Shows
The Retro BreakdownSuper Mario Land: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy) and the Deep Wario LoreWario gets more play this week, as we go from the first in his spin-off title to his first-ever appearance, even though he looks like a mutant from a cheap horror movie.
But more importantly, apparently Mario and Wario have been feuding over castles since childhood? When did Wario have a castle? When did MARIO have a castle? Is this all part of that forgotten lore like the time that they said all the blocks in the Mushroom Kingdom were people? These questions and more are discussed on this week's episode.
Also, apparently you can...
2023-02-281h 20
The Retro BreakdownWarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ (GBA) and the Micro PodcastYes, we are aware that an hour-long podcast is considered "normal" for basically anyone else, but it's micro for us.
We still manage to cram a lot into an hour's time, though, including Theatrhythm, Hi-Fi Rush, and a brief story about a failed hair dye job.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2023-02-2158 min
The Retro BreakdownBeyond Oasis (Genesis) and the February 2023 Nintendo Direct RecapThere's a lot to get into this week, and by that I mean "we discuss a bunch of stuff from the Nintendo Direct, almost exclusively."
Then we begrudgingly discuss Beyond Oasis, a game that is violently average and betrays every high expectation we have of it with its absolutely boring mediocrity I MEAN YOU'LL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE TO FIND OUT
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
...
2023-02-141h 25
The Retro BreakdownSonic CD and the Marvel Snap BreakdownReminder that Sonic Mania is the best Sonic game and it's not close.
Also, Marvel Snap is fun. I've realized since recording this that rationing your energy is how they push you into the shop, but honestly I'm having fun just with the decks I have now, so it's all good!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2023-02-071h 20
The Retro BreakdownMario Golf (N64) and the Punching Down At RabbidsMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope continues to be exceptionally fun, expect when it gets dull, and occasionally mean? Also, we pick our favorite Mario, Zelda, and Megaman games, and ALMOST go off on a rant about Sonic, but we're saving that one.
Mario Golf is interesting, because it's completely obsolete in every way, and yet is still pretty much the blueprint for better, more modern Mario Golf games. It was an interesting experience if nothing else. RIP Plum and Sonny.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's...
2023-01-311h 13
The Retro BreakdownRock n' Roll Racing (SNES) and the Amiibo SaltThe game with 5 very expensive songs and a famous announcer is essentially an improved sequel to RPM Racing, even though TW is more familiar with the predecessor. It's good, but definitely not meant for a single sitting.
Also: getting angry that you own things, not understanding achievement boosting, and TW's stint as a Kusogrande host! Also, which game would you want a Hideo Kojima-directed sequel for?
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv...
2023-01-241h 55
The Retro BreakdownMario Party 2 (N64) and the Watching Initial D in 2023I'll be honest, this is also a Mario Party 1 podcast, because we essentially talk about both. Yes, the skin on our palms will indeed come up, of course.
We also discuss Wings of Vi, the extreme need for content moderation on Know Your Meme, and the fact that the Deception series is just Home Alone with anime gore.
Also, I would say you DON'T need to watch Initial D, but I'm enjoying it.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
2023-01-172h 04
The Retro BreakdownCastlevania: Symphony of the Night (Game.com) and the Not Condoning GamblingListen, I just want to say that all of the accounts I mentioned have been cashed out and closed as of the time of this episode's release. Don't gamble, kids.
Anyway, we're starting this year off right, with Castlevania Symphony of the Night for the Tiger Game.com! We haven't played a DS game, but sure, let's hit the Game.com.
This is an unreleased prototype of a game that was made for the Game.com and then cancelled. Shoutouts to Stop Skeletons From Fighting for revealing this weird, amazing port's existence to us and...
2023-01-101h 39
The Retro BreakdownTMNT 3: The Manhattan Project (NES) and the Untranslated Card-Based RPGHappy New Year and welcome to technically sort-of our 4th year of The Retro Breakdown!
We're starting this one off with a deeper discussion on River City Girls 2, some lesser-known games that we've been enjoying, and what anime we want to see a smaller indie-style game of, which leads to us discovering that we played the exact same 1990's card-based RPG in Japanese without really knowing what was happening.
Our first game of 2023 (or technically one of our last of 2022) is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: The Manhattan Project, a fun but brutally-difficult game that definitely...
2023-01-031h 36
The Retro BreakdownThe Retro Breakdown 2022 Game Tier ListIt's that time again! We played video games for 47 podcasts this year, and now it's time to separate the amazing ones from the ones we totally forgot about and never want to talk about again.
From Sonic 3 to Riven to Home Alone (again), please enjoy the Retro Breakdown's 2022 Tier List!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-12-272h 10
The Retro BreakdownHome Alone (Genesis) and the Pain MeterIt's December, and that means it's time for our third annual review of an awful Home Alone game, this one for Genesis (and not actually THAT awful?)
We also talk River City Girls 2, Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core: Reunion, Bayonetta 3, and TW's stint on GDQ.
FACT: This Home Alone game has a Pain meter, and that basically makes it the best Home Alone game by default.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at...
2022-12-201h 36
The Retro BreakdownGargoyles (Genesis) and the Medal of Honor PlagiarismI suppose technically it can't be plagiarism if you're just sampling your own music, but still, give that ending theme a listen this week.
Anyway, Tom and TW have a look at an upcoming Disney remaster this week, while also talking about their completely opposite reactions to the original announcement of Kingdom Hearts. Also, what video game world would you want to live in after the game's ending?
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at...
2022-12-131h 19
The Retro BreakdownPang! (Arcade) and the Cancelled Revenge of the NerdsSorry about the unannounced hiatus last week! Travel and the holiday got in the way.
Anyway, TW is back from Korea and so now we're catching up on things and apparently we're sports fans now?
Pang! is a fun arcade game that you may know under the name "Buster Bros.," and you almost definitely do NOT know by the name "Pomping World." But it's worth a play!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live...
2022-12-061h 39
The Retro BreakdownTMNT: Fall of the Foot Clan (GB) and the Radical Band of Punk RumblersA completely forgettable Game Boy Ninja Turtles experience is saved by a bizarrely-written manual and some excellent Michiru Yamane tunes.
Also, TW has friends in Korea that keep independently taking him to the same places, we have a mostly spoiler-free discussion of the end of Infernax, and we weigh in on the enjoyable nonsense that is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube...
2022-11-221h 52
The Retro BreakdownPilotwings 64 (N64) and the Robin DeviantartMore Korea misadventures from TW, some God of War talk from Tom, and the inevitable bit of Dragon Ball discussion from the both of us peppers this week's show. Also, the first 3 executive orders we would make as President of Video Games (hint: almost none of them have to do with actual games).
Pilotwings 64 is a bizarre game and for some reason we spend the first 10 minutes talking about the exaggerated anime proportions of one of the most polygonal female characters available at the N64's launch, but the rest of it is also definitely worth getting...
2022-11-151h 41The Retro BreakdownThe Mint Chocolate Burger, Sonic Frontiers Hype, and the Accidental Vodka ShotTW's Korea adventures continue with a mint chocolate burger that is a real thing, and you can watch the full reaction at the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/xk2AHOZVIlo
We also discuss our hype to hate-watch Sonic Frontiers and revel in its inevitable weirdness, and there's a story in there about accidentally taking a shot of vodka at a grocery store.
End theme is the Single Player theme from ChuChu Rocket, which was released during this week (November 11th) in 1999.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail...
2022-11-0859 min
The Retro BreakdownDr. Mario 64 (N64) and the Intercontinental EpisodePlease bear with some issues with sound quality and attentiveness quality this week! TW is exhausted having just arrived in South Korea, and is not using usual equipment, so the mic quality is less-than-perfect and also I'm exhausted.
But anyway, we discuss Spider-Man, the MCU in general, trying to explain video games to non-gamers, and the odd feeling of being in that "in-between" skill gap where you're better than your friends at games, but not good enough to do anything competitive. Here's the ProZD video I sent Tom in the middle of that discussion.
Dr...
2022-10-311h 48
The Retro BreakdownRiding Fight (Arcade) and the Windows 11 ProblemWe have a game this week! Perhaps the most weirdly obscure game we've ever played on the channel, this week we hit Riding Fight, a Taito arcade game from 1992 which is a beat 'em up but on future rocket hoverboards.
It sounds like a disaster, but is actually fantastic! Other topics - Retroarch is a pain to use, so is Windows 11, and music we'd like to have as our life soundtracks.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games...
2022-10-251h 01The Retro BreakdownThe Sega Genesis Ornament, Bayonetta 3 Voice Acting, and the Best 3D Sonic GameEDIT: Original audio accidentally was missing a bunch of tracks, so it sounded like I was basically having a conversation with myself. Please download the episode again, the corrected audio should be available now! - TW
Hideki Kamiya has banned himself from Twitter, Tom and TW have differing approaches to holiday decorations, and Lost Judgment is over (again).
It's another podcast with no game, but we have fun things coming up! Send us more questions/comments to read out on the podcast!
Ending theme is "JeweL OF THE END" from Yakuza Dead Souls.
2022-10-181h 07The Retro BreakdownCyberpunk's Resurgence, Fire Emblem's Edge, and Breaking the FormatWelcome to the Retro Breakdown, the show where sometimes there is no retro breakdown! We've decided that once in a while, we're going to have to shift into simple "talk show" format to give us more time to play longer games, or simply when we're short on time. So there's no game this week, only talk!
This won't be a permanent change (we already know what we're playing next week!) but we felt like we'd been mailing in some recent episodes while we've been busy with real life stuff, so this is a change to give ourselves "...
2022-10-111h 33
The Retro BreakdownMutant League Football (Genesis) and the Death of StadiaIt's American football season, which is vaguely of interest to me and probably very few listeners, but that's okay, because this is barely a football game anyway. It's more of a licensed Saturday morning cartoon game, but like, the kind your mom didn't really approve of. It's also just legitimately not very good.
And speaking of not very good, Google Stadia has finally arrived at its inevitable destination! Let's talk about where it all went wrong (everywhere, from the beginning), and one place where they actually went right.
Send us an email to read on...
2022-10-041h 48
The Retro BreakdownClaymates (SNES) and the Infrastructure Week feat. Jessi!Yes, the sound quality is weird this week, it should be back to normal next week, I promise! Jessi is back for another podcast as Tom is out and my computer is in pieces! There's a lot of real life stuff happening this week, which we will explain in detail, and then talk about Claymates, which is NOT Clayfighter (but it turns out is made by the same people)!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch...
2022-09-271h 25
The Retro BreakdownCastlevania: Simon's Destiny and the Poultry CircuitWe break new ground this week by trying out our first ever fangame (aside from the SMZ3 randomizer, sort of), which is a reimagining of Castlevania in the classic Doom engine!
Also, basically every game company on Earth had a digital showcase this week, so we talk about a small sliver of that, but honestly it mostly comes back to the three new Like a Dragon games coming out, including a long-awaited Western release (and remake) of Ishin!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https...
2022-09-201h 32
The Retro BreakdownLiterally Just an Entire PS1 Demo Disc Feat. Jessi!Tom is out this week, so Jessi joins us again for a podcast featuring the May 2001 iteration of the Official U.S. Playstation Magazine Demo Disc! It featured 9 playable demos, 8 of which actually worked!
Join us as we work through first impressions of:
Disney's The Emperor's New Groove
Cool Boarders 2001
Ape Escape
The Legend of Dragoon
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver
MediEvil II
Syphon Filter 2 (sort of)
Metal Gear Solid
Tekken 3
and also just talking about buying used games at garage sales and the need for remakes on some of these.
Send us...
2022-09-131h 53
The Retro BreakdownSuper Punch Out (SNES) and the Secret Two-Player ModeWelcome to the new, hopefully consistently shorter format of the Retro Breakdown, where we do basically all the same stuff as before, just for less time.
This week, topics include TW's newly-chipped front tooth, Rumbleverse, Metal Gear Solid, and how different Rocky 1 is from its sequels.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-09-061h 31
The Retro BreakdownWave Race 64 (N64) and the Metroid Prime 2 MultiplayerThis week we try to do a quick podcast and it still ends up being almost two hours.
I blame Wave Race 64 for being unnecessarily good, and a technical marvel for its time. It is actually STUNNING, even now.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-08-301h 55
The Retro BreakdownGuardian Heroes (Saturn) and the Little Goody Two ShoesThis week, TW shamelessly shills a marketing project he worked on, Tom jumps into Live A Live, and Nintendo joins the "corporate sexual harassment" club and every single corporation is terrible.
Later, TW grapples with the fact that he didn't get good enough to like Guardian Heroes as much as he wanted to, even though it's probably still objectively really good.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on...
2022-08-232h 09
The Retro BreakdownCrusader of Centy (Genesis) and the "All Too Familiar" StorylineTW drops another "Weird Anime Review" (though this one isn't quite as off-the-rails as Birdie Wing), we discuss game ratings scales ranging from GamePro to a random public-access gaming TV show, and we talk how much is too much when it comes to game developer/publisher malfeasance. The answer is depressingly nuanced.
You know what's NOT nuanced, though? Crusader of Centy, a game that looks like it's trying to be The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, but then veers into Illusion of Gaia territory and MAY have helped inspire Undertale?
Send us...
2022-08-162h 33
The Retro BreakdownRiven: The Sequel to Myst (PC) and the 26-Hour DayBy listener request (thanks Andrew), we're doing Riven, one of the few PC games we've played for the show thus far!
Also, Tom reveals the arcane secret to his elevated gameplay times, David Cage gets to make a Star Wars game, and TW discusses the time management philosophy that leads him to never watching movies.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-08-092h 04
The Retro BreakdownJourney to Silius (NES) and the Poor Mass Effect ChoicesThis week, TW can't not talk about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 again (yes, 3 just came out, catching up takes time), but also we talk about Red-Ring Xbox 360 home repair methods, games that could have used more time in development, and saving the wrong person in Mass Effect.
Also, Journey to Silius has a great history behind its development, and a great soundtrack, and that's all I'll say about it here.
But here are some supplementary reading materials! https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/2020/12/sunsofts-the-terminator-development-history/
And the initial promo teaser! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBpJB2...
2022-08-022h 05
The Retro BreakdownPokemon Puzzle League (N64) and the Birdie Wing PlugI forgot I watched Birdie Wing this week, so I completely derail a perfectly good Pokemon Puzzle League discussion to talk about this show that is incredibly confused and wants to be some combination of mafia-driven Battle Golfer Yui and a school-life rom-com with strong lesbian energy. It's terrible and I love it.
Other topics include a Cyberpunk 2077 post-mortem, being disqualified from tournaments for smelling bad, spoiler culture, and how long leftovers can sit in the fridge before you throw them out.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
2022-07-261h 55
The Retro BreakdownMighty Bomb Jack (NES) and the Controller Throw EtiquetteThe discussion of Tecmo's successful-for-some-reason-and-immediately-forgotten-about Mighty Bomb Jack, surprisingly, has absolutely nothing at all to do with the the later discussion of throwing controllers, but both conversations do in fact happen.
Also on tap is talk about Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, overwhelming amount of systems in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and a weird chain of thoughts that goes from the new Kirby dessert game to taking pictures of things in Japan (it doesn't connect at all in the way you think).
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord...
2022-07-191h 37
The Retro BreakdownZero Wing (Genesis) and the Time VampiresYes, this is the "All Your Base Are Belong to Us" game, and YES we talk about it and ABSOLUTELY YES we play the song.
But boy, it sure is a good thing this game is remembered for something, because it is the most mediocre, "just okay" game we've played in a while.
We also talk about the concept of the gaming "time vampire," Yuki Naka's weird pettiness, and the Metal Gear Rising SGDQ run controversy.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https...
2022-07-122h 16
The Retro BreakdownTarget Earth (Genesis) and the Red Ash VaporwareA last-minute swap brings us Target Earth, a game about mechs and stuff, I don't know. It's called Assault Suit Leynos in Japan, where it is the first in a series of games that has a very confusing naming convention.
Other topics: EA still wants you to think single-player games are dead, Nintendo nearly misses their window to put out some games in June, SGDQ is over, and nobody remembers about Red Ash.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
...
2022-07-051h 57
The Retro BreakdownKirby 64: The Crystal Shards and the Army Men RTSWhat's next on Switch Online's Nintendo 64 service? We talk about the best and worst of what they could add, and which rights might be too expensive for them to bother. Somehow this leads us to talk about Charlie Blast's Territory, and the Army Men RTS.
Other topics include the novelty of Switch Sports wearing thin, the Halo Juneteeth debacle, and what games could use more or less story.
And then there's Kirby 64, a game about mashing your abilities together and making Kirby do funny stuff.
Also, settle this for us - is Kirby's...
2022-06-282h 13
The Retro BreakdownBlaster Master (NES) and the Don Mattrick KusogeThe new TMNT game is out, there's probably a new Nintendo Direct coming soon, and TW initially stopped at NieR ending A. Also, Kusogrande 7 has begun, and TW got a Top Gun game co-designed by Don Mattrick, which is hilarious.
Meanwhile, Blaster Master is a fun game with problems that lays an interesting foundation but is far too concerned with wasting your time to fully deliver on it. It is, however, a really interesting and generally enjoyable playthrough, minus a couple of major sticking points.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown...
2022-06-212h 02
The Retro BreakdownPinball (NES) and the Tom's Back Mega EpisodeWe have a lot of catching up to do! We recap what we've been playing for the last month, take two pieces of listener mail, and talk about Fire Emblem Heroes, Cedar Point (the amusement park), and what in the world "European Extreme" means. There's a lot. We talk about a lot for a long time.
And then we talk about pinball. The NES game Pinball is the general focus of the podcast today, but also just, generally our histories with pinball and what tables/digital games of it we've enjoyed in the past. We try not...
2022-06-143h 13
The Retro BreakdownNBA Jam (Genesis) and the Netflix and Chill Lore feat. Jessi!Jessi's back for another week, as we discuss some of the first games we bonded over in the early part of our relationship, including NBA Jam, Guitar Hero, and Persona 3.
We also discuss the good and bad points of Nintendo Switch Sports, the Trials of Mana remake, and whether or not our hometowns had a Blockbuster Video in the 90s.
We talk about the 90s a lot on this show, I realize, and I do not apologize for this.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
...
2022-06-071h 37
The Retro BreakdownDark Souls (PC) and the Spring Anime Season feat. Jessi!I know it's probably not strictly "retro," but it's more than 10 years old, we'll take it! Anyway, Jessi (@lavieclarinette) is back to talk about her first-ever playthrough of Dark Souls!
We manage somehow to go the entire two hours not talking about Sif, but we DO talk about most of the bosses, some of her biggest trouble spots in the game, and also what a great season this has been for anime. Watch Spy X Family, thank us later.
If you'd like to watch Jessi absolutely RIPPING through Dark Souls as a first-time player, you c...
2022-05-311h 55
The Retro BreakdownAlien Soldier (Genesis) and the Movie Quote QuizVISUALSHOCK! SPEEDSHOCK! SOUNDSHOCK!
NOW IS TIME TO THE 68000 HEART ON FIRE!
Alien Soldier is a MASTERPIECE. In this episode I will excitedly explain why.
Also, a better-late-than-never discussion of Square Enix selling most of its Western output, Tom brings a movie quote quiz to the table, and we discuss the mid-00's game industry.
But seriously though, play Alien Soldier. Wow. Really wow.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live...
2022-05-242h 32
The Retro BreakdownGolden Axe (Genesis) and the Tabe-O-Ja Sauce ControllerThis week we talk more about news that is hopelessly out-of-date, and a Nintendo Switch game about catching food Pokemon.
I'm serious this is a real game we couldn't even make this up if we tried: https://www.play-asia.com/tabe-o-ja-for-nintendo-switch/13/70ej8r
Meanwhile, Golden Axe sure is a product of its time, isn't it? It took me an embarrassingly long time to learn that his name is Ax Battler because he battles AGAINST the guy with the axe, not because he uses one himself.
Send us an email to read on the...
2022-05-172h 06
The Retro BreakdownNinja Warriors (SNES) and the Casual Dragon Ball FighterZ ReviewBecause we definitely don't talk about Dragon Ball Z enough on this podcast, we have an excuse to do it again! Tom picked up Dragon Ball FighterZ, and so I had to ask him what the deal was with Goku Black, and we end up talking about Yamcha cheating in baseball.
Also, we talk VR games that would be amazing with better VR technology, and Mappy Land somehow comes up again.
Then we jump into our second-consecutive ninja-themed game with Ninja Warriors, a Natsume-developed beat-em-up that nobody remembers. It's a mixed bag, honestly.
...
2022-05-102h 01
The Retro BreakdownNinja Gaiden (NES) and the Sega News RoundupThere's been a lot of Sega-related news lately, so we decided to hit all of it at once. Sonic Origins is coming out and the preorder chart looks ridiculous, Streets of Rage is getting a movie, and Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi are getting new games, but they might be awful?
Also on tap is Ninja Gaiden and the Worlds of Power game novelizations from the 1990s that I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
2022-05-031h 53
The Retro BreakdownMappy Land (NES) and the Technically Also Dig-Dug 2This week, we talk about letting people enjoy things and not being a judgmental jerk just because people do things differently from you. This isn't brought on as some sort of passive-aggressive thing, it's just us reflecting on how we used to be less compassionate people.
Also, Gachapons! Faygo! Nintendo Switch Sports! And two podcast games for the price of one, even though that price is "free" and neither of the games are very good!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
2022-04-261h 51
The Retro BreakdownLight Crusader (Genesis) and the Instant Sora DoxxingWe dive even deeper into the Treasure library to find what is maybe the LEAST "Treasure" game yet in Light Crusader.
Also, Kingdom Hearts 4 gets announced, and people immediately determine the location, size, and price of Sora's apartment in Tokyo, because it's 2022 and that's just what people do now. Also-also, we do an awful lot of showing our age as we talk about a bygone relic known as "long distance phone plans."
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast...
2022-04-191h 54
The Retro BreakdownDouble Dragon 2: The Revenge (NES) and the iPod ArcheologyThis week, we talk Vampire Survivors, and TW plugs in an old iPod from a thrift store for some reason.
But nevermind all that, DOUBLE DRAGON 2 IS WILD WHAT IS UP WITH THIS GAME ACTUALLY
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-04-122h 17
The Retro BreakdownAvenging Spirit (GB) and the Lime Skittles ApologyBreath of the Wild is delayed to 2023, is it a sign of a new console launch? TW's been playing stuff in Mystery Fun Fest, where he learned that Fall Guys is somehow actually more fun now than at launch! Also, we talk about how annoying it is when you can tell advertising is successfully manipulating you.
Literally the only reason we played Avenging Spirit is because of Tom digging up the ridiculous box art differences between regions. We had to know why it was like that, and it somehow ended up making sense almost immediately. And then...
2022-04-052h 05
The Retro BreakdownKirby's Adventure (NES) and the Doors vs. WheelsThere's a new Kirby game out this week, so we decided to go back to the game where he just turns into a wheel, instead of just stretching his skin over an entire car. Real talk, that new Kirby game seems fun, so maybe don't let the weirdness of the body deformity stuff turn you off - or do, it's your call.
Also discussed: GPU prices are coming down, La-Mulana is still weird, and the current meme question: are there more doors or wheels in the world today?
Send us an email to read on...
2022-03-221h 45
The Retro BreakdownSin and Punishment (N64) and the Stranger of ParadiseSo, it turns out Tom hasn't seen anything at all about Final Fantasy Origin: Stranger of Paradise. So if you would like to hear Tom's live reaction to the bizarre trailers starring main edgelord Jack Garland, that's here in this podcast!
We've also got talk about Amazon Luna, sorta talking about the Sony State of Play, and finally getting into Sin and Punishment, a Treasure game which we now very much recognize as EXTREMELY TREASURE. It's good, but it is Metal Wolf Chaos levels of "what is happening?" anime nonsense, which makes it both better and worse.
2022-03-151h 58
The Retro BreakdownDaikatana (GBC) and the Reason It's Called DiscordThis week, John Romero doesn't make anybody anything, because Kemco made this game. Welcome to the little-known Game Boy Color version of Daikatana, a completely different game from its infamous original! This is a downright playable Zelda-like that tries really hard to pull off the convoluted story beats of the original game, to hilarious effect.
The North American release of Big Sword was cancelled, so we played the unreleased prototype version that Romero himself dumped the ROM of on his own website some 20+ years ago!
Also: We talk about how Discord got its name, the "...
2022-03-082h 16
The Retro BreakdownRiver City Girls Zero (Switch) and the Gabe Newell Crypto DunkBefore I forget, here's a link to the official source where you can hear the FANTASTIC tracks for this game recorded by Megan McDuffee, RichaadEB and DEMONDICE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzt65O3BsmY
Anyway, Gabe Newell came out from his pile of money to let everyone know that crypto sucks, and it was glorious. Also, we talk HD-2D, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and PC Elden Ring problems (though neither of us are playing it so that's mostly hearsay).
Full disclosure, River City Girls Zero is technically a brand new re-release on...
2022-03-012h 01
The Retro BreakdownJoe and Mac (SNES) and the First Draft of Super Mario RPGThis week we delve into the okayest game maybe ever on the podcast! Along the way, we talk about video game camping, Road Rash 64, and the director of Super Mario RPG's initial concept for the game, in which Mario rides a horse.
Also, now accepting your votes for worst underwater area in video games! Oh, and we talk about Infernax a bit because it's more interesting than Joe and Mac.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed...
2022-02-222h 00
The Retro BreakdownBanjo-Kazooie (N64) and the Retro Bowl ReviewIn case last week's episode wasn't enough sports talk for you, TW puts way too much time into Retro Bowl and talks about it!
Also, this week's extra-large episode involves a lightning-round discussion of the February 2022 Nintendo Direct, why Vine died but TikTok thrives, and the design problems of Zombies Ate My Neighbors.
Then we talk a LOT about Banjo-Kazooie, a game that is awesome until it isn't, but it still pretty good but also totally reframes the way we see Rare as adults.
Send us an email to read on the show...
2022-02-152h 44
The Retro BreakdownBases Loaded (NES) and the Jaleco Sports SpectacularIt's time for SPORTSBALL, because Tom randomly bought me a handheld game console containing 7 different NES sports titles from Jaleco: Bases Loaded (1-4), Hoops, Goal!, and Racket Attack. So I demanded he play them as well and we do a podcast on ALL OF THEM.
They're mostly terrible, with one ESPECIALLY bad one and some pleasant surprises (listen to the theme at the end of this episode - it's from Bases Loaded 3, which was composed by the guy who did the sound effects for Street Fighter 2).
Other topics - Sony buys Bungie, my changing game-buying...
2022-02-081h 54
The Retro BreakdownContra: Hard Corps (Genesis) and the Dark Souls Netflix AdaptationAnother week, another game that would have completely changed my opinion on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive if I would have played it 25 years ago. It's Contra: Hard Corps this week, a Contra game that is completely off the rails even by Contra standards.
Also, my wife Jessi is playing Dark Souls for the first time, and we discuss what games we would like to see get Netflix adaptations - the answer is "a lot," but also "literally none" (it's complicated).
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
T...
2022-02-011h 46
The Retro BreakdownShinobi 3 (Genesis) and the Consumable Double JumpThis week, Tom sends TW a handheld Jaleco sports game player, we finally start reading your emails again, and TW comes up with the absolute most disrespectful way possible to refer to a Yoshi. It is cold-blooded.
Shinobi 3, meanwhile, MIGHT be the best Genesis game we've played? There's a strong claim to be made for it.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2022-01-251h 55
The Retro BreakdownAltered Beast (Genesis) and the Steam Roulette RecapTW started playing random games off his Steam backlog, and had a sorta okay time? Let's talk about it because WOOF Shadow Warrior is more juvenile than I expected.
We also talk the future of Lost Judgment, and how likely it is that they keep the series going with a new main character.
And SPEAKING of sorta okay times, we played Altered Beast this week, which is a BIZARRE game to play shortly after playing Zadette. Reminder that Zadette is a good video game. This one... ehhhh, it's not BAD.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown...
2022-01-181h 44
The Retro BreakdownMUSHA (Genesis) and the Sonic Boom BaitSorry everyone, I didn't feel like tracking down an MP3 of Sonic Boom, so you're just getting game music. But if Jessi and I actually do a Sonic CD episode, we'll get it in there!
In the meantime, you can just listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnVboYhEe5Q
Anyway, Tom is back this week, and we dig into our first game from the Switch Online's Genesis collection, *checks notes* "Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor," or MUSHA. It's a scrolling shooter with mechs and stuff. So that's neat.
Send...
2022-01-111h 54
The Retro BreakdownSonic 3 & Knuckles (Genesis) and the 2022 Game Preview feat. Jessi!TW's wife Jessi (@lavieclarinette) guest-hosts on the first podcast of 2022, as we tackle Sonic 3 & Knuckles (kinda) for the first time!
We didn't really have to ask each other how our holidays were, since we were actually there for it. So instead, we look ahead to upcoming 2022 releases and talk about what we're excited for!
More guest hosts are scheduled for the future, but Tom should be back next week!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games...
2022-01-042h 01
The Retro BreakdownThe 2021 Retro Breakdown Tier ListIT IS TIME! Our year-end episode where we take every game we did for the podcast in 2021, and rank them on a tier list.
From Startropics to Home Alone, every game goes into one of five categories based on how strongly we would recommend someone actually play them yourself. Also, look for the video version on YouTube!
Thanks for a great 2021, we'll see you again next year!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live...
2021-12-282h 43
The Retro BreakdownHome Alone (SNES) and the New Holiday TraditionWell, we have now played a Home Alone game in consecutive Decembers, and that now means that it is a set-in-stone tradition that nobody can ever disrespect or refuse to acknowledge because that's how traditions work. You do something more than once and then everyone has to do it forever, right?
We also discuss the weirdest games we can recommend, and Tom's dreams of the destructible environment future.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at...
2021-12-211h 47
The Retro BreakdownActraiser (SNES) and the Rabi-Ribi RecapTW recaps the end of Rabi-Ribi, the YouTube-exclusive series he's been playing, and begs the developers to give those girls some pants, while Tom is playing through Dragon Quest 11 in the 2D demake mode.
Actraiser, meanwhile, is the third Quintet game we've played on the podcast, and also the first for that studio! It is a bizarre combination of Castlevania platforming and city-building simulator, and it's definitely greater than the sum of its parts. Which is to say the parts are kinda bad, but the game really isn't!
Send us an email to read on...
2021-12-141h 52
The Retro BreakdownEcco the Dolphin (Genesis) and the Horrors of John C. LillyThis week, everyone learns way more than they ever wanted to about a neuroscientist who took a bunch of LSD and tried to get dolphins to communicate with aliens.
Which is somehow less weird than the ACTUAL plot of Ecco the Dolphin, a game everyone thought was about swimming around with your dolphin buddies, but is actually a horror story about aliens harvesting all life on Earth to turn it into a meat milkshake.
Also, I guess there's a Chrono Cross remake in the works, so that's pretty cool maybe!
Send us an...
2021-12-071h 57
The Retro BreakdownYoshi's Story (N64) and the Shanghai AirportStories of awful travel experiences, games we liked but didn't expect to, and of course, me intentionally mispronouncing my wife's username feature today.
Yoshi's Story is both a good game and also a bad game, with a structure that is unique, interesting, ambitious, and pretty much terrible. I don't know, it's hard to say it's bad, but it's just... I dunno, just listen to the episode, you'll see.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at...
2021-11-301h 40
The Retro BreakdownCastlevania: Rondo of Blood (PC Engine) and the New Popeye GameWhy is there a new Popeye game? Why is it like that? Why does it cost TWELVE DOLLARS? We may never know the answer, except that we already do, because it's "money."
Anyway, here's a classic Castlevania game that bridges the gap between the classic stage-based platformers and the later titles that made "Metroidvania" into a term. No, I will not call it Search Action.
If you play this game, do yourself a favor and play as Maria. Girl is OP.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
2021-11-231h 34
The Retro BreakdownSuper Metroid/A Link to the Past Crossover Randomizer (SNES) and the Lost Judgment DifferenceTW recaps his Extra Life charity stream and attempts to explain why it has taken so absurdly long to finish Lost Judgment, and somehow we end up talking about Mario Odyssey?
Thanks to Swoggles for this week's "Bait Mail" on how to introduce a new gamer to classic/retro games!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-11-162h 15
The Retro BreakdownFire n' Ice (NES) and the EA NFT DystopiaA change of gears into a bizarre-but-fun puzzle game that Nintendo decided to drop on its NES Online platform a few months ago. It's hard to really recommend it, but we try anyway.
Oh, by the way, this game is Solomon's Key 2 (the prequel), but they didn't call it that in North America for reasons we don't entirely understand.
Also, we talk about NFTs and establish that if you think you understand it but you're still confused, that actually means you understand it perfectly because it actually makes no sense and nobody can defend it...
2021-11-092h 26
The Retro BreakdownBrave Fencer Musashi (PlayStation) and the Altair AlternativeThis week, TW clumsily tries to explain his excitement for Altair, the streaming platform that is focused on mental health and equality, and we discuss our concerns and hopes for the platform. Check out Altair at https://altair.tv/ (this isn't sponsored, I just think they're cool, and I want to see them do well - I'll probably stream there after they launch).
We also discuss mid-90s video game voice acting, because we're talking Brave Fencer Musashi this week, a game that DEFINITELY could benefit from a remake, because it has a lot of interesting ideas that are very... "...
2021-11-021h 57
The Retro BreakdownMetroid Dread (Switch) and the "Fastest Mario" ArchetypeIt's time to dig deep into the bag for one of the oldest and most obscure games we're covered so far! No but seriously, we didn't cover basically the entire Metroid series up to this point to NOT talk about the triumphant return of 2D Metroid. It may not be "retro," but that's okay, it's GOOD.Along the way, we talk about that one guy who decided to make himself the Main Character of Twitter by trying to make speedrunning a political battlefield. We laugh a lot about it, especially Tom, our resident ACTUAL FOR-REAL PHD, who has...
2021-10-262h 31
The Retro BreakdownVectorman (Genesis) and the Smash Trash TalkThis week, the multi-media sensation that wasn't: Vectorman! A game with great animations that they want to make ABSOLUTELY sure you see! Apparently they wanted this to be a movie, and it basically was, but unfortunately it was many years later and it wasn't about Vectorman and also the movie was Wall-E.
Also, we talk Sora in Smash (timely, I know) and discuss the difference between good-natured trash talk and outright bullying, and how easily there can be a lot of bleedover between the two.
I showed Tom a video of incredibly high-skill trolling in...
2021-10-192h 06
The Retro BreakdownDonkey Kong Country 3 (SNES) and the Background Layer 3 ProblemWe interrupt this month's Metroid chain combo because we're busy playing Metroid Dread for a soon-to-be-released episode.
This week, we complete the Donkey Kong Country trilogy and our bad opinions about them. Along the way, there's more Kusogrande talk, and we reminisce about our first forays into emulation on old potato PCs in the 90s, including the weird graphical bug that made Chrono Trigger unplayable (for a while).
By the way, yes, Kiddy Kong is terrible, but not in any way that actually matters.
Send us an email to read on the show...
2021-10-121h 47
The Retro BreakdownMetroid Fusion (GBA) and the Best Game BracketWe spend way too long talking about the IGN "Best Game of All Time" bracket, and how impossible something like that is to even quantify properly.
Later, we try to justify the existence of Metroid: Other M, discuss what could have been with Samus' character development, and what comes next for the series after Dread.
Also appearing in this podcast - the trouble with asking for work on social media, and Lost Judgment talks about bullying and then asks you to beat up kids.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord...
2021-10-052h 27
The Retro BreakdownMetroid 2: Return of Samus (GB) and the Mario Movie MehNintendo Direct! Bayonetta 3! 3D Kirby Game! Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games coming to Switch Online! And I guess there's a Mario movie being made or whatever, who even cares about that.
We continue our run through of the mainline Metroid games this week by talking about the Game Boy sequel that nobody talks about but everybody should know about.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https...
2021-09-282h 40
The Retro BreakdownMetroid (NES) and the Franchise Fatigue Counter-StrategyAfter several podcasts of teasing it, it's FINALLY time to talk about Metroid! Or, one of them, at least. The ORIGINAL one. The one everybody always tells us not to play.
So, the question is: Should you actually bother playing the original NES Metroid? Or should you just start with Zero Mission, the remake for GBA? The answer is... complicated.
Also, TW gives a reluctant credit to Nintendo's maddeningly frustrating method of handling their franchises. Because hey, at least none of them are Assassin's Creed.
Send us an email to read on the s...
2021-09-211h 41
The Retro BreakdownLufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals (SNES) and the Nuzlocke Origin StoryPerhaps the longest game we've made into a podcast (so far), Lufia 2 is a game with a bad translation but a good story, deep and interesting but also shallow mechanics, and an ENTIRE RANDOMLY-GENERATED ROGUELIKE DUNGEON AS A MINIGAME.
Also, we talk about Hyrule Warriors, discuss the merits of a Metroid Musou game, weigh in on the surprisingly positive Apple/Epic court decision, reveal the depressingly dumb reason permadeath Pokemon runs are called "Nuzlocke," and Tom is forced to say "Hoochies."
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast...
2021-09-142h 19
The Retro BreakdownMega Man Legends (Playstation) and the Forced Item UsageThis week, TW and Tom talk way too much about Metroid, TW gushes about Atelier Escha and Logy, and we discuss how difficult it is to use items in a video game.
Later, Tom surprises with a revelation that shouldn't be that surprising, but still kinda is.
By the way, we're going to bumble around with a lack of classical music knowledge later on, but because of the magic of "being able to look things up after the fact" (and being married to a classical musician), I can officially note that the name of the...
2021-09-072h 13
The Retro BreakdownDay of the Tentacle and the Stuff You Said Back ThenWe get a sneak-preview at future Metroid podcasts, as TW has started playing not one, but two different Metroid games, and can't help but talk about them!
Also, we marvel at how far the world has come in such a short time just by differences in what we feel comfortable making jokes about.
Day of the Tentacle isn't a major offender in this, but it does get us thinking and talking about it, and honestly, it's pretty cool to see how we're trying to be kinder and more welcoming as a society in only a...
2021-08-312h 15
The Retro BreakdownChuck Rock and the Realistic Sports AnimeTom and TW struggle to come up with ANYTHING to talk about this week, probably because this game just sucked all the life out of both of us.
But also, TW is into volleyball because of the Olympics, and we talk about the different flavors of speedruns.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-08-241h 18
The Retro BreakdownBattle Golfer Yui and the "True Zelda Game"In one of the absolute most bizarre narratives either of us has ever encountered, Tom and TW take their shots at the little-known Battle Golfer Yui, a game that is part-golf, part-RPG, part visual novel, and ALL WEIRD.
Also, we offer a definitive answer to whether or not Breath of the Wild is a "true Zelda game."
Thanks to https://twitter.com/romtranslator for putting in the work on this fan translation so we could enjoy this bizarre experience!
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
...
2021-08-172h 03
The Retro BreakdownElevator Action Returns and the Monday Night GrandiaThis week we toss in the quarters for an unlikely choice, Elevator Action Returns, which is, in fact, the sequel/reboot to 1983's Elevator Action, a game which I always thought sounded like something dirty.
Along the way, we talk about Atelier Rorona, problematic elements of Rabi-Ribi, and how the battle music in Grandia 2 sounds like it's introducing an off-brand Monday Night Football broadcast.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
2021-08-101h 59
The Retro BreakdownB.O.B. and the Worst Game You've Ever PlayedI hate this game. Normally I try to be a little coy about our thoughts so as not to spoil the verdict.
Not this time. I hate this game as much as it hates me. The podcast is just to find out why.
(or you can watch it happen at https://youtu.be/qmA4z6RnhJw)
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www...
2021-08-032h 00
The Retro BreakdownEarthworm Jim and the Time KompressionThis week's game comes as a request from stream viewer Alianin! Thank you for supporting the show!
Earthworm Jim is a complicated game, in that its aesthetics are incredibly dated, and live squarely in the 1990s, and yet the quality still holds. Too bad the mechanics didn't.
Also featured: TW complains about the ending of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Tom discusses what in the world is happening in the Final Fantasy 8 universe.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
2021-07-271h 52
The Retro BreakdownFamicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind and the Dark Souls Destruction StrategyWe're back to normal this week after recording a few episodes in advance, and we have a ton of stuff to catch up on! Tom and TW are both playing some new stuff, and we find time to dunk on Stadia for a bit before getting into the loosest definition of "retro" yet.
We played the second Famicom Detective Club game, which TECHNICALLY only released a couple months ago for Nintendo Switch, but is a remake of a story that originally hit the Famicom Disk System in 1989, so we figure that counts. That counts, right? It's our...
2021-07-202h 05
The Retro BreakdownFinal Fantasy VI and the Special Guest StarsIt has been one year of The Retro Breakdown already, and we wanted to do something really special for the podcast to celebrate. We decided it would be a cool to take on a true classic RPG.
Thing is, Tom and I have already played Final Fantasy 6, multiple times. But you know who hadn't? Our wives!
So, please welcome Jessi and Leticia to the podcast, as they talk about their first experience with the classic JRPG, and Jessi's first real experience with a Final Fantasy game!
Also, please excuse the sound quality in...
2021-07-131h 43
The Retro BreakdownThe Typing of the Dead and Tom's Assorted GarbageIt's 8 games in one today, as we do a lightning round of games Tom made me play! The Typing of the Dead is the main attraction, but we probably spend more time talking about the N*SYNC game for Game Boy Color.
Other games on the docket include:
Captain Novolin (SNES)
Snacks'n Jaxson (Arcade)
Dragon Spirit: The New Legend (NES)
LSD Dream Emulator (PS1)
Screaming Mad George's Paranoiascape (PS1)
Rex Ronan: Experimental Surgeon (SNES)
One of these games is actually pretty good. But you'll have to listen to...
2021-07-062h 06
The Retro BreakdownAlisia Dragoon and the Brazil HypeThis week, Dean and Tom are shocked to find out they have a fan. It's honestly pretty cool. Thanks for writing in, Bruno!
We do a super-on-time discussion of the Nintendo Direct from E3, complain about Mario Party, get hype about Mario Golf, and discuss why Nintendo is so hyper-protective whenever somebody wants to make a fangame (looking at you, Metroid).
Then it's Alisia Dragoon time, where we talk about easily one of the best games I won't remember. THAT GAINAX COVER ART, THOUGH.
Send us an email to read on the show...
2021-06-291h 56
The Retro BreakdownPhantasy Star 2 and the Very Wrong Nintendo PredictionsE3 Discussion continues, and we recorded this before the Nintendo Direct, so please enjoy us predicting what would come up, and being EXTREMELY WRONG.
Breaking News: The Smash reveal wasn't Dante or Nero.
Phantasy Star 2 is interesting in a lot of ways, but you have to be in a particular MOOD to enjoy it. It's a shockingly mature game for 1989.
Send us an email to read on the show! theretrobreakdown@gmail.com
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
...
2021-06-222h 09
The Retro BreakdownSonic Spinball and the Butter SuckersTom inadvertently invents a new phrase this week, and I don't let him off the hook for it!
We discuss the first wave of E3 news, the weird Devolver MaxPass+, and struggle to stay on topic regarding Sonic Spinball. You be the judge - is this the least we've EVER talked about a game that is the supposed topic of our podcast? I mean, it definitely is pinball, though.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-06-151h 55
The Retro BreakdownComix Zone and the Sega Technical InstituteIt's a BIG episode this week! We've got a Subathon announcement (that's at 2pm, June 26, 2021 at twitch.tv/timewanderer, by the way), discussions of incentives, we've got tangents about Dragon Ball Z licensed games and MMOs!
And, we have our first ever LISTENER EMAIL! Which reminds me, if you would like to have your message read and discussed on the podcast, you can send it to theretrobreakdown@gmail.com! This is an email that has existed since the podcast started, I just kinda... forgot to tell everyone.
Anyway, Tom also has a history lesson on...
2021-06-082h 42
The Retro BreakdownSpanky's Quest (SNES) and the Random Snack ReviewSpanky's Quest came out on Nintendo Switch Online this week, and we take a look at the latest bit of random shovelware they've put on the platform!
This is a great podcast to listen to if you'd like to know about a video game involving a monkey popping balloons with sports balls in them, or if you'd like to know whether a puffed corn snack flavored like an orange creamsicle is actually good or not.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on...
2021-06-011h 39
The Retro BreakdownDonkey Kong Country 2 and the Sudden PoliticsTom and TW get a little bit into the weeds this week talking about controversial topics like not wanting people to die for no reason, and recognizing obviously baseless conspiracy theories.
ANYWAY, we're 2/3rds of the way through our SNES Donkey Kong retrospective, and it's been enlightening for sure. I think we both expected to like these games more than we actually do, but the opinions are just really complicated.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...
2021-05-252h 30
The Retro BreakdownMischief Makers and the Game Hype FundamentalsTW and Tom give their super-on-time thoughts on Lost Judgment and what basically amounted to a Yakuza Direct. TW goes off about the game hype cycle and boils it down (eventually) to three main features that matter.
Then, we SHAKE SHAKE into Mischief Makers, a Treasure game from the Gunstar Heroes squad that has some really great moments, and some really, really not okay moments. Always interesting to see those mid-90s anime tropes go from "not funny" to "not at all acceptable what is WRONG with you."
I want to like and defend you...
2021-05-182h 04
The Retro BreakdownTerranigma and the NieR Ending GrindWe have been playing a LOT of video games this last week, and we talk about a bunch of them. New Pokemon Snap, Fights in Tight Spaces, Donkey Kong Country 2, Mischief Makers (this will be next week's podcast), Yakuza 3/4, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... there's a lot of stuff we run through, as well as a total lack of self-awareness from TW.
If you missed TW's playthrough of Terranigma, you can catch it on YouTube, where episodes are going up about every other day! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwwyEcb3PjvVV5ROPwJoF2m7J-y4N2oks
TW's...
2021-05-112h 33
The Retro BreakdownRiver City Ransom and the Mortal Kombat Movie ReviewThis week, Tom talks about a run through one of TW's childhood classics, and we get sidetracked a lot talking about Technos Japan and the wild trek its properties have taken.
Also, TW talks about how NieR Replicant is making him just cry all the time, and Tom gives his thoughts on the Mortal Kombat movie, which are... mixed?
Anyway, go play River City Girls, it's great.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-05-042h 20
The Retro BreakdownPhantasy Star and the Ancient Lewd ActsThis week, Tom leads the way, as he knocked out Phantasy Star in like a couple days. Along the way, we also get into a discussion about issues with historical realism in fiction.
And this leads us into a somehow mostly safe-for-work-except-not-really discussion about the origin of particular sex acts.
Also, TW is tired in this one, so be nice to him, plz.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-04-272h 04
The Retro BreakdownBit Generations: Dotstream and the Live Game PurchaseTom and TW expose a total lack of experience with substance use this week as we talk about what it might be like to play Dotstream while high.
The big takeaway from this week is that we're both really happy when weird, minimalistic games like this actually get some measure of support from big companies. Feels good, man. Especially when they're actually fun and interesting.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-04-202h 05
The Retro BreakdownWario's Woods and the Satellaview SwitchMore tangents than usual this week, as Tom and TW discuss the reality of Nintendo introducing digital game downloads in the mid 1990s, but somehow not understanding the internet in 2021.
Wario's Woods was the last officially-licensed game released for the NES. It came out in 1994, and it's actually kinda awesome - unless puzzle games aren't really your thing, in which case it's still pretty cool.
TW's Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
TW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-04-131h 46
The Retro BreakdownDouble Dragon (NES) and the April Fools ConsiderationThere's no ACTUAL April Fools joke in this podcast, but there is a lot of discussion about April Fools in general, and consideration about the POSSIBILITY of doing an April Fools joke. If anything, last week's podcast was an April Fools joke, where we just play the game and record the podcast live. Yeah, let's say it was that.
Anyway, the NES iteration of Double Dragon is on tap this week, a game that is super fun for as long as it decides to be, and is otherwise just really rude.
Discord: https://discord.gg...
2021-04-061h 25
The Retro BreakdownKirby's Dream Course and the Live Podcast ExperimentOkay, kind of a weird thing this week, as we recorded this episode of the podcast WHILE also playing the game together and recording the gameplay footage. I DO NOT KNOW if this is going to be enjoyable to listen to, but we figured we'd try it out. Either way, we'll be back to our normal format next week.
If you'd like to see the video version of it, check it out at https://youtu.be/A1Vl8oer4rA
Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
2021-03-301h 25
The Retro BreakdownWild Guns and the Lazy SpeedrunnerTom and Dean talk about our experiences with Monster Hunter, speedrunning, and of course, Wild Guns. We manage to not talk TOO MUCH about Yakuza this week.
YO, WILD GUNS THO, AMIRITE? LIKE FIVE PEOPLE MADE THIS GAME and also here's that box art we laughed at.
Discord: https://discord.gg/dTrBruG
Podcast games streamed live at: twitch.tv/timewanderer
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/timewanderer
2021-03-231h 23