The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

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

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/