The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

Retro Wildlands #68 - Jackal

The best thing about discovering new-to-me retro video games is coming across a game I wish I knew about growing up. While some games on the original Nintendo can be iconic, revolutionary and tough as nails, sometimes the best hidden gems are the ones that are simple, clean fun. They execute a simple premise well and they don't beat you senseless with that "NES Tough" gameplay. Jackal, a top down run and gun shooter, is very much the latter and I really, really wish it didn't take me this long to finally play this game.
Join me in the wildlands as I take you through the action-packed vehicular combat game you have to try on the NES. If you haven't played this game before, you're in for a treat. So strap in, my friends! You are an elite soldier, a skilled driver and above all else... A JACKAL.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 6:35Jackal - 25:44Closing Gratitude - 1:08:15
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Check out The Gaming Mixologist's Jackal themed drink!https://www.instagram.com/thegamingmixologist/reel/DDIPsKKSCnh/https://www.tiktok.com/@thegamingmixologist/video/7444308827790413098 
 

Retro Wildlands #67 - Kung Fu

In a world full of vast open world games, narrative focused adventures and grindy collect-a-thons, sometimes you just need a simple experience. And what simpler experience is there than being the good guy who gets to take out the bad guys with Kung Fu? Well, the one where you get the girl at the end, of course. Kung Fu on the NES is a call back to simpler times where gameplay was focused and your enjoyment was guaranteed. And it has more of a history than most realize!
Come join me by the campfire as you and I partake in Kung Fu together, all while I share my thoughts and memories. As one of the original NES games, does it hold up today? Or is it just a bygone game from a bygone era?
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 6:42Kung Fu - 21:35Closing Gratitude - 1:01:56
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Check out my guest appearance on Pixel Project Radio!https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio 

Retro Wildlands #66 - Tecmo Super Bowl

Every 2nd Sunday in February, warriors from different realms gather on the field of battle and prove their mettle before the people. Warriors clad in shining armor - including helmets, shoulder pads - take to the field. But these warriors aren’t ordinary men. They are titans, forged through the fires of almost 20 battles, relentless in their pursuit of the one thing that drives us all. In the end, only one faction of warriors will stand victorious, their battle cries echoing into the night, their sacred trophy hoisted high for all to see. My friends, the Super Bowl is upon us. And it is not merely a game, you see. The Super Bowl is a culmination of a season-long journey. It is a final proving ground where warriors fight for the highest of honors… Glory.
Join me by the campfire as we celebrate one of the best sports games of all time. Whether you're a fan of American football or just looking for a fun pickup and play experience, there's something here for everyone. Let's play a game together, shall we?
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 7:46Tecmo Super Bowl - 25:21Closing Gratitude - 1:21:24
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Retro Wildlands #65 - Ice Hockey

Every gaming console has those games people consider to be essential. Games you absolutely must have in your collection. And Ice Hockey is one of those games for the original Nintendo. The box art may give you the impression that this is just another sports title, but nay nay! While Ice Hockey is a simple game, that's the beauty of this title and a big reason this game is easy to pick up and play today.
So gather around the campfire, my friends! Let me share with you some fun memories with this game as we play a match together. The crowd is going wild so build your team and let's take to the ice!
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 6:44Ice Hockey - 23:17Closing Gratitude - 1:01:22
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Retro Wildlands #64 - Top 10 Games Played in 2024

While 2024 may be in the rear view mirror now and we race onwards into 2025, I thought it would be fun to highlight my 10 favorite games that I played last year! These games are a mixture of both modern and retro and really made an impression on me. 
So why don't you take a load off by the campfire my friends and allow me to regale you with my thoughts and experiences with 10 great video games. Then, we can do it all again next year!
Intro - 0:00Number Ten - 5:58Number Nine - 9:05Number Eight - 13:24Number Seven - 18:47Number Six - 23:08Number Five - 27:00Number Four - 31:38Number Three - 37:39Number Two - 43:07Number One - 53:02Closing Gratitude - 59:41
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Retro Wildlands #63 - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

It's no secret that the Metal Gear franchise is notorious for its convoluted story and cast of memorable, yet quirky characters. However beyond that, the series contains unique stealth-based gameplay elements and sometimes some innovative ideas. But when it comes to which in the series people think is the best, MGS3: Snake Eater is often at the top of people's lists. But why is that? Well, today on the podcast, I decided it was time to see if we can answer that question.
Gather around the campfire, my friends! Using almost 100 sound effects, pieces of recorded dialogue and music from the game to create an immersive experience, it's time we check out the beginning of the Metal Gear timeline and explore what makes this game so special and if it even holds up today. For better or worse, Snake Eater is an experience you won't soon forget.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 9:34MGS3 Snake Eater - 27:18MGS3 Spoiler Talk - 1:34:16Closing Gratitude - 2:36:17
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Retro Wildlands #62 - Contra III: The Alien Wars

When the Super Nintendo hit the market it was quick to show the world what the next level in video games would be all about. Contra III: The Alien Wars not only showed off the graphical power of the system in ways we hadn't seen yet, it was a blast to play. Who wants to watch a cheesy action movie when you can star in your own?
Come take a load off by the campfire as I take you through Contra III on the SNES. Using game music and sound, I'll show you why this game is as good as any action movie you've ever seen and why this game improved on the originals in almost every way. But is this game a must play? Or has the shine faded away? Join the Alien Wars today and let's find out.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 6:35Contra III - 25:29Closing Gratitude - 1:23:22
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Cat Quest: The Puuurfect Action RPG | An Excursion

I stumbled across Cat Quest one day and through it looked interesting. Until I played it... What followed was a whimsical journey full of monsters, loot and... cats! Check out my in-depth review of Cat Quest. Who knows? Maybe it'll scratch your itch for a competent Action RPG.
Opening - 0:00Intro - 1:56Game Summary - 3:59Story - 5:20Presentation - 7:10Gameplay - 9:13Conclusion - 15:46Closing Gratitude - 17:09
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Retro Wildlands #61 - Resident Evil (Re-Explored)

The original Resident Evil on the Sony Playstation was one of the most iconic and influential games to come out in 1996. While the GameCube remake is considered the definitive way to play this survival horror classic, the original will always have a spooky charm about it. From the B-Movie plot to the terrible voice acting, there's a lot to love. And it's the perfect game to revisit this Halloween!
Join me by the campfire as we revisit the very first game I ever featured on the podcast. Using game music and sound, let's dive into this classic together as I recall my very first time playing this game with my step-father and share some of my favorite gaming memories. If you only listen to one episode of this podcast, let it be this one.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catch-up - 5:53Resident Evil - 20:19Mild Spoilers Start Here - 1:23:45Closing Gratitude - 1:37:02
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*SPOLIER WARNING: I discuss the plot of Resident Evil with mild detail, but I specifically talk about the end of the game in my discussion. See above timestamp.

An Announcement

Some news I wanted to share. The Retro Wildlands is going to the next level.
https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/the-retro-wildlands-a-gaming-podcast