Retronauts Episode 89: Final Fantasy IV, redux
We continue our Final Fantasy deep-dive series by doing like Square did back in the day and jumping ahead from FFI to FFIV. Chris Kohler and Kat Bailey join to share their thoughts on this most influential of 16-bit role-playing games.
1hr 58m Mar 06, 2017
1hr 58m
Retronauts Episode 88: Yoshi Games
Following his debut in 1990's Super Mario World, Yoshi quickly evolved from a glorified power-up to a star that could carry games with his name alone. And in the character's nearly 30 years of existence, Yoshi-based experiences have taken many forms--including one that stands as possibly the greatest platformer of all time. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barn...
1hr 38m Feb 27, 2017
1hr 38m
Retronauts Episode 87: A history of the Apple II
It's the debut of Retronauts East as East Coast gaming experts Benj Edwards and Ben Elgin join Jeremy to discuss the Apple II computer platform: Its origins, its games, and its legacy. Be sure to visit our site, which includes a complete listing of this episode's musical selections and where to find them, at Retronauts.com. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way to help support this week...
1hr 26m Feb 20, 2017
1hr 26m
Retronauts Episode 86: The music of Castlevania II, Final Fantasy Tactics, Etrian Odyssey & more
Our second Retronauts Radio looks at notable retro-themed game music releases for February: Castlevania II, a Final Fantasy Tactics tribute, Revenge of Shinobi, Etrian Odyssey remixes, and a ton of SEGA jams! Art by Jon Stachewicz. Be sure to visit our site, which includes a complete listing of this episode's musical selections and where to find them, at Retronauts.com. And if you'd like to sen...
1hr 8m Feb 12, 2017
1hr 8m
Retronauts Episode 85: Activision, the original third party
Steve Lin and Jaz Rignall join Jeremy and Bob again to look back at one of the most important game creators of all time: Activision, the company that established the concept of third parties.
1hr 41m Feb 06, 2017
1hr 41m
Retronauts Episode 84: Wii
It's hard to believe, but the Wii celebrated its tenth birthday last year, putting it within our extremely loose definition of "retro." And thankfully, it's a topic worthy of the Retronauts treatment. Not only does the Wii amount to Nintendo's biggest success, it's also unlikely any subsequent system will ever sell more than this underpowered little box that made our motion-control dreams come ...
1hr 31m Jan 30, 2017
1hr 31m
Retronauts Micro 055: Bart vs. the Space Mutants
When The Simpsons took off like a rocket in its first few years, it was only a matter of time before someone scooped up the video game rights. And that "someone" in this case turned out to be Acclaim, those notable purveyors of trash who introduced the concept of "buyer's remorse" to generations of gamers. On this special Talking Simpsons crossover episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Henry ...
47m Jan 23, 2017
47m
Retronauts Episode 83: The Music of Panzer Dragoon, Final Fantasy, Dracula X and more
It's an all-music episode of Retronauts as Jeremy looks at recent classic game soundtrack releases of note. Includes looks at Panzer Dragoon, symphonic Final Fantasy, Castlevania: Dracula X, Metroid, and more! Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, now updated daily! This show is an entirely independent and a self-sustaining concern for 2017. Please help support our livelihoods through Pa...
1hr 8m Jan 16, 2017
1hr 8m
Retronauts Micro 054: Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move
Having survived the Bubble Bobble episode, Jeremy mops up the franchise with a look at its most popular (or at least most imitated) branch: The iconic color-match puzzler Bust-A-Move... more sensibly known as "Puzzle Bobble." Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, now updated daily! This show is an entirely independent and a self-sustaining concern for 2017. Please help support our liveli...
15m Jan 09, 2017
15m
Retronauts Episode 82: Bubble Bobble and Family
The original Power Trio — Bob, Ray, and Jeremy — follow up their recent look at Wonder Boy to take on the next needlessly convoluted franchise: Taito's Bubble Bobble (et al.). Confusion guaranteed for all! Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, now updated daily! This show is an entirely independent and a self-sustaining concern for 2017. Please help support our livelihoods through Patreon!
1hr 36m Jan 02, 2017
1hr 36m
Retronauts Holiday Extravaganza 2016: Christmas Comes to Pac-Land
After yet another year of podcasting, it's time to tie a bow on 2016 with an annual trip to the Retronauts Holiday cabin in Parts Unknown. And this time around, we set our sights on Christmas Comes to Pac-Land, a TV special that gently lulled a generation of chomp-obsessed children to sleep when it premiered way back in 1982. On this very special episode, join Bob Mackey, Henry Gilbert, and Chr...
1hr 10m Dec 23, 2016
1hr 10m
Retronauts Episode 81: Sonic the Hedgehog
Ah, Sonic the Hedgehog: a designed-by-committee character born out of pure cynicism that nonetheless won over a generation and continues to be extremely popular today. Despite the brand's notoriety throughout the 21st century, Sonic earned his place in gaming history with the three-and-a-half Genesis releases that made him a household name. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy...
1hr 43m Dec 19, 2016
1hr 43m
Retronauts Micro 053: Donkey Kong's Day in Court
Enjoy this delightful yarn about the legal wrangling over the matter of Donkey Kong's true parents. Is Shigeru Miyamoto really his dad? And who has custody over this simian tyke, anyway? Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
15m Dec 12, 2016
15m
Retronauts Micro 052: For the Love of FM Synthesis
Let's get technical! With this, the first of a series of Micro episodes focused on specific technologies and how they shape the games we love. We begin here with a podcast-appropriate aural treat: The iconic sound of FM synthesis. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on ove...
16m Dec 05, 2016
16m
Retronauts Episode 80: Famicom Boom-era Developers
TOSE! Towa Chiki! VAP! Meldac! SunSoft! Atelier Double! These are but a few of the studios we (that is, Jeremy, Dr. Sparkle, and Frank Cifaldi) explore in this look at weird, often terrible games made by vanished Japanese developers in the '80s. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our w...
1hr 59m Nov 28, 2016
1hr 59m
Retronauts Episode 79: 10 Shitty Years of Virtual Console
Chris Kohler joins Jeremy and Bob to revisit a topic from the earliest days of Retronauts: Virtual Console. Boy, what a difference 10 years makes! Remember when we were optimistic about that? Also includes some NES Classic Edition spitballing or whatever. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few b...
1hr 38m Nov 21, 2016
1hr 38m
Retronauts Micro 051: Talkin' Pods with Watch Out for Fireballs
As part of our post-10th birthday victory lap, friends Gary Butterfield and Kole Ross of Watch Out for Fireballs! (and several other shows) join Bob for a laid-back discussion about the podcasting game, the true meaning of "retro," and why you should get your butt to Portland next October. Thanks for listening, and we swear we'll actually be talking about video games next week! (And, presumably...
36m Nov 14, 2016
36m
Retronauts Episode 78: Retronauts' 10th Anniversary Live from PRGE 2016
It's hard to believe, but the podcast devoted to discussing old games is now old itself! On this special live episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Chris Kohler, and special guest Scott Sharkey as the crew discusses a decade spent stuck in the past. (Special thanks to twitter user @RPeavyhouse for the cover photo!) Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our ...
47m Nov 07, 2016
47m
Retronauts Micro 050: Fester's Quest
If you lived through the NES era, the words "Fester's Quest" likely make you break into a cold sweat. (Sorry about that.) A few years before Raul Julia and Christopher Lloyd danced the Mamushka, kids of the '80s mostly knew The Addams Family via Sunsoft's 8-bit hit and its absolutely unforgiving difficulty. On this episode of Retronauts Micro, join Bob Mackey, Chris Antista, and Henry Gilbert a...
38m Oct 31, 2016
38m
Retronauts Episode 77: The History of Video Game Censorship
Like every type of media still in its early years, gaming is viewed (by some) as a world-destroying force bent on stealing our time and warping our innocent minds. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Henry Gilbert and Mikel Reparaz as the crew traces how our anxieties over this new form of entertainment have caused society to push back and demand sometimes-hilarious c...
1hr 39m Oct 25, 2016
1hr 39m
Retronauts Reminder: Come See Us in Portland this Weekend!
Hey folks, we'll be in Portland this coming weekend for the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, and a special afterparty at QuarterWorld! Here's all the info you need: Our panel: We'll be celebrating Retronauts' 10th anniversary with a PRGE panel on Sunday, October 23 at 3:00pm in Auditorium B. (Click here for the full schedule.) The afterparty: Join us after the panel from 8:00pm - 10:00pm for a party...
1m Oct 19, 2016
1m
Retronauts Micro 049: Elevator Action II
Jeremy muses over one of the greatest arcade games of all time: Taito's oddly out-of-time cooperative shooter, Elevator Action II (Elevator Action Returns if you're nasty). Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
13m Oct 17, 2016
13m
Retronauts Episode 76: Preserving Game Ephemera
Game preservation advocates Frank Cifaldi, Mike Mika, and Steve Lin of The Video Game History Foundation discuss the challenges and obsessions that drive the search for and archiving of the information and materials surrounding the classics. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, ...
1hr 25m Oct 10, 2016
1hr 25m
Retronauts Micro 048: 8-Bit Superhero Sampler - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman
After a month, the Retronauts Micro 8-Bit Superhero Sampler continues with a discussion of two NES games that aren't quite as abominable as the ones featured in our last installment: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman. On this extra-extra-long episode, join Bob Mackey, Chris Antista, Henry Gilbert, and special guest Chris Baker as the crew extolls the virtues of underwater bomb disposal, a...
52m Oct 03, 2016
52m
Retronauts Episode 75: Punch-Out!!
While the majority of us nostalgia-heads remember Punch-Out!! most from its brief association with Mike Tyson, this humble little series has an interesting history outside of its noteworthiness as an all-time NES classic. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Chris Antista, and Dave Rudden as the crew explores the entire Punch-Out!! series, from its roots as a wannabe L...
1hr 31m Sep 26, 2016
1hr 31m
Retronauts Micro 047: Dragon Quest VII and the Slow Burn
Jeremy looks at how this classic RPG's 3DS remake compares to the unhappy reputation of the original version. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
14m Sep 19, 2016
14m
Retronauts Episode 74: Nintendo 64
Jared Petty joins Bob and Jeremy to contemplate the good and the bad of Nintendo's third home console, which launched 20 years ago this month. (Apologies for the audio defects in this episode — they didn't become apparent until we had finished recording.) Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few b...
1hr 39m Sep 12, 2016
1hr 39m
Retronauts Micro 046: 8-Bit Superhero Sampler - Superman and The Uncanny X-Men
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... some guy riding the subway! On this episode of Retronauts Micro, join Bob Mackey, Chris Antista, Henry Gilbert, and special guest Chris Baker as the crew dissects two of the earliest (and worst) superhero games the NES has to offer: Superman and The Uncanny X-Men. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more gr...
28m Sep 05, 2016
28m
Retronauts Episode 73: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Five years after making his hosting debut in Retronauts Live episode 17, Bob returns to the topic of the Super Nintendo to find out if there's anything new to say. Thankfully, a half-decade later, we're all a little older, and a little wiser--but mostly a little older. On this celebration of the SNES' 25th birthday, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and Capcom's Tim Turi tag along to sing the praise...
1hr 33m Aug 29, 2016
1hr 33m
Retronauts Micro 045: Tennis and Tetris for Game Boy
Bryan Ochalla joins in again for another in-depth dissection of the Game Boy library. This time we look at Nintendo's Tennis and the system's 800-lb. gorilla. Not, not Donkey Kong (DK's an ape, not a gorilla!) — I mean Tetris. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to...
35m Aug 22, 2016
35m
Retronauts Episode 72: Wonder Boy Vs. Adventure Island
Ray Barnholt joins Jeremy and Bob in an attempt to make sense of the bizarre lineage of SEGA's Wonder Boy, Hudson's Adventure Island, and the pronunciation of "Westone." It's 100 minutes of confusion! Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
1hr 40m Aug 15, 2016
1hr 40m
Retronauts Micro 044: Classic Game SFX Quizdown
On this episode of Retronauts Micro, join Bob Mackey, Chris Antista, and Henry Gilbert as your podcasting pals cast off the shackles of edutainment and bring you a mostly frivolous test of their classic game audio knowledge. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to o...
24m Aug 08, 2016
24m
Retronauts Episode 71: SimCity
In an era of high scores and game overs, Bay Area developer Will Wright's fascination with urban planning led to an experience completely unique to our medium: a video game with no win state. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Mikel Reparaz, and Kat Bailey as the crew traces the history of SimCity from its brilliant roots to its unfortunate decline, and ponder just h...
1hr 16m Aug 01, 2016
1hr 16m
Retronauts Micro 043: The Famicom Rainbow
Caitlin Oliver chats with Jeremy about gaming's most aesthetically pleasing collecting habit: Acquiring the full spectrum of Nintendo's multi-colored Japanese 8-bit cartridges. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
17m Jul 25, 2016
17m
Retronauts Episode 70: Final Fantasy I
Chris Kohler and Sam Claiborne join up for another single-game exploratory session, this time centered around the original Final Fantasy. More like Final FantasTIC, right??? Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
1hr 13m Jul 18, 2016
1hr 13m
Retronauts Micro 042: Shop Theme Mixtape
On this episode of Retronauts Micro, we return once again to the mixtape format for a small sampling of the catchiest shop themes in classic video games. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page! 2:50 - Pub Polka from Dragon Quest IX 4:18 - Shop Them...
12m Jul 11, 2016
12m
Retronauts Episode 69: EarthBound
The SNES RPG EarthBound might be considered a true cult classic, but its rise from critical flop to beloved masterpiece didn't happen overnight. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Michael Grimm, and Andrew Goldfarb as the crew tries to pin down what makes this Japanese take on Boomer-friendly Americana so special. OK desu ka? Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.co...
1hr 33m Jul 04, 2016
1hr 33m
Retronauts Micro 041: A Failed Game Boy Pilot
It's not really a Micro episode, but that's OK — it's not really Retronauts, either. Jeremy digs up a pilot episode for a Game Boy-centered podcast (costarring Game Boy superfan Bryan Ochalla) that ultimately never saw the light of day. In this standalone episode, we discuss the system's launch and day-one releases: Baseball, Alleyway, Yakuman, and of course Super Mario Land. Be sure to visit o...
1hr 6m Jun 27, 2016
1hr 6m
Retronauts Episode 68: Pac-Man
Steven Lin and Jaz Rignall join up to talk about Namco's all-time classic Pac-Man, as well as its spinoffs, sequels, and merchandizing. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
1hr 37m Jun 20, 2016
1hr 37m
Retronauts Micro 040: GamePro TV
Despite the fact that video games have been a household mainstay since the '80s, they've been mostly absent from TV programming until fairly recently. But before G4 emerged in 2002, there was GamePro TV: A short-lived, syndicated show from 1991 that existed as an extremely literal interpretation of the popular magazine. On this episode of Retronauts Micro, join Bob Mackey, Dave Rudden, Chris An...
36m Jun 13, 2016
36m
Retronauts Episode 67: Listener Mail 2016
Due to our erratic Retronauts recording schedule--a whole bunch of podcasts every three to four months--it's a lot harder than it used to be to respond to our fans in a timely manner. That's why, once per year, we sit down and pore over a selection of the best listener letters for the sake of a freewheeling, 90-minute discussion. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Mik...
1hr 45m Jun 06, 2016
1hr 45m
Retronauts Micro #039: Klonoa
Jeremy reminisces on the appeal of Namco's Klonoa, a PlayStation game whose existence defied the odds. Simple yet memorable, its ethereal atmosphere make it a timeless 32-bit creation. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more podcasts or whatever. And if you'd like to support the show, that can be arranged through our Patreon page.
13m May 30, 2016
13m
Retronauts Episode 66: Zelda on NES
Chris Kohler and Sam Claiborn join Jeremy and Bob to dive deep into a part of the Zelda series Retronauts has rarely touched on: The NES duo of The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more podcasts or whatever. And if you'd like to support the show, that can be arranged through our Patreon page.
1hr 41m May 23, 2016
1hr 41m
Retronauts Micro 038: Nick Arcade with Special Guests Laser Time
These days, we have YouTube, Twitch, and a variety of platforms to bring us endless footage of just about every game ever made, but kids who grew up in the '90s weren't so lucky. Despite our prehistoric existence, though, we at least had the short-lived game show, Nick Arcade, which gave a nation of cable TV viewers nothing but pure gaming action for roughly 23% of its running time. On this epi...
36m May 16, 2016
36m
Retronauts Episode 65: Resident Evil
Sorry to make you feel old, but Resident Evil turns 20 this year. And since we games journalists can't help but be obsessed with anniversaries that end in a 0 or a 5, it's only natural that we record a Retronauts retrospective on this rich subject. On this episode, listen in as Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, and guest Dave Rudden explore the first three Resident Evil games and their surprisingly co...
1hr 29m May 09, 2016
1hr 29m
Retronauts Micro 037: Little Samson
A look back at, to our knowledge, the final legacy ofMegaMancreator Akira Kitamura: The overlooked andoverpricedNESplatformer Little Samson. Be sure to visit our blog atRetronauts.com, and checkout our partner site, USgamer,for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks ourway, head on over to our Patreon page!
11m May 02, 2016
11m
Retronauts Episode 64: Dracula X
Dan Adelman joins Jeremy and Bob to discuss one of the true treasures of the '90s: The Castlevania series' transformative duology, Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night. Enough talk, have at you! Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
1hr 42m Apr 25, 2016
1hr 42m
Retronauts: Live At Midwestern Gaming Classic 2016
Jeremy and Bob hit the mean streets of Milwaukee to talk about the SEGA Master System on the eve of its 30th anniversary. Featuring special SEGA expert guests Greg Sewart and Dylan Cornelius. Special thanks to 249 Studios for the live recording! Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our w...
1hr 34m Apr 18, 2016
1hr 34m
Retronauts Micro 036: 16-Bit RPG Town Mixtape
On this calm and soothing episode of Retronauts Micro, join host Bob Mackey for a sampling of the best 16-bit RPG town themes in all creation. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com, and check out our partner site, USgamer, for more great stuff. And if you'd like to send a few bucks our way, head on over to our Patreon page!
17m Apr 11, 2016
17m
Retronauts Episode 63: Pokemon
Nothing may feel more like those simpler times of the late '90s than Pokemon, but Nintendo's monster-collecting phenomenon managed to stick in there for two whole decades by staying true to its roots. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Henry Gilbert and Kat Bailey as the crew explores the last twenty years of Game Freak's zillion-dollar franchise. (Disclaimer: Please...
1hr 43m Apr 04, 2016
1hr 43m