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A cozy fishing sim, a classic turned modern, and a debate that might change how you buy games this year. We kick off with Cast and Chill on Switch—the prettiest pixel art water you’ll see—then jump straight into Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster, where party roles, fast saves, and auto-battle make retro feel fresh. From there, the stakes rise: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 quietly teaches while you play, Expedition 33 hits like a movie with an intro that lingers, and Blue Reflection 2 shows why mid-tier JRPGs can charm and frustrate in equal measure.

The big question threads it all together: what’s the real value of a game in 2026? We challenge the $70 price tag, unpack why fall release windows don’t own the calendar anymore, and dig into the GTA effect—how a single date can warp everyone else’s plans. Along the way, we compare 100-hour epics to a cadence of tight, 15–40 hour experiences. Think Miles Morales, Lost Legacy, and compact RPGs that respect your time without skimping on heart. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gets a spotlight for opening up its world with smart towers, clean crafting loops, and some of the most satisfying combat on PS5.

Then we turn the spotlight to indies poised to steal the year. Mio: Memories in Orbit brings Metroidvania mystery with watercolor vibes. Romeo Is A Dead Man swings for stylish hack-and-slash swagger. Mouse PI: For Hire blends steamboat-era noir with punchy FPS action. Screamer gives racers an anime story and neon-drenched drift. And Slay the Spire 2 looms like the roguelike deckbuilder to beat. Whether you chase platinum trophies or lunch-break wins, this lineup delivers identity, pacing, and honest value.

Stick around for community shoutouts, new Discord faces, and what we’re playing next, including Final Fantasy Rebirth progress, Sleeping Dogs in the Gen 7 playthrough, and a few hidden gems on deck. If you enjoyed the conversation, download the back catalog, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with a friend who still thinks value only comes in 100-hour packages. Your turn: short bangers or big epics—what are you playing?

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Name read out on every show

Access to unglorious chat section of discord

Quarterly Zoom meet up

A single item of yearly limited art merch

Yearly art merch mug

Yearly art merch t-shirt

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