On RPG Backtrack, we strive to bring a positive message about video games to the world.  There are times when we play a game so terrible, we just have to complain about it.  After all, sometimes you have to play a bad game to appreciate the good ones.  At least that's what we tell ourselves to lessen the suffering.

Featuring Guests: Ryan C, Ryan R, Jahwon, and Wheels

The post RPG Backtrack 358 – April 1st Brings the Worst appeared first on RPGamer.

What happens when you combine Vanillaware's eye-catching art style with the tactical combat of the Ogre Battle series? You get Unicorn Overlord, the topic of this week's episode. Here is the real question: where are the unicorns?

Featuring Guests: Ryan C., Ryan M., Cassandra, and Elena

The post RPG Backtrack 357 – Vanillaware Goes to War appeared first on RPGamer.

Many video game Kickstarter projects come, but most of them go up in smoke. One Kickstarter project in particular was the vision of producer Yoshitaka Murayama, famous for the Suikoden series. Does Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes live up to its spiritual predecessor? Find out on this week's RPG Backtrack.

Featuring Guests: Ryan R., Robert A.

The post RPG Backtrack 356 – We Have Suikoden at Home appeared first on RPGamer.

It's a double birthday bash on this week's Backtrack.  We are celebrating Pokémon Gold/Silver's 25th birthday (a bit belated) and the entire franchise's 30th birthday at the same time. This puts our podcast in the top percentage of all Pokémon podcasts!

Featuring Guests: Ryan C., Cassandra, and Elena

The post RPG Backtrack 355 – Top Percentage of All Rattata appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time, a strange man in a cave handed a boy a sword. One iconic line and 40 years later, we have Nintendo's most popular franchise right next to the plumber himself. So how did this legendary series impact our RPG Backtrack guests? Tune in this week, as we celebrate 40 years of Zelda!  Oh, and that guy in the green too.  What is his name? Loink?

Featuring guests: Pascal, Cassandra, Ryan M, and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 354 – It’s Dangerous To Go Alone! Take This. appeared first on RPGamer.

The Tale that started it all celebrated its 30th birthday last month.  While we are a little late to the party, we do have a round of guests, featuring Cassandra and Leogrim, to chat about Tales of Phantasia.

The post RPG Backtrack 353 – Cress Is a Mess appeared first on RPGamer.

The 2026 season of RPG Backtrack kicks off with a big, fat vacation in ancient Greece. Join us, with guests Sam, Pascal, and Josh, as we climb the butts of multiple statues in Assassin's Creed Odyssey.

The post RPG Backtrack 352 – This is Sparta! appeared first on RPGamer.

As the year comes to a close, we wrap up with a round table of bite-sized independently developed RPGs for your playing pleasure.  After all, an indie game a day keeps the triple A trash away. Enjoy some passion projects with guests Sam and Ryan Costa.

Games covered: 8-bit Adventures 2, Cat Quest, Get in the Car, Loser!, Healer's Quest, OFF, Rise of the Third Power, Sun Haven, Terra Memoria

The post RPG Backtrack 351 – Indiecember appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's backtrack, we go back to Dragon Quest with two recent entries in the Monsters sub-series. Technically, one of them isn't a Monsters title, but started as one, so we counted it anyway. This time we feature a special guest from the Slime Time podcast, Bluestar, along with our regulars Robert and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 350 – Treasures and Monsters appeared first on RPGamer.

The Yakuza Kiwami series continues, remaking Yakuza 2 with an extreme coat of paint. We have a crazy construction crew for this show, featuring Josh, Sam, Pascal, and David. Ripping the shirt off for a fight is mandatory.

The post RPG Backtrack 349 – Extreme Construction appeared first on RPGamer.

Have you ever wondered what Sakamoto Ryoma's life was like, but need more wackiness in your Japanese history lesson? What about racing chickens or playing baseball with cannon balls? This week, Josh, David, Ryan M., and Pascal talk about a period piece with a touch of that Yakuza/Like a Dragon charm.

The post RPG Backtrack 348 – Why Does He Look Like Kiryu? appeared first on RPGamer.

WARNING! KEMCO ALERT! WARNING! Kemco RPGs have breached the Backtrack! The hazmat containment unit with Matt, Kelley, Robert, and Ryan C. have been called for clean-up! Be prepared for mediocrity while listening to this podcast.  You have been warned!

The post RPG Backtrack 347 – This Is Not a Drill! appeared first on RPGamer.

Who could have guessed that the classic Carlo Collodi children's novel would be become the inspiration for an amazing soulslike game? This week's show features Pascal, Ryan M., and Wheels, where we discuss Lies of P. One thing is for sure, it's not like the Disney movie.

The post RPG Backtrack 346 – I’ve Got No Strings appeared first on RPGamer.

Bioware tried to strike gold again with Mass Effect: Andromeda. The results were less than stellar. This week's glitch compilation includes Pascal, Robert, and Josh. So many glitches...

The post RPG Backtrack 345 – In Space, No One Can Hear You Glitch appeared first on RPGamer.

If your favorite part of the RPG experience is reading, then we have an RPG for you. Think of this episode featuring Disco Elysium as a book club meeting, with guests Jahwon, David, and Pascal. Talking neckties are optional.

The post RPG Backtrack 344 – Disco Harry Doesn’t Advertise appeared first on RPGamer.

With its memorable characters, classic setting, and questionable romance scenes, Baldur's Gate III took the world by storm in 2023. We have Pascal and Jahwon at our camp tonight to talk about our journey through the Forgotten Realms.  Just don't ask about the squirrel.  That poor critter has seen things...

The post RPG Backtrack 343 – Down By the River appeared first on RPGamer.

Diablo IV may not be as colorful as its predecessor, but it did bring back some fun classes.  Stay a while and listen to this week's show, as Kelley and Chris ask, "How much more dark could this game be?"  The answer is: None.  None more dark.

The post RPG Backtrack 342 – Demon Mommy appeared first on RPGamer.

This week's RPG Backtrack answers the question, "How many stars does it take to save a world?"  According to the Suikoden series, it's no less than 108.  We only have four stars for this podcast though: Ryan R., Robert, David, and Michael.

The post RPG Backtrack 341 – So You Like Suikoden appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's RPG Backtrack, we have a freshly hydrated, massively ripped Ganon ready to destroy the world.  What is a poor mute adventurer going to do?  Join us along with Pascal and Wheels as we talk about Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom while we try to build a Korok torture machine.

The post RPG Backtrack 340 – No More Tears appeared first on RPGamer.

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is the game's best expansion according to fans.  It bestowed the players with bunnies, lions, and dancers, but most important of all, it let people FINALLY live out their gun-sword fantasies like Squall.  This expansion is the topic of this week's show, with guests Robert and Noodle.

The post RPG Backtrack 339 – We Have Bunnies Now appeared first on RPGamer.

World of Warcraft's third expansion began with a bang when Deathwing emerged to change Azeroth forever.  RPG Backtrack goes back to the Cataclysm this week, with guests Andi, Pascal, and Robert. We really want to know if you are are you Team Goblin or Team Worgen?

The post RPG Backtrack 338 – You Maniacs! You Blew It Up! appeared first on RPGamer.

With the final game in the trilogy releasing this week, the RPG Backtrack crew decided to squeeze in a show about Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2.  As fans of the Little Tail Bronx series, we are excited to re-live the sequel to the surprise hit from CyberConnect2.  Featuring guests Cassandra, Josh, and Ryan C.

The post RPG Backtrack 337 – More Caninus of War appeared first on RPGamer.

Monster-Catching May continues this week on RPG Backtrack, where we chat about the Pokémon franchises' first fully open-world game.  Cassandra, Wheels, and David fire up their lizard cycle to talk about Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the most divisive game in the series.

The post RPG Backtrack 336 – Fire Up Your Lizard-Cycle appeared first on RPGamer.

Are you tired of the Pokémon series? Do you still crave the catching of cute little monsters? Then this week's Backtrack is for you!  Join the cast along with Jahwon and Ryan C as we catch our favorite critters in various indie games and make them be our friends.

The post RPG Backtrack 335 – Legally Distinct Non-Spherical Monster Catching Devices appeared first on RPGamer.

Atelier April concludes this week with a pair of direct sequels to Atelier Ryza.  Come join Sam and Ryan M. as we polish our alchemy skills in the royal capital and explore some new islands!

The post RPG Backtrack 334 – Royal Capital Romps and Rural Revelry appeared first on RPGamer.

Atelier April kicks off with a trio of games set in dying worlds.  Josh, Sam, and Wheels all join the show to talk about the Atelier Dusk trilogy (Atelier Ayesha, Atelier Escha & Logy, and Atelier Shallie).

The post RPG Backtrack 333 – Dusk Tales appeared first on RPGamer.

Sony's machine-infested, open-world extravaganza came out with a sequel in 2022.  Sam, Pascal, and Josh join the show as we find out if Horizon Forbidden West lives up to its predecessor.  Let's just hope that the haptic triggers on the PS5 controller didn't give everyone carpal tunnel.

The post RPG Backtrack 332 – She Isn’t a Blended Metal appeared first on RPGamer.

It was 30 years ago this week that RPG legends Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, and Akira Toriyama gave Japan (and the U.S. five months later) their legendary RPG, Chrono Trigger.  Does this beloved game hold up to the test of time?  Find out with guests Pascal, Ryan R, Wheels, and Jahwon.

The post RPG Backtrack 331 – Time Is On Our Side appeared first on RPGamer.

We have a double dose of Final Fantasy sequels this week on Backtrack.  The party in these games may dwindle down to one, but at least there are plenty of guests; including Paul, Robert, Mike, and David.  By the way, there are thirteen days before the world ends.  Have fun!

The post RPG Backtrack 330 – Lightning Strikes Twice appeared first on RPGamer.

The Final Fantasy series has come a long way since its roots on the NES. The latest entry brings a darker, more mature tone to this beloved franchise.  Our panel of hosts, including Ryan C, Paul, Pascal, Wheels, and David, all join the show to debate if the Final Fantasy XVI writers watched too much Game of Thrones.

The post RPG Backtrack 329 – They Watched Too Much Game of Thrones appeared first on RPGamer.

Nintendo's latest entry in the Fire Emblem series gave us a colorful cast of characters, along with some classics returning in the form of rings. Josh and Cassandra join the cast to talk about the fine art of polishing rings in the middle of combat.

The post RPG Backtrack 328 – V-Tubers, ENGAGE! appeared first on RPGamer.

Octopath Traveler II was RPGamer.com's game of the year in 2023. This show has some our staff members, including Ryan M. and Sam, gushing about this game for an extended length of time.  We hope you like positivity!

The post RPG Backtrack 327 – More Octopath Short Stories appeared first on RPGamer.

Sabotage Studios, known for their retro-inspired games, gave us an RPG in 2023. Does Sea of Stars live up to its hype, or did it sink to the bottom of the ocean? Let's kick off 2025 with a modern throwback to the classic JRPG with guests Leogrim and Pascal.

The post RPG Backtrack 326 – Total Eclipse of the Garl appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time for RPG Backtrack's season finale for 2024, so let's go out with some retro-inspired fun.  Chained Echoes was touted as a throwback to RPG Classics when it released in 2022.  Pascal dons his Sky Armor with the rest of the gang to see if this indie game holds up to its 16-bit forefathers.

The post RPG Backtrack 325 – Get in the Sky Armor Glenn appeared first on RPGamer.

The XBox 360 was a JRPG treasure trove in its early days thanks to Microsoft's attempt to appeal to the east. When they got Hironobu Sakaguchi, the father of Final Fantasy to make a few games, we paid attention. On this week's show, Pascal, Wheels, and Ryan M. gain immortality while discussing Lost Odyssey.

The post RPG Backtrack 324 – My Immortal appeared first on RPGamer.

When Final Fantasy XIII released, it was the most divisive title in the series.  Now that fourteen years have passed, how does RPG Backtrack really feel?  Our guests Wheels, Pascal, Ryan M., and Leogrim can at least agree on one thing, Hope is still annoying.

The post RPG Backtrack 323 – That Time Shiva Was a Motorcycle appeared first on RPGamer.

The Special Support Section of Crossbell returns this week for part two of the acclaimed Trails duology. Josh and David come back to chat about going to Mishelam Wonderland for the second time.

The post RPG Backtrack 322 – SSS Academy: Mission to Crossbell appeared first on RPGamer.

The Kiseki series took fans to the countries of Librel and Erebonia, but the Crossbell region had been noticeably absent in the series' official localizations. NIS America finally brought Trails from Zero to the west in 2022, to the joy of many Kiseki fans, and we have Josh, Sam, and David on the show with us for our own Special Support Squad.

The post RPG Backtrack 321 – Crossbell Traffic appeared first on RPGamer.

Many RPGamers have a ROM labeled "Secret of Mana 2" in a long-forgotten floppy disk box in their closet. In 2019, it was finally time to give Square Enix money for the Mana series sequel we all wanted, now officially localized as Trials of Mana, and with a brand new HD remake. Wheels, Scar, and Pascal join the show to celebrate that dreams really do come true.

The post RPG Backtrack 320 – Secret of Duran Duran appeared first on RPGamer.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was RPGamer's game of the year in 2022, and with a good reason.  This series has come a long way since its Wii debut, and we have Robert and Alex on to chat about this epic tale involving a war between ten-year-olds.

The post RPG Backtrack 319 – The Ripe Old Age of Ten appeared first on RPGamer.

If you find yourself agonizing over everyday decisions, then we have the game for you! Triangle Strategy makes convincing people to vote your way fun!  Just ask Josh, Ryan C, and Wheels on this week's show.  We are still trying to convince them that another Idea Factory special is a good idea.

The post RPG Backtrack 318 – All These Triangles Make a Square appeared first on RPGamer.

Adol's adventures continue on this week's Backtrack, as our red-haired hero ends up behind bars.  Did his constant ship-wrecking finally catch up with him?  Find out on this week's show with Josh, Robert, and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 317 – Adol Goes to Jail appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time, Idea Factory made a creepy dungeon crawler named Mary Skelter Nightmares.  This game became a cult hit with the RPGamer staff. Paws and Anime Man join this fairy tale themed episode of RPG Backtrack, and talk about the taste of Marchen blood.

The post RPG Backtrack 316 – Idea Factory’s Fractured Fairy Tales appeared first on RPGamer.

Are first person dungeon crawlers getting you down? Are you tired of rubbing barely clothed monster girls on your PlayStation Vita? Do you miss the stark, monochrome glow of an Apple II running Wizardry?  Dalandar, SpareHombres, and Wheels join the dungeon crawler support group, and have a good cry as their cleric turns to ash.

The post RPG Backtrack 315 – Dungeon Crawlers Anonymous appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's backtrack, we bring a story arc that has crossed two decades, three console generations, and nine games together in one explosive finale.  Kelley, Matt, and Josh were crazy enough to finish this massive story.  Sounds like a Kiseki game to us.

The post RPG Backtrack 314 – Cold Steel Finale appeared first on RPGamer.

This week's show takes us on a journey through time and space. With Live a Live finally coming to the west in 2022, we thought it would be a great time to chat about this obscure Super Famicom port with the three Ryans (Costa, McCarthy, and Radcliff) and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 313 – Eight Lives A-Lived appeared first on RPGamer.

RPG Backtrack continues MMO month with a chat about Final Fantasy XIV's sophomore expansion, Stormblood. Robert and Noodle join the group to re-capture Doma castle in this exciting show!

The post RPG Backtrack 312 – The Last Samurai appeared first on RPGamer.

This week's show kicks off MMO month for 2024, where we talk about World of Warcraft's most popular expansion. Andi, Robert, Ryan, and Pascal all hop aboard the airship to Northrend to re-experience the downfall of the Lich King.

The post RPG Backtrack 311 – Renaissance Festival in Arthas’s Backyard appeared first on RPGamer.

This week's RPG Backtrack discusses Nexomon and Nexomon: Extinction, a pair of charming monster collecting games with a quirky sense of humor. Anna and Ryan Costa join the show this week to wrap up Monster Menagerie May.

The post RPG Backtrack 310 – Omicron Mons appeared first on RPGamer.

May is a great time for celebrating critter catching games! Our first entry for Monster Menagerie May takes us to the land of Hisui, where David and Cassandra come to talk about Pokemon Legends: Arceus.  Just make sure to watch out for the red-eyed Bidoof.

The post RPG Backtrack 309 – Alpha Snorlax Scares Me appeared first on RPGamer.

Atelier April continues, as we celebrate the first part in the trilogy starring Reisalin Stout, or as we know her, Ryza.  Sam, Chris, and Ryan all join the show to talk about this fresh take on the series.

The post RPG Backtrack 308 – Thunder Thigh-za appeared first on RPGamer.

Break out the cauldron and polish that philosopher's stone, because it's Atelier April on RPG Backtrack! For this week's show, we discuss the four games set in Arland along with Sam and Josh.

The post RPG Backtrack 307 – RoroTotoMeruLulu appeared first on RPGamer.

Yakuza fans rejoiced when Sega remade the original PlayStation 2 game for modern consoles in 2016.  Now we have Josh, Pascal, and Ryan to tell us if this remake was an improvement.  We are also on the lookout for Majima.  He's everywhere.

The post RPG Backtrack 306 – Kiwami Means EXTREME appeared first on RPGamer.

Persona 3 defined the series as we know it today with its social links and high-school inspired setting.  Now that Persona 3 Reload is out, we thought it was time to dust off the Evokers and don our S.E.E.S. armband again. Mike and David both agree that Koromaru is the best boy on this week's RPG Backtrack.

The post RPG Backtrack 305 – Burn My Bread appeared first on RPGamer.

With the newly announced DLC set to release this summer, now is the perfect time to have an Elden Ring retrospective.  Both Chris and Pascal were summoned to the show, but despite their high intelligence stats, they're still unclear just how much George R.R. Martin was involved.

The post RPG Backtrack 304 – Go Outside, Touch Grace appeared first on RPGamer.

We laughed at the trailer, made memes out of the cut scenes, and wondered what Tetsuya Nomura was thinking when he decided that the original Final Fantasy story needed a dark take. But we have to ask, was Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin any good?  Pascal, David, Mike, and Ryan M join the Chaos-killing party this week on RPG Backtrack.

The post RPG Backtrack 303 – Love Is Chaos appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to get cozy on RPG Backtrack, with a delightful little game from Level-5.  Pull up a chair, grab some tea, and head into a new life with Matt, Cassandra, and Kell, as we chat about Fantasy Life on the 3DS.

The post RPG Backtrack 302 – Get a Life appeared first on RPGamer.

What happens when the Yakuza series jumps to the other side of the law? Sam, Josh, Pascal, and David all have answers to this question during our deep dive into Judgment.

The post RPG Backtrack 301 – Kamurocho Noire appeared first on RPGamer.

We kick off a new season of RPG Backtrack by revisiting the game from the first episode that debuted nearly sixteen years ago! That's right, we are old, and this is a celebration of Super Mario RPG, with guests Mike Apps and Ryan Costa.

The post RPG Backtrack 300 – There’s A Sword In My Castle! appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's episode, we journey back to the realm of post apocalyptic Tokyo as we talk about Shin Megami Tensei V. Wheels and Ryan M. join the crew, on this exciting season finale of RPG Backtrack for 2023!

The post RPG Backtrack 299 – Nahobino Bambino appeared first on RPGamer.

NieR-vember continues with a sequel that surpassed the original NieR in popularity and sales.  Ryan (Scar), Josh, and Pascal visit the show to talk about NieR Automata.  Everybody wonders if sexy androids dream of sexy electric sheep.

The post RPG Backtrack 298 – Love, Death, and Androids appeared first on RPGamer.

Was the Drakengard series too sane for you? Then let Yoko Taro crank up the weirdness in Nier Replicant and Nier Gestalt. Josh and Pascal hop on the show to chat about how they prefer their game protagonist, young or old.

The post RPG Backtrack 297 – The Book Won’t Stop Yelling at Me appeared first on RPGamer.

It took fourteen years, but we finally got a sequel to the original World Ends With You in 2021.  Grab your pins and some boba tea, because we're going back to Shibuya!  Cassandra hops on the show this time around to discuss Neo The World Ends With You.

The post RPG Backtrack 296 – Wicked Twister Sisters appeared first on RPGamer.

Spooky month rolls on! This week we return to the FromSoftware well we dove into last October to talk Bloodborne. David, Wheels, and Pascal are our Hunters as we battle our way through another bloody classic.

The post RPG Backtrack 295 – Bloody Well Right appeared first on RPGamer.

Spooky month is finally here!  It's about time we celebrate a pair of adorable little RPGs from Double Fine.  Sam and Ryan M. don their favorite disguises with us to talk about Costume Quest 1 and 2.

The post RPG Backtrack 294 – Quest for Candy appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's episode, we celebrate the recent announcement of a DLC expansion for Tales of Arise. Let's just pretend this is how we planned the show, and it's really not just a happy coincidence. Catch up on the base game with us, along with Jon and Robert.

The post RPG Backtrack 293 – Arise To The Occasion appeared first on RPGamer.

Have you ever wanted to use ancient gods to cut down hundreds of demons with one stroke? Have you ever wanted to go on a road trip across Japan? Did you want a Persona game on the Nintendo Switch in 2021?  We answer all of these questions in our talk about Persona 5 Strikers, with Josh, Wheels, and David.

The post RPG Backtrack 292 – Kick-Strike My Heart appeared first on RPGamer.

As students trudge back to school in real life, we go back to Thors Academy this week on RPG Backtrack.  Josh joins the show to talk about Trails of Cold Steel III, along with plenty of head-pats and comments about Rean's new glasses.

The post RPG Backtrack 291 – The Student Has Now Become the Hot Teacher appeared first on RPGamer.

Nintendo gave us a big surprise during the 2019 Game Awards when they announced Bravely Default II for the Switch. Now Cassandra and Robert don their Asterisks to talk about this nostalgia-inspired RPG series. Wait, haven't we already talked about a Second Bravely game before?

The post RPG Backtrack 290 – Asterisks of Power appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's Backtrack, we bid a fond farewell to Diablo III with Chris, Ryan C., and Robert.  Some people loved it, some people hated it, but we can all agree on one thing; nobody liked the auction house.

The post RPG Backtrack 289 – Too Much Color appeared first on RPGamer.

Nippon Ichi's flagship series brought a divisive new feature to aid with level grinding.  Is it helpful?  Does it ruin the game?  Chris, Pascal, and Wheels all hop on to argue about Disgaea 6 and its robust A.I. system.

The post RPG Backtrack 288 – They Turned it Into an Idle Game! appeared first on RPGamer.

The Black Portal looms over the horizon of this week's show, as we discuss our first time setting foot on Outland in World Of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade with Robert and Ryan.  Just watch out for the Fel Reaver.  Don't worry, you will know it when you hear it.

The post RPG Backtrack 287 – Not Being Prepared Was Merely a Setback appeared first on RPGamer.

After Final Fantasy XIV's abysmal launch and outstanding comeback, fans wondered what was next for the popular MMORPG. Have some wine and join Robert and Noodle as we flash back to the game's first expansion, Heavensward.

The post RPG Backtrack 286 – What Does Heaven’s Ward Mean to You? appeared first on RPGamer.

It's been a while since we've visited the farm. So grab your watering can, because Anna, Ryan M, and Wheels join us this week to talk about Rune Factory 4.

The post RPG Backtrack 285 – There’s a Dragon in the Throne Room appeared first on RPGamer.

Dust off that disco suit, because we're going back to 1989.  RPG Backtrack returns to Kamurocho this week in Yakuza 0 with Josh, Sam, Ryan M., and Pascal.

The post RPG Backtrack 284 – Disco Kiryu Doesn’t Advertise appeared first on RPGamer.

With its sequel just around the corner, we thought that now would be a great time to do a show about Fuga: Melodies of Steel. Josh, Cassandra, and Ryan C. all hop in to share their thoughts about this latest entry in the Little Tail Bronx series.

The post RPG Backtrack 283 – Caninus of War appeared first on RPGamer.

Firaxis Games released XCOM: Enemy Unknown in 2012, giving new fans a taste of the alien-bashing fun from the original XCOM: UFO Defense. This week on RPG Backtrack, guests Pascal, Ryan C., and Josh help provide our own take on the series' revival.

The post RPG Backtrack 282 – If Masochism Had Base Building appeared first on RPGamer.

RPGamers rejoiced during E3 2015, as Square Enix finally announced a remake for Final Fantasy VII.  The game released in 2020 and beamed a light of hope in a year that was miserable. Now on RPG Backtrack, we celebrate Final Fantasy VII Remake with guests Josh, Jon, and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 281 – Old Merc Yells at Cloud appeared first on RPGamer.

Monster Hunter March concludes with the series debut on the Nintendo Switch. Phil, Ryan, and Wheels all hop on the hunt, as we take a trip to Kamura Village to reflect on our epic hunts in Monster Hunter Rise.

The post RPG Backtrack 280 – Rise From Your Cart appeared first on RPGamer.

This month, RPG Backtrack celebrates Monster Hunter March!  On this week's show, we're going to befriend our local monsters instead of hunting them.  Wheels, Pascal, and Phil hop into this party, as we discuss why the Monster Hunter Stories spinoffs might make us feel guilty about killing monsters in the main series.

The post RPG Backtrack 279 – Monsters are Friends, Not Loot appeared first on RPGamer.

An original PlayStation classic comes back to PSN, and RPG Backtrack, for a new generation of RPGamers.  Grab some mead and a haunch of meat, as Sam and Robert tell their tall tales about the original Valkyrie Profile.

The post RPG Backtrack 278 – Norse Mythology Simulator appeared first on RPGamer.

A new entry in the Theatrhythm Final Fantasy series is just around the corner.  To celebrate, we explore the the 3DS roots of the series along with its ever expanding track list. Join us, along with Cassandra and Pascal, while we battle ear worms with some amazing music!

The post RPG Backtrack 277 – Elite Beat Moogles appeared first on RPGamer.

Who wants to play a video game version of Swiss Family Robinson, only with Adol Christin? This week's RPG Backtrack takes us to a deserted island, as we talk about Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana with guests Josh, Robert, and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 276 – Lactose Intolerant Dana appeared first on RPGamer.

Let's kick off the new year by cutting down hundreds of bad guys in Hyrule! This week on RPG Backtrack, we dive into the Hyrule Warriors series, with Musou expert Phil Willis joining the show.

The post RPG Backtrack 275 – Breath of the Musou appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to get festive for RPG Backtrack's last show of the season. Join us along with Wheels for this holiday special, while we talk about two gems from Zeboyd Games: Cthulhu Saves the World and Cthulhu Saves Christmas.

The post RPG Backtrack 274 – An Eldritch Horror Holiday appeared first on RPGamer.

On this week's show, we take a trip to the future with CD Projekt RED's long anticipated take on science fiction, Cyberpunk 2077. Sam, David, Josh, and special guest Jim all hop on the bullet train for this exciting episode!

The post RPG Backtrack 273 – Back to the Future appeared first on RPGamer.

With a new main character and a new battle system, Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a fresh start for many longtime fans of the series.  On this week's backtrack, Josh, Robert, and David pry themselves from the stock market and go-karts to talk about the debut of Ichiban Kasuga.

The post RPG Backtrack 272 – Omelette Stonks appeared first on RPGamer.

This week's backtrack takes us to the Galar region, where we fight in a soccer stadium with a Pokémon that's shaped like a teapot. It's time to talk about Pokémon Sword and Shield, with guests Cassandra and Jon.

The post RPG Backtrack 271 – Say Hello to the Welcome Onix appeared first on RPGamer.

It's part two of our Souls celebration, featuring Dark Souls II and III.  Guests Pascal, David, and Wheels join the show this week, reminding everyone to keep those estus flasks filled!

The post RPG Backtrack 270 – The Dark Souls of Backtracks appeared first on RPGamer.

It's spooky season, and that means it's time to collect some souls.  Come join the cast, featuring David, Wheels, and Pascal, as we talk about Demon's Souls and Dark Souls.

The post RPG Backtrack 269 – I’ve Got Souls, but I’m Not a Soldier appeared first on RPGamer.

Do you like sentinels? Well, this game has thirteen of them.  Ryan and Jon stop by to discuss Vanillaware's latest title, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Clothing is optional for robot piloting!

The post RPG Backtrack 268 – Help! I’m Naked and in a Giant Robot! appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time for part two of our tribute to Supergiant Games!  This time around, both games focus on the afterlife.  Join us along with Phil, Wheels and Sam as we tackle Pyre and Hades on this week's show!

The post RPG Backtrack 267 – Running Up That Hell appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to take to the skies in our airship so we can talk about a beloved Dreamcast and GameCube classic.  Robert, David, and Cassandra all join the crew this week for a celebration of Skies of Arcadia.

The post RPG Backtrack 266 – You Are an Air Pirate! appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to grab a wand, because we're going to a magic school for RPG Backtrack this week.  Join us along with Sam and Josh as we explore the mystical school of Ikenfell to solve a mystery, and pet a few cats!

By the way, IMPORTANT FEED NEWS!  We will be moving to a new RSS feed soon.  Stay tuned for an MP3 announcement that will have the new feed. You can also find the new feed at RPGamer.com.

The post RPG Backtrack 265 – Fast Times at Magic High appeared first on RPGamer.

A few former developers for the SaGa series came together to give the 3DS two spiritual successors to the series.  Wheels and Pascal join us on the show to talk about The Legend of Legacy and The Alliance Alive, and if they were worth playing.

The post RPG Backtrack 264 – Duck Tank, Woo Hoo! appeared first on RPGamer.

Sometimes, a game makes you say "Why? Just why?" It's finally time for Josh and Kelley to air their grievances with The Witch and the Hundred Knight and its sequel, along with Matt who questions their taste in games.

The post RPG Backtrack 263 – 100 Knights, but a Witch Ain’t One appeared first on RPGamer.

What happens when Japan's most beloved RPG series draws inspiration from the world's most popular monster catching game? The result is the Dragon Quest Monsters series. Matt comes back from vacation to school Kelley and Wheels on these charming Dragon Quest spin-offs.

The post RPG Backtrack 262 – Goo-tta Catch ‘Em All! appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix's successor to Final Fantasy XI is the game so nice, they launched it twice!  OK, that was a joke.  The 1.0 version wasn't as nice as 2.0, but we gathered some people to chat about it anyway.  Join us along with guests Robert, Noodle, and Phil, while we reminisce about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (and a little of 1.0).

The post RPG Backtrack 261 – Send Me a Scion appeared first on RPGamer.

In the year 2004, World of Warcraft released and changed gaming forever.  Robert and Pascal joined our group to chat about the classic version of the game (minus the Chuck Norris jokes).  Lok'tar Ogar!

The post RPG Backtrack 260 – Thunderfury Blessed Blade of the Windseeker appeared first on RPGamer.

Ready the battalion!  It's Backtrack time!  In this episode we talk about Sega's other strategy RPG series, Valkyria Chronicles, with guests Josh, Robert, Pascal, and Wheels.

The post RPG Backtrack 259 — Europa Wars appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to take another journey to Thedas. Sam, David, and Jervon come join the inquisition as we explore the third title in the Dragon Age series.

The post RPG Backtrack 258 – Scale the Wall and Ride the Bull! appeared first on RPGamer.

In 2019, Sega revived the long dormant Sakura Wars franchise with a soft reboot on the PlayStation 4. It's time to brush off those theater glasses as Sam, Josh, and David talk about the Imperial Combat Revue while trying to cure their Koi-Koi addictions.

The post RPG Backtrack 257 – Chicks Dig Giant Robots appeared first on RPGamer.

The Outer Worlds is Obsidian's interpretation of a post-apocalyptic experience.  Sam, Josh, and David hop on the podcast to talk about their adventures in this wacky space western.

The post RPG Backtrack 256 – Dr. Thunder Fallout appeared first on RPGamer.

The Nintendo DS was the home of several strange RPGs. During this week's backtrack, we provide some mixed opinions about Sands of Destruction with guests Sam Wachter and Cassandra Ramos.

The post RPG Backtrack 255 – I Hate Sand appeared first on RPGamer.

The summer of 2011 gave us a little company named Supergiant Games, which has made several beloved games. Guests Sam, Ryan, and Pascal hop on to discuss the developer’s first two titles: Bastion and Transistor.

The post RPG Backtrack 254 – The Transistor’s Bastion appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time for the next part in the Legend of Heroes saga, Trails of Cold Steel II, featuring guests Josh Carpenter and Pascal Tekaia. The first game ended on such a cliffhanger that the fans must be chomping at the bit to hear the next part!

The post RPG Backtrack 253 – Gundam Rean appeared first on RPGamer.

Square Enix's first dive into the HD-2D style was an interesting yet divisive game.  Join us along with guests Ryan Radcliff, Paul Shkreli, Jason McFadden, and Josh Carpenter as we talk about why eight is a magic number in Octopath Traveler.

The post RPG Backtrack 252 – 32 Short Stories About Orsterra appeared first on RPGamer.

It's a double dose of Tales as we talk about Tales of Symphonia and its sequel, Dawn of the New World!  Get your ex-spheres ready because Robert Albright and Cassandra Ramos join in for the fun!

The post RPG Backtrack 251 – Symphonia of the Night appeared first on RPGamer.

We rounded up guests Pascal Tekaia and Jon Jansen to talk about Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.  Get your Wizard's Companion out of storage, because it's time to look back at when Level-5 first collaborated with Studio Ghibli!

The post RPG Backtrack 250 – Flipping Heck Mun, It’s Ni no Kuni, En’t It? appeared first on RPGamer.

We kick off 2022 with a duo of indie RPGs from a little company called Zeboyd Games. Join us along with Robert Albright, Ryan Radcliff, Pascal Tekaia, and Sam Wachter as we dive into these retro-inspired games!

The post RPG Backtrack 249 – Need an RPG? Why Not Zeboyd? appeared first on RPGamer.

Yakuza 6 was the swan song for its beloved protagonist Kiryu. It's also the final RPG Backtrack of 2021! Join this lively cast of guests, including Josh Carpenter, David McBurney, Ryan McCarthy, Pascal Tekaia, and Sam Wachter as we close out the year in Kamurocho.

The post RPG Backtrack 248 – Sexy Beat Takeshi appeared first on RPGamer.

This game started as a mystery with the working title "X" when it was first announced.  Then it became a hidden gem on the Nintendo system that never found its footing. Guests Ryan McCarthy and Micheal Apps both wonder if Nopons taste like potatoes while we talk about Xenoblade Chronicles X. 

The post RPG Backtrack 247 – X Marks the Spot appeared first on RPGamer.

It's been ten full years of dragons and memes from the Elder Scrolls universe, and for this week’s RPG Backtrack, Sam and Pascal hop on to reminisce about Skyrim. Maybe this episode will still be relevant in another decade when Skyrim gets released on the PS7 and Xbox Holodeck.

The post RPG Backtrack 246 – Making a Fus Ro Dah appeared first on RPGamer.

It's an island getaway this week on RPG Backtrack, as we tale a trip to Alola and catch some Pokémon.  Cassandra, Robert, and Wheels take the island challenge as well.  Now if only that stupid Cosmog would stay in the bag.

The post RPG Backtrack 245 – Day ‘Mon, Fighter of the Night ‘Mon appeared first on RPGamer.

The next major arc of the Legend of Heroes series takes us to Thors Military Academy, where we learn that even teachers need a drink sometimes.  Join us on this journey to Erebonia along with Pascal, Josh, and Jervon as we dive into part one of the Trails of Cold Steel saga.

The post RPG Backtrack 244 – Hot for Teacher appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to give some love to CyberConnect2's passion project, Little Tail Bronx. After all, they only put a game out in this series every ten years. Josh Carpenter and Casandra Ramos join the show to chime in about this adorable DS game, Solatorobo: Red the Hunter.

The post RPG Backtrack 243 – Domo Arigato Solatorobo appeared first on RPGamer.

We gushed about Dragon Quest's first game earlier in the year to celebrate the series' 35th anniversary.  Now it's time to express our thoughts about the latest entry, Dragon Quest XI, with guests David and Pascal, plus a special recording from Andy.

The post RPG Backtrack 242 – This Quest Goes to Eleven appeared first on RPGamer.

Have you ever been minding your own business when, suddenly, a random Irish God decides to make you his personal Godslayer? On today's Backtrack, we talk about the finer points of exterminating deities in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Join us along with guests Anna, Cassandra, and David while we take a deep dive into Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.

The post RPG Backtrack 241 – Dadga’s Dogma appeared first on RPGamer.

Nintendo and Ubisoft's mascot collaboration sounded like a nightmare when the proposed team-up leaked in 2017.  Little did we know, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle turned out to be a kid-friendly version of X-Com that we actually enjoyed!  Join us along with guests Josh, Pascal, Wheels, and Paul as we shoot some Rabbids with Nerf guns.

The post RPG Backtrack 240 – Rub Rabbids appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to put on our overalls, grab our hoe, and go back to the farm! Join us along with guests Sam and Ryan as we dig deep into the depths of indie darling Stardew Valley.

The post RPG Backtrack 239 – Save Money. Farm Better. appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to celebrate Fire Emblem's glorious debut in high definition!  Settle in for a fancy tea party, as we explore Fire Emblem: Three Houses with guests Anna, Cassandra, Josh, and Paul.

The post RPG Backtrack 238 – Lions and Eagles and Deer, Oh My appeared first on RPGamer.

BioWare's three-part space epic left an impression on the hearts of many people.  With the re-release of the Mass Effect trilogy, we wanted to reminisce about our our travels on the Normandy.  Join us, along with guests Josh, Robert, Jervon, and Pascal as we ask the important questions, such as "who did you hook up with?"

The post RPG Backtrack 237 – Did You Probe Uranus? appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to break out the oil cans and question our humanity.  We're talking about Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (with a little bit of Human Revolution thrown in) on this week's episode of RPG Backtrack, featuring guests Josh and Sam. Be sure to keep a throat lozenge handy, because our voices are about to get sexy.

The post RPG Backtrack 236 – Action Jensen appeared first on RPGamer.

The Legend of Dragoon is, without a doubt, the most polarizing game in RPG history.  People either think it's the best game on the PlayStation, or they want to light all four discs on fire.  Maybe our guests Andy, David, Robert, and Pascal can help find a middle ground?

The post RPG Backtrack 235 – Slambert It Up appeared first on RPGamer.

What do you get when you take a cast of 25 characters from Persona, throw them in a clone of Etrian Odyssey, then add a dash of movie magic and a pinch of depressing social commentary?  You get Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth!  Join us along with guests Micheal Apps, Mike Moehnke, and Anna Marie Privitere, because we have MOVIE SIGN!

The post RPG Backtrack 234 – Mystery ‘Sona Theater 3000 appeared first on RPGamer.

A podcast draws near!  Command?  Join us with guests Andy and Cassandra Ramos as we celebrate Dragon Quest's 35th birthday.  Needless to say, the game had a bit of an influence on all of our lives, either directly or indirectly.  Won't you come listen?  But thou must!

The post RPG Backtrack 233: 35 Goo-d Years appeared first on RPGamer.

The Dreamcast may have lacked in terms of... everything, but the RPGs it had were spectacular! In this episode, we get into Grandia II with guests Robert Albright, David McBurney, and Mike Moehnke. Just make sure you keep your alternate demon personality in check while listening to this one.

The post RPG Backtrack 232: Dr. Elena and Ms. Millenia appeared first on RPGamer.

Our retro episode of RPG Backtrack briefly mentioned the feel-good RPG, Undertale. We felt the game deserved its own episode, since we also have a chance to bring up its spiritual sequel, Deltarune. The round table discussion with guests Pascal Tekaia and David McBurney fills you with determination! WARNING!: This entire podcast contains spoilers for the game!

The post RPG Backtrack 231: Hug the Goat! appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega swung for the fences when they gave us Yakuza 5, making American fans wonder if the game was even going to get a western release. RPGamer's Yakuza aficionados Josh Carpenter, David McBurney, Ryan McCarthy, and Sam Wachter weigh in on whether the game fulfilled any dreams, or was the stuff of nightmares.

The post RPG Backtrack 230: Dance Dance Revelation appeared first on RPGamer.

For anyone who couldn't get enough job hats, Square Enix delivers with a sequel to its weirdly-named "Not Final Fantasy" for the 3DS. Join us along with guests Cassandra Ramos and Alex Fuller as we dive into Bravely Second: End Layer, and try desperately not to call it Bravely Default II.

The post RPG Backtrack 229: For the Gravy! appeared first on RPGamer.

BioWare was on top of the world in the late 2000s. Then it got the bright idea to make a portable game with a certain blue hedgehog, and the internet rejoiced... or did it? Join us along with guests David McBurney and Mike Moehnke as we take a deep dive into Sonic's first (and last) RPG adventure!  Spoiler alert: Sonic's first RPG didn't go well.

The post RPG Backtrack 228: Hedgehog Age appeared first on RPGamer.

It’s the 25th anniversary of the launch of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. You just weren’t a '90s kid unless you were bragging to your friends about how you found a Mew under the truck. Guests Cassandra Ramos, David McBurney, Michael Apps, and Corey “Loffter” Scoggins join the latest episode of RPG Backtrack, where we reminisce about the Poké-mania that was rampant in the late 90s.

The post RPG Backtrack 227: Ballin’ Since ’96 appeared first on RPGamer.

Bandai Namco surprised us with a sequel to its team-up with Studio Ghibli. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a little less Ghibli than we would like, but guests Chris and Anna Marie Privitere still joined us to talk about how to make Evermore great again. Now where are those darn higgledies…

The post RPG Backtrack 226: Sim City Evermore appeared first on RPGamer.

Like many games before it, Kingdom Hearts was a series that had trouble getting to three.  Join us along with guests Shannon Harle, David McBurney, and Ryan McCarthy, as we discuss the long-awaited third entry in the beloved Disney RPG mash-up!

The post RPG Backtrack 225: A Frozen Tangled Toy Story appeared first on RPGamer.

What happens when Japan's most popular RPG decides to mimic the world's most popular sandbox game? Find out along with guests Robert Albright and Anna Marie Privitere as we mine some slimes and craft a castle or two!

The post RPG Backtrack 224: Slimecraft appeared first on RPGamer.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was one of the first major RPGs for the Nintendo Switch (if you don't count Breath of the Wild).  Does it live up to the legacy of the Xeno series? Join us along with guests Alex Fuller and Michael Apps as we dive into the Cloud Sea!

The post RPG Backtrack 223: Blade-y Driver appeared first on RPGamer.

The last game in the Trails in the Sky trilogy took ten years to come to the United States. That's a long wait! At least you don't have to wait that long for us to talk about it. Join us as one long-time host says goodbye, and two new hosts take the helm along with some familiar friends to discuss Trails in the Sky the 3rd.

The post RPG Backtrack 222: Third Trail’s a Charm! appeared first on RPGamer.

Imageepoch made one final game featuring witches before the company disappeared, and Stella Glow proved a quite decent swan song.  It's the subject of today's Backtrack, in fact.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 221: Can’t You Hear Me Yell-a? appeared first on RPGamer.

After learning some things with Lunar, Game Arts created a series called Grandia that has quite a bit to recommend.  We have some new points of view eager to chime in on this series today.

Games covered:

• Grandia
• Grandia Xtreme
• Grandia III

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 220: Grand Game Arts appeared first on RPGamer.

Falcom has delivered a number of titles over the years that aren't part of its currently-ongoing series, and we tackle a sextet of them here.  From the Zwei titles to Brandish: The Dark Revenant, this covers quite a bit of ground.

Games covered (alphabetical order):

• Brandish: The Dark Revenant
• Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
• Popful Mail
• Xanadu Next
• Zwei: The Arges Adventure
• Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 219: Peregrine Falcom appeared first on RPGamer.

Every now and then, a Musou title crosses over into the realm of something we cover at RPGamer.  A quartet of these games from the worlds of Dragon Quest, The Legend of Zelda and Fire Emblem somehow prompted one of our lengthiest dissertations yet.

Games covered (alphabetical order):

• Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below
• Dragon Quest Heroes II
• Fire Emblem Warriors
• Hyrule Warriors

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 218: Tell It to the Musou Marines appeared first on RPGamer.

In Japan it's called Mother, while for North America it's called Earthbound.  Either way, Shigesato Itoi's series is unique and worth some discussion.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 217: The Mothers of Invention appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time, a Dream Team of RPG talent created something called Chrono Trigger.  Years later, a sequel called Chrono Cross made its way onto store shelves.  The tale of these two titles is told today.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 216: Time After Time appeared first on RPGamer.

Not satisfied with a single venture into the RPG realm, South Park returned in 2017 with another turn-based excursion through a small mountain town in Colorado.  Be prepared for language that is in keeping with the source material.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 215: Captain Diabetes appeared first on RPGamer.

Remakes of Fire Emblem games were limited to the DS, until the second entry in the series saw a 3DS rendition.  Something that originated on the Famicom occasioned quite a bit of discussion, presented here for listeners to enjoy.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 214: Echoes in My Mind appeared first on RPGamer.

After a lengthy and problematic development cycle, Final Fantasy XV was released to the world in 2016.  Many people subsequently played it and have a variety of things to say regarding the experience on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 213: The Boys Are Back in Town appeared first on RPGamer.

The Fallout series has gone through a number of permutations, and we've covered everything predating the fourth numbered one.  The time has come to give Fallout 4 an episode all to itself.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 212: The Roaches Did Survive appeared first on RPGamer.

Considering it was a brand-new intellectual property, Horizon Zero Dawn succeeded beyond what most publishers would have expected.  We have a lot of people ready to explain just why it succeeded today.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 211: On the Horizon appeared first on RPGamer.

What happens when the Shin Megami Tensei concepts are extended into other series, such as Etrian Odyssey and Fire Emblem?  We get interesting fusions like the first Persona Q and Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, both of which are the focus on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 210: Genre Splicing appeared first on RPGamer.

Pokémon is such a sprawling series that it contains numerous titles varying from its usual template.  We tackled a lot of them in this episode, and while the result may not be comprehensive regarding every Pokémon spinoff, it wasn't for lack of effort.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 209: The Pokemon Are Restless appeared first on RPGamer.

Our progress in covering Tales of games continues with a pair called Xillia 1 and 2.  Quite a bit is happening in this pair, and hopefully anyone curious is enlightened by the discussion.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 208: Year XIL in the Land of LIA appeared first on RPGamer.

A long-running series in Japan has only made occasional trips across the Pacific, but we managed to play some of all the ones that did.  Here's a discussion on the sizable Summon Night lineage.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 207 – It Comes by Summon Night appeared first on RPGamer.

Founded as a subsidiary of Idea Factory, the Compile Heart company has been aiding and abetting a deluge of games over the years.  These titles range somewhat in quality, and our latest discussion is an attempt to give some useful background on the developer's sizable catalog.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 206: The Tell-tale Compile Heart appeared first on RPGamer.

Atlus would not be rushed into making a fifth main Persona game.  Now that it's finally been out long enough to warrant a Backtrack, plenty of things can be said about it, and many of them will be heard on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 205: Nancy Drew and the Case of Otherworldly Entities appeared first on RPGamer.

The Legend of Zelda in recent years has produced a couple of nonlinear adventures for the 3DS and Switch.  Breath of the Wild, in particular, produced some disparate thoughts for the benefit of our listeners.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 204: Link Goes Wild appeared first on RPGamer.

A quick glance at the Yo-kai Watch games might superficially indicate nothing more than another portable monster collection title, but there's quite a bit more to distinguish them.  Going into what makes this series distinct requires quite a few puns to be mentioned.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 203: YO, KAI, Watch This! appeared first on RPGamer.

Let us return to the earlier days of the Kingdom Hearts series.  This episode contains an attempt to disseminate the pertinent points of Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 202: I’m Gonna Wreck It! appeared first on RPGamer.

In recent years the release of new entries in the Dragon Quest series hasn't been very frequent.  Dragon Quest VIII and Dragon Quest IX have nevertheless been around long enough to warrant a Backtrack, and here it is.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 201: Return of the Dragon appeared first on RPGamer.

It was a time when relatively few RPGs crossed the Pacific, and not all of those that did were memorable.  For our 200th episode, talking about the most operatic Final Fantasy on the Super Nintendo just seemed like a great idea -- and it was.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 200: An Octopus at the Opera appeared first on RPGamer.

Nintendo keeps putting Mario into the RPG realm, so it's time to catch up with the 3DS installments that aren't remakes.  It's also time to reflect a bit on the very first time Mario entered an RPG.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 199: What a ‘Stache appeared first on RPGamer.

A little title about exploring a large swathe of the galaxy, originally released on the PC and later on the Genesis, hasn't seen a new installment in decades but still inspires fond memories.  This is the story of Starflight and its sequel.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 198: First Starflight I See Tonight appeared first on RPGamer.

After over 77,000 Kickstarter backers contributed to Obsidian's campaign, a new title named Pillars of Eternity came to pass.  We have quite a bit to say about this title that deliberately evokes the PC RPGs of a now-bygone era.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 197: A Pillar Is Forever appeared first on RPGamer.

The 3DS saw some later Etrian Odyssey games that changed the core principles a bit.  Two of them added significant narratives, and another mixed in Mystery Dungeon mechanics.  One of these stratagems was more successful.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 196 – Map It Out appeared first on RPGamer.

Developers were once consumed by the need to push technological prowess as much as possible, but in recent years a smorgasbord of titles that evoke earlier generations has been created.  We here tackle a hefty helping of this sort of RPG, using a lineup that varies wildly in style and quality.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 195: Old Wave appeared first on RPGamer.

Just when it seemed safe to talk about the seventh Dragon Quest, it was remade for the 3DS.  Now that a little time has passed and the official Backtrack Statute of Limitations has expired, we can discuss this sizable title.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 194: Chasing the Dragon appeared first on RPGamer.

The time has come to delve further into the twisty world of Pokémon in its fifth and sixth generations.  Unexpectedly, since he never played a game in the series, we also pay tribute to Macstorm with this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 193: In Soviet Russia, Pokémon Catch You appeared first on RPGamer.

The Saturn received a number of exclusive titles that have yet to be ported elsewhere, and among them were several Working Designs gems.  One that is very fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to have played it is Dragon Force, and there is quite a bit to say in its favor.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 192: Harpies, Dragons and Cavalry, Oh My appeared first on RPGamer.

Three-dimensional visuals are used by most developers now.  Vanillaware is an important exception to that trend, and its Dragon's Crown, Odin Sphere and Muramasa demonstrate just how nice two-dimensional things can look.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 191: Just Plain Vanillaware appeared first on RPGamer.

Arc Rise Fantasia is a game that received something of a bad deal when it was localized, and even now hasn't been experienced by many.  Perhaps a few converts will be made after listening to this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 190: A Wii ARF appeared first on RPGamer.

Previous Fire Emblem titles were self-contained, but Fates is a different experience in its structure.  Nintendo and Intelligent Systems made some interesting decisions here, and we delve into them at length.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 189: No Fates but What We Make appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time we managed to sustain an episode of the Backtrack that talked about Disgaea for an astoundingly long time.  Even more games in the series have been released since then, but this time our ruminations aren't quite so sprawling.

The post RPG Backtrack Episode 188: D2 The Mighty Prinnies appeared first on RPGamer.

The Langrisser series has only come across the Pacific legitimately on two occasions in different centuries, and neither is the high point of a venerable tactical franchise. Join us for a talk about its multifaceted components that includes extensive artwork discussion.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 187: “We’re Going to War” appeared first on RPGamer.

Radiant Historia was a fairly late release for the DS, and garnered quite a devoted following from those who were able to obtain it. Now that the game has received a 3DS remake, the task of unraveling its complex structure has fallen onto us.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 186: “You Can Make History Young Again” appeared first on RPGamer.

A massive series from Capcom called Monster Hunter involves exactly what the title implies. Once the thrill of Monster Hunter gets into someone's blood it seems to supplant all other desires, as this episode amply demonstrates.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 185: “The Hunt Is On” appeared first on RPGamer.

In a world with little life left and lots of clues about what went wrong, a young man must puzzle a way to survive. This is a story of Fragile Dreams, and here we talk about one of the Wii's unconventional highlights.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 184: “Fragile, It Must be Italian” appeared first on RPGamer.

Completing the localization of Trails in the Sky's Second Chapter was not a task for the lighthearted, but XSEED eventually persevered. This episode details why that was a good thing for the growing ranks of Falcom fans outside Japan.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 183: “Estelle Is Swell” appeared first on RPGamer.

Tales games just keep coming, and a couple of more recent ones come under the microscope today. One was embraced by almost everyone while the other comes with many more reservations.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 182: “Hearts of Graces” appeared first on RPGamer.

It was looking as if a highly-regarded title for the Wii wasn't going to make its way to North America, but Operation Rainfall eventually produced Xenoblade for more of the world. Describing why that was definitely a good thing takes some time, but much less than the game itself.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 181: “Xenomorphing” appeared first on RPGamer.

A few years ago, it looked as if Fire Emblem was on its last legs. Intelligent Systems threw everything it could think of into a game called Awakening, and it worked the necessary magic to get the series a new lease on life.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 180: “Awakening the Fire” appeared first on RPGamer.

It's been a long time since a completely new Lunar game was released, and an even longer time since a completely new Lunar game that is also good came to pass. So let's look back at the Eternal Blue and DS parts of the series.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 179: “Lunar 2: Eternal Boogaloo” appeared first on RPGamer.

Square-Enix heard the cries of several people who needed to have more Final Fantasy XIII, and brought forth XIII-2. Whether this particular sequel is one the world needed to experience is another question entirely.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 178: “Monday the Thirteenth” appeared first on RPGamer.

After Arena, post-Daggerfall, following Morrowind and past Oblivion, The Elder Scrolls reached Skyrim. Since its horses are more aggressive in a fight, the inability to get armored protection for them is a bit troubling.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 177: “Rim the Sky” appeared first on RPGamer.

Long-running manga and anime often involve characters seeking to get stronger, so turning them into RPGs isn't a completely inexplicable move. The results don't always justify the effort that went into their creation, at least not in the case of most of the fodder for this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 176: “As Seen on TV” appeared first on RPGamer.

Through new episodes, remakes, prequels and some combination of the above the adventures of Adol Christin continue. On the PSP, Vita and PC he goes, and we're here to chronicle some further stories in the world of Ys.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 175: “The Ys Have It” appeared first on RPGamer.

Instead of moving on to the number 3, the Borderlands series went down under with a Pre-Sequel to see what happened between the first two games. The result is not quite as addictive as what came before, but it's still entertaining.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 174: “Watch Out for Claptrap” appeared first on RPGamer.

For years, the Persona series' last proper entry has been 4. To help understand the high level of anticipation the release of a fifth game in this series commands, detailing some of the things done right by one of the last big PS2 games seemed like a good idea.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 173: “You Meddling Kids!” appeared first on RPGamer.

It may not be a Final Fantasy in name, but Bravely Default would have been a worthy entry in that varied series if a new title hadn't been bestowed upon it. Its many laudable aspects, along with a few that are aggravating, come under the microscope.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 172: “Courageous Finances” appeared first on RPGamer.

Once more we venture into the world of The Elder Scrolls, this time with a game that helped popularize the idea of downloadable content. Oblivion is a big game, and we definitely came up with a lot to say.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 171: “The Hills of Oblivion” appeared first on RPGamer.

There are some good ones, but the trend of licensed games being wretched has never gone away. Thus South Park's first RPG being a delight to experience is a wonderful thing to report on.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 170: “Conformists” appeared first on RPGamer.

The corporate entity Square Enix hasn't been known for frequent inventions of new IPs in recent years, but a DS game which received consistent acclaim is one that qualifies. Its title may be a bit grandiose, but the content may actually deserve it. (The World Ends with You)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 169: “Superego” appeared first on RPGamer.

Rogue Galaxy borrows a few things from Star Wars, but the idea of a ship with sails moving between planets is a new one. Hear about Level-5's other ideas for the game on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 168: “The Fastest Ship in the Galaxy” appeared first on RPGamer.

The further adventures of Kazuma Kiryu after the PS2 involve an Okinawa orphanage, joining with multiple others to deal with some missing money from the first game, and gunning down hordes of zombies as a lark. Haruka, unsurprisingly, gets kidnapped a few times throughout.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 167: “They’ll Kill Ya Five Times Before You Hit the Ground” appeared first on RPGamer.

Among the things for which Idea Factory is responsible, a series that involves multiple generations fighting evil across continents has gained a devoted audience. Precisely what that audience sees in the games is a mystery, given their aggressively unpleasant mechanics and a plethora of dull drudgery.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 166: “Agarest in Peace” appeared first on RPGamer.

A certain game involving a young man's dreams of being a Dragonmaster, and his childhood friend's unfortunate appearance on the radar of villainy, showed up on the Sega CD before making it to multiple other systems. Apparently the Silver Star Story was worth doing more than once.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 165: “Lunar Excursion” appeared first on RPGamer.

Sega had a lot of franchises that have been abandoned over the years, and one with a focus on fighting and summoning spirits showed up on the Genesis and Saturn. Then Oasis vanished, with Sega seemingly uninterested in bringing it back.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 164: “Beyond the Legend” appeared first on RPGamer.

The world of Morrowind is a gigantic one, and the multitude of places and things to partake of is fittingly enormous. The praise given to this game is not without reservations, however.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 163: “The Elder Dead Sea Scrolls” appeared first on RPGamer.

In the early days of RPGs, a title constructed entirely of ASCII that depicted an adventurer being overcome by a variety of random forces inside a dungeon was released. Rogue proved enormously influential, and we talk about both the original and some of the many games that took influence from it.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 162: “Do You Like this Rogue?” appeared first on RPGamer.

How do adventure game mechanics mesh with those of RPGs? In the case of at least most entries in the Quest for Glory series, pretty darn well as it turns out.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 161: “Paths of Glory” appeared first on RPGamer.

Few series make it to thirteen numbered entries, but Final Fantasy succeeded. The first installment with that number in its title has occasioned a lot of discussion over the years, and we're here to add some more.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 160: “Triskaidekaphobia” appeared first on RPGamer.

Between Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Inquisition came a middle game that doesn't get much love. Whether it deserves attention in spite of its shortcomings is the subject on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 159: “Twice a Dragon’s Age” appeared first on RPGamer.

The world of Borderlands continues to revolve heavily around shooting things while Claptrap entertains. In the second game, hitting kneecaps and areas other than the face proves advantageous, for the benefit of those without great FPS skill.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 158: “Crossing the Border” appeared first on RPGamer.

The fifth Final Fantasy was left in Japan for years, though nowadays it's available on a plethora of platforms. It may not be exactly what everyone out there would like, but those in search of a worthy Job system need look no further.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 157: “Take This Job and Love It” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Elder Scrolls began with obtuse games that are customarily bundled with later titles nowadays rather than being sold alone. For sheer quantity of material they're hard to beat, but figuring anything out can be quite a struggle.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 156: “Arena of the Elders” appeared first on RPGamer.

Somehow the work of Idea Factory has been crossing the Pacific much more frequently in recent years. This is a look back at certain titles which have occasioned great sorrow, and learning that those feelings have not dimmed one bit after some time to recover. (Chaos Wars, Cross Edge, Trinity Universe, Blazing Souls: Accelate, Mugen Souls)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 155: “Bad Idea Factory” appeared first on RPGamer.

Being a spy probably isn't easy, but Alpha Protocol makes it look that way in certain regards. Some of what Obsidian tried to do with the game is admirable, while other things just baffle the player.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 154: “Delta Force” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Shin Megami Tensei brand has spread over a great number of platforms, and two recent entries on the 3DS are the subject this time. One finds the series counting to four, and the other brings a title originally on the Saturn out in English at last, showing that newer isn't always better. (Shin Megami Tensei IV, Soul Hackers)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 153: “Demon Seed” appeared first on RPGamer.

Back in the day, first person shooters didn't come with RPG elements very often. System Shock and its sequel bucked the trend of 90s FPS titles by having some, and now they can both be played without resorting to shadowy tricks.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 152: “Shock to the System” appeared first on RPGamer.

In the shift from Demon's to Dark Souls, many subtle things changed. The location, mechanics, platform, and feel all experienced some alteration, but the fundamental essence of moving through a cruel world eager to kill the foolhardy trekking through it remained intact.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 151: “Darkness in the Soul” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Wanzer is a human-piloted mech with enormous versatility. People piloting these devices are central to a series that spans many years and console generations, with an unfortunately high number that never crossed the Pacific, but something linking almost all the Front Mission games is that they provide a good dose of tactical action.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 150: “Say Hello to My Little Wanzer” appeared first on RPGamer.

Once upon a time, the idea of melding RPG mechanics with objects dropping out of the sky in matchable shapes and colors would have seemed absurd. After multiple Puzzle Quests, the idea can still seem absurd, but that's no longer the automatic reaction.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 149: “It’s A Puzzle” appeared first on RPGamer.

Among the annals of NES action RPGs, Crystalis stands tall. It may not be the best game in the system's library, but it deserves some attention, and finally gets some on this episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 148: “Crystal Clear” appeared first on RPGamer.

Following up Deus Ex has proved a difficult task, but developers went ahead anyway. The results have been greatly varied, and we tackle all the ones currently extant.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 147: “The Gods Must Be Crazy” appeared first on RPGamer.

The PlayStation 3 hosted a short-lived series that does not feature Level 5 firing on all cylinders. Talking about this interesting experiment nevertheless makes for an entertaining episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 146: “The White Knight on His Chronicles” appeared first on RPGamer.

It's time to talk about a Final Fantasy. Which one? Well, it's got improbable returns from death, monsters on the moon, a spoony bard, a jumping Dragoon, and too many versions to count using the fingers of just one hand. Those things should narrow it down.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 145: “A Whale in Space” appeared first on RPGamer.

In the future envisioned by Deus Ex, law enforcement is encroaching on the freedom of citizens around the world and corporations are pursuing a complementary agenda in the name of making sure the right people stay on top. Any similarity to modern day headlines is coincidental - probably.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 144: “God in the Machine” appeared first on RPGamer.

It took the Persona series nearly as long as Street Fighter to count to three, but the reception once it did was enthusiastic. Here we have quite a bit more adulation to throw its way, along with a little talk about how it managed to get better in a Portable form.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 143: “The Homecoming Queen’s Got a Gun” appeared first on RPGamer.

If Sega's Yakuza series is accurate, urban Japan is filled with hotheads on every street corner just waiting to have whatever handy devices are lying on the street used for facial rearrangement. The first two installments of this series have other concepts too, but bicycle bashing gets plenty of praise.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 142: “You Now Have 12 Hours” appeared first on RPGamer.

Studio Ghibli's entrance into the gaming world ought to have been a time of rejoicing, but the reception Ni no Kuni received was not quite that enthusiastic. Here we examine why, and also hear about the DS Ni no Kuni that will probably never officially cross the Pacific.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 141: “World in My Eyes” appeared first on RPGamer.

Usually we talk about games that have some kind of following behind them, but the topic is a little different this time. This is a show dedicated to RPGs that reviewed badly at the time, and haven't received any kind of consensus reappraisal over the years. Still, reliving the misery produced a lot of strong feelings. (Secret of the Stars, Beyond the Beyond, Quest 64, Ephemeral Fantasia)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 140: “Is It Really That Bad?” appeared first on RPGamer.

In 2009 Atlus took a risk by ordering the largest print run for a game in its history, but that gamble paid off handsomely. Corpses litter the world of Demon's Souls, and talking about that grim but unforgettable place is today's topic.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 139: “Soultaker” appeared first on RPGamer.

When it comes to the first Borderlands, lots of talk about gathering guns shares space with love for the simple pleasure of administering a shotgun blast to the face. It's all about bringing the fruits of civilization to another world.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 138: “Over the Borderline” appeared first on RPGamer.

Project Rainfall helped bring several titles to the Wii in North America, and one of them features a title reminiscent of another series Hironobu Sakaguchi worked on. Now that the Wii has been relegated to the list of dead consoles, the time to tell this story has come. (The Last Story)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 137: “Just One More Story?” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Mass Effect trilogy comes to a conclusion in grandiose fashion, but many people were not happy at the time. How it looks after a few years for pondering is a question that needs answering.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 136: “Shepard in The Right Stuff” appeared first on RPGamer.