The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

Retro Wildlands #58 - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Of all the games I've played so far on my retro journey, none have been more divisive, polarizing, and thought provoking. Often times referred to as the "black sheep" of the franchise, Zelda 2's side-scrolling approach to action role-playing certainly stands out. But even through much of this game wasn't carried forward, does that mean what's here isn't worth your time? With RPG elements, decent combat, great music and a world teeming with secrets to discover, this game has all the makings of something great. Or so you would think.
Join me as we check out Zelda 2 together, all while I share my thoughts and experiences with you. If there's one thing I know for sure about my time with this game, it's that I'll never forget it. For better, or for worse...
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 11:37Community Comments - 24:35Zelda II - 41:24Closing Gratitude - 1:46:37
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Retro Wildlands #57 - Rush'n Attack

Video games can be very immersive and find creative ways through gameplay and storytelling to pull the player into a one of a kind experience. But not all games have deep mechanics or a story that sticks with you long after you experience it. Some games are just dumb fun and give you nothing more than a simple task to focus on. And in the case of Rush'n Attack, that task is to get to the end of each stage, stabbing your enemies in the stomach along the way. Oh, and save the world while you're at it. 
Come join our wildlands expedition as we check out a retro game that keeps it simple and engaging. I don't know about you, but in a world of complicated and deep gameplay experiences cooked to perfection like a fine steak, sometimes you're just hungry for a cheeseburger.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 8:08Rush'n Attack - 24:12Closing Gratitude - 1:03:17
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Retro Wildlands #56 - Resident Evil: Code Veronica

Considered by some to be the best old school Resident Evil experience while considered by others to be the absolute worst. Code Veronica has always been a game in the RE series that I've found fascinating. For the time, it was the most graphically impressive and it came with a pretty involved story. But there was just something about it that never really clicked with me. With talks of more Resident Evil remakes on the horizon, it felt like it was time to discuss this entry into the series. Is Code Veronica worthy of standing with the Resident Evil greats? Or is this just a side story better left alone? Well my friends, it's time to journey to Rockfort Island and discover the answer to those questions.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 7:55Resident Evil Code Veronica - 21:40Spoilers - 1:29:57Closing Gratitude - 2:00:57
Check out the book Itchy, Tasty: The Unofficial History of Resident Evil by Alex Aniel! (Alex did not sponsor the show. I just love this book!!) https://www.amazon.com/Itchy-Tasty-Unofficial-History-Resident/dp/1783529482
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Retro Wildlands #55 - Top 10 Video Game Weapons

Video game weapons can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as simple as a sword to as unique as a Zero Point Energy Field Manipulator.  The weapons we wield in games can be the tools we need to literally save the world, or they can be nothing more than tools to slay our enemies and see their remains splayed out at our feet.  Some weapons can represent the characters that wield them and symbolize their personal growth. Others are so legendary they'll stand the test of time for centuries to come.
On this episode of the Retro Wildlands, I'm counting down my Top 10 personal favorites, as well as giving the community a chance to sound off on theirs! There aren't much better campfire topics than this, so grab your favorite gaming weapon and have a seat by the fire, my friends. Let's share some stories of battle!
Intro - 0:00Number 10 - 7:16Number 9 - 11:32Number 8 - 15:58Number 7 - 22:01Number 6 - 25:50Number 5 - 32:14Number 4 - 37:27Number 3 - 41:46Number 2 - 47:22Number 1 - 55:18Closing Gratitude - 1:03:25
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Retro Wildlands #54 - Gunstar Heroes

The only bad thing about growing up as a Nintendo kid was missing out on the Sega Genesis. Of all the games in its library, I'm constantly told I need to try Gunstar Heroes, a run and gun shooter where the action is fast and the challenge is real. With silky smooth graphics and an emphasis on combining weapons, this one seems like it'll check all the boxes. But is Gunstar Heroes a game worthy of your time today? Or is this another game that belongs in the bargain bin?
Join me by the campfire as we playthrough the opening level and I share with you my thoughts and experiences. Let's see if you have what it takes to be... a Gunstar Hero.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 7:16Gunstar Heroes - 19:28Closing Gratitude - 1:13:52
 
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Retro Wildlands #53 - Doom (1993)

Influential. Important. Impactful. Significant. Glorious. When Doom was released on PC back in 1993, it wasn't hard to see the impact it made on gaming then, but who knew what sort of impact it would still make on gaming, and even our own culture today.  Born with simple, yet revolutionary coding techniques, Doom is widely available and can run on most anything. Even a bunch potatoes! But is "the father of the first person shooter" something that holds up today? Or is Doom a relic of the past?
Join me by the campfire as I share with you my thoughts and experiences with Doom. Our wildlands expedition has been to many places, but this time... We're going to Hell.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catch-Up: 7:56Listener Comments: 18:07Doom - 26:37Closing Gratitude - 1:23:47
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https://linktr.ee/retrowildlandsCheck out these awesome podcasts, mentioned in today's episode!
The Waffling Taylors: https://wafflingtaylors.rocks/Pixel Project Radio: https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradioThe Unlockables Podcast: https://linktr.ee/unlockablespodcast

Retro Wildlands #52 - Super Metroid

There's been thousands of video games made in the last 30 years, but none have seemingly stood the test of time like Super Metroid. While its influence on gaming is undeniable, it wasn't until recently that I finally got to play this game from start to finish. While my mission was to rescue the last Metroid, my real concerns lay elsewhere. I had to know. Was Super Metroid really as good as people say it is? Or is this another case of nostalgia elevating something that isn't all that great?
Join me by the campfire as I share with you my thoughts and experiences. We're going to play through the game's epic beginning and jaw dropping conclusion. If this episode doesn't bring you the nostalgic tinglies, I don't know what will!
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 8:24Super Metroid - 33:16Closing Gratitude - 1:45:05
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Check out my guest appearances on these awesome podcasts!
SuperPod Saga - Hated Games That We Lovedhttps://www.superpodsaga.com/ep-84-hated-games-that-we-like-ft-nave-nomad-and-brock/
The Waffling Taylors - Resident Evil 2 Remake - The Spirit Is Strong, But The Ammo Is Scarcehttps://wafflingtaylors.rocks/2024/02/23/resident-evil-2-remake-with-nomad-the-spirit-is-strong-but-the-ammo-is-scarce/

Retro Wildlands #51 - Top Gun

Sometimes it's easy to dismiss a game for what it is on the surface. In the case of Top Gun on the NES, it's often viewed as just a "licensed video game". The most common thing people tend to remember about this game is how hard it was to land. But is there more to this "crash into the ocean simulator"? I argue, yes. Yes there is. 
Come join me by the campfire today as we take a look at a game based on my favorite movie of all time. Fans of Top Gun, the 1986 blockbuster movie, will feel right at home as we turn and burn through 4 levels of non-stop action. But will we land on the carrier or be just another statistic? 
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Retro Wildlands #50 - Metal Gear Solid

Many game franchisees are remembered for various reasons, but Metal Gear Solid will always be remembered for its crazy story, memorable characters, awesome voice acting and one-of-a-kind use of console hardware. We live now in time where the single player cinematic experience is almost common place, but it all started somewhere, and I argue it started with Metal Gear Solid.
Join me by the campfire today as I take a look at this game for the first time since I played it back in 1998. Using game music and sound, we'll talk about the story setup, some of the gameplay innovations and recall some of the most memorable events that still stick with me some 25 years later.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 8:33Metal Gear Solid - 31:53Closing Gratitude - 2:02:40??? - 2:08:00
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Retro Wildlands #49 - Super Mario Bros. 2

Every family or friend group has one. The odd ball. The outcast. The black sheep. The same goes for video game franchisees. For us Westerners, Super Mario Brothers 2 for the NES was just such a game. Some consider it to be one of the better platformers in the series. Others won't touch it with a 10 foot pole. And on today's episode, I wanted to see if I could figure out why.
Join me by the campfire my friends as I check out Super Mario Brothers 2 for the first time as an adult. It's time to see where this game came from and why many feel it stands as the "Odd Mario Out". But more importantly, let's talk about whether or not this game is still fun to play.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 8:09Super Mario Bros 2 - 28:40Closing Gratitude - 1:16:46
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