• 479 - Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade Part I
    Feb 12 2026

    For years, I've podcasted. Now, let those podcasts show their worth!

    This week on Retro Encounter we're discussing the first half of the first game localized to the West of that most famous SRPG series: Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. Does the host jive with the squares and the RNG? Do we even discuss the story? Who is the early game MVP? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Audra Bowling, Ben Love, Lucas Greene; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 29 Min.
  • 478 - RPGs That Deserve a Perfect Score
    Jan 29 2026

    All you need to do is close your eyes and concentrate. Retro Encounter enfolds you.

    On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we discuss something that has only been awarded once at RPGFan: a perfect score. So, each panelist brings on one game they think deserves a perfect score and defend it against the panel. But there can be only one! Who will be our winner? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Matt Wardell, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 57 Min.
  • 477 - 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Part II
    Jan 15 2026

    I love you, and that's why I gotta listen to Retro Encounter.

    On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we chat about the twisty, turny second half of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Do all the plot points land? Who was our favorite character? Is there actually a reason they're naked in the Sentinels? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 27 Min.
  • 476 - 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Part I
    Jan 8 2026

    I don't trust much in this post-war world, but if there's one exception, it's my Retro Encounter.

    On this week’s episode of Retro Encounter, we're jumping through time and getting inside our mechs in the first half of Vanillaware's 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. We talk about our first impressions of the game, some frustrating encounters with crepes and cats, and the basic but addictive nature of Destruction Mode.

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 28 Min.
  • 475 - 1995 Year in Review
    Dec 18 2025

    I sure hope this episode isn't BadBad.

    On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we cover the most interesting RPGs of the year, but this time, we flash it back to 1995. We discuss design decisions, varying localization quality, and those insane encounter rates. Does someone bring on a really bad RPG just for the fun of it? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Lucas Greene, Ben Love, Mike Salbato; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 59 Min.
  • 474 - Dragon Quest Tier List
    Dec 4 2025

    I hope there is something really amazing on top. If we dont find Dragon Quest V, it is all your fault.

    This week on Retro Encounter, we undertake a difficult endeavor yet again: making a tier list of one of the most popular RPG franchises. This time, it's Dragon Quest! Do things get heated? Who really loves a 100 hour game? Does anything finish in D tier? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Michael Sollosi; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    2 Std. und 6 Min.
  • 473 - Obsidian Encounter
    Nov 19 2025

    Who is the greatest Western RPG developer?

    1. [Intelligence] “Obsidian”
    2. [Lie] “Not Obsidian”

    This week on Retro Encounter, we're discussing the legendary history and output of Obsidian Entertainment. Four Obsidian-heads form a party and break down the developer’s different eras, from their beginnings as part of Black Isle Studios to their current output as part of Microsoft, and everything in between. Are there any Alpha Protocol apologists on the panel? Which of us is morally bankrupt enough to enjoy Tyranny? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Aleks Franiczek, Wes Iliff, Jono Logan, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach Wilkerson


    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    2 Std. und 32 Min.
  • 472 - Final Fantasy Tactics Revisited
    Nov 6 2025

    What we need is Retro Encounter and a way to listen.

    On this week's episode of Retro Encounter, we revisit one of the host's favorites: Final Fantasy Tactics. Three veterans and one newcomer discuss the job system, combat, death sounds, and that excellent story. How does the new version stack up to previous versions? Is the game still as breakable all these years later? Listen in to find out!

    Featuring: Zach Wilkerson, Aleks Franiczek, Michael Sollosi, Matt Wardell; Edited by Zach Wilkerson

    Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri

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    1 Std. und 41 Min.