I didn't expect Dispatch to hit me like it did. When I played it for the first time, I realized this is more than just a game about superheroes, but more so about people looking for that second shot.

Dispatch isn’t just another indie experience, it’s something else entirely. In this latest addition to the Expedition Log, I break down what worked, what I felt didn’t, and whether it deserves your time. Spoiler alert: It absolutely deserves your time. Come find out why.

Intro - 0:00 Dispatch - 2:30 Outro - 29:30

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Everyone has their favorites, and you’re probably going to disagree with mine! Join me by the campfire as I count down my Top 10 female video game characters, explain the cuts that hurt the most, and share listener picks that made this list even harder to finalize. I'll be mixing in some great gaming music and moments from my favorite gals as we go. And my number #4 will surprise you. (Not really, but that sounds like it could hook you, yeah?)

Intro - 0:00 The Bottom 13 - 5:41 Number 10 - 10:21 Number 9 - 13:03 Number 8 - 17:30 Number 7 - 22:55 Number 6 - 26:35 Number 5 - 33:13 Number 4 - 38:45 Number 3 - 44:00 Number 2 - 50:36 Number 1 - 55:01 Closing Gratitude - 1:00:34

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What happens when you finally play Super Mario Odyssey years after everyone else has already called it a classic?

Expedition Log #2 is a log book entry I should’ve written years ago. In this episode, I finally talk about Super Mario Odyssey, a game I waited far too long to play, and one that completely won me over with its joyful design, creative mechanics, and endless sense of discovery. From New Donk City to the Moon Kingdom, this is a relaxed, campfire reflection on why some journeys are worth taking late.

Intro - 0:00 Super Mario Odyssey - 1:23 Closing Gratitude - 17:03

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It's time to drop the gloves and hit the ice! And possibly your opponent's face while we're at it. In this episode of the Retro Wildlands, we take a full-on retro slapshot at Blades of Steel on the original NES. From bone-crunching fights to that unforgettable announcer. We'll also slot this game into our NES and play a game together to really get into the action! Was it the ultimate 8-bit sports game… or just really good at starting fights? And how did Blades of Steel stack against Ice Hockey on the NES? Let's lace up and find out.

Intro - 0:00 Campfire Catchup - 6:06 Blades of Steel - 21:05 Closing Gratitude - 1:07:50

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I ignored Metroid Dread for four years. Fifteen minutes in, I knew I’d made a mistake.

In Expedition Log #1, I finally confront one of the most praised Nintendo Switch games of the generation, and I discover why people wouldn’t stop talking about it. Metroid Dread isn’t just a return to form, it’s a relentless, atmospheric survival experience filled with isolation, precision movement, and pure panic courtesy of the terrifying E.M.M.I. robots.

This episode breaks down what makes Dread so effective: its trust in the player, its tight and deliberate gameplay, the thrill of discovery, and the constant tension of being hunted. Whether you’re a longtime Metroid fan, a newcomer to the series, or someone who’s been staring at this game on your shelf, this expedition is worth taking.

The fire is lit. The logbook is open. Let’s get uncomfortable.

Intro - 0:00 Metroid Dread - 3:19 Closing Gratitude - 20:15

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Another year down, another stack of games burned into my memory.

In this episode of The Retro Wildlands Podcast, I’m counting down my favorite video games I played in 2025. The surprises, the standouts, and the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about long after the credits rolled.

But I didn’t do it alone. I’m also spotlighting community favorites, because our Expeditions are always best enjoyed with friends.

Did your pick make the list? And what game completely blindsided me this year? Gather around the campfire, and let's have a chat. Intro - 0:00 Number 10 - 5:57 Number 9 - 10:52 Number 8 - 16:07 Number 7 - 22:13 Number 6 - 26:21 Number 5 - 32:47 Number 4 - 40:14 Number 3 - 44:36 Number 2 - 51:21 Number 1 - 56:16 Closing Gratitude - 1:08:16

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Check out the Retro Wildlands on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@retrowildlands Check out my guest appearance on The Retro Hangover! https://theretrowildlands.com/blog/fear-the-clone-wars-ft-nomad Check out my guest appearance on Pixel Project Radio! https://theretrowildlands.com/blog/history-yet-untold-final-fantasy-tactics-analysis-ep-155

After a short time away, The Retro Wildlands is preparing to resume expeditions into the gaming wildlands once more! In this brief episode, I'll check in by sharing what’s changed during our hiatus, and map out what lies ahead as we chart a course for the show's return on January 8th, 2026.

Even adventurers need to rest by the campfire now and then! I’m taking a short break from exploring the Wildlands to gear up for the next leg of the journey. In this quick update, I’ll share what’s coming next and when new expeditions will begin again.