When Elden Ring released I spent two weeks doing research to see if this was finally the time to jump into the world of Soulsborne. This podcast helped me make that decision. Really well thought out episodes, w fantastic relaying of levels and events and most importantly LORE. Also love the series on berzerk. So thoughtful and tastefully done. Well done gents

This is a fantastic, and dare I say, crucial companion to Elden Ring (as well as other Dark Souls titles!). Gary and Kole are fantastic at exploring the lore and gameplay. I’m so glad I came across this podcast, and have happily been listening to the paid content as I make my journey to become Elden Lord!

Awesome content, but I don’t have any idea how Kole Ross got so many podcasts under his belt. With nothing but fake, forced laughter and super lame jokes not to mention ending every sentence with a fake chuckle and “ahhh…yeah..” it’s un listenable podcast without the content or the guests. Bad podcast manners Ross, and as far as Gary goes, dude needs to watch the words that he says. If there were more Dark Souls podcasts to listen to this one would be dust.

I came in wanting to listen to people talk about my favorite games, but what I got were two guys complaining about every FROM SOFT game imaginable. Besides dark souls one. Their criticism of the games can be boiled down to: it was hard. They take different sections and bosses of the game and they say the game design was bad because it was hard. I feel like for FROM SOFT titles that’s a pretty mute point and when that’s all they had to say, and not to mention they didn’t really talk about what they enjoyed, it just felt like a crap fest every time they spoke about the games. I left disapponted

Used to be fairly good an insightful but now kind of a self-conscious bummer

Greatly improves gaming experience.

I love this show. I go through an area or two of a Dark Souls game—or Elden Ring—on my own and then I bask in that experience by listening to these podcasts. The insight that Gary and Kole provide and the way they talk about things helps me understand and appreciate the game more, and I often hear them mention something that I missed in a given area. When that happens, I can go back into the area and catch up on the quest I overlooked, grab that missing item, or appreciate a view.

I’m a big fan of the souls series and I like listening to these guys do a deeper dive into the lore, mechanics and game design. I think they often bring a unique critical perspective. Often times many podcasters and YouTubers just go on about how awesome a game is without any critical thinking. This podcast is intentional to explain why they think what they think about a game.

A must have as a companion alongside the fantastic play of souls style games.

Wanted to listen to the Elden Ring commentary but they make statements like “don’t make “these” type of comments” and then they say “we are political, don’t try to control what we say”. I couldn’t listen more than 10 minutes before I like, totally had to leave to look for my safe space. The kicker in their Elden ring speech is they given the listener a long list of things that they won’t tolerate and yet in the same breath they proclaim they will do and say what they want and we have to just get over it.

I love listen to these two affable grouches discuss souls games. They are very intelligent, their opinions on things are sometimes baffling but the podcast is always entertaining and intellectually challenging. I also think it’s great in a community that can sometimes be a bit toxic and sycophantic around Souls, that they’ve been able to talk about souls games through a critical lens. Their series dark souls 3 series may have gone a bit too far in that direction but I think overall they do a good job balancing lore with gameplay critique. I think they’re series on elden ring is pretty great and although at times it can be a bit too micro on certain areas, I constantly am learning a lot about the games from them.

2 minutes in and this dude with the voice of a little girl is already explaining his views on trans people lol. Big time child predator vibes from this podcast. Don’t listen unless you want your testosterone to drop immediately.

I appreciate that these guys are creating so much content. I’ve listened to all the Bloodborne episodes, wanting to learn more about lore and mechanics of the game. But man, so much of this show is these guys just saying lame jokes, or inside jokes that us listeners don’t understand. Like bro, just talk about the game. And also, I am so sick of Gary’s lack of manners. It seems like he wants to be the only one talking. If Kole says more that 2 sentences in a row, Gary is ready to interrupt him and take control of the conversation again. And yet when Gary is explaining something, he is happy to go on and on, and even move on to a different subject without giving anyone else a chance to speak. Also in one of the Bloodborne episodes, their guest was in the middle of explaining a very good point and Gary straight up interrupted him and just started talking, and kept on talking over the guest until his guest finally gave up talking and just let Gary talk. I like hearing content about Souls games, but Gary is so obnoxious it makes me want to quit listening to these guys. I hope the rest of the episodes get better.

I love these guys! Been playing souls games for YEARS but just got into podcasts. These guys are funny and informative, sometimes I feel like I got some opinions on lore that are better but that’s what makes this series so good. Glad I found this podcast. Go to work early so I can sit and listen to it in peace. Thanks guys! Great podcast

This show has given me a lot of joy, but if Gary decides he doesn’t like a game it’s better to just not subject yourself to the show. I’m not even a huge DS3 fan but man it’s just a miserable listen.

I’ll put this review up to 5 stars when you guys prove to me that you beat Darkeater Midir!

I’m not sure if Kole has a speech impediment, so I don’t mean this in a rude way, but it is VERY hard to listen to him talk with the amount of “uh” and stutters every other word. Maybe take more time to edit episodes. Because I’ve seen a lot of reviews discussing this. Besides that, amazing info on the Dark Souls ones so far. A lot I didn’t know and has helped me so much with my play throughs.

I came for game talk, not woke politics.

Gary and Kole are great at what they do, and each episode is well thought-out with a lot information, insight, and humor. Great companion piece to the Souls games.

The sheer number of “uh”s in this show…my god. I wanted to enjoy the conversation but the constant verbal tics are so distracting.

Well worth the patreon sub

Kole and Gary have amazing chemistry and podcasting skill. They act more as critics and analysts than champions, with a major focus on play experience, so it is important to set expectations going in. We’re going to see how it goes with Elden Ring (due to the scope of the show.) The paywall is well worth it. The two produce a remarkable amount of content that is also included. If you like this, you’ll probably like their other show, Watch out for Fireballs. No ads or anything, even on their free episodes (at least for the past several years.)

Have heard about the paywall and don’t care. Love The show so far, listening from Episode 1.

Love the show! I especially appreciate how the detailed breakdown of game systems and mechanics, but also how the hosts are quite funny and easy to listen to. Great job guys, you put it a lot of effort into each episode and it shows!

Seems like a decent show. The first elden ring episode they say how leftest and inclusive they are. Unless you don’t have money. First time I’ve ran into this monetization model. Usually they shows rely on talent and that brings in numbers. Title says it all.

And doesn’t even seem to know the basics of the games they’re talking about. Bloodborne specifically, I found impossible to listen to. Just straight up wrong about easily googled facts, and now elden ring behind a paywall. The influx of positives reviews over the course of 2 days scream fake.

As someone who bounced off DS1 hard, all it took was listening to BFC to draw me back in. Now I’ve played every Soulsbourne game and it’s one of my favorite series of all time. I probably wouldn’t have given the games a second look if not for Gary and Kole. Thanks guys! Can’t wait for the new season. Worth every cent.

I started playing Bloodborne with zero knowledge of Dark Souls or any other mechanics that come with it. As i was very interested with what I was presented with in Bloodborne, I just could not get ahold of the combat. Now I am on Elden Ring ,having beat Bloodborne 10+ times and DS, DS3, this time I feel as if I am finally a souls veteran with how well I adjusted to the new but also older style of these games. I have Bonfire side chat to thank for so much insight into game designs for the series which made my enjoyment immensely better!

You don’t have the right!

Helped me get into Dark Souls and provides some of the best analysis of a wide variety of Soulslike games. And you get all the old paywalled eps for just a month of Patreon if you want (after checking out all the free eps)

Simply the best soulsborne / elden ring content that I have come across, inclusive of podcast, written and Youtube formats. I understand and support the Patreon approach as Kole and Gary put forth what feels like a work of love. Whether a long time fan of Fromsoft or just picked up Elden Ring (or even gaming), start here.

I loved the past reviews and it was great to listen to all those. But now they are locking everything behind a pay wall. Soo a five for the past episodes and a one for future episodes. Also you are discriminated against if you don’t align with their views.

I don't understand what was wrong with the ad based approach that you took for years and continue to do with WOFF. I loved the way that you covered ds1,2,3 and bloodborne. I would play along and listen to an episode after finishing an area. Sorry to see that I won't be doing that for elden ring

Been listening for years. Gary and Kole are honest about their opinions which is refreshing. They have great insight into the souls series and they cover everything from lore to complex mechanics. They have guests for most the episodes which helps cover some of the more specific topics like pvp or speedrunning. All around great show. Can’t wait for the Elden Ring season.

Been a listener for years then a patreon subscriber. I think Gary and Kole are awesome hosts. Started with WOFF (came over from Retronauts) then started listening to BFSC and more. Appreciate their insight, and inclusivity. They also have turned me onto so many new game franchises. As an example, I was always hesitant to play soulsborne games, but being able to play along with the podcast has just been so great. Also so few of my friends still play games anymore, being able to listen to this podcast has really helped with that dark souls feeling of just wanting to constantly talk to others about it.

Gary and Kole are honestly the most earnest and thoughtful people, not only with regards to each other or their listeners, but also whatever subject matter they engage with. I started listening to them when I literally typed “Dark Souls Podcast” into the Apple podcast app when I was doing my very first, late to the zeitgeist dive into the game and— lo and behold, they were doing a beat by beat playthrough and while I eventually ended up passing them, I listened to every single episode. All the way through the DS3 bonus-sodes. My son wasn’t born yet when I started listening to these guys and my son is now 8 and a half. I’m looking forward to listening again. Thanks for always (parasocially) being there, Gary and Kole. You are good people.

Hilarious, intelligent, probing conversation about soulsborne games from some folks who clearly love the series warts and all. In-depth analysis of all the soulsborne game specifically, and trying to capture the idea of soulsborne-ness broadly speaking. Cannot recommend highly enough especially with Elden Ring in the conversation!

These guys have become a huge part of my day to day life over the past year. I picked up bloodborne in August, and have something like 350 hours into from games since then. Between BFSC and the other shows on the network (Abject Suffering, etc) I’ve spend days with the hosts of the network in my ears. They’re caring, thoughtful, and intense. A lot of the content is paywalled now on Patreon, but it’s the best money I’ve spent in years, and I will always be happy to keep paying for the opportunity to hear from the hosts and have their experiences and thoughts be part of how I experience these games. Umbasa

If you like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Senior, this is a great companion podcast. Funny and informative!

People complaining about the paywall have no idea how much of a time commitment it must be for these guys. They pump out TONS of content and it’s all good. Thanks guys! I’ll be a patron for life.

I found BFSC when bloodborne first came out, and it was my first souls game. Cole and Gary’s coverage made it feel accessible and like I wasn’t alone as I braved the game. I have been a staunch listener ever since and I can’t wait to dig into their Elden Ring content on Patreon! These two constantly give insightful, honest, and thorough analysis to each game and topic they are covering. A strong recommend for any SoulsborneRing fan!

I've played all the games and listened to all the episodes to the point of Elden Ring coming out, and this podcast has without a doubt enhanced my time with all of the FromSoft canon. Gary and Kole are thoughtful, funny, and erudite hosts I never tire of.

One of the best podcasts on the subject of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Souls-likes in general that I’ve seen. Two guys who are frequently funny charming and insightful about what works and sometimes doesn’t work with these games. They do deep, deep dives into DS1-3, Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne and pretty much every game inspired by or precursor to said games from Hollow Knight to King’s Field. The newer stuff (including Elden Ring is behind their Patreon, but trust me, A: there’s countless hours of free content here, and B: the amount of other content they offer for ten bucks on Patreon is worth it.

Finding these guys while playing through Bloodborne solidified my love of that game and made me a years long fan of Duckfeed. This is the best podcast for super in depth looks at some of the best games out there and I can’t wait for their Elden Ring coverage.

This is the show that got me hooked on Duckfeed content. Go listen to the rest of their shows!

Insightful discussion of the soulsborne series from some folks who care deeply for the games and have lots to say. Collegial atmosphere combined with close reading. I’ve learned more about souls games and gaming in general from bonfireside chat than I have from almost any other source

Bonfireside Chat is my favorite podcast. Every other week the two hilariously funny, and insightful hosts take you level by level through a Dark Souls game, or Bloodborne, or Sekiro, or Elden Ring. Breaking down lore, gameplay mechanics and other useful information along the way. Not only is the podcast great, but it's also deepened my appreciation of the games. Over the years they’ve also covered games, movies, comics, and music that influenced or was influenced by the Souls games. A particular favorite of mine is their coverage of previous FromSoft games like King’s Field: The Ancient City or Shadow Tower Side note: These aren't your average gaming podcast goons, these guys have opinions on things that actually matter, and I think they have actually made me a better person in my day to day life. Thanks Kole and Gary <3

Beyond excited, not only for this monumental release from Fromsoft that I can experience in real time but to have my fave podcast cover it in real time as well!

Very excited for the Elden Ring season of Bonfireside Chat! Been listening for a long time and have yet to find another podcast that comes close.

Many people are gonna discover this from Elden Ring. A quality Podcast with a a sense of humor only found in a group of close friends. You’ve come to the right place even if you only played one of the many FROMSOFT titles. Praise the Sun, Fear the Old Blood and Umbassa. You won’t find a better indie podcast that prides itself in detailed discussion.