The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

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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Retro Wildlands #48 - Ninja Gaiden

While the original Nintendo was known for its tough library of games, many consider Ninja Gaiden to be one of the toughest. Requiring precise platforming and cat-like reflexes, this game is a true challenge for anyone who wishes to take it on. But even despite the difficulty, people keep telling me this game is fun. How can something that's designed to beat you into the ground be "fun"? Well, I finally decided to give Ninja Gaiden a try and I have to say. Birds really do suck, don't they?
Join me by the campfire today as we slide Ninja Gaiden into our NES and I share with you my thoughts and experiences.  Just remember, my friends. "Be always brave."
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catch-Up: 6:41Ninja Gaiden: 24:31Closing Gratitude: 1:14:58
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Retro Wildlands #47 - Golden Axe

There are just some games that immediately come to mind when you think of a specific gaming console. When I think of the Sega Genesis I think of games like Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2 and Earthworm Jim. I also think of Golden Axe! It was a hack and slash beat 'em up that was ported to the Genesis from the Arcade. Featuring medieval warriors with swords and axes in hand, its impact to the genre is unmistakable.  But does Golden Axe stand on its own as a game you must play today? Or is this axe too rusted and lost to time?
Join me by the campfire my friends as I try Golden Axe for the first time and answer that question.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 6:30Golden Axe - 26:56Closing Gratitude - 1:11:37
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Retro Wildlands #46 - Super Mario RPG

Some things just go together well. Peanut butter and jelly. Steak and eggs. Nintendo and... Square? Super Mario meets Final Fantasy in this epic adventure known as Super Mario RPG! Some say this is "baby's first RPG" and not very challenging. Others say there's a depth and charm here that's unmatched. What do I think? Well, with a game like this there was no way I could tackle this alone!
Joining me in the Retro Wildlands to talk about Super Mario RPG is my good friend Nick and we're going to peel back the layers and see if this game still holds up today as well as discuss the new remake/remaster that's just around the corner! Don't miss this episode, it's our biggest one yet!
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 9:08Super Mario RPG - 30:52Super Mario RPG Part 2 (w/Nick) - 49:48Ending (Spoilers) - 2:17:09Closing Gratitude - 2:36:26
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Retro Wildlands #45 - Silent Hill 2

Considered by many to be the definitive survival horror experience and a narrative masterpiece, Silent Hill 2 is a game that is still being talked about and analyzed today. From its characters to its symbolism, this game's identity is known by many and while the story plays out in a specific way, this game continues to impact players on an individual level. What makes this game a narrative masterpiece and what was my experience with it after playing it again after all these years?
Join us by the campfire as I regale you with my thoughts and experiences now that I've played this game as an adult. The town of Silent Hill is calling to us, beckoning to us.  While our individual experience in Silent Hill may differ, one thing is clear. Those who enter are never the same afterwards.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 7:54Silent Hill 2 - 26:58Silent Hill 2 Story Spoilers - 1:22:52Closing Gratitude - 2:00:24
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Retro Wildlands #44 - NARC

Sometimes video games set out to make a statement and NARC was one of those games. Released at the tail end of the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign, NARC highlighted the real world War on Drugs... by allowing players to exact some good old fashioned street justice! This run and gun shooter was pretty violent for the time and the subject matter was fairly mature. But does a game like NARC have a place today and is it worth your time?
Join me by the campfire as I share my thoughts and experiences with NARC. It's time to take back the city streets, one arrest and/or bullet at a time...
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catchup - 5:35NARC - 20:41Closing Gratitude - 57:43
 
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Retro Wildlands #43 - Castlevania - Symphony of the Night

Whether it's movies, books or video games, there are just some things that people say we have to experience. I was told Castlevania - Symphony of the Night was one of those games. Not only did it help define Metroidvania games as we know them today, this game contains some of the best graphics the Playstation has to offer as well as one of the best gameplay experiences. Does it still hold up today? Or is it a relic of the past?
Join me by the campfire my friends as I venture into Dracula's Castle for the first time as Alucard, Dracula's son. There's monsters to slay, secrets to uncover, and loot to be had! We'll just need to keep our wits about us when things inevitably get turned on their head...
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catch-Up - 6:12Castlevania SotN - 24:37Inverted Castle - 1:32:02Closing Gratitude - 1:44:02
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Retro Wildlands #42 - Ask Nomad!

To celebrate The Retro Wildlands turning 1 year old, I thought it would be fun to put together a Question and Answer episode where members of the community asked me questions about whatever they wanted! In the show today, I'll answer questions around gaming, the podcast and podcasting in general, my canine companions and a few other topics!
Join us by the campfire today as I give you more than the usual peek behind the scenes here in the Wildlands.  We're going to have some fun discussions and end the show, I answer a question I sometimes ask myself.  Why am I doing this?
Intro - 0:00Gaming Questions - 3:23Canine Companions - 45:47Misc. Questions - 55:43Podcast Questions - 01:00:25Closing Gratitude - 01:27:19
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Retro Wildlands #41 - Blaster Master

The original Nintendo was a system that was known for games that brought unique ideas to the table. Of all the games in the NES library, Blaster Master decided to bring much more to players. Multiple gameplay styles, a wide open world to explore at your leisure and a challenging difficulty that kept players on their toes as they made their way deeper underground to rescue... a frog?
Does Blaster Master hold up today or is it a relic of the past? Join me by the campfire as I take you down memory lane and regale you with my time spent playing Blaster Master.
Intro - 0:00Campfire Catch Up - 6:34Blaster Master - 23:16Closing Gratitude - 1:11:26
 
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