Best Dark Souls Ii Podcasts (2024)

1
427 - Dark Souls Part II 1:37:07

19d ago1:37:07

1:37:07

What is bravery without a dash of recklessness? Five Retro Encounter panelists recently finished the first Dark Souls, and it's every bit as impressive, intense, and moving today as it was in 2011. Today the panel talks about the game's undercooked second-half environments, the fully-realized DLC episode, and the emotional turmoil upon discovering …

1
The Metallica Album Tier List. 1:26:29

9h ago1:26:29

1:26:29

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Join us as we rank the eleven Metallica studio albums from worst to best. Will we have the same list or will Mike and Seb bicker like toddlers fighting for the playground swing? Also, if you want to let us know your list please leave us a line. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael He…

1
Asking ChatGPT "What Are The Greatest Games of All Time?" 1:08:56

1d ago1:08:56

1:08:56

On this special episode of the Friendly Neighborhood Gamers podcast, Andrew, Dylan and Aubrey each host a trivia game for the others to compete in. Andrew hosts a game called I Got It From ChatGPT, Aubrey hosts a game of Synonym Roll and Dylan hosts a simplified version of Got It From Google with a bonus How Many Smash Bros. Characters Can You Name…

1
429 - Final Fantasy Series Tier List 2:52:28

5d ago2:52:28

2:52:28

A, B, C, D, FF3 / Feels like a mid-rank to me Very few podcast, article, or video topics on the internet get folks more enthusiastic or more up in arms than tiers, lists, or a combination thereof. On today's emotional episode of Retro Encounter, four panelists play a fantasy-draft style game to place the main-series Final Fantasy games (plus FF Tac…

1
2020 Game of the Year - The Remake 1:48:25

8d ago1:48:25

1:48:25

Welcome back to the neighborhood! On this episode, Andrew, Dylan and Aubrey revisit their game of the year lists from 2020 and then remake them. They discuss the new games that made their way onto the list as well as the ones that didn't quite make the cut. They also discuss what a wild time 2020 was and how Animal Crossing took over the world! Wan…

1
428 - Undertale Revisited 1:34:25

12d ago1:34:25

1:34:25

Despite everything, it's still Retro Encounter. Over six years ago, we got together to chat about the instant indie class, Undertale. But, Undertale's staying power is so strong that we decided to get together and chat about it again, this time with an all new panel. Is Papyrus still delightful every time he comes on screen? Did any of us have the …

1
The Desert Island 56:00

14d ago56:00

56:00

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text What if you could only bring 5 albums with you to an island and that is all the music you would listen to for the rest of your life? Well on this episode of Mandatory Music, we tackle that exact question. We discuss some of the albums we would take, some honorable mentions so join us and give us a holler…

1
Exploring Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - with Dave Jackson 2:05:01

15d ago2:05:01

2:05:01

Rise Tarnished! and welcome back to the neighborhood! On this episode we are returning to the Lands Between so we can enter the Lands of Shadow in pursuit of Kindly Miquella. So hop on Torrent and collect as many Scadutree Fragments as you can because it’s time to talk about the massive expansion to 2022’s game of the year, Elden Ring: Shadow of th…

1
Sleep Token V: The Summoning 27:09

20d ago27:09

27:09

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text We are back with the last of our Sleep Token tunes, The Summoning. This is definitely the most popular song by this band that we have done to date and we are excited that this conjuring of a song has evoked many flavours for us. What does the mystery that is Sleep Token have for us… Mandatory Music is pr…

1
Xbox Doesn't Care About Gamers and Destiny 2 Comes to a Conclusion 1:11:47

22d ago1:11:47

1:11:47

On this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers, hosts Andrew and Dylan discuss the recent price increase for Xbox Gamepass. This leads to a deep dive into Xbox as a company and all of the recent headlines they've been making. After that, the conversation turns to the new expansion for Destiny 2, The Final Shape! Dylan finally has the chance t…

1
426 - Dark Souls Part I 1:21:06

26d ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Let's praise the sun! Doo-doo-doo-doo The Dark Souls of RPGFan podcasts has finally arrived! Dark Souls is one of the most celebrated RPGs of the 2010s, helping to establish an entire new genre of RPG. Today, one Dark Souls newcomer and four Souls-like veterans discuss this challenging, carefully-crafted RPG, from its interconnected setting to the …

1
Sleep Token IV: Alkaline 19:26

27d ago19:26

19:26

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text We are back with the fourth instalment of our Sleep Token series. This week we explore the captivating track "Alkaline" from their Sophomore album, This place will become your tomb, and uncover its hidden meanings. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Cont…

1
It's Time for a Fantasy Critic League Update! 1:51:46

30d ago1:51:46

1:51:46

On this very special episode of the podcast, Andrew and Dylan are joined by Jay Davis from Super Bracket Bros and Phil and Eric (and Stefan) from The Wait For It Podcast to talk about the 2024 Fantasy Critic League! They crew discusses the victories and heartbreaks that have occurred in the league so far as well as looking forward to the rest of th…

1
S1E12: If your Spirit Guides say Take it Easy, Take it Easy 11:01

1M ago11:01

11:01

Being on a spiritual path isn’t always fun. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, a lot of healing. When you have mystical experiences, it makes it even more trying. I’ve never found anyone who can relate to my experiences, which often leads me feeling like alone in this. Today, I was suffering from loneliness and reflecting on how sharing m…

1
425 - RPGFan Quiz Show VI: Contest of Champions 1:09:50

1M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

There can only be one. Since time immemorial (May of 2019), Retro Encounter has hosted quiz shows to determine which Retro Encounter panelist knows the most about the subject we celebrate every day on our beloved website. Today, five former RPGFan quiz show winners duke it out in a trivia free-for-all to determine who is the true Champion of Champi…

1
S1E11: Visiting Spirits and Good Vibes 23:26

1M ago23:26

23:26

Have you ever seen an apparition? Maybe it was something out of the corner of your eye, something you just shrugged off, but I turned to face that shadowy figure and you'll have to listen to hear the rest ;) I also share a sweet experience I had with my Basset Hound Freeman, he was such a good boy. You don't want to miss this! Please be sure to tel…

1
Sleep Token III: The Offering 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Welcome back to Mandatory Music as we continue our journey through the realm of Sleep Token. The Offering is the most listened to song off their first full length studio album, Sundowning. What dark choral worship music are we going to unlock on this episode as we walk with the deity of sleep through the…

1
Video Game Genres Are Out of Control! 1:27:24

1M ago1:27:24

1:27:24

This week, Andrew, Dylan and Aubrey discuss the topic of video game genres. The conversation explores some of the faults in how we as a community choose to define games. It also covers some potential solutions and advice for people who take these categories too seriously. In a crazy turn of events, Aubrey prepared a closing trivia game for Andrew a…

1
424 - Top Eleven PS4 RPGs 2:37:22

1M ago2:37:22

2:37:22

PlayStation IV: A New Hope The PlayStation 4 was a massively successful console, with incredible sales, an official lifespan of seven years, and game releases continuing to the present day. And moreso than its predecessor, the PS4 had a rich selection of RPGs. Today, four Retro Encounter panelists each composed individual top ten lists of PS4 RPGs,…

1
Sleep Token II: Granite 21:15

1M ago21:15

21:15

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Mandatory Music has returned with another Sleep Token track, that may or may not be about rocks…Granite. Join us as we explore more of this the not-metal, not-pop band, not-alternative, not R&B…actually what is Sleep Token. Come help us fine out. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael …

1
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Review - with Aubrey Sommer 1:35:32

1M ago1:35:32

1:35:32

On this episode of "Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers," Aubrey Sommer and Andrew Kimball delve into the world of "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II." They explore the sequel's narrative, characters, and gameplay mechanics, expressing disappointment with the ambiguous storytelling, lack of satisfying conclusion, and downgrade in gameplay. They express thei…

1
S1E10: Angel Numbers and a Phone Call from the Otherside 12:07

2M ago12:07

12:07

Have you ever noticed the same repeating numbers when you check the time? maybe you keep seeing 11:11 or 3:33, or maybe you've seen a longer series of numbers and wondered what it meant. Well, I asked my spirit team to send me a loud, clear sign whether they approved of a months long spiritual journey to Tibet, and they came calling, loud and clear…

1
423 - Grandia II Part II 1:18:08

2M ago1:18:08

1:18:08

Deep fried Retro! This week we get the panelists back together to chat about the second half of Grandia II. Listen in while we talk about late game changes in tone, how well the pacing holds up, and if Ryudo is still endlessly hilarious. Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Ben Love, Claton Stevenson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Mile…

1
Sleep Token I: Take Me Back to Eden 33:40

2M ago33:40

33:40

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Michael and Sebastian are back after a little hiatus to bring you a real raw and blind reaction to a band that has haunted the reaction channels of everyone, Sleep Token. Sometimes beauty and magic come from the most mysterious and unknown places, so step into the garden with us as we unravel this enigma…

1
Lords of the Fallen and an Indie Game Roundup - Neighborhood Watch 1:07:45

2M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

On this episode Aubrey is back in the Neighborhood and Dylan is down with the sickness. Our hosts discuss all the games they've been playing lately and share the things that they like and dislike about them. Aubrey talks about Sea of Solitude, Venba and Open Roads. Three indie games that she played over the course of an afternoon. Are they worth yo…

1
Feeding the Soul: Stories for a Child's Imagination 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

In this episode, Director Hodges and Ben discuss the nature of children's stories and how they offer another world for contemplation, a world beyond our own that lives on in our minds long into adulthood.

1
S1E9: The Shady Hairstylist: Dark Energy, Dark Vibes 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

If you're listening to this podcast, you undoubtedly have heard of auras. Well, two years ago, I finally got to experience one for myself. It was shocking, and totally unexpected lol This is one of my most fascinating "energetic experiences" I've had!!! Please be sure to tell your friends and family about the podcast and leave a review wherever you…

1
422 - Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Spoilercast 1:17:41

2M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

You can't go back, but you can move forward. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was one of the most hotly anticipated RPG releases of 2024, as a successor to the fan-favorite Suikoden series in all but name, written and designed by Suikoden's late creator Yoshitaka Murayama. So did Eiyuden live up to expectations? Are we excited for a potential Eiyu…

1
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - With Caleb Van Nice 2:18:43

2M ago2:18:43

2:18:43

Caleb Van Nice returns to the Neighborhood to chat with Andrew about the latest game in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth! They spend the first part of the episode discussing updates to the game when compared to Final Fantasy VII Remake as well as the much larger scope and sillier tone. In the back half of the conversa…

1
S1E8: Soul Sisters: Out-of-Body and Near Death Experiences 22:04

2M ago22:04

22:04

Everyone has heard about out-of-body and near death experiences, but the experiences my older sister Jennifer and I had, involve some XTRA far out stuff! A must listen! Publication Afterthoughts: I've felt a strong urge to share these very personal stories, for a long time now. But, I kept asking myself, how will this help my audience? Am I Really …

1
Repeating History? Parallels with the Fall of the Roman Republic 38:11

2M ago38:11

38:11

Are there similarities between the decline of the West today and the decline of the Republic of Rome after the Punic Wars? Director Hodges muses about the similarities, and comments on an article written by H. A. Scott Trask, in Chronicles Magazine. Other important recommendations: Tom Holland's book RUBICON, Will and Ariel Durant's CAESAR AND CHRI…

1
421 - Grandia II Part I 1:01:48

2M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Inside every cynic, there is a disappointed idealist. Grandia II felt like an RPG ahead of its time in 2000, with sophisticated active-time battles, smart underlying systems, and clever writing anchored by Ryudo, Grandia II's sarcastic protagonist. Today's episode of Retro Encounter discusses the characters, mechanics, and first-half story of Grand…

1
Gaming, Writing, and Creating Worlds: Seth Campbell's Journey into Eldritch Depths 1:25:06

2M ago1:25:06

1:25:06

On this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers, the talented and passionate Seth Campbell joins hosts Andrew Kimball and Dylan Wren for an exciting conversation. Seth, an avid gamer since his childhood days, shares his love for PlayStation and Nintendo 64 games, along with his favorite titles like Bloodborne, God of War, and Black Flag. He al…

1
420 - Omori Part II 1:34:03

2M ago1:34:03

1:34:03

I've walked for miles / My feet are hurting. Content Warning: this podcast episode addresses many sensitive topics, including mental health issues and self-harm. Is Omori an offbeat retro-styled RPG about a journey through a young person's psyche? A story about a group of friends reconnecting after drifting apart following tragic circumstances? Or …

1
Episode 13: Luck.Runs.Out. 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text We are back with All Nightmare Long from Metallica’s super compressed album Death Magnetic. Do you like palm muting? Good, because this Lovecraft inspired song pulls from a short story called" The Hounds of Tindalos" and it takes us back to Metallica’s roots. The sound and thrash are back, this tune carr…

1
Excitement over Marvel's Midnight Suns, Diablo IV: Loot Reborn and More - Neighborhood Watch 1:18:58

2M ago1:18:58

1:18:58

Caught in the backlog trap with titles like Midnight Suns and Baldur's Gate 3? We've been there too. We explore the reasons behind our unfinished games and the psychological hurdles that keep them in our libraries. From personal anecdotes of games left on pause to the constant allure of new adventures, we reveal our gaming habits and the emotional …

1
419 - Hard to Love RPGs 1:34:31

3M ago1:34:31

1:34:31

Accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. No one of sound mind plays an RPG out of spite. Players want to enjoy the games they play, sometimes with a fair amount of hype and anticipation beforehand. Today, we walk in between joy and despair, and discuss ten games that the panel wanted to love but struggled to connect with. A few o…

1
Episode 12: Inamorata 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Mandatory Music is back with Metallica’s longest song from 72 seasons, Inamorata. A unique song that offers interesting and doom like flavors, this masterpiece of song writing takes James voice to places of tenderness and sorrow, of regret and pain. Come join us as we unravel the riffs and tones that mak…

1
Baldur's Gate 3 - Feat. Aubrey Sommer and Braedon Kimball 2:41:07

3M ago2:41:07

2:41:07

Andrew is out this week so Dylan called on both of his siblings to fill in! This week they are discussing Baldur's Gate 3! Baldur's Gate 3 is a 2023 role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios. It is the third main installment to the Baldur's Gate series, based on the tabletop fantasy role-playing system of Dungeons & Dragons.…

1
Episode 11: Hello Darkness 23:54

3M ago23:54

23:54

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Seb are doing the longest song off of the Hardwired album, Halo on Fire. We all go through life, ripe with situations full of temptations and bad decisions, some lead us to danger and darkness or to sorrow or sadness. We are all human in the end and we try to make t…

1
Henryk Gorecki's SYMPHONY OF SORROWFUL SONGS 1:18:51

3M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

As we continue to consider the cultural works of the West, this is another of our Director's live conference lectures, given in 2011, just months after the death of the composer Henryk Gorecki, a Polish Catholic, who's Symphony #3 became an international hit on the popular song charts of 1993. In this work, Gorecki departs from his more avant-garde…

1
418 - Omori Part I 56:00

3M ago56:00

56:00

But my dreams, they aren’t as empty / As my headspace seems to be Content Warning: this podcast episode addresses many sensitive topics, including mental health issues and self-harm. Omori is an indie game that takes on dark themes such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and loss in a thoughtful, poignant manner. But it’s also chock-full of subversive…

1
Get to Know Sam - Host of the Fake Gamer Girls Podcast 1:51:52

3M ago1:51:52

1:51:52

Welcome back to the neighborhood and thank you so much for listening! On today’s episode we are joined by one of the hosts of the Fake Gamer Girls podcast, a show hosted by three sisters with the goal of creating a space for anyone who has been called a fake gamer, been told they don’t play “real games”, or are just looking for a space to be si…

1
Hollyweird : Tinseltown’s Top Ten Conspiracies 56:25

3M ago56:25

56:25

Step into the glitzy yet shadowy world of Hollywood with "The Boys from Illinois" as we unravel some of the most intriguing and bizarre conspiracies surrounding Tinseltown. From secret societies pulling the strings behind the scenes to mysterious celebrity disappearances and uncanny coincidences, no stone is left unturned.…

1
Messiaen's QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME 1:10:04

3M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

As we continue to investigate the great books, music, and ideas of our Western Civilization, we thought it would be good to offer a live conference lecture from 2010 that Director Hodges gave on Olivier Messiaen's masterful QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME, for violin, cello, clarinet, and piano. Coming as it did out of his time in a Nazi prison camp du…

1
417 - RPG Obsessions with David Vinc 1:43:18

3M ago1:43:18

1:43:18

To love is to suffer Three RPGFan panelists are joined by RPG enthusiast YouTuber David Vinc to discuss the favorites and frustrations about the world of RPGs. Does our guest prefer the predictable comfort of Dragon Quest or the unstable beauty of Final Fantasy? Which panelist has played Lufia II dozens of times? How about games where you recruit d…

1
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - with Aubrey Sommer 1:39:07

3M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ninja Theory. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture, the game follows Senua, a Pict warrior who must make her way to Helheim in order to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. Self-described as an "independent A…

1
Episode 10: Fade to Black 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

Like the show? Hate the show? send us a text Welcome back to Mandatory Music. Join us as we explore Metallica’s first ever ballad from the Ride the Lightning album, Fade to Black. This set the standard that Metallica was not just a trash band and showed their audience what was possible within the song writing talent of the band. Emerging from James…

1
A Timeless Moment: Solzhenitsyn's Nobel Acceptance Speech 58:14

3M ago58:14

58:14

In 1970, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel prize for literature, but due to the repressive regime of the USSR, was not allowed to leave his native Russia to receive it. His speech, written with the intention of reading it in Sweden, was never given -- but it has circulated ever since as a great apology for the true, the good, and the beau…

1
416 - Persona 3 Reload 1:29:02

3M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

Are you courageous enough to try Retro Encounter yet? Back in February, Persona 3 Reload released, much to the delight of many on staff, So, this week, two veterans of Persona 3 and one newbie get together to chat about Persona 3 Reload. How does this one compare to the rest of the series? What’s our favorite party composition? Is Koromaru still th…

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Dark Souls Ii Podcasts

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