Dave | Tales from the Backlog

Thank you for a great discussion as always!

Thanks for having me on @tftblpod.bsky.social!

Wow it really is that simple, wonder why nobody ever tried this before. Just make fun games and enjoy early retirement.

We did something a bit different and decided to invite 6 of our podcaster friends to come together and do a short panel about the art and craft of making content. We hope you enjoy it and find some inspiration for your own creations! pca.st/9uw23yar

The version I'm playing is actually on Switch- they released the PC88 and PC98 versions of Hydlide as ports. Kinda cool.

Age Verification? I'm playing the PC-88 version of Hydlide right now, by choice.

This week we are joined by special guest @roganplaysgames.bsky.social to run through our most anticipated indies of 2026! Get your wishlists ready and settle in for some delightful discussions of upcoming titles.

Watch or listen now!

Video: youtu.be/9exVBiY81fg
Audio: plnk.to/crossplayconvos

Feb. 2026. Cumulative downloads- 200,010

Tales from the Backlog passed a big downloads milestone today! I'm celebrating by committing to another 100+ hour RPG!

Trobbio is so good. Without spoilers, the thing that happens when you beat him is *chef kiss*

Thanks a lot man! Means a lot coming from you.

Thank you!

Thanks man!

Thanks dude!

Thank you!

Feb. 2026. Cumulative downloads- 200,010

Tales from the Backlog passed a big downloads milestone today! I'm celebrating by committing to another 100+ hour RPG!

The gamers yearn to carefully consider every input

Dragon Quest 11- the hero moves across a narrow ledge with their back to the wall, behind a waterfall.

I know Baby Steps and Cairn have cooked my gamer brain because my palms got sweaty moving across these wet rocks in Dragon Quest 11

There's also a slow brooding track in lots of Twin Peaks scenes that sounds just like the Hunter's Dream in Bloodborne

It took me a while to beat mixed in with my other games, but I finished Death Howl last night! The combat and deckbuilding are *excellent*, and I really recommend it especially if you want a non-run-based deckbuilder.

Look for a full podcast episode next month!

VIDEO GAME TRIVIA RETURNS TO PAX EAST 2026!

As someone who started going solo with @traviscolenutt.bsky.social around 2015, being on the PAX website will *always* be so cool.

Details to follow - but block off your Saturday night at East!

📸: @jeanluc.bsky.social

east.paxsite.com/en-us/guests...

32 Bit Library Greatest Hits Volume 1: Deluxe Edition A chronological retrospective of 50 of the best-selling games on the PlayStation from 1995-2003. A4 size. 344 pages. 900+ screenshots.

Looking forward to this coffee table book full of retrospectives on the PlayStation Greatest Hits catalogue. I even wrote one of the essays about NFL Blitz! Help @pixelsandpolygons.net reach the first funding goal and get yourself a sweet book! www.kickstarter.com/projects/dar...

3DS hate is Rhythm Heaven Megamix hate and Dre, we can't have that

I really need to see The Bachelor turned into a vampire now, feeding on rats in an alley. He wants to be immortal anyway, this crossover needs to happen.

Tales from the Backlog episode 201: Madden 2005 vs ESPN NFL 2K5

Madden 2005 and ESPN NFL 2K5 are both lauded as some of the best sports games ever made, and over 20 years later, Chris of @retrohangover.bsky.social and @adamgumby.bsky.social joined me to decide which one deserves the crown!

LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/201
WATCH: youtu.be/RID972hPlFY

Baby Steps- Nate begins an ascent off of a vertically hanging train car

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)

The people have been begging for this episode, thanks for joining me for it!

Great episode once again from Dave Jackson, and we answer the biggest question on everyones mind before the Superbowl..
Which was better, Madden or NFL2k?

Tales from the Backlog episode 201: Madden 2005 vs ESPN NFL 2K5

Madden 2005 and ESPN NFL 2K5 are both lauded as some of the best sports games ever made, and over 20 years later, Chris of @retrohangover.bsky.social and @adamgumby.bsky.social joined me to decide which one deserves the crown!

LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/201
WATCH: youtu.be/RID972hPlFY

a boy in a red hat is kneeling next to a pikachu in a forest . ALT: a boy in a red hat is kneeling next to a pikachu in a forest .

Are you in dev, media, or content creation and have a story to tell about why Pokemon is special to you, has influenced your work, or overall just made an impact on your life? Would you want to tell me about it for a 30th anniversary Kotaku story? Get in touch: kshepard@kotaku.com. RTs appreciated!