Podcast(s) Archive

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

Random Encounter 220 – Tales, Stories, and Fables

Posted by Jonathan Logan on July 31, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re discussing some of July’s hottest releases! Zach is looking into the past and future in Cris Tales, Cory is hunting some Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, Greg is channeling his inner cat-farmer in Kitaria Fables, and Jono is screaming Ob… Read More »

Retro Encounter 297 – Hakuoki Part I

Posted by Hilary Andreff on July 30, 2021

It’s Ladies Otome Month on Retro, so our panel is kicking back and getting lost in historical Japan with a bunch of deadly samurai. Some of us are otome experts, some of us only know the genre from second-hand accounts, but we’ve all made our choices and been throughout at least one route. Many of u… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 175 – FFXVI Development Update, Cris Tales Impressions, Switch OLED Model and Steam Deck (Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on July 28, 2021

In this episode, the Phoenix Edge team weighs in on the recent comments from game producer Naoki Yoshida regarding the development status of Final Fantasy XVI. What does this mean for a potential release date for Square Enix’s next flagship title? Following that, Hat gives his first impressions of t… Read More »

Retro Encounter 296 – The Essential Ten-2 Part II

Posted by Michael Sollosi on July 22, 2021

A 2021 Retro Encounter sequel podcast drops its sequel episode, establishing a new Essential Ten for a new decade. Five panelists argue a list of twenty RPGs and visual novels down to an esteemed list of ten newly enshrined Retro Encounter Hall of Fame RPGs. By the end, the five RPGFan staff show a… Read More »

Random Encounter 219 – Bonus Interviews with Eva Padilla Pt. 1

Posted by Eva Padilla on July 21, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, we bring in a pinch hitter! While your usual hosts take a break, we have some interviews from LudoNarraCon 2021 that went down back in April. Eva Padilla was in attendance and snagged some interviews. So, enjoy the chats with Eve Golden-Woods and Fernando Melo! F… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 63 – Endings and Beginnings

Posted by Mike Salbato on July 19, 2021

RPGs can offer a surprising variety of stories, which are definitely reflected in their opening and ending sequences and, of course, the memorable music to go along with them! What makes a good overture and why is it good to have high standards about them? How do you reflect the end of a complex and… Read More »

Retro Encounter 295 – The Essential Ten-2 Part I

Posted by Michael Sollosi on July 16, 2021

Retro Encounter’s most notorious two-part episode, a 2016 structured argument that resulted in a top ten RPGs deemed “essential” by Retro Encounter, is getting a sequel five years later. It’s a new decade, and five Retro Encounter regulars will spend two podcasts and over four hours arguing a list o… Read More »

Random Encounter 218 – What is a JRPG? A Delightful Little Pile of Adventure!

Posted by Greg Delmage on July 5, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, we pore over the gorgeous book recently released from Bitmap Books, A Guide to Japanese Role-Playing Games with Hilary and Steph. Greg has returned to Legend of Mana much to his delight and shares his thoughts on the updates Square Enix brings… Read More »

Retro Encounter 294 – NieR RevisiteD

Posted by Michael Sollosi on July 3, 2021

Retro Encounter did two episodes on NieR: Gestalt in 2016, but the recent Replicant remaster gives us new occasion to talk about the Square-Enix cult classic. We have Teen Nier, Automata context, and deeply personal narratives all up for discussion in a mostly-happy podcast about a sad, angry RPG. H… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 174 – RPG News, Updates, and Impressions from E3 2021 (Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on June 30, 2021

In this episode, the Phoenix Edge team recaps all the non-Square Enix related RPG news and announcements from E3 2021. This includes early impressions for highly anticipated games such as Tales of Arise, Elden Ring, Shin Megami Tensei V, and more! The panel puts the spotlight on sixteen different RP… Read More »

Retro Encounter 293 – Knights in the Nightmare Part II

Posted by Eva Padilla on June 24, 2021

The stunning conclusion to Knights in the Nightmare is here, and holy plot Batman, that was a doozy! And with a remaster just announced for Japan this week, we cannot wait for more folks to dig in to this fascinating experience! (no relation to NiGHTS into Dreams for Sega Saturn) Featuring: Eva Padi… Read More »

Random Encounter 217 – Tis the Season for New Gaming

Posted by Greg Delmage on June 22, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, we sum all the various game shows that took place over the course of, well, “E3 Season.” So many reveals, more details, and plenty of surprises! Ups, downs, and everything else in the show, so tune in! Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jono Logan, Steph Sybydlo, Quinton O… Read More »

Retro Encounter 292 – Knights in the Nightmare Part I

Posted by Eva Padilla on June 18, 2021

What is dead may never die! On this Game Journal, two panelists dive into Sting’s weirdo-bullet heck SRPG Knights in the Nightmare! Can this duo find the strength to make it out of this deep slumber in one piece? Find out on this week’s episode of Retro Encounter! Dust off your late-… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 173 – Reactions to Square Enix’s E3 2021 Live Stream Event (Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on June 15, 2021

In this episode, the Phoenix Edge team gives their on-the-spot reactions of the Square Enix Presents showcase from E3 2021. Joined by friend of the show Hian, the panel gives their tough, but honest criticism of the presentation. Starting with the newly announced Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 172 – Announcements from Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary Event (Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on June 11, 2021

In this episode, the panel catches up on the most exciting announcements from the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary live stream event! The conversation kicks off with the reveal of an offline version of the long-running MMORPG Dragon Quest X. The discussion then moves to the announcement of an “HD-2D” v… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 171 – New Final Fantasy Action RPG by Team Ninja reportedly in Development (Rumor Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on June 10, 2021

In this episode, the Phoenix Edge team covers an intriguing rumor regarding a new Final Fantasy game by Team Ninja. The developers behind Nioh and Dissidia Final Fantasy NT are allegedly creating an action RPG that will take place in the world of the original Final Fantasy. The original source of th… Read More »

Retro Encounter 291 – Final Fantasy XIV Part IV: Shadowbringers

Posted by Michael Sollosi on June 10, 2021

Retro Encounter’s miniseries on Final Fantasy XIV concludes this week with an episode all about Shadowbringers, Final Fantasy XIV”s most recent and most fantastical expansion. Three panelists discuss the changes Shadowbringers made to the FFXIV job system, how Shadowbringers subverts a few central t… Read More »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 170 – Horizon Forbidden West Reveal Discussion

Posted by Robert Hatfield on June 9, 2021

In this episode, the panel enthusiastically discusses the fantastic Horizon Forbidden West gameplay reveal from Guerrilla Games. This includes a full breakdown on the exciting enhancements Forbidden West promises over the original game, Horizon Zero Dawn. The panel also discusses the cringe Aloy cha… Read More »

Random Encounter 216 – E3 2021: What’re We Gonna’ Get?!

Posted by Greg Delmage on June 5, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, Greg and Jono pull together an emergency panel cause it’s E3! We have no idea how the show’s going to shape up this year, but we’re gonna’ speculate over what we will see, could see, and want to see (and secretly know we won’t see…) Tune in and listen to our sh… Read More »

Retro Encounter 290 – Much Ado About Hunting

Posted by Michael Sollosi on June 3, 2021

Monster Hunter: World has peaked and Monster Hunter Rise has risen. With several RPGFan staff hunting Rathalos recently it was high time we recorded a Monster Hunter podcast for the first time in more than three years. Three panelists talk about the peaks and valleys of the fifth generation of Monst… Read More »

Random Encounter 215 – Cute Fire Bunnies and Sexy Bunny Boys?

Posted by Greg Delmage on May 31, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, we gathered the crew to talk about takin’ sweet pics of our favourite Pokémon! That’s right, New Pokémon Snap is all kinds of delightful and RPG-adjacent, which means Niki got to review and talk about it. Also, because Pokémon, we welcome a semi-regular special g… Read More »

Retro Encounter 289 – RPG Villains: Psaro the Manslayer

Posted by Michael Sollosi on May 27, 2021

Psaro, the very motivated main antagonist of Dragon Quest IV, is the best video game villain of the NES era and is definitely worth a podcast. But what’s the most awful thing Psaro attempts in DQ4? Is he the true villain of the game? These and more addressed in today’s Retro Encounter! For the first… Read More »

Retro Encounter 288 – Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen Part II

Posted by Michael Sollosi on May 20, 2021

Five Retro Encounter panelists rolled credits on Dragon Quest IV, and their feelings on the 1990 classic are unanimous: Dragon Quest IV is ahead of its time. From the villain’s motivations to the quest design to Akira Toriyama’s badass women, Dragon Quest IV is a treat. Listen to us gush about it. D… Read More »

Random Encounter 214 – It’s Friday Night Somewhere!

Posted by Greg Delmage on May 16, 2021

On this episode of Random Encounter, folks have been playing games! Shocking, right? But for reals, one of the big games this week is Monster Hunter Rise, and Sollosi has been happily hunting along. We were going to get into Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, but someone surprised us all and sh… Read More »

Retro Encounter 287 – Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen Part I

Posted by Michael Sollosi on May 14, 2021

Five chosen panelists meet a chosen hero (or heroine) and his (or her) seven companions in today’s podcast on 1990’s Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, making today’s Retro Encounter one of the most retro we’ve ever done. Scottish accents, kickass princesses, and talented business wives all en… Read More »