The Retro Wildlands - A Gaming Podcast

I wasn't expecting Pragmata to hit me this hard. What started as a sci-fi adventure on the moon became one of the most emotional gaming experiences I've had in years. As a step-father, Hugh and Diana's relationship resonated with me in ways I never saw coming. And yes... my wife caught me crying at the end. In this episode of The Retro Wildlands, I head to the moon to discuss Capcom's ambitious ne...

Luigi is back… and somehow more anxious than ever. In this episode of The Retro Wildlands, I finally dive into Luigi’s Mansion 3 on the Nintendo Switch. From its incredibly charming animation and creative hotel setting to its satisfying ghost-hunting gameplay and memorable boss fights, this game surprised me in all the best ways. But it wasn’t all smooth vacuuming... Join me as we explore one of t...

What happens when SquareSoft takes the DNA of Final Fantasy VII, injects it with survival horror, body horror, and one of gaming’s most unforgettable soundtracks… and sets it loose in New York City? In this re-explored expedition into Parasite Eve for the original PlayStation, we revisit one of the strangest and most ambitious games of the late 90s. From Aya Brea and Eve’s haunting connection, to...

I didn’t expect Resident Evil Requiem to hit me like this… What I thought would be another entry in a series I’ve loved since I was a kid turned into something way more personal. Something that feels like it finally brings everything full circle. From the tension, to the characters, to the way it treats Raccoon City… this one stuck with me. It’s not perfect. But it might be one of the most meaning...

Step into the darkness with this episode of The Retro Wildlands as we explore Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, one of the most haunting survival horror experiences ever released on the PlayStation 2. In this episode, we’re not just talking about the game… we’re playing through a bit together. From the eerie atmosphere of the Lost Village to the chilling encounters with spirits that refuse to res...

“Dead or alive, you’re coming with me.” RoboCop: Rogue City promised a return to the brutal, satirical world of the original films... but does it actually deliver? In our gaming wildlands Expedition Log #5, I break down the gameplay, story, and pure RoboCop energy behind this surprise release. Whether you grew up with RoboCop, or you're looking for a unique take on a tried and true genre, this is...

Some games entertain you. Some games stay with you. In our newest Expedition Log entry, I dive into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game about mortality, legacy, and why some journeys stay with you long after the credits roll. I’ve tried many times explaining why this game means so much to me… and I always struggled to put it into words. So I made an episode about it. Intro - 0:00 Clair Obscur: Exp...

This week’s expedition takes us across the globe! From Japan to Brazil to the US of A, all from the comfort of our living rooms, with a Super Nintendo controller in hand. Street Fighter II wasn’t just a game. It was a proving ground. A rivalry starter. A button-masher’s paradise. Join me as we revisit this 16-bit legend to see whether it still stands tall in the ever-growing legacy of retro gaming...

I didn't expect Dispatch to hit me like it did. When I played it for the first time, I realized this is more than just a game about superheroes, but more so about people looking for that second shot. Dispatch isn’t just another indie experience, it’s something else entirely. In this latest addition to the Expedition Log, I break down what worked, what I felt didn’t, and whether it deserves your ti...

Everyone has their favorites, and you’re probably going to disagree with mine! Join me by the campfire as I count down my Top 10 female video game characters, explain the cuts that hurt the most, and share listener picks that made this list even harder to finalize. I'll be mixing in some great gaming music and moments from my favorite gals as we go. And my number #4 will surprise you. (Not really,...

What happens when you finally play Super Mario Odyssey years after everyone else has already called it a classic? Expedition Log #2 is a log book entry I should’ve written years ago. In this episode, I finally talk about Super Mario Odyssey, a game I waited far too long to play, and one that completely won me over with its joyful design, creative mechanics, and endless sense of discovery. From New...

It's time to drop the gloves and hit the ice! And possibly your opponent's face while we're at it. In this episode of the Retro Wildlands, we take a full-on retro slapshot at Blades of Steel on the original NES.  From bone-crunching fights to that unforgettable announcer. We'll also slot this game into our NES and play a game together to really get into the action! Was it the ultimate 8-bit sports...

I ignored Metroid Dread for four years. Fifteen minutes in, I knew I’d made a mistake. In Expedition Log #1, I finally confront one of the most praised Nintendo Switch games of the generation, and I discover why people wouldn’t stop talking about it. Metroid Dread isn’t just a return to form, it’s a relentless, atmospheric survival experience filled with isolation, precision movement, and pure pan...

Another year down, another stack of games burned into my memory.  In this episode of The Retro Wildlands Podcast, I’m counting down my favorite video games I played in 2025. The surprises, the standouts, and the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about long after the credits rolled. But I didn’t do it alone. I’m also spotlighting community favorites, because our Expeditions are always best enjoyed with...

After a short time away, The Retro Wildlands is preparing to resume expeditions into the gaming wildlands once more! In this brief episode, I'll check in by sharing what’s changed during our hiatus, and map out what lies ahead as we chart a course for the show's return on January 8th, 2026.

Even adventurers need to rest by the campfire now and then! I’m taking a short break from exploring the Wildlands to gear up for the next leg of the journey. In this quick update, I’ll share what’s coming next and when new expeditions will begin again.

Darkness falls across the Wildlands, and the time has come to face the games that once haunted my dreams. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal Top 10 spooky favorites, the ones that made my palms sweat and my heart race long after I turned the console off. From eerie pixel adventures to heart-pounding survival horror, these are the titles that still give me chills. Grab your flashlight, settle...

Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest is often remembered as the “baby's first RPG", an entry designed to introduce Western players to the genre. But did Square’s big experiment actually work? In this episode, I share my thoughts on Mystic Quest, highlight what makes it stand out from the rest of the Final Fantasy series, and even play through some of the adventure together with you. Whether you’re nostalgi...

Frank Castle is one of Marvel’s darkest and most controversial characters—but is he a misunderstood anti-hero or just a symbol of unchecked violence? And does his character translate to fun video game experiences? In this episode, I dust off The Punisher’s 1991 NES outing to see if Frank Castle’s one-man war on crime translated into 8-bit fun—or frustration. I'll also share my personal thoughts on...

Growing up, all of us at one point wanted to be the hero. The one who saves the day and banishes evil. And while the title of hero is something we sometimes strive for, it's the journey that really gives us that lasting impression. In this episode of the show, we're continuing our journey to become the Hero of Hyrule. Using game music and sound, we'll touch on some of my favorite dungeons, battles...

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...

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...

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:...

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...

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...