Ode to Games
251 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsA weekly show that discusses the latest games and news. We also look back on classic games and obscurities you may have missed! Join Kevin Vallene, Logan Plant, and Zach Rost each week for a fun round table gaming discussion!
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Episodes
Ode to Ode to Games - Episode 250
February 17, 2023 23:00 - 2 hours - 118 MBKevin, Logan, and Zach (he's back!) sit down to record the last episode of Ode to Games. Join the gang for this epic final episode where they go over all of the Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundups, share their 5 favorite games from the last 5 years, and reminisce on all their favorite Ode to Games memories. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in over the last five years, and stay tuned to see whatever Kevin and Logan decide to make next!
Nintendo Direct Reactions: Zelda, Level 5 Is Back, and Power Pros - Episode 249
February 10, 2023 22:33 - 1 hour - 94.3 MBKevin and Logan react to all the amazing news from this week's Nintendo Direct, including Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Ghost Trick's surprise return, and Birdo's huge comeback! Plus, Power Pros' bizarre return to the West. Then, in the Ode To segment, the guys discuss the current state of the Pokemon franchise following Legends Arceus and Scarlet and Violet. And, Kevin's final thoughts on Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Under-the-Radar Indie Games You Should Check Out - Episode 248
February 06, 2023 00:26 - 1 hour - 152 MBKevin and Logan highlight some of their favorite sleeper indies, including The Touryst, Demon Turf, and more. Plus, reactions to Star Wars Jedi Survivor's delay, recent reports surrounding E3, The Last of Us on HBO getting renewed, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:54 The Big 3 are skipping E3 2023 7:11 Star Wars Jedi Survivor delayed to April 12:25 343 isn’t making single player DLC for Infinite 19:40 The PS Plus Collection is going away in May 23:14 The Last of Us TV show is getti...
Picking the Worst Games in Our Favorite Series - Episode 247
January 26, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBLogan and Kevin go through their favorite gaming series… and spotlight the worst game from each of them! Plus, hear impressions for Fire Emblem Engage, Hi-Fi Rush, and the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct. And, the guys talk about the future of Halo after a rocky week at 343.
Our 2023 Predictions for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo - Episode 246
January 19, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBKevin and Logan revisit their predictions from 2022, and make new guesses for the new year. Plus, Logan shares his impressions of The Last of Us on HBO, some wild Sports Story multiplayer tales, and more.
Our 2023 Game Goals - Episode 245
January 13, 2023 23:24 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBKevin and Logan share three games they'd like to play in 2023. Plus, Ubisoft outlines its struggles throughout the last year, along with another Skull and Bones delay. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Rough times at Ubisoft 12:00 Xbox will hold a showcase this month 19:08 The Last of Us TV show getting rave reviews 28:10 Neil Druckmann inspired by Elden Ring? 36:13 What we’ve been playing 54:49 Our game goals for 2023 1:03:26 Wrap Up
The 2022 Odies - Episode 244
January 05, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 96.8 MBKevin and Logan are here with the only gaming awards show that matters: The Odies! Join us as we reveal our picks for the Best of 2022, including best soundtrack, indie, art direction, multiplayer, and overall Game of the Year.
Our Most Anticipated Games of 2023 - Episode 243
December 22, 2022 23:00 - 44 minutes - 64.1 MBThe unthinkable has happened: The Odies have been delayed! While you wait to find out what wins our 2022 awards, tune in to find out Kevin and Logan's most anticipated games of 2023.
Games We Missed in 2022 - Episode 242
December 15, 2022 23:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBKevin and Logan walk through their Nintendo and PlayStation wrap-ups for 2022, sharing what games they played the most this year. Plus, they share which games they didn’t have enough time to get around to, including Stray, Crisis Core, Pentiment, and more. And, hear Logan’s first impressions of Dragon Quest Treasures. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:36 Checking out our PlayStation and Nintendo Years in Review 15:01 Sonic Frontiers is selling well 16:05 Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters might be c...
Our Favorite Games from the 2022 Game Awards - Episode 241
December 09, 2022 23:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBKevin and Logan highlight their top picks from The Game Awards, including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Final Fantasy, and Earthblade. Plus, impressions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3, thoughts on Xbox raising game prices to $70, and disappointment with Monster Hunter Rise's new console ports. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:24 Game Awards Announcements 29:48 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 is really good! 42:31 Xbox is raising game prices and fighting the FTC 4...
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Open World Just Doesn't Work - Episode 240
December 01, 2022 23:00 - 47 minutes - 45.2 MBLogan has sunk nearly 20 hours into Pokemon Scarlet, and he's got a lot of mixed feelings about the franchise's first steps into a true open world. Hear about the negatives, like the broken leveling system and poor performance, and the positives, like the solid Pokemon design and good Terastalizing mechanic. Plus, Kevin and Logan share their thoughts on the latest trailer for the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Voting on the 2022 Game Awards - Episode 239
November 17, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBKevin and Logan cast their votes on Game of the Year and all of the other categories for the 2022 Game Awards. Plus, more thoughts on Sonic Frontiers now that Logan has finished the game, more Xenoblade Chronicles 3 impressions, and franchises the guys are happy they gave a second chance.
Sonic Frontiers Might Be the Best Sonic Game Ever - Episode 238
November 12, 2022 18:35 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBAfter a year of rumors and buildup, Sonic Frontiers is finally here. And, it's exceeded all expectations, becoming Logan's favorite Sonic game of all time. Join Logan and Kevin as they talk about Frontiers' open areas, combat, story, traditional levels, and more. Plus, stick around to hear about Sports Story, PSVR 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:46 Sonic Frontiers in-depth discussion 55:36 SPORTS STORY and the Indie Showcase 1:05:23 PSVR2 is expensive 1:09:56 ...
Our Wishlist for the Next 3D Mario - Episode 237
November 04, 2022 00:56 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBLogan and Kevin celebrate five years of Super Mario Odyssey by breaking down what they want to see in Mario’s next 3D outing. Plus, Call of Duty could be staying on PlayStation, the PS5 passes a new sales milestone, and PlayStation could be working on a new Uncharted. And, stick around to hear gameplay thoughts on Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S: Two Years Later - Episode 236
October 20, 2022 22:00 - 41 minutes - 54.5 MBThe current generation of consoles has been underway for two years now, and Kevin and Logan are here to break down how it's gone so far. From the lack of first-party software, to the console-specific features like Quick Resume, the DualSense, and Game Pass, we talk about what we've liked and where there's room for improvement.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Looks Great - Episode 235
October 13, 2022 23:58 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBWe have our first trailer for the Super Mario Bros. movie, and Logan and Kevin are excited about how it’s turning out. Plus, hear about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s latest trailer, Sony’s live service plans, and the panel’s memories of reading video game magazines growing up.
The Stadia Shutdown, Horizon Remaster, and Way Too Many Witcher Games - Episode 234
October 07, 2022 00:32 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBKevin and Logan are here to say goodbye to the short-lived Stadia service. Meanwhile, CD Projekt has laid out far too many of their upcoming plans, with five new Witcher games, a new IP, and a Cyberpunk sequel all recently announced. Then, in the Ode To segment, the guys talk about their history and opinions on motion controls.
Our Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Movie Spoilercast - Episode 233
September 30, 2022 02:54 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBKevin has finally seen Sonic the Hedgehog 2, so it's time to do a Spoilercast! Join Kevin and Logan as they break down the best and worst parts of the Blue Blur's latest theatrical outing. Plus, The Last of Us on HBO gets a trailer, E3 is back, and we're close to getting our first look at Illumination and Nintendo's Mario movie.
GTA Leaks, Video Game Spinoffs, and Why We’re Not Feeling the PS5 - Episode 232
September 24, 2022 20:17 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBWe’re nearly two years into the PS5 generation, and Kevin and Logan aren’t feeling the love. Tune in to learn why this generation has been a disappointment so far, with few changes on the horizon. Plus, hear about the huge GTA leaks at Rockstar, our favorite video game spinoffs, and Kevin’s thoughts on Bear and Breakfast. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:32 Massive GTA 6 leak 11:29 Sony possibly working on a detachable disc drive for PS5 19:09 The Problems with PS5 29:40 Another Sonic Prime tr...
Zelda and Like A Dragon Highlight a Huge Week of News - Episode 231
September 15, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBA Nintendo Direct, State of Play, and Tokyo Game Show led to a ton of new game announcements, and Kevin and Logan are here to break them all down. From Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to Yakuza's rebrand to Like A Dragon, hear about all the news you need to know about. Plus, Logan shares his in-depth impressions of Splatoon 3.
Halo Infinite’s Rocky First Year Leaves the Franchise’s Future In Doubt - Episode 230
September 08, 2022 23:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBIt’s been a tough road for Halo Infinite since it launched last December, and it has Logan and Kevin questioning if the franchise should change hands moving forward. Plus, new details on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC announcement, Mario Kart Tour removes its Gacha mechanics, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:37 New Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trailer 10:20 Halo Infinite gets more delays and cancelled features 27:37 Where we fell off of Halo 36:20 Cyberpunk 2077 expan...
Our Favorite Open World Games - Episode 229
September 02, 2022 16:48 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBIn light of the Saints Row reviews, Logan and Kevin break down their favorite open world games of all time. Plus, Sonic Frontiers finally has a release date. Sony is raising the price of a PlayStation 5, and Logan shares his impressions of the Splatoon 3 demo.
We Don't Think Final Fantasy Is Struggling - Episode 228
August 19, 2022 21:23 - 55 minutes - 32.8 MBFinal Fantasy's producer says the series is struggling, but Logan and Zach thinks it's in a pretty strong place right now. Plus, Sega's latest statement on Sonic Frontiers, the New Tales from the Borderlands leak, and the best monsters in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
Splatoon 3, Pokemon Presents, and More Mario Kart - Episode 227
August 14, 2022 05:20 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe Ode to Games crew discusses the latest Splatoon 3 news from this week's Nintendo Direct. And, they also dive into all of the updates from last week's Pokemon Presents, including the open world, the new battle mechanic, and more. Plus, impressions of Forza Horizon 5's Hot Wheels DLC, and the end of Kevin's 100% Stardew Valley journey.
We're in Love With Live A Live - Episode 226
July 30, 2022 01:31 - 1 hour - 41.1 MBLive A Live is here, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are all playing it! Join them as they share why they're impressed with the game so far. Plus, Mario Strikers' disappointing first update, a hint of GTA 6 news, and more. 0:00 Intro 0:22 Live a Live Impressions 23:30 First Details About GTA 6 28:57 A Lackluster Strikers Update 38:13 More Details on the Last of Us Part 1 44:32 KOTR Delayed Indefinitely 47:35 First Small Glimpses of Yakuza 8 48:47 Sonic Themed Stage Coming to Fall Guys? 5...
Five Games We Could Play Forever - Episode 225
July 23, 2022 02:35 - 35 minutes - 22.5 MBWhat are your desert island games? That's the question Kevin, Zach, and Logan are answering this week. Plus, Playstation's new rewards program, Bear and Breakfast's delay, and another juicy edition of Rumor Roundup.
Our Favorite Gaming Years of All Time - Episode 224
July 15, 2022 22:31 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBWhat's the best year ever for video games? This week, Kevin, Zach, and Logan each weigh in on their favorite year in gaming history. Plus, reactions to Bayonetta 3, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and why Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak could be the best Monster Hunter ever.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Blows the Base Game Out of the Water - Episode 223
July 07, 2022 15:20 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBSunbreak is finally here, and it's fantastic! Join the Ode to Games crew as Zach and Logan share their experience with the latest Monster Hunter expansion. Plus, reactions to God of War's release date, Splatoon 3's special edition, and Forspoken's latest delay. And, as we've passed the halfway point of 2022, the guys share their Game of the Year lists to this point.
Nintendo Direct Mini and the Best Announcements of June - Episode 222
July 01, 2022 19:49 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBNintendo finally spoke up, sharing a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase with a ton of great announcements. Join Kevin, Logan, and Zach as they share reactions to Mario + Rabbids, Persona on Switch, and Dragon Quest Treasures. Plus, the gang picks their favorite announcements and reveals from the wild month of June. And, stick around to hear first impressions of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Sonic Origins Impressions - Episode 221
June 25, 2022 21:29 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBSquare Enix has pulled back the curtain on the next installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are very excited for what's in store. Plus, hear Logan's early impressions of Sonic Origins, Zach's final thoughts on The Quarry, and why Kevin is considering trading in Mario Strikers Battle League.
Starfield, Xbox's Big Show, and The Last of Us at Summer Game Fest - Episode 220
June 18, 2022 15:53 - 1 hour - 48 MBA flurry of announcements have happened in the last week, and the Ode to Games crew is here to recap and discuss all the biggest news from this week in gaming. From the big gameplay reveal of Starfield, to the announcement of the Last of Us remake, we've got you covered.
Mario Strikers Battle League and Ranking the Most Ridiculous 3D Sonic Levels - Episode 219
June 11, 2022 22:44 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBIn honor of all the Sonic Frontiers news drops lately, Kevin, Logan, and Zach are taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting the most bogus 3D Sonic levels in history. Plus, hear about all the news from the Sonic Central, the reported 1-2 Switch sequel, Mario Strikers Battle League, and more.
Sonic Frontiers' First Gameplay Left Us Underwhelmed - Episode 218
June 05, 2022 02:48 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBStreet Fighter 6, Resident Evil 4, and Final Fantasy 16 made for one of the most memorable State of Plays so far, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach are here to react to all the big announcements. Plus, Sonic Frontiers finally got its big gameplay debut, and reactions are... Mixed. Stick around to hear about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as the summer events season gets underway.
Our Favorite Video Game Locations - Episode 217
May 27, 2022 19:54 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBKevin, Zach, and Logan are back to share their favorite virtual places to explore in this week's Ode To segment. In the news, hear about Sony's latest investor call, Sega's goals for high Sonic Frontiers review scores, and more. Plus, why Kevin is back on board the Pokemon franchise after years of disappointment.
Xbox's Big Delays Are a Cause for Concern - Episode 216
May 20, 2022 22:37 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBStarfield and Redfall have both been delayed, raising some big questions about Xbox's 2022 lineup. Plus, Nintendo is trying to avoid repeating history with the Switch's successor, and the guys break down what they want to see from Switch 2. And, hear the crew's initial reaction to the PlayStation Plus game lineup.
Switch Sports Doesn’t Live Up to Wii Sports Resort - Episode 215
May 13, 2022 18:15 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBLogan and Zach have played a lot of Switch Sports, and they share their thoughts on the news sports, and the package as a whole. Plus, hear expectations for Microsoft’s summer showcase, Kevin’s final thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West, and the latest Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundup.
What Secrets Is Splatoon 3 Still Hiding? - Episode 214
April 30, 2022 17:16 - 53 minutes - 33.6 MBSplatoon 3 finally has a release date, but we still haven’t seen everything this game has to offer. Join Logan, Kevin, and Zach as they discuss what they still want to see from the next entry in Nintendo’s shooter series. Plus, hear reactions to the Mario Movie’s delay, the Saints Row’s customization options, and a new Tales from the Borderlands. And, hear how online multiplayer has changed Returnal for the better.
Sonic Origins Charges Extra for Premium Fun - Episode 213
April 21, 2022 22:20 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBSonic’s latest classic collection is here, and along with it comes some more strange pricing from Sega. Join Logan and Kevin as they break down the announcement, as well as The Witcher 3’s next-gen delay, Amy Hennig’s revived Star Wars game, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s adjusted release date. Plus, the guys share the GameBoy and GBA games they want on Switch Online. And, Logan shares the verdict on Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
Reactions to Sonic Movie 2, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands - Episode 212
April 16, 2022 07:46 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBZach and Logan have seen Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Listen in as they give their spoiler-free impressions of the sequel, while Kevin waits until August to see it. Plus, Kingdom Hearts 4 was announced this week, and the panel shares reactions to the early footage. And, first gameplay impressions of Ghostwire: Tokyo and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (Spoiler: one is much better than the other).
Reactions to E3 2022’s Cancellation - Episode 211
April 07, 2022 14:14 - 58 minutes - 35.4 MBE3 2022 is off the books, and Kevin, Logan, and Zach share their reactions to the news. Plus, thoughts on the new Tomb Raider announcement, Xbox Series X’s stabilizing stock, and another discussion about Sonic’s quill length. And, in the Ode To, hear about the Game of the Year contenders at the ¼ mark of 2022.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Impressions, and Reactions to Zelda's Big Delay - Episode 210
March 31, 2022 21:38 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBThe latest Kirby game is finally here, and Kevin and Logan share their early thoughts on Kirby's biggest Switch outing to date. Plus, Breath of the Wild 2 has been delayed to 2023, and the panel shares thoughts on what it means for the sequel and Nintendo's 2022 lineup. And, Sony has finally revealed its Game Pass competitor, which has led to some mixed feelings on the panel.
Why We're Torn on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's DLC - Episode 209
March 24, 2022 13:05 - 1 hour - 49.2 MBThe first wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass is out now, and Logan and Kevin are torn on the product as a whole. Listen in as they hash out their thoughts on the good, the bad, and the (literally) ugly of the DLC. Plus, the Switch finally has folders, CD Projekt announced their next game way too early, and Nintendo is shutting down another mobile game. Then, in the Ode To, Logan and Kevin share their feelings about the future of Mario spinoffs.
Kevin Finally Got a PS5, and Logan and Zach Love Elden Ring - Episode 208
March 21, 2022 06:01 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBThe title really says it all for this week's episode of Ode to Games! Kev finally got his hands on a PlayStation 5, and he has thoughts on Astro's Playroom, Horizon Forbidden West, and the console itself. Plus, Logan and Zach are obsessed with Elden Ring, and are here to share more fun (and sometimes frightening) adventures from the Lands Between.
Thoughts on Elden Ring, Kirby, and Strangers In Paradise - Episode 207
March 11, 2022 20:58 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBThe Ode to Games crew has been playing a ton of games this week! First up, hear Zach and Logan’s final thoughts on Horizon Forbidden West. Plus, early impressions of the demos for Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Strangers In Paradise. And, Logan and Zach have taken the plunge into Elden Ring, and they share their early stories from the Lands Between. In the news, hear about Sony’s latest underwhelming State of Play, Halo’s content woes, and more. Finally, the show wraps up with the long-awa...
Celebrating Five Phenomenal Years of Nintendo Switch - Episode 206
March 03, 2022 22:01 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBKevin, Logan, and Zach are throwing a huge birthday party for the Nintendo Switch on this week's Ode to Games, as Nintendo's lovely hybrid console just turned five years old. From their first memories of the console, to the definitive list of the top ten best Switch games, sit back and enjoy reminiscing over the Switch era thus far. But before they reflect on classics like Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, and Smash Ultimate, the guys look ahead to what's next for Nintendo Switch with the r...
Horizon Forbidden West's Open World Is Gorgeous and Bloated - Episode 205
February 24, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBHorizon is finally here, and Logan and Zach have put a solid amount of time into the latest PS5 release. Hear about the game's highs with its brilliant combat and gorgeous visuals, and its lows with Aloy's chattiness and an overstuffed map. Plus, Kevin has impressions of the Uncharted movie, and the guys talk about which 3DS and Wii U games you should grab before they go away.
Our Reactions to the Wii U and 3DS Shutdown - Episode 204
February 17, 2022 14:03 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBIt's a sad day for Nintendo fans and gamers everywhere, as Nintendo has revealed plans to shut down service for two of its consoles. Join Kevin, Logan, and Zach as they react to Nintendo's announcement of the eShop closure on 3DS and Wii U. Plus, hear about Cyberpunk 2077's next-gen update, big news for the Sonic Cinematic Universe, and the crew's picks for which tracks they want to see in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
Why The February Direct Was One of Nintendo's Best - Episode 203
February 11, 2022 05:32 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBFrom Mario Kart 8's DLC to Mario Strikers making a return, Logan, Kevin, and Zach were very impressed with the latest Nintendo Direct. Hear their impressions of all the big announcements, including Nintendo Switch Sports, Fire Emblem Warriors, and more. Plus, final impressions on Skyward Sword HD, our first look at Ghostwire Tokyo, and the latest from the Days Gone director.
Sony's Bungie Acquisition, Switch's Sales Numbers, Sonic's Dexterity - Episode 202
February 05, 2022 00:03 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBThe Ode to Games gang walks through the latest acquisition to shake the games industry. And, the Switch just keeps selling, and we react to the first reported sales numbers for Metroid Dread, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and more. And in this week's Sonic Frontiers Rumor Roundup, hear what we think Sonic's new combat could look like.
Zach's PS5, Mafia 2's Glitches and Skyward Sword's Slog - Episode 201
January 28, 2022 23:39 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBOde to Games is back after the huge Episode 200 celebration! Zach's PS5 is here, along with Zach's impressions of Miles Morales, Hitman 3, and more. Kevin is diving into the world of Mafia 2 remastered, and has some entertaining stories to tell about the game's glitches. Plus, Logan is making his way through Skyward Sword, and has some fresh thoughts 10 years later.