Eric and Michael revisit the golden PS2 era with two very different titles: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, the groundbreaking Ubisoft action adventure, and The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, EA’s cinematic RPG with, perhaps, too many ties to the legendary film trilogy.
In this episode of State of the Save, the hosts explore what made these games unforgettable, from fluid parkour mechanics and movie-licensed storytelling to the signature early-2000s style that defined the generation. Eric shares his frustrations with Xbox’s new pricing model, while Michael returns to Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, reflecting on an unfinished journey from his youth.
The episode also set up the next Game Trade, where Eric challenges Michael to test out a spin-off of one of his favorite series, and Michael introduces Eric to a spooky Sega Genesis game perfect for Halloween season.
Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates. Watch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!
Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
1:45 – Xbox Game Pass Price Increase
15:55 – Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
37:05 – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
49:50 – The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
1:16:08 – Michael's Pick for Eric - A Spooky Sega Genesis Game
1:20:55 - Eric Bullies Michael into playing a spin-off
Music:
Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
It’s game swap time on State of the Save! This week, Eric planet-hops his way through Super Mario Galaxy, while Michael battles against the AI in NFL Blitz 2001 to figure out how the classic football game cheats.
In a fun twist, the guys swap unexpected picks—Eric hands Michael an RPG, and Michael drops Eric into a once-beloved franchise that’s due for a comeback.
Along the way, they dive into nostalgic discussions about two iconic retro titles: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Halo 2. If you love classic Nintendo and Xbox games, quirky game swaps, and deep-cut gaming conversations, this episode has it all.
Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates.Watch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!
Timecodes:0:00 – Intro
2:00 – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
11:35 – Halo 2
16:15 – Super Mario Galaxy
27:40 – Retro Game Talk
32:40 – Back to Mario Galaxy
35:30 – NFL Blitz 2001
50:25 – Michael’s pick for Eric
53:08 – Eric’s pick for Michael
Music:
Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Michael takes on Resident Evil: Revelations while Eric dives into Ace Combat: Assault Horizon—and the results are hilarious, confusing, and surprisingly deep. In this episode of State of the Save, the guys trade games in another Game Swap, share their takes on the latest Nintendo Direct announcements, and dig into Gears of War: Reloaded with some personal stories along the way.
If you love retro games, classic franchises, and modern gaming deep dives, this episode has it all:
Nintendo Direct Recap — surprises, highlights, and big reveals
Resident Evil: Revelations — Michael’s baffling experience with the survival horror spin-off
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon — Eric’s unexpected existential journey through the skies
Gears of War: Reloaded — gameplay talk, nostalgia, and personal lore
Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for updates, and check us out on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, clips, and more gaming shenanigans.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!
Timecodes:0:00 - Intro2:10 - Nintendo Direct14:03 - Chibi-Robo17:08 - Gears of War: Reloaded27:55 - Ace Combat: Assault Horizon42:45 - Resident Evil: Revelations58:45 - Eric's pick for Michael1:01:02 - Michael's pick for EricMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-AFree Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMoodMetro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
It’s time for our very first Game-Swap! Michael dives back into his Blockbuster rental nostalgia with Project: Snowblind, while Eric realizes the crew of Final Fantasy XV feels a lot like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in black coats.
The swap continues with a portable spin-off and a questionable Call of Duty clone that alienated a fan base. Plus: Michael shares why UFO 50 is his current obsession, and Eric breaks down his excitement for Battlefield 6 after an intense Beta Weekend.
If you love retro games, shooters, and discovering hidden gems, this episode is packed with laughs, hot takes, and plenty of nostalgia.
Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for podcast updates, and check us out on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, clips, and more gaming shenanigans!
Subscribe and leave a review to support the show - it helps us bring you more gaming deep dives!
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
2:40 - UFO 50
13:20 - Battlefield 6 Beta
26:00 - Looking forward to Metal Gear Solid Delta
33:50 - Project: Snowblind
46:45 - Final Fantasy XV
1:00:20 - Michael's pick for Eric
1:05:50 - Eric's pick for Michael
Music:
Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
The horrors persist, but SO DOES STATE OF THE SAVE, with a new, sustainable show format.
Hosts Eric and Michael reunite to swap video games they want the other to experience, bringing fresh perspectives, laughs, and plenty of friendly debate.
In this comeback episode, we:
Share the games we played during our hiatus
Kick off our new "game trade” format
Discuss Michael’s metal arm (not a bit!)
If you love gaming podcasts, video game reviews, retro gaming discussions, and genuine co-op chemistry, you’ll feel right at home.
Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates, and catch us on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, podcast clips, and other schenanigans.
Welcome back. It's been a while. Let's have some fun.
0:00 - Intro
4:54 - Games we played on hiatus
39:25 - Explaining the new format
41:50 - Michael's pick for Eric
46:28 - Eric's pick for Michael
Music:
Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Michael continues breaking down his favorite games from every year while slowly realizing he left Arcade Racers behind in favor of Single-Player Fighting Games.
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
It's a special solo show for State of the Save as Michael takes some time in-between GameClubs to go Year-By-Year to discuss his favorite games from each one.
Plus, he gives an update on his progress in Baldur's Gate 3, also THERE'S A NEW F-ZERO!
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Michael returns to Castle Wolfenstein, to play through a game he did not finish back in 2016, and he recruits John to join him. Together, they discuss the first half of Wolfenstein: The New Order, playing through Mission 8: Camp Belica.
Join us in 2 weeks for Part 2!
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Apologies for the delayed episode, my air went out so that was fun.
Tanner joins Michael as they investigate the disappearance of a space crew contracted by a shady corporation. What could possibly go wrong? I'll tell you: several in-the-weeds conversations about Sci-Fi movies.
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Grab your PETs and Jack-In so we can take down the WWW! It's time to throw it back to early 2000s internet culture and discuss our time with Mega Man Battle Network. Tanner joins Michael for his first GameClub episode of the show, too!
This first part covers up to the fight with Colorman.EXE.
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
8:53 - Final Fantasy XIV (14)
18:58 - Street fighter VI
22:52 - Mega Man Battle Network
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Michael and John lay the groundwork for the next GameClub - Mega Man Battle Network. Grab your PETs and Jack-In with us as we detail the fun we'll have this Thursday on State of the Save.
This will be a 2 part series:
Part 1 of our Battle Network discussion will cover from the game's beginning to the boss fight with Colorman.EXE
Part 2 will cover the rest of the game.
Until then, We'll Jack-Out and see you later this week!
Music:
Track: Chicago — Jey Co [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/MNbfbvZR10A
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/chicago
Track: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Grab your Huff 'n Puffs, because it's time to blow the house down as we talk about the final Episodes of The Wolf Among Us. Michael and John do everything they can to not make Snow White mad while hunting down the mysterious Crooked Man. They also touch on their time with Tears of the Kingdom and Street Fighter 6.
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
2:35 - Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
12:25 - Street Fighter 6
27:25 - The Wolf Among Us
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
With Eric away, John and Michael take a trip to Fabletown, NYC to unravel a conspiracy in our GameClub of The Wolf Among Us. We also talk about our time with the new Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom.
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro/Housekeeping
2:55 - Resident Evil 4 Remake
7:00 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
19:50 - The Wolf Among Us (Episode 1 - The First 2 Scenes of Episode 3)
Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
Long Live The Emperor! Nick is back with us for our discussion on the first 2 Acts of Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine. Eric and Nick serve as Warhammer lore masters to teach newcomer, Michael, all about the 40K universe.
As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro/Resident Evil 4
10:00 - Warhammer Space Marine
Music:
Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A
Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood
Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro
