On this episode of Random Encounter, our panel discusses if The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can be redeemed on the Switch, if NieR Re[in]carnation can convince Alana to like gacha games, and how the new audio-based RPG, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown, completely blew our minds! Plus, we have some… Read More »
In this week’s episode, Hat and Stan take a look at the recent trailer for Pokémon Legends: Arceus and also give their impressions of the recently released Tales of Arise demo. After a brief recap of other Pokémon related announcements, the crew discusses what they hope to see in the first Pokémon g… Read More »
Three Retro Encounter panelists played Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne in August 2021, and each came out with different opinions and Reasons for those feelings. So which Reason is The Matrix and which Reason is The LEGO Movie? Listen and find out. You’ll have plenty of time, climbing those massive… Read More »
300 episodes! Retro Encounter always celebrates 50-episode milestones with new podcast gimmicks and a public vote on a future Retro Encounter game, and in 2021 we deliver with a Retro Encounter elimination tournament! We took sixteen suggested games for a future Retro Encounter episode, then voted t… Read More »
Once one of the most popular genres of video games, adventure games have become much more niche in recent years. But thankfully, it’s a niche with some absolutely fantastic music! From the mid-80s to the early 2000s, adventure games were at the forefront of narratives in interactive entertainm… Read More »
On this episode of Random Encounter, we discuss the release of the Pixel Remaster NES-era Final Fantasy games! Brian is delving into the origins of the series with the first Final Fantasy, Audra is braving the controversial SaGa-esque Final Fantasy II, and Zach is blowing through airships like a mad… Read More »
In this episode, Hat is joined by returning guest and game developer Hian to discuss Hironobu Sakaguchi’s latest JRPG adventure, Fantasian! Everything from the gorgeous, handcrafted diorama set pieces, to Nobuo Uematus’s masterful score is discussed in detail. This includes spoiler-free conversation… Read More »
Podcasting is a harsh, unforgiving world that struggles between freedom of expression and survival of the fittest, but it’s nothing compared to post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Three Retro Encounter Demi-Fiends survive The Conception with two friends, two strangers, and their favorite teacher (with an oddly… Read More »
In this quick episode, Hat is joined by friend of the show Hian to give their impressions of the new Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy I, Final Fantasy II, and Final Fantasy III. Nearly every aspect of the games are discussed: from the remastered soundtrack, new backgrounds, character s… Read More »
The samurai and demon boys are back in town, as are our panelists as we finish our discussion of Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi for Ladies Otome Month here on Retro Encounter. This time, discussion centers around two more specific routes: one where Shinsengumi antagonist and demon Kazama helps… Read More »
In this episode, the panel dedicates a full episode to discuss topics suggested by the Phoenix Edge community! The show kicks off with the fun, yet challenging task of picking the one JRPG with the best cast of characters. Following that, the team gives their suggestions for great RPGs to fill up a… Read More »
Bravely Default and Bravely Second are two 3DS throwback RPGs from Square Enix, with a new 2021 entry for the Switch in Bravely Default II. To celebrate the Bravely series and its excellent soundtracks, Rhythm Encounter assembled a panel of three Revo-and-Ryo superfans to discuss this preeminent pai… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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’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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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