The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

I didn't expect Dispatch to hit me like it did. When I played it for the first time, I realized this is more than just a game about superheroes, but more so about people looking for that second shot. Dispatch isn’t just another indie experience, it’s something else entirely. In this latest addition to the Expedition Log, I break down what worked, what I felt didn’t, and whether it deserves your time. Spoiler alert: It absolutely deserves your time. Come find out why. Intro - 0:00 Dispatch - 2:30 Outro - 29:30 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

Everyone has their favorites, and you’re probably going to disagree with mine! Join me by the campfire as I count down my Top 10 female video game characters, explain the cuts that hurt the most, and share listener picks that made this list even harder to finalize. I'll be mixing in some great gaming music and moments from my favorite gals as we go. And my number #4 will surprise you. (Not really, but that sounds like it could hook you, yeah?) Intro - 0:00 The Bottom 13 - 5:41 Number 10 - 10:21 Number 9 - 13:03 Number 8 - 17:30 Number 7 - 22:55 Number 6 - 26:35 Number 5 - 33:13 Number 4 - 38:45 Number 3 - 44:00 Number 2 - 50:36 Number 1 - 55:01 Closing Gratitude - 1:00:34 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

What happens when you finally play Super Mario Odyssey years after everyone else has already called it a classic? Expedition Log #2 is a log book entry I should’ve written years ago. In this episode, I finally talk about Super Mario Odyssey, a game I waited far too long to play, and one that completely won me over with its joyful design, creative mechanics, and endless sense of discovery. From New Donk City to the Moon Kingdom, this is a relaxed, campfire reflection on why some journeys are worth taking late. Intro - 0:00 Super Mario Odyssey - 1:23 Closing Gratitude - 17:03 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

It's time to drop the gloves and hit the ice! And possibly your opponent's face while we're at it. In this episode of the Retro Wildlands, we take a full-on retro slapshot at Blades of Steel on the original NES.  From bone-crunching fights to that unforgettable announcer. We'll also slot this game into our NES and play a game together to really get into the action! Was it the ultimate 8-bit sports game… or just really good at starting fights? And how did Blades of Steel stack against Ice Hockey on the NES? Let's lace up and find out. Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:06 Blades of Steel - 21:05 Closing Gratitude - 1:07:50 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

I ignored Metroid Dread for four years. Fifteen minutes in, I knew I’d made a mistake. In Expedition Log #1, I finally confront one of the most praised Nintendo Switch games of the generation, and I discover why people wouldn’t stop talking about it. Metroid Dread isn’t just a return to form, it’s a relentless, atmospheric survival experience filled with isolation, precision movement, and pure panic courtesy of the terrifying E.M.M.I. robots. This episode breaks down what makes Dread so effective: its trust in the player, its tight and deliberate gameplay, the thrill of discovery, and the constant tension of being hunted. Whether you’re a longtime Metroid fan, a newcomer to the series, or someone who’s been staring at this game on your shelf, this expedition is worth taking. The fire is lit. The logbook is open. Let’s get uncomfortable. Intro - 0:00 Metroid Dread - 3:19 Closing Gratitude - 20:15 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

Another year down, another stack of games burned into my memory.  In this episode of The Retro Wildlands Podcast, I’m counting down my favorite video games I played in 2025. The surprises, the standouts, and the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about long after the credits rolled. But I didn’t do it alone. I’m also spotlighting community favorites, because our Expeditions are always best enjoyed with friends. Did your pick make the list? And what game completely blindsided me this year? Gather around the campfire, and let's have a chat. Intro - 0:00 Number 10 - 5:57 Number 9 - 10:52 Number 8 - 16:07 Number 7 - 22:13 Number 6 - 26:21 Number 5 - 32:47 Number 4 - 40:14 Number 3 - 44:36 Number 2 - 51:21 Number 1 - 56:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:08:16 Check out our website! https://theretrowildlands.com/  The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on The Retro Hangover! https://theretrowildlands.com/blog/fear-the-clone-wars-ft-nomad Check out my guest appearance on Pixel Project Radio! https://theretrowildlands.com/blog/history-yet-untold-final-fantasy-tactics-analysis-ep-155

After a short time away, The Retro Wildlands is preparing to resume expeditions into the gaming wildlands once more! In this brief episode, I'll check in by sharing what’s changed during our hiatus, and map out what lies ahead as we chart a course for the show's return on January 8th, 2026.

Even adventurers need to rest by the campfire now and then! I’m taking a short break from exploring the Wildlands to gear up for the next leg of the journey. In this quick update, I’ll share what’s coming next and when new expeditions will begin again.

Darkness falls across the Wildlands, and the time has come to face the games that once haunted my dreams. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal Top 10 spooky favorites, the ones that made my palms sweat and my heart race long after I turned the console off. From eerie pixel adventures to heart-pounding survival horror, these are the titles that still give me chills. Grab your flashlight, settle in by the campfire, and join me as we revisit the games that made fear fun... and unforgettable. Intro - 0:00 Honorable Mentions - 5:38 Number 10 - 12:30 Number 9 - 18:23 Number 8 - 25:40 Number 7 - 33:00 Number 6 - 40:04 Number 5 - 45:25 Number 4 - 53:06 Number 3 - 59:07 Number 2 - 1:08:51 Remaining Community Comments - 1:15:25 Number 1 - 1:22:55 Closing Gratitude - 1:31:58 Check out our NEW website! https://theretrowildlands.com/ The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands  Check out this deep dive into Shadow Man from the Waffling Taylors podcast! https://wafflingtaylors.rocks/2023/03/10/shadow-man-open-the-gates-jaunty/ 

Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest is often remembered as the “baby's first RPG", an entry designed to introduce Western players to the genre. But did Square’s big experiment actually work? In this episode, I share my thoughts on Mystic Quest, highlight what makes it stand out from the rest of the Final Fantasy series, and even play through some of the adventure together with you. Whether you’re nostalgic for Mystic Quest, discovering it for the first time, or just curious about this quirky slice of RPG history, this episode is all about revisiting one of Final Fantasy’s strangest detours. Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 5:45 The Stanley Parable - 15:43 Campfire Catchup Cont. - 18:00 Community Comments - 19:23 Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest - 27:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:24:41 Check out our NEW website! https://theretrowildlands.com/ The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

Frank Castle is one of Marvel’s darkest and most controversial characters—but is he a misunderstood anti-hero or just a symbol of unchecked violence? And does his character translate to fun video game experiences? In this episode, I dust off The Punisher’s 1991 NES outing to see if Frank Castle’s one-man war on crime translated into 8-bit fun—or frustration. I'll also share my personal thoughts on The Punisher as a character: is he a necessary anti-hero or just a brutal vigilante gone too far? Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:33 Metroid Prime Thoughts - 13:42 Community Comments - 22:03 The Punisher - 30:07 Closing Gratitude - 1:21:16 Check out our NEW website! https://theretrowildlands.com/ The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

Growing up, all of us at one point wanted to be the hero. The one who saves the day and banishes evil. And while the title of hero is something we sometimes strive for, it's the journey that really gives us that lasting impression. In this episode of the show, we're continuing our journey to become the Hero of Hyrule. Using game music and sound, we'll touch on some of my favorite dungeons, battles and moments in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.  Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 5:25 Robocop Rogue City - 12:34 Metroid Dread - 15:35 Listener Comments - 21:19 Intro 2 - 26:44 Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past - 28:12 Closing Gratitude - 1:13:51 Check out our NEW website! https://theretrowildlands.com/ The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

A game like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past doesn't really need an introduction. It's widely considered one of retro-gaming's elite, and contains an adventure that still resonates with us today. In it, we all get a chance to answer the call to adventure and become the hero we've always dreamed to be. Join us by the campfire as we journey into the unforgettable opening moments of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. From the thunderstorm that sets the tone to Link’s midnight rescue mission at Hyrule Castle, we break down how the game masterfully introduces its world, mechanics, and narrative stakes within minutes. We’ll examine the atmosphere, music, and design choices that pull players in from the start, and discuss why this prologue remains one of the most iconic and effective in gaming history. Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 5:53 A Link to the Past - 30:38 Closing Gratitude - 1:32:22 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on The Waffling Taylors podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/4FGq88C3CMJwUDvCxtJRGq Check out my guest appearance on What Are Your Three? A Channel 3 Podcast! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JoErKS9K2tpA8aNJDiwyq?si=-vouFnbzRnmrmlzCJzArKw https://channel3.gg/whatareyourthree/

They say you have to walk before you run. Whenever I hear that phrase, I sometimes think about the video games that pioneered genres and unique ideas.  And the game we're covering today always comes to mind. Considered the granddaddy of first-person shooters, Wolfenstein 3D is the game where you, as an angry square-jawed spy, escape captivity while single-handedly taking on an entire army, because subtlety is for cowards.  Join us by the campfire as I take you through an iconic FPS experience. There is a simplicity to Wolfenstein 3D that I never really appreciated, and in a time where complicated game mechanics and convoluted stories seem to rule the space, sometimes the simplest experiences are the best. Even if the edges are a little rough. Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:02 Wolfenstein 3D - 25:35 Closing Gratitude - 1:14:48 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on The 3DO Experience Podcast! https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/the-3do-experience-with-bill-and-thrak/episode/the-3do-experience-episode-81-wolfenstein-3d-the-classic-fps-brought-to-3do-ft-nomad-of-the-retro-wildlands

Whether it's metroidvanias, action adventure games or just good games in general that you love, Chasm is an indie gem I discovered in the gaming wildlands that I think you need to see. It may not be perfect, but I'll bet it'll scratch an itch you didn't know you had. Let's check it out together in my deep dive review! Intro - 0:00 Game Summary  - 1:56 Story - 4:25 Presentation - 5:58 Gameplay - 8:45 Conclusion - 16:28 Closing Gratitude - 18:07 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:35 Jackal - 25:44 Closing Gratitude - 1:08:15 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on The Waffling Taylors! https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qTD8SQzWPIXoXaODKCb5C?si=93ca5755568247e7 Check out my guest appearance on the 3DO Experience! https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/the-3do-experience-with-bill-and-thrak/episode/the-3do-experience-episode-81-wolfenstein-3d-the-classic-fps-brought-to-3do-ft-nomad-of-the-retro-wildlands Check out The Gaming Mixologist's Jackal themed drink! https://www.instagram.com/thegamingmixologist/reel/DDIPsKKSCnh/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thegamingmixologist/video/7444308827790413098   

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:42 Kung Fu - 21:35 Closing Gratitude - 1:01:56 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/  Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on Gaming Together! https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/gamingtogether/episode/episode-191-castle-crashers-oh-word  Check out my guest appearance on Pixel Project Radio! https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio 

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:46 Tecmo Super Bowl - 25:21 Closing Gratitude - 1:21:24 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out the "Fun" and Games Podcast! https://funandgames.libsyn.com/

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:44 Ice Hockey - 23:17 Closing Gratitude - 1:01:22 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out Tales from the Backlog, hosted by Dave Jackson! https://talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/

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 - 0:00 Number Ten - 5:58 Number Nine - 9:05 Number Eight - 13:24 Number Seven - 18:47 Number Six - 23:08 Number Five - 27:00 Number Four - 31:38 Number Three - 37:39 Number Two - 43:07 Number One - 53:02 Closing Gratitude - 59:41 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network of gaming podcasts and content! Check us out! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the SuperPod Lounge Discord Server! https://discord.com/invite/7zXbMvVQks Follow the Retro Wildlands on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands