The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 9:34 MGS3 Snake Eater - 27:18 MGS3 Spoiler Talk - 1:34:16 Closing Gratitude - 2:36:17 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

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:35 Contra III - 25:29 Closing Gratitude - 1:23:22 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

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 - 0:00 Intro - 1:56 Game Summary - 3:59 Story - 5:20 Presentation - 7:10 Gameplay - 9:13 Conclusion - 15:46 Closing Gratitude - 17:09 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the 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/ X: https://x.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catch-up - 5:53 Resident Evil - 20:19 Mild Spoilers Start Here - 1:23:45 Closing Gratitude - 1:37:02 The Retro Wildlands is part of the SuperPod Network! https://superpodnetwork.com/ Join the 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/ X: https://x.com/retrowildlands Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social *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.

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

The Super Nintendo has its fair share of unique games and Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts is pretty high on that list. While this game is known for the dark creatures you'll be battling and how you may sometimes find yourself fighting in your underwear, it was always the game's unforgiving difficulty that stuck with me. Is this game as hard as people say and is this game a worthy one for spooky season? Will I be screaming into a pillow in sheer frustration as I die repeatedly on the first level?  Spoiler alert: Yes. Join me by the campfire as you and I play Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts! Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catch-Up: 6:48 Super Ghouls and Ghosts: 23:33 Closing Gratitude: 1:13:06 Join us on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands I livestream sometimes! https://www.twitch.tv/nomadsretrowildlands 

To celebrate the Retro Wildlands podcast turning 2 years old, it felt like a good time to throw together another Question and Answer episode where members of the community asked me questions about whatever they wanted! In the show today, I'll answer questions like, what console generation is the cut off for Retro? What's my favorite genre of music? Where do I stand with the Sega/Nintendo console war? Just to name a few! So come join me by the campfire, my friends! Let's relax and talk about some games and share some stories and maybe a few hot takes as we celebrate 2 years of a middle aged man puking his love for video games into a microphone. Intro - 0:00 Question 1 - 4:52 Question 2 - 9:08 Question 3 - 12:51 Question 4 - 17:36 Question 5 - 23:06 Question 6 - 28:36 Question 7 - 32:19 Question 8 - 37:21 Question 9 - 44:28 Rapid Fire Round - 49:51 Closing Gratitude - 1:01:02 Follow us on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Join me for a retro gaming live stream! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands https://www.twitch.tv/nomadsretrowildlands https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 11:37 Community Comments - 24:35 Zelda II - 41:24 Closing Gratitude - 1:46:37 Follow us on Social Media and more! Linktree - https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ X - https://x.com/retrowildlands YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/nomadsretrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 8:08 Rush'n Attack - 24:12 Closing Gratitude - 1:03:17 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/retrowildlands YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:55 Resident Evil Code Veronica - 21:40 Spoilers - 1:29:57 Closing 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 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree - https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X - https://x.com/retrowildlands Threads - https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands  

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 - 0:00 Number 10 - 7:16 Number 9 - 11:32 Number 8 - 15:58 Number 7 - 22:01 Number 6 - 25:50 Number 5 - 32:14 Number 4 - 37:27 Number 3 - 41:46 Number 2 - 47:22 Number 1 - 55:18 Closing Gratitude - 1:03:25 Follow us on Social Media! Spice up your timelines and feeds and get the chance to submit comments that I'll read and respond to on the show! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:16 Gunstar Heroes - 19:28 Closing Gratitude - 1:13:52   Follow us on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands  

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catch-Up: 7:56 Listener Comments: 18:07 Doom - 26:37 Closing Gratitude - 1:23:47 Follow us on Social Media! https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Check out these awesome podcasts, mentioned in today's episode! The Waffling Taylors: https://wafflingtaylors.rocks/ Pixel Project Radio: https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio The Unlockables Podcast: https://linktr.ee/unlockablespodcast

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 8:24 Super Metroid - 33:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:45:05 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearances on these awesome podcasts! SuperPod Saga - Hated Games That We Loved https://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 Scarce https://wafflingtaylors.rocks/2024/02/23/resident-evil-2-remake-with-nomad-the-spirit-is-strong-but-the-ammo-is-scarce/

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?  Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 8:33 Metal Gear Solid - 31:53 Closing Gratitude - 2:02:40 ??? - 2:08:00 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/retrowildlands.bsky.social Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 8:09 Super Mario Bros 2 - 28:40 Closing Gratitude - 1:16:46 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catch-Up: 6:41 Ninja Gaiden: 24:31 Closing Gratitude: 1:14:58 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads: https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:30 Golden Axe - 26:56 Closing Gratitude - 1:11:37 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree - https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Treads - https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands

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 - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 9:08 Super Mario RPG - 30:52 Super Mario RPG Part 2 (w/Nick) - 49:48 Ending (Spoilers) - 2:17:09 Closing Gratitude - 2:36:26 Follow us on Social Media! Linktree - https://linktr.ee/retrowildlands Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/retrowildlands/ Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/retrowildlands Threads - https://www.threads.net/@retrowildlands YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands