Retrovaniacs

Episode 115 : Alpha Mission vs Star Force (NES)

This time we tried something slightly different from the norm, instead of looking at one specific game, we are looking at two very similar top down shooters from the NES era, Alpha Mission (by SNK) and Star Force (by Tecmo).  Both of these arcade ports are ones that we had as kids -- both share the dubious honor of being a game we bought "because they were there" and as a result played them a lot.
We look at these two games specifically to answer a question : Is it better to be a game that tries to do a lot of interesting things but sort of fails, or a game that tries to do almost nothing and succeeds?
We also answer several listener questions about arcade ports, bonus show questions, and a listener feels we missed the mark on Starfox 2 a while ago.
Want to jump right to the games?  Start at 6:50!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 114 : Oddworld Stranger's Wrath (Xbox)

We take a look at our first Xbox game, and the 4th Oddworld title, Stranger's Wrath! The last of the Oddworld games released (not including remakes) was an odd blend of 3rd and 1st person action, with all the character expected of an Oddworld game - but with an HD remake out now for modern systems, we thought we'd look into how this game holds up today.
Also discussed, phobias around certain animals appendages, villains who become partners in classic games, Johnny Turbo, and much more!
We do spoil this game, so if you want to stop listening at the spoiler mark, you can start again at about the 52 minute mark for Listener Mail.
Want to skip right to Stranger's Wrath?  Start at 11:30!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.
 
 

Episode 113 : Gone Fishin

This episode, Billy and Jeremy P look at their favorite fishing mini-games.  This is a non-standard episode, and hopefully you enjoy it.  If not, please stay tuned for more standard shows soon.
__
If you want free bonus Retrovaniacs shows, from March 18, 2020 though April 30, 2020, all bonus Retrovaniacs shows on Patreon are free of charge!  That's 20+ extra shows!  On May 1, 2020 this can possibly go back to "normal", but until then if you sign up at the $5 monthly level, you will not be charged and have FREE access to those bonus shows!
Thank you, and we will see you soon!

Episode 112 : Killer Instinct (SNES)

Our second game for #FightMonth is a Rare created and Nintendo published fighter - Killer Instinct! All of us had played this one before, but hadn't revisited the original SNES version in quite a while.  Does this one hold up to the classics of the day?  We give you our thoughts, and Billy shares a couple stories about his youth and this game.
Also discussed this episode, a little too much coverage of the Resident Evil 2 remake, probably not enough time spent on the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, and listener questions on game censorship, Urban Champion, and other fighting games we think tried something different and may not be remembered today.
Want to jump right to Killer Instinct?  Start at 13:40!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 111 : Ergheiz (PlayStation)

We're taking on another Patron-request, this time from Joey Z!  He's requested that we cover Squaresoft's 3d fighting game / Final Fantasy VII tie-in -- Ergheiz!  I'm sure if you remember a game on the PS1 where you could fight as Sephiroth, this was it.  But other than the connection to a beloved franchise, what does this game have to offer?  We take a look, and also get Joey's take on why he requested it.
Also covered, some listener questions about the forgotten Weekend Warrior episodes, Ghouls and Ghosts, and a follow-up tip about the butthole thing from last show.  Sorry?
Want to skip right to the inevitable choice to play as Cloud?   Start at 8:15!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 110 : Blaster Master (NES)

This episode we take a look at Sunsoft's classic NES title, Blaster Master! The original Blaster Master came out in 1988 and became a notable NES title for it's soundtrack and the mix of two different gameplay sections in the game -- and of course, the incredibly cool upgradeable jumping tank you get to use.  This game is currently available on the Switch NES library, but is this another NES classic game that you had to be there to really appreciate?
We also take a shot at some listener mail, discussing games you literally are unable to play anymore, memories of working at a game store, and spicy buttholes (?!)
Want to jump into your tank and get right to the game?  Start at the 11:00 mark!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 109 : Star Wars Bounty Hunter (PS2 / Gamecube)

It's been a relatively Star Wars heavy few months, and we're going to pile right in on that with our look at 2002's tie-in game to Attack of the Clones, Star Wars : Bounty Hunter! This game attempts to explain why Jango Fett was chosen to be the source of the DNA for the clone army, and allows you to be one of the galaxy's most feared bounty hunters!  But, much like many Star Wars tie-in products over the years, is this game worth the republic credits?
We also take on several listener questions about our website, finding time for gaming, and dealing with a backlog of games!
Want to skip right to Bounty Hunting? Grab your whipcord and blaster and start at the 12:00 mark!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 108 : Parasite Eve (PlayStation)

It's the end of another year, and to end 2019, we found a game that starts on Christmas Eve and takes you the rest of the way through the year!  Sure, other than that, there's no real connection to Christmas (or really any holiday), but this gave us an excuse to play through the first game in the Parasite Eve series and decide if it holds up!
We also read some listener Christmas memories, and then go over our favorite games and biggest disappointments of 2019! 
Want to skip right to Parasite Eve?  You might(ocondria) want to start at the 12:45 mark!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 107 : Pokemon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color)

Another Patron-requested episode, courtesy of Donovan B, we're taking a look at a Pokemon game finally!  No, not Sword/Shield, or Emerald/Ruby, or Red/Blue, or any of the mainline Pokemon games -- we're diving headfirst into Pokemon Trading Card Game, a Game Boy adaptation of the card game! 
We also discuss what we've been playing, and answer some listener questions regarding the Tiger Game.Com and get some feedback on past episodes!
Want to get right to battling Active Pokemon?  Start at 10:30!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.

Episode 106 : Donkey Kong Country (SNES)

It's almost Thanksgiving, so we present a feast of bananas for the Super Nintendo, as we take a look at Donkey Kong Country!   Donkey Kong's first solo outing on the SNES still has undeniable charm, and the series as a whole continues on to this day, but does this first game still hold up today?
We also take on some more listener questions, this time covering retro remake disappointments and possible gaming fatigue.
(We apologize for some of the sound issues, Billy's setup this week didn't have the finest internet connection, but I think we salvaged it)
Want to jump right into a series of barrels?  Then shift to the 10:30 mark!
__________________________
If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333
If you enjoy this podcast, why not write a review wherever you download it from? It's easy, and helps people find us by accident. Find everything Retrovaniacs at http://www.retrovania.net
Intro song is "8-Bitter" by Subtastics, and is used with permission, mainly because Jeremy P is in that band.