Best RPGFan.com Podcasts (2025)

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166 - Echoes of Eorzea: Final Fantasy XIV 1:53:51

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1h ago1:53:51

1:53:51

It sure is weird to think that our last dedicated Final Fantasy XIV episode was almost four years ago, with Episode 69: What Moogle Wakes Me? Today, with a 75% different set of panelists, we return to "RPGFan's Favorite MMORPG" with selections from several of FFXIV's expansions, including fan favorites like Endwalker and Shadowbringers, up through …

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468 - Drakengard Part II 1:18:00

1h ago1:18:00

1:18:00

If you wish to live, choose only Retro Encounter! On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we finally finish Drakengard. We cry, we wail. Oh wait, that's the characters. Just how messed up are the additional endings? Can anyone ever truly be happy? Do rhythm games belong in an RPG? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek…

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330 - Random Book Club - 50 Indie Games that Changed the World 1:24:13

18h ago1:24:13

1:24:13

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're doing a Random Book Club for the brand-new tome from Bitmap Books: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World. Over the last 20 years, the indie game scene has become just as important as the AAA industry, with games like Silksong showing sales numbers that many big devs would kill for! There are so many brilli…

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165 - It's Wild Arms, Pardner! 1:45:29

11d ago1:45:29

1:45:29

We last celebrated the beloved Wild Arms series in 2022's episode 93, where we paired its Western stylings with Shadow Hearts, in honor of the then-new Armed Fantasia/Penny Blood Kickstarter. Now, almost exactly three years later, we are talking exclusively about Wild Arms. This series of RPGs from Media.Vision and Sony featured a distinctive Wild …

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467 - Drakengard Part I 1:23:48

12d ago1:23:48

1:23:48

Wise men choose Retro Encounter before war. In this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we are in pain. Wait, I mean we're playing Yoko Taro's first directorial effort: Drakengard. We discuss the first ending, the (purposely?) frustrating gameplay, all while trying to avoid going insane. Can a game that's not fun be good? Listen in to find out! Feat…

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329 - Come to the RPGFan Bazaar! 1:02:58

17d ago1:02:58

1:02:58

On this week's Random Encounter, let's head to the bazaar and see what the RPGFan stall has in stock! First up, Niki is here to chat about Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar was a beloved entry in this long-running series on the Nintendo DS. Does this remake (with some updated branding) live up to the memories of the orig…

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164 - Sean Schafianski: The Sequel 1:52:53

22d ago1:52:53

1:52:53

It's been almost exactly 11 years to the day since we last welcomed video game arranger, producer, and saxophonist Sean Schafianski onto Rhythm Encounter, so it's long past time we had him on again! With a string of excellent new arrangement albums throughout last year and this year, there's so much to talk about. From his work on Jazz Arrange Vers…

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466 - RPG Confessional IV 1:48:49

26d ago1:48:49

1:48:49

What about podcasts? You guys got any podcasts? In this week's episode of Retro Encounter, the host re-opens the RPG confessional, a place where we admit to series that we've never played before, much to our shame. Don't worry, though, we're just here to encourage our friends to play good stuff! Who has never touched the Xenoblade Chronicles series…

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328 - The Phantom X Menace 59:30

29d ago59:30

59:30

On this week's Random Encounter, we're discussing a mobile-based gacha spinoff of a beloved JRPG and a Wii U classic that has finally made its way to a modern console! Persona 5 has more than its share of spinoffs, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, and Persona 5 Tactica, and now there is a new game to a…

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163 - Princes, Expeditions, Dating, the 1980s, and More 58:57

2M ago58:57

58:57

Call it spring, some spring and some summer, or the most accurate but boring moniker, "Q2 2025," but the second quarter of this year saw the release of some VERY musically important titles in RPGFan's coverage. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looms over everything in the RPG space for this time period, there were many notable other releases that …

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465 - Breath of Fire II Part II 1:59:15

2M ago1:59:15

1:59:15

You've got to jump into the podcast! This week on Retro Encounter, the panel is back to dig into the story-heavy second half of Breath of Fire II. Who can't stand the solo sections? Just how long can a final dungeon be? Is this the first time we killed God? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mike Salbato, Matt Wardell; Edited by Paul…

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327 - My Kingdom for a Horse (Girl Game) 1:15:08

2M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

On this week's Random Encounter, we're playing an updated classic, a spin-off of a modern classic, and talking about the weirdest game I have heard of in a long time! First up, Mark is taking off his nostalgia goggles to give the recent remaster of the CRPG classic Neverwinter Nights 2 an updated look! Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition follows…

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162 - A Very Nintendo Summer 2:13:18

2M ago2:13:18

2:13:18

The Switch 2 is here! Is what we would have opened with had this episode gone up on time. Still, Nintendo's latest is the newest console on the market and it's doing pretty well, so we gathered up some fans of Nintendo music for this one. To try something new and to celebrate a wider range of Nintendo music history, each panelist was allowed to cho…

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464 - Breath of Fire II Part I 1:27:10

2M ago1:27:10

1:27:10

It is podcasts. On this week's episode, two old veterans and one newcomer dive into the 1995 SNES RPG Breath of Fire II. A game known for its brutal grind and maybe even more brutal localization, some of the panelists still have a soft spot for it all these years later. Is the localization really that bad? How does the gameplay hold up? Do we ever …

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161 - Mobile RPG Music Medley 1:44:04

2M ago1:44:04

1:44:04

Say what you want about your average mobile game, but there are a growing number of great RPGs you can play on your phone. Sure, some have hostile gacha mechanics, and many of the best get shut down eventually, but the care, budget, attention, and talent that goes into some mobile RPG soundtracks is no less than their console or PC brethren. In som…

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463 - Fallout: New Vegas Part II 1:53:09

2M ago1:53:09

1:53:09

You hear that? Richie Marcus likes Retro Encounter! In today's episode, the panel gets back together to discuss the second half of Fallout: New Vegas. Our conversation covers The Strip, the endgame, the DLC, and of course, Richie Marcus. Does The Strip live up to its name? Which ending did we pick? Who among us takes up cannibalism? Listen in to fi…

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326 - Back to Business as Usual 58:19

3M ago58:19

58:19

On this week's Random Encounter, we're back to business as usual! Not-E3 and the release of the Switch 2 hit us like a hammer. But now that things have finally settled down, it's time to chat about some games! First up, Aleks gets a chance to talk up the long-awaited Chapters 3+4 of Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale, Deltarune! Chapters 1+2 release…

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160 - Foliage Ocean: The Second Story 1:46:55

3M ago1:46:55

1:46:55

It's been nearly nine years since we published our first episode about RPG forest music, so it is high time we revisited the topic! Forest music comes in several varieties, from contemplative to mysterious, upbeat to foreboding, and many more. Today's long-awaited episode covers RPG music with a real range, both in terms of styles but also in that …

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462 - Deus Ex RetroSpective 1:47:35

3M ago1:47:35

1:47:35

We always love to celebrate birthdays here at Retro Encounter, and one of our all-time favourite RPGs/immersive sims has a big one coming up! Deus Ex is turning 25 years old! In honour of this momentous occasion, we've assembled a panel of fans to chat about each entry in the series. Whether you're a fan of the original Deus Ex, the two more recent…

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325 - Time for a Switch 2! 1:09:09

3M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

On this week's Random Encounter, we've finally recovered from Not-E3, so now it's time to talk about the Switch 2! Nintendo's long-awaited follow-up to the Switch has finally released and, surprise, it's still the Switch! The Nintendo Switch 2 is burning up the sales charts and already consuming countless hours of folks' time. That said, there has …

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324 - Not-E3 2025 Extravaganza! 2:00:24

3M ago2:00:24

2:00:24

On this week's Random Encounter, the Summer Game Fest (AKA Not-E3) season is officially upon us! For video game fans, this period is like early Christmas. With nonstop gaming announcements, there is something for everyone! This week, our panel has been working hard keeping up with all the major events, so it's time to share our favourite games from…

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461 - Fallout: New Vegas 1:21:19

4M ago1:21:19

1:21:19

You know, I tried to measure my charisma on Retro Encounter once. The microphone burst into flames. On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we're chatting about the opening hours of the 2010 Obsidian classic Fallout: New Vegas. Can the host finally get his head around a WRPG? Do any of us actually do the main quest? Is Fisto the greatest charact…

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323 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Spoilercast 2:15:54

4M ago2:15:54

2:15:54

On this week’s episode of Random Encounter, we’re doing a deep dive into the game everyone is talking about: Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In this lengthy, full-blown spoilercast, we chat about the beautiful music, the combat, the story, and argue about who loves Esquie the most. Does the panel adore the game as much as the ho…

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460 - Top 10 90s RPGs 2:07:59

4M ago2:07:59

2:07:59

This podcast are sick. This week on Retro Encounter, we do the impossible: try to create a top 10 list for 90s RPGs. Does the best game finish at the top? Do we have anything except JRPGs on our list? Did we leave out your favorites? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Alana Hagues, Jimmy Turner; Edited by Zach Wilker…

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459 - Suikoden II Revisited 1:52:59

4M ago1:52:59

1:52:59

Listeners. Do you want...our podcast? On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, four of our panelists take a deep dive into Suikoden II. Who defends Jowy? Is Shu still be the best? How much Neclord hate can the host take? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Paul Dennis, Aleks Franiczek, Rob White; Edited by Paul Dennis Opening and en…

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322 - Clairly Oblivious 1:05:00

5M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a stylish upcoming turn-based RPG and a remaster of a sprawling open-world classic! First, Zek is here to discuss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that might end up being his favorite JRPG of this generation. This stylish title is capturing attention with an incredible voice cast and fresh ta…

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159 - Press Start Again: More RPG Title Screen Music 1:55:44

5M ago1:55:44

1:55:44

RPG title screens bear a heavy burden. They're one of the first things we see in a game, making them one of the best places to leave a strong first impression. And often, a key component of that is the music. Several years ago, we highlighted eight standout title screen tracks in episode 71, and today, with a new panel, we're highlighting eight mor…

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458 - Suikoden Revisited 1:18:53

5M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

All of this podcasting in front of a children. In this week's episode of Retro Encounter, four enthusiastic series veterans and one newbie get together to discuss the original Suikoden to celebrate the recent remaster. Does the game still hold up? Can we stop ourselves from talking about the series as a whole? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach…

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321 - Lunar Eternal Blue Prince 59:56

5M ago59:56

59:56

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're looking at a new classic puzzle-adventure game and a packaged duo of some of the best RPGs ever released on the PSX! First, Gio and Tin are here to give us a walk-through tour of Blue Prince, the hit rogue-lite puzzle adventurer. This game came out of nowhere for a lot of folks, trapping them inside the sh…

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457 - BioWare Draft 2:14:15

5M ago2:14:15

2:14:15

It doesn't matter how many draft picks get stolen. We will hold the line! Oh yes, it's time for another draft episode! This time around, we're drafting from some of BioWare's most celebrated games…alongside one or two that are a bit less celebrated. Who will steal Garrus before anyone else? How many choices will determined entirely by romance compa…

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320 - Let's Switch (2) It Up 55:37

5M ago55:37

55:37

On this episode of Random Encounter, we chat about everything that happened last week and, BOY, did a lot happen last week! First up, Dom is here to talk about the recent sci-fi Souls-like AI LIMIT. Does it live up to its inspirations, or does it fall just as flat as AI does in the real world? Then, Zach joins the panel to chat about the Switch 2 D…

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158 - Winter 2025: Pirates, Urban Myths, Magnolias, and More 1:12:37

6M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Continuing our new run of quarterly new music updates is our first episode for 2025, and it's a truly notable start. We have a range of new music today, from well composed soundtracks that play homage to earlier console generations to new projects from popular Minecraft composer C418. We also continue to take our definition of music from a certain …

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456 - The RPGs That Made Us 1:57:42

6M ago1:57:42

1:57:42

I wanna be an RPG fan when I grow up. This week on Retro Encounter we gather to discuss the RPGs that defined our taste. Not necessarily our favorites, but games that helped us understand what we value in an RPG or in games in general. Does Final Fantasy show up? Who likes the most obscure Metroidvanias? Who surprises the host with their love for r…

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319 - I'd Kill for a Good Cup of Tea! 1:07:12

6M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to sink into the shadows and brew some tea, because we're talking about Assassin's Creed Shadows and Wanderstop! Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally here! This long-awaited game has been delayed multiple times over the last year, but was that extra time well spent? Tom is here to tell us his thoughts a…

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157 - Visual Novel Soundscapes 2:03:13

6M ago2:03:13

2:03:13

It's visual novel day at Rhythm Encounter! Following one of the quickest sign-up processes ever for our show, four visual novel fans have come together to share thoughts on the music of eight visual novels, but they discuss so many more in the process. We all quickly learned that this topic will have to make an appearance again because the well of …

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455 - Tales of Graces f Part II 1:24:41

6M ago1:24:41

1:24:41

I've traveled back in time from next week. Please listen to this episode. This week on Retro Encounter, the panel gets back together to discuss the second half of Tales of Graces f. Our discussion ranges from the increasingly excellent combat, the less than excellent dungeon design, and the good, the bad and the ugly of the Future Arc. Which game w…

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318 - Monster Hunting the Most Elusive Game: A New Suikoden 56:29

6M ago56:29

56:29

On this episode of Random Encounter, it's time to chat about a remaster and a new game in two long-running series! First up, Zach's prayers have been answered: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is finally out! This remaster of the first two Suikoden games has been highly anticipated for years by fans of the series, but d…

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156 - (Xenoblade) X Gon' Give It To Ya 1:35:19

7M ago1:35:19

1:35:19

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is almost here, so what better time to dive into this musically fascinating "side" tale from 2015? Many fans were surprised that the first Xenoblade Chronicles was not followed by a "2" (though that happened later), but by Xenoblade Chronicles X. The name and looks alone made it clear this was a different …

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454 - Tales of Graces f Part I 1:24:40

7M ago1:24:40

1:24:40

We have to look for the podcast, Cheria. It's the only way. On this week's Retro Encounter we get together to talk about the first half of Tales of Graces f, a game renowned for its combat system, and maybe less so for its storytelling. Four players of varying knowledge (and skill) talk about whether Tales of Graces f lives up to its reputation, th…

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317 - Pirate Watcher in Eora 1:23:44

7M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're talking about two of the most highly anticipated games of 2025! We've been eagerly awaiting Obsidian's answer to Skyrim for years, and Avowed is finally here. A spin-off of the beloved CRPG Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed replaces the isometric view and strategic "real-time-with-pause" combat with an FP…

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316 - Canadian Encounter 1:31:27

7M ago1:31:27

1:31:27

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're celebrating all things Canadian! For absolutely no reason (certainly not related to any current events in February 2024), Jono has gathered a few of his fellow Canucks at RPGFan to chat about some of their favourite Canadian games. The thing about games from up north is, much like Canadians themselves, you…

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155 - Music of the Year 2024: Part II 1:49:22

7M ago1:49:22

1:49:22

It's time for more of 2024's best RPG music! In the last episode, we featured nine excellent songs from last year, and today we return with Part II, bringing nine more tracks! Look for some Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Flowstone Saga, a double dose of Stellar Blade, and more! Scarlet Moon's Jayson Napolitano joins us to share some of his picks …

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453 - Hironobu Sakaguchi Encounter 2:06:30

7M ago2:06:30

2:06:30

This is his story. This week on Retro Encounter, we take a deep dive into the themes, obsessions, and gameplay quirks of one of the "father" of Final Fantasy: Hironobu Sakaguchi. How much did he really matter to the series? Does his work after leaving Final Fantasy hold up? Who can't stop talking about their disdain for Lost Odyssey? Listen in to f…

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154 - Music of the Year 2024: Part I 2:03:26

7M ago2:03:26

2:03:26

It's time for Music of the Year! 2024 was absolutely stacked with game releases. Some even felt it was one of the all-time best years in gaming. And the side effect of a year filled with excellent games means a year of excellent soundtracks. For this annual special, we let each panelist bring on three songs. Even so, how did we pick just nine today…

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315 - Sleepless in Ephinea 1:15:46

8M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s a double dose of sci-fi and fantasy! First, Aleks joins us to talk about Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, a sci-fi RPG with a strong tabletop influence. As a sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper, Starward Vector expands its universe with multiple settings and companions. If you love tabletop RPGs, then this …

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452 - Final Fantasy IX Part II 1:40:09

8M ago1:40:09

1:40:09

Bring my beloved Retro Encounter to me. This week we dive into the second half of Final Fantasy IX, chatting about the emotional story beats, rooster men, and terrible card games that some of us somehow enjoy. Does it still hold up all these years later? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff, Rob White; Edited by…

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153 - Build Your Own RPG Soundtrack: Hard Mode 1:55:42

8M ago1:55:42

1:55:42

Almost exactly a year ago, four panelists came together to build a soundtrack to an imaginary RPG out of 8 fragments of other RPGs. Today, we're doing it again, except our "Hard Mode" rules dictate that we must choose songs from our source games with different use cases. So our Town Theme could be anything except another game's town theme, and so o…

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314 - The Switch 2 is Real (and Other Stories) 1:09:23

8M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

On this episode of Random Encounter, Jono is back to chat with the panel about two recent big January releases! First up, Wes has managed to fight through hundreds upon hundreds of foes to deliver their verdict on Dynasty Warriors: Origins! This latest entry in the long-running series dramatically cuts back on playable characters and weapons to pro…

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451 - Final Fantasy IX Part I 1:25:57

8M ago1:25:57

1:25:57

Doesn't it feel nice to listen to Retro Encounter under the stars? This week, the new host and a few huge fans dive into the first half of Final Fantasy IX. How does this classic hold up? Do we like the combat? Which monster doesn't like Vivi very much? Listen in to find out! Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Mario Garcia, Wes Iliff, Rob White; Edited by …

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152 - New Year, New Music 1:01:51

8M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Between our recent milestone of 150 episodes and the start of a new year, we will have some fun changes coming to Rhythm Encounter, starting with this episode. New games and music release all the time that don't always fit with our episode themes. Starting today, we will release a "new music" episode every few months to spotlight the latest in RPG …