It's official: This is our 100th episode! Join us for impressions of the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Marcus FINALLY having his revenge on Jared with a special Name That Tune!
Thank you for listening to and supporting our show. We've had such a good run, and we hope you'll keep an eye out for some of our future projects, maybe even including a Level With Us episode now and then!
To contact us, you can reach us at LevelWithUsPodcast[AT]gmail.com
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - 100 episodes!!
2:20 - Nintendo Switch 2
6:45 - Donkey Kong Bananza
13:00 - Name That Tune... about our show?
14:48 - Song #1
16:39 - Song #2
18:07 - Song #3
20:22 - Song #4
22:29 - Wild Card #1
25:38 - Song #5
26:37 - Song #6
28:28 - Song #7
30:21 - Song #8
31:51 - Song #9
33:33 - Wild Card #2
35:34 - Song #10
36:40 - Song #11
38:01 - Song #12
40:01 - Song #13
41:41 - Wild Card #3
44:04 - Song #14
45:28 - Song #15
47:22 - A Tangent About Video Game Music
49:53 - Song #16
52:12 - Song #17
53:42 - Wild Card #4
55:55 - The Future of Level With Us...
58:26 - Outro
As admirers of Davey Wreden’s previous work, we’re now thrilled to review his latest game, “Wanderstop”, a cozy tea-making game with a character-driven narrative and some poignant moments that are darker than you’d typically expect from this type of fare. We’ll stay spoiler-free for our discussion here, but if you’d like to play the game fresh please know that we wholeheartedly recommend it to cozy game fans and other gamers alike!
Wanderstop is available on Steam and Playstation on March 11th:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1299460/Wanderstop/
https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10011513
Music by C418:
https://c418.bandcamp.com/
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:28 - What is Wanderstop?
3:25 - Main Discussion
11:22 - ⭒Star Pieces
15:28 - Quick Jabs
17:03 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
22:04 - Who do we recommend this game to?
23:25 - Musical Spotlight & Credits
Connor from the ZU podcast joins Jared this week for an ultra-hard gauntlet of obscure Zelda music! Can you correctly identify these 15 tracks from across the mainline titles, spin-offs, and Japanese exclusives? Let us know how you do!
Check out the ZU podcast HERE: https://zeldauniverse.net/media/podcasts/
And Connor’s other platforms:
Bluesky) @conterez.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/conterez.bsky.social
Twitch) twitch.tv/conterez
Youtube) youtube.com/conterez
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Special Guest
2:08 - The Rules
5:29 - Song #1
7:57 - Song #2
10:57 - Song #3
12:59 - Song #4
15:17 - Song #5
16:26 - Song #6
18:38 - Song #7
20:39 - Song #8
23:32 - Song #9
25:50 - Song #10
28:20 - Song #11
30:05 - Song #12
32:18 - Song #13
34:30 - Song #14
36:41 - Song #15
38:06 - Outro
It is our OTHER yearly tradition to surprise Marcus with a “Name That Tune” featuring themes from 2024’s biggest video game releases! Can you beat Marcus? Let us know how well you score!
Most of all, happy new year! We look forward to hearing from you in 2025!
YouTube Version (with cheat sheet): https://youtu.be/_yzM_9pdELc
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Rules
1:03 - Song #1
2:21 - Song #2
4:36 - Song #3
6:32 - Song #4
9:09 - Song #5
11:12 - Song #6
13:10 - Song #7
15:06 - Song #8
15:41 - Song #9
16:30 - Song #10
BONUS ROUND!
17:37 - Song #11
18:00 - Song #12
18:09 - Song #13
19:09 - Song #14
21:06 - Song #15
21:25 - Song #16
21:36 - Song #17
23:26 - Song #18
24:49 - Outro
It is our yearly tradition to discuss our top games this year, and boy was 2024 STACKED! Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we talk about our top 5 games and way, way too many honorable mentions.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
3:16 - How is the Backlog is coming along?
4:50 - Marcus’s #5
6:32 - Jared’s #5
9:26 - Marcus’s #4
13:49 - Quick Tangent
14:31 - Marcus’s #3
16:53 - Jared’s #3
19:33 - Marcus’s #2
22:48 - Jared’s #2
24:32 - Marcus’s #1
26:14 - Jared’s Honorable Mentions
29:52 - Marcus’s Honorable Mentions
31:23 - Jared’s #1
33:46 - Most Anticipated Games
35:15 - Outro
Marcus has been working on a new detective video game with his creative partner Nathan, and today we’re going to dive into what that was like! Join us as we discuss what makes for a good murder mystery scenario, some behind-the-scenes development stories, and find out whether this game truly is the “soulslike” of detective video games.
If you’re interested in winning a free copy of the game, find out at the end of this episode. Then, visit the YouTube version of this interview: https://youtu.be/8mzwqaMtNz0
Purchase the Rise of the Golden Idol: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/
(Also available on consoles!)
Check out Marcus and Nathan's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAY
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
3:28 - What is “Rise of the Golden Idol?”
5:04 - How did you get to work on this?
6:00 - “Writer” or “Narrative Designer?
7:23 - Do you feel any pressure or expectations working on the sequel?
9:57 - How do you start writing a murder-mystery scenario?
13:13 - Did the narrative inform the scenarios, or vice versa?
14:43 - Did you design alone, or paired up with other writers?
16:21 - What are your writing strengths?
19:14 - Did you have any ideas considered too “silly” for this game?
20:15 - Did you have to cut any scenarios you were excited about?
23:01 - What are you looking forward to about the launch? Any fun development stories?
25:24 - Who do you think will enjoy this game the most?
26:48 - Free Game Giveaway!
27:55 - Outro
UFO 50 is one of the most ambitious indies we've ever played: 50 games in one, and some of which are all-time classics! Here are our top ten.
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:43 - Why do we love UFO 50?
8:42 - Deviltion
10:48 - Party House
13:45 - Camoflouge
15:30 - Porgy
17:54 - The Big Bell Race
19:02 - Rock On! Island
21:31 - Rail Heist
23:53 - Attactics
26:00 - Hyper Contender
28:25 - Mini & Max
31:49 - Outro
I guested on Marcus's podcast this week to try and stump him and his co-host Nathan with a trivia challenge! It was a lot of fun, and even if you haven't listened to their show, I recommend checking it out! Link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vhMLSn3txDw3YvpTluvVe?si=t9zLCtw2Rhyaw2CgIPwv_Q
Cy from Fireplace Gaming joins in this week to take a look at The Plucky Squire, which was just released! In this 2D top-down / 3D platform hybrid, you manipulate a storybook and engage in really well-designed puzzles. Take a listen to hear our thoughts on the game, and be sure to check out Cy’s other videos HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@fireplacegamingYT
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:28 - Main Discussion
13:33 - ⭒Star Pieces
18:46 - Quick Jabs
24:21 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
30:30 - Outro
Pure bliss. It's nice to remember why I love video games.
If you have a game recommendation, write us at LevelWithUsPodcast{AT]gmail[DOT}com !
Check out Digital Foundry's excellent video on how the game is a technical marvel: https://youtu.be/1qhV6Tv1FkM?si=fG9HXcagd8UmC6In
Cat Quest III may sound like a silly game, but trust me when I say it's worth checking out. It may just surprise you... Check out my other reviews on GG! https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
The SteamWorld series has ALWAYS been excellent, but how does this new sea-faring sea-quel hold up? Marcus re-joins us this week to discuss it! And stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win a FREE COPY of SteamWorld Heist II!
YouTube version: https://youtu.be/a9QzL7qu5dQ
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:53 - What IS this game? 4:11 - Bad Pun 4:24 - General Thoughts 8:59 - ⭒Star Pieces 13:06 - Quick Jabs 16:38 - Who's the Fake Fan? 23:00 - FREE GAME GIVEAWAY!! 25:18 - Outro
A new YouTube-exclusive episode is up! Please consider subscribing: https://youtu.be/9r9phVKhulw
More episodes are on the way. Thank you for your patience!
Are Metroid: Other M and Star Fox Zero really that bad? ...I don't think so. In fact, I think there's actually a lot to love about these "black sheep"! Join me as I try to find all of their good qualities!
Check out my other reviews on GG!
https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
0:00 - Introduction
0:57 - Metroid: Other M
4:41 - Star Fox Zero
9:24 - Conclusion?
With a simple premise and controls, Isles of Sea and Sky is a lovely puzzle game with lovely vibes. If you're a fan of block-pushing games in The Legend of Zelda, or just love the gameboy aesthetic, this one is well worth checking out. Here are my thoughts on the game.
Check out on Steam! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1233070/Isles_of_Sea_and_Sky/
Check out my other reviews on GG!
https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
I don’t love Soulslikes…but I quite like No Rest for the Wicked so far. Here are my thoughts on the early access release!
Check out my other reviews on GG!
https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We’re back with another "Backlog Brunch!" Today we discuss a whole litter of titles we haven’t had the chance to bring up on the show before, such as Balatro, Sifu, Coral Island, and River City Girls 2, among others!
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:43 - Super Mario RPG
1:39 - Persona 3 Reload
2:26 - Cassette Beasts
7:35 - Coral Island
9:13 - Cocoon
12:16 - Patrick’s Parabox
13:04 - Balatro
18:55 - River City Girls 2
21:00 - Sifu
23:56 - Outro
The Sonic Mania team returns - and so does Ray Hargreaves! Today we discuss Penny’s Big Breakway, a skill-based 3D Platformer (with an emphasis on the skill) by the former developers of Sonic Mania. We hope you enjoy our thoughts, Jared being awarded his very first quick jab, as well as a free game giveaway!
To find out how you can win a free copy of Penny’s Big Breakaway on Nintendo Switch, CLICK HERE: https://sweepwidget.com/c/78364-tonp0jsd
If you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Main Discussion
13:24 - ⭒Star Pieces
18:10 - Quick Jabs
23:21 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
28:36 - Free Game Giveaway!
28:53 - Outro
30:08 - Bonus Scene
Today we reminisce about the good ol’ days of subpar Gameboy platformers, candy-themed web games, and driving each other crazy, with a nostalgic trivia battle! One advantage of us co-hosts being brothers is we know exactly what games each other has played, so we hope you enjoy 40+ minutes of us trying to stump each other, and going on plenty of nostalgic tangents along the way!
“Maybe Village” arrangement by Aivi and Surasshu: https://aivisura.bandcamp.com/album/the-black-box
We don’t know when the next episode will be, but if you have upcoming indie game recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: https://anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:20 - Marcus Challenge #1
2:40 - Jared Challenge #1
4:07 - Marcus Challenge #2
5:42 - Jared Challenge #2
9:22 - Marcus Challenge #3
13:14 - Jared Challenge #3
16:29 - Marcus Challenge #4
18:32 - Jared Challenge #4
23:13 - Marcus Challenge #5
26:38 - Jared Challenge #5
29:50 - Marcus Challenge #6
34:25 - Jared Challenge #6
36:10 - Marcus Challenge #7
38:56 - Jared Challenge #7
41:32 - Final Tally
43:50 - Bonus Scene
