357 - Return to Metroidvania
Summary
Jono Logan opens the episode with a humorous tale about a broken Rode PodMic, leading into a discussion of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Matt praises the game's fluid combat, tarot card puzzles, and narrative depth, comparing it favorably to Symphony of the Night. The group then shifts to Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, with Ben analyzing its improved map design and Switch 2 presentation as a mechanical sequel to Three Houses.
Topics discussed
Intro, microphone issues, and guest introductions
Castlevania Belmont's Curse: History and Metroidvania context
Gameplay feel, movement, and story structure
Tarot deck mechanics and companion characters
Puzzle design, aesthetics, and menu interface
Comparison to Curse of the Moon and other titles
Game length, difficulty, and boss fights
Weapon systems, combat mechanics, and parrying
Recommendations: Curse of the Moon, Mina the Hollower, Well Dweller
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave: Introduction and development
Technical performance, art style, and character design
Story premise and time travel mechanics
Game structure: Parts, free time, and world map
Turn management, time sink, and replayability
Combat innovations: Weapon properties and map variety
Comparison to Radiant Dawn and series legacy
AAA production value, pricing, and soundtrack
Double Fine unionization story and studio ownership
Outro, support links, and sign-off
Listen ad-free on Castria