Retrovaniacs

As requested by Menthion on our Patreon, we are taking a look at classic Square action RPG Secret of Mana! Loads of people swear by Secret of Mana as a guaranteed classic (in fact it's on the SNES Classic), but does it hold up now? We also answer several listener questions, Billy makes a startling revelation regarding his thoughts on Pac-Man, and we have an impromptu review of Ultra Offroad Simulator 2019 Alaska! Want to skip right to mana and it's possible secrets?  Jump to 5:45! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

This time we tried something slightly different from the norm, instead of looking at one specific game, we are looking at two very similar top down shooters from the NES era, Alpha Mission (by SNK) and Star Force (by Tecmo).  Both of these arcade ports are ones that we had as kids -- both share the dubious honor of being a game we bought "because they were there" and as a result played them a lot. We look at these two games specifically to answer a question : Is it better to be a game that tries to do a lot of interesting things but sort of fails, or a game that tries to do almost nothing and succeeds? We also answer several listener questions about arcade ports, bonus show questions, and a listener feels we missed the mark on Starfox 2 a while ago. Want to jump right to the games?  Start at 6:50! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy thi

We take a look at our first Xbox game, and the 4th Oddworld title, Stranger's Wrath! The last of the Oddworld games released (not including remakes) was an odd blend of 3rd and 1st person action, with all the character expected of an Oddworld game - but with an HD remake out now for modern systems, we thought we'd look into how this game holds up today. Also discussed, phobias around certain animals appendages, villains who become partners in classic games, Johnny Turbo, and much more! We do spoil this game, so if you want to stop listening at the spoiler mark, you can start again at about the 52 minute mark for Listener Mail. Want to skip right to Stranger's Wrath?  Start at 11:30! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Fin

This episode, Billy and Jeremy P look at their favorite fishing mini-games.  This is a non-standard episode, and hopefully you enjoy it.  If not, please stay tuned for more standard shows soon. __ If you want free bonus Retrovaniacs shows, from March 18, 2020 though April 30, 2020, all bonus Retrovaniacs shows on Patreon are free of charge!  That's 20+ extra shows!  On May 1, 2020 this can possibly go back to "normal", but until then if you sign up at the $5 monthly level, you will not be charged and have FREE access to those bonus shows! Thank you, and we will see you soon!

Our second game for #FightMonth is a Rare created and Nintendo published fighter - Killer Instinct! All of us had played this one before, but hadn't revisited the original SNES version in quite a while.  Does this one hold up to the classics of the day?  We give you our thoughts, and Billy shares a couple stories about his youth and this game. Also discussed this episode, a little too much coverage of the Resident Evil 2 remake, probably not enough time spent on the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, and listener questions on game censorship, Urban Champion, and other fighting games we think tried something different and may not be remembered today. Want to jump right to Killer Instinct?  Start at 13:40! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by a

We're taking on another Patron-request, this time from Joey Z!  He's requested that we cover Squaresoft's 3d fighting game / Final Fantasy VII tie-in -- Ergheiz!  I'm sure if you remember a game on the PS1 where you could fight as Sephiroth, this was it.  But other than the connection to a beloved franchise, what does this game have to offer?  We take a look, and also get Joey's take on why he requested it. Also covered, some listener questions about the forgotten Weekend Warrior episodes, Ghouls and Ghosts, and a follow-up tip about the butthole thing from last show.  Sorry? Want to skip right to the inevitable choice to play as Cloud?   Start at 8:15! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at ht

This episode we take a look at Sunsoft's classic NES title, Blaster Master! The original Blaster Master came out in 1988 and became a notable NES title for it's soundtrack and the mix of two different gameplay sections in the game -- and of course, the incredibly cool upgradeable jumping tank you get to use.  This game is currently available on the Switch NES library, but is this another NES classic game that you had to be there to really appreciate? We also take a shot at some listener mail, discussing games you literally are unable to play anymore, memories of working at a game store, and spicy buttholes (?!) Want to jump into your tank and get right to the game?  Start at the 11:00 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accide

It's been a relatively Star Wars heavy few months, and we're going to pile right in on that with our look at 2002's tie-in game to Attack of the Clones, Star Wars : Bounty Hunter! This game attempts to explain why Jango Fett was chosen to be the source of the DNA for the clone army, and allows you to be one of the galaxy's most feared bounty hunters!  But, much like many Star Wars tie-in products over the years, is this game worth the republic credits? We also take on several listener questions about our website, finding time for gaming, and dealing with a backlog of games! Want to skip right to Bounty Hunting? Grab your whipcord and blaster and start at the 12:00 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything R

It's the end of another year, and to end 2019, we found a game that starts on Christmas Eve and takes you the rest of the way through the year!  Sure, other than that, there's no real connection to Christmas (or really any holiday), but this gave us an excuse to play through the first game in the Parasite Eve series and decide if it holds up! We also read some listener Christmas memories, and then go over our favorite games and biggest disappointments of 2019!  Want to skip right to Parasite Eve?  You might(ocondria) want to start at the 12:45 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly becau

Another Patron-requested episode, courtesy of Donovan B, we're taking a look at a Pokemon game finally!  No, not Sword/Shield, or Emerald/Ruby, or Red/Blue, or any of the mainline Pokemon games -- we're diving headfirst into Pokemon Trading Card Game, a Game Boy adaptation of the card game!  We also discuss what we've been playing, and answer some listener questions regarding the Tiger Game.Com and get some feedback on past episodes! Want to get right to battling Active Pokemon?  Start at 10:30! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

It's almost Thanksgiving, so we present a feast of bananas for the Super Nintendo, as we take a look at Donkey Kong Country!   Donkey Kong's first solo outing on the SNES still has undeniable charm, and the series as a whole continues on to this day, but does this first game still hold up today? We also take on some more listener questions, this time covering retro remake disappointments and possible gaming fatigue. (We apologize for some of the sound issues, Billy's setup this week didn't have the finest internet connection, but I think we salvaged it) Want to jump right into a series of barrels?  Then shift to the 10:30 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net

Shiver me timbers!  Its time to take a look at maybe the only pirate simulator of the 16-bit era, Pirates! Gold, for the Sega Genesis!   This game was selected by one of our Super Retrovaniac DX patrons, Mason, who comes on for a few minutes to tell us why he picked this game, and his experience playing it himself. Want to skip right to the swashbuckling fun?  Start listening at 13:55! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.  

For the final show of #Retroween2019, we're taking a look at the OTHER big horror series that started on the Playstation -- Silent Hill! This series has as of late fallen truly silent, but for a while it was a staple series that took us into a hellish nightmare where we could never tell what was real and what wasn't.   Does the first trip to Silent Hill still hold up today?   We give you our thoughts on that. Also discussed, Halloween candies, Halloween gaming traditions, and of course some of the spookiest sound effects ever. Want to skip right to crashing your car in a foggy town?  Start listening at 14:20! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bit

Retroween2019 is in full effect, as our first regular Halloween episode is here!  This time we're taking a look at Sony's Medievil, a game where you play as a skeletal knight, fighting off the armies of the undead!  Many 3d platformers from the 32-bit generation haven't held up well, but is this one the exception to that rule? Also discussed - mean geese, apple arcade selections, and of course a batch of listener mail! Want to skip right to the Halloween goodness?  Start at 12:30! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.  

Do you like to play retro RPGs?  The RPGs of the 8, 16, and 32-bit era of games are sometimes a little tough to get into, but we're going to take them on, one at a time, week by week.  Weekend Warriors is our chance to do just that!  This first episode is covering the first few hours of Phantasy Star for the Sega Master System.   Every week we will play another 5 hours or so of the game, find a checkpoint, and then talk about that week of the game, up until we beat it.  This way, you could casually play along with us if you like! If you like this show, additional episodes of Retrovaniacs Weekend Warriors are ONLY available to our Patreon backers, so please consider joining here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333  

It's our 2nd Patron requested episode!  Patron "Burgerchamp" has selected Conquest of the Crystal Palace for the Nintendo, a game none of us had played before, and a game with a surprising developer!  This action platformer has a lot going for it -- most notably a dog you can summon -- but is it something you should hunt down to try? Also discussed: the new Contra Rogue Corps demo, Apple Arcade, and some listener questions about console failures, bad rentals, and games that made us a little sad. Want to skip right to Conquest of the Crystal Palace?  Start at 13:45! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permissi

As we mentioned last episode, starting with episode 101 we are adding another generation to the podcast : Dreamcast, PS2, Gamecube, and Gameboy Advance are now systems we consider to be retro, now that the Dreamcast is 20 years old!   And we chose Space Channel 5 to kick off the next 100 shows with a CHU! Ulala is a reporter for Space Channel 5, and she's been sent to uncover the truth about a new alien menace-- by dance-off!  Will Ulala's first game save the day, or is this another music-based game that may be more fun to watch than play?  Listen to hear what we thought! We also kick the show off with a short discussion about the most recent Nintendo Direct, and as always answer a stack of listener mail! Want to start right (up left down chu chu chu) at Space Channel 5?  Pick it up at the 9:50 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy

We made it to 100 episodes, and we aren't slowing down at all!  For our 100th episode spectacular, we've got a collection of Tiger handheld (and maybe a non-Tiger one) from the early days of handheld gaming to tell you about.  We're going to talk about 7 games total, from Double Dragon and concluding with our highly anticipated look at the MC Hammer game that Billy mentioned probably 95 episodes ago.  It's been a long road to get here, but at the end of that road -- we start to look down the next road... We also answer a batch of listener mail covering their thoughts on Tiger handhelds, special gaming rulesets, and thankfully -- not pee. Want to skip right to the handhelds (for some awful reason...)?   Then shift to that 12:30 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It

Our first Patron requested game, Kyle VonKubik (aka ObeyKube of OneRadTee.com) selected Fortified Zone for the Nintendo Game Boy!  A game none of us had played or even heard about before, this 3/4 top view action shooter has a real Metal Gear feel to it.  Was this just another clone of a more popular franchise, or did this do something new and different, especially for a handheld console that had a lot of forgettable games over it's long lifespan? We also answered some listener questions about possibly covering movies, modern gaming concerns, and... pee? Want to skip right to the game, start at 8:10!   Want to skip to the pee question?  Maybe this isn't the podcast you want? __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everyth

Grab your favorite ball cap and loincloth, because we're taking a look at the TG-16 installment of the Adventure Island series when we jump to New Adventure Island!   Master Higgins is on a quest to save his fiancee from Baron Bronsky, and we join him for all 25 levels of his trip.  Will this adventure be a vacation, or will this be another trip we all wish to forget? We answer a few listener mails as well, all about console launches, our personal lists of games we wish we hadn't covered, and more! Want to grab a skateboard and get right to the game?  Start at the 11:30 mark! __________________________ If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333 If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jerem