Axe of the Blood God: An RPG Podcast

Nadia, Bob, and Kat share all of their favorite things from 30 years of Dragon Quest while also getting input from the fans. Favorite monsters, favorite moments, and of course, our favorite games - it's a podcast of love and positivity for a foundational JRPG. Plus: Mike drops by to talk Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 DLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat, Nadia, and Bob talk about the latest RPG news, including the announcement of Yo-Kai Watch 2 and the appearance of Oblivion PSP footage, then take a trip back to 1996 to revisit Mario RPG and Square Enix's subsequent break with Nintendo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat and Nadia revisit Valkyria Chronicles, which is getting remastered for the PlayStation 4, discuss the recent Persona 5 news, and talk about the lost RPG franchises that they miss the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the best RPG boss fights? And what makes a good RPG boss fight in the first place? Nadia and returning guest Steve Tramer join Kat to dissect this crucial aspect of creating a good roleplaying game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadia joins Kat to discuss Bravely Second, the sequel to the surprise hit retro RPG. How does it stack up to its predecessor? What is it about retro RPGs that seems to inspire so much passion in its fans? And has the series finally managed to win Kat over? All these answers and more, plus a Twitter mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat returns to host a review roundtable with Dark Souls experts Bob Mackey and Phil Kollar of Polygon, with topics including the new combat abilities, questions about linearity, covenants, and whether the series is feeling a tiny bit of franchise fatigue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadia joins Kat to discuss Final Fantasy XV's release date, the Brotherhood anime, and the Platinum Demo. Is this real life? Or is this just fantasy? We'll know soon enough. Kat and Nadia also take the time to catch up on the surprise Steam hit Stardew Valley - a farming sim with some deep JRPG roots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadia and guest John Learned join Kat to discuss Salt & Sanctuary from the point of a view of both a Dark Souls fan and a non-fan. Then director Brian Heins talks about the concept behind Obsidian's new RPG, the decision to reduce party size, and how it will build on what Pillars of Eternity started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Tramer returns for a special GDC episode in which he and Kat discuss Square Enix's I Am Setuna, the newly-revealed Tyranny, XCOM 2, and the pros and cons of VR as it relates to RPGs. Pokken Tournament makes an appearance as well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadia and Bob join Kat to discuss our recent Legend of Zelda rankings and share their favorite games in the series. Plus, we delve once again into the Odin's Sphere remake, Pokken Tournament, and the news that another Pokemon mobile game is on the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Obsidian's Josh Sawyer joins Kat to reflect on Pillars of Eternity a year later, explain his approach to RPG design, discuss the development of the expansions, and talk about what's next for Obsidan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat and Nadia discuss how Pokemon got them into anime, recall the Pokemon Black and Lavender Town creepypastas, and share some of their favorite monsters on the 20th anniversary of Pokemon Red and Green's release in Japan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Kat discuss map design, crazy King Garon, and the difference between Birthright and Conquest in their in-depth review of Fire Emblem Fates. Afterward, Nadia explains to Kat why she ended up digging Project X Zone 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can an RPG succeed on mobile? Has Breath of Fire held up in the years since its 2016 heyday? Kat and Nadia ponder these questions and more as Breath of Fire 3 and Final Fantasy IX make their triumphant return. Plus: The mailbag returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stiv Tramer returns to discuss the possibility of an official localization for Mother 3, then delves deep into the nature of narrative in RPGs. What are the different types of RPG stories? What are some of the tools that developers use to craft a good RPG story? And what are some of our favorite stories? We answer all of these questions and more as we take a deep dive into RPG narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GamesBeat's Jason Wilson joins Kat to discuss the merits of Square Enix's latest foray into the Monster Hunter genre, then Bob drops by to share this thoughts on Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam and Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red Hook Studios designer Tyler Sigman talks about how the art and design of Darkest Dungeon has come together over the past year, as well where his new RPG stands at release and where it's going. Read more at USgamer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliot Gay returns to talk about the RPGs that are big in Japan, including SMT x Fire Emblem and Odin Sphere. We also cover what's coming out for the rest of the year, and go more in depth with Trails of Cold Steel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most intriguing RPGs of 2016? Bob and Mike join Kat to discuss Persona 5, Final Fantasy XV, and all the rest of the most exciting RPGs of the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the best RPGs of 2015? What were our main takeaways from this year in roleplaying games? Bob, Mike, Kat, and newcomer Nadia Oxford all share their thoughts on what has been a packed year for our favorite genre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past weekend brought with it a ton of RPG news, and Bob and Kat are here to review it alongside special guest John Learned. What does the gang think about Final Fantasy VII going episodic? Can Ni No Kuni 2 improve on the original? And what does The Old Hunters mean for Bloodborne? All this and more as we barrel toward the end of 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polygon's Phil Kollar is back to help Kat recount the journey from Xenogears to Xenoblade Chronicles X, then the two break down the latest from Tetsuya Takahashi and Monolith Soft. We also have another question of the week! Which RPG have we invested the most time into? Kat and Phil discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat and Bob are joined by Polygon's Phil Kollar to discuss Fallout 4's opening, the sometimes confusing mechanics, and the case of the missing Dogmeat. Then, Kat and Bob lament the death of the mid-range JRPG developers following the demise of Imageepoch while cheering the return of Valkyria Chronicles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dragon Quest VII and VIII for Nintendo 3DS have finally been confirmed for North America! Jeremy and Kat have lots of thoughts on that and Nintendo's other news. Then, XSEED's Jessica Chavez joins us to share her adventures in localized Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, her favorite characters, and the challenge of working with a Japanese story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Tramer returns to discuss the high points and low points of Bethesda RPGs over the years and the one way RPGs as a whole can improve. Plus: We're giving away a free copy of Fallout 4 on Xbox One! Listen to find out how to get your copy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Wilson joins Kat to discuss the new Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG Sword Coast Legends and the console port of Divinity: Original Sin. Plus: We announce the winner of our Dragon Quest Heroes Slime Collector's Edition! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike joins Kat to discuss his review of Tales of Zestiria, then Kat and Bob determine whether Dragon Quest Heroes does justice to one of the best RPG franchises ever. Bonus: A Yo-kai Watch discussion, plus details on an upcoming giveaway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USgamer contributor John Learned joins Kat to discuss what he learned about the localization of Final Fantasy XII in his recent interview, with some added discussion about Legend of Legacy and the new Witcher 3 expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Williams joins Kat to discuss Disgaea 5, the difficult challenges facing NIS, and what he likes to see in a tactical RPG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat and Bob delve into the most curious RPG since Earthbound in Undertale, then jump into Persona 4: Dancing All Night before taking a belated look at the RPGs that came out of TGS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaz joins Kat to talk about the evolution of Destiny, what the expansion fixes, and what can still be improved. Do the RPG elements work now, or is it still a confusing mess of random systems? Here are our final thoughts on The Taken King. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Tramer returns to talk Shadowrun Hong Kong and the delay of Persona 5, with Kat musing on Xenoblade Chronicles X and ranting about Destiny: The Taken King. Bonus: A random Metal Gear Solid 5 conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stay Awhile and Listen and Dungeon H@cks author David Craddock joins Kat to talk about the story behind Diablo II's tumultuous development, the earliest days of Roguelikes, and as always, what makes a game an RPG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliot Gay returns to share his thoughts on Fire Emblem Fates and other recent Japanese RPGs. What's the difference between Birthright and Conquest? How does it compare to Awakening? You can find the answers here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With USgamer's Best 15 Games Since 2000 list now complete, Kat convenes the crew to talk about the best RPGs on the list. Jaz and Mike drop by to reminisce about World of WarCraft, then Bob once again shares his undying love for Dark Souls. Plus: Honorable mentions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob and Steve join Kat to discuss the evolution of turn-based RPGs, their appeal versus real-time combat, and the news that the Final Fantasy VII remake's gameplay is in for "dramatic changes." What does turn-based combat mean in the modern era? The crew is here to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of several interesting RPG announcements, Jeremy Parish checks in to share his thoughts on Dragon Quest XI, Final Fantasy Explorers, and the Odin Sphere remake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rowan Kaiser returns to talks about what he's playing lately and answer questions from the mailbag. What's our favorite RPG soundtrack? Do JRPGs have a future on console? We (mostly) answer these questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a mega crossover event as Kat heads to Japan to join the 8-4 Play cast for an afternoon of Japanese RPGs, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and chuhai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Tramer returns to explain why you should be running the Final Fantasy V Four Job Fiesta right now, why he doesn't like Vagrant Story, and why he's excited to play Persona 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Final Fantasy VII remake is actually happening! Kat and Jeremy share their reactions the day after it happens, then go on to discuss the surprise Nier remake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the occasion of Earthbound's 20th anniversary, WayForward's Tomm Hulett shares his love for the Nintendo classic with Kat and Bob as the three offer trivia, analyze the battle system, and more. Then, to wrap up the show, Kat and Bob speculate on the RPGs that will dominate E3, including whether or not Dragon Quest VII will finally get localized for the Nintendo 3DS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our old friend Richard from Japan pops in to talk about the first 70 hours of Xenoblade Chronicles X, then Double Fine's Brad Muir talks about the trials and tribulations of designing Massive Chalice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kotaku's Kirk Hamilton joins Kat to talk about his two favorite subjects - Destiny and The Witcher 3. The pair revisit Witcher 3's combat, talk about the game's depiction of sex, and discuss Destiny's odd appeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat, Mike, and guest Jason Wilson break down The Witcher 3's expansive open world, quest design and combat. Does it stack up to the best RPGs on the market? The crew have differing opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Wilson returns to canvass the RPG landscape with Kat, covering a host of topics including fetch quests, Persona Q, and Xenoblade Chronicles, as well as the best RPGs so far this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Brevik joins Kat to talk about the evolution of Marvel Heroes, remember his days with Blizzard North, and share his updated feelings on Diablo III. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Japan correspondent Elliott Gay joins Kat to share his initial thoughts on Bravely Second, Super Robot Wars Z3, and Yokai Watch vs. Pokemon as the pair discuss what's happening in the Japanese RPG scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Williams joins Kat to share his perspective on Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin as a relative newcomer to the series, as well as his thoughts on Dragon Age and Netflix's Daredevil. Then, Jonathan Rogers joins Kat to discuss Path of Exile's newly-announced expansion pack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Steve Tramer joins Kat and Jeremy to talk Roguelikes on the occasion of the release of Etrian Mystery Dungeon in the latest episode of our RPG podcast. What makes a good Roguelike? Why are Roguelikes suddenly so prevalent? And where should a curious newcomer get started? The answers lie within! (Answers contingent on successful item check). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices