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 ...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 45
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 Castl...
Sep 09, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 44
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 en...
Aug 20, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 43
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 ...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 42
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 tomo...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 41
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 qu...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 40
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 fac...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 39
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 ta...
May 14, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 38
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 mechani...
Apr 30, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 37
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 go...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 36
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 we...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 35
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 ...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 34
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 ...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 33
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 an...
Feb 26, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 32
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 Check us out on...
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 31
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 ha...
Feb 11, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 30
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 ...
Feb 03, 2023•48 min•Ep. 29
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...
Jan 26, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 28
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 Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: ht...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 27
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 - 0:0...
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 26
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 ...
Jan 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 25
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 Fo...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 24
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 - ...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 23
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 Sunse...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 22
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 nostal...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 21
Max Payne. Originally released on Windows PC before being ported to the Playstation 2 and Xbox several months later, Max Payne is a game that is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. We play as Max Payne, an NYPD detective who takes the law into his own hands after the brutal murder of his wife and infant child. While best known for it's Bullet Time mechanic allowing players to slow down time and pull off some incredible gunplay, the story of this game is a wonderful neo-noir tale. Come jo...
Nov 24, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 20
Streets of Rage 2 is considered by some to be the greatest in the series, *the* best beat 'em up and a contender for one of the best video games ever made. With non-stop action, solid gameplay and a banger of a soundtrack, you're going to love playing this game and I guarantee you're going to be nodding your head while you do it! Join me by the campfire today as I share with you my first time experience playing this game, give my overall thoughts and maybe toss a few tips your way to help you su...
Nov 17, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 19
When you think of retro video games, one of the first games that I'm sure comes up is Mega Man 2 for the original Nintendo. 33 years, 10 months and around 14 days after its initial release, I've finally played it to completion! We play as Mega Man and our mission is to defeat the evil Dr. Wily. But before we can gain access to his fortress, we must defeat Wily's eight robot masters. After we defeat each one, we're able to take their abilities and get stronger. We'll need every advantage we can w...
Nov 10, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 18
Even if you don't play video games, there's a very good chance you know Sonic The Hedgehog. Arguably one of the best games on the Sega Genesis and one of the best games of the era, was Sonic The Hedgehog 2. This was one of the few Genesis games I've played, but I've played it so much I can play it start to finish in my head. Sonic 2 still holds up today with its gorgeous visuals, smooth gameplay and awesome sound track. Join me by the campfire today as I recall a few tales from my youth and tell...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 17
Considered by some to be a spiritual successor to the Clock Tower series, Haunting Ground follows Fiona Belli, a young woman who wakes up in the dungeon of a castle after being involved in a car accident. Fiona eventually escapes the dungeon and now it's up to the player to guide her out. However, the castle's strange inhabitants are not ready to let Fiona go just yet... Haunting Ground on the Playstation 2 explores some sinister ideas as well as some dark and uncomfortable subject matter. It's ...
Oct 27, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 16
