Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers

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 to share his thoughts on the ending of a decade-long story while Andrew is just enjoying the gameplay. TIMESTAMP- 32:24 - Destiny 2: The Final Shape talk starts WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

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 the season. Then they shift their focus beyond 2024 and talk about some upcoming games they are looking forward to! Follow Super Bracket Bros. here - https://superbracketbros.buzzsprout.com/ Follow The Wait For It Podcast here - https://linktr.ee/waitforitpodcast Follow the FN Gamers here - WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

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 and Dylan to compete in. She based it off of the topic of the episode by having the competitors guess games based on their genre tags on Steam. It was a ton of fun and you don't want to miss it! WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

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 their disillusionment with the sequel compared to its predecessor and give their verdicts of the game's overall quality. Join them as they navigate through the ups and downs of "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" in this insightful and thought-provoking episode. TIMESTAMPS 06:08 - Spoiler Free Discussion 32:03 - Spoiler Discussion 1:17:16 - Verdicts Check out The Parent's Guide to Gaming here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOg4m929mwRMonvFeFw5M5w Follow the FN Gamers here: WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

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 your time/money? Listen to find out! **The Open Roads part of the discussion is full spoilers. See the timestamps below if you would like to skip past it.** Andrew has been playing Lords of the Fallen and while it does suffer from some technical issues, it also does some things that FromSoftware could learn from as well. He's also been playing a little bit of XDefiant and Multiversus, two free-to-play games that he thinks are worth mentioning on the show. TIMESTAMPS: 04:28 - What upcoming games are you looking forward to? 17:54 - Main Topic 20:14 - Sea of Solitude 26:33 - Lords of the Fallen 34:10 -Venba 40:09 XDefiant 43:39 - Multiversus50:57 - Open Roads *SPOILERS* 1:03:05 - Spoilers End WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

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 conversation our hosts dive into spoiler territory and talk about the wild story in this game and how it deviates from the original Final Fantasy VII. They theorize what the future holds for the final game in the series and speculate on when we might get to actually play it. All this and much much more on this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers! TIMESTAMPS: 57:36 - Spoilers Start 2:10:53 - Spoilers End Follow Caleb here - https://x.com/CJVanNice Keep up with the FN Gamers here: WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

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 also delves into the world of indie publishing, discussing his novel series, Eldritch Depths, inspired by the game Bloodborne. The hosts and Seth explore game studios, upcoming releases, and even play a game of "Synonym Role." Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, writer, or simply love compelling storytelling, this episode is filled with insightful discussions you won't want to miss. So settle in and let's dive into the world of gaming and creative pursuits with Seth Campbell! Follow Seth here: https://linktr.ee/sethcampbellwrites Support the Show.

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 rollercoaster of returning to complex titles after a break. Balancing gaming with life’s responsibilities can be a tightrope walk. We discuss the joy and frustration of revisiting classics like Dark Souls and The Witcher, and the daunting task of starting "new to us" games like Ghost of Tsushima amidst an avalanche of upcoming releases. Plus, we unpack the intricacies of Marvel's Midnight Suns and the evolution of Diablo 4, sharing our excitement for updates and new content. Tune in for a deep dive into our gaming worlds and the strategies we use to manage our ever-growing libraries. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

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. A partial version of the game was released in early access format for macOS and Windows in October 2020. It remained in early access until its full release for Windows in August 2023, with versions for PlayStation 5, macOS, and Xbox Series X/S releasing later that year. Baldur's Gate 3 received critical acclaim, with praise for its gameplay, narrative, and production quality. It won many Game of the Year awards and became the first game that won GOTY awards at all five major video game award ceremonies at the Golden Joystick Awards, The Game Awards, the D.I.C.E. Awards, the Game Developers Choice Awards, and the British Academy Games Awards. TIMESTAMPS Spoiler Section - 54:39 Verdicts - 2:25:55 WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

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 ​silly and unserious while talking about gaming! Please welcome to the show, Sam! Follow Fake Gamer Girls here: https://fakegamergirls.com/ https://open.spotify.com/show/238mev3AgnIpKFTNsqETuz https://www.instagram.com/fakegamergirlspod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fakegamergirlspod?lang=en https://discord.gg/tjggrFGK Follow the FN Gamers here: WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

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 AAA game", Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was created by a team of approximately twenty developers. The game blends different gameplay mechanics and concepts like puzzle solving, psychological horror and melee combat. The game's narrative serves as a metaphor for the character's struggle with psychosis, as Senua, who suffers from the condition but believes it to be a curse, is haunted by an entity known as the "Darkness", voices in her head known as "Furies", and memories from her past. To properly represent psychosis, the developers worked closely with neuroscientists, mental health specialists, and people living with the condition. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 4:45 - Spoiler-Free Discussion 47:28 - Spoilers Start 1:21:44 - Verdicts Check out The Parent's Guide to Gaming here: https://youtu.be/YxSdTdOvoNU?si=x9G7CmMzvcjGk0Gh Follow the FN Gamers here: WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

Dark Souls Month is over and we are back with another Neighborhood Watch! This time we are discussing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Sker Ritual, Helldivers 2, and Rimworld Anomaly! Come catch up with us as we get back to our regularly scheduled programming. What have you been playing lately? Let us know by joining our Discord server with the link below! And if you're enjoying the podcast, please leave a 5 star rating and review! Stay Friendly, Gamers! WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

The community surrounding FromSoftware, is a passionate one. It is a testament to the impact of From’s games such as Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro. The members of this community share a common love for the challenging, immersive worlds that FromSoftware creates, and their interactions extend beyond the games themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. This is a reflection of FromSoftware’s commitment to creating games that are not only entertaining but also foster deep connections among its players. It’s a community that thrives on the intricate lore, the challenging gameplay, and the shared triumphs and defeats that are a hallmark of these games. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

The Japanese game development studio FromSoftware, has carved out a unique niche in the gaming industry with its distinctive approach to game design. They are renowned for pioneering the ‘Soulslike’ genre, which emphasizes challenging gameplay, minimal hand holding, and a deep sense of accomplishment upon overcoming difficult obstacles. The storytelling in their games is often indirect, allowing players to uncover the lore and narrative through piecing together environmental clues. This approach encourages player engagement and speculation, leading to a vibrant community of fans discussing theories and interpretations. The worlds that FromSoftware create are meticulously crafted, featuring dark, immersive environments that draw the player in. The intricate level design, full of secrets and shortcuts, rewards exploration and experimentation. Their consistent delivery of high-quality games has set a high bar in the industry. Their success with titles like ‘Dark Souls’ and ‘Elden Ring’ has not only garnered a dedicated fanbase but also influenced other developers and games. Their dedication to challenging the status quo of game design, combined with their commitment to quality and innovation, has solidified their reputation as a developer that both respects and inspires its players. Their games are not just products; they are experiences that resonate with gamers on a deeper level, making FromSoftware a truly special developer in the modern gaming landscape. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

As fires fade and the world falls into ruin, developer FROMSOFTWARE and director Hidetaka Miyazaki continue their critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series with Dark Souls III. Fans and newcomers alike will get lost in the game's hallmark rewarding gameplay and immersive graphics. Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. The third and final entry in the Dark Souls series, it is played in a third-person perspective. The players have access to various weapons, armor, magic, and consumables that they can use to fight their enemies. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the series, returned to direct the game after handing the development duties of Dark Souls II to others. Dark Souls III was critically and commercially successful, with critics calling it a worthy and fitting conclusion to the series. It shipped over three million copies within its first two months and over 10 million by 2020. Two downloadable content (DLC) expansions, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, were also released. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, Dark Souls II is the highly anticipated sequel to the grueling 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward. Dark Souls II brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay innovations to both single and multiplayer experiences. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and the unrelenting challenge that only FROM SOFTWARE can deliver. Dark Souls II is a 2014 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware. The second installment of the Dark Souls series, it was released for Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Taking place in the kingdom of Drangleic, the game features both player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) gameplay. Dark Souls II was released in March 2014 after some initial delays, with the Windows version being released the following month. It was a critical and commercial success. A remastered version of the game, titled Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows in April 2015. It contains the original game and its downloadable content with upgraded graphics, expanded online multiplayer capacity, and various other changes. A sequel, Dark Souls III, was released in 2016. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

Prepare for a new, despair-inducing world, with a vast, fully-explorable horizon and vertically-oriented landforms. Prepare for a new, mysterious story, centered around the world of Lodran, but most of all, prepare to die. You will face countless murderous traps, countless darkly grotesque mobs and several gargantuan, supremely powerful demons and dragon bosses. You must learn from death to persist through this unforgiving world. And you aren’t alone. Dark Souls allows the spirits of other players to show up in your world, so you can learn from their deaths and they can learn from yours. You can also summon players into your world to co-op adventure, or invade other's worlds to PVP battle. New to Dark Souls are Bonfires, which serve as checkpoints as you fight your way through this epic adventure. While rested at Bonfires, your health and magic replenish but at a cost, all mobs respawn. Beware: There is no place in Dark Souls that is truly safe. With days of game play and an even more punishing difficulty level, Dark Souls will be the most deeply challenging game you play this year. Can you live through a million deaths and earn your legacy? Dark Souls is a dark fantasy action role-playing game series developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It began with the release of Dark Souls (2011) and has seen two sequels, Dark Souls II (2014) and Dark Souls III (2016). The series was created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and has received critical acclaim, with its high level of difficulty being among its most discussed aspects, and the first Dark Souls is often cited as one of the greatest games of all time. By 2023, the series had shipped over 35 million copies outside of Japan. Other FromSoftware games, including Demon's Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, share several related concepts and led to the creation of the Soulslike subgenre. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

On this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers, Andrew and Dylan are joined by some very special guests in order to take things back to the days of Level Playing Field! Aubrey, Abi, and Delaney join the show to answer 35 video game questions while enjoying some adult beverages. Obviously chaos ensues, and obviously Andrew regrets it all when it's time to edit, but hopefully you, the listener enjoy the ride! WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.

Join hosts Andrew Kimball and Dylan Wren on this episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers as they delve into the captivating realm of double A (AA) video games. As the industry experiences a shift in talent and a rise in mid-tier game development, our hosts explore the impact on the gaming landscape and the attention now given to these unique titles. From discussing the distinctions between double A and triple A games to sharing their personal experiences with discovering lesser-known gems, Andrew and Dylan unpack the allure and potential future of double A games. Listeners can expect insights into successful titles, the debate surrounding game classifications, and the rising appreciation for indie and double A games among gamers. WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.gSupport the Show.

On this episode of the podcast, Andrew is joined by his new brother-in-law, Joe Sommer! They discuss the latest game in the 2D Mario series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder! Everything from the Wonder Flowers, to the playable characters, to the fresh art-style and personality of the game is talked about. At the end of the conversation they give their verdicts, is this game one of the all time greats, or can you skip it? Listen and find out! Be sure to stick around at the end of the episode to hear what Andrew's daughter thought about Super Mario Wonder! He recorded a 10 minute interview with her and they talk about Wonder and her thoughts on the Mario movie. TIMESTAMPS Bowser Spoilers - 43:13 Verdicts - 50:22 Check out Joe's writing here - https://www.wowhead.com/news/a-look-back-at-frost-death-knight-in-dragonflight-and-war-within-wishlist-337351 WEBSITE https://www.fngamers.com/DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/euhEYZxC58TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/F_N_GamerzINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlyneighborhoodgamers/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgS_YRAM8_PlWNvxrjQshAFANTASY CRITIC LEAGUEhttps://www.fantasycritic.g Support the Show.