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/
• Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/bsushi.bsky.social

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:18 Introductions
• 5:39 Our Histories with Death Howl
• 10:50 Top-Level Thoughts
• 15:42 Story Setup
• 23:58 Dreamy, Hazy Visuals and Sound
• 40:01 Combat Basics and Deckbuilding Strategy
• 54:58 Is It Soulslike?
• 1:05:00 Open-Ended Structure and Side Quests
• 1:10:22 Combat Depth
• 1:16:40 Who Should Play Death Howl?
• 1:19:00 Pixelated Playgrounds
• 1:22:55 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:24:58 Spoilers- Favorite Areas, Bosses, Decks
• 1:41:00 Spoilers- Final Area and Final Bosses
• 1:55:46 Spoilers- Story Discussion

Music used in the episode is credited to Chris Bjørumslet & Malte Burup. Tracks used: Death Howl, Olvi, Shadows of Rot, Cantharsis, Meadows of Delusion, Moon Eel, Ever Since Your Heart Stopped Beating

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog