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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast

@bsushi.bsky.social
475 followers 968 following 56 posts

Dad / dog-dad | runner and occasional guitar player | host & editor of Pixelated Playgrounds, a podcast discussing the art and craft of video games | He/Him | www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com

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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
In addition to that, Josh and I dusted off the dial-up modems for The Roottrees are Dead. A plane crash, a billion-dollar inheritance, and a family tree that explodes from 3 siblings to 50+ relatives. Obra Dinn-brained deduction with pure genealogical gossip energy.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
The Roottrees are Dead — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh dig through decades of dirt to reconstruct an American dynasty in The Roottrees are Dead! Originally developed by Jeremy Johnston during Global...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Back in July, Josh and I took the throne in Titanium Court: match-3 + tower defense + roguelike, which sounds like a genre pileup until you play it and realize it's actually quite a singular experience. IGF Grand Prize winner, writing that's funny without leaning on snark.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Titanium Court — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh take the throne in Titanium Court! Developed by New York-based creator AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, Titanium Court is a strate...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Before that, Clint and I strapped in for our first Bond mission with 007: First Light, IOI's origin story reboot with real Hitman DNA running through it. Sneak, talk, or shoot your way through sprawling levels. Not flawless, but Bond is back!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
007: First Light — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Clint and Bryan are strapping in for their first mission with the world's most famous spy, tackling IO Interactive's origin story reboot, 007: First Light. De...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
As Summer comes to a close, here's what we've been up to at Pixelated Playgrounds! Most recently, @jgalecki.bsky.social and I braved the underworld in Hades II! New protagonist, new weapons, a crafting system so deep it feels cluttered at times, but hey, that Hades loop still hits!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Hades 2 — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode Josh and Bryan are talking about Hades II, developed and published by Supergiant Games and released in September 2025 for Windows and Mac, alongside Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with ...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
@jgalecki.bsky.social and I just finished talking about the utterly singular experience that is Titanium Court as well, so look forward to that in your pod-catcher of choice in the near future.
A pixel-art image of a blue guy reacting in a surprised manner to... something. A billboard displaying "Titanium Court" is in the background.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
On a related note: Check out the discussion I had with @realdavejackson.bsky.social on Death Howl for Tales from the Backlog. It was a great discussion and an absolute joy to guest on!
talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm
Death Howl (with Bryan Skursha - Pixelated Playgrounds)
Dave is joined by Bryan Skursha (Pixelated Playgrounds) to discuss The Outer Zone and 11 Bit Studios' 2025 Soulslike deckbuilder, Death Howl.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
And of course we would not be a newly (self-acclaimed) Resident Evil podcast without recording a lengthy chat about Resident Evil Requiem and its fascinating relationship with the series' history. Enjoy!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Resident Evil Requiem — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds Bryan and Clint are diving into Resident Evil Requiem, and coming at it from two angles: Bryan jumped on board with the series starting at Resident Evil 7, whi...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We also forayed into the spirit realm with a discussion of Death Howl.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Death Howl — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh journey through the afterlife in Death Howl! Developed by The Outer Zone and published by 11 Bit Studios, Death Howl is a deckbuilder that merg...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I haven't been on top of posting these updates so I'll also add we covered Dispatch, the excellent superhero workplace comedy.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Dispatch — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh suit up for Dispatch , the 2025 superhero workplace comedy developed and published by AdHoc Studio, originally released on PlayStation 5 and W...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This month Josh and I investigated Esoteric Ebb, a narrative RPG where you play the world's worst cleric; Resurrected and memory-fuzzy, probing a tea shop explosion 5 days before a city's 1st election. Features Disco Elysium DNA, Pratchett-esque wit, and is currently my top game of 2026. Listen in!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Esoteric Ebb — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh head to the polls in Esoteric Ebb! Developed by Swedish solo developer Christoffer Bodegård and published by Raw Fury, Esoteric Ebb is a narrat...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Had a great time talking Stray with Dan and guesting on his most excellent podcast! Give it a listen for a shared appreciation of cyberpunk cat shenanigans.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
On the latest episode @jgalecki.bsky.social and I discussed @simogo.com's Lorelei and the Laser Eyes! Its a heady experience, so listen in as we reflect on experiencing confusion, discovery, and creeping unease… a discussion that aims to be as thoughtful and layered as the game we’re unpacking.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode, Bryan and Josh check into the Hotel Letztes Jahr to discuss Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Developed by Simogo and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game marks a clear step in the ...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Have you ever felt like you're attempting to summit an impossibly high mountain? If so, join Clint and I as we discuss the climb up to the existential peak of Kami as we plot our route through the harrowing journey that is @thegamebakers.com's Cairn!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Cairn — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Clint begin our ascent with Cairn , the 2026 climbing survival game from The Game Bakers. Drawn in by early buzz, we both quickly found ourselves a...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Always a pleasure to join Dave on Tales from the Backlog! It was a great discussion!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
We dropped our latest 'cast a bit early (it was a certain host's sons' favorite game and it happens to be his birthday!), so listen in as Clint and I unpack Astro Bot! Its a truly joyful experience that pays homage to Playstation history while being a standout platformer in its own right!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Astro Bot — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode Bryan and Clint dive into Astro Bot, the 2024 PlayStation 5 platformer developed by Team Asobi and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Building on the foundation of the pack-i...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
In our latest podcast Josh and I did a deep dive (drive?) on Promise Mascot Agency, which blends open-world driving, management sim mechanics, visual novel storytelling, and yakuza crime drama into an experience that was my Game of the Year in 2025. Its earnest, stylish, and has impeccable vibes.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Promise Mascot Agency — Pixelated Playgrounds
On this episode Bryan and Josh drive into Promise Mascot Agency, developed by Kaizen Game Works, the team behind Paradise Killer. Released in April 2025 for Windows, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, ...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Pumped for this! Always fun to guest on TFTBL!
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Dave Jackson | Tales from the Backlog @realdavejackson.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Here's what's coming to Tales from the Backlog in March! @indiequestpod.com takes over the guest chair for a few episodes, @th3hoopman.bsky.social makes his debut, and @bsushi.bsky.social is back for another great indie. Hope you're excited for these!
Tales from the Backlog March 2026 Schedule 
March 4th- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, with Steve aka Blinkoom from Indie Quest
March 11th- Bioshock, with Joseph Hooper of Crossplay Conversations
March 18th- Skate Story, with Josh Leslie of Indie Quest
March 25th- Death Howl, with Bryan Skursha of Pixelated Playgrounds

Tales from the WAY-Backlog on Patreon- DOOM (1993)
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Clint and I recently had a lengthy conversation about Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, which made each of our top 5 games of 2025. Listen in as we examine the series’ fixation on historical accuracy, immersion, and realism, and how its simulation of everyday medieval life grounds the game’s themes.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode, Bryan and Clint ride off into Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Picking up directly after the first game, Warhorse Studios’ historical RPG returns us to early 15th-century Bohemia, follow...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Thanks for the kind words, Sam! We had a lot of fun recording it. Certainly a game that has an interesting story in more ways than one!
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dialogue tree @dialoguetree.cc · 22/01/2026
@bsushi.bsky.social Just listened to your 2025 GOTY episode. Quite liked your no.1… I went long on PMA with the composer of the soundtrack. You might like it 🙂 www.dialoguetree.cc/episodes/032...
dialoguetree.cc
Dialogue Tree | 032: Some dreams come true: Alpha Chrome Yayo on Promise Mascot Agency
Promises made, promises kept. My game of the year, and the man who made that happen. Alpha Chrome Yayo: https://alphachromeyayo.bandcamp.com/ Promise Mascot Agency OST: https://kaizengameworks.band...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Happy New Year! To kick things off in 2026 we recorded a quick episode on our individual Top 5 Games of the Year for 2025! So listen in as the guys discuss the top 5 games they enjoyed in 2025 among others, take a look forward to 2026, and just generally chill out and reminisce on a year of gaming!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Games of the Year 2025 — Pixelated Playgrounds
Happy New Year! To kick things off in 2026 we recorded a quick episode on our individual Top 5 Games of the Year for 2025! So listen in as the guys discuss the top 5 games they enjoyed in 2025 among o...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Fantastic episode, Andrew! We just recorded a full length ep on PMA ourselves, and we definitely have many similar feelings on what makes the game so special. Thanks for sharing and for making such a great show!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
To close out 2025 Bryan, Josh, and Clint finally arrive in Pharloom and dive deep into Hollow Knight: Silksong! So join us as we explore and break down Team Cherry’s world of bugs, beasts, beauty, and bosses.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Hollow Knight: Silksong — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playground s , Bryan, Josh, and Clint finally arrive in Pharloom and dive deep into Hollow Knight: Silksong . We all fell in love with Hollow Knight when it launched in...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Thanks Erik, and the admiration is mutual! It’s always a pleasure to see a new PoP ‘pop’ into my feed and I had a blast discussing games with you on Off the Shelf!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Do you like loops? Do you like Pits? Do you like novel takes on the roguelite genre? If you answered 'yes!' to any of these, check out the latest Pixelated Playgrounds discussion on Loop Hero (2021) and Ball x Pit (2025)!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Loop Hero and Ball x Pit — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Josh and Bryan dive into a Roguelite Roundup double feature with Loop Hero (2021) and Ball x Pit (2025), exploring how each game twists genre conventions in i...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Thanks so much for sharing!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Happy to be among some great company in this list! Thanks @storyeverpod.bsky.social!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
It is one hell of a ride… story is on the razor’s edge of needing a content warning, but also benefiting from not having one…
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Josh and I dive into 'and Roger', a short but emotionally powerful experience from developer TearyHand Studio. I'd highly recommend you go in blind to this ~1 hour long experience. It is incredibly moving.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
and Roger — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh dive into and Roger , a short but emotionally powerful experience from developer TearyHand Studio. Initially framed as a horror story, the gam...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Thanks, John! Its a complex game to discuss, but I really enjoyed pulling this one apart and thinking about what made it special.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
In the latest episode Josh and I discuss Clair Obscur Expedition 33! Its an incredible game with an equally remarkable story of its inception and development. So listen in as we discuss one of my favorite games of 2025, and a truly special RPG experience! For Those Who Come After!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode, Bryan and Josh dive deep into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the 2025 dark fantasy RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. This is the first out...
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John • Gaming In The Wild @gaminginthewild.com · 15/11/2025
For we who come after, Pixellated Playgrounds (@bsushi.bsky.social @jgalecki.bsky.social) just dropped a Clair Obscur episode. I love this show! www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub/cla...
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode, Bryan and Josh dive deep into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the 2025 dark fantasy RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. This is the first out...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Thanks for the shout out, John! Pyre's always been a favorite of mine, and I simply cannot get enough of its soundtrack!
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John • Gaming In The Wild @gaminginthewild.com · 30/10/2025
Pixelated Playgrounds (@bsushi.bsky.social @jgalecki.bsky.social) is one of my very favourite pods. They do spoilerful, amiable, thoughtful reviews, and hearing them gently disagree & tussle over the mechanics of Pyre was super fun. pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub/pyre
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Pyre — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode Josh and Bryan are talking about Pyre developed by Supergiant Games and released in 2017 for PC, Mac, Linux, and PlayStation 4. Pyre is considered by some to be Supergiant’s most ex...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
To close out October, @jgalecki.bsky.social and I discussed Supergiant's most experimental game to date: Pyre! If you've been feeling like you've been stuck in the Downside lately, give it a listen and stick around for a discussion of the game's underlying message of change worth fighting for.
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Pyre — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode Josh and Bryan are talking about Pyre developed by Supergiant Games and released in 2017 for PC, Mac, Linux, and PlayStation 4. Pyre is considered by some to be Supergiant’s most ex...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
In our latest podcast, @jgalecki.bsky.social and I explore the fictional retro console compendium of UFO 50! Its blend of unique twists on classic retro gaming concepts and intriguing meta-fiction kept us guessing about what would come next with each cartridge we dusted off! Enjoy!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
UFO 50 — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode Bryan and Josh are diving into UFO 50, the long-awaited indie collaboration from Derek Yu, Jon Perry, Eirik Suhrke, Paul Hubans, Ojiro Fumoto, and Tyriq Plummer. It collects fifty orig...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Lots of excellent follows in here, check it out!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
In our most recent episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Josh and I reflected on Monument Valley and how it stood apart from its peers on iOS through its artfulness, elegance, and serenity. Short game summer is coming to a close, so we'll be diving into some longer form titles in the coming months!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Monument Valley — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds , Bryan and Josh explore the impossible geometry of Monument Valley , the 2014 iOS puzzle classic from ustwo games that transformed the mobile landscape with...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Josh and I dive into the cozy corner of gaming with two titles redefining what it means to “play” in the background: Rusty’s Retirement and Spirit City: Lo Fi Sessions www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub/spi...
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Spirit City: Lo Fi Sessions and Rusty's Retirement — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds, Bryan and Josh dive into the cozy corner of gaming with two titles redefining what it means to “play” in the background: Rusty’s Retirement, the low-screen-re...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Excellent games too!
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Are you interested in: 1) 5 year old Indie Gems that feel strangely prescient? 2) Photography simulators with an unexpected amount of technical depth? 3) Lo-Fi aesthetics and music to match? If you answered Yes to any of these, check out our latest podcast on Umurangi Generation!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Umurangi Generation — Pixelated Playgrounds
In this episode of Pixelated Playgrounds , Bryan and Josh dive into Umurangi Generation , the vibrant, potent, and subversive photography game from Māori developer Naphtali Faulkner. Set in a near-f...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
‘You're on a path in the woods, and at the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a Podcast… uh, I mean Princess.’ In this episode Bryan, Josh, and Clint steel their nerves and descend the staircase to discuss Slay the Princess!
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Slay the Princess — Pixelated Playgrounds
You're on a path in the woods, and at the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a Podcast… I mean Princess. In this episode Bryan, Josh, and Clint steel their nerves and de...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Yeah, I should just commit to this approach. I do want to see more and the game has excellent ‘long term play’ features with its character chapter summaries.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
I guess that would make several of us in this thread. Didn’t take away from what I did play. The design and music, especially Paritio’s theme, was worth the price of admission.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Took the same approach and scraped by until I couldn’t. I kept wondering if there was a bunch of side content I was somehow neglecting? It didn’t feel like the game was expecting me to grind… so I didn’t 😅
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
I’ll echo the sentiments above. I think the path actions were better integrated into quests and exploration as well. I put a few dozen hours into this game then hit a head scratching difficulty wall. May revisit someday.
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
My friend and co-host, @jgalecki.bsky.social, has a game out today! Its a turn-based city builder inspired by Luck be a Landlord and Islanders, and its great! If you want to hear more about it, listen to us chat about its development & mechanics on the podcast. Neongarten is available Now on Steam!
open.spotify.com
Neongarten
Pixelated Playgrounds · Episode
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Josh Galecki @jgalecki.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Neongarten releases in three days! To celebrate, my podcast (Pixelated Playgrounds) did an episode covering the game. It was fun to chat with @bsushi.bsky.social and do a deep dive on my own work. Check it out! www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/bookclub/neo...
pixelatedplaygrounds.com
Neongarten — Pixelated Playgrounds
Have you ever wanted to play a turn-based city builder that’s inspired by Luck be a Landlord and Islanders ? That’s drenched in a stylish cyberpunk aesthetic and boasts intricate tactical depth? On...
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Bsushi | Bryan - Pixelated Playgrounds Podcast @bsushi.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
This episode of Pixelated Playgrounds is special not just because we’re covering the excellent Persona 4 Golden, but also because Dave Jackson of @tftblpod.bsky.social joined us for the discussion! Listen in for a deep dive on the game’s characters, mechanics, themes, and it’s excellent music.
open.spotify.com
Persona 4 Golden
Pixelated Playgrounds · Episode
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