Retrovaniacs

For a special 2026 Halloween Trick, we're putting out our 2nd Retroween2026 episode just after the holiday!  But, this year we are playing a game none of us had played previously, which is odd since it's based on a movie we all love - The Thing from 1982!  Or we thought it was - but it's actually a sequel to that movie!  Is it worth playing? We'll let you know our thoughts!

Want to jump right to the game?  Start at the 9:30 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anyt...

For our first episode of Retroween2026, we're doing a patron request for a game that isn't technically a classic game -- YET.  Infernax came out a few years back, and it's essentially "what if Castlevania 2 : Simon's Quest was better!", and I think it does hit it's goal.  But how does it compare to the actual new Castlevania sequel, Belmont's Curse?  We talk about that as well!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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After an unintended break, we're here again to discuss a game somewhat recently re-released to the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube library - Super Mario Sunshine! Mario and his friends take a vacation that goes awry and only Mario and his water-squirting backpack can save the day-- but are the additional water-shooting mechanics any fun or an unnecessary addition to the franchise?  We played it again now to see!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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An update on Retrovaniacs and our various illnesses, and a Special Presentation of Movie Smash, a podcast that Jeremy P is also working on.

Thank you for your patience, Retrovaniacs will return in September!

This week we're taking a look at an early Konami PS2 time-travel adventure, Shadow of Destiny (also known as Shadow of Memories outside North America)!  This was a patron request, which means it was picked by one of YOU! 

Want to jump right to the game?  Travel back to the 11 minute mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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On this epsiode, we're taking a look at yet another caveman game... wait, this is actually interesting?  Well, let's go back to the stone age to see why this caveman platform game should be worth a second look!

Want to jump right to the game?  Travel back to the 8 minute mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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We're talking Rayman, Ubisofts mascot platformer, and his first outing which was on the Playstation way back in 1995!  Rayman has been around since then in sequels and spinoffs, and there's a new Rayman remake due out later this year -- but was his first game worth still checking out today?  We let you know.

Want to get right to the game?  Sneak into the 14:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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True Lies the movie came out in 1994 and was an Arnold Schwarzenegger action comedy.  So, it only makes sense that in 1995 there would be a video game based on it for the SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Gear.  But after watching the movie - there isn't that much action.  What did they do to pad it out then?  Well, listen up, we're gonna tell you.

Want to get right to the game?  Sneak into the 11:40 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discor...

This week Jeremy P and Billy take a look back at the NES Zapper, focusing on two launch titles - Duck Hunt and Hogan's Alley!

Want to get right to the game?  Spin jump over to the 8:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333

If...

This time we're taking a look at the second Jurassic Park game for the Genesis, Jurassic Park Rampage Edition!  While the title might lead you to believe it's just the first game with some new content, this is more of a second try at making that first game again, with similar but different levels, and improved gameplay.  Also, did we mention you can play as a person OR as a raptor? Yeah, nobody is playing as Dr. Grant.

We also answer some of your questions and talk about Dreamcast favorites, a modern remake of an NES "classic", an...

Lend us your ear, corn-trymen, COB TALK returns, even after what popped off last week.

This week, we set up shop to talk corn news, movie reviews, trivia, perform an a-maize-ing trick, taste-test some elote, and, of course, take your calls.

Huge shoutout to all of our Patreon supporter:

• Burgerchamp.

Promotional consideration provided by Man Wipes. These wipes are for the dudes only. Visit their website on Lycos and use promotional code: CORNYHOLED15 at checkout to save 15% on your fist order. 

Man Wipes are intended for e...

This time we're checking out a computer game, but one on the Commodore 64, a platform we haven't really touched on much, and a relatively new collection out now for Switch and PC, The Last Ninja Collection as we play the first game in that series!

Want to get right to the game?  Poorly sneak over to the 11:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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As this game was just added to the Disney Afternoon Collection (on Switch at least), we're taking a look at the Super Nintendo game based on Goofy and his son - Goof Troop!  How does this stack up to the already classic games on the collection for the NES?  We played it to tell you what we thought!

Want to get right to the islands, mon?  Hop on to the 9:20 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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We're taking on the remake of the first game in the Yakuza series this time, with Yakuza Kiwami - a Patron requested episode! As we cover Kiryu's quest to reunite with his friends, we discuss the differences between the original and this remake, and we say "yakuza" many different and incorrect ways.

Want to get right to Kamuchuro?  Take a taxi to the 14:30 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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Jeremy P is more or less back from his unexpected medical leave, and so we're picking up right where we left off by kicking off 2026 with the mailbag show we should have had at the end of 2025!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333

If you enjoy th...

Hi everyone, I had some health issues to kick off my 2026, but I'm on the mend so wanted to give everyone a quick update while we get things back on track here at Retrovania HQ

Don't forget to check out http://www.retrovania.net for links to our YouTube, Twitch, Discord, and social media channels-- specifically the Instagram mentioned for the Retrovania Micro reels is located here : https://www.instagram.com/retrovaniadotnet/

We'll be back to normal posting soon!

We haven't done many PC games, but we're delving the deep dungeons under Tristam in this patron requested show all about the original Diablo! While there is a passable Playstation port, the PC was the best way to play this game - but does it still hold up after 3 sequels and almost 30 years?  We played it again to see.

Want to jump right to Diablo?  Start at the 8:15 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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Virtual Bart was the sequel to Bart's Nightmare, which we reviewed last year, and is a collection of loosely connected mini-games where you play as Bart, Baby Bart, Dinosaur Bart, and even Pig Bart.  Is this better than Bart's Nightmare or just another one?

Part of D'OH-vember-- All Simpsons, all November.

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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To kick off D'OH-vember 2025, we're taking a look at the first console game for the show - Bart vs the Space Mutants for the NES! This game is notoriously not one a lot of people enjoy, but it sold really well and led to a whole slew of other games - so let's try it again to see if this game really deserves it's bad reputation or a second chance.

Welcome to D'OH-vember-- All Simpsons, all November.

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https...

We know that remake is not technically a classic retro game, however it's the only way you can play the original House of the Dead outside of finding an arcade game someplace or a buddy with a Saturn, and it's available on all current systems!  So, we played it to let you know if this would be a good Halloween treat, or a mean Halloween trick!

Want to jump right to the game?  Start at the 10:40 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://dis...

For this first Halloween episode of 2025, we're looking at Acclaim's voodoo horror action game, Shadow Man!  Based on a Valiant Comic of the same name, Shadow Man was a game all three of us had never tried before, and now that it's on the N64 Mature library on the Switch you can try it too... but should you?  We give you our thoughts!

Want to jump right to the game? Hold that teddy bear and move to the 9:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at...

On this episode we're going FROLF-ing.  What's that?  Oh, just Frog Golf, the sport of the game Ribbit King!

We also talk about the recent Nintendo Direct, and get hyped for Halloween games all next month!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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If you would like additional bonus episodes of Retrovaniacs or to request a game we must cover, our Patreon is located here : https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21041333

If you enjo...

On this episode, we cover the Sony PSP Handheld for the first time, as it's 20 years old!  We're covering this system with an action game that mixes several different game styles, as you assist the Pursuit Force take on the gangs threatening Capital City!  Is this a mission you should undertake today?  We let you know our thoughts!

Also covered, we discuss if we have a system that we never had as a kid but REALLY wanted, and did we buy it later as an adult or has it still eluded us.

Are you in Hot...

On this episode, we're taking a Patron request and traveling through time back past the dawn of the Playstation to the dawn of man, as we take on time-traveling brawler, Time Commando for the PS1!

Want to do some time-traveling of your own and get right to the game?  Start at the 10:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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This week we're taking a look at a game Jeremy G. had covered on YouTube that deserved a deeper dive, so we're playing Konami's Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose!

We also take some of your questions, talk about some other things we were playing, and discover Billy's musical side.

Want to DASH right to the game?  Start at the 10:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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This week, we take on a patron request for another Koei strategy game, but this time it's on the PS2 and it's real time as opposed to turn-based.  In the past we haven't been a fan of Koei's historically accurate strategy games, but will this one change our mind?

We also take on some of your questions, to include our thoughts on the Switch 2 post launch!

Want to jump right to the game? Charge over to the 12:30 mark.

Join us over on our Discord to discuss the podcast, video games, or really anything o...

We have somehow lasted 10 years and we're still going strong!  And to celebrate, we're not going to dwell on our successes or mention our failures, but we're going to let you do that as we answer a ton of mail from you, our listeners.

Thank you again for all your support and we hope to keep you entertained for many more years to come!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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It's another patron request, sans Billy, as we take on Baldur's Gate : Dark Alliance for the PS2!  It was also released on the XBox, GameCube, and even the GBA, but we both played it on the PS2 for this episode.  This is a Diablo-style game, but based in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, and has a far more action-arcade style than the previous Baldur's Gate games had -- but is that good or bad?

LateToGaming who picked this game for us to play can be found many places, but he recommended Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/la...

We're taking on another request, this time for Sega's 8-bit console.  We're looking at Spellcaster, a mash of a graphic adventure game and sidescrolling action sections, which is admittedly right in our wheelhouse.  Is this a forgotten gem, or best left forgotten?  We played it to let you know our thoughts.

We also all have been playing the same current game, but not on purpose - and our patron Jason wanted to let everyone know about the Uncanny X-Cast, which you can find here : https://uncannyxcast.libsyn.com/

Want to jump right to the game?  Char...

We're taking on an Enix title from Nintendo's 16-bit powerhouse, an action RPG game about evolution, as requested by Cody on our Patreon. Evolve your character from a fish up to a human, all while following a very specific "eat or be eaten" mindset, this is a unique title from the era for sure, but should you play it today?  We let you know our thoughts.

And speaking of thoughts, I know we made some pretty bad Switch predictions before that system launched... and we are giving our thoughts on the Switch 2 this week before we get i...

Greetings Cob Hogs, it's time for another bountiful harvest.  It's Cob Talk.

This time we're taking on another of your requests, Fear Effect for the Playstation! This game is a lot like Resident Evil, but with a more mature storyline and some cool cel-shaded graphics, but should you hunt this down to try it now?  We played it to let you know what we think about it!

Want to jump right into the game?  Start at the 10:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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This week we're doing something very different!  By Patron request, we're playing a classic SNES game, The Legend of Zelda : A Link to the Past, but we're playing it with a randomizer.  Items are moved around, meaning you'll tackle this game in a different order, with different weapons and items than you're used to, and it's a very different experience.

Here's the directions we had : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82dogTS1KT4 (Not our video!) and then create your file over here : https://alttpr.com/en

We discuss the game itself first, and then ou...

Another Patron request, we're looking at Cheetos' Mascot Chester Cheetah ("It ain't easy bein cheesy") and his 2nd 16-bit console game, Chester Cheetah : Wild Wild Quest. We followed Chester on a platform adventure game across the country in search of the map to Hip City, and made some new friends and enemies along the way.

We also talked about boiled peanuts, game cheesing, and answered just a slightly late Valentine's Day question.

Want to jump right into the game?  Start around the 9:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, o...

This time we're taking on another Patron request - Werewolf: The Last Warrior for the NES!  This game is an action platformer where you play a werewolf- can that go wrong?  We play it and let you know!

Want to read the comic that came with the game?  Check it out here : https://online.anyflip.com/nmmt/itdu/mobile/

Want to jump right into the game?  Start around the 8:00 mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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We're taking on another Patron request, this time on Shadow Hearts for the PlayStation 2! This RPG is a bit different from most turn-based RPGs, in that everything you do has some specific timing involved, the setting is a little out of the ordinary, and your main character can turn into different demons during the game. Is this a game worth checking out today? We played through it to give you our thoughts!

We also discuss our thoughts on the Switch 2 reveal, and attempt to stay current with our mailbag, answering questions about aliens, guitars, spam, and maybe...

It's our last show of 2024, and as tradition dictates we're going to clean out the mailbag to kick off the new year.  However, this year we're also taking on the Action MAX by Patron request, which was a videotape requiring home light gun console released in 1987.  We compared this system with another toy/game that was out the same time, Captain Power. This is a little different than our usual fare, but we think this ended up as an interesting look back on how companies were trying to complete with the NES at the time.

Useful Youtubes : Ac...

We've got another patron request, this time we're looking at Diddy Kong Racing for the N64! Often maligned by Billy, is this really deserving of the "Poor man's Mario Kart" title he has given it, or is this an N64 game worth hunting down?

We also take some Christmas themed questions, and food questions, and Christmas food questions.

Want to start right at the game?  Jump in around the 8 minute mark!

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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For our final episode of D'OH-vember, we're taking a look at The Simpson's Hit and Run -- a Springfield take on Grand Theft Auto!  Is this worth playing if you are a Simpsons fan, a GTA fan, or neither?

We also answer questions from you on... why The Simpsons of all things, plus some bad gaming memories and maybe a Thanksgiving question.

Join us over on our Discord to discuss games, food, or really anything over at https://discord.gg/pb76x32uWY

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Welcome to D'OH-vember!  We're talking about a 16-bit entry in the Simpsons console game lineup, The Simpson's Bart's Nightmare! Originally released on SNES and Genesis, we all played the SNES version for this review. Bart has to complete a paper and waits until the last minute, and he falls asleep. We guide Bart through a series of dreamlike games to collect the pages of his paper to try and save his grade - and some of those games could even be fun.

Also covered, a block of listener mail, most of it about buffalo wings.

W...