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/

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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/

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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

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

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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

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*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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

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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

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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? 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Considered by many to be the definitive survival horror experience and a narrative masterpiece, Silent Hill 2 is a game that is still being talked about and analyzed today. From its characters to its symbolism, this game's identity is known by many and while the story plays out in a specific way, this game continues to impact players on an individual level. What makes this game a narrative masterpiece and what was my experience with it after playing it again after all these years?

Join us by the campfire as I regale you with my thoughts and experiences now that I've played this game as an adult. The town of Silent Hill is calling to us, beckoning to us.  While our individual experience in Silent Hill may differ, one thing is clear. Those who enter are never the same afterwards.

Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 7:54 Silent Hill 2 - 26:58 Silent Hill 2 Story Spoilers - 1:22:52 Closing Gratitude - 2:00:24

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Sometimes video games set out to make a statement and NARC was one of those games. Released at the tail end of the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign, NARC highlighted the real world War on Drugs... by allowing players to exact some good old fashioned street justice! This run and gun shooter was pretty violent for the time and the subject matter was fairly mature. But does a game like NARC have a place today and is it worth your time?

Join me by the campfire as I share my thoughts and experiences with NARC. It's time to take back the city streets, one arrest and/or bullet at a time...

Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 5:35 NARC - 20:41 Closing Gratitude - 57:43

 

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Check out Pixel Project Radio! https://linktr.ee/pixelprojectradio

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/

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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 

 

Whether it's movies, books or video games, there are just some things that people say we have to experience. I was told Castlevania - Symphony of the Night was one of those games. Not only did it help define Metroidvania games as we know them today, this game contains some of the best graphics the Playstation has to offer as well as one of the best gameplay experiences. Does it still hold up today? Or is it a relic of the past?

Join me by the campfire my friends as I venture into Dracula's Castle for the first time as Alucard, Dracula's son. There's monsters to slay, secrets to uncover, and loot to be had! We'll just need to keep our wits about us when things inevitably get turned on their head...

Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catch-Up - 6:12 Castlevania SotN - 24:37 Inverted Castle - 1:32:02 Closing Gratitude - 1:44:02

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To celebrate The Retro Wildlands turning 1 year old, I thought it would be fun to put together a Question and Answer episode where members of the community asked me questions about whatever they wanted! In the show today, I'll answer questions around gaming, the podcast and podcasting in general, my canine companions and a few other topics!

Join us by the campfire today as I give you more than the usual peek behind the scenes here in the Wildlands.  We're going to have some fun discussions and end the show, I answer a question I sometimes ask myself.  Why am I doing this?

Intro - 0:00 Gaming Questions - 3:23 Canine Companions - 45:47 Misc. Questions - 55:43 Podcast Questions - 01:00:25 Closing Gratitude - 01:27:19

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The original Nintendo was a system that was known for games that brought unique ideas to the table. Of all the games in the NES library, Blaster Master decided to bring much more to players. Multiple gameplay styles, a wide open world to explore at your leisure and a challenging difficulty that kept players on their toes as they made their way deeper underground to rescue... a frog?

Does Blaster Master hold up today or is it a relic of the past? Join me by the campfire as I take you down memory lane and regale you with my time spent playing Blaster Master.

Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catch Up - 6:34 Blaster Master - 23:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:11:26

 

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When we start any kind of journey, we always start from the beginning, right? The first part of any journey is always the most memorable, especially of it has the perfect music to accompany it! A good game soundtrack drives the player forward and empowers them and maybe gets them to nod their heads a little in the process...

Join me by the camp fire today as I regale you with some of my favorite video game Level One themes and rank them in a personal Top 10 list that I'm sure will change by tomorrow! If you love video game music in any capacity, you'll love this episode.

Intro - 0:00 Number 10 - 6:07 Number 9 - 11:13 Number 8 - 15:51 Number 7 - 23:28 Number 6 - 29:52 Number 5 - 37:55 Number 4 - 41:21 Number 3 - 46:38 Number 2 - 52:20 Number 1 - 57:21 Closing Gratitude - 1:02:27

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We all love a good shoot 'em up, right? It's a ton of fun when we dodge incoming fire and lay waste to our enemies. But you know what could make the experience even more fun? Being rewarded cash for every kill, which we can use to buy new aircraft and new weapons! That's mercenary work right there and in U.N. Squadron, there's plenty of work to go around! But don't think it's going to be easy...

Join me by the campfire today as I talk to you about a shoot 'em up for the Super Nintendo that is quite high on lists of the best SNES games out there, but I don't see many people talking about. It might not be a hidden gem, but it's a gem you should consider adding to your collection.

Intro - 0:00 Campfire CatchUp - 5:43 U.N. Squadron - 15:35 Closing Gratitude - 59:24

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It's easy to look at our favorite gaming heroes and villains, but you know what I think we take for granted? The rank and file enemies that stand between us and the end of our games! Standard video game enemies really add to the overall experience by toughening us up, teaching us the game’s mechanics, and by giving the hero’s journey some meaning.  Struggle and adversity are what mold us into the heroes and heroines we set out to become and nothing quite gets us there like the many enemies we face along the way.

Join me by the campfire as I count down my Top 10 Favorite Video Game Enemies!

Intro - 0:00 Number 10 - 6:05 Number 9 - 10:11 Number 8 - 16:27 Number 7 - 21:37 Number 6 - 27:27 Number 5 - 35:34 Number 4 - 41:19 Number 3 - 50:26 Number 2 - 57:40 Number 1 - 1:05:41 Closing Gratitude: 1:12:36

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With so many video games out there, it's very easy to miss some of the good ones.  They may fly under the radar and be overshadowed by something else. But on today's episode, I'm checking out a game I wish I knew about when I was a kid, but I'm so glad I found it as an adult.  Today, I'm talking about Gun.Smoke for the Nintendo Entertainment System!

Not only do I consider this game a hidden gem, but Gun.Smoke is a must play. It's simple, challenging and very addiciting. You're a good guy that's taking out the bad guys. Simple as that. Or is it? Come join me by the campfire as I regale you with my thoughts and experiences with this fantastic retro game.

Intro - 0:00 Campfire CatchUp - 5:32 Gun.Smoke - 17:23 Closing Gratitude - 1:03:13

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We all have games we love and appreciate on the outside, but often times it's what's under the hood that really makes a game great.

Game mechanics can be defined as gameplay features, rules players are bound to or actions players can take that tie into the gameplay experience. These mechanics can something simple like jumping on top of so many enemies for an extra life, the Listen Mode in the Last of Us or the HUD elements of Dead Space. Some of the most unique games have the most unique mechanics and in this episode of The Retro Wildlands, I'm going to rank my personal Top 10!

Intro - 0:00 Top 10 Setup - 6:19 Number 10 - 9:40 Number 9 - 15:21 Number 8 - 22:39 Number 7 - 27:06 Number 6 - 34:22 Number 5 - 42:39 Number 4 - 50:18 Number 3 - 57:16 Number 2 - 1:06:10 Number 1 - 1:14:39 Closing Gratitude - 1:22:20

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While DKC has been hailed as one of the best Super Nintendo games and arguably one of the best video games of all time... I never had an interest in this one. I passed it up as a kid and never found myself playing it. But now that I'm an adult and going back to games I missed out on, what are my thoughts on Donkey Kong Country? Spoiler Alert: I should have played it sooner.

Join me by the campfire today as I regale you with my thoughts and experiences with Donkey Kong Country. Is this game as good as everyone says? Will this be the game that really gets me into platformers? Settle in friend. In today's episode, I'm going bananas.

Intro - 0:00 Donkey Kong Country - 17:33 Closing Gratitude - 01:06:17

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We all have them, right? Games that aren't all that great that we can't help but love and play anyway. Maybe it's a game that has a terrible story but the gameplay makes up for it. Or maybe it's a game the community largely agrees is no good, but you can't help but call it out as one of your favorites.

Join me by the campfire as I regale you all with my personal Top 10 list of Guilty Pleasure video games! I'll also be reading and responding to comments received from the Wildlands Community as well, so stick around! It's time to get personal.

Intro - 0:00 Top 10 Setup - 5:56 Number 10 - 9:13 Number 9 - 14:35 Number 8 - 21:43 Number 7 - 27:19 Number 6 - 31:33 Number 5 - 39:19 Number 4 - 44:44 Number 3 - 52:12 Number 2 - 1:00:12 Number 1 - 1:10:10 Closing Gratitude - 1:17:31

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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

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So when I told people I was going back to my roots to play the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the NES, I was told I was crazy.  I was told I was out of my mind.  That it's not worth the frustration.  But I didn't listen.  So after 30 years, is TMNT for the NES as hard and as frustrating as we all remember?  Or is there something special hidden deep beneath the electric seaweed filled waters?

Join me by the campfire as I regale you with my thoughts and experiences after going back to one of the very first video games I ever played.

Intro - 0:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -20:38 Closing Gratitude - 1:17:31

 

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Video Game boss themes are some of the best tunes. They can be a battle cry to push us forward, or a musical tribute to all we've done up to that point.  They can amp us up, dial us in and even make us tap our feet.  What are my favorite boss themes out there? Well, since no one asked, I'm going to tell you.

Gather around the campfire, friends! This week we're taking a look and listen to my Top 10 Favorite Boss Themes!

Intro - 0:00 Top 10 Start - 4:38 Number Ten - 10:53 Number Nine - 13:42 Number Eight - 17:01 Number Seven - 22:39 Number Six - 28:47 Number Five - 32:32 Number Four - 36:05 Number Three - 42:37 Number Two - 47:47:13 Number One - 51:43 Closing Gratitude - 59:10

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While Parasite Eve 2 is probably one of my favorite video games growing up, playing through this game again as an adult gave me mixed feelings.  On one hand, I can't help but love this game and I can't deny how fun it is to play, even today.  But on the other hand, some 20 years later, this game has some shortfalls I just can't ignore.

What are my thoughts and experiences after replaying Parasite Eve 2 after all these years? Well, grab a seat by the campfire.  I have a lot to say about this game and I'm eager to tell you all about it!

Intro - 0:00 Parasite Eve 2 -16:05 Closing Gratitude - 1:19:20

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Big money! Big prizes! What better incentive is there to taking part in the most watched game show around!?  On Smash TV, staying alive that's what! Our Retro Wildlands expedition is taking a journey to a dystopian 1999, where the concept of the game show reigns supreme.  While the games may be vicious and violent, all glory goes to the winner!

Join me as I share with you my experiences as a contestant on Super Smash TV!

 

Intro - 0:00 Super Smash TV - 13:18 Closing Gratitude - 59:16

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If you grew up in the 80's and 90's, there's a good chance you've either played or heard of GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64.  Personally, I missed out.  I never had an N64 and I never really played GoldenEye growing up.  Now that it's available on Xbox Gamepass and Nintendo Online, it was finally time to sit down and figure out why so many people love this game so much.  And I have to say... I think I get it.

So is GoldenEye still a fun game to play today?  Does it hold up?  And why does everyone hate OddJob so much?  I figure out and answer these questions and more as we take our wildlands expedition deep into the world of James Bond.

Intro - 0:00 GoldenEye 007 - 18:45 Closing Gratitude - 1:21:42

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In honor of the release of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Gamepass and Nintendo Online, I wanted to rank my favorite weapons and gadgets!  Join me by the campfire as I talk about my Top 10 must have pieces of spy equipment and weaponry.  While James Bond can get himself out of most situations using his charisma alone, nothing beats having the right tool for the job.  Especially when it comes with a silencer.

Intro - 0:00 Top 10 List - 10:12 Closing Gratitude - 42:44

Does my list sound like yours?  Or do you think I'm way off base?  Let me know!  Check us out on Social Media!

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There's no shortage of Simpsons games out there and there's a good deal of them that aren't all that great.  But there's a couple of them that stand tall amongst the rest.  A few that stood the test of time.  Is Road Rage one of those games?  Join me this week as I ponder that question by the campfire, friends.  And I won't be pondering alone!

My step-daughter makes her return to the Retro Wildlands.  After I peel back all the layers when it comes to what Road Rage has to offer, her and I are going to sit down together and talk about our experiences playing this game.  There will be a few laughs, a couple of Simpsons quotes and... a song?

Intro - 0:00 Simpsons: Road Rage (Solo) - 14:11 Simpsons: Road Rage (2 Player Mode) - 42:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:10:17

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Super Smash Bros. is a franchise that has grown into a behemoth of an experience that shows no signs of stopping.  While it began on the Nintendo 64, the foundation was built on the Nintendo GameCube!

Join me by the campfire today as I share with you my stories and experiences with a game that I had to complete, even if I had to do it alone!  Get ready, wildlanders!  It's time, to smash!

Intro - 0:00 Super Smash Bros. Melee - 17:51 Closing Gratitude -  1:03:16

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Check me out as a guest on the Waffling Taylors podcast!

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When I played the original Castlevania for the NES, I was blown away.  How could this game possibly be any better?  Enter Castlevania 3.  It improved on its predecessor in just about every way.  Branching pathways? Check.  Companion system?  Check.  Multiple endings? Checkmate.

Join me by the campfire today my friends as I share with you my thoughts and experiences with this gem of a retro game and tell you why this is the best Castlevania on the NES.  Just watch your step on those stairs...

Intro - 0:00 Castlevania 3 - 15:08 Closing Gratitude -  1:05:01

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Batman for the NES is probably one of the best platforming games on the whole console and one of the best Batman games, period. The music slaps, the gameplay is solid and the challenge is tough (in a good way!)

Come join me by the campfire this week as I share my story and experience with this game.  It's another example of how a simple, yet solid premise and gameplay experience can still hold up today and give some modern games a run for their money!  Suit up!

Intro - 0:00 Batman - 15:25 Closing Gratitude -  57:16

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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

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Isn't it always the pretty ones that hurt us so?  When you think of the Lion King video game, you might be thinking of a kids game.  Something happy go-lucky, something relaxing.  Well if this is you, you're dead wrong.   The Lion King is a tough, but beautiful platformer that has a horrifically dark secret...

 

Join me by the campfire as I share with you my thoughts and experiences with this game.  And I have a lot to say about this one!

 

Intro - 0:00 The Lion King - 16:00 Closing Gratitude - 1:11:33   Follow us on Social Media!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands

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It's bad enough to be trapped in Raccoon City when it's been overrun by horrific creatures and the undead. It's another thing to have one of those creatures relentlessly hunting YOU...

Join us by the campfire today as I regale you with my story and experiences with Resident Evil 3, the last RE game on the original Playstation and the title that started to nudge the series towards a bit more action over survival horror. Can we escape the city before being swallowed whole by it? 

Opening Remarks - 0:00 Intro - 1:23 Resident Evil 3 - 15:11 Closing Gratitude - 1:12:21   Follow us on Social Media!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrowildlands

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The dusty badlands of the Wild West are crawling with more then just snakes, scorpions and prairie dogs. There's lowdown cheatin' vermin like the bandito Poco Loco, the bankrupt banker Simon Greedwell and the dapper English Diablo Sir Richard Rose.   Each of these low lives have a hefty price on their heads. It'll take a brave bounty hunter to ride out and bring peace to the valley. Are you that bounty hunter?  Join me by the campfire today as I share with you my thoughts and experiences with Sunset Riders, the rootin' tootin' side scrolling shooter from the arcades, Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis!   Intro - 0:00 Sunset Riders - 11:13 Closing Gratitude - 58:15   Follow us on Social Media!  

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Released 10 years after Final Fantasy 7 on the Sony PSP, Crisis Core serves as the prequel to one of the most popular RPGs of all time.   We play as Zack Fair, a SOLDIER 2nd Class who dreams to one day become a hero. In order to do so, he'll have to learn what it means to embrace his dreams and protect his honor.   Join me by the campfire today as I share with you my thoughts and experiences with one of the few games I consider a "must-play", regardless of your gaming preferences.  Prepare for nostalgia and get ready for an amazing story.  This is a game that's not only fun to play, but it hits you, right in the feels.   Intro - 0:00 Crisis Core (Gameplay, Presentation, Story Setup) - 14:33 Crisis Core (Story Recap and Ending - SPOILERS!)  - 59:54 Closing Gratitude - 1:34:26   Follow us on Social Media!

 

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