Podcast(s) Archive

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OjA7bGVmdDowfS50Yi15b3V0dWJle21pbi13aWR0aDoxMDBweH0udGIteW91dHViZT5kaXZ7d2lkdGg6MTAwJTtwb3NpdGlvbjpyZWxhdGl2ZX0udGIteW91dHViZT5kaXY+aWZyYW1le2JveC1zaXppbmc6Ym9yZGVyLWJveDt3aWR0aDoxMDAlO2hlaWdodDoxMDAlO3Bvc2l0aW9uOmFic29sdXRlO3RvcDowO2xlZnQ6MH0udGIteW91dHViZXttaW4td2lkdGg6MTAwcHh9LnRiLXlvdXR1YmU+ZGl2e3dpZHRoOjEwMCU7cG9zaXRpb246cmVsYXRpdmV9LnRiLXlvdXR1YmU+ZGl2PmlmcmFtZXtib3gtc2l6aW5nOmJvcmRlci1ib3g7d2lkdGg6MTAwJTtoZWlnaHQ6MTAwJTtwb3NpdGlvbjphYnNvbHV0ZTt0b3A6MDtsZWZ0OjB9LnRiLXlvdXR1YmV7bWluLXdpZHRoOjEwMHB4fS50Yi15b3V0dWJlPmRpdnt3aWR0aDoxMDAlO3Bvc2l0aW9uOnJlbGF0aXZlfS50Yi15b3V0dWJlPmRpdj5pZnJhbWV7Ym94LXNpemluZzpib3JkZXItYm94O3dpZHRoOjEwMCU7aGVpZ2h0OjEwMCU7cG9zaXRpb246YWJzb2x1dGU7dG9wOjA7bGVmdDowfS50Yi15b3V0dWJle21pbi13aWR0aDoxMDBweH0udGIteW91dHViZT5kaXZ7d2lkdGg6MTAwJTtwb3NpdGlvbjpyZWxhdGl2ZX0udGIteW91dHViZT5kaXY+aWZyYW1le2JveC1zaXppbmc6Ym9yZGVyLWJveDt3aWR0aDoxMDAlO2hlaWdodDoxMDAlO3Bvc2l0aW9uOmFic29sdXRlO3RvcDowO2xlZnQ6MH0gfSA=

Retro Encounter 302 – The Great Ace Attorney Spoilercast

Posted by Michael Sollosi on September 2, 2021

Two recent entries in Capcom’s Ace Attorney saga of part-visual novel, part-adventure game, and all-courtroom drama video games were in localization purgatory for a few years before finally releasing worldwide as The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in July 2021. Three of RPGFan’s preeminent anime lawy… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 66 – Ace Attorney Arpeggio

Posted by Jonathan Logan on August 30, 2021

Hold it! For Ace Attorney fans, it was a long wait since the last mainline game in the series was released in 2016. But now, with the recent release of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in July 2021, Ace Attorney looks to be getting the attention in the West that it deserves! Though the series is kn… Read More »

Random Encounter 222 – Lost in the Linear Woods

Posted by Jonathan Logan on August 28, 2021

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 »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 179 – Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Tales of Arise Demo Discussion

Posted by Stan Marlow on August 28, 2021

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 »

Retro Encounter 301 – Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Part II

Posted by Michael Sollosi on August 27, 2021

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 »

Retro Encounter 300 – Retro Encounter Battle Royale

Posted by Michael Sollosi on August 19, 2021

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 »

Rhythm Encounter 65 – Adventure Game Classics

Posted by Hilary Andreff on August 16, 2021

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 »

Random Encounter 221 – First Fantasies

Posted by Jonathan Logan on August 14, 2021

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 »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 178 – Fantasian Pt. 1 Discussion (Minor Spoilers)

Posted by Robert Hatfield on August 13, 2021

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 »

Retro Encounter 299 – Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Part I

Posted by Michael Sollosi on August 12, 2021

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 »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 177 – Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Impressions

Posted by Stan Marlow on August 12, 2021

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 »

Retro Encounter 298 – Hakuoki Part II

Posted by Hilary Andreff on August 5, 2021

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 »

Phoenix Edge Ep. 176 – JRPGs with an Exceptional Cast & The Best RPGs to Last on a Budget (Discussion)

Posted by Stan Marlow on August 4, 2021

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 »

Rhythm Encounter 64 – Bravely New World

Posted by Michael Sollosi on August 2, 2021

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 »

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 »