Retrovaniacs - podcast cover

Retrovaniacs

Three guys get together every couple weeks and discuss a "classic" game from the 32-bit era of consoles back to the dawn of the hobby. Tie-in podcast to Retrovania.net.
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Episodes

Episode 44 : Military Madness (TurboGrafx-16)

Billy is MIA still, but the show must go on -- and so the Jeremys cover a strategy classic for the TurboGrafx, Military Madness. Also -- Jeremy P talks a little Zelda and the Switch release, and both of us gush over the recently announced "Disney Afternoon Classics" collection hitting in less than a month, which is probably the best gaming announcement of 2017.

Mar 20, 201750 min

Episode 43 : Double Dragon 1 - 4 (NES and PS4/PC)

This week Billy couldn't join us, so we have guest host Dave Boyce of Broken Glasses Gaming, the Clouded Judgement Podcast, and Preternia.com here to help us cover a classic series with a modern sequel -- Double Dragon! We walk through our thoughts on the first 3 games on the NES, and then dive into the new sequel Double Dragon 4 for the PS4 and PC, a brand new game that looks exactly like it's 8 bit brethren. Thanks again Dave! Next time : Billy returns to help us take on another attempt by Jer...

Feb 28, 20171 hr 7 min

300 YouTube Subscriber Thank You!

No new show this week, due to some scheduling conflicts (and that we're talking about 4+ games for our next show), we've had to push off the Double Dragon show to next Tuesday. However, we did want to take time to personally thank everyone for listening as we hit our 300 subscriber mark on YouTube! See you in a week for Double Dragon 1-4, and thank you for listening and watching over the last two years!

Feb 21, 20178 min

Episode 42 : Sonic Spinball (Genesis)

Join the Retrovaniacs this week as we visit the world of video pinball the first time, with Sonic Spinball for the Sega Genesis. Also discussed is a listener question about what started us all in gaming, which isn't as depressing an answer as you'd believe. Next week : It's the return of Bimmy and Jimmy-- in 2017?

Feb 08, 201744 min

Episode 41 : Metal Slug (NeoGeo)

We take our first look at the NeoGeo system, with a series of games that will definitely challenge your run-and-gun shooter skillls, Metal Slug 1-6 (via the Metal Slug Anthology). Before we dig into what Billy has aptly described as "cartoon Contra", we reflect on the NeoGeo itself, and why none of us have ever owned one. We also answer a listener question : What same-room multiplayer games would cause the most confrontation, and what were you good at? Check out our Twitter feed, @retrovaniacs, ...

Jan 24, 20171 hr 14 min

Episode 40: Predator (NES)

This week we review a game based on one of the best action movies of all time, Predator for the NES. Will this game be nearly as good as the movie it's based on? Also we look back at 2016, listing our favorite games and biggest disappointments, and try not to just cry about the Wii U. Next up : We look at a run-and-gun shooter on the NEO GEO...

Jan 10, 20171 hr 12 min

Episode 39 : Batman Returns (Multiplatform)

It's a very Retrovaniacs Christmas, with a loosely holiday themed game -- Batman Returns for mainly the SNES and Sega Genesis! Watch the movie, it happens around Christmas. Also there is a level with Christmas presents in the background. Look, we're clearly stretching here to tie this one to the holidays, but we do have a Christmas present related listener question, which brings us back to the Christmas mornings of yesteryears. Next episode : If it bleeds, we can kill it......

Dec 24, 20161 hr 10 min

Episode 38: Tomba! (Playstation)

Doing something a little different this week -- before Retrovaniacs the podcast, there was just Retrovania.net, a site where we posted video reviews and gaming articles. One of those reviews was on Tomba! for the Sony Playstation. This review received the most criticism from folks who didn't agree with Jeremy Gregory -- including Jeremy Parmentier. One Jeremy loves it, one Jeremy hates it, and Billy Holiday is here playing for the first time. We're taking a second look at Tomba!, an interesting ...

Dec 16, 201659 min

Episode 37 : Golgo 13 (NES)

We take on yet another listener request, Golgo 13 : Top Secret Mission for the Nintendo Entertainment System. A game that combines adventure sections with several other gameplay styles, that spans the globe is certainly an ambitious game to design -- but is it any fun? We also discuss classic games we love that we can also see why if we had never played them beforet today may not be as highly regarded. Next week : Tomba! for the Playstation

Nov 27, 20161 hr 4 min

Episode 36 : Kid Icarus (NES)

Billy returns to Retrovanicas this week! Just in time for the release of the NES Classic, we're taking a lengthy look at Kid Icarus, a classic that is also a featured game on the Classic! We dig deep into this game which Jeremy P has declared is "his favorite NES game of all time"-- and both Billy and Jeremy hadn't played it before, so this one could cause some fist fights. We also kick the show off with a special announcement of sorts, and finally Billy gets to tell us all what he thinks of the...

Nov 11, 20161 hr 32 min

Episode 35 : 16-Bit Castlevanias (Halloween 2016)

We may be short one Billy Holiday this week, but don't be scared -- he will be back next episode! This week, however, the Jeremys take you on a journey spanning 4 years and 3 consoles to discuss Super Castlevania 4 (SNES), Castlevania Bloodlines (Genesis), Dracula X (SNES), and the japanese only Castlevania : Rondo of Blood (PC Engine CD)! Next week, we return to our usual format and take on Kid Icarus for the NES! Happy Halloween!

Oct 28, 20161 hr 14 min

Episode 34: Monster Party (NES)

We kick off October's Halloween Retroween right, with an episode about one of the strangest games on the NES, Monster Party! We know we said we were doing Kid Icarus, but that's not going to happen until November now -- we've got to get in the Halloween spirit! Also, Jeremy P really thinks he's getting a PS4, so he has some questions regarding the newly released Slim and the soon-to-be-released Pro. Retroween continues next time in Episode 35, a 16-bit Castlevania extravaganza!

Oct 07, 20161 hr 12 min

Episode 33 : Air Zonk (TurboGrafx-16)

Another listener request this time, we're looking at Air Zonk for the Turbografx-16, a branch of the Bonk family of games that takes the franchise from side-scrolling action game to shooter. Could this finally be a TG-16 game that Billy and Jeremy don't hate? Also discussed, notable game save losses that brought the three of us back from a gaming high to yet another depressing low. Next week : Jeremy and Billy finally play a guaranteed NES classic they somehow have missed over the past 30 years....

Sep 18, 20161 hr

Episode 32 : Robocop Vs Terminator (Genesis)

Robocop fights Terminators. We shouldn't have to say any more to sell you on this, but that would be a 5 second podcast, so instead we say a lot more about the game including: a comparison between this and the Super Nintendo version of this game, a discussion of time travel mechanics, and thankfully completely ignore the Terminator movies after T2. We also tackle a listener question regarding what game we would play if we knew this was our last few minutes alive! In an unprecedented display of p...

Sep 01, 20161 hr 5 min

Episode 31 : Super Mario RPG (SNES)

Join the Retrovaniacs as we take on our first RPG - Super Mario RPG: Secret of the Seven Stars! An interesting effort by Square and Nintendo from 1996, but does it hold up today? Does anyone fondly remember Mallow? Why isn't Geno more popular? This and many other questions will arise as we take on the longest game we've looked at to date! Also discussed, game controllers we loved or always wanted! Next episode will be Robocop vs The Terminator for the Sega Genesis!

Aug 17, 20161 hr 33 min

Episode 30 : Kendo Rage (SNES)

This week we take on our 2nd listener request for the podcast, Kendo Rage for the SNES! Listen as we fumble our way through a 2d action/platformer with interesting bosses, and ... well, maybe that's the high note. Lots of little audio problems were dealt with to record this episode, so as bad as parts of it may sound, it was WAY worse before Jeremy P spent an evening or two working on it. Also discussed, a listener question regarding emulation versus units like the upcoming mini NES and the Atar...

Aug 03, 20161 hr 4 min

Episode 29 : Goonies 2 (NES)

Brush up on your Truffle Shuffle and make sure to have a Baby Ruth on hand, because this week we're delving into one of Jeremy P's favorite games, Goonies 2 on the NES. We also discuss the upcoming NES Mini, which is probably going to be way bigger than the Wii U and NX, despite being based on technology from 30+ years ago! Next week, we tackle another listener request, a game we know nothing about -- Kendo Rage for the SNES. Make sure to follow us on Twitter (@retrovaniacs) to get some extras l...

Jul 21, 20161 hr

Episode 28 : Gex (Playstation)

After a week of delay, Retrovaniacs returns for some Tail Time with the original Gex for the Sony Playstation! Also, a listener calls us out for what appears to be some contradicting thoughts on video game endings, and Billy teases us with a dark secret he will share next episode. Next episode, grab your Yo-yo and Spring Shoes, we'll be playing Goonies 2 on the NES!

Jul 08, 20161 hr

Episode 27 : Young Merlin (SNES)

The Retrovaniacs take their first listener request, an action adventure game none of us had heard of before, Young Merlin on the Super Nintendo! Join us as we delve into Merlin's sordid past, and ride more than our fair share of minecarts on the way. Do you have a request for Retrovaniacs? Let us know on Twitter, @retrovaniacs or via our Facebook page or a well aimed carrier pigeon. Next episode, get ready to look everywhere for that remote you misplaced, because we're taking on Gex on the Sony ...

Jun 16, 20161 hr 2 min

Episode 26 : Fighting Force (Playstation)

We kick off year 2 of Retrovaniacs with a bang- or at least a good deal of punches and kicks. This time we look back at Fighting Force for the Sony Playstation, a 3d take on 2d classics of the past like Double Dragon or Streets of Rage. Does it make the transition to 3d smoothly? Listen and find out what we think! We also take our first listener request for next week's game, and answer a listener question about classic gaming magazines and code books. Next week (by request) - Young Merlin for th...

Jun 01, 201658 min

Episode 25 : Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

It's our 25th episode, 1-year anniversary supershow! How do we celebrate? Why, by reviewing an old video game! This week we look back at Banjo-Kazooie, a 3d platformer from the Nintendo 64, one of Jeremy's recommendations, and a probably the most current game we've reviewed, and that still puts it out almost 20 years ago! Does it still hold up today? Also we pull back the curtain on ourselves, and how we pick these games, with some listener questions! Next week, join us as we start off year 2 of...

May 20, 20161 hr 51 min

Episode 24 : Ghoul Patrol (SNES)

We play the lesser known sequel to the classic Zombies Ate My Neighbors this week, Ghoul Patrol for the Super Nintendo. Does it compare to it's younger and more famous brother, or is this the Jermaine Jackson to Zombie's Michael Jackson? Find out what we think! Also discussed, best and worst classic gaming endings, and Billy has a reveal that will shake the foundations of Retrovaniacs to it's very core! Next week it's our 1 year anniversary show, and we take on Banjo-Kazooie for the N64!...

May 04, 201656 min

Episode 23 : Jumping Flash! (Playstation)

Get prepared to fall from the atmosphere on purpose in this early Playstation entry, Jumping Flash! Will this boxy 3d game age as poorly as other games of the era? Listen to find out what we thought! We also look back at the Playstation launch and other system launches over the years, and have a Dreamcast support group meeting. Next week : Ghoul Patrol (SNES)

Apr 20, 20161 hr 6 min

Episode 22 : Xmen (Genesis)

After a week break due to illness and Easter, we return with a new show focused on a non-LJN Xmen game! We also discuss our time with Miitomo, and talk way, way too much about Tiger Handhelds again. Next episode will be Jumping Flash for the Sony Playstation!

Apr 06, 201654 min

Episode 21 : The Guardian Legend (NES)

Jeremy P's pick this week is a blend of top down space shooter, Zelda-style exploration and RPG, and more than a little puzzling to the rest of the Retrovaniacs team. We also discuss favorite rentals / purchases that we knew nothing about ahead of time that ended up being long-time favorites. Next week : SNIKT! It's X-Men for the Sega Genesis!

Mar 16, 20161 hr 5 min

Episode 20 : Eternal Champions (Genesis and Sega CD)

Our first fighting game, and in one of us shares his revelation that he's just not good at 2D fighting games. We also answer a solid listener question, regarding our dirty little gaming secret that could ruin our reputations as retro game enthusiasts! Next week-- fire up the jets, it's The Guardian Legend for the NES.

Mar 04, 20161 hr 6 min

Episode 19 : Skullmonkeys (Playstation)

A retro review of a game that was retro even when it was new - this week we plugged in our Playstations to talk about the claytastic platformer, Skullmonkeys! We also discuss the concept of remakes and re-imaginings, and Billy admits he likes a game we were pretty sure nobody liked. Next week, get your fighting gloves on, it's Eternal Champions for the Genesis / Sega CD!

Feb 17, 201655 min

Episode 18 : The Adventures of Bayou Billy (NES)

This week, Jeremy P ruins what would be an otherwise great episode by forcing everyone to play The Adventures of Bayou Billy, in honor of it's recent re-release on the Wii U eShop. How can a game that offers 3 different gaming modes go so horribly wrong? We dive into the swamp of disappointment this week to discuss this Konami misfire. We also take a look back at our favorite mispronunciations of gaming titles and names, and discuss our favorite codes and secrets with some listener questions! Ne...

Feb 04, 20161 hr 24 min

Episode 17 : Golden Axe Warrior (Sega Master System)

We dive into the late Sega Master System library and unearth quite the diamond, Golden Axe Warrior. Well, it's more like Cubic Zirconia. It looks nice, it might impress someone who has no idea about what they are looking at, and it's clearly a copy of something far more impressive. Honestly, it has a lot more in common with a Nintendo classic than anything else with the Golden Axe name on it. We also take a listener question this week: What game can you play over and over due to nostalgia that y...

Jan 20, 201655 min

Episode 16 : JJ and Jeff (Turbografx-16)

We're back from our long one-week unplanned absence to kick off 2016 with a bang! We're going back to the TG-16 for JJ and Jeff this week-- will this be the game that convinces Jeremy and Billy that they missed out on the Turbografx during the 16 bit era? Additionally, we look back at 2015 to discuss our favorite hits and misses of the year, and what we're looking forward to in 2016.

Jan 06, 20161 hr 6 min
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