Retrovaniacs

For our last regular episode of 2020, we take a look at an early Hideo Kojima game that most of us in the US have no way to play - Snatcher, which was only released outside of Japan on the Sega CD format.  Kojima's post-Metal Gear game is not an action stealth game like his most famous series, but instead is a sci-fi story driven interactive storybook that would appeal to fans of Blade Runner.   And as a bonus, it occurs around Christmas! We also talk about our favorite and least favorite games of 2020, and take some listener questions on classic Retrovaniacs topics : Stardew Valley, fast food breakfasts, and games we may have forgotten. Thank you for all your support over 2020, and we will see you in 2021! Want to get right to the game?  Skip to 14:15! __________________________ 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 yo

This episode we take on an NES game that has a rabid fanbase, and none of us had played it before to see why.  Recommended by Patron "John B", Clash at Demonhead is what we played, and we'll tell you all about it. We also take on a batch of listener questions about our recent Mega Man 5 show, fighting games, newer retro-style games, and if there were any major series we hadn't tried. Want to skip right to the game?  Start at the 10:00 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 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 a crossover episode with the 20XX podcast!  We're taking a look at a late-NES era game in the Mega Man series, Mega Man 5!  At this point, we had 4 other Mega Man games on the NES and we were all well into the 16-bit consoles, so many of us had probably overlooked this game in Mega Man's library. We are joined with an interview with Kyle Von Kubik (aka ObeyKube) about the 20XX podcast which played through all the numbered Mega Man games over the last year, and the Kickstarter art project he has out currently featuring robot masters from all the Mega Man games.   He's involved with a new project involving Sonic and Saturday morning cartoons, so we talk about those too! And as always, we answer your questions about video game food, mascots, and tabletop gaming! Want to skip right to the interview?  Start at 11:35!  To find out more about 20XX, and the other projects discussed with ObeyKube, check out http://www.twentydoublex.com, http://oneradtee.com, and http://www.oneradpodcast.com _________________

We took this Halloween as a good reason to return to the cursed hamlet of Silent Hill, as we joined James Sunderland as he makes his way to find his dead wife in Silent Hill 2.   We loved the first game last Halloween - is this a worthy sequel? We also answer the spookiest listener questions about The Amico, import game collecting, and Super Mario 35! Want to get right into Silent Hill 2?  Start at the 8:00 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 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 our first episode this Halloween in 2020, we are taking on a Patron request to cover the Playstation horror game Clock Tower.  While this is not the first game in the series, it's the first that was released outside Japan, and for most of us was our introduction to the series.  Will we figure out who Scissorman is, and how to stop him?  Also, should you bother doing so as well?  Listen to find out! We also take on a monster-sized chunk of listener mail all about arcade hustling, games we can't help but play repeatedly, everyone's favorite grandpa, and we try and figure out what "an adventure game" even means anymore. Want to jump right into a lengthy intro you can't skip?  Start at the 10:00 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 u

It's another Patron requested episode, and we've been asked to cover the 1994 Genesis half-puzzle, half-platformer Beavis and Butt-head for the Sega Genesis.  Does one of the only games starring GWAR rule, or suck?  We played it and let you know our thoughts. Also covered, games we think are overrated or often overlooked, general adventure game trends, and we unsurprisingly got a few questions sent our way about "Semen Grandpa" from last episode.  It gets worse. Want to get right to losing your GWAR tickets?  Start at the 10:00 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 Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is i

We're taking on another patron request, this one a Sega CD graphic adventure game- The Adventures of Willy Beamish! Join us as we help Willy scratch his Nintari itch and save the town from the evils of Tootsweet, or at least we tried to. Also included, we talk a little about FFXIV again, take some complaints regarding our inability to pronounce words, and we introduce a character to the Retrovaniacs universe who probably isn't going away anytime soon. Want to get sent right to detention?  Skip the first 10 minutes! __________________________ 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.  

In honor of the upcoming remake, we're taking a look at the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater and the first sequel, both on the Sony Playstation!  Does this game still SHRED, will we get this episode pulled for copyright concens, and does Jeremy P know anything at all about skateboarding (nope)? We played them both to let you know! Also discussed, Jeremy G pisses off some bards, Billy talks about his time off the show (and his appearance on BossRushGames), and we answer several questions we received about our last episode on Tomb Raider. Want to skip right to the show?  Ollie over to that 13:00 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 Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subta

We've been busy exploring ancient ruins and caves to bring you our newest show all about the original Tomb Raider for the Sony Playstation.  Everyone knows Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series, as there are still new games in the series being made today -- but does her original adventure still hold up?  We dug out this relic to find out! Also discussed, Fall Guys, gaming Rites of Passage from our youth, and of course-- fishing. Want to skip right to raiding tombs?  Start at the 9:30 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 Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

It's another Patron-requested game- we're taking a look at the SNES version of Gemfire (which was also released on the NES, Genesis, and PC).  This Koei strategy game came with a 50+ page manual, and doesn't explain itself very well in-game, but once we took the time to figure it out, did we decide it was a strategy classic?  Listen to see what we thought.   Also discussed, dream fighting games, pizza, wrestling games, and more!   Want to skip right to the battle?  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 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.

We take on another Patreon requested game, the second G.I. Joe game on the NES, The Atlantis Factor by Capcom!  Capcom made some solid licensed games in the NES era (Disney aftenoon, anyone?), but did they do well with G.I. Joe or is this another garbage use of what could be a good license? Also discussed, vacation gaming memories, a frosty debate, and a question about the best little handheld that didn't - the Vita. Want to get right to your mission? Jump in the Tomahawk and get dropped off 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 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 episode we take a look at an early SNES blend of action and strategy - Actraiser! Is this a game that successfully blends two gameplay styles into something great, or is this another example of two great tastes that should be eaten separately? Also discussed: what arcade games we would buy if we could only buy one, licensed titles that missed the mark, and we got more food questions, so we get a little greasy for you yet again. Want to warp right to the game?  Fly your Sky Castle to 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 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.    

Finally, Stallone fans celebrate!  Courtesy of patron "Metal Dooley", we're taking a look at Judge Dredd, the 1995 SNES / Genesis game tie-in to the 1995 movie based on the comic book you probably aren't super familiar with!  We weren't familiar with this one, so we all went in blind to see how this 16-bit licensed property game turned out. Also discussed, our thoughts on the Harv's Island June event on Animal Crossing, our favorite co-op gaming experiences, and thanks to our listener mail segment -- Breakfast Sandwiches.  Probably our most compelling content in years, to be honest. Want to skip right to Judge Dredd?  Skip to the 13 minute mark! Want to hear about Breakfast Sandwiches? That'd be 1:09 and 45 seconds.  Please pull around to the second window. __________________________ 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 whereve

I can't believe this is Retro?  But -- it's 15 years old now so we'll go ahead and take a look at Double Fine's first console game, Psychonauts for the XBox! Join us and Raz as he attends Whispering Pines Psychic Summer Camp, and maybe solve a brain-snatching mystery.   We also answer some listener mail and discuss questionable methods of playing retro games, game genres we don't like, and the many ways you can send us messages or requests. Want to jump right into Psychonauts?  Start at around 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 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.

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