Level With Us
By Jared and Marcus Richardson
Level With UsSep 27, 2021
Name That Tune - Nintendo 64 Edition (feat. Nintendrew!)
Nintendrew YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Nintendrew?si=rKyOxHtOcY62cWJ8
Check out Drew's indie title C.A.R.L. on Switch! www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/c-a-r-l-switch/
(Also available on other platforms!)
...and here's our review of it: 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: 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
Balatro, Sifu, & More! | Backlog Brunch
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
Penny's Big Breakaway | Review (+FREE GAME GIVEAWAY!)
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
Nostalgic Trivia Battle!
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
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | Review
Dallin returns to help us review the newest triple-A Metroidvania: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown! There’s a lot to love about this game: Excellent Combat, a fun water level(?!), and an engaging mechanic new to the genre. Join us as we chat about this and much more, with only a tiiiiny rant about notification settings in this week’s episode of Level With Us!
Special thanks to Ubisoft for the review code!
We don’t know when the next episode will be, but if you have indie 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
1:25 - Main Discussion Begins
2:40 - The Story
3:40 - The Combat
7:48 - Exploration & Progression
10:45 - New Metroidvania Mechanic
13:36 - ⭒Star Pieces
17:57 - Quick Jabs
24:38 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
31:16 - Outro & Final Thoughts
32:47 - Bonus Scene
Name That Tune - 2023 Games Edition!
Surprise!! We’re back with one last little episode before the new year starts. It’s become a yearly tradition for Jared to spring a “Name That Tune” challenge on Marcus with absolutely no warning! Will you best him at it? Let us know!
Image Source: https://www.polygon.com/23648669/best-video-games-2023
We’ll be taking a break for a while, but if you have indie 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
0:41 - The Rules
1:37 - Song #1
4:10 - Song #2
6:57 - Song #3
8:09 - Song #4
9:19 - Song #5
11:00 - Song #6
11:49 - Song #7
13:37 - Song #8
15:23 - Song #9
17:01 - Song #10
19:55 - Song #11
21:04 - Song #12
21:56 - Song #13
22:50 - Song #14
24:24 - Song #15
26:10 - Song #16
27:27 - Song #16
28:01 - Song #16
32:16 - Final Recap
33:17 - Bonus Scene
Our Top Games of the Year - 2023
It’s that time of year again, where we sit back and reflect on the frankly INSANE amount of games released in the past 12 months. These are each of our top 5 games of 2023 - and Jared’s #2 may SHOCK you! Also, listen for a surprise reveal at the end…
Wishlist Rise of the Golden Idol HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2716400/The_Rise_of_the_Golden_Idol/
We’ll be taking a break for a while, but if you have indie 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
1:26 - Honorable Mentions
4:36 - Jared’s #5
5:59 - Marcus’s #5
7:22 - Jared & Marcus’s #4
10:43 - Marcus’s #3
12:21 - Jared’s #3
13:46 - Marcus’s #2
16:36 - ...Jared Rant?
18:16 - Jared’s #2
21:09 - Jared’s #1
23:04 - Marcus’s #1
24:33 - THE REVEAL
27:55 - Outro
Born of Bread | Indie Game Spotlight (+FREE GAME GIVEAWAY)
Ahhh, do you smell that? Something special is ready to be taken out of the oven! We do really love a fresh-baked Paper Mario-inspired, don’t you? Take a listen to this episode to hear our thoughts on the game, including a few bread puns along the way!
Win a FREE COPY of Born of Bread by entering our giveaway!
https://sweepwidget.com/c/75462-b5ol7q1p
You can purchase the game on all major platforms:
https://www.wildartsgames.com/bornofbread
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:48 - What is this game?
1:14 - Main Discussion
6:26 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:25 - Quick Jabs
15:31 - Final Thoughts (& Game Giveaway!)
SteamWorld Build | Review
The SteamWorld Series of games are well known for being exceptionally good - so good, in fact, that one of them is in my top 5 games of all time. So, with the newest entry about to come out, how well does the developer do as they try and tackle the “City-Builder” genre? Listen to find out in this mini-review of the game!
You can purchase the game on all major platforms (including Game Pass!). Check it out here:
https://steamworldgames.com/
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Cobalt Core | Review
Deckbuilding! In! SPACE! We have played the new indie title Cobalt Core and we love its single-axis combat system and its charming writing. This week we review the game with all our regular segments, with only a slight amount of spoiler-censorship at the end.
You can purchase the game HERE -
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2179850/Cobalt_Core/
Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/cobalt-core-switch/
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:48 - What is this game?
2:19 - Main Discussion
9:22 - ⭒Star Pieces
13:20 - Quick Jabs
16:34 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
20:50 - Outro
Headbangers: Rhythm Royale | First Impressions
Welcome to the show where, at least this week, we talk about pigeons and make obnoxious noises! We got our hands on the new “Rhythm Royale” game, Headbangers! Listen to our overall thoughts on the game, and when you’re done you can enter our giveaway for a FREE copy of the game by clicking HERE:
https://sweepwidget.com/c/74475-7z6kp5gq
You can also purchase the game HERE:
https://www.headbangers.game/
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:02 - What IS this game?
1:38 - Main Discussion
6:05 - ⭒Star Pieces
9:01 - Quick Jabs
11:24 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
15:25 - Outro & Free Game Giveaway!
Super Mario TRIVIA CHALLENGE (& thoughts on Super Mario Wonder!)
Mamma Mia! Mario Wonder just came out, which means it’s time to flex our knowledge of the series with a little trivia challenge! Stick around to the end to hear our thoughts on Wonder, as well as a… semi-decent Mario impression.
Check out Jared’s GG profile HERE: https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:11 - Power-up Quiz
4:14 - Power-up Quiz, the sequel!
7:37 - Character Voice Challenge
13:27 - Mario Movie Quotes
16:32 - Isle Delfino Geography Quiz
21:27 - Nintendo’s OFFICIAL Mario Quiz?
27:06 - Our Mario Wonder Impressions
30:31 - Outro
31:25 - Bonus Round!
Moonstone Island | Indie Game Spotlight
Take a little farm-sim, mix it with creature collecting, top it off with a little deck building, and you get the new indie title Moonstone Island! This week we discuss this game’s multiple facets, from its card-based combat to how low your chances of flirting are (in the game, AND real life!).
Purchase Moonstone Island here!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1658150/Moonstone_Island/
If you have indie 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
1:11 - Main Discussion Begins
3:13 - Combat
6:29 - The Obvious Comparison
8:13 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:09 - Quick Jabs
11:50 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
15:52 - Outro
Sea of Stars | Review
It seemed impossible, but Sea of Stars somehow flipped the script and made JRPGs fun. This week we discuss the game’s fantastic combat design & visuals, do a cooking show, and correct ourselves at the last possible second.
Purchase Sea of Stars here!
Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/sea-of-stars-switch/
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244090/Sea_of_Stars/
Playstation: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10004226
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/sea-of-stars-demo/9nldmqt2njwj
If you have indie recommendations, or just want to reach out, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:56 - Main Discussion Begins
2:40 - Combat
4:00 - Visuals
4:42 - Modern Touches
6:43 - Story
8:14 - (Sea of) ⭒Star Pieces
14:22 - Quick Jabs
16:36 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
22:48 - Outro
23:43 - Credits?
Playdate | Indie CONSOLE Spotlight
We’re back! So much has happened since we last got together, so this episode we’ll be catching up on Marcus’s new life developments, indie recommendations from our listeners, and a very cool handheld indie console: The Playdate! Also, we may or may not have worked on a video game - listen to find out more!
Reelistic Fishing: https://toadleyundercontrol.itch.io/reelisticfishing
(also eventually available on Playdate’s Catalog!)
Reelistic Fishing OST: https://youtu.be/gcbFKVno8HU?si=ViwXROgP867z6-jO
If you have indie recommendations, or are interested in trying the game we both worked on, feel free to contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:37 - Catching up on #CatLife
1:32 - Playdate Console
4:46 - Playdate Game Spotlights
9:49 - Reelistic Fishing
13:34 - Get Recs!
16:46 - Outro
17:48 - Bonus Scene
Name That Tune - Sonic the Hedgehog Edition! (feat. Ray Hargreaves)
We brought back special guest Ray Hargreaves to challenge him (and embarrass him if possible) with a Sonic-themed game of “Name That Tune!” He knows his Sonic games, but just how well will he fare? How well will YOU fare? Let us know!
Special thanks to Ray for participating and for sharing a few favorite Sonic tracks of his own!
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:53 - The Rules
4:32 - Track #1
6:24 - Track #2
7:17 - Track #3
8:06 - Track #4
9:08 - Track #5
10:06 - Track #6
11:03 - Track #7
12:56 - Track #8
14:28 - Musical Misfit #1
16:02 - Track #9
17:06 - Track #10
19:18 - Track #11
20:34 - Track #12
22:06 - Track #13
24:03 - Track #14
25:31 - Track #15
27:29 - Track #16
29:26 - Musical Misfit #2
31:56 - Score Update
32:20 - Track #17
33:47 - Track #18
35:29 - Track #19
37:18 - Track #20
38:22 - Track #21
40:44 - Track #22
42:17 - Track #23
44:16 - Track #24
45:58 - Track #25
48:02 - Musical Misfit #3
51:27 - Final Score!
52:08 - Musical Misfit #4
55:37 - Track ???
Let's! Revolution!, Ixion, & Thronefall | Indie Game Spotlights
Purchase these excellent titles HERE:
Let’s! Revolution! - store.steampowered.com/app/2111090/Lets_Revolution/
Ixion - store.steampowered.com/app/1113120/IXION/
Thronefall - store.steampowered.com/app/2239150/Thronefall/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
We are on all major podcasting platforms: anchor.fm/levelwithus
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:42 - Let’s! Revolution!
4:27 - Ixion
7:31 - Thronefall
10:39 - Outro
Pikmin 4 | Review
Part cozy game, part terrifyingly weird experience - we cannot get enough of Pikmin 4! This week Mariah joins Jared once again to discuss this new entry in the acclaimed yet lesser known Nintendo franchise. And a hearty congrats to the winner of our free game giveaway!
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:06 - Our History with the Pikmin Series
2:38 - Pikmin 4 General Thoughts
6:40 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:36 - Oatchi!
11:45 - Quick Jabs
15:28 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
21:16 - Outro
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom SPOILERS Discussion (+FREE GAME GIVEAWAY)
Win a FREE COPY of Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon by telling us an indie game we should cover on our show! The winner will be randomly selected in a future episode. Enter by Contacting us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
Check out our episode about Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon! anchor.fm/levelwithus/episodes/Shovel-Knight-Pocket-Dungeon--Indie-Game-Spotlight-e1en1cv
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:59 - Do we still like it?
2:52 - The Story / Ending
7:50 - Favorite Sidequests
10:08 - The Combat
13:29 - …The Yiga Clan?
16:30 - Favorite Dungeons
19:48 - Our Final Thoughts
21:35 - Listener Mail Time!
27:13 - Indie Game Giveaway!
29:14 - Outro
Fake Fan Fantasy II
Video game trivia with a splash of roleplaying: Welcome to Fake Fan Fantasy II! In this exciting second installment, Jared plays Game Master while Marcus has to identify attractive Zelda characters, UI sound effects, and Pokémon he’s never heard of. Will he gain enough clue coins? Or is he truly the fakest fan?
Play along and let us know YOUR high score by contacting us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:44 - Marcus’s Backstory
5:13 - List of Challenges
6:05 - The Rules
7:59 - Name That UI SFX
16:35 - Hot Zelda Character Game Show?
28:10 - Pokémon vs Yokai
35:07 - Fishing Minigame Challenge
40:18 - A Tender Moment
41:13 - PAL Version Titles
49:11 - The Temple of GC
1:01:20 - Indie Character Indexing
1:09:50 - The Results!
1:10:55 - The Ending
1:12:19 - Outro
Toodee and Topdee (& Other Puzzle Indie Games Too)
Oops! All Marcus! Jared is gone this week, so Marcus finally took some initiative and made his own episode! In this short review, Marcus gives his thoughts on Toodee and Topdee, a charming puzzle platformer.
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The wait is over! This week we talk about the highly-anticipated game everyone else is talking about: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. There are no major story spoilers in our discussion, but we do mention one big area you encounter in the first few hours of the game.
If YOU have thoughts on Tears of the Kingdom, such as a funny story that happened to you in the game, please let us know and we’ll read it on the next episode of our show! You can Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - New-ish and New-er Areas
6:43 - Link’s New Abilities
16:35 - Sandboxy Puzzles
21:15 - ⭒Star Pieces
25:29 - Quick Jabs
28:02 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
32:22 - Final Thoughts
34:06 - Outro
Fake Fan Fantasy | pt. 2
Beardo’s journey continues as he tries to solve the final video game trivia challenges of “Levelwithandia!” Will he succeed and save his failing business? Or will he be dumb and call Mr. Game & Watch an anime character? Find out in this final chapter!
Marcus guested on “Escape This Podcast!” - Check it out: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-imt4k-1b0e86
…and be sure to also check out Marcus’s murder mystery podcast as well!
https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAYDTW
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Smash Taunt Challenge
6:10 - Sudden Death!
9:06 - Precious Metals pt. 1
10:39 - Precious Metals pt. 2
12:24 - Precious Metals pt. 3
15:33 - Canonical Murderers
22:00 - The Epic Conclusion
24:55 - Escape Room podcast plug!
26:36 - Marcus Murder Mystery podcast plug!
27:03 - Outro
Fake Fan Fantasy | pt. 1
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:47 - Backstory
4:36 - Video Game Knock-off Titles
11:43 - Deckbuilder Key Words
17:45 - Zelda Game "Firsts"
22:11 - Video Game Currencies
28:58 - Outro
Metroid Prime Remastered, Hogwarts Legacy, & more! | Backlog Brunch
Welcome to our side series “Backlog Brunch,” where we catch up on all the games we’ve been playing in the past couple months! While we’d love to dedicate a full episode to each game we play, Backlog Brunch will be our chance to share our thoughts on several games all-in-one! Stay tuned to the end to hear the winner of our DREDGE Giveaway!
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:17 - Metroid Prime Remastered
7:25 - Monster Train
13:14 - Hogwarts Legacy
18:48 - The Case of the Golden Idol
23:03 - Persona 4 Golden
26:52 - The Forgotten City
32:25 - Game Giveaway Winner!
35:12 - Outro
DREDGE | Review (+FREE Game Giveaway!)
Today we review DREDGE, an indie that’s about fishing, item management, and maaayyyybe going just a little bit insane. Let us know what you think of our star pieces, quick jabs, and awful fishy puns as we talk about this game and its unique genre!
You can purchase DREDGE HERE: www.nintendo.com/store/products/dredge-switch/
…as well as other platforms!
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - What Genre IS this Game?!
3:35 - General Thoughts
13:24 - ⭒Star Pieces
19:00 - Quick Jabs
23:05 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
28:00 - Free Game Giveaway!
30:23 - Outro
God of War Ragnarök | SPOILERS Discussion
Check out Dan’s website HERE: octopusdeathpunch.com/
…and his podcast HERE: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/octopus-death-punch
“God of War” themed lo-fi provided by © Audio Studio - Free Copyright Sounds [AS-FCS]: www.youtube.com/channel/UC146xQqMy3UBnM5lDBeo21g
Other Music provided by Lofi Girl:
-“Daylight” by Team Astro
-“7 Suns” by No Spirit
-“Orion” by Hoogway
Links:
-https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/hidden-treasure
-https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/between-worlds
-https://lofigirl.com/blogs/releases/equation-of-time
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:12 - General Thoughts
7:55 - The Combat
14:58 - The Ending
21:20 - ⭒Star Pieces
25:04 - Quick Jabs
32:02 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
39:32 - Outro
Let's Make a Layton Game (feat. DearestHershel!)
See more of DearestHershel’s content HERE: www.youtube.com/@DearestHershel
To learn about DearestHershel’s “Lost City” Layton fan-game (and play it too!), check out this video: youtu.be/95lKvaHj_yk
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:58 - New Layton Announcement!
4:40 - Marcus’s Pitch
10:00 - Bob’s Pitch
15:19 - Jared’s Story Pitch
20:26 - Jared’s Gameplay Pitch
24:48 - Jared’s Final Twist
26:53 - New World of Steam Predictions
31:17 - Outro
Sonic Frontiers (feat. Ray Hargreaves!) | Review
We’re thrilled to once again welcome Ray Hargreaves on the podcast to discuss Sonic Frontiers (albeit a couple months late - whoops!). For this episode we talk about the ups, downs, and loop-de-loops that this game brings to the franchise. Expect fun rants, lots of laughs, and even a "Name That Tune!"
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - General Thoughts
5:00 - The Story
8:02 - The Gameplay / Setting
15:58 - ⭒Star Pieces
19:56 - Quick Jabs
26:41 - Who’s the Fake Fan
31:26 - Name That Tune
36:26 - Ray’s Top 3D Sonic Games
38:11 - Outro
39:24 - Bonus Scenes
Wavetale | Indie Game Spotlight
We were delighted to get to try Wavetale this week, an indie game where the player gets to glide along the ocean using a superb movement system. Listen to us gush about the overall presentation, get our star pieces and quick jabs mixed up, and plug a new podcast Marcus has been working on!
You can purchase Wavetale on the Switch eShop!
https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/wavetale-switch/
(Also available on other platforms.)
Check out Marcus’s podcast “Aurelius Whitlock’s Murder Museum” HERE!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aurelius-whitlocks-murder-museum/id1626780085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/30R5REvknCBprrCrlAYDTW
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - General Thoughts
5:37 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:06 - Quick Jabs
10:00 - Who’s the Fake Fan
16:26 - Rabbit Holes
19:03 - Outro
Name That Tune - 2022 Games Edition!
In this bonus episode, Marcus plays “Name That Tune” for some of the biggest games of 2022 - and so can you! Keep track of which music tracks you guess correctly, and see if you scored higher at the end of the episode!
For a little cheat sheet as you play, check out the video version of our episode!: https://youtu.be/-jAAftB_ljQ
Tell us your score by e-mailing us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - The Rules
2:14 - Song #1
3:55 - Song #2
4:39 - Song #3
6:40 - Song #4
7:52 - Song #5
9:55 - Song #6
11:07 - Song #7
11:55 - Song #8
13:17 - Song #9
14:02 - Song #10
15:00 - Song #11
16:29 - Song #12
18:30 - Song #13
19:16 - Song #14
20:41 - Song #15
22:54 - Song #16
24:13 - Song #17
25:02 - Song #18
26:43 - Song #19
27:55 - Song #20
28:38 - Song #21
29:28 - Song #22
30:03 - Song #24
30:29 - Overall Score!
Our Favorite Games of the Year - 2022
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - Honorable Mentions
4:52 - Jared’s #5
5:44 - Marcus’s #5
6:13 - Marcus’s #4
8:25 - Jared’s #4
9:59 - Jared’s #3
10:51 - Marcus’s #3
12:00 - Marcus’s #2
13:41 - Jared’s #2
14:42 - Marcus’s #1
17:04 - Jared’s #1
19:03 - Most Anticipated Games in 2023
20:07 - Outro
Lil Gator Game & Soccer Story | Indie Games Spotlight
Ooblets (feat. Cozy Louise!) | Indie Game Spotlight
You can find Louise’s content HERE:
Twitter: twitter.com/cozylouise72
Twitch: twitch.tv/cozylouise
Youtube: youtube.com/@cozylouise
Instagram: instagram.com/cozylouise/
You can wishlist or purchase Ooblets HERE:
www.nintendo.com/store/products/ooblets-switch/
(And on other platforms as well!)
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Special Guest!
1:05 - General Thoughts
6:08 - ⭒Star Pieces
7:29 - Quick Jabs
9:24 - Who’s the Fake Fan
13:21 - Louise’s Socials
14:44 - Outro
15:35 - Bonus Scene
A Little to the Left, Somerville, & The Knight Witch | 3 MORE indie mini-reviews!
This week we’re review-discussing 3 MORE indie games!: A Little to the Left, which is a cozy puzzle game (and ASMR?), Somerville, which is a dark, narrative-driven game (and action movie?), and The Knight Witch, which is a bullet-hell metroidvania with deck building elements (and about climate change?).
You can purchase A Little to the Left HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1629520/A_Little_to_the_Left/
...and Sommerville HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1671410/Somerville/
...and The Knight Witch HERE: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/the-knight-witch-switch/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - A Little to the Left
7:01 - Somerville
12:48 - The Knight Witch
21:52 - What’s Next?
50th Episode Special!
Today we celebrate making it to 50 episodes! We’re so grateful to have come this far, and look forward to even more episodes in the future! Join us for a little chat about our lives, our visions for the future of Level With Us, and even some Fake Fan questions! Also, the winner of our free game giveaway will be announced today!
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:07 - What’s Happening...in our lives?
6:14 - Favorite LWU Episodes
9:55 - Least Favorite LWU Episodes
13:41 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
12:54 - Quick Jabs
15:40 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
20:03 - The Future of Level With Us
25:09 - Game Giveaway Winner Announced!
26:06 - Outro
27:13 - Bonus Scene (Sorry Marcus)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | Review
Trifox, Slime Rancher 2, and The Last Hero of Nostalgaia | 3 Indie Mini-Reviews!
A top down action-platformer, a first-person farm sim, and a satiricle soulslike? What a variety! This week we’re covering three wildly different games: Trifox, Slime Rancher 2, and the Last Hero of Nostalgaia! We got to play a good chunk of each, so here are our thoughts, along with a Star Piece and Quick Jab for each one!
Special thanks to the developers for the review codes:
-Glowfish Interactive
-Monomi Park
-Over the Moon
You can find all 3 games HERE:
Trifox: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1211240/Trifox/
Slime Rancher 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1657630/Slime_Rancher_2/
The Last Hero of Nostalgaia: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1766100/The_Last_Hero_of_Nostalgaia/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Special Guest!
1:55 - Trifox
3:58 - ⭒Star Pieces
5:41 - Quick Jabs
7:13 - Slime Rancher 2
11:47 - ⭒Star Pieces
14:29 - Quick Jabs
16:06 - The Last Hero of Nostalgaia
19:59 - ⭒Star Pieces
22:18 - Quick Jabs
25:36 - Outro
27:24 - Bonus Scene
Hokko Life | Indie Game Spotlight
This week we’re pleased to have Denise from SeeingStarsGaming on board to chat about recent title “Hokko Life” by Team17! Does it meet the “cozy” qualifications Denise’s channel is known for? Or did the creepy body proportions of its characters mentally disturb us? Listen to find out!
Denise’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeeingStarsGaming
Denise’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/seeingstargamer
You can find Hokko Life here:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/824000/Hokko_Life/
Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/hokko-life-switch/
PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10003839/
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/hokko-life/9nlrlnwd9x67
Thanks to RawX for the Hokko Life OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1cvfkX6Krw&ab_channel=RawX
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Special Guest!
3:08 - Main Discussion
8:37 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:43 - Quick Jabs
13:36 - Who's the Fake Fan?
16:35 - Final Thoughts
17:50 - How about this instead?
19:38 - Outro
C.A.R.L. | Review
As fans of Andrew Kenady (Nintendrew), we’re ecstatic that he’s released his own indie title called C.A.R.L.! And after playing through this action-platformer, we can indeed confirm that the game is G.R.E.A.T. (a Good, Really Exceptional, Amazing Time!). Listen to hear our full thoughts, and some more acronyms! Special thanks to Andrew for the pre-release review code!
C.A.R.L. is available on all major platforms!
Steam http://bit.ly/carlsteam
Nintendo Switch http://bit.ly/carlswitch
Xbox http://bit.ly/carlxbox
PS4/5 http://bit.ly/carlplaystation
Marcus’s Wild West Musical “Silk & Swenson”: https://www.byuradio.org/41953610-3fb2-4b2f-8dec-162768f677f5
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Main Discussion
5:20 - ⭒Star Pieces
7:13 - Quick Jabs
10:45 - Who's the Fake Fan?
17:51 - Final Thoughts
19:17 - Rabbit Holes
21:17 - Outro
REDSHOT | Indie Game Spotlight
Fast-paced gameplay! Bullet-time action! Metroidvania! These words describe recent indie release REDSHOT! For this week’s episode, we give our impressions of the game (and listen to some rad NES tunes as we do!).
Check out REDSHOT on Steam!
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1745520/REDSHOT/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Jared’s GG Profile: https://ggapp.io/jkrgamer
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Main Discussion
6:30 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:41 - Quick Jabs
11:56 - Who's the Fake Fan?
14:09 - Final Thoughts
16:09 - Outro
Lost in Play | Review
Check out Lost In Play on Steam and the Nintendo shop!
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1328840/Lost_in_Play/
eShop: www.nintendo.com/store/products/lost-in-play-switch/
Jared’s GG Profile: ggapp.io/jkrgamer
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Main Discussion
7:00 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:09 - Quick Jabs
12:26 - Who's the Fake Fan?
21:36 - Final Thoughts
22:46 - Rabbit Holes
27:29 - Outro
28:25 - Bonus Scene
The Signal State | Indie Game Spotlight
This week we turn to the more niche and eclectic indie games as we discuss “The Signal State” on Steam! This game is all about solving interesting programming-esque puzzles themed around modular synthesis! What is that, you ask? Listen to find out! And even if you’re not into modular synth, skip towards the end to hear some of Marcus’s synthesizer compositions, created on a Nintendo DS!
Check out The Signal State on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1577620/The_Signal_State/
More of Marcus’s DS Music: https://soundcloud.com/pseudosemantics-1
Zachtronics Website: https://www.zachtronics.com/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - What is even happening?
3:32 - Main Discussion
11:13 - Who is this game for?
12:30 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
18:13 - Bonus Song
Cursed to Golf | Review
Check out Cursed to Golf on the Nintendo shop: www.nintendo.com/store/products/cursed-to-golf-switch/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Main Discussion
6:51 - ⭒Star Pieces
9:19 - Quick Jabs
12:38 - Who's the Fake Fan?
18:22 - Final Thoughts
19:16 - Get Recs
32:48 - Final Thoughts
23:18 - Outro
24:15 - Bonus Scene
The Room Two | First Impressions
This week Marcus and I got together in-person to take a look at The Room Two on Switch! Marcus here is a resident escape room expert, so let's see what he thinks as he tries out the first couple levels blind! Special thanks to Fireproof Games for the review code!
Purchase The Room Two HERE: www.nintendo.com/store/products/the-room-two-switch/
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Sonic Origins | Discussion (feat. Ray Hargreaves!)
Check out Ray's webcomic and podcast on 2Pstart.com !
Contact us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Introducing our Special Guest!
3:03 - Main Discussion
11:09 - ⭒Star Pieces
17:57 - Black Doom Award
26:48 - Who's the Fake Fan?
32:48 - Final Thoughts
34:34 - Outro
35:40 - Bonus Scenes
Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince | Review
*Special thanks to Playtonic Friends for the review code!* This week we are review-discussing Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince on Nintendo Switch! This action-adventure indie title brings back nostalgic memories for us of classic 2D Zelda titles, but does it do enough on its own to stand out? Take a listen, and stick around to the end to hear about Marcus’s adventures in Seoul!
Purchase Blossom Tales II here: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/blossom-tales-ii-the-minotaur-prince-switch/
Most of the music in this episode is from Blossom Tales and Blossom Tales II and was composed by Visager AKA Josie Brechner. You can check out their other work here!
https://visager.bandcamp.com/
If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
--
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:12 - Main Discussion
7:39 - ⭒Star Pieces
8:51 - Quick Jabs
12:23 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
18:23 - Final Thoughts
18:46 - Marcus’s Trip
23:53 - Outro
Horizon: Forbidden West | General Thoughts
After finally finishing Horizon: Forbidden West, I find myself feeling just a bit torn on it. Join me, Jared, this week for my general thoughts on the game, as well as the existential crisis I now find myself in.
MUSIC:
Horizon Forbidden West - Official Soundtrack
Purchase or listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1tFZ7JRXgQpyT1Rgl1JGrD
If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
Stray | Indie Game Spotlight
Today we’re delighted to have Joseph (AKA GamerWhoShoe) filling in as a co-host to discuss “Stray! This is the new sort-of-indie sort-of-AAA game where you play as a cute little cat. Together we’ll discuss how it plays, its approach to storytelling, and whether or not it turned us into cat people.
You can follow Joseph on twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/gamerwhoshoe
MUSIC:
Softy x Lucid Green
“Overnight”
Provided by Lofi Girl
- Watch: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kkrPM1K3-sU78G8595nT1RX7diqzeNw3Q
- Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/2njAhVBsPSS3vsPFPJSW71
If you want your comments read on the show, you can message us at LevelWithUsPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!
You can also reach us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LvlWithUs
--
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Main Discussion
7:39 - ⭒Star Pieces
10:03 - Quick Jabs
12:31 - Who’s the Fake Fan?
16:10 - Rabbit Holes
23:53 - Outro
Guest Podcast! - The First Player Token
We're taking a break this week, but Jared was recently on another really excellent podcast - the First Player Token! It's a great short-form podcast about board games to play with family and friends, hosted by Derek Bruff. Jared was on the most recent episode all about Takenoko, which we share a sample today, but you can check out the full episode HERE:
https://derekbruff.org/blogs/firstplayertoken/episode-27-takenoko/
The First Player Token podcast is also on all major podcasting platforms.
You can follow Derek Bruff on twitter as well: https://twitter.com/firstplayrtoken