Alex and Luke Talk Balatro

In this episode, Alex and Luke go all-in on Balatro, the breakout roguelike deck-builder that’s equal parts poker, chaos, and obsession. Developed by LocalThunk and released in early 2024, Balatro blends classic card game mechanics with deck-breaking combos, jokers with wild effects, and a vibe that’s one part casino fever dream, one part endless strategy loop.

At the time of this recording, Balatro holds a Metacritic score of 90, and according to HowLongToBeat, you can complete the game in 7 hours—but good luck stopping. This game sinks its teeth in fast and doesn’t let go.

Both Alex and Luke played on their Steam Decks, chasing multipliers, unlocking jokers, and debating the most degenerate combos they could get away with. Join them as they unpack what makes Balatro feel so addicting, how it slots into the growing roguelike canon, and why it's been living rent-free in their brains.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke Talk Elden Ring.

In this episode, Alex and Luke finally tackle Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s 2022 open-world epic that took the gaming world by storm. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with worldbuilding contributions from George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring expands the Soulsborne formula into a sprawling, unforgiving landscape—the Lands Between—where death is certain, but victory is oh so sweet.

At the time of this recording, Elden Ring holds a Metacritic score of 96, solidifying its place as one of the highest-rated games of all time. According to HowLongToBeat, a standard playthrough takes around 60 hours (a complete and utter lie), while completionists can expect well over 134+ hours of brutal bosses, deep lore, and relentless challenge.

Both Alex and Luke played on Xbox Series X, comparing notes on their builds, the moments that broke them, and the bosses that left them questioning their life choices. From first steps into Limgrave to taking down some of Elden Ring’s most infamous enemies, they share their highs, lows, and what makes this game such a landmark title.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Banging with the Bros.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex venture into the rain-soaked world of Against the Storm, a roguelike city builder developed by Eremite Games. Released in November 2023, this highly acclaimed game invites players to balance resource management, exploration, and the survival of diverse species—all while contending with the endless storms that threaten their settlements.

At the time of this recording, Against the Storm boasts a Metacritic score of 91. According to How Long to Beat, playtimes vary widely, with 31 hours for the main story and up to 267 hours for completionists who dare to brave every tempest. Luke played entirely on his Steam Deck, while Alex split his time between Steam Deck and PC.

Join the hosts as they discuss the game’s unique mechanics, including its roguelike replayability and dynamic city-building systems. Hear how Against the Storm stacks up to other city builders, what strategies they employed to weather the storms, and why this game is worth the hype.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Jim Carrey’s Grinch.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Join us for another episode of Low Five Friends as we venture into the dark, pixelated world of gaming with Adam Birch, also known as -IZMA-. This session, we unravel the eerie layers of Deadeus, a horror game ingeniously crafted for the classic Game Boy.

Hear from Adam about the artistic and gaming influences that shaped Deadeus, the technical challenges of Game Boy development, and the surprising journey to indie gaming acclaim. We'll also get a glimpse into Adam's broader creative pursuits and his future plans in game development.

Discover the chilling narrative of Deadeus for yourself—available for free on Itch.io. You can also purchase a physical copy from incube8 Games.

Music for this episode provided by Stoo Bubsy, featuring the tracks "Introduction" and "Gift of Life (Ode to Deadeus)." You can buy Deadeus Original Soundtrack by Stoo Bubsy on bandcamp.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke talk The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the latest entry in the Zelda series, flips the script by making Princess Zelda the main playable character. Developed by Nintendo and Grezzo, this action-adventure game was released for the Nintendo Switch on September 26, 2024, and has been turning heads with its innovative gameplay and fresh storyline.

Echoes of Wisdom brings a new twist to the classic formula, allowing players to use the Tri Rod to summon echoes—imitations of objects and monsters—and navigate through Hyrule and the Still World. With its blend of top-down and side-on views, the game offers a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that fans of the series have come to love.

At the time of recording, Echoes of Wisdom holds a Metacritic score of 86. According to HowLongToBeat, it takes roughly 25-30 hours to complete the main story.

Both Alex and Luke played on their Switch. Naturally. It's a Nintendo joint. They discuss the game's innovative mechanics, visual style, and how it stands up to other Zelda titles in the franchise.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by both the McDonalds Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel Breakfast Sandwich & hot sauce.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke delve into Control, the mind-bending action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment. Set in the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, the game combines supernatural powers with an ever-shifting environment to create an intense and thrilling experience.

Luke played on his Steam Deck, while Alex tackled it on his PC. Both rolled credits. They dive into the game’s eerie atmosphere, blending Scandinavian 70s modern retro sci-fi aesthetics with supernatural elements. They share personal experiences with standout moments, like encounters with unsettling puppet shows and a man obsessively staring at a fridge, while breaking down why Control stands out as a unique and engaging title.

According to howlongtobeat.com, Control's Main Story stakes 11.5 hours. Be prepared for 20+. As of publication Metacritic gives the game a rating of 85 on PC.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Philly cheesesteaks.

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Luke and Alex Talk EA Sports College Football 25

Luke and Alex dive into EA Sports College Football 25, marking the long-awaited return of this beloved franchise. With a Metacritic score of 85, the game brings dynamic gameplay and the thrill of college football back to consoles.

Luke, with over 100 hours on his Xbox Series X, offers deep insights into the game's mechanics and dynasty mode. Meanwhile, Alex, with around 15 hours of playtime, brings a fresh perspective, using this opportunity to have some of his burning questions answered by Luke.

At the end of the episode, they dig into their first ever test mailbag, addressing listener questions and comments.

This episode is officially brought to you in part by pancakes.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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