RPGFan's Retro Encounter (RPGFan.com)
Explore every episode of RPGFan's Retro Encounter
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Sep 2020 | 253 - Persona Playlist | 01:33:35 | |
Rhythm Encounter is back for the first time since 2017! (This is an different podcast entirely). But in a Grand Cross of a cosmic coincidence, Rhythm Encounter's return occurs during Retro Encounter's Persona Month, so we (Retro) chose to do an episode all about the music of the Persona series to celebrate their (Rhythm) return. Bop along to our jams, and check the tracklist below! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Hilary Andreff, Alana Hagues, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Michael Sollosi Tracklist | |||
| 01 Apr 2021 | 281 - Is That An RPG? | 00:54:39 | |
One of the most common reader or listener comments that RPGFan social media receives is "not an RPG," and we take some umbrage at that. RPGFan prides itself on covering a diverse array of games, which includes some games that might be considered hybrid RPGs or RPG-adjacent. Today, Retro Encounter responds to that query directly, assembling a set of questionable RPGs, and deciding once and for all if they are indeed RPGs. Do we think Zelda is an RPG? How about Dissidia? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Quinton O'Connor, Eva Padilla, Stephanie Sybydlo Get in Touch: | |||
| 02 Sep 2021 | 302 - The Great Ace Attorney Spoilercast | 01:19:28 | |
Two recent entries in Capcom's Ace Attorney saga of part-visual novel, part-adventure game, and all-courtroom drama video games were in localization purgatory for a few years before finally releasing worldwide as The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in July 2021. Three of RPGFan's preeminent anime lawyer enthusiasts discuss the story, characters, themes, puzzles, and handsome boys and dads of this pair of modern classics. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Niki Fakhoori, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Jonathan Logan Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 21 Jan 2021 | 271 - Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean Part I | 01:34:10 | |
Only the second game to be released by Monolith Soft, Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean swaps space and mechs for a card game, but keeps the dead gods. Three panelists explore disc one of this weird and wonderful game, from the beautiful pre-rendered visuals, to the engaging world and battle system. Where will the Mighty Ocean guide us? Tune in to this week's episode of Retro Encounter to find out! Featuring: Alana Hagues, Pete Leavitt, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | 396 - Lunar: The Silver Star Revisited | 01:22:38 | |
I'm a sucker for a good podcast! 25 years ago, RPGFan started life as LunarNET, and five years before that, Lunar: The Silver Star released in the West. So, in honor of that, we got four of our resident Lunar fans together to chat about the various versions of Lunar: The Silver Star. Are we fans of the Working Designs localization? How does the combat hold up? Are Jessica and Kyle the best couple in the series? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Ben Love, Noah Leiter, Scott Clay; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri. Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 08 Sep 2024 | 433 - Draft Souls | 02:21:11 | |
The Dark Souls of Retro Encounter fantasy drafts FromSoftware has produced an excellent run of fantasy RPGs since 2009's Demon's Souls, to which point its extended family of action RPGs comprises a genre all its own. And of course, if you can organize RPGs into a series, then Retro Encounter will attempt to draft them in time for American football season. So which player seizes Anor Londo in the first round? How many big two-handed swords are drafted? What player dons a giant mech suit? Listen to find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Rob White, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 31 Oct 2021 | 309 - Cosmic Star Heroine Part II | 01:02:53 | |
Retro Encounter finished their star-studded journey across the cosmos this month, but does Cosmic Star Heroine live up to to Zeboyd's influences and fan expectations? The panel loves the visual design and battle designs of the game, but has issues in other places. But which boss was designed by the podcast host? Listen and learn! Brought to you by the founding members of the Psybe Appreciation Station. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 17 Nov 2022 | 352 - Mass Effect 2 | 01:33:56 | |
I am the very model of a sci-fi shooter RPG! From Omega to Luna I'm the zenith and the apogee! 2010's Mass Effect 2 continues the story of Commander Shepard's quest to save the galaxy, but with new crew members, new benefactors, and way more planet scanning. An RPGFan away team discusses Mass Effect 2's villains-turned-allies, new alien cultures, and daring final mission in today's episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Anthony Krolikowski Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 26 Sep 2024 | 436 - Day of the Tentacle | 01:09:46 | |
What possible harm could an insane, mutant tentacle do? Day of the Tentacle was a tentpole release in LucasArts's excellent run of classic adventure games from the late 1980s through the late 1990s, and its very specific dialog, puzzle logic, and sense of humor made it a cult classic. But how do two Day of the Tentacle longtime fans and one relative newcomer feel about this struggle of teenager versus tentacle in 2024? Listen to find out, in our final episode of Retro Encounter's September of Adventure! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Hilary Andreff, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Jonathan Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 14 Nov 2024 | 443 - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Spoilercast | 01:22:56 | |
Zelda! The Zeldster! Zeldarino! Zelmeister! Making copies! The Legend of Zelda series has long starred a hero named Link seeking a princess named Zelda, but in 2024 the roles reversed for the first time on a Nintendo system. Echoes of Wisdom's (sort of) new protagonist also sports an item-duplicating monster-summoning Tri-Rod and explores a beautifully rendered Hyrule. Naturally, three Zelda enthusiast Retro Encounter panelists were excited to play Echoes of Wisdom last month, and convened today to discuss it front to back, spoilers included. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Tin Manuel, Mike Salbato; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 01 Jun 2023 | 375 - Lost Odyssey Part II | 01:17:04 | |
Its gifts were mixed with good and evil both. This week we bring our panelists back together to discuss to discuss the second half of Lost Odyssey. While were were all pretty positive on the first half, some of us really like the latter portions, and some of us really don't. Did we do all the sidequests? Do the excellent short stories make up for the middling narrative? Are the environments still so very brown? Listen in to find out! (Editor's Note - While the host indicates this is Episode 374, the correct number is 375) Featuring: Peter Triezenberg, Aleks Franiczek, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 05 Aug 2022 | 337 - Tales of Xillia Part II | 01:35:06 | |
Hey Jude, don't make it bad / Take a spirit, and make her better / Remember to let her into your heart / Then you can start to save the planet. Three RPGFan staff played through Tales of Xillia in July 2022, and left Rieze Maxia and Elympios feeling satisfied. By game's end, the panelists were surprised by an invading army, confused by multiple characters changing sides, and outraged that a 15-year-old is allowed to treat patients at a university hospital. But what intrigued us the most about this PS3 standout RPG? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 04 Apr 2024 | 411 - Musou Encounter | 01:14:46 | |
Warriors! Come out and play~~~ Omega Force, a subsidiary of Koei Tecmo, has made a name for itself over the past 25 years with dozens of entries into its Musou series, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors in particular. Today, a Retro Encounter panel discusses Musou's origins as historical sims, its litany of different series, and its later evolution as a video game sub-genre Today, the larger Omega Force family includes Musou entries for Zelda, Dragon Quest, Persona, and many other beloved video game and anime series. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Wes Iliff; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on RPGFan | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | 400 - Shark Party | 01:47:01 | |
FOUR HUNDRED BABIES If you’ve listened to a Retro Encounter multiple of 50 before, you know that the panel is going to come up with a public poll for a future Retro Encounter episode. This time around, we’re having a shark party! The panel will “invest” in pitches from twelve Retro Encounter panelists from past and present in a game inspired by a certain entrepreneurial television show. It took 8 years and 8 months, but Retro Encounter made it to 400 episodes. Time to get this party started, but once the party's over, don't forget to vote in the poll below!
Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Lucas Greene, Wes Iliff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Guest-starring: Hilary Andreff, Tom Cox, Robert Fenner, Alana Hagues, Derek Heemsbergen, Jonathan Logan, Stephen Meyerink, Eva Padilla, Mike Salbato, Robert Steinman, Stephanie Sybydlo, Peter Triezenberg Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 04 May 2023 | 373 - Octopath Traveler II Spoilercast | 02:11:17 | |
Thou shalleth listenen to thisen episode. Luckily, you won't hear any conversations about broken Early Modern English, because this time we're not talking about the original. Instead, we have a spoiler filled chat about Octopath Traveler II, a sequel that our panel loved even more than the first game. How does the game look? What about that combat? Oh, the music has to be good. What about any funny accents? Listen in to this week's episode to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Patrick Gann, Alana Hagues; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: Octopath Traveler II on RPGFan | |||
| 25 Aug 2022 | 340 - Final Fantasy XIII Part I | 01:22:07 | |
Thunderbolts and Lightning / Very very frightening Final Fantasy XIII, one of the most divisive games in the world's most popular Japanese RPG series, is certainly old enough to be considered Retro, but its style and tone are anything but. Our panelists are one FF XIII veteran, one FF XIII neophyte, and one lapsed player; they're unkind to the linear corridors and grating personalities of the first half of FF XIII, but understanding of the game's troubled development history and appreciative of its stunning visuals, beautiful music, and frantic combat. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Anthony Krolikowski Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | 370 - Like A Dragon: Ishin! Part I | 01:21:13 | |
Kamurocho has nothing on the mean streets of 1860s Kyo. Ryu Ga Gotoku: Ishin! was probably a lost cause to most fans of the Like A Dragon / Yakuza series, but Sega shocked everyone last year with the announcement of a full remake of the 2014 historical fiction samurai drama to arrive in February of 2023. RPGFan had at least four panelists eager to play it, so they gathered here to form their own Shinsengumi to discuss the swordplay, writing, performances, and historical context of the Ishin! remake. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina; Edited by Jono Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 31 Oct 2024 | 441 - Happy Halloween! | 01:10:14 | |
Aren't you scared? Well that's just fine. Here at RPGFan, we don't cover dedicated horror games often (other than the odd Until Dawn or The Quarry), but we still love the excitement of being scared! To celebrate All Hallows' Eve this year, a Retro Encounter panel highlights a few of the scariest moments from RPGs. From Dark Souls monstrosities to Suikoden psychopaths to Zelda zombies, this podcast has it all. Take a chance and roll the dice on Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Lucy Gray, Dom Kim; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 25 Jan 2024 | 401 - Moon: Remix RPG Adventure Part II | 01:18:31 | |
Fill my heart with Retro / And let me play RPGs forevermore We're back this week to discuss the second half of Moon, a game that parodies RPGs so much it almost becomes an Adventure game. How does the second half of the game compare with the first? Did we get all the love? Just how many frustrating minigames can one man take? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 31 Jul 2020 | 247 - Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Part II | 01:12:17 | |
Retro Encounter's journey to unite the Valerian isles, expel the manipulative Knights Loslorien, and stave off invasion from a hell dimension comes to a close, with the messy conclusion to Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. Collectivist vs. Individualist ideals, how characters are treated in different ending paths, and Yasumi Matsuno's love of obscure content all feature heavily. What endings did we get? Is it worth it diving into the post-game? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Nilson Carroll, Jo Padilla, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 19 Nov 2021 | 312 - Ys Origin Part I | 00:41:46 | |
Retro Encounter travels between 1989 and 2006 in playing Ys Origin, the prequel to the original Ancient Ys Vanished, Nihon Falcom's influential action RPG. In today's Retro Encounter the panelists discuss co-protagonists Yunica Tovah and Hugo Fact, the layout of the mysterious tower they're climbing, and how Ys Origin references Ys titles past and future. It rhymes with "Geese." Not with "Wise." Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 23 Jun 2022 | 332 - Suikoden I Part I | 00:58:59 | |
Odessa told me: “A talkative man who doesn't have a podcast is a coward." One of the very first RPGs on the PlayStation, Suikoden created a legion of new fans in 1995, spawning nearly a dozen sequels and spinoffs over the next decade-plus. Retro Encounter has discussed multiple Suikoden sequels in older episodes, but today goes back to where it all began: a story of civil war, mystical runes, and 108 stars of destiny. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Jonathan Logan, Cory Tischbein, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 19 Jan 2023 | 361 - Xeno Series Fantasy Draft | 01:41:16 | |
Hey, at least there’s no gacha in today’s episode. While we might not love gacha mechanics in RPGs, we sure do love the characters in the Xeno series, and for today’s episodes we gathered four of our biggest Xeno fans on staff to draft our very own fantasy teams. Which protagonists do we love the most? Where does Citan go? Does Wes steal all of Zach’s picks again? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Wes Iliff, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 29 Dec 2022 | 358 - 2022 Year in Review | 01:36:34 | |
Should auld RPGs be forgot, and never brought to mind? No, that's why this show exists, and auld lang syne. It's that time of year again, where Retro Encounter lives in the very recent past and goes over several of the present panel's favorite games of the calendar year. From remasters of 1994 Square classics to 1995 strategy game homages to modern action RPG masterpieces, this episode highlights some of the best and brightest RPGs of the year. And wait for the end of the episode for a sneak peak at several Retro Encounter episodes coming in 2023! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Tom Cox, Jonathan Logan, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | 421 - Grandia II Part I | 01:01:48 | |
Inside every cynic, there is a disappointed idealist. Grandia II felt like an RPG ahead of its time in 2000, with sophisticated active-time battles, smart underlying systems, and clever writing anchored by Ryudo, Grandia II's sarcastic protagonist. Today's episode of Retro Encounter discusses the characters, mechanics, and first-half story of Grandia II, especially how its modern touches and angst contrast against the earnest optimism of the first Grandia.
Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 21 Nov 2020 | 263 - Crowdfunding Encounter | 00:56:34 | |
Crowdfunding services like Kickstarter, IndieGogo, and Fig have disrupted traditional game production and become an inescapable part of how video game consumers and developers interact, but the crowdfunding revolution within video games is less than ten years old. Today's Retro Encounter is a discussion of how crowdfunding has affected the modern gaming landscape, as well as a few of our favorite (or most notorious) crowdfunded video game project. Listen to the newest Retro Encounter after pledging to the $0 tier! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Robert Fenner, Tina Olah; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: | |||
| 22 Oct 2021 | 308 - Cosmic Star Heroine Part I | 00:54:55 | |
Retro Encounter is blasting off again with two episodes on Cosmic Star Heroine, a 2010s crowdfunding success heavily inspired by specific 16-bit RPGs. The panel loves the visual style and battle system of Cosmic Star Heroine, but isn't 100% sold on the story, characters, or soundtrack. How exactly do they feel about this science fiction Japanese-style RPG? Listen and find out! So is CSH a worthy trek through the stars? Does it burn bright like fireflies? Listen to the episode! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 01 Aug 2024 | 428 - Undertale Revisited | 01:34:25 | |
Despite everything, it's still Retro Encounter. Over six years ago, we got together to chat about the instant indie class, Undertale. But, Undertale's staying power is so strong that we decided to get together and chat about it again, this time with an all new panel. Is Papyrus still delightful every time he comes on screen? Did any of us have the heart to do a Genocide run? Hot dog? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Alana Hagues, Aleks Franiczek; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | 279 - Muramasa: The Demon Blade Part I | 00:51:29 | |
Before 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (but after Odin Sphere) the art-focused JRPG developer Vanillaware made Muramasa: The Demon Blade, an action RPG steeped in Japanese folklore and following a long tradition of ninja action arcade games. But how compelling are the characters, animations, and other elements of Muramasa? Listen and learn! This podcast won't possess your body and displace your soul, probably. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Eva Padilla; edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 09 Oct 2021 | 306 - Persona 2: Eternal Punishment Part II | 01:13:52 | |
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment is about a teenager assuming a world of responsibility, adults confronting their worst selves, and stopping a demon from the Cthulhu Mythos from swapping the magnetic poles of Planet Earth. Four Retro Encounter panelists reject their own adult responsibilities to talk about this cult hit RPG from 2000, from the highs of Persona 2's themes to the lows of the Undersea Ruins. Being a man means... taking on the burden of a new podcast. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Leona McCallum, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | 333 - Suikoden I Part II | 01:21:23 | |
Young master... listen to this episode. That is my first... and last... request. Determined duels! Shocking departures! Sudden but inevitable betrayal! The second half of Suikoden the first is not lacking in drama, and four Retro Encounter panelists relish it, whether they're experiencing it for the first time or the tenth. Who's on our final sixes out of the first one-hundred-eight? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Jonathan Logan, Cory Tischbein, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 27 Mar 2025 | 456 - The RPGs That Made Us | 01:57:42 | |
I wanna be an RPG fan when I grow up. This week on Retro Encounter we gather to discuss the RPGs that defined our taste. Not necessarily our favorites, but games that helped us understand what we value in an RPG or in games in general. Does Final Fantasy show up? Who likes the most obscure Metroidvanias? Who surprises the host with their love for racing games? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Lucas Greene, Ben Love, Paul Skevington; Edited by Zach Wilkerson
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| 07 Mar 2024 | 407 - Dragon Age II | 01:32:12 | |
Can you SMELL what the Hawke is cooking? Dragon Age II had a mixed critical reception back in March of 2011, so we’re giving it a fresh perspective in March of 2024. Today’s Retro Encounter panel makes an exodus to Kirkwall to determine how they feel about DA2’s excellent characters and dialogue juxtaposed with DA2’s one-city setting and rigid timeframe? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Aleks Franiczek, Wes Iliff; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
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| 05 Aug 2021 | 298 - Hakuoki Part II | 01:03:37 | |
The samurai and demon boys are back in town, as are our panelists as we finish our discussion of Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi for Ladies Otome Month here on Retro Encounter. This time, discussion centers around two more specific routes: one where Shinsengumi antagonist and demon Kazama helps you out (wow, so historically accurate), and the titular route where you get to know the tragic figure Hijikata in depth during his ill-fated mission to preserve the Shinsengumi during modernization and the dissolution of the shogunate. Bonus: Niki discovers photo mode and we discuss some pretty great otome crossover ideas...along with a round of "guess the Shinsengumi samurai based on historical photos." You can even play along with that last one on social media in the near future! Featuring: Hilary Andreff, Audra Bowling, Lucy Gray, Niki Fakhoori; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | 331 - Suikoden Fantasy Draft | 01:39:12 | |
Hundreds of heroes to choose from, but only four squads competing Retro Encounter returns from its 77-day hiatus to deliver three Suikoden episodes in a row! But before we get to our journal through the first Suikoden, we're going to draft Suikoden characters through the lifetime of the entire series, giving 32 of them a thorough discussion. Which main character goes first overall? Who's everyone's favorite tactician? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Wes Iliff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Mark Mahler Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: | |||
| 12 Jan 2023 | 360 - Year of the Pokémon | 01:10:20 | |
Wild PODCAST appeared! The 12 months from November 19th, 2021 to November 18th, 2022 were monumental for the most popular RPG franchise in the world. The Pokémon Company had three major releases in that timespan, with a set of remakes, a groundbreaking prequel, and a new pair of flagship games. In today's Retro Encounter, four panelists discuss Pokémon's remarkable year: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Tom Cox, Niki Fakhoori, Anthony Krolikowski; Edited by Anthony Krolikowski Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 23 Jul 2020 | 246 - Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Part I | 01:13:08 | |
Five years after podcasting about Final Fantasy Tactics, Retro Encounter tackles Yasumi Matsuno's prior magnum opus, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together! We discuss the Super Famicom classic's multi-layered, politics-heavy story, fascinating class system, and key differences between the PS1 and PSP versions before speculating on which Queen songs would make the best subtitles for a future Ogre Saga game. Is Canopus the most dominant birdman since Tony Hawk? Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Nilson Carroll, Jo Padilla, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 25 Apr 2024 | 414 - Arc the Lad | 01:34:10 | |
Arc seeking Ark While it was a launch title for the PSOne in Japan, Arc the Lad was something of a swan song by the time it finally released in the West. It also stands as one of the final works of the now-defunct Working Designs localization company. Today our four panelists dig into this hidden classic, Finding equal parts joy and frustration in something of a proof of concept for its own sequel. Love Arc the Lad? Never heard of it? There’s something for everyone in today’s Retro Encounter! Featuring: Wes Iliff, Audra Bowling, Ben Love, Nick Mangiaracina; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
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| 31 Mar 2022 | 330 - Salt and Sanctuary | 01:21:11 | |
Three hosts enter. One leaves satisfied, one leaves salty, and the third… is still on the island. For Retro Encounter's third and final game of Metroidvania Month, three panelists took on Ska Studios' Salt & Sanctuary, a 2016 action RPG inspired heavily by both Metroidvania games and From Software's Souls series. The panelists all acknowledge Salt & Sanctuary's strengths and weaknesses, but completely disagree on whether the bleak, challenging title is, y'know, fun to play.
Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 01 Oct 2020 | 256 - Curse Your Sudden But Inevitable Betrayal! | 01:34:33 | |
Even in a video game, humans are too trusting. Many of the most storied plot twists in RPGs have a central character performing an unexpected turn or betraying the player's trust. In today's episode of Retro Encounter five panelists detail over a dozen great video game traitors, from A (Apollo Justice) to Z (YakuZa Kiwami). Is one panelist among us... an imposter? No guarantees. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Niki Fakhoori, Alana Hagues, Nathan Lee, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Micah Coates | |||
| 30 Sep 2021 | 305 - Persona 2: Eternal Punishment Part I | 01:20:55 | |
Retro Encounter brings the band back together in a brand new timeline, reuniting most of the team that podcasted on Persona 2: Innocent Sin in September 2020 to discuss its sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment one year later. Converging timelines, video game grownups struggling to find their place, and comedians named after eggplants all enter the Velvet Room in today's episode of Retro Encounter. Let's do podcasting! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Leona McCallum, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 16 Sep 2021 | 304 - RPGFan Quiz Show IV: Revenge | 01:02:59 | |
Our fourth RPGFan Quiz Show in three years comes with changes to the quiz show landscape. Jeopardy!'s longtime host Alex Trebek has passed, and RPGFan's audio quiz show inspiration, Ask Me Another, announced that its final episodes will air later this year. But Retro Encounter is still here, and another quiz show arrives to challenge four contestants and crown a fourth Retro Encounter Quiz Show Champion. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Jonathan Logan, Mike Salbato, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: | |||
| 11 Mar 2022 | 327 - Pokémon Fantasy Draft | 01:20:40 | |
Jay Bilas is on hand to break down Flying-type wingspans. It's time to d-d-d-d-draft! Several RPGFan staff are enjoying Pokemon Legends: Arceus in the early days of 2022, so four Retro Encounter panelists are celebrating good times by drafting teams of their favorite monsters and trainers from the Pokémon universe. And a few draft picks might get a little spicy, or a little… funky. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Niki Fakhoori, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | 384 - Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter Part I | 01:01:27 | |
Don't be a D-Ratio. Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter doesn't want you to have an easy time. A remarkable blend of PS2 visuals, tactical combat, rogue-like elements, and horror atmosphere set to a Hitoshi Sakimoto soundtrack, the fifth game in Capcom's signature turn-based RPG series is as unique as it is challenging. Three RPGFan staff of various experience levels tackled Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter with open minds and full hearts this week, but how do they feel? Listen and learn! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri. Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 25 Jun 2021 | 293 - Knights in the Nightmare Part II | 01:07:35 | |
The stunning conclusion to Knights in the Nightmare is here, and holy plot Batman, that was a doozy! And with a remaster just announced for Japan this week, we cannot wait for more folks to dig in to this fascinating experience! (no relation to NiGHTS into Dreams for Sega Saturn) Featuring: Eva Padilla, Pete Leavitt; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 02 Dec 2021 | 314 - RPG Villains: Emet-Selch | 01:09:51 | |
Remember us. Remember that we once podcasted. Emet-Selch, the principal antagonist of Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, is a unique blend of a foppish eccentric, a world-erasing psychopath, and a grieving survivor. He's a complicated, entertaining foil to the Warrior of Light, and Retro Encounter is going to examine him under the RPG Villains microscope as a last hurrah for Shadowbringers before Endwalker captivates the Final Fantasy XIV community (and around 40% of RPGFan staff). Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 26 Jun 2020 | 242 - Yakuza 0 Part II | 01:33:32 | |
Our panel has reached the end of Yakuza 0, and with it comes new beginnings for Dragon of Dojima and the Mad Dog of Shimano. Four panelists discuss Yakuza 0 for another full episode, and there is enough drama for two games and foreshadowing for six more in the crime story's dramatic conclusion. What metaphor is represented on your gangster back tattoo? All of this and more on the latest Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Jonathan Logan, Jo Padilla, Rob Steinman Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | 429 - Final Fantasy Series Tier List | 02:52:28 | |
A, B, C, D, FF3 / Feels like a mid-rank to me Very few podcast, article, or video topics on the internet get folks more enthusiastic or more up in arms than tiers, lists, or a combination thereof. On today's emotional episode of Retro Encounter, four panelists play a fantasy-draft style game to place the main-series Final Fantasy games (plus FF Tactics) into five tiers. What quintet of RPGs land in the coveted S tier? Which panelists skipped the PS3 and PS4 entries in the series? Listen to find out! Prepare to feel feelings! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Kyle Cantelon, Aleks Franiczek, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 20 Aug 2020 | 250 - Listener Mailbag Returns | 02:23:41 | |
Retro Encounter just hit a new milestone, and that means another self-congratulatory gimmick episode. Retro Encounter solicited listener emails all summer, and today we read and react to all that we received. At episode's end, we pick five games from the listener suggestions to be part of a new listener poll! Please listen to the episode and then vote in the survey! It's too late to write us an email, but you can vote in the survey for a future Retro Encounter game journal! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Jo Padilla, Peter Triezenberg, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | 366 - Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II | 01:20:52 | |
You would expect that first-party game releases for a system would dry up three years after its successor is released. But that certainly wasn’t the case with Zoda’s Revenge: StarTropics II! Released in 1994 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, StarTropics II was a bit of an anomaly. Developed by the legendary Nintendo division R&D3, this time-traveling sequel to StarTropics was, much like its predecessor, only found on the NES in North America. It was also an 8-bit game in a predominantly 16-bit era. So, our question today: Was StarTropics II a lost gem that was ignored because it was on an obsolete system? Or was it rightfully forgotten by gamers at the time? Let’s jump back in time and find out! Featuring: Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina, Michael Salbato; Edited by Jono Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: Retro Encounter 365 – StarTropics | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | 324 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Part I | 01:18:34 | |
A few decades ago, in a BioWare far, far away... Way back in 2003, Knights of the Old Republic was a standout RPG for the original Xbox that helped raise the public profile of BioWare, a sizeable Canadian developer of western-style RPGs. And less than a year before KOTOR is slated for a huge remake, a Retro Encounter panel of KOTOR veterans and neophytes comes together to train as Jedi to defeat the Sith. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 14 May 2020 | 236 - Game Boy Advance Encounter | 01:25:19 | |
The Game Boy Advance was a huge success for Nintendo in the early 2000s, giving the world five Pokemon games, three Fire Emblem games, the first Mario & Luigi RPG, and so much more. Four Retro Encounter panelists gab GBA on today's episode of Retro Encounter! Listen to us discuss all the Game Boy Advance games under the sun, especially because Boktai needs to be played in sunlight. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Pete Leavitt, Leona McCallum, Tina Olah Get in Touch: This Episode's Related Links: | |||
| 29 Aug 2024 | 432 - Dragon Age: Inquisition Part II | 01:48:20 | |
Trespassers will be contemplated Retro Encounter concludes its eight-month-long playthrough of the Dragon Age trilogy, with a discussion of what's wrong with the Grey Wardens, what's worse in the Winter Palace, and much more. Dragon Age: Inquisition was a phenomenon in 2014, and the panel is excited to get to its long-awaited sequel in 2024. It's bears, barbarians, Titans, and Dread Wolves in the latest episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Paul Dennis, Aleks Franiczek, Wes Iliff; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 19 Sep 2024 | 435 - The Case of the Golden Idol | 01:17:49 | |
One more thing, there are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. Nothing important, you understand. The Case of the Golden Idol made a splash in 2022, with its compelling murder mysteries, political intrigue, and puzzle adventure gameplay. It also has a decidedly retro look to it, so naturally a few of us wanted to play it. Today, three Retro Encounter panelists break down the mechanics, story, and future of Case of the Golden Idol, including its upcoming sequel. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 04 Sep 2020 | 252 - RPG Villains: The Persona 4 Killer | 01:11:59 | |
Persona 4 stars a group of meddling teenagers (and one bear) determined to bring a serial killer to justice, but what makes that killer tick? Retro Encounter jumps into the TV World and journeys into the mind of a murderer in a new episode of RPG Villains. The identity of Persona 4's culprit constitutes a spoiler, so listener beware. Turn this whodunnit into a yaheardit! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Hilary Andreff, Lucy Gray, Jo Padilla; Edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 10 Jun 2021 | 291 - Final Fantasy XIV Part IV: Shadowbringers | 01:44:59 | |
Retro Encounter's miniseries on Final Fantasy XIV concludes this week with an episode all about Shadowbringers, Final Fantasy XIV"s most recent and most fantastical expansion. Three panelists discuss the changes Shadowbringers made to the FFXIV job system, how Shadowbringers subverts a few central tenets of Final Fantasy, and the unmatched passion and dedication of the FFXIV team, only a few short months away from Endwalker. Listen, and remember us. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Caitlin Argyros, Marcos Gaspar; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 18 May 2023 | 374 - Lost Odyssey Part I | 01:13:33 | |
Okay it might not be called Final Fantasy XIII, but... This week on Retro Encounter, three first-timers get together to discuss Mistwalker's Xbox 360 cult classic Lost Odyssey. It certainly has some big names behind it, and we want to find out if it lives up to the previous works of the masters. How does it hold up? How brown can one game get? Does the turn-based combat work this time around? Listen to find out! Featuring: Peter Triezenberg, Aleks Franiczek, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 25 Nov 2021 | 313 - Ys Origin Part II | 00:50:01 | |
Hiya, Hugo! Hiya, stupid! Whatcha wanna go get demon energy for? Our two panelists navigate through Ys Origin's three protagonists in our second episode on the 2006 prequel! Up for discussion is the Ys Origin endgame story, midgame boss battles, and family dynamic of the cursed Fact bloodline. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 20 May 2021 | 288 - Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen Part II | 01:05:59 | |
Five Retro Encounter panelists rolled credits on Dragon Quest IV, and the feeling on the 1990 classic are unanimous: Dragon Quest IV is ahead of its time. From the villain's motivations to the quest design to Akira Toriyama's badass women, Dragon Quest IV is a treat. Listen to us gush about it. Does Alena love Kiryl, or just hate doors? Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Alana Hagues, Wes Iliff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 28 Nov 2024 | 445 - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Part II | 01:11:50 | |
For a true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart. Retro Encounter concludes its 2024 Zelda Month with a second episode on A Link to the Past for the SNES, discussing the game's excellent second half of Dark World exploration and dungeoneering. So which panelist loves Misery Mire and which one hates the moth at the end of Skull Woods? What are our favorite Link to the Past items and glitches? Listen for a great discussion! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Joshua Lindquist, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 21 Mar 2024 | 409 - Final Fantasy IV Part I | 01:20:56 | |
I am not my Dark Knight’s keeper Final Fantasy IV is a 1991 RPG full of colorful characters and high drama. But how does it hold up after 33 years of perspective? Four Retro Encounter panelists who grew up (separately) playing Final Fantasy IV give the classic SNES RPG another look (together), discussing everything from the opening cutscenes to Kain’s second betrayal. Or is it his third betrayal? Eventually you lose count. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Lucas Greene, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster on RPGFan | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | 344 - Live A Live Part I | 01:06:10 | |
Rhymes with "Drive Survive," not "Sieve Forgive" Live A Live, an influential 1994 RPG developed by Square during their Super Nintendo apex, is an anthology RPG which tells eight short stories that eventually coalesce into a satisfying finale. Live A Live's 2022 Nintendo Switch remake is the title's only official worldwide release, and several staff at RPGFan were eager to dive and thrive. This episode covers the first seven chapters, with a discussion of the rest coming next week. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Tom Cox; Edited by Anthony Krolikowski Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 23 Apr 2021 | 284 - Suikoden III Part I | 01:13:58 | |
Suikoden III evokes the halcyon days of the PlayStation 2, when RPGs were many, UI conveniences were few, and Konami actually made video games. Suikoden III's politically-charged story and army of named characters are consistent with its predecessors, but it's split narrative and pants-optional waterfowl are all its own. Get to know Fubar (Fine, Unique, Beautiful Animal Riding) in the latest Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Leona McCallum, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 16 Jan 2025 | 451 - Final Fantasy IX Part I | 01:25:57 | |
Doesn't it feel nice to listen to Retro Encounter under the stars? This week, the new host and a few huge fans dive into the first half of Final Fantasy IX. How does this classic hold up? Do we like the combat? Which monster doesn't like Vivi very much? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff, Rob White; Edited by Zach Wilkerson
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| 27 Jun 2024 | 423 - Grandia II Part II | 01:18:08 | |
Deep fried Retro! This week we get the panelists back together to chat about the second half of Grandia II. Listen in while we talk about late game changes in tone, how well the pacing holds up, and if Ryudo is still endlessly hilarious. Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Ben Love, Claton Stevenson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 24 Oct 2024 | 440 - Kingdom Hearts II Part II | 01:24:32 | |
I learned to live half alive / Now you want me one more time Retro Encounter's host demonstrates contrition in today's episode, admitting on-air that there's at least one good Kingdom Hearts game out there. The panelists also discuss their favorite boss fights, Disney worlds, and character struggles of Kingdom Hearts, which might differ if you're playing on Normal, Proud, or Critical. Today our Dearly Beloved panel discovers their personal Sanctuary in Retro Encounter. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Peter Triezenberg, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 25 Sep 2020 | 255 - Persona 2: Innocent Sin Part II | 01:14:45 | |
In the final episode of Persona Month, we gather again to discuss the end of Persona 2: Innocent Sin. Discussion topics include the continuously terrible dungeons, childhood trauma, Adolf Hitler, and Jesus. Somehow, we try to make sense of all those things on this episode. Yes, this game goes some places. So does our discussion! Featuring Zach Wilkerson, Alana Hagues, Leona McCallum, Jo Padilla; Edited Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | 378 - Final Fantasy VI Part II | 01:31:13 | |
Life... Dreams... Hope... Where do they come from? A new episode of Retro Encounter of course, that's where! We're back this week to dive into the second, more ruinous half of Final Fantasy VI. After the relatively structured and straightforward pacing of the first half, the latter portions of Final Fantasy VI are certainly much more open, and quite a revelation when the game released. Is the second half still as interesting as it was all those years ago? Did we recruit everyone? Who makes the right choice and turns off encounters while climbing Cultists' Tower? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Lucas Greene, Lucy Gray; Edited by Jono Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: Audra's Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster Review on RPGFan | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | 453 - Hironobu Sakaguchi Encounter | 02:06:30 | |
This is his story. This week on Retro Encounter, we take a deep dive into the themes, obsessions, and gameplay quirks of one of the "father" of Final Fantasy: Hironobu Sakaguchi. How much did he really matter to the series? Does his work after leaving Final Fantasy hold up? Who can't stop talking about their disdain for Lost Odyssey? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: | |||
| 29 Dec 2024 | 449 - 2024 Year in Review | 02:12:45 | |
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. 2024 is (finally) behind us, and there is plenty to talk about. In one of the strongest years for RPGs in recent memory, five Retro Encounter panelists bring ten games to show and tell in discussing a few of their favorite RPGs of the calendar year. Fittingly, the conclusion to the Year of the Dragon has Dragon Quest, Dragon Age, and Like a Dragon feature prominently. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Joshua Lindquist, Jonathan Logan, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 28 Jan 2022 | 321 - Skies of Arcadia Part I | 01:19:03 | |
Once dubbed the official Retro Encounter game, 2000's Dreamcast classic Skies of Arcadia finally sails on to the show. It's a fickle ship to get your hands on, but luckily, four Retro Encounter regulars are onboard to discuss this RPG all about optimism, friendship, exploration, and adorable space blobs. Will the two Skies of Arcadia veterans be able to recruit two newcomers onto their crew? By the sounds of their discussions on moons, colours, combat, discoveries, and the fact that they celebrate a grumpy old man, they might well be on their way to doing so! Featuring: Alana Hagues, Audra Bowling, Wes Iliff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 03 Jun 2021 | 290 - Much Ado About Hunting | 01:12:01 | |
Monster Hunter: World has peaked and Monster Hunter Rise has risen, and with several RPGFan staff hunting Rathalos recently it was high time we recorded a Monster Hunter podcast for the first time in more than three years. Three panelists talk about the peaks and valleys of the fifth generation of Monster Hunter, which is stronger than ever sixteen games in. Sharpen your weapons, eat a hearty meal, then let's get to hunting. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Dom Kim, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 01 Dec 2022 | 354 - Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Spoilercast | 02:25:52 | |
And now it's time to dive into something a bit meatier. Monolithsoft's latest game, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, finally dropped in July, and we gathered five of our biggest Xeno fans to discuss the gall of Tetsuya Takahashi's new jam. Listen in as we chat about the delightful British-isms, if there's finally a Nopon character who isn't annoying, and whether the game is really as sparkin' good as everyone else seems to think it is.
Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Gio Castillo, Alana Hagues, Izzy Parsons, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 30 Apr 2020 | 234 - Castlevania The Animated Series | 01:18:58 | |
The panelists of Retro Encounter are stuck at home, and at least four of them decided to watch the Castlevania animated series available on Netflix. The cartoon is loosely based on the events of Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and our podcast is loosely based on the concept of discussing video games and related topics that interest us. This counts. Is the Castlevania animated series bloody awesome or does it pale in comparison to the games that inspired it? Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Patrick Gann, Alana Hagues, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 15 Jan 2021 | 270 - Hades | 01:14:36 | |
Retro Encounter's episode on Hades marks the fourth SuperGiant Games episode of the podcast in six weeks, but we discussed the Hell out of this roguelike RPG of gods and monsters. Our favorite Zagreus builds, our mythological romantic preferences, and our warm, fuzzy feelings of progress and accomplishment all feature prominently in today's dark and bloody episode. Rhymes with "ladies," not with "blades." Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Niki Fakhoori, Alana Hagues, Dom Kim, Leona McCallum; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 16 Jul 2021 | 295 - The Essential Ten-2 Part I | 02:33:30 | |
Retro Encounter's most notorious two-part episode, a 2016 structured argument that resulted in a top ten RPGs deemed "essential" by Retro Encounter, is getting a sequel five years later. It's a new decade, and five Retro Encounter regulars will spend two podcasts and over four hours arguing a list of 35 RPGs to 10, and this is the first. Friendships are challenged and feelings are hurt (but not really) in the latest Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Eva Padilla, Peter Triezenberg, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | 379 - Final Fantasy Fantasy Draft 2.0 | 02:59:14 | |
Off my podcast, jester. The commissioner sits there. It's fantasy draft season! And, well, it's been a while since our last draft episode, and even longer since we've drafted characters from the biggest RPG series around. So, we decided to pull a new panel together to engage in some Retro Encounter rules-based discussion nonsense with a supersized episode where we draft all our Final Fantasy characters. Is Celes is main character or a supporting one? Where does Kefka fall on our big board? Just how long can we make one episode? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Aleks Franiczek, Lucas Greene, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 11 Nov 2021 | 311 - Star Trek: Judgment Rites | 01:29:26 | |
It wouldn't be Star Trek without an inevitable sequel! The crew of the USS Retro Encounter is back after last week's Star Trek-focused episode. This time, we're taking a look at the follow-up to 25th Anniversary, the 1993 point-and-click adventure game, Star Trek: Judgment Rites. With the cast of the original series again returning to voice their characters, Judgment Rites looks to deliver an authentic Star Trek experience. Will this sequel be the "The Wrath of Kahn" to 25th Anniversary's "The Motion Picture?" Or will it lead us "Into Darkness?" Featuring: Jonathan Logan, Hilary Andreff, Quinton O'Connor, John Tucker; Edited by Jonathan Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: | |||
| 28 May 2020 | 238 - Mother 3 Part II | 01:26:04 | |
Our panelists experienced Mother 3 to its dramatic conclusion, and in doing so dug an egg out of the trash, frolicked through a field of sunflowers, and located seven golden needles. It's Earthbound callbacks, theories about razors and bananas, and a lot of shed tears in part 2 of our Mother 3 episodes! If you've ever fantasized about kissing a mer-man, dream no longer. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Jo Padilla, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | 371 - Like A Dragon: Ishin! Part II | 01:28:15 | |
More brutal murders than John Wick and more mistaken identities than Twelfth Night. Ryu Ga Gotoku: Ishin! plays fast and loose with the events of Bakumatsu Japan, with multiple historical figures assuming second personas, a legendary alliance forged through a drunken brawl instead of careful diplomacy, and much more than can be contained in a mere podcast description. Today's Retro Encounter is all about the king-making, life-taking, and chicken racing of the latest to come out Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina; Edited by Jono Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 25 Dec 2022 | 357 - Xenosaga Episode I - Der Wille zur Macht Part II | 01:11:16 | |
It's a Xenomas Miracle! Xenosaga is a game about humanity, starring a cast that rangers from an android unable to distinguish empathy from protocol to an artificial human clinging to memories of her human parents to a cyborg trying to reject his own humanity. But regardless of the biology or technology behind anyone in Xenosaga's cast, the story told is deeply human, right until that one traumatizing torture scene. Please enjoy today's episode on the PS2 cult classic! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Peter Triezenberg, Tyler Trosper, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | 393 - Bloodborne Part II | 01:13:43 | |
I think I heard a shot. We finished Bloodborne! Four very enthusiastic hunters suffered through hunters, Great Ones, Street Sharks, and many other horrors to conquer this PS4 classic. So what are our favorite bosses? What the hell does Insight do? How many times do we mix up "Great Ones" with "Old Blood?" Listen to learn! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Aleks Franiczek, Zach Wilkerson. Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri. Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | 272 - Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean Part II | 01:39:49 | |
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean ramps up the drama on disc 2! In part 2 of our deep dive into Monolith Soft's forgotten classic, the three panelists return to talk about that now-famous betrayal, grumble about difficulty spikes, and most importantly, gush about the Children of the Earth! Now, is that rain, or is that the world crying out in pain? Featuring: Alana Hagues, Pete Leavitt, Tyler Trosper; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | 422 - Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Spoilercast | 01:17:41 | |
You can't go back, but you can move forward. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was one of the most hotly anticipated RPG releases of 2024, as a successor to the fan-favorite Suikoden series in all but name, written and designed by Suikoden's late creator Yoshitaka Murayama. So did Eiyuden live up to expectations? Are we excited for a potential Eiyuden sequel? Listen to find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Gio Castillo, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | 336 - Tales of Xillia Part I | 01:06:36 | |
We're all doing our best, but there is always room for Progress Tales of Xillia made a big splash on the PS3 in the early 2010s, with beautifully-rendered characters and frenetic combat for RPGs of that era. The usual Tales Of standards are here, from a climate crisis connected to Mana Spirits to one character that seems on the brink of betraying the team at any moment. So how does the panel feel about the do-gooder Jude and Milla of the impossible hairdo? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Anthony Krolikowski Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 03 Nov 2022 | 350 - Maybe You'll Learn Something | 02:20:20 | |
Thank you for listening to Retro Encounter for a Quite Interesting seven years! If you know two things about Retro Encounter, they’re probably that the podcast plays through great RPGs from every era and that its host loves game shows. Today, to celebrate 350 episodes of Retro Encounter, that host emulates a classic panel quiz format to go over a dozen discussion topics. Have a listen and maybe you’ll learn something! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Wes Iliff, Mike Salbato, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||
| 26 Mar 2021 | 280 - Muramasa: The Demon Blade Part II | 01:05:03 | |
Two Retro Encounter panelists played through four Muramasa: The Demon Blade endings and still can't stop gushing over the 2D action RPG's gorgeous backgrounds. But those backdrops aren't the only shiny things in Vanillaware's theatrical tour de force - there's also the lusciously animated food, the Hitoshi Sakimoto soundtrack, and our smiling faces. "If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart." -The Buddha, who is literally in this video game. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Eva Padilla: edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | 274 - Final Fantasy XIV Part I: A Realm Reborn | 01:35:37 | |
In advance of the 2021 release of Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, Retro Encounter is recording four Final Fantasy XIV episodes in 2021! Each will feature a different panel and focus on the panelists' personal experiences with Final Fantasy XIV, then discuss the characters, stories, and contents on one particular expansion. Today two Mikes and a Peter go through the Final Fantasy XIV 2013 reboot, A Realm Reborn. 1.0? What do you mean? Never happened. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Mike Salbato, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Micah Coates Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 05 Jan 2023 | 359 - RPGFan's Guide to Style | 01:29:22 | |
"If fashion were easy, wouldn't everybody look great?" Today, Retro Encounter channels their inner Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn and discusses a few of the best and worst clothing choices made by RPG characters. What Persona character wore it best? Who has the best Mass Effect space suit? What oldschool accessories need to make a comeback? And what's Link's worst outfit ever worn? All of these questions asked and answered in the most fashion-forward ever episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Mario Garcia, Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri See our episode post on RPGFan for a visual guide to the characters discussed in this episode. Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 04 Jun 2020 | 239 - Best Console for RPGs Tournament Part I | 01:10:02 | |
Retro Encounter's host misses being able to watch sporting events while playing RPGs on a 3DS or Vita, so he gathered a panel of five panelists to hold a replacement tournament. Seventeen video game consoles are considered for the title of Retro Encounter's Favorite Console On Which to Play RPGs, but only one wins. In part 1 of 2, the panelists condense the Starting Seventeen to an Essential Eight. What consoles reign supreme in round 1? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Stephanie Sybydlo, Nicholas Whaley, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: | |||
| 21 May 2020 | 237 - Mother 3 Part I | 01:05:08 | |
Mother 3, a Japan-only Game Boy Advance RPG, the final game in Shigesato Itoi's trilogy, the subject of many direct questions to Reggie Fils-Aime. We won't say exactly how, but four Retro Encounter panelists played Mother 3 over the month of May and have a lot to talk about, including (but not limited to) grief, capitalism, and snakes. Explore Mother 3 and avoid bad crime shows from the early 2010s in the latest Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Jo Padilla, Zach Wilkerson Get in Touch: | |||
| 16 May 2024 | 417 - RPG Obsessions with David Vinc | 01:43:18 | |
To love is to suffer Three RPGFan panelists are joined by RPG enthusiast YouTuber David Vinc to discuss the favorites and frustrations about the world of RPGs. Does our guest prefer the predictable comfort of Dragon Quest or the unstable beauty of Final Fantasy? Which panelist has played Lufia II dozens of times? How about games where you recruit dozens of characters? It’s an episode all about the RPGs we obsess over!
Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 29 Oct 2020 | 260 - RPG Vampires: Fangs for the Memories | 01:06:08 | |
Retro 260 - RPG Vampires: Fangs for the Memories Vampires are a staple of horror, and to celebrate Halloween Retro Encounter is celebrating the vampires of RPGs. From the psychic vampires of Mass Effect to the protagonist of a game literally called Vampyr, we hold a supernatural discussion to run a small gamut of (actual) bloodsuckers who don't suck (figuratively). Drape your best cape and listen in! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Hilary Andreff, Audra Bowling; edited by Michael Sollosi Get in Touch: | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | 391 - Essential Fan Translations | 01:34:32 | |
Back in the 90s and early 2000s, the localization of JRPGs was never a given. We RPG fans would often wait with bated breath, a copy of GamePlayers or Electronic Gaming Monthly in hand, hoping Squaresoft and other Japanese publishers would announce they were bringing their incredible games to the West. And more often than not, we would be disappointed. While many of these untranslated games have slowly made their way to our shores over the years in the form of remakes and collections, there are still tons of classic JRPGs that are out of reach. That is, they would be if not for fan translations! Starting with Final Fantasy V in 1998, fan translations allowed us to experience the games Japanese developers decided weren't worth the resources to localize. And this week, our panel will discuss some of our favorite fan translations and why they deserve to be available to Western audiences! Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Ben Love, Pete Leavitt, and Steph Sybydlo; Edited by Jono Logan. Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri.
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links: | |||
| 04 Dec 2020 | 265 - Bastion | 01:06:30 | |
Retro Encounter kicks off Supergiant Games Month with a podcast all about Bastion, SG's breakout 2011 title in which a Kid wakes up in a mysterious broken city with only a voice to guide him and a hammer to smash things up. In this episode three panelists discuss The Kid's journey, including his arsenal of weapons, the beautiful accompanying soundtrack, and a few bold story choices. You know how many times The Podcast went off the rails? ...about 5 times. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Eva Padilla; Edited by Brian Ingemanson Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 11 Jul 2024 | 425 - RPGFan Quiz Show VI: Contest of Champions | 01:09:50 | |
There can only be one. Since time immemorial (May of 2019), Retro Encounter has hosted quiz shows to determine which Retro Encounter panelist knows the most about the subject we celebrate every day on our beloved website. Today, five former RPGFan quiz show winners duke it out in a trivia free-for-all to determine who is the true Champion of Champions. We've started, so we'll finish. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Patrick Gann, Alana Hagues, Wes Iliff, Tyler Trosper, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | 402 - The RPG Drafty Awards | 02:36:42 | |
Should we double check the envelope? We’re in the middle of entertainment awards show season, and it’s high time Retro Encounter decides a worthy ballot for the RPGs with the best characters, music, visuals, gameplay, and story. But to make things interesting, we’re drafting four games for each category, and no RPG can be drafted more than once. Does that make sense? If you listen to the episode, then all will become clear! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Jimmy Turner, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael Sollosi
Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 15 Sep 2022 | 343 - Fabula Nova Crystallis | 01:12:04 | |
Never Gonna Give Yeul Up Fabula Nova Crystallis, the high-concept collection of Final Fantasy games dating from 2006, resulted in five games of varying tone and execution. Retro Encounter spent much of August playing and discussing Final Fantasy XIII, and today three panelists break down and lift up the rest of the family, including the former Agito, Final Fantasy Type-0, and the Versus XIII successor, Final Fantasy XV. Featuring: Peter Triezenberg, Audra Bowling, Patrick Gann; Edited by Michael Sollosi Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Related Links: | |||
| 16 Dec 2023 | 395 - Dragon Age: Origins Part II | 01:19:58 | |
Quest Like A Dragon! One Warrior, one Rogue, and one Mage separately traveled across Ferelden to recruit allies in order to stop a Darkspawn Blight, but how did it go for them? Our panelists explored the diverse societies presented in BioWare’s dark fantasy RPG this month, but to what ends? Listen and find out why Dragon Age: Oranges’s narrative is so engrossing, this podcast forgot to discuss combat! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Wes Iliff; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri. Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom | |||
| 16 Dec 2021 | 316 - Final Fantasy V Part I | 01:05:28 | |
For those who loved RPGs during the SNES era, there was a game that forever seemed out of reach: Final Fantasy V. This unlocalized title was so legendary that it inspired the very first fan translation of a video game. Though Squaresoft eventually localized FFV for PSX in 1999, many still think of it as the black sheep of the Final Fantasy family. In today’s Retro, our panel will talk about their history with the game, comb through the first half of the story, and examine how the expertly crafted job system impacted future titles in the series and beyond! Featuring: Jonathan Logan, Audra Bowling, Cory Tischbein, Quinton O’Conner; Edited by Jonathan Logan Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter: @rpgfancom Instagram: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom Related Links: | |||