Level With Us

In this special post-mortem episode, Jared and Marcus return to discuss their top games of the year! Sit back and enjoy us highlight our favorite titles AND do a mini-Name That Tune at the end! 0:00 - Intro 1:49 - Our Top Games of 2025 34:45 - Name That Tune 2025 Games Edition 45:30 - Outro If you ever want to reach out to see what else we're up to, reach us at LevelWithUsPodcast[at]gmail[dot]com And be sure to check out Marcus's murder mystery podcast as well: Aurelius Whitlock's Murder Museum | Podcast on Spotify

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. This video contains clips from the Netflix series Fireplace for Your Home. All copyrights and trademarks belong to Netflix and their respective rights holders. The clips are used under the principle of fair use for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. 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!

Nintendrew joins this week to play a good old-fashioned game of Name That Tune! As an avid collector of N64 games, how will he fare against some cruelly obscure tracks from that console's library? Let us know how well YOU do in the game as well! And thanks for listening! Nintendrew YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Nintendrew?si=rKyOxHtOcY62cWJ8 Check out Drew's indie title C.A.R.L. on Switch! https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/c-a-r-l-switch/ (Also available on other platforms!) ...and here's our review of it: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uqxGEQ4Os55H2ySJFhGsl?si=ufA7favjSlWcyJ92pV2wLw 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 - Intro / Rules 2:33 - Track #1 3:29 - Track #2 5:22 - Track #3 6:55 - Track #4 9:00 - Track #5 11:11 - Track #6 12:42 - Track #7 14:50 - Track #8 16:41 - Track #9 20:03 - Track #10 22:34 - Track #11 23:34 - Track #12 25:56 - Track #13 28:01 - Track #14 20:41 - Track #15 32:30 - Final Thoughts

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