DMG Gaming Podcast
Welcome to "Disgruntled Middle-Aged Gamers" Gaming Podcast where lifelong best friends Grant Roland and Ed Phillips dive deep into the world of video games. Join us as we explore everything from the latest releases to nostalgic retro games, offering insightful reviews, and engaging discussions. With 20 years of friendship fueling our banter, DMG isn't just about games—it's about sharing a passion with a touch of humor and plenty of opinions. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just dipping your toes into the gaming world, there's something here for everyone. Tune in and game on with DMG!
DMG Gaming Podcast
Episode 98: Clair Obscure Expedition 33 Masterpiece Review – Best Turn-Based RPG 2025?
🎙️Episode 98 of the DMG Gaming Podcast opens with a glowing review of Clair Obscure: Expedition 33. Hosts Grant Roland and Ed Phillips call it a genre-defining RPG, comparing its excellence to Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 7. They praise its emotional narrative, reactive combat, combo magic, breathtaking visuals, and stellar performances by Ben Starr and Charlie Cox. Ed boldly predicts a 95+ Metacritic and says this is the wake-up call Square Enix needed.
🎮 Gaming News Highlights
- Ubisoft fined $100M for unethical data harvesting
- Sydney Sweeney stars in the newly announced Split Fiction, with fans split over casting (no Zendaya)
- Minecraft Movie passes $500M globally despite lacking game lore
- Sandfall Studios hailed as proof that small dev teams can still deliver GOAT-tier experiences
😤 Disgruntled Gamer Rant
Ed goes off on Square Enix’s fall from grace, slamming bloated teams, political focus, and identity loss after the 90s golden era. The hosts argue indie devs like Sandfall now carry the RPG torch.
🏆 Top 10 Turn-Based RPGs Ranked
The list stirs nostalgia and debate:
#10 Pokémon RBY / Xenogears
#6 Dragon Quest series / Earthbound
#4 Final Fantasy IV–VI
#2 Final Fantasy VI–VII / Chrono Trigger
#1 Chrono Trigger / Clair Obscure 33 (a new GOAT?)
🎲 Random Game Roulette: Illusion of Gaia (SNES, 1994)
A forgotten gem from the Soul Blazer trilogy. The hosts admire its real-world inspirations, transformation mechanic, and dark themes. Gameplay footage reignites SNES nostalgia.