• 213: Hitman 3 & Freelancer Mode (with Scott Danielson)
    May 6 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and returning guest Scott Danielson as they dive into the third and final entry in the Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy (IO Interactive), as well as its roguelike mode, Freelancer. This whole package is an absolute treat, and this also brings the Tales from the Backlog Hitman Episode Trilogy to a close. Listen in for allllll (most) of our thoughts!

    Guest info: Scott Danielson (he/him)

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:25 Introductions
    • 8:25 Our Histories with Hitman
    • 12:39 Top-Level Thoughts
    • 17:13 Story Setup
    • 24:43 Levels and Locations
    • 34:16 What's New and Mission Stories
    • 43:26 The Sandbox and Freelancer Mode
    • 1:02:32 Other Bonus Missions
    • 1:09:07 Who Should Play Hitman?
    • 1:17:03 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:18:57 Spoilers- Dubai
    • 1:37:53 Spoilers- Dartmoor
    • 1:50:43 Spoilers- Berlin
    • 2:10:03 Spoilers- Chongqing
    • 2:27:31 Spoilers- Mendoza
    • 2:41:54 Spoilers- Carpathian Mountains
    • 2:53:56 Spoilers- Ending and Ambrose Island

    Music used in the episode is credited to Niels Bye Nielson. Tracks used: Death Awaits, Best-Laid Plans, Sceptres of Dubai, End of an Era, Planning, Death in the Family, Chongqing Requiem, Mission Accomplished

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    3 hrs and 10 mins
  • 212: The Séance of Blake Manor (with Brian Edwards - Cane and Rinse, Character Issues)
    Apr 29 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and special guest Brian Edwards as they dive into one of 2025's most acclaimed games, The Séance of Blake Manor (Spooky Doorway, Raw Fury, 2025). It's a captivating mystery set in an Irish countryside manor-turned-hotel, full of both literal and figurative ghosts, culminating in a grand séance. It's full of memorable characters, fantastic voice performances, Irish folklore and mythology, and always manages to keep you guessing. Check out the podcast for more.

    Guest info: Brian Edwards (he/him)

    • Check out the Character Issues podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-character-issues-podcast/id1530881747?l=zh-Hant-TW
    • Check out Cane and Rinse https://caneandrinse.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:16 Introductions
    • 4:24 Personal Histories
    • 7:59 Top-Level Thoughts
    • 14:15 Story Setup and Cast of Characters
    • 24:18 Spooky Atmosphere
    • 29:00 Character Schedules and the Passage of Time
    • 41:41 Lack of Deductive Reasoning
    • 48:43 Some Mechanical Frustrations
    • 56:09 Some Puzzly Puzzles
    • 58:44 Irish Folklore & Mythology
    • 1:05:31 Who Should Play?
    • 1:09:40 Character Issues & Cane and Rinse
    • 1:19:04 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:20:57 Spoilers- Favorite Moments and Storylines
    • 1:49:27 Spoilers- What's Going On Here?

    Music used in the episode is credited to Clement Panchout. Tracks used: The Séance of Blake Manor, Vincent Varley, Blake Manor I, Courtyard, The Ritual, Serenade for Evelyn Deane (End Credits)

    Check out Dave's guest DJ set on Chillscape: A Chill VGM Podcast: https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/chillscape-a-chill-vgm-podcast

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    2 hrs and 14 mins
  • 211: Baby Steps (with Josh Galecki - Pixelated Playgrounds)
    Apr 22 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and special guest Josh Galecki (Pixelated Playgrounds, Moonroof Studios) to take a long walk into the woods of Baby Steps. Developed by Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzillo and Maxi Boch and published by Devolver Digital, Baby Steps is an extremely unique game, one where its story of its failson protagonist meshes with its frustrating-yet-rewarding gameplay for a very rewarding and genuinely funny experience. Check out the podcast for more.

    Guest info: Josh Galecki (he/him)

    • Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/
    • Check out Josh's games on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/search/?developer=Moonroof%20Studios
    • Check out more of Josh's games on itch https://joshuagalecki.itch.io/

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:11 Introductions
    • 5:42 Our Histories with Baby Steps
    • 9:42 Top-Level Thoughts
    • 15:11 Characterization of Nate
    • 20:18 Walking Mechanics
    • 26:56 Difficulty and World Design
    • 40:19 Hating On Nate and Comedy
    • 54:27 Visuals, Music and Sound
    • 59:13 Who Should Play Baby Steps?
    • 1:04:16 Pixelated Playgrounds and Moonroof Studios
    • 1:08:40 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:10:17 Spoilers- Jim, The Manbreaker, Other Challenges
    • 1:32:19 Spoilers- Let's Talk About Nate
    • 1:42:28 Spoilers- Nate's Journey and Endings
    • 1:55:43 Accomplishments vs Achievements
    • 2:04:23 Guys...Where Are We?

    Sound clips in episode were captured in game.

    The Secret Lives of Games interview with Bennett Foddy & Gabe Cuzillo- https://eggplant.show/152-walking-over-it-with-gabe-cuzzillo-and-bennett-foddy-baby-steps

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    2 hrs and 20 mins
  • Is It Harder for Video Games to Be Funny? (with Doug Lief & Gen Moonen)
    Apr 15 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Guest info: Doug Lief (he/him) and Gen Moonen (they/them)

    • Listen to Nostalgium Arcanum https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/
    • Listen to Playing By Ear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playing-by-ear/id1815995146
    • Listen to Still Muppeting https://www.patreon.com/c/stillloadingpod/posts
    • Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgames.libsyn.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:10 Introductions and Top-Level Thoughts
    • 7:20 Unpredictability- Problem or Opportunity?
    • 19:48 Failure Can Be Funny
    • 38:35 Jokes In Any Form
    • 50:07 Unique Challenges Facing Game Comedy
    • 1:32:15 More Ways Games are Uniquely Funny
    • 1:44:46 Wrap-Up Thoughts
    • 1:48:56 Gen & Doug's Podcasts

    Music used in the episode:

    • Secret Hoppin' (Vacation Mix)- ClascyJitto (Pizza Tower OST)
    • Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp- Peter McConnell (Psychonauts OST)

    Dave's guest appearance on Play Along Podcast- https://linktr.ee/PlayAlongPodcast

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • 210: Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines (with TroytlePower)
    Apr 8 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and special guest TroytlePower as they discuss Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines, developed by Troika Games and published by Activision in 2004. Any recommendation to play Bloodlines comes with all sorts of disclaimers attached, which makes it nearly irresistable for someone with a brain like mine. And while all of those bad things I had heard about the game turned out to be extremely true, it's still a fascinating game that led to a fun discussion. Check out the podcast for more!

    Guest info: TroytlePower (he/him)

    • Check out all of Troy's work! https://troytlepower.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:17 Introductions
    • 4:30 Our Histories with Bloodlines
    • 8:39 Top-Level Thoughts
    • 13:57 Story Setup and Clan Selection
    • 21:03 The Masquerade and Vampire Society
    • 28:06 Presentation and Game World
    • 36:53 Music and Vibes
    • 44:34 Vampire Lore TM
    • 51:00 Character Building
    • 1:02:04 Combat
    • 1:17:00 If They Only Had More Time...
    • 1:25:52 Who Should Play Bloodlines?
    • 1:31:00 Troy's Podcasts and Writing
    • 1:35:56 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:37:51 Spoilers- Early-Midgame Quests and Stories
    • 2:23:00 Spoilers- The Sewers and Onward

    Music used in the episode is credited to Rik Schaffer. Tracks used: Main Menu, Downtown, Disturbed and Twisted Combat, Generic Combat, Santa Monica, Crypt Combat

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    3 hrs and 7 mins
  • PAX East 2026 Wrap-Up
    Apr 5 2026
    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog Dave recaps 13 indie games that he played on the PAX East 2026 show floor. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro0:25 The Secret of Weepstone2:05 Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes2:59 Canvas City3:51 DREADMOOR5:03 Fractured Blooms6:20 GNAW7:31 Valor Mortis8:32 Well Dweller9:39 Never's End11:17 ZWAARD12:15 Project Lexa13:37 Backyard Baseball15:20 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon16:31 Wrap-Up17:06 More Indie Game Coverage!17:52 Outro and How to Support Game links: The Secret of Weepstone- https://store.steampowered.com/app/3702100/The_Secret_of_Weepstone/Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes- https://www.astrocrow.com/throwbackCanvas City https://store.steampowered.com/app/3226830/Canvas_City/DREADMOOR https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/Fractured Blooms https://store.steampowered.com/app/3730310/Fractured_Blooms/GNAW https://store.steampowered.com/app/2306490/GNAW/Valor Mortis https://store.steampowered.com/app/2828710/Valor_Mortis/Well Dweller https://store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/Well_Dweller/Never's End https://store.steampowered.com/app/1999930/Nevers_End/ZWAARD https://store.steampowered.com/app/2251170/ZWAARD/Project Lexa https://store.steampowered.com/app/3162890/Project_Lexa/Backyard Baseball https://store.steampowered.com/app/3935020/Backyard_Baseball/Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon https://store.steampowered.com/app/1466060/Tainted_Grail_The_Fall_of_Avalon/ Music used: High Above the Land (The Flying Machine)- Jake Kaufman (Shovel Knight)Various tracks from The 16-Bit Starter Pack, composed by Bert Cole [bitbybitsound.com](bitbybitsound.com) For more PAX and indie game coverage, check out: https://theindieinformer.com/https://www.sixoneindie.com/https://nosmallgames.com/https://funandgames.libsyn.com/ https://youtube.com/@crossplayconvos https://youtube.com/@danomakhttps://leftbehindgame.club/ https://youtube.com@NOLAnerdcasthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/pixelspectrum/https://www.gamesandwich.com/https://www.buzzsprout.com/747596https://kzum.org/podcasts/underplayed/ https://youtube.com@CGDannyB https://youtube.com@Kimchicahttps://bossrush.net/https://passthecontroller.io/https://www.gamerheadspodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@PSTrophyRoomhttps://datewithuspodcast.podbean.com/https://epiloguegaming.com/https://somanygames.co.uk/https://dotzip.online/https://skyboxcritics.com/https://www.quitthebuild.com/1h1d Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures
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    19 mins
  • 209: Chants of Sennaar (with Travis Colenutt - Left Behind Game Club)
    Apr 1 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and guest Travis Colenutt on their language-learning journey up the tower in Chants of Sennaar (Rundisc, Focus Entertainment, 2023). What do our languages say about our culture, and how can learning another language change the way we see the world? All of this and more in the discussion!

    Guest info: Travis Colenutt (he/him)

    • Check out Left Behind Game Club https://leftbehindgame.club/
    • Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/traviscolenutt.bsky.social

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:21 Introductions
    • 4:53 Why Did We Play Chants of Sennaar?
    • 9:50 Top-Level Thoughts About Chants of Sennaar
    • 16:06 Story and Language Learning Setup
    • 28:00 Using Language to Make Progress
    • 33:40 Learning About Culture Via Languages
    • 39:04 Making Connections Via Languages
    • 48:02 Stealth In My Puzzle Game?
    • 53:58 Visuals, Music and Sound
    • 1:08:31 Do We Recommend?
    • 1:11:17 Left Behind Game Club
    • 1:15:10 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:17:34 Spoilers- The Devotees & Warriors
    • 1:40:05 Spoilers- The Bards & Alchemists
    • 1:55:32 Spoilers- The Anchorites & Ending

    Music used in the episode is credited to Thomas Brunet. Tracks used: The Call, Out of the Cavern and into the Light, Catch Me!, Envers, Bonds Reforged

    Catch Dave on Nostalgium Arcanum talking about Rocky https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    2 hrs and 24 mins
  • 208: Death Howl (with Bryan Skursha - Pixelated Playgrounds)
    Mar 25 2026

    Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson
    Discord, Socials and more- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog

    Join Dave and guest Bryan Skursha as they deep dive Death Howl (The Outer Zone, 11 Bit Studios, 2025) on their journey through the underworld to find out what the hell a soulslike deckbuilder even is. Brutal turn-based combat, a story about grieving and a mother's love, and all the fucked up guys a gamer could ask for. Listen in to find out more!

    Guest info: Bryan Skursha (he/him)

    • Check out Pixelated Playgrounds https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/
    • Follow on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/bsushi.bsky.social

    TIMESTAMPS

    • 0:00 Title Card
    • 0:18 Introductions
    • 5:39 Our Histories with Death Howl
    • 10:50 Top-Level Thoughts
    • 15:42 Story Setup
    • 23:58 Dreamy, Hazy Visuals and Sound
    • 40:01 Combat Basics and Deckbuilding Strategy
    • 54:58 Is It Soulslike?
    • 1:05:00 Open-Ended Structure and Side Quests
    • 1:10:22 Combat Depth
    • 1:16:40 Who Should Play Death Howl?
    • 1:19:00 Pixelated Playgrounds
    • 1:22:55 Spoiler Wall & Patron Thank-Yous
    • 1:24:58 Spoilers- Favorite Areas, Bosses, Decks
    • 1:41:00 Spoilers- Final Area and Final Bosses
    • 1:55:46 Spoilers- Story Discussion

    Music used in the episode is credited to Chris Bjørumslet & Malte Burup. Tracks used: Death Howl, Olvi, Shadows of Rot, Cantharsis, Meadows of Delusion, Moon Eel, Ever Since Your Heart Stopped Beating

    Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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    2 hrs and 25 mins