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This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re doing a First Impressions episode for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on Nintendo DS. Instead of a full review, this episode focuses on the early experience: the touch controls, the Wind Waker-style visuals, the story setup, the Temple of the Ocean King, and whether this handheld Zelda adventure makes me want to continue the playthrough or drop anchor early. Joining me for this episode is Dan from Controller Wipez. Check out Controller Wipez here:https://controller-wipez.com/ Use promo code Reloaded10 at checkout for 10% off Controller Wipez. In this episode, we discuss: First impressions of Phantom Hourglass How the DS touch controls feel today Whether it works as a Wind Waker sequel The good, the bad, and the in-between Whether I’ll continue the playthrough Question of the week:Is Phantom Hourglass underrated, or is it one of the weaker Zelda games? Join the Retro Reloaded Discord:https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thanks for watching, listening, and helping keep retro gaming alive. #Zelda #PhantomHourglass #NintendoDS #LegendOfZelda #RetroReloaded #GamingPodcast #Nintendo #RetroGaming

🎙️⭐ Pixel Panel – Star Wars Prequel Games is Live! ⭐🎙️ This week on Pixel Panel, we're traveling back to a galaxy far, far away to discuss one of the most unique eras in gaming history: Star Wars Prequel Games. From lightsaber duels and podracing to clone troopers and Jedi adventures, the prequel era gave us some of the most memorable Star Wars games ever made. The question is: did these games live up to the movies, or were they even better? Joining me for this special community panel are: 🎙️ Arcane_Wanderer🎙️ SummerSetBanjo 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440🎙️ Sobin_Un_Gomerz 👉 https://x.com/RetailRobbery🎙️ ThuglifeSuperman🎙️ Dungeon00x🎙️ Icecreaman🎙️ Beamerboy69🎙️ Thebathwaterhero ⚔️ Our favorite Star Wars prequel-era games 🏎️ The legacy of Star Wars Episode I: Racer 🟦 The Clone Wars gaming era 🎮 Hidden gems and forgotten classics 🔥 Which game captured the Star Wars feeling best? 👑 The greatest Star Wars prequel game of all time Which Star Wars prequel game deserves a modern remake or remaster? Do you agree with our rankings and hot takes? Let us know what your favorite Star Wars prequel game was and why! 🎮 Discord: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thank you to everyone who joined this Pixel Panel discussion and helped make it one of our biggest community episodes yet. Whether you're a Jedi, a Sith, or just here for the podracing, we hope you enjoy the episode! May the Force be with you. ⭐ 🌌 In This Episode💬 Panel Question🎮 Join the Discussion💬 Join the Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re doing something a little different… Instead of reloading a game, we’re reloadingThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie 🎬 Joining me this week is special guest Leanne from Leanne64 as we break down the movie the Retro Reloaded way — covering the story, controversies, easter eggs, new characters, soundtrack, visuals, and whether this ambitious cosmic adventure actually captures the magic ofSuper Mario Galaxy. 🎙️ Leanne64👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Leanne64 🎮 Does it truly feel like Mario Galaxy?🌌 Rosalina’s role and emotional impact🦖 Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and the new additions🥚 Nintendo easter eggs & crossover references⚖️ The good, the bad, and the in-between🔥 Critics vs audience reactions🎥 How it compares to other animated films And of course… ❓ Is this movie actually better thanThe Super Mario Bros. Movie? Did the movie move TOO fast? Was Rosalina underused? Was Fox McCloud cool… or pure sequel bait? Is Illumination holding Mario movies back creatively? You already know things get heated 👀 Did Mario movies finally prove they can handle deeper storytelling… or should they stay simple and fun? 🎮 Discord: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Want early access episodes, giveaways, bonus content, and voting power on future games? 👉 https://www.patreon.com/retroreloaded 🎤 Guest Speaker🌠 In This Episode:💀 Hot Takes Included💬 Question of the Week💬 Join the Community

🎮 Episode 41 – Super Mario World is Live! We’re heading back to Dinosaur Land withSuper Mario World — one of the most iconic platformers ever made and a defining title of the SNES era. Joining me this week is Brian from Beat of the Month, and we dive into what makes this game so legendary—from tight controls and unforgettable level design to the secrets that kept us exploring for hours. 🎙️ Brian – Beat of the Month👉 https://www.beatofthemonth.com/ Huge thanks to Jake for bringing Mario to life in the intro!👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JakeNet 🦖 The introduction of Yoshi and how he changes gameplay🗺️ Hidden exits, Star Road, and why exploration is so rewarding🎮 Does the cape make the game too easy… or more fun?⚖️ How it compares to other classic Mario titles👀 And the big question: Is this the best 2D Mario game ever made? Is Super Mario World the greatest 2D Mario game… or does another title take the crown? Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways? 👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 As always, thank you for supporting Retro Reloaded — more episodes, debates, an 🎤 Guest Speaker🎙️ Voice Acting🔥 In This Episode:💬 Question of the Week💬 Join the Community

We officially made it to ONE YEAR of Retro Reloaded 🎉 And for this special episode, we’re doing something a little different…This one is community-driven — and yeah… you all had a lot to say 😅 Joining me for the anniversary are Kaz Wheeler and Wobeeyert, and together we go through some of the best… and WORST takes I’ve had over the past year. Let’s just say… not all of them aged well. 🔥 The community calls me out on my worst takes🎯 We revisit the best takes that actually aged well⚖️ Defending (and sometimes regretting) my opinions🏆 My personal Game Awards for the year😂 Some moments that definitely caught me off guard 🎙️ Kaz WheelerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatalFourPod 🎮 WobeeyertX: https://x.com/wobeeyert To celebrate one year of Retro Reloaded, we’re giving away: Resident Evil 4 (Remake) – Steam If you entered through the announcement post, you’re already in 👀 Winner will be revealed as part of the anniversary celebration! What’s one take I had this year that you’ll never let go? 😅 Or… which one did you actually agree with? Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways? 👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Seriously — thank you all for supporting Retro Reloaded this past year. This community is what makes everything worth it.Here’s to another year of great games… and probably more bad takes 🔥🎮 💬 In This Episode:🎤 Guest Speakers🎁 Anniversary Giveaway💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Community

We’re heading back to where it all began withPokémon Red and Blue — the games that started a global phenomenon and defined a generation of handheld gaming. In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Gamefreak (community member, not the company 😄), and we dive deep into Kanto—covering everything from first memories and favorite teams to how these games hold up today. Does the magic still hit? Or is it nostalgia carrying the experience? Huge shoutout to Drew for the incredible voice intro on this episode! Be sure to check out his channel here:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@NatOnetyGaming Our history with Pokémon Red & Blue Best and worst aspects of the games today Favorite Pokémon, moments, and memories How it compares to modern Pokémon titles Some spicy takes you might not agree with 👀 Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways? Jump into the Discord:👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 As always, thank you all for the continued support—you’re the reason Retro Reloaded keeps leveling up 💙 Let me know your starter pick… Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur?

🔥 Unpopular Opinions Part 2 – Things Are About to Get Spicy 🎮 We’re back with Unpopular Opinions Part 2… and yeah, we’re doubling down. This episode is all about the takes that get you side-eyed in the gaming community — the kind of opinions that make people say “wait… WHAT?” And trust us… we did NOT hold back. 🔥 Hot takes on beloved classics🎮 Opinions that go against the grain😈 Some arguments that might actually hurt to hear😂 And plenty of moments where things get heated Whether you agree, disagree, or are ready to throw hands in the comments — this episode is all about the fun of debate. Huge shoutout to our guests for bringing the chaos: 🕹️ Dan👉 https://controller-wipez.com/ Dan is also hooking up the Retro Reloaded community with a discount! 💥 Use code: Reloaded10🎟️ Get 10% off at checkout 🎸 SummerSetBanjo👉 https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440 🎮 Leanne64👉 https://www.youtube.com/@leannem64 What’s YOUR most unpopular gaming opinion? Drop it in the comments — no matter how controversial — and we may read it on a future episode. Want to be part of future discussions, polls, and giveaways? Join the Discord:👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive… even when the opinions get wild. 🎮🔥 🎙️ What to Expect🎤 Guest Speakers💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re diving into a tactical RPG classic: Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon A reimagining of the original Shining Force, this Game Boy Advance title brought new life to a beloved strategy RPG — blending turn-based combat, memorable characters, and classic fantasy storytelling. But does it still hold up today? ⚔️ Tactical gameplay and battle design🧙‍♂️ Character variety and party building📖 Story and pacing🎮 How it compares to the original Shining Force🔥 And whether this version improves or changes too much Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this episode breaks down what makes Shining Force so memorable. Huge thanks to everyone who helped bring this episode to life: Intro Narration🎙️ Lauren Hilary VossInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhilary_vo Guest Speakers 🎸 SummerSetBanjoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440 🕹️ MikeWebsite: https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com/ 🎮 PaphvulWebsite: https://paphvulslair.neocities.org/ What’s your favorite tactical RPG of all time? Is it Shining Force, Fire Emblem, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments and we may read your answers on a future episode! Want to join future episodes, discussions, and giveaways? Jump into the Discord:👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮🔥 🎙️ What We Cover🎤 Special Thanks💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

It’s time for another Pixel Panel episode! For those who may be new, Pixel Panel episodes are special guest-hosted discussions where members of the Retro Reloaded community take the reins and dive into gaming topics they’re passionate about. This time, SummerSetBanjo steps in as host to lead a great discussion about one of gaming’s most beloved genres: 3D Platformers. Joining the panel are MamaSloth64 and Paphvul, bringing their perspectives and favorite examples from across the genre. Together they explore: 🎮 What actually defines a 3D platformer🧠 The design elements that make the genre work⭐ Personal favorite 3D platformers🕹️ What separates the good ones from the truly great ones From classic mascots to modern platforming innovations, this episode dives deep into the mechanics and creativity behind the genre. Huge thanks to everyone involved in this Pixel Panel episode: Host🎸 SummerSetBanjoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440 Panel Guests🦥 MamaSloth64Website: https://www.tripminestudios.com/ 🎮 Paphvul Pixel Panel Intro Narration🎙️ MoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mo64366 Mo provided the short Pixel Panel intro narration that helps kick off these guest-hosted episodes. What’s your favorite 3D platformer of all time? Is it a classic mascot platformer, something from the PS2/GameCube era, or a modern take on the genre? Let us know in the comments and we may read your answers on a future episode! Want to join future discussions, guest panels, and community events? Jump into the Discord:👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thanks as always for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮🔥 🎙️ Special Thanks💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we tackle one of the biggest debates in JRPG history: Final Fantasy VII vs. Final Fantasy X Two legendary entries from the Final Fantasy series — but only one can claim victory in this showdown. To make things interesting, we turned this episode into a full debate format. 🔥 Wob joins the show as the FFX advocate, defending why Final Fantasy X deserves the crown. ⚖️ Tetra Folly steps in as the referee, keeping the debate fair while trying to survive the chaos of two passionate JRPG arguments. And of course, I’m here bringing the case for Final Fantasy VII. During the episode we break down: 🎮 Story and worldbuilding ⚔️ Combat systems and gameplay 🎵 Music and presentation 🌍 Exploration and world design 🔥 And a lot of very strong opinions Whether you grew up exploring Midgar or journeying through Spira, this is a debate you won’t want to miss. Wob – Defending Final Fantasy X 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/wobeeyert Tetra Folly – Episode Referee 🎮 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/distracteddaffygamer Which game do YOU think is better — FFVII or FFX? Drop your answer in the comments and we may read your response on a future episode! Want to participate in future episodes, polls, and giveaways? Join the Discord: 👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮 🎤 Guest Spotlight💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

Episode 34 is LIVE — and we’re diving into one of the most legendary action RPGs of all time: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Dracula Intro VA: https://www.youtube.com/@thekeeperofficial The game that redefined a franchise.The game that helped define an entire genre.The game that made the inverted castle a core memory for a generation of players. Joining us for this deep dive are special guest speakers Dan and SummerSetBanjo! 🎸 Check out SummerSetBanjo here:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440 If you check out Controller Wipez, Dan is offering an exclusive discount for Retro Reloaded listeners! 🛒 Use promo code: Reloaded10🎟️ Get 10% off your order at checkout 🕹️ Visit Dan’s site here:👉 https://controller-wipez.com/ If you grab something, let them know Retro Reloaded sent you! Did Symphony of the Night perfect Castlevania? Classicvania vs. Metroidvania — which era wins? Is Alucard the best protagonist in the franchise? Was the inverted castle genius… or padding? We break down gameplay, soundtrack, level design, secrets, and whether this truly deserves the crown as the best Castlevania ever made. Is Symphony of the Night the best Castlevania ever made —or is there another entry that deserves the crown? Drop your answer in the comments here on Patreon (or wherever you’re watching/listening), and we’ll read some responses out loud on the next episode. Thank you to our guests, our patrons, and everyone who keeps these deep dives alive. More retro goodness coming soon. 🕹️🔥 💥 Special Offer from Dan🎙️ What We Cover🧛 Question of the Week

🎙️ Episode 33: Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is Live! 🟢 This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re heading back to the grim industrial nightmare of RuptureFarms to talk about one of the most unique platformers of the PS1 era — Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee. Joining us is Tetra Folly, not only our guest speaker for this episode — but also the Patron supporter who submitted Abe’s Oddysee to the Retro Roster! 🙌 Huge thank you to Tetra for both supporting the show and bringing this unforgettable classic to the spotlight. 🎮 Check out Tetra Folly here:👉 https://twitch.tv/distracteddaffygamer A massive thank you to DamienB for bringing Abe to life in our intro with his voice performance. Absolutely nailed the spirit of Oddworld. 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechatterboxaudio And thank you to PCR for delivering the narration covering the history of the game and its development. The atmosphere and tone were perfect. 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingcast We dive into: • The dark humor and disturbing corporate satire• Abe as an unlikely hero• Puzzle-platforming design in the PS1 era• The legacy of Oddworld and its impact on gaming Was Abe’s Oddysee ahead of its time?Did it deserve more mainstream recognition?We break it all down. Want to help shape future episodes? Make sure you’re part of the Retro Reloaded Discord: 👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Patrons (including Free tier members) get access to giveaways, polls, and the Retro Roster submission system. Thank you to everyone who continues to support Retro Reloaded — especially our guests, voice actors, and patrons who make these episodes possible. More retro goodness coming soon. 🕹️🔥 🎭 Special Thanks to Our Voice Talent🟢 About the Episode🎧 Join the Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we dive into the cult classic that took the Blue Bomber into the third dimension — Mega Man Legends! 💎🤖 Joining me for this deep dive are our awesome guest speakers: 🔥 Auriok : https://www.twitch.tv/auriok3267 🥃 Whiskey Leg ⚡ Zero The bold jump from 2D to 3D The charm of Kattelox Island and its destructible city fights The Bonne family absolutely stealing the spotlight Tank controls — aged classic or necessary evil? Why this game became a cult classic instead of a mainstream hit We break down the story, the vibes, the dungeon crawling, the lock-on combat, and that unmistakable late-’90s Capcom energy. Was Mega Man Legends ahead of its time? Or was it a charming experiment that never quite found its footing? Drop your rating and thoughts in the comments — we love seeing where everyone lands on this one 👀 Want to be part of future episodes, giveaways, and Game of the Week voting? 👉 Join the Retro Reloaded Discord: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 As always, thank you for supporting Retro Reloaded. Your support keeps the show growing and helps us bring incredible guests on each week 🙌 Next week… strategy takes the field ⚔️👀 💙 Stay legendary. 🗣️ In This Episode We Cover:💬 Join the Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re kicking off another Versus episode where two Zelda titans go head-to-head! 🌊🗡️ The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess clash in a round-by-round debate covering art style, world design, dungeons, combat, story, legacy, and what it truly means to be Zelda. Representing Wind Waker is Tetra Folly, while Wobeeyert steps up to defend Twilight Princess. Each advocate presents their case, each round has a winner, and only one game walks away victorious by the end of the episode. As always, thank you to our Patrons for supporting the show and helping make episodes like this possible. Your support keeps Retro Reloaded running and allows us to experiment with new formats like Versus! Tetra Folly (Advocating Wind Waker) 🔗 Socials: twitch.tv/distracteddaffygamer Wobeeyert (Advocating Twilight Princess) 🔗 Socials: https://x.com/wobeeyert 💬 Join the Retro Reloaded Discord Continue the debate, share your verdict, and hang out with the community: 🔗 Discord Link: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 Let us know in the comments — which Zelda wins this Versus? 🌟

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re blasting back to the Dreamcast era to talk all things Sonic Adventure — the game that launched Sonic into 3D and defined an entire generation of Sega fans. From hub worlds and multiple playable characters to its ambitious story and unforgettable soundtrack, we break down what Sonic Adventure got right, where it stumbled, and why it’s still such a hotly debated entry in the series today. Joining me for this episode are Leanne, Yuh, and SunnySide, who bring their own memories, takes, and experiences with Sonic’s 3D debut. Together, we dig into the gameplay, story, characters, and legacy of Sonic Adventure, and talk about how it holds up now compared to when it first hit the Dreamcast. 🎙️ Guest Speakers Leanne 🔗 Socials: https://youtube.com/@leannem64 Yuh 🔗 Socials: https://youtube.com/@ed3891?si=AhdoZm0vW_6FFixb SunnySide 🔗 Socials: https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440/ 💬 Join the Retro Reloaded Discord Want to share your Sonic memories, hot takes, or jump into future discussions and episodes? Come hang out with us in the Discord community: 🔗 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2 🎧 As always, thank you to our Patrons for supporting Retro Reloaded — your support helps keep the show going and makes episodes like this possible! 👾