
One Controller Port Podcast
By Benjamin Yoder
Part of OneControllerPort.com, which features video reviews, articles, podcasts, streams, and more!
Find me on Twitter @Oculin


Can I Love Final Fantasy XIV Again? – FFXIV Therapy Episode 1
I loved the original Final Fantasy XIV version 1.0. However, ever since the 2.0 relaunch, I've grown to like the game less and less each passing year. As of 2025, I almost loathe it. Alex Fraioli, current FFXIV enjoyer, joins me on my likely final attempt to appreciate modern Final Fantasy XIV.Alex's Relics & Rock Stars: Appreciating Final Fantasy XI and XIV Video

The Slowest Action RPG I've Ever Loved – White Knight Chronicles Review
White Knight Chronicles is an odd Action RPG, in the sense that it's so slow-paced you'd think timing wouldn't matter. However, the game is so slow that it loops back around, requiring careful timing to maximize damage.

Channel Update – Moving Away From Monthly Podcasts
Hey all, Quick update episode where I talk about wanting to move away from the podcast format. I'll still be making videos, likely of similar topics, but more on my own terms as time permits.I'll continue uploading that content here on the podcast feed, though.

The Value of CRTs and Original Hardware - Hot Pot Gaming Featuring Mr. Jakes
Mr. Jakes from Basement Brothers joins me to talk about why he thinks CRTs are overrated for retro games. We also talk about the value of physical hardware in video games.
Basement Brothers' Website
Basement Brothers' YouTube Channel

Throwing Granblue Shade – OCP Podcast Episode 370
I once again went to EVO this year, and while I feel like I learned a lot, I also continue to stumble over actively disliking Granblue Fantasy.Moga Factory
Artist Black

Slave Zero X Developer Interview – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
Slave Zero X is intensely stylish, not only in its aesthetic but also in its gameplay. With that, I wanted to discuss with the lead game designer and the developer's CEO on how they achieved that vision, the role the Slave Zero franchise played, their commitment to challenging the player, and how they built the world.
Game Links
Tristan's Socials
Wolfgang's Socials

Making A Difference with Misc. A Tiny Tale Featuring Michael Pearce - Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
Misc. A Tiny Tale is a 3D platformer focused on building a better world through small acts of kindness. I spoke with the lead developer, Michael Pearce, about his experience in creating the game and how it makes a difference.
Misc. A Tiny Tale Links

Local Coverage of the Gaming Industry Featuring Lukas Eggen – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
In my eyes, game coverage has almost always been global. So I was surprised when I met Lukas Eggen, who previously covered them locally for Las Vegas Review-Journal. We talk about his experience covering games in Las Vegas and his perspective on the future of gaming journalism.
Links:Lukas Eggen's Linktree

The Unsexy Questions – OCP Podcast Episode 369
This week, we talk VR, looking at sexy games without an eye for sexual content, Gal Guardians, and River City Underground.
Bandai Namco to Invest More Heavily in Game Studios using Bandai Namco 021Fund

Loving Final Fantasy XIV in 2025 Featuring Alex Fraioli – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
In this episode, we tackle a long-standing frustration of mine: the current state of Final Fantasy XIV. As someone who loved FFXIV 1.0, I've long been off the Final Fantasy XIV train. Today, I have some negative feelings about the game's current state, so I wanted to talk to someone who still likes it.
Alex Fraioli, who previously appeared on our podcast about Love Letter RPGs, returns to discuss his love for Final Fantasy XIV in the modern day.

Who Are You? – OCP Podcast Episode 368
This week I talk about my time at LVL UP EXPO 2025, look at the games announced in the Qureate Direct, and what to call what I do.
Links

Covering the Japanese Games Industry From Japan Feat. Amber Vještica – Hot Pot Gaming
We spend a lot of time consuming information about Japanese games from fellow English speakers located outside Japan. Amber Vještica, Editor-in-Chief at Automaton Media West, covers games from inside a Japanese games news outlet, giving her team unique access and insight into local Japanese video game culture.
We discuss her role at the company, how they choose what types of stories to cover, and Automaton West's goals for bringing Japanese gaming news to English-speaking audiences.

Your Miintal Health – OCP Podcast Episode 367
This week I talk about my return to fighting games, DMM Game's AI Translations Process, how age impacts your Tomodachi Life, Konami Medal Games, and Gunvolt 3.
Podcast Links

The Appeal of Japanese Adventure Games feat. Bowl of Lentils – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
Despite what some people might assume, Japanese adventure games and visual novels are a big blind spot for me. And while I've enjoyed the games, most titles in the genre rarely grab my interest.
In this episode, I talk to Bowl of Lentils, who has created videos about the genre's history and why these games matter. We go in-depth into the genre's core appeal, history, and future outlook. We also talk a bit about the Trails series.
Bowl of Lentils Links
Twitter
YouTube Channel
Sakura Wars TranslationDVD Visual Novel Company Video I Mentioned

Man and Tower in Balance – OCP Podcast Episode 366
This week, I talk about my final thoughts on Sanctum 2 and Ed-0: Zombie Uprising, give a little postmortem on my Nintendo video, and talk the new VR Chat webcam support and Copilot for Xbox.
Opening Music from Sanctum 2
Scar-Lead Salvation Website
VRChat Webcam Support
Xbox Copilot Program
Sangokushi Taisen Website
Million Arthur GP Usage Announced

The Essence of Modern Nintendo – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
As weird as my gaming tastes are today, I think I'm still ultimately a Nintendo fan at heart. Reflecting on my recent Nintendo video made me want to talk to a younger fan to better understand what they love about Nintendo today.
Josie of the Josie Woah YouTube channel took the time to talk to me about how she got into Nintendo, her view on classic Nintendo games, and what she loves about the Nintendo Switch.

I Don't Know Mermaid Lore – OCP Podcast Episode 365
This week I go through some recent picks ups, talk about some small mobile games, and give my thoughts on Storybook Workshop and Super Bunny Man.
Opening Music From Storybook Workshop
RPG Maker WITH Cross Platform Support
Weather Forecaster - Predict Tomorrow's Weather

Machine Translation's Impact on Japanese Translation feat. Cargodin – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
I have a long history of using machine translation to help me read Japanese news stories, talk to fan bases online, and sometimes even play games. However, when you don't know the original language, it's hard to understand what impact these tools may have on how we interact with the Japanese language.
I talked with Cargodin, a fan translator on games like Napple Tale and Blue Legend of Water, about how she views the English audience's relationship with the Japanese language as changing over the years.
Cargodin's Links
Translations

Confusing Cloud Wii U Memes – OCP Podcast Episode 364
This week, we return to video and talk about Wizardry Variants Daphne's success and my thoughts on Super Mario Wonder, Shining Blade, and 007 Quantum of Solace.
Podcast Links
Opening Music from 007 Quantum of Solace
SensorTower Wizardry Variants Daphne Financial Reports
Sensor Tower Mobile Revenue Rankings December 19th to January 1st
Sensor Tower Mobile Revenue Rankings January 2nd to January 8th
Wii U Online Replacement Services Warning by Nintendo
Please stay in my Memories Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Meme

Connecting Our Experiences with Games feat. Luis Aguasvivas – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
I used to want to be a game journalist, but I gave it up once I left college. Recently, I was contacted by Luis Aguasvivas, a modern-day game journalist who also contributes to the non-profit New York Videogame Critics Circle.
I asked him about his view on the present and future of game journalism, how his personal experiences affect his work, and what he thinks he contributes to the conversation about games.
Luis' Works
"Playing Games While You're Sick" (Final Fantasy VIII Article)
Is It "A Profound Waste of Time" to Like A Video Game Magazine?
Video Game of the Year: Live at LI Retro Gaming Expo!
Luis' Links
Luis' Website
PopMatters
Bluesky
New York Videogame Critics Circle
Website
YouTube
Donate Page

Game of the Year 2024 – OCP Podcast Episode 363
This week is Game of the Year 2024! We give rewards for various categories that highlight the games I played this year. We also have a last-minute emergency news story about Million Arthur and a new podcast scheduled for next year.
Podcast Links
Million Arthur NFTs ending services

I Don't Know Your Game – OCP Podcast Episode 362
This week we talk about the Game Awards announcements and trailers, as well as review One Controller Port output in 2024.

Jeep Thrills is Art – OCP Podcast Episode 361
This week we talk Koei Tecmo's reasoning for investing in AAA, Dragon Quest III mod drama, Media Vision shutting down Meggido 72, and Square Enix's use of AI in game development.
Opening Music from Shining Blade
Media Vision Shutting Down Megiddo 72
Square Enix AI Usage During SaGa: Emerald Beyond
4Gamer Recommended Booth Strategies
Koei Tecmo Expands from 2500 to 5000 Employees,

The Value of Games for Kids – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
Games designed for kids can be enjoyable even for adults, though they often require looking at them with a different mindset than traditional games. In this episode, I talk to Vinnk of the Famicom Dojo podcast about his enjoyment of games for kids, how his kids grew up with games, and the impact they've had on his family life.
Vinnk's Links

Joy-Con Butt Pocket – OCP Podcast Episode 360
This week we talk about a butt-controlled switch game, FFXI on consoles, and how Square-Enix's gamified investment's impact on game design.
Opening music from Trauma Center
Toshihiro Nagoshi Talks Game Design

Baten Kaitos Boyz – OCP Podcast Episode 359
I talk about the role of modern booth babes, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, and navigating what's next for me in FFXI or FFXIV.
Podcast Links
Opening Music from Xenoblade Chronicles X
Inside-Games 2024 Tokyo Game Show Booth Babe Photos
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definition Edition Announced

Navigating Japanese Games from Overseas with Ray Barnholt – Hot Pot Gaming Podcast
Sometimes, Japanese games have a certain allure to them that I have trouble quantifying. I've really started to question why I and others hold a game on a pedestal partly because of its country of origin. I also sometimes wonder why it's easy to feel awkward when engaging with Japanese gaming communities and personalities, setting aside the language barrier.
In this episode, I talk to Ray Barnholt about his experience with Japanese games throughout his life, his passion for Boku no Natsuyasumi, and how he achieved his dream interview with the Director of the series.
Ray's Links (rdbaaa.space)
Ray's Boku no Natsuyasumi Magazine Issue
Ray's Natsumon Review

Welcome to Reeve Land – OCP Podcast Episode 358
This week I talk about a Final Fantasy VII Reeve fanbook, FFXI crafting guilds, new Switch localizations, and the team behind VR Kanojo.
Links
PC-FX Fan Club PRGE Podcast
Artist Black's Reeve Nation
Momotaro Detetsu Play Asia Listing
Model Debut Nicola 3 Launch Trailer
Nightmare Operator Steam Page
All in Abyss: Judge the Fake Steam Page
Level5 Vision 2024
Venus Vacation Prism Announced
VR Kanojo Development Team Introduction Page

Playing Phantasy Star Online for 20+ Years – Hot Pot Gaming
Phantasy Star Online played a massive role in popularizing online console games at the turn of the century. However, I often struggle to convey its appeal today. I talked to two YouTubers, DeployableLover and Section Skyly, who actively play the game today, about their experience and what they like most about it.
Section Skyly
DeployableLover

Songs About Your Dads – OCP Podcast Episode 357
This week we talk about the point of beefy new hardware, Himitsu no Aipri's home release, the return of Freedom Wars, and my review of Mercenary Kings.
Opening Music from Mercenary Kings
Freedom Wars Getting and HD Release and Testing for Sequel
Himitsu no Aipri coming to Nintendo Switch
Brave Exvius Developer Turns Profitable
Nintendo Switch 2 "Leak"

The Life of Love and Berry Continues Today – OCP Podcast Episode 356
This week we talk about the Japanese festival Wii game Ennichi no Tatsujin, a new Love & Berry collab, more thoughts on gamified investment, and a doujin game.
Disney Step 4Gamer Article
Love & Berry Pripara Collab
WebX-Asia

A Year of Final Fantasy XI with HorizonXI – OCP Podcast Episode 355
This week, I reflect on a year of my time on HorizonXI, a Final Fantasy XI rollback server, and an overview of how the Final Fantasy XI experience evolves on the road to level cap.
What Barbie and Bratz Bring to Games with Princess Poki – Hot Pot Gaming Interview The Most PC-FX TRPG – Sparkling Feather – PC-FX Fan Club Episode 8

What Barbie and Bratz Bring to Games with Princess Poki – Hot Pot Gaming Interview
Licensed games, especially those aimed at kids, are easy to dismiss and ignore as a traditional game player. However, Princess Poki helped me see the value of games like Barbie and Bratz. In this podcast, we talk about the rise of Cozy Games, Fashion Dreamer drama, and what Barbie and Bratz games mean to her.

Mind Your Expectations – OCP Podcast Episode 354
This week is full of cool games – as long as you let them be. Plus, I talk PlayStation Portal's success, Momotaro Densetsu Edutainment, and the re-return of Million Arthur!
Opening Music from Picturebook Games The Royal Bluff
PlayStation Portal "best selling accessory in dollar sales 2024 Mat Piscatella Tweet
New Chinese Million Arthur Game
Konami's Momotaro Densetsu Education Edition Event

A Different Level of Chibi-Robo Fan – OCP Podcast Episode 353
This week we talk about recent Nintendo throwbacks, Coin Musme's closed beta test, a lo-fi study app, and a limb-based brawler.
Links
Opening Music from Luigi's Mansion 2 Dark Moon
KoROBO Trailer
Kyle Bosman's Famicom Detective Club Video
Famicom Detective Club Emio The Smiling Man Trailer
Gogh - Study App 4Gamer Article
Coin Musme Closed Beta Test Video
Alex Fraioli
Pastel Parade Steam Page
Cyborg-Prototype

Healthy Game Criticism with Alex Fraioli – Hot Pot Gaming Interview
Respectful game criticism can be tough, especially when being critical. Alex Fraioli recently had to walk that line when creating a video criticizing the narratives and dialog of the 16-bit RPG love letters, Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes. I talk to him about his experience creating that video and about his hopes for creating his own RPG in the future.
Alex's Links
Alex's Video – Blanding on the Shoulders of Giants

Couples Therapy Death Game – OCP Podcast Episode 352
This week I try to understand why I feel there's a news drought, plus I talk about my final thoughts on Chaos Rings and Back 4 Blood.
Opening Music from Chaos Rings
Alex Fraioli's Video on Love Letter RPGs
Alex Rider Stormbreaker Review
NES Repair Video

Judgy Little Boy – OCP Podcast Episode 351
This week I talk about the Strinova beta test, me being judgmental about anime, creators and anime girls, plus I finally play Spider-Man 2!
Opening Music from Spider-Man 2 DS
Lily in DreamWorld Steam Page
Luck Tuna Review
Gekigemu's Video on Japanese Video Games

Loving Kusoge with SnowyAria – Hot Pot Gaming Interview
I talk with SnowyAria about our shared interest in "Bad" and "Kusoge" titles, including what makes them worth playing and loving. SnowyAria Twitter – https://x.com/SnowyAria Kusoge Coffeehouse Import Game Journal and Translation Blog – https://kusoge.cafe/ My Main Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@OneControllerPort If you wanna support me on Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/onecontrollerport

2008, The Hottest Times – OCP Podcast Episode 350
I tried my best as the new monster on the block at Monster High, plus I talk Final Fantasy XI and break down my struggles with Blade Arcus.
Pokemon Frenda Inside Japan Article
Pokemon Frenda Video Demonstration
Princess Poki YouTube Channel

Lu Bu Builds Flat – OCP Podcast Episode 349
This week is two firsts! My first time seriously playing Tetris and a Musou game. I get weirdly granular with what are already popular genres.
Opening Music from Tetris
Hot Pot Gaming 20 Years of Fan Translations with Matt
Dragon Quest Champions Shutting Down

20 Years of Fan Translations with Matt La France – Hot Pot Gaming Episode 1
Fan Translations exploded. I talk to Matt La France, a 20-year veteran, about why he got involved, how the scene developed, and his future outlook.
Matt's Links
Fan Translation Projects Website
Fan Translation Ko-fi
Fan Translations YouTube Channel
18+ Translation Mastadon

Yoshi Diagnosed Depression – OCP Podcast Episode 348
I talk about doing a game-ish diagnosis test, my time with Yoshi's Topsy Turvy, Oreca Battle 2, and studying Japanese with Shashingo.
Opening Music from Yoshi Topsy Turvy
Washing your Hands at the Sushi Bar Video
Cleaning Two PSPs While Chatting PSP
Matt's Translation of Anime Fan Club Communication

Nobunaga's Ambitious 401(k) – OCP Podcast Episode 347
This week, I discuss LvlUpExpo 2024, a port mortem on my Xeno series Panel, and Square Enix's and Koei Tecmo's Financial Reports.
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website
Podcast Links
Opening Music from Xenosaga: Episode III
PC-FX Fan Club Podcast Episode 7
Gaming Junk Pile Repair
My LvlUpExpo 2024 Panel
Pizza Bandit
Gunmetal Gothic
Lost in Space: The Adventure Game
Ricket: Jae's Really Peculiar Game
Coveting import / obscure games twitter question
Do you prefer remasters on modern consoles or originals twitter question
Square Enix Cancelled Multiple HD Titles
Koei Tecmo Seeing Big Success with Nobunaga Ambition
Double Jump Tokyo 4 Gamer Blockchain Gaming Report

Learn Somethin' Will Ya! – OCP Podcast Episode 346
This episode is about re-embracing portable games, exploring a snack company's virtual museums, my dream Buddy Mission BOND theme park attraction, and the struggle of getting into fighting games.
Opening Music from Granblue Fantasy Versus
My EVO Podcast
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website

Whisking Away Capcom's Men – OCP Podcast: Episode 345
I talk understanding addictive tendencies using FFXI, Wii U/3DS shutdown's impact on my view of games, and 2008's ultimate stress relief game.
Podcast Links
Opening Music from Zenses: Rainforest
DLSite Disables Most Credit Card Company Processing
Love & Berry's Arcade Button Toy
Capcom Ending Toware no Palm Service
Gunvolt PuzzMix
Natsumon's English Named Trademarked
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website

OCP Podcast – Episode 344: You Will Feel Like Princess Peach Even While Shooting
This week, we talk about Gundam SEED on PS2, Princess Peach Purikura, Million Arthur's Re-death, and hostess club games.
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website
Podcast Links
Opening Music from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Washing Your Hands at the Sushi Bar Doujin Game
CollectorNinja Doujin Game
Bloomberg's Japan Economy Video
AnyAustin YouTube Channel
Card en Ciel Trailer
I My Merry Princess Peach Event Website
Million Arthur NFT Game Ending Service
Bunny Garden Website
School Girls Zombie Hunter Quick Play

OCP Podcast – Episode 343: A Game Industry on Fire
This week I ramble on about my feelings on the current view of the game industry and the new Kusogeeeeee platform.
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website
Podcast Links
50 Years of Video Game Revenue
The Emotion Engine Tweet
Kusogeeeeee Website
Tokyo Indie Game Summit Digital Hearts x Rosetta AI Translation Talk

OCP Podcast – Episode 342: Lookin' a Little Too Nice
This week I talk Japanese edutainment games, my weird feelings on Wii revivals, and talk about my thoughts on Granblue Fantasy Relink.
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website
Podcast Notes
Opening Music from Granblue Fantasy Relink
5 Minute Unexpected Ending: Monochrome Library Launch Trailer
Monster Hunter Stories coming to Switch Summer 2024
Guitar Life - Lesson 1
Endless Ocean Luminous Coming May 2nd 2024

OCP Podcast – Episode 341: The Sideshow Tradeshow
This week we go all over the place, talking Switch's presence in Japan, Konami's actual place in the game market, people's goals for learning Japanese, and Game Genome's deep dive into Love & Berry.
OCP Links:
OCP Ko-fi
OCP Main Channel
OCP Plus! Commentary Channel
PC-FX Fan Club YouTube
One Controller Port Website
Podcast Links
Opening Music from My Japanese Coach
"Expertise" as a Video Game Content Creator and Commentator
PC-FX Podcast Episode 6: Who Killed the PC-FX?
Sazh's Story: Heads of Tails Review
Romance and the Three Kingdoms
Hanaechansoft Note Blog Post
Mabinogi Eternity Project
FFXI / Nobunaga Ambition Interview
Game Data Library Japan Industry Breakdown
Smartphone App Revenue Weekly Report
Nintendo Retains a "Sense of Danger" to Their Approach
Switch Overcomes Nintendo DS Sales Numbers
Fashion Dreamer Sales Commentary
VG Style Saavy Sales Wiki
Love and Berry Game Genome 4 Gamer Coverage (Link 1 and Link 2)
Love and Berry Game Genome Inside Games Coverage
Automaton Media's Geolocation Japanese Game Market Analysis