RPG Backtrack: Recent Episodes
RPGamer
RPG Backtrack is a podcast in which we reflect upon some of the staple titles in this wide-ranging genre.
The Yakuza series has officially changed its name to Like a Dragon, and we have another installment with Ichiban Kasuga. We also have a side game to talk about. Wait, Kiryu is back? Wasn’t he retired?
Featuring Guests: Sam, Pascal, Josh, and Robert
The post RPG Backtrack 367 – Kiryu Goes Hawaiian appeared first on RPGamer.
In 2021, Square Enix delivered remastered versions of the first six Final Fantasy games to the mobile and PC market. Then, two years later, they fixed the font and put them on consoles. Are these remastered ports worth the asking price? Listen to RPG Backtrack to find out.
The post RPG Backtrack 366 – Fantasy Binge appeared first on RPGamer.
Did you know that there were three Persona games on the original PlayStation? Did you also know these games came out on the PlayStation Portable? Their parent company may pretend like the original Personas don’t exist, but RPG Backtrack knows what’s going on.
Featuring Guests: Ryan C., Ryan R., Robert, David
The post RPG Backtrack 365 – Personal Demons appeared first on RPGamer.
Is it the end of the podcast? No, just the end of a long story-line in Final Fantasy XIV that was set up several expansions ago. Grab your Sages, sharpen your scythes, and get ready for the best MMO expansion ever (supposedly) on this week’s RPG Backtrack.
Featuring Guests: Robert and Noodle (Sarah)
The post RPG Backtrack 364 – This Is the End appeared first on RPGamer.
Is World of Warcraft’s fourth expansion an out-of-season April Fool’s day joke? Are they REALLY ripping off a certain Dreamworks movie? Or are they simply giving players the most requested race since launch? Find out on this week’s show!
Featuring Guest: Robert (TheAnimeMan)
The post RPG Backtrack 363 – What’s Your Lucky-Do? appeared first on RPGamer.
Mystery Dungeon May continues this week with the rest of the series. We have Chocobos, Ninjas, Slimes, and a variety of other critters crawling these dungeons. Just don’t run out of food!
Featuring Guest: Micheal “Wheels” Apps
The post RPG Backtrack 362 – Magical Mystery Dungeon appeared first on RPGamer.
On this week’s episode, we kick off Mystery Dungeon May with a classic question: what if you could BE a Pokémon? The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series explores this concept, and offers classic dungeon crawling to the mix.
Featuring Guests: Cassandra and Elena
The post RPG Backtrack 361 – Waking up as a Pokémon appeared first on RPGamer.
Atelier April continues with a duology of titles, Atelier Sophie and Atelier Sophie 2, bringing mystery to books and dreams all around. Then we have a therapy session about Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists. This week’s show is a pendulum of joy and disappointment.
Featuring Guests: Sam, Josh, and Robert
The post RPG Backtrack 360 – Sophie and the Alchemy All-Stars appeared first on RPGamer.
This year’s Atelier April finally brings us to the Mysterious Quadrilogy, with this week’s episode discussing Atelier Atelier Firis and Atelier Lydie & Suelle. The real mystery is if we will ever get sick of talking about magical girls and alchemy. Given this episode will have a part two, probably not.
The post RPG Backtrack 359 – Mysterious Ways appeared first on RPGamer.
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 go on a road trip across Japan? Did you want a Persona game on the Nintendo Switch in 2021? We answer both 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.
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 Icchi'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.
Fireaxis 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, we have our own take on this cult classic, with guests Pascal, Ryan C., and Josh.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
With a new 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 bring their opinions on this soft-reboot.
This week's backtrack takes us to the Galar region, where we fight in a soccer stadium with a Pokemon that's shaped like a teapot. It's time to talk about Pokemon Sword/Shield, with guests Cassandra and Jon.
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!
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.
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!
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 Wheels and Sam as we tackle Pyre and Hades on this week's show!
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.
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!
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.
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.
What happens when Japan's most beloved RPG series combines with 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 spinoffs.
Square's successor to Final Fantasy XI is the game so nice, they launched it twice! 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).
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!
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
It's 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.
This week's episode is about the 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.
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.
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 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.
It's time to give some love to CyberConnect2's passion project, Little Tail Bronx. Josh Carpenter and Casandra Ramos join the show to chime in about this adorable little DS game, Solatorobo: Red the Hunter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BioWare's three-part space epic, Mass Effect, left an impression on the hearts of many people. Join us, along with guests Josh, Robert, Jervon, and Pascal as we ask the important questions, such as 'who did you hook up with?'
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.
The Legend of Dragoon is, without a doubt, the most polarizing game in RPG history. Maybe our guests Andy, David, Robert, and Pascal can help find a middle ground?
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!
A podcast draws near! Command? Join us with guests Cassandra Ramos and Andy as we celebrate Dragon Quest's 35th birthday. Needless to say, the game had a bit of an influence on all of our lives.
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.
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.
RPGamer's Yakuza aficionados Josh Carpenter, David McBurney, Ryan McCarthy, and Sam Wachter weigh in on whether Yakuza 5 fulfilled any dreams, or was the stuff of nightmares.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Like many games before it, Kingdom Hearts was a series that had trouble getting to three. Join us along with guests David McBurney, Ryan McCarthy, and Shannon Harle, as we discuss the long-awaited third entry in the beloved Disney RPG mash-up!
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!
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 last game in the Trails in the Sky trilogy took 10 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.
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.
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.
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. ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3DS saw some later Etrian Odyssey games that changed the core principles a bit. Two of them added significant narratives, and another mixed in...
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.
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 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 Saturn received a number of exclusive titles that have yet to be ported elsewhere, and among them were several Working Designs gems. One that...
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.
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. ...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Shin Megami Tensei brand has spread over a great number of platforms, and two recent entries on the 3DS are the subject this time....
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The second Persona is a duo of titles with an unusual release history, and detailing it is an arduous undertaking. The Backtrack crew proved willing...
Mistwalker supplied the Xbox 360 with some unique content, and a title involving immortals seeking the return of their memories got considerable praise. Discussion of...
While Final Fantasy spawns a lot of heated talk, relatively little of it is devoted to the earliest entries. The NES era spawned the series,...
The bar for bringing Legend of Heroes titles across the Pacific had been set rather low, making it easy for XSEED to impress gamers when...
Dealing with games made by tri-Ace usually requires a bit of effort, and in recent years it hasn’t gotten any easier. Maybe this attempt to...
Yasumi Matsuno’s work includes a title from the late PS1 era that defies easy explanation. Attempting to describe it anyway may require a flow chart...
There’s something addictive about walking forward while beating everyone encountered along the way into a bloody pulp. This procedure has occasionally been used in titles...
It’s time once again to venture into the vast Megami Tensei universe. This particular grouping involves tactical maneuvers of people and their demons summoned through...
Get set for some more explosive outer space adventures courtesy of BioWare, as the second installment of its massive trilogy comes under scrutiny. Does it...
Of course there are people and things to shoot around New Vegas, but this most recent incarnation of the Fallout universe doesn’t stop there. Enjoy...
The start of BioWare’s ongoing series brought a lot of thoughts to the surface. Some are profound and challenging, others lewd and depraved, with plenty...
In the world of gaming, anything that can be described as educational is a definite turn-off. First-person dungeon crawlers count as learning experiences in a...
One final hurrah for the Stars of Destiny came out of Konami, though it wasn’t officially intended as such. Then the DS got a game...
BioWare wanted to convey the ineffectual nature of the human race when compared to other species populating the galaxy. This naturally took the form of...
Ah, Sony, holder of many now-dormant IPs. One of those was a pretty good tactical series that hasn’t been seen for a number of years,...
Blizzard once had an idea to send players through the realms of the afterlife, beating up the locals and grabbing whatever desirable things they happened...
Falcom has a storied development history, and one of its larger series saw multiple versions before ending up on the PSP for a few installments....
The ruins of the central Atlantic region of the US are open to in-depth exploration, as Bethesda takes a crack at the post-apocalyptic future. Thinking...
Hironobu Sakaguchi, Nobuo Uematsu, and Akira Toriyama got together again to inaugurate Mistwalker as a studio. The results were unfortunately not up to the standard...
Gust makes a long-running, plentiful series that doesn’t adhere to many of the usual RPG stereotypes. Here’s a trilogy of them on the PS3, sporting...
After the first Fallout, eight decades passed before a new hero had to undertake a quest. That quest involved meeting a number of strange new...
It’s Yasumi Matsuno’s vast Ogre world, but the game format for this bunch is rather different than March of the Black Queen. Just because things...
Nippon Ichi has made a number of other titles over the years, but a certain series took off in the public imagination and continues to...
An early Yasumi Matsuno title on the SNES remains a complex and rewarding experience, while its direct sequel provides one of the few opportunities we...
The world would have been a different place had World War III happened, and the early Fallout titles showed a number of ways that the...
No longer able to contain its use of Marvel characters to just the X-Men, Raven Software went all-out for a grand spectacle with the license....
No matter where or when the action takes place, Link rarely gets a chance to rest. If it’s not sailing or steering a train on...
The original PlayStation hosted a great variety of titles that don’t come up in conversation much nowadays, and among them are some interesting tactical items....
There was a long break after Suikoden III, and the results did not seem to warrant confidence in the series’ future. The Island Nations and...
The Persona series has been in the news a lot lately, but enthusiasm for the first entry seems relatively lacking. An analysis of both the...
Was it really necessary to extend the Shining series into the action RPG realm? Regardless of how little clamor there was for such a thing,...
When it comes to licensed games, the X-Men have been stuck in some real stinkers over the years. A few broke the curse of adapting...
Konami and tactical RPGs may not go together much, but one series managed it for a little while. It’s bloody good fun to dissect in...
There once was a title on the PS1 that involved saving the world from nasty things lurking in the mist. Doing so was mostly accomplished...
Much was promised by Peter Molyneux when it came to a series that took huge quantities of money and time to create. His promises were...
When tactical RPGs were almost unheard of on consoles, the Sega Genesis saw a couple that attracted fans with fond memories many years later. Other...
Word of mouth built about a tactical title Sega released, enough to justify two sequels so far. The company’s handling of the new franchise has...
Square could have let roll with sequels to a certain tremendously successful game promptly, but years passed before they came to fruition. The number of...
Sega revived a venerable series with the Dreamcast, but was determined to promote multiplayer over the internet with this incarnation. From the era of dial-up...
A little girl with the ability to put spirits into objects, a foolish demon who almost burns his dimension out of existence, multiple consumers of...
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, one...
This particular Gust series has many trademark RPG elements, including tongue-twister subtitles for the games. It also steadily progresses in misogynism, until the amount of...
Being a detective in an alternate history version of Tokyo with demons crawling all over the place isn’t that hard. It just demands a willingness...
Link went through several phases during the GameCube era. First he demonstrated cel shading, then he tempted gamers to buy GBA link cables, and after...
Cavia’s occasional ventures into the RPG world have been filled with bloodshed and piling up huge numbers of corpses. The other tenets of these games...
Instead of venturing further into a galaxy far, far away BioWare chose to enter a land inspired by, but hardly identical to, imperial China. The...
Reviving barren worlds was a theme Quintet visited more than once, right up to the end of the company in fact. Bring back the faded...
Once upon a time, Akira Toriyama created a long-running series that has lasted in the public consciousness far longer than its contemporaries. Given that it...
The GameCube got the occasional exclusive, and Monolith Soft delivered a pair of them later in the system’s life. Managing cards for combat and contending...
From a monastery in Wales to China, through many scenic spots in Europe and Japan, this tour finally hits the western hemisphere. Many emotions will...
Once upon a time, a land with rearranging geography had the little problem that a quartet of titans wanted to rule. Saving the planet from...
Enjoy a scenic tour of just some of the locations various Stars of Destiny call home. Start in the Scarlet Moon Empire, move to the...
A certain Square title involving giant robot combat and questionable theological ideas is the showcase this time. If that’s not enough, an offshoot Final Fantasy...
Unappealing wastelands populated by those with demonic avatars may not seem to connect with Hindu mythology. Lo and behold, the Megami Tensei universe makes it...
For once, the attempt on the Backtrack to remember an entire series came to naught when its earlier games were just too archaic. The ones...
It’s time to wolf down a howling good bowlful of puppy love. Scratch that itch to bark at the moon and bury a bone in...
From the minds of Yuji Horii, Koichi Sugiyama, and Akira Toriyama came a long-running series that sets the charts afire in Japan. It grows up...
It’s round-up time, and a big herd of steers is loose on the prairie. Looks like a might few RPGs are among ’em, so sit...
Not many games that are offline feature going online as a key component of their setting. One episodic series with tie-ins from other media did...
Level-5 was a new company back when it made some games that featured town building in addition to dungeon exploration. How entrancing they are seems...
He’s a green-clad gadget man, a master of many dungeons with the tools to traverse them. He’s an elf, a mute warrior, an unquestioning savior...
What would one’s probable reaction to encountering a demon be? In a realistic scenario death would most likely occur, but in video games making friends...
Among the formidable tasks undertaken by the Backtrack crew, none may demand more willpower than explaining how to play the most maligned Akitoshi Kawazu product...
From the days of the Genesis right up to modern handhelds, Climax keeps making games. Looking at things from a different angle is strongly encouraged...
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away LucasArts let a couple of RPGs be made. Many things die in the course of...
In a world where demonic forces seek to bring the great cities to their knees, something must be done. Turns out that young women piloting...
Brownie Brown made a couple of tasty confections for Nintendo handhelds filled with gummy products. How much magic is there when students have to prove...
This is the continuing story of two brothers from Brooklyn. Be it evil alien fungi, shattered heavenly bean confections, those who have fury, or clogged...
Bringing the story of Ryo Hazuki into existence cost many millions and failed to enchant the enormous audience needed to recoup them. The question of...
Trust in me poor unfortunate souls, I’ll make a man out of you. Be prepared Prince Ali, someday my prince will come. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. (Kingdom Hearts)
There once was a place called Ivalice, that was filled with meanies and malice. Years it took to create, filling Square Enix’s plate, but the...
Within please find the story of what for a long time was Capcom’s premiere RPG series. It involves a great many Ryus and Ninas, along...
Once upon a time, tri-Ace decided to borrow some elements from Star Trek in making an RPG. Thus was a series spawned that continues in...
New York cops have it rough a lot of the time, but Aya Brea would gladly tackle some drug dealers instead of the evil mitochondria...
A guy named Ramza walks into a bar just a few minutes before a guy named Wiegraf. Their differences are resolved quickly and painfully. Whether...
What can change the nature of a man? Quite a few things, actually, but this game is definitely one of them. (Planescape: Torment).
So the only way you know the Shining series is by its superb tactical installments? Well, there were a couple of games that did some...
The time has come to once more boldly go where Akitoshi Kawazu has gone before. Remember the PlayStation days of his signature series, and rejoice....
Intelligent Systems likes emphasizing how two dimensional Mario plots are with some RPGs that have poor depth perception. Only by listening can their shallowness be...
In one of the most changeable series around, there’s plenty of leeway to have some discussion. The Mana games, particularly the earlier ones, have now...
When Final Fantasy returned to a Nintendo system after years of Sony exclusivity, it was news. Thus the Backtrack crew members bare their souls to...
Eschewing the trend of three-dimensional gameplay, Vanillaware demonstrates how sticking to two dimensions can be stunning. Thus it is fitting that the studio’s games warrant...
Observe unique personalities wandering about to their own daily rhythms, interrupted only by constant kicking. This is a hallmark of a certain tri-Ace title that...
It involves unusual names for otherwise-ordinary creatures, the collection of artifacts to enable travel elsewhere, and one of Nintendo’s most well-regarded series. Join us in...
Remember when Squaresoft was trying to get gamers outside Japan interested in RPGs? Two of those on the SNES spawned some memories, and they’re ready...
Today’s episode contains two acts. In the first, memories are cast back to a series that almost singlehandedly started the console JRPG. In the second,...
Once upon a time, a man with the ability to jump on a lot of platforms and dreamwalk had an adventure. That well-regarded PlayStation game...
Once upon a time, a company called Working Designs localized many games for Sega systems. The Saturn was granted a number of these, and two...
In today’s series, the consequences of failure are painful and unavoidable. Learn why we prefer to tempt death on a regular basis in one of...
We go back into wacky worlds of farmers who want to live peacefully and get married. Something is very different about these games, however, and...
The world of Britannia holds many surprises, such as TIE fighters and some sympathetic gargoyles. Learn about the land of Lord British and the Avatar...
The realm of Asgard watches the mortal world, and its Battle Maidens descend to administer the gods’ business. Learn why this is unquestionably a good...
A couple of other titles sneak into the mix, but mostly we’re talking about games with enormous Dungeons and Dragons inspiration. One of them is...
Once upon a time, taking Final Fantasy into the online world caused shockwaves. Now that almost ten years have passed, how does Square Enix’s still-going...
The Xenosaga series may be justly accused of many issues, but a lack of ambition is definitely not one of them. For good and for...
In its last rush of games for the Saturn, Sega’s localizers put forth a title that has seen its value rise to a stratospheric level....
It’s not so much when compared to March 2011, but March two years ago was stuffed with releases. Comprehensive coverage of these games would require...
What were RPGamers looking for Game Boy RPGs in the early ’90s to do? The answer involves carnivorous monsters and the deaths of deities, as...
Vicious beasts are kept confined inside tiny balls, released by their masters only to do battle. Strangely, the creatures seem perfectly okay with this, and...
What ties the Witcher together with a surprisingly large number of games released in February 2009? Not much, except for the fact that they share...
Theoretically, games starring beguiling witches should be fascinating and fun to play. Our frequent divergence onto the subject of manatee mangling would appear to belie...
A strange land called Spira features outlandish Tetsuya Nomura outfits and a propensity for group hallucinations. Take a trip with us through this oddly captivating...
Death, destruction, and world-threatening crises will not be found within. Relax and enjoy some idyllic farm life while looking for love, content in the knowledge...
Do Tales games and excessively long podcasts go together? If you answered in the affirmative, definitely listen to this episode. (Tales of…, part 2).
Today we’re flying through the skies in ships powered by Moon Stones, fighting with and alongside the other denizens of the airways, and competing with...
Hunting dragons while drunk is not a wise proposition, but a certain series allowed it once upon a time, with the risk of eradication as...
Playing God can be entertaining, and many years ago Enix created a game that allowed players to be the supreme being. How it feels to...
Twin Bird Strike, Cross Smasher, Black Hole Cluster, Jet Magnum, Mega Graviton Wave, Code: Kirin, Phantom Phoenix, Claymore Avalanche, Cosmo Nova, Sonic Javelin, Blade Tonfa,...
It is a rare thing indeed, to find an RPG in which the combat is so addictive that it compels constant combat. Game Arts produced...
Today, the Tales series gets a lot of time under the spotlight. In exchange for giving each game some quality time, we didn’t even attempt...
For some reason, the last PS1 Final Fantasy gets overlooked frequently. That was all the more reason for us to discuss the game at length,...
In the past, a Dream Team of Japan’s developers created a certain RPG. In the present, we talk about how that game has endured over...
Gordon Sumner has created a lot of good music, but he’s not the Sting we’re talking about today. A quick blurb cannot encapsulate everything the...
We bumped into a breezy pun regarding the Ys series, but don’t take that to mean we go the easy route. Rock out and crash...
The time has come to narrow our audience as much as possible. To that end, we discuss one of the Saturn’s greatest games, which of...
A whip may be the preferred method of fighting Dracula’s minions, but Glyphs and Souls will do it just fine also. Hear all about the...
Clearly, all of us Junctioned Silence for status protection, because there’s a lot of talk about Drawing and extraterrestrial love scenes. Choose a side of...
Take a trip to the Algo system, and pack plenty of Meseta in case the Motavian tourist traps raise their prices. Alis, Rolf, Rhys, and...
Decades of domination by Microsoft, Starbucks, and the revival of grunge have had their effect on Seattle. We take you to 2050 and explore what...
Do you like puzzling dungeons, Camelot’s penchant for user-friendly menus, some of the GBA’s best-ever graphics, possibly Motoi Sakuraba’s finest hour for compositions, Djinni searches,...
We braved the horrors of Dracula’s castle in both the past and future. Hear the stories of our adventures, from which we were lucky to...
What is fourteen squared, divided by forty-nine, plus three? It is a number that, in conjunction with this episode’s title, reveals the subject of our...
Armed robots with a cheerful demeanor are the focus in this episode. Even by the offbeat standards of other Enix RPGs on the Super Nintendo,...
What are we talking about this time? Well, it involves hippies, Prince Poo, eating hamburgers straight from a garbage can, absentee fathers, Smaaaaaaaash attacks, and...
A lot of heroes in Castlevania have taken on Dracula, but not all of them did so in an RPG way. Simon Belmont and Alucard...
Bethesda has a long history before Fallout 3. Here we discuss the Elder Scrolls series from Arena to Oblivion with a side of football and...
On this episode of the RPG Backtrack, the panel takes heed as they travel to the Silver Star of Lunar and beyond. Join us as...
Which is better: Final Fantasy IV or Final Fantasy VI? The Backtrack crew tackles this debate and FF composer Nobuo Uematsu until we can’t stand...
It’s time to get a job. In this tough economic climate, the Backtrack panel has to go to the past to find one, but they...
Light Warriors get ready to hit yourselves. The Backtrack panel tackles the first two Final Fantasy games in this episode.
As 2008 comes to an end, the Backtrack panel looks back in time. We decided to skip back two years to award the best of...
We are missing one regular, but we have a special guest on this episode. Shining Force rocks.
For the third RPG Backtrack, the cast discusses Secret of Mana. There is love and hate all throughout this one, folks.
The RPG Backtrack starts our pilot episode with discussion of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.