No Small Games

Bonus - Happy Birthday Ooblets!

Wishing Ooblets 1.0 a very happy one-year anniversary!!
The quirky, colorful, farming sim, creature collector, card game adventure Ooblets first release in early access in July 2020. Since then, the game has evolved, grown, and developer Glumberland released the official 1.0 version of the game on September 1, 2022. In the last few years, Ooblets has touched the hearts and ignited the imaginations of many players, including both No Small Games hosts, Kate and Emily!
This bonus episode is a love letter to Ooblets. From the cute, funky little Ooblets and their slick dance moves, to the off-beat and relatable townspeople of Badgetown, Kate and Emily chat their favorite elements of the game.

Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro & Fall Season Announcement00:12:12 - Ooblets Game Discussion00:59:10 - Wrap-up
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 10 - Lake feat. Catsareme

Experience postal service Zen while you contemplate the life paths less traveled in this serene lakeside town...
In Lake, a narrative postal sim game developed and published by Whitethorn Games, you play as Meredith Weiss: a 39 year-old working in the tech industry in 1986, who has journeyed from the big city back to her hometown of Providence Oaks. Meredith is taking time off work so that her parents can go on a much needed vacation, while she covers the work at her father's job: the United States Postal Service. Deliver mail, get to know the quirky townsfolk, and decide which of many possible futures Meredith will explore during her two weeks as a mail carrier.
In the tenth episode of No Small Games, special guest Alissa aka Catsareme joins Kate and Emily to review their experiences playing this heartfelt and relaxing game. The three share challenges in their own lives that they see mirrored in Meredith's story, discuss the different endings they unlocked for the protagonist, and giggle over town gossip from good old Providence Oaks, Oregon.
Episode Timecodes
Meet our Guest - Catsareme ✦ 00:00:450
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:25:50
Lake Game Discussion ✦ 00:34:20
Lake Spoilers ✦ 01:40:45
Next Episode's Game Announcement & Wrap up ✦ 02:02:05
Listen to the Lake soundtrack on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Hc8Ca4tZ3tNadmBA2sOVo?si=ed49c4aec3e24a20 
Meet our Guest
Catsareme is a content creator and variety streamer by night, PhD candidate studying genetics and neuroscience by day. She plays a wide variety of games, from action adventure, to cute and cozy indie games, and even horror games. Alissa also moderates a Discord community galled Gamer Guild, which brings together content creators, viewers, gamers, and everyone in between.
Follow Alissa on the following platforms:
Twitch
Twitter
Instagram
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 9 - Oxenfree & Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

Something sinister is in the air on Edward's Island, very literally...
It's a No Small Games double feature, in which Kate and Emily review both Oxenfree and its sequel Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. In Oxenfree, you play as teenager Alex, on a beach trip to Edwards Island with her friends and new step brother, Jonas. The weekend quickly devolves into supernatural chaos as the teens uncover the dark mysteries of the island. In Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, you help Riley and Jacob to combat paranormal forces in the oceanside town of Camena.
In the ninth episode of No Small Games, Kate and Emily review their experiences playing the supernatural narrative adventures Oxenfree and Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. The two discuss their favorite characters, most shocking twists, and best memories from playing these two games.
Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:09:00
Oxenfree Game Discussion ✦ 00:20:45
Oxenfree Spoilers ✦ 00:52:45
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals Game Discussion ✦ 01:24:00
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals Spoilers ✦ 02:01:30
Next Episode's Guest & Game Announcement ✦ 02:31:05
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 8 - Spiritfarer feat. Pink Umbrella

At the end of their days, on their way to the beyond, lost souls can always count on the Spiritfarer...
Follow Stella, the brand new Spiritfarer, as she learns the meaning of her role to the many spirits she encounters and befriends on their way to the after life. But a Spiritfarer's job isn't limited to getting to know these new friends, she must also care for them, provide them with food and lodging, and upgrade the ship on which they all live in order to accommodate these needs. Farm, cook, craft and sail your way through this beautiful indie game, but be sure to bring plenty of tissues on your way to say goodbye and send each spirit on to the next life.
In the eight episode of No Small Games, special guest Pink Umbrella joins Kate and Emily to review their experiences playing the 2D platformer and management sim game Spiritfarer, by Thunder Lotus Games. Learn who were their favorite spirits, which goodbyes hit them the hardest, and even their personal thoughts and feelings about death.
Episode Timecodes
Meet our Guest - Pink Umbrella ✦ 00:02:45
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:16:15
Spiritfarer Game Discussion ✦ 00:31:00
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 02:03:30
Meet our Guest
Pink Umbrella is a French Canadian content creator and variety streamer, who mainly plays creative and cozy games like The Sims, Disney Dreamlight Valley, as well as indie games like Spiritfarer, Bear and Breakfast and more. Outside of content creation, Pink is also a grad student, studying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Follow Pink on the following platforms:
Twitch
YouTube
Twitter
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 7 - Cult of the Lamb

Do you have what it takes to build a loyal following, take on the old gods and become the one true cult?
Cult of the Lamb bridges multiple genres, bringing farming simulation, base building and resource management together with adrenaline-packed roguelike combat, to create an immersive and addictive gaming experience. Players serve an ominous figure, The One Who Waits, by cultivating a following and taking on the Old Gods.
In the seventh episode of No Small Games, Kate and Emily review their experiences playing the cute and cozy roguelike Cult of the Lamb, by Massive Monster. The two discuss their favorite in-game weapons, the ideologies with which they guided their followings, and the dangers of modern-day cults.
Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:13:58
Cult of the Lamb Game Review ✦ 00:21:45
Next Episode's Game Announcement ✦ 01:24:20
Check out these Friends of the Podcast
That's Tabu podcast, hosted by Emerald
Underplayed podcast, hosted by Bo_Po and DiscoCola
Jane Wright (aka creativejanewritght) on Instagram
A Quick Correction
In this episode, Kate mentions the "Federal Church of Latter Day Saints" but meant to say the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints.
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
 

Ep. 6 - Stories Untold feat. Krysta Hope

Experience the tug of nostalgia but be careful, sinister truths await you in the hearts of the analog devices in Stories Untold...
Developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital, Stories Untold is an experimental narrative-driven horror game, told over the course of 4 distinct episodes.
In the sixth episode of No Small Games, Kate and Emily welcome their first ever special guest, Krysta Hope aka HopingForHorrror, to chat about and review Stories Untold. The three discuss their history with the horror genre, what their boundaries are, and what scares them the most. Join the No Small Games hosts and special guest for thoughtful discussions, lots of laughs, and Siri-induced jumpscares.
Episode Timecodes
Weekly Boss Battles ✦ 00:04:20
Stories Untold Game Review ✦ 00:30:42
Stories Untold Spoilers ✦ 01:19:20
Episode 7 Game Announcement ✦ 01:56:26
Meet our Guest
Krysta Hope, your favorite final girl, is a horror content creator bringing cute and creepy vibes to your timeline! In her videos, she features horror video games, movies, TV and other media. Best of all, Krysta always brings her thoughtful and witty HopingForHorror-brand perspective to the horror space.
Follow Krysta on the following platforms:
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Bonus - Wholesome Direct 2023

Wholesome Games held their third annual Wholesome Direct Indie Game Showcase on June 10, 2023, featuring footage and announcements from 70+ cute and cozy indie games. In this episode, the No Small Games hosts recap the direct and discuss the announcements that got them most excited from Saturday's presentation.
After recapping their favorite announcements from the Wholesome Direct, our hosts review the demo of the upcoming cute and cozy roguelike game Grimoire Groves, developed by Swiss game development company Stardust.
Links and Shoutouts
You can watch the full 2023 Wholesome Direct - Indie Game Showcase on YouTube.
If you want to check out Emily's spreadsheet of the Wholesome Direct announcements, you can view it on Google Sheets.
Shoutout to AbleGamers, a nonprofit committed to making gaming more accessible to people with disabilities and improving their lives through the power of games. Wholesome Direct partnered with AbleGamers with two commemorative t-shirts, all of whose proceeds go to supporting the nonprofit. You can see and purchase the shirts on The Yetee.
Lastly, shoutout to our friend Marcy, who is an amazing content creator and player of The Sims, Stardew Valley and many indie games! You can find Marcy as MarcyLaycelle on Twitch and YouTube.
Timecodes
Looking for a certain segment in this episode? Use the timecodes below to jump straight there:
Intro & Wholesome Direct General Recap - 00:00:40
Top 3 Kate & Emily Picks - 00:10:38
Kate & Emily's Individual Top 10 Picks - 00:23:56
Grimoire Groves Demo Review - 01:27:15
Grimoire Groves Demo
Grimoire Groves is a cute and cozy action roguelike where you play as a young witch embarking on a quest to learn new spells, get to know the forest spirits, and ultimately restore the Grimoire Groves back to a lush, natural state.
Inspired by games like Animal Crossing and Cult of the Lamb, the core gameplay is action-packed and very true to the roguelike genre, while removing the element of violence from the combat. Rather than fighting, your character uses witchy spells to grow the plants they encounter in the forest.
This game is currently in development by Stardust Studios.
Check out Grimoire Groves Demo
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games IG ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com
 

Bonus - Pride

Happy Pride Month!!
No Small Games is celebrating Pride by sharing some of our favorite indie games featuring LGBTQIA+ stories and characters. Indie video games and their developers are uniquely positioned to be able to tell stories that are too frequently left out of the mainstream, and to tell them in authentic ways. Kate and Emily shared their picks for 5 categories including: Favorite Game with a Queer Protagonist, Favorite Game with a Queer Storyline, and Favorite Game with Gay Parents.
After recapping their favorite indie games for Pride month, our hosts review the demo of the upcoming arcade-style action roguelike Quiver Quarrel, developed by Cheeky Lions.
Timecodes
Looking for the hosts' picks for certain categories in their Pride Month favorites? Jump to the timecodes below to hear their choices:
Intro & Catching up - 00:00:35
Favorite Game with a Queer Protagonist - 00:11:11
Favorite Game where You Can Choose to be Gay - 00:18:30
Favorite Game with Gay Parents - 00:25:45
Favorite Game with a Queer Storyline - 00:32:50
Games with LGBTQIA+ Themes That We haven't Played yet - 00:41:45
Review of Quiver Quarrel Demo - 00:46:30
Quiver Quarrel Demo
You can play the demo of the arcade-style action roguelike Quiver Quarrel for free on Steam!
"Guide five knights across increasingly treacherous terrain and through hordes of deadly monsters to save the royal children from marauding aliens, collecting as much precious goldfish as you can along the way."
Quiver Quarrel is in development by Cheeky Lions.
Check out Quiver Quarrel Demo
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/katerblossom
Emily's Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/aSpecificEgg
No Small Games Twitter ✦ https://twitter.com/NoSmallGames 
No Small Games IG ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com