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Dive into the ultimate October 2024 game reviews with the Temple of Geek Podcast and their special Halloween Gaming Festival! Join Myles and Kurosh as they dissect the latest releases, from epic RPGs like “Metaphor: ReFantazio” to spooky titles like the “Silent Hill 2” remake and “Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred”. Plus, get the scoop on indie gems like “Neva” and “Fear the Spotlight”. Tune in for in-depth analysis, ratings, and where to find the hosts online. Don’t miss this epic gaming breakdown!

Myles and Kurosh Discuss the Latest Releases – Temple of Geek’s Halloween Gaming Festival

October 2024 has been a whirlwind of video game releases, leaving gamers with an abundance of choices. To navigate this exciting landscape, Myles and Kurosh, video game correspondents for Temple of Geek, sat down to discuss some of the standout titles.  

Metaphor: ReFantazio

First up was “Metaphor: ReFantazio“, a new IP from Atlus, renowned creators of the “Persona” series. This JRPG, set in a fantasy world, offers a meaty 100-hour gameplay experience. The game features a blend of real-time and turn-based combat, along with a unique job (Archetype) system that allows for flexible character roles. A lengthy demo is available for those looking to dip their toes into this fantastical world.  

Neva

Next, the duo discussed “Neva“, a 2D platformer following in the footsteps of “Gris”. Despite its short 5-6 hour playthrough, “Neva” manages to deliver an emotionally resonant story through its artistic visuals and music.  

Check out our in-depth written review here!

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

For fans of the anime, “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero” offers a chance to explore “what if” scenarios that alter the course of the anime’s history. With a roster of over 120 playable characters, the game features mini-campaigns told from various character perspectives. However, be prepared for a steep learning curve if you plan to delve into the competitive online scene.  

Check out our in-depth written review here!

Silent Hill 2 Remake

Horror enthusiasts will be thrilled with the “Silent Hill 2” remake from Bloober Team, a faithful reimagining of the survival horror classic. The game boasts stunning visuals and sound design, creating a truly immersive and terrifying experience.  

Fear the Spotlight

Another standout horror title is “Fear the Spotlight”, an indie darling developed by husband and wife duo Cozy Game Pals. This retro-style game offers an accessible entry point for those new to the horror genre, with a focus on atmosphere and suspense rather than combat or jump scares.  

Check out our in-depth written review here!

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred

The “Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred” expansion breathes new life into the popular action RPG. With quality-of-life updates, a new class, region, and story content, both newcomers and returning players will find plenty to enjoy.  

Retro Realms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead

Finally, the duo touched on ‘RetroRealms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead”, a 2D platformer that allows players to step into the shoes of iconic horror characters like Michael Myers and Ash from Evil Dead. While the game captures the essence of these franchises, its clunky platforming and combat mechanics hold it back from greatness.  

A Month of Great Games

October 2024 has been a fantastic month for gamers, with a diverse lineup of high-quality titles. Whether you’re into RPGs, horror, or retro-inspired experiences, there’s something for everyone. So grab your controllers and get ready to dive into these immersive worlds!

Temple of Geek Podcast

Since 2012, the Temple of Geek Podcast has enthusiastically explored the world of geek culture! Join rotating hosts Kari, Lacey, Nick, and Alexandrea, along with other Temple of Geek Team members, on their weekly adventures discussing their passions and fandoms.

You can listen to the Temple of Geek Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Stitcher  Spotify and wherever else you stream your podcast.

This Episode’s Hosts: Myles Obenza and Kurosh Jozavi

Featured Games:

1. Metaphor: ReFantazio [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]
   • New IP from Atlus, set in a fantasy world [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]
   • Lengthy JRPG with 8-9 hour demo available [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]
   • Real-time and turn-based combat [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]
   • Job/class system with flexible character roles [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]
   • Rated 5/5 [00:00:58 to 00:18:56]

1. Neva [00:18:59 to 00:28:18]
   • Follow-up to GRIS, 2D platformer with artistic style [00:18:59 to 00:28:18]
   • 5-6 hour playthrough with emotional story [00:18:59 to 00:28:18]
   • Rated 5/5 [00:18:59 to 00:28:18]

1. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
   • “What if” scenarios altering Dragon Ball Z history [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
   • Over 120 playable characters [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
   • Mini-campaigns from different character perspectives [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
   • The steep learning curve, high skill ceiling [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
   • Rated 4/5 [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]

1. Silent Hill 2 Remake [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]
   • Survival horror with over-the-shoulder gameplay [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]
   • Dense fog and claustrophobic environments [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]
   • Rated 4/5 [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]

1. Fear the Spotlight [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
   • Entry-level horror with retro style [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
   • No combat or jumpscares focus on the atmosphere [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
   • Made by a two-person team [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
   • Rated 4/5 [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]

1. Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred [01:02:14 to 01:12:45]
   • Expansion for Diablo 4 with quality-of-life updates [01:02:14 to 01:12:45]
   • New class, region, and story content [01:02:14 to 01:12:45]
   • Rated 4/5 [01:02:14 to 01:12:45]

1. Retro Realms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead [01:12:45 to 1:14:34]
   • 2D platforming action game with retro arcade style [01:12:45 to 1:14:34]
   • Play as iconic horror characters like Michael Myers and Ash [01:12:45 to 1:14:34]
   • Rated 3/5 [01:12:45 to 1:14:34]

Other Games Mentioned:

• Gris [00:18:59 to 00:28:18]
• Dragon Ball FighterZ [00:28:18 to 00:42:48]
• Silent Hill: Short Message [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]
• Resident Evil series [00:42:48 to 00:57:03]
• Paranormal Activity (movie) [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
• Five Nights at Freddy’s (movie) [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
• Black Phone (movie) [00:57:03 to 01:02:14]
• Rogue Flight [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Deadlock [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Mario and Luigi: Brothership [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Monster Hunter Wilds [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Dragon Quest III HD 2D [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Ghost Avatar [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Grand Theft Auto VI [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]
• Elder Scrolls VI [01:14:36 to 1:21:24]