Shows
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter170 - Elements of the Rhythm NationIn the distant past of 2021, our panel on Rhythm Encounter 74 chose songs based around eight elements of their choosing. Today we follow up on this elemental idea, but focused on four core elements of water, earth, fire, and air. With each element represented by two people, we compare and contrast each others' approaches. Where could we take the concept next? Let us know!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Matt Wardell, Audra Bowling; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episodeRhythm Encounter 74 - It's Elemental, My Dear WattsThirsty Suitors Game dev tries re-enacting...
2025-11-251h 44
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter169 - Electro-Bangers Galore!Throughout the planning for this episode, we jokingly used the term "Electro-Bangers," with credit to panelist Rob White, knowing full well we wouldn't use it in the end. But then we figured... why not? This episode is full of excellent electronic music and they are all bangers, so there you have it. Some are from places you'd expect like Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Stellar Blade, and Shin Megami Tensei V, but others may surprise you!We were also supposed to encourage you to revisit Rhythm Encounter 119 - RPG Dance Party, but since we all got too invested...
2025-11-101h 39
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter168 - Dear me, I was... Not Born Yet in 1995With another quarter come and gone, we reflect on the games and music released in the last three months to showcase some of our favorite discoveries! From new takes on classics, to brand new music IN classics, alongside straight up new games, there have been several notable happenings in RPG music. Check out our six picks, and don't miss the list of links for everything we considered in the show notes, since there are many worthwhile musical releases you won't want to miss.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Matt Wardell, Patrick Gann; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks...
2025-10-131h 34
RPGFan's Random Encounter331 - Silksong Will Be Released When Hades Freezes Over!On this week's Random Encounter, we're chatting about one of the biggest indie releases of the year!Boy, between Silksong and Hades II, September has been quite a month for indie games. Everyone here at RPGFan has been eagerly awaiting the full release of Hades II since its early release last year, and our patience has finally been rewarded! Zek and Matt are here to answer all of the big questions like: Is this highly anticipated sequel as good as the original Hades? What new gameplay mechanics has Supergiant Games brought to the table? And perhaps most...
2025-09-2957 min
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter167 - Naoshi Mizuta SpotlightToday we highlight a composer and games that don't often appear on the show. Naoshi Mizuta's music credits span 30 years, and much of that time has been with Square Enix leading the charge on Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack. That Final Fantasy XI, which launched in 2002 on PC and the PlayStation 2 (TWO!), is still running today is a feat in itself. But so are Mizuta's continued efforts to create music for it and many other games over that time. Today we feature several different types of FFXI tracks among other great works by this talented composer and arranger....
2025-09-222h 05
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter166 - Echoes of Eorzea: Final Fantasy XIVIt sure is weird to think that our last dedicated Final Fantasy XIV episode was almost four years ago, with Episode 69: What Moogle Wakes Me? Today, with a 75% different set of panelists, we return to "RPGFan's Favorite MMORPG" with selections from several of FFXIV's expansions, including fan favorites like Endwalker and Shadowbringers, up through 2024's Dawntrail. Join us as we adventure throughout Eorzea, The First, and beyond!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Mario Garcia, Matt Wardell, Wes Iliff; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episodeMisheard Lyrics: Alphascape v3.0 [O11] - YouTubeTracklist
2025-09-171h 53
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter165 - It's Wild Arms, Pardner!We last celebrated the beloved Wild Arms series in 2022's episode 93, where we paired its Western stylings with Shadow Hearts, in honor of the then-new Armed Fantasia/Penny Blood Kickstarter. Now, almost exactly three years later, we are talking exclusively about Wild Arms. This series of RPGs from Media.Vision and Sony featured a distinctive Wild West flair, with exciting soundtracks to boot.While there sadly have been no new games in the series since 2007's Wild Arms XF (unless you count Wild Arms: Million Memories and its less-than-two-year mobile game lifespan, which we aren't!), we still h...
2025-09-011h 45
RPGFan's Random Encounter329 - Come to the RPGFan Bazaar!On this week's Random Encounter, let's head to the bazaar and see what the RPGFan stall has in stock!First up, Niki is here to chat about Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar was a beloved entry in this long-running series on the Nintendo DS. Does this remake (with some updated branding) live up to the memories of the original?Then, Neal is here to share his thoughts about Quartet, a new retro-style JRPG from the developer of Shadows of Adam. While it looks like a pretty standard SNES JRPG on...
2025-08-251h 02
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter164 - Sean Schafianski: The SequelIt's been almost exactly 11 years to the day since we last welcomed video game arranger, producer, and saxophonist Sean Schafianski onto Rhythm Encounter, so it's long past time we had him on again! With a string of excellent new arrangement albums throughout last year and this year, there's so much to talk about. From his work on Jazz Arrange Version: Chrono Cross to a 3 "disc" full remaster arrangement of Final Fantasy VI and so much more that even two hours only covered so much of it!But it was a great conversation with music you don't want...
2025-08-181h 52
RPGFan's Random Encounter328 - The Phantom X MenaceOn this week's Random Encounter, we're discussing a mobile-based gacha spinoff of a beloved JRPG and a Wii U classic that has finally made its way to a modern console!Persona 5 has more than its share of spinoffs, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, and Persona 5 Tactica, and now there is a new game to add to the list: Persona 5: The Phantom X. This mobile and PC game is a full-fledged JRPG, but one with dozens of gacha mechanics in the way of a smooth gameplay experience. Was Audra able to get over these...
2025-08-1159 min
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter163 - Princes, Expeditions, Dating, the 1980s, and MoreCall it spring, some spring and some summer, or the most accurate but boring moniker, "Q2 2025," but the second quarter of this year saw the release of some VERY musically important titles in RPGFan's coverage. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looms over everything in the RPG space for this time period, there were many notable other releases that also deserve your time, from RPGs to adventure games and visual novels.Oh, and classic RPG fans, just for the record, Mike would have included a song in honor of the overdue release of the Super Mario RPG (Remake + SNES...
2025-08-0458 min
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter162 - A Very Nintendo SummerThe Switch 2 is here! Is what we would have opened with had this episode gone up on time. Still, Nintendo's latest is the newest console on the market and it's doing pretty well, so we gathered up some fans of Nintendo music for this one. To try something new and to celebrate a wider range of Nintendo music history, each panelist was allowed to choose one non-RPG song, which resulted in a great episode of both expected and unexpected musical choices.Even branching out like this barely scratches the surface of Nintendo's long music history, but we...
2025-07-202h 13
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter161 - Mobile RPG Music MedleySay what you want about your average mobile game, but there are a growing number of great RPGs you can play on your phone. Sure, some have hostile gacha mechanics, and many of the best get shut down eventually, but the care, budget, attention, and talent that goes into some mobile RPG soundtracks is no less than their console or PC brethren. In some cases, it's even tragic (or tragedic...) that we may only have a collection of music to remember some games by. So join us today as we cover a bunch of music for games that rarely...
2025-07-071h 44
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter160 - Foliage Ocean: The Second StoryIt's been nearly nine years since we published our first episode about RPG forest music, so it is high time we revisited the topic! Forest music comes in several varieties, from contemplative to mysterious, upbeat to foreboding, and many more. Today's long-awaited episode covers RPG music with a real range, both in terms of styles but also in that the games span many years, between 1995 and 2022! Give it a listen and let us know what some of your favorite forest music is.Also, an important note to our listeners: We apologize for the delay in publishing this...
2025-06-231h 46
RPGFan's Retro Encounter462 - Deus Ex RetroSpectiveWe always love to celebrate birthdays here at Retro Encounter, and one of our all-time favourite RPGs/immersive sims has a big one coming up! Deus Ex is turning 25 years old! In honour of this momentous occasion, we've assembled a panel of fans to chat about each entry in the series. Whether you're a fan of the original Deus Ex, the two more recent games Human Revolution or Mankind Divided, or maybe even Invisible War, we have you covered in this retrospective. Oh, and don't forget to check out the brand-new retro reviews of each game on...
2025-06-191h 47
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter159 - Press Start Again: More RPG Title Screen MusicRPG title screens bear a heavy burden. They're one of the first things we see in a game, making them one of the best places to leave a strong first impression. And often, a key component of that is the music. Several years ago, we highlighted eight standout title screen tracks in episode 71, and today, with a new panel, we're highlighting eight more! Come in and enjoy the music of several games you may know and some you likely don't. Welcome Matt to his first episode, and learn why there's an Elvis song in our links below, in this...
2025-04-291h 55
RPGFan's Random Encounter321 - Lunar Eternal Blue PrinceOn this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX!First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the shifting rooms of this puzzling mansion. Does it live up to its inspirations like Outer Wilds and Riven?And then, Zach is here to chat about a series very near and...
2025-04-2159 min
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter158 - Winter 2025: Pirates, Urban Myths, Magnolias, and MoreContinuing our new run of quarterly new music updates is our first episode for 2025, and it's a truly notable start. We have a range of new music today, from well composed soundtracks that play homage to earlier console generations to new projects from popular Minecraft composer C418. We also continue to take our definition of music from a certain timeframe liberally and even have music for a game that doesn't exist (anymore). May these episodes help you learn more about new game music releases, and we'll be ready for more next quarter!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff...
2025-03-311h 12
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter157 - Visual Novel SoundscapesIt's visual novel day at Rhythm Encounter! Following one of the quickest sign-up processes ever for our show, four visual novel fans have come together to share thoughts on the music of eight visual novels, but they discuss so many more in the process. We all quickly learned that this topic will have to make an appearance again because the well of inspiration is so very deep. But for today, listen as our panel digs in to Suikogaiden, Ever17, YU-NO, and much more!Featuring: Patrick Gann, Neal Chandran, Audra Bowling, Gio Castillo; Edited by Mike Salbato
2025-03-182h 03RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter156 - (Xenoblade) X Gon' Give It To YaXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is almost here, so what better time to dive into this musically fascinating "side" tale from 2015? Many fans were surprised that the first Xenoblade Chronicles was not followed by a "2" (though that happened later), but by Xenoblade Chronicles X. The name and looks alone made it clear this was a different beast: XCX features some now-familiar Xenoblade components and scale, but the more "worldly" nature of its story outside of the "main" plot thread was almost as divisive as its soundtrack to some players.When your first game features music by Yoko...
2025-03-061h 35
RPGFan's Random Encounter316 - Canadian EncounterOn this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian!For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you might not realize they are Canadian at first glance. But don't worry because our panel is here to let you in on our maple-scented secrets.Steph is ready to virtually chat about 1000xResist, a 2024 GOTY contender from Vancouver-based...
2025-02-191h 31RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter155 - Music of the Year 2024: Part IIIt's time for more of 2024's best RPG music! In the last episode, we featured nine excellent songs from last year, and today we return with Part II, bringing nine more tracks! Look for some Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Flowstone Saga, a double dose of Stellar Blade, and more! Scarlet Moon's Jayson Napolitano joins us to share some of his picks as well, so don't miss out.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Patrick Gann, Jayson Napolitano; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episodeScarlet Moon Interview: Visions of...
2025-02-171h 49RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter154 - Music of the Year 2024: Part IIt's time for Music of the Year! 2024 was absolutely stacked with game releases. Some even felt it was one of the all-time best years in gaming. And the side effect of a year filled with excellent games means a year of excellent soundtracks. For this annual special, we let each panelist bring on three songs. Even so, how did we pick just nine today? It wasn't easy.2024 being such a great year for RPG music meant that one episode could not contain our Music of the Year celebrations, so we have split it into two back-to-back episodes...
2025-02-102h 03
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter153 - Build Your Own RPG Soundtrack: Hard ModeAlmost exactly a year ago, four panelists came together to build a soundtrack to an imaginary RPG out of 8 fragments of other RPGs. Today, we're doing it again, except our "Hard Mode" rules dictate that we must choose songs from our source games with different use cases. So our Town Theme could be anything except another game's town theme, and so on. What kind of RPG will we assemble this time? Find out with us!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Gio Castillo, Lucas Greene; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episodeRhythm Encounter 126...
2025-01-271h 55
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter152 - New Year, New MusicBetween our recent milestone of 150 episodes and the start of a new year, we will have some fun changes coming to Rhythm Encounter, starting with this episode. New games and music release all the time that don't always fit with our episode themes. Starting today, we will release a "new music" episode every few months to spotlight the latest in RPG music. These episodes will typically be a shorter listen with a smaller panel, featuring 6–8 songs each. Today, Mike and Hilary highlight Metaphor: ReFantazio, Ys X: Nordics, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and more!Featuring: Mike Sa...
2025-01-131h 01
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter151 - Slay the Princess with Composer Brandon BooneWARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for Slay the Princess, so listen at your own risk if you have not yet played the game!Every now and again at Rhythm Encounter, we have the chance to bring on a special musical guest. For today’s episode, RPGFan Music editor Patrick Gann sits down with Brandon Boone, composer for the indie visual novel hit Slay the Princess. The interview includes Brandon’s insights and reflections on the process of building the game’s score from the ground up, then expanding the soundtrack for its newer form, The Pristine Cut. B...
2024-12-301h 33RPGFan's Random Encounter312 - RPGFan’s Most Anticipated Games of 2025In our final Random Encounter of 2024, we’re diving into the games we’re most excited to play in 2025!Every December, RPGFan unveils one of our biggest features: a list of the most anticipated games for the year ahead. What better way to close out 2024 than by joining our panel on Random Encounter to celebrate the titles we’re excited for as we count down to the new year?From Avowed to the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, it's time to spread the spirit of the season by sharing our excitement for what 2025 has in...
2024-12-231h 50
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter150 - Name That (RPG) TuneRetro Encounter can't be the only one making quiz show episodes. Rhythm Encounter had to get in on the action to celebrate our 150th episode milestone! Which of course means making our contestants identify songs, composers, and more across five themed rounds. Who will triumph? Feel free to play along too and see how you do! We had enough fun with this one that we don't want to wait another 150 episodes to bring it back. But for now, put your quiz show hats on (those are a thing, right?), make some guesses, and ring in 150 episodes with us!
2024-12-211h 48
RPGFan's Retro Encounter448 - Dragon Quest III Part IILife is like a hurricane / Here in TownburgDragon Quest III's open-ended exploration and high-stakes story comes to a conclusion for our four intrepid panelists, who struggled through volcanoes, ghosts, and unchecked capitalism to obtain the six orbs and take on Dragon Quest III's final run of antagonists. Surprise reunions, incredible series-wide callbacks, and version comparisons all enter the discussion in the latest episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Wes Illiff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriG...
2024-12-191h 25RPGFan's Retro Encounter447 - Dragon Quest III Part IThe more Dragon Quest changes, the more Dragon Quest stays the same. A podcast episode appears! Dragon Quest III was a blockbuster success in Japan in 1988, and its nonlinear progression, fun job system, and spirit of adventure influenced every Dragon Quest game to come. DQ3 also has a shiny new 2024 HD-2D remaster, and today on Retro Encounter different panelists play the NES 1988 and 2024 versions to compare, contrast, and celebrate this landmark Japanese RPG. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Wes Illiff, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending mu...
2024-12-121h 15
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter149 - RPG Music Origin StoriesWe all have origin stories about how we got into RPGs (several of us shared them almost six years ago in this feature!), so today our panel discusses music origins — what RPGs attuned us to the RPG music scene or otherwise elevated our senses and made us take notice. For some of us, this dates back to the days of the NES, and sometimes our awakening happened during the days of the GameCube. Whenever these songs hail from, they each hold a special place in our hearts.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Wes Iliff, Gio Castillo, Rob White; Edited by...
2024-12-021h 50
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter148 - Tales of RhythmWe're no strangers to game series-themed episodes on Rhythm Encounter, such as our Mario RPGs or Dragon Quest shows. Now, it's time for the Tales series! Bandai Namco's long-running series turns 30 next year, and the mainline series alone contains 17 games (or 18 depending on which ones you count). That's more than enough material to showcase on an episode, wouldn't you say? Join our panel as we talk about the oldest, newest, and several Tales games in between, and listen to music by the venerable Motoi Sakuraba and company.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited b...
2024-11-181h 54
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter147 - Woodwind QuartetIt's been awhile since our last instrument spotlight, so in this episode, we're sharing some favorite RPG songs featuring woodwinds, like flutes, ocarinas, and more! Whether it's the incredibly moving sounds of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the adventurous Dark Cloud 2, or Final Fantasy III's Maiden of Water, we have a lot to cover, so join us on this lovely journey, won't ya?Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel; Edited by Paul DennisLinks for this episodeWhat is a zurna?TracklistCalming Melodies0:09:48 - Village of the Elw (Michiko Naruke...
2024-11-041h 50
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter146 - Spooky Edition 2024Somehow it's been four years since Rhythm Encounter's last Halloween episode, back in 2020's episode 56. Well, it's time we rectified that. A sequel to that episode and a spiritual successor to our previous episode about the works of Michiru Yamane, our panel dug into our gaming experiences to find music for the most spooky time of year. You'll find one of Pokémon's most iconic themes, and everything from old PC adventures to SNES, PS4, and more. If you need some tunes while carving pumpkins, or you're baking some Halloween treats... well, first of all, send us some. But e...
2024-10-211h 45
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter145 - Nocturnes & Counterpoint: Michiru YamaneWe are at the beginning of "spooky season," and while this isn't (yet) our Halloween episode, October is a fine time to shine a spotlight on composer Michiru Yamane, known in our parts for her excellent work on the Castlevania and Suikoden series. That means some games you may expect, but definitely some you wouldn't, from this talented composer. So dim the lights, summon your favorite fairy companion, and get ready.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Audra Bowling, Patrick Gann; Edited by Paul DennisTracklistCome See the Softer Side of... Oh0:06:45...
2024-10-071h 42
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter144 - Inspiring RPGs FTWThere are countless reasons we play and love RPGs, and often those that become our favorites have powerful stories and characters. But pitting your party against often overwhelming odds requires inspirational music for the optimal effect. In this episode we share both music and RPGs that have inspired US in turn, whether it's through bombastic battle music or lively energy. What RPG soundtracks inspire you? Let us know!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Lucas Greene, Tin Manuel, Rob White; Edited by Paul DennisTracklistFamiliar Territory0:05:52 - Weight of the World - Prelude Version (Keiichi...
2024-09-231h 53
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter143 - Lo-fi for RPG Fans (Only)With fall (or autumn, if you prefer) around the corner for many of us, it feels like a good time for relaxing music. While we did a pair of episodes focused on relaxing RPG music about four years ago (see Episode 54 and Episode 55), this time, RPGFan's biggest lo-fi fans got together to listen and chat about lo-fi RPG music. Sometimes these are straight from games, but often they come from the incredible community of independent musicians and arrangers. We have both of these and more covered today, to put on your favorite comfy Lofi Girl merch and chill out...
2024-09-092h 02RPGFan's Retro Encounter426 - Dark Souls Part ILet's praise the sun! Doo-doo-doo-dooThe Dark Souls of RPGFan podcasts has finally arrived! Dark Souls is one of the most celebrated RPGs of the 2010s, helping to establish an entire new genre of RPG. Today, one Dark Souls newcomer and four Souls-like veterans discuss this challenging, carefully-crafted RPG, from its interconnected setting to the intense boss fights of Dark Souls's first half. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Aleks Franiczek, Dom Kim, Ben Love; Edited by Paul DennisOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:R...
2024-07-181h 21RPGFan's Retro Encounter425 - RPGFan Quiz Show VI: Contest of ChampionsThere can only be one. Since time immemorial (May of 2019), Retro Encounter has hosted quiz shows to determine which Retro Encounter panelist knows the most about the subject we celebrate every day on our beloved website. Today, five former RPGFan quiz show winners duke it out in a trivia free-for-all to determine who is the true Champion of Champions. We've started, so we'll finish. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Patrick Gann, Alana Hagues, Wes Iliff, Tyler Trosper, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles Morkri
2024-07-111h 09
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter138 - City Poppin'Almost exactly a year ago, we published a fun episode on jazz and funk RPG music. Today we are back with a spiritual sequel, talking about jazz, funk, but especially city pop. All our tracks in this episode represent one or more of these genres, but all are excellent listens. So sit back and listen to some great tunes from the likes of Shin Megami Tensei NINE, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, space casinos, jazz-loving parents, and much more!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff, Gio Castillo, Tin Manuel; Edited by Paul DennisLinks for...
2024-07-021h 49
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter135 - Super Mario RPGsIt's-a-us, the Rhythm Encounter crew! With the impending launch of the remaster for the beloved sequel, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, we decided it was high time to talk about Mario's illustrious RPG career. Starting with 1996's Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and extending through the Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario games, the idea of a Mario-based RPG went from an unheard of collaboration between Nintendo and then-Squaresoft to multiple styles of games across several generations of consoles. And, as it turns out, incredibly talented composers are attached to every game's soundtrack. So strap on your...
2024-05-201h 38RPGFan's Retro Encounter411 - Musou EncounterWarriors! Come out and play~~~Omega Force, a subsidiary of Koei Tecmo, has made a name for itself over the past 25 years with dozens of entries into its Musou series, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors in particular. Today, a Retro Encounter panel discusses Musou's origins as historical sims, its litany of different series, and its later evolution as a video game sub-genre Today, the larger Omega Force family includes Musou entries for Zelda, Dragon Quest, Persona, and many other beloved video game and anime series. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra B...
2024-04-041h 14RPGFan's Retro Encounter410 - Final Fantasy IV Part III’ll see you on the dark side of the moon. Retro Encounter sees Final Fantasy IV through to its logical conclusion, from journeys to the center of the earth to heartbreaking family reunions, then, Alice, you’re going to the moon. Four Retro Encounter panelists talk the second half of Final Fantasy IV, including the changes made to the Pixel Remaster and Nintendo DS versions. Lali Ho! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Lucas Greene, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music...
2024-03-281h 31
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter130 - RPG Safe SpacesWhile RPGs have no shortage of high-energy moments requiring intense strategizing, quick reflexes, or simply a box of tissues for the more emotional moments, it's important to have downtime between those to balance everything out. This episode is about "safe spaces" in RPGs, and our panelists did not always choose the kinds of song we expected of one another. We enjoyed hearing the various ways each of us wanted to represent safe spaces through a variety of musical means, and we'd love to hear your favorite music in this vein as well!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Audra Bowling...
2024-03-252h 03RPGFan's Retro Encounter409 - Final Fantasy IV Part II am not my Dark Knight’s keeperFinal Fantasy IV is a 1991 RPG full of colorful characters and high drama. But how does it hold up after 33 years of perspective? Four Retro Encounter panelists who grew up (separately) playing Final Fantasy IV give the classic SNES RPG another look (together), discussing everything from the opening cutscenes to Kain’s second betrayal. Or is it his third betrayal? Eventually you lose count. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Lucas Greene, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiOpe...
2024-03-211h 20RPGFan's Retro Encounter408 - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth SpoilercastThe real Infinite Wealth was the friends we made along the way. Ichiban Kasuga returns in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku 8 in Japanese), teaming up with former Like a Dragon protagonist Kazuma Kiryu in a wild turn-based open-world RPG set in both Japan and Hawaii. Four RPGFan staff, all of whom highly anticipated Infinite Wealth prior to its release in January, are ready to bring all of their thoughts and feelings into the Sujimon Arena, from the worst marriage proposal of all time to our heroes trading final battles. No need t...
2024-03-142h 05RPGFan's Retro Encounter406 - Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Part IIIf I could turn back time / If I could find a wayFour RPGFan staff played through Dragon Quest XI this month, and it left them full of feelings. But were those feelings satisfying or wanting? How did they find DQ11’s notorious third act? Spoiler alert: this is a wonderful video game, despite what other RPGFan podcast hosts might say. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Wes Iliff, Tin Manuel; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet...
2024-02-291h 17
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter128 - Compilation of Final Fantasy VIIDo we at RPGFan like Final Fantasy VII? Off course! That's why we're ready for…a reunion of tracks from across the expansive (and still growing) FFVII universe. The timing here is intentional to celebrate the fantastic music associated with FFVII as we all get ready to enjoy Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Join our panel of savvy veterans and one newcomer SOLDIER: First Class news editor as we celebrate our favorite music from this (sub-)series in all its iterations and, of course, fight against Shinra. We hope these tracks will get you ready to battle on!Fe...
2024-02-272h 08RPGFan's Retro Encounter404 - The Dragon of DojimaRock the DragonKazuma Kiryu starred in at least a dozen video games in the last eighteen years and experienced a remarkable fictional life. In today’s podcast, two of RPGFan’s most enthusiastic Like a Dragon advocates examine the life and times of the Dragon of Dojima, as part of Retro Encounter’s Year of the Dragon celebrations. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RPGFan.com...
2024-02-151h 07
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter125 - Long Time Listener, First Time CallerTo celebrate the new year, we put together a special episode before we return to our regularly scheduled topics, with a short episode full of music dedications. We were inspired by the idea of radio DJs who take listener calls and offer up dedications on air, so we polled the RPGFan staff, asking them for songs and written dedications to read on the episode. We both offered some of our own as well, so we hope you enjoy everyone's heartfelt messages and musical choices.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Paul Dennis
2024-01-021h 04RPGFan's Random Encounter285 - RPGFan's Most Anticipated Games of 2024On the final 2023 episode of Random Encounter, we're chatting about all the games we're excited about that are coming in 2024!At the end of December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: our most anticipated games expected to come out next year. And that means a chance to get together on Random Encounter to have a year-end freak out about all the games that will inevitably be added to our backlogs! 2023 was a banner year for gaming, but will 2024 follow in its footsteps? From Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth...
2023-12-262h 20RPGFan's Random Encounter280 - The All-Star Lineup in RPGFan's GOTY Bracket BattleOn this week’s Random Encounter, Zach steps in as your host to guide us through RPGFan’s 25th-anniversary special, Revisiting RPGFan Games of the Year: Bracket Battle. Joining Zach are Audra, Jimmy, and Aleks, each bringing their own perspectives on what makes a Game of the Year truly deserving of the title. But the final choice of the best GOTY in 25 years doesn’t lie with them; it lies with you!So, tune in and get ready to cast your votes. After all, the ultimate GOTY is in your hands.Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franic...
2023-10-161h 22RPGFan's Retro Encounter384 - Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter Part IDon't be a D-Ratio. Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter doesn't want you to have an easy time. A remarkable blend of PS2 visuals, tactical combat, rogue-like elements, and horror atmosphere set to a Hitoshi Sakimoto soundtrack, the fifth game in Capcom's signature turn-based RPG series is as unique as it is challenging. Three RPGFan staff of various experience levels tackled Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter with open minds and full hearts this week, but how do they feel? Listen and learn! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Aleks Franiczek, Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening...
2023-09-211h 01RPGFan's Retro Encounter381 - Disco Elysium Part IITime to go work on Retro Encounter!We're back with our discussion of the second half of Disco Elysium. This week we dive into some of our favorite late-game side quests, go over our favorite conversations with our neckties, and discuss the fabulously strange ending.Did we get Kim to like us? Do we continue to be a disaster cop? Are Phasmids real? Listen in to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles Morkri...
2023-08-241h 58RPGFan's Retro Encounter380 - Disco Elysium Part IThis is the face of a late-stage Retro Encounter enthusiast.This week we get together to discuss a game inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, despite a complete lack of any dungeons or dragons: Disco Elysium. Listen in as we discuss the wild humor and politics of this strange, amazing video game, and find out just how many bad choices we can make while still solving a murder case.Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:
2023-08-101h 09RPGFan's Retro Encounter378 - Final Fantasy VI Part IILife... Dreams... Hope... Where do they come from? A new episode of Retro Encounter of course, that's where!We're back this week to dive into the second, more ruinous half of Final Fantasy VI. After the relatively structured and straightforward pacing of the first half, the latter portions of Final Fantasy VI are certainly much more open, and quite a revelation when the game released.Is the second half still as interesting as it was all those years ago? Did we recruit everyone? Who makes the right choice and turns off encounters while climbing Cultists...
2023-07-131h 31RPGFan's Retro Encounter377 - Final Fantasy VI Part IThink a "podcast" like ours could help you out in your quest?In honor of the recent release of Final Fantasy XVI, we got a few of our panelists together to play through the SNES classic Final Fantasy VI. Some of us have played it a million times, some of us are just running through it for the first, and we chat about everything from the story to the combat to that music.Who is the best character? How does the combat hold up? Did we all suplex the train? Listen in to find out!
2023-06-291h 32
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter110 - Melodious May Music (in June)We interrupt the expected "Musical RPGs" episode with a quick listen to some recent music, just as we did earlier in the year with episode 101. With new Zelda and Final Fantasy XIV music that came our way in May, Mike had to share those. But there's several other notable indie projects to share too, so enjoy what we're listening to, and let us know what's been in your ears lately!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Hilary Andreff; Edited by Jono LoganLinks for this episodeRetro Encounter 183 - Ys: The Oath in Felghana Part I...
2023-06-051h 37RPGFan's Retro Encounter375 - Lost Odyssey Part IIIts gifts were mixed with good and evil both.This week we bring our panelists back together to discuss to discuss the second half of Lost Odyssey. While were were all pretty positive on the first half, some of us really like the latter portions, and some of us really don't.Did we do all the sidequests? Do the excellent short stories make up for the middling narrative? Are the environments still so very brown? Listen in to find out!(Editor's Note - While the host indicates this is Episode 374, the correct number...
2023-06-011h 17RPGFan's Retro Encounter374 - Lost Odyssey Part IOkay it might not be called Final Fantasy XIII, but...This week on Retro Encounter, three first-timers get together to discuss Mistwalker's Xbox 360 cult classic Lost Odyssey. It certainly has some big names behind it, and we want to find out if it lives up to the previous works of the masters.How does it hold up? How brown can one game get? Does the turn-based combat work this time around? Listen to find out!Featuring: Peter Triezenberg, Aleks Franiczek, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening and ending music by...
2023-05-181h 13RPGFan's Retro Encounter373 - Octopath Traveler II SpoilercastThou shalleth listenen to thisen episode.Luckily, you won't hear any conversations about broken Early Modern English, because this time we're not talking about the original. Instead, we have a spoiler filled chat about Octopath Traveler II, a sequel that our panel loved even more than the first game.How does the game look? What about that combat? Oh, the music has to be good. What about any funny accents? Listen in to this week's episode to find out!Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Patrick Gann, Alana Hagues; Edited by Zach WilkersonOpening...
2023-05-042h 11
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter108 - Hitoshi Sakimoto: Person of Musical CaliberWhether you know him from his legendary work on Final Fantasy Tactics or elsewhere, odds are you at least know composer Hitoshi Sakimoto's name. And while he often gets talked about for his work in those Ivalice titles like FFT, Final Fantasy XII, and Vagrant Story, Sakimoto has worked on a fascinating variety of game soundtracks, dating back to 1988!As fascinating as it is that he worked on music for Radiant Silvergun and Gradius V, today we are, of course, discussing Sakimoto's music in RPGs, including four new-to-Rhythm Encounter game debuts. There are sure to be some...
2023-05-012h 05RPGFan's Retro Encounter372 - Persona 4 Golden RevisitedIt's time to make history!This week, we're revisiting one of our favorites: Persona 4 Golden. After all, with the new release on modern consoles and Wes' glowing review for us at RPGFan, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to revisit some of our old friends.But there's an even better reason we're revisiting this classic! We're also joined by special guest, and friend of the podcast, Alex from Backlog Battle, to talk about everything that makes the game special to them, too.Does the game still hold up? Is Kanji still the best...
2023-04-201h 31
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter106 - Rhythm de ChocoboIn preparation for April Fool's Day, someone at RPGFan suggested we finally tackle a long-standing idea: a joke episode that features only chocobo music from Final Fantasy. We loved the idea, but then a funny thing happened — a perfectly normal episode celebrating Nobuo Uematsu's iconic theme and its many, many iterations over the years. The idea was funny, but we love this little ditty too much for our praise to be anything but sincere. So gas up your chocobo with some greens and let's go!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Jono Logan, Patrick Gann, Ben Schuster; Edited by Jono Lo...
2023-04-031h 58
RPGFan's Retro Encounter370 - Like A Dragon: Ishin! Part IKamurocho has nothing on the mean streets of 1860s Kyo. Ryu Ga Gotoku: Ishin! was probably a lost cause to most fans of the Like A Dragon / Yakuza series, but Sega shocked everyone last year with the announcement of a full remake of the 2014 historical fiction samurai drama to arrive in February of 2023. RPGFan had at least four panelists eager to play it, so they gathered here to form their own Shinsengumi to discuss the swordplay, writing, performances, and historical context of the Ishin! remake. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Gio Castillo, Jono Logan, Nick Mangiaracina; Edited by...
2023-03-231h 21
RPGFan's Retro Encounter369 - Our Off-Brand ObsessionsAll RPGs and no fighting games makes Jack a dull boy. We don't *solely* play RPGs here at RPGFan, and today is exactly the podcast to express that. Four RPGFan panelists discuss a few of their favorite games that can't be classified as RPGs with even the most liberal interpretation of the term, from crossover fighters to atmospheric horror to block puzzles to epic bug sagas. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Tom Cox, Ben Love, Nick Mangiaracina; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:...
2023-03-161h 29RPGFan's Retro Encounter367 - RPGFan Had a FarmE-I-E-I-oh boy I almost went to bed without watering the corn. Oh, hello. On today's Retro Encounter, we're breaking out the farm equipment and digging into the ever-growing farm simulation genre. Many of them overlap with RPGs, especially as modern games have expanded their systems beyond crops, animals, and relationships, offering combat systems and more. Of course we talked about Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons and Stardew Valley, but we covered much more ground in discussing how we all got our start, what we are playing now, and some farming games we're looking forward to. Saddle up!...
2023-03-031h 58RPGFan's Retro Encounter360 - Year of the PokémonWild PODCAST appeared! The 12 months from November 19th, 2021 to November 18th, 2022 were monumental for the most popular RPG franchise in the world. The Pokémon Company had three major releases in that timespan, with a set of remakes, a groundbreaking prequel, and a new pair of flagship games. In today's Retro Encounter, four panelists discuss Pokémon's remarkable year: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Tom Cox, Niki Fakhoori, Anthony Krolikowski; Edited by Anthony KrolikowskiOpening and ending music by Miles Morkr...
2023-01-121h 10
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter100 - Return of the KingsRhythm Encounter launched its first episode in February 2013. Nearly ten years later and after some changes in leadership and a multi-year break, we have hit a milestone with our 100th episode! We decided early last year that we wanted to celebrate this occasion by inviting back our show's founders, Stephen Meyerink and Derek Heemsbergen. Their love of music birthed a (wow, this is getting weird, but...) podcast to celebrate RPG music, and we carry on to this day based on their vision.Since leaving RPGFan, Stephen and Derek have excelled in their careers in localization, but still...
2023-01-092h 36RPGFan's Retro Encounter359 - RPGFan's Guide to Style"If fashion were easy, wouldn't everybody look great?"Today, Retro Encounter channels their inner Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn and discusses a few of the best and worst clothing choices made by RPG characters. What Persona character wore it best? Who has the best Mass Effect space suit? What oldschool accessories need to make a comeback? And what's Link's worst outfit ever worn? All of these questions asked and answered in the most fashion-forward ever episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Mario Garcia, Stephanie Sybydlo; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening a...
2023-01-051h 29
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter99 - Music of the Year 2022It's that time of year! A time of both reflection and celebration of 2022's best RPG music, and we had no shortage of great options this year. From major titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to long-awaited releases like the LIVE A LIVE HD-2D remake, to indie titles like Chained Echoes and Citizen Sleeper, our five panelists today had some tough choices narrowing down their picks.Because Music of the Year is a time to celebrate, we have a bigger-than-usual panel today, and each person got to pick one extra song compared to regular episodes, giving you sixteen w...
2022-12-262h 38RPGFan's Random Encounter257 - RPGFan's Most Anticipated Games of 2023On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about the games we're most excited about in 2023!Each and every December, RPGFan publishes one of the year's biggest features: a look ahead at the upcoming year. And this week on the show, our panel gets to geek out over it! What games do we think will be delayed? What games do we think are going to be disappointments? And what games will end up eating months of our lives? Find out in this week's episode! Featuring: Jono Logan, Tom Cox, Sam-James Gordon, Tin M...
2022-12-191h 46
RPGFan's Retro Encounter352 - Mass Effect 2I am the very model of a sci-fi shooter RPG! From Omega to Luna I'm the zenith and the apogee! 2010's Mass Effect 2 continues the story of Commander Shepard's quest to save the galaxy, but with new crew members, new benefactors, and way more planet scanning. An RPGFan away team discusses Mass Effect 2's villains-turned-allies, new alien cultures, and daring final mission in today's episode of Retro Encounter! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Jonathan Logan; Edited by Anthony KrolikowskiOpening and ending music by Miles MorkriGet in Touch:RP...
2022-11-171h 33
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter95 - Castlevania: Rhythm of the NightWhile our friends at Retro Encounter just wrapped a month of graphic adventures — and by extension, a month of games featuring wolves — we wanted to record a Halloween-appropriate episode. The gothic halls of Dracula's Castle are a popular spot for spooky adventure, and the Castlevania series is known for its excellent music. The Castlevania titles that RPGFan covers began with the legendary Symphony of the Night, and in many of our choices today, are scored by the talented Michiru Yamane. Join us for some vampire killing tunes, and we promise, no tricks are in store for you today; only trea...
2022-10-311h 31
RPGFan's Retro Encounter345 - Live A Live Part IILive (A Live) from the Middle Ages, it's Thursday night! Live A Live is an anthology RPG comprised of eight miniature stories that lead to a grand finale, and its 2022 remake gets three thumbs up from today's Retro Encounter panel. They discuss the tragic eighth chapter, as well as the twisted endgame which brings together seven triumphant heroes and one disgraced would-be savior into a clash between good and evil. And it's all set to a killer Yoko Shimomura soundtrack. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Tom Cox; Edited by Michael SollosiOpening and e...
2022-09-3058 min
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter93 - Wild HEARTsCheck out the new RPGFan Shop!As soon as we learned that the creators of the Wild ARMs and Shadow Hearts series were launching a Kickstarter for two new projects, Armed Fantasia and Penny Blood, we knew it was the perfect time to talk about the music of the teams' legacy. Also, how else would we get away with combining the music of Wild ARMs and Shadow Hearts into a single episode? So sit back and take a musical journey with us across the wild west of Filgaia, France, Japan, and more, as we enjoy the music...
2022-09-261h 20
RPGFan's Retro Encounter344 - Live A Live Part IRhymes with "Drive Survive," not "Sieve Forgive" Live A Live, an influential 1994 RPG developed by Square during their Super Nintendo apex, is an anthology RPG which tells eight short stories that eventually coalesce into a satisfying finale. Live A Live's 2022 Nintendo Switch remake is the title's only official worldwide release, and several staff at RPGFan were eager to dive and thrive. This episode covers the first seven chapters, with a discussion of the rest coming next week. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Tom Cox; Edited by Anthony KrolikowskiOpening and ending music by Mi...
2022-09-221h 06
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter92 - Blast Processing: SEGA Genesis RPGsCheck out the new RPGFan Shop!Last month, we celebrated the music of the SNES with The Road SNES Traveled (episode 89), and today we turn our ears to Nintendo's then-competition, the SEGA Genesis! While SEGA's 16-bit console didn't have the sheer number of RPGs found on the SNES, there are plenty of gems to be found in the likes of Phantasy Star, Shining Force, and more. Come listen to some great music that Nintendidn't have.Featuring: Mike Salbato, Wes Iliff, Patrick Gann; Edited by Jono LoganLinks for this episodeArmed...
2022-09-121h 16
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter91 - At Least the Music is GreatCheck out the new RPGFan Shop!On Rhythm Encounter, we enjoy discussing games and music we love, but sometimes excellent RPG music comes from unlikely places. Our panelists' challenge this time around was to find games that generally don't make it to any "best of" lists, whether based on our personal preferences or a wider critical or player consensus. But just because a game was — or should be, in some cases — overlooked doesn't mean the music isn't worthwhile! So join us as we talk about RPGs where the music is perhaps the most redeeming part of the over...
2022-08-291h 48RPGFan's Random Encounter249 - RPGFan is A-OFKOn this episode of Random Encounter, we're going virtual! First, Caitlin examines the origins of a virtual band in the music biopic game, We Are OFK. Then, Brian steps into a virtual fantasy world in one of the only full-scale JRPGs available on VR platforms, RuinsMagus. And finally, Jono is back in Nova Scotia and is trying to teach his Mom how to play video games. It's... not going great, but there is always hope! Featuring: Jono Logan, Caitlin Argyros, Brian Mackenzie; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:
2022-08-221h 11
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter90 - Tropical TunesCheck out the new RPGFan Shop!As the summer heat goes on for many of us, what's a better way to chill out than with a cold drink? A cold drink AND an episode of Rhythm Encounter packed full of summer-y tropical music! Today we sail the seas, spend time in port, and visit an oasis, island, and even an archipelago, with music spanning several generations of RPGs. Crack open a coconut and have a listen!Featuring: Mike Salbato, Stephanie Sybydlo, Peter Triezenberg, Greg Delmage; Edited by Mike SalbatoLinks for this episode
2022-08-151h 37
RPGFan's Retro Encounter337 - Tales of Xillia Part IIHey Jude, don't make it bad / Take a spirit, and make her better / Remember to let her into your heart / Then you can start to save the planet. Three RPGFan staff played through Tales of Xillia in July 2022, and left Rieze Maxia and Elympios feeling satisfied. By game's end, the panelists were surprised by an invading army, confused by multiple characters changing sides, and outraged that a 15-year-old is allowed to treat patients at a university hospital. But what intrigued us the most about this PS3 standout RPG? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Au...
2022-08-051h 35
RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter89 - The Road SNES TraveledCheck out the new RPGFan Shop!Look out, you podcasters! It’s an extended ROBERT FROST REFERENCE. But at least it describes this episode.Several games in an afternoon,And sorry I could not play them allAnd be one gamer, long I pausedAnd stared one down, to start it soonNoting its lauded soundtrack’s call;Then took the other, music less representedAnd having perhaps the better claimBecause it’s novel and less frequently mentioned;As for inspiring podcast discourseBoth are wo...
2022-08-011h 44RPGFan's Retro Encounter334 - RPGFan Quiz Show: GaidenThe chase is on in our pointless quiz show! Retro Encounter engages in friently competition for the fifth time, with four RPGFan staff members taking on the quizmaster's queue of questions. This quiz is a slightly different format from previous shows, with the four contestants playing simultaneously and rounds inspired by fan favorite game shows "Ask Me Another," and "I Literally Just Told You." Listen to our challengers shared struggle; maybe you'll learn something! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Audra Bowling, Jonathan Logan, Kyle Seeley, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Mark MahlerOpening and ending music...
2022-07-0758 minRPGFan's Random Encounter233 - The Best RPGs (and More) of 2021!On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to look at some of the best games of the previous year!RPGFan has released our annual Games of the Year feature, and this week, we're taking a deep dive. Join Jono, Alana, Brian, and Wes as they dig into the various categories, pick out their personal favorites, and (inevitably) end up adding multiple games to their backlogs for 2022! Featuring: Jono Logan, Alana Hagues, Brian Mackenzie, Wes Iliff; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comT...
2022-01-242h 06RPGFan's Retro Encounter320 - This Episode Is Not About RPGs, AgainRPGFans? Not today, we're not! Here at RPGFan, we write and talk about RPGs almost nonstop, but that's not all of who we are as fans of video games. Today, five RPGFan staff discuss ten of their favorite video games or series that aren't quite RPG enough for RPGFan, in a self-indulgent sequel to a 2019 episode. To his shame, the host accidentally says Puyo Puyo when he meant to say Panel de Pon. But the rest of the episode is a great discussion about video games that aren't RPGs. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Dom Kim, Abe...
2022-01-212h 12RPGFan's Retro Encounter304 - RPGFan Quiz Show IV: RevengeOur fourth RPGFan Quiz Show in three years comes with changes to the quiz show landscape. Jeopardy!'s longtime host Alex Trebek has passed, and RPGFan's audio quiz show inspiration, Ask Me Another, announced that its final episodes will air later this year. But Retro Encounter is still here, and another quiz show arrives to challenge four contestants and crown a fourth Retro Encounter Quiz Show Champion. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Wes Iliff, Jonathan Logan, Mike Salbato, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: retro@rpgfan.com...
2021-09-161h 02RPGFan's Random Encounter217 - Tis the Season for New GamingOn this episode of Random Encounter, we sum all the various game shows that took place over the course of, well, "E3 Season." So many reveals, more details, and plenty of surprises! Ups, downs, and everything else in the show, so tune in!Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jono Logan, Steph Sybydlo, Quinton O'Connor, Mike Salbato; Edited by Jono LoganGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:Crowdfunding Chronicles: WanderlostRPGFan Chapters...
2021-06-231h 46RPGFan's Retro Encounter290 - Much Ado About HuntingMonster Hunter: World has peaked and Monster Hunter Rise has risen, and with several RPGFan staff hunting Rathalos recently it was high time we recorded a Monster Hunter podcast for the first time in more than three years. Three panelists talk about the peaks and valleys of the fifth generation of Monster Hunter, which is stronger than ever sixteen games in. Sharpen your weapons, eat a hearty meal, then let's get to hunting. Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Dom Kim, Peter Triezenberg; Edited by Brian IngemansonGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us...
2021-06-031h 12RPGFan's Random Encounter207 - Games of the Year 2020On this episode of Random Encounter, we look back at the best of 2020 in conjunction with the written feature of the same theme! The panel largely discusses the big contenders: Final Fantasy VII Remake, Hades and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. But we suitably go off on our own loves from the past year as well. Give a listen and see what's hot with the RPGFan.com crew!Get in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomInstagram: @rpgfancomFacebook: rpgfancomTwitch: rpgfancomThis Episode's Related Links:...
2021-02-1458 minRPGFan's Retro Encounter251 - RPGFan Quiz Show The ThirdThis. Is. RPGeopardy! RPGFan is hosting a third quiz show in which four RPGFan staff compete for absolutely nothing at all in a trivia competition where the clues are (mostly) all about RPGs. Retro Encounter's most frequent host wrote the rounds, so don't be surprised to hear multiple Dragon Quest(ions). Can you figure out This, That, and The Other? Listen and find out! Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Alana Hagues, Nilson Carroll, Jo Padilla, Tyler Trosper, Zach Wilkerson; Edited by Michael SollosiGet in Touch: RPGFan.comEmail us: retro@rpgfan.com
2020-08-271h 27RPGFan's Random Encounter188 - Stir a Little More J Into That RPG!On this episode of Random Encounter:the remake of Trials of Mana is here and Greg got into it with gusto!Sakura Wars is anime, and anime anime anime Nathan anime'd!Neal partakes of an 80s after school special in Wintermoor Tactics Club!we got listener mail!Jono's knee-deep in Bravely Second and is about ready for Bravely Default 2!we talk about our preferred RPG tastes, be they western or eastern!Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jono Logan, Nathan Lee, Neal ChandranGet in Touch:RPGFan.comEmail us: podcast@rpgfan.comTwitter...
2020-05-081h 25RPGFan's Retro Encounter224 - The RPGFan Dating GameRetro Encounter thought that a game of "Wed, Bed, Behead?" was too disturbring for a G-rated program, so we added an explicit tag and removed murder. Three RPGFan panelists put forth sets of hypothetical bachelors and bachelorettes and play a 1970s Dating Game remade for the 2000s.Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Stephanie Sybydlo, Peter Triezenberg
2020-02-141h 37RPGFan's Random Encounter180 - RPGFan 2019 Game of the Year Awards Pt. 3On this episode of Random Encounter: - Our panelists cover the last of this years awards! - It's mostly Cold Steel III and Shadowbringers from this point on, but so much good stuff came to us in 2019! - We shout out to readers/listeners! - A Jedi baby? Featuring: Greg Delmage, Caitlin Argyros, Peter Triezenberg, Jono Logan Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com
2020-01-181h 43RPGFan's Random Encounter179 - RPGFan 2019 Game of the Year Awards Pt. 2On this episode of Random Encounter: - Our panelists cover the next few categories in this year's awards! - As before, we maybe didn't all play everything (too many games), but we all have thoughts! - Danger, the enemy is approaching. Featuring: Greg Delmage, Caitlin Argyros, Peter Triezenberg, Tyler Trosper Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com
2020-01-151h 29RPGFan's Random Encounter178 - RPGFan 2019 Game of the Year Awards Pt. 1On this episode of Random Encounter: - Our panelists cover the first few categories in this years awards - Some of the games we got to play, others we really want to, and a few aren't even on our radar! To each their own! - Happy New Year! We chit chat about the holidays and such! Featuring: Greg Delmage, Jonathan Logan, Peter Triezenberg, Tyler Trosper Questions? Comments? Spare Potions? Email us: podcast@rpgfan.com
2020-01-131h 38RPGFan's Retro Encounter190 - Ask Me Another: An RPGFan Quiz Show!In our third and final episode of Retro Encounter's Podcast Tribute series, our hosts emulate Ophira Eisenberg and Jonathan Coulton for an RPGFan episode of Ask Me Another. Four contestants tackle sixty RPG trivia questions for the chance to win nothing but a good time. Because Retro Encounter is too cheap for prizes.Featuring: Michael Sollosi, Stephanie Sybydlo, Patrick Gann, Leona McCallum, Kyle Seeley, Zach WilkersonGet in Touch:Email us: retro@rpgfan.comTwitter: @rpgfancomRelated Links:RPGFan.com
2019-05-311h 39RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter40 - Back to SchoolNote: We had to re-number our episodes several years after publishing. This was originally Episode 29, as reflected in the audio. Don't worry, you're not missing anything!A new school year is upon us, and it brings with it countless hours of reading, classwork, and exams. But never fear! Rhythm Encounter is here with a collection of music perfect for the new scholastic year. Whether it's soothing music to listen to while studying, or tunes that remind us of our days in the classroom, Caitlin, Mike, and guest hosts Marcos and Peter bring a little something of everything...
2016-11-061h 50RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter34 - Music of the Year 2015 - Second MovementEvery year, we invite some special guests from outside RPGFan to join us for Music of the Year. For 2015, we've dedicated an entire episode just for them. Welcome back friends of the show Jayson Napolitano (Scarlet Moon Productions), Michael Cunningham (RPGamer), and Don Kotowski (VGMOnline)! They've brought some unexpected and undeniably catchy picks from 2015 to share with the RPGFan nation, so tune in and enjoy!Featuring: Stephen Meyerink, Caitlin Argyros, Mike Salbato, Jayson Napolitano, Michael "Mac" Cunningham, Don KotowskiLinks for this episode:Episode tracklist & post on RPGFanRPGamerVGMOScarlet...
2016-02-152h 12RPGFan's Rhythm Encounter1 - Fragile DreamcastWe are very, very pleased to debut RPGFan's newest feature: Rhythm Encounter! Spun off from our special Music of the Year episode, Rhythm Encounter is a new, music-centric show that focuses squarely on the music we all know and love! Each episode will be broken down into a section discussing albums we've recently reviewed at RPGFan Music and a second section based on a "special topic." For our inaugural episode, we decided to take a listen to some of the greatest tunes from the greatest Dreamcast RPGs (and one adventure) of yesteryear! Stay tuned afterwards for some news and...
2013-02-251h 24