|
| 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 flora and fauna of whole planets on this ecologically-minded Backtrack! (Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, Terranigma, The Granstream Saga) |
Discuss |
| 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 involves people increasing in strength to a seemingly unreachable zenith, a few RPGs have surfaced over the years dealing with it. (Dragon Ball Z) |
Discuss |
| 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 with winged citizenry, along with the occasional divine whale, await. (Baten Kaitos) |
Discuss |
| 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 be felt while navigating these locales, and a Ring of Judgment watches over all of them. (Shadow Hearts) |
Discuss |
| 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 that menace isn't always worthwhile, though. (Lufia) |
Discuss |
| 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 Jowston City-State, and finish with a romp through the Grasslands. Excessive attention may be paid to ducks along the way. (Suikoden, Part 1) |
Discuss |
| 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 and one of the PSP's most appealing Rogue-likes are also analyzed. (Xenogears) |
Discuss |
| 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 work anyway. (Digital Devil Saga) |
Discuss |
| 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 we did talk about were plenty to sustain a magical show, at least. (Wizardry VII & VIII) |
Discuss |
| 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 this doggone call of the wild instead. (Okami) |
Discuss |
| 79 |
"Dragonwyck" |
September 25, 2012 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, TwinBahamut, Macstorm |
| 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 a bit in the games we talk about this time. (Dragon Quest, part 2) |
Discuss |
| 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 carefully to avoid the cacti and we'll trade stories around the ol' campfire. (Wild Arms) |
Discuss |
| 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 it regularly, though, and hooked people pretty easily. (.hack) |
Discuss |
| 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 to vary from person to person, though. (Dark Cloud) |
Discuss |
| 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 of the land, a lover of sticking it to the porcine, and Nintendo is glad to have him. (The Legend of Zelda - part 2) |
Discuss |
| 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 with the occult is a frequent experience. (Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey) |
Discuss |
| 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 of all. Things pick up from there. (Unlimited Saga, Romancing SaGa) |
Discuss |
| 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 to make sense of them. (Landstalker, Lady Stalker, Dark Savior, Time Stalkers, Kingdom of Paradise, Steal Princess) |
Discuss |
| 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 them, but sadly no Gungans were among those slain. (Knights of the Old Republic) |
Discuss |
| 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 steam-powered robots are the ideal defense. (Sakura Wars) |
Discuss |
| 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 that their lessons took hold? (Magical Vacation & Magical Starsign) |
Discuss |
| 68 |
"Luigi Mario" |
March 21, 2012 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Wheels, Strawberry Eggs, Ocelot |
| 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 drains, they'll get the job done with no backtalk. |
Discuss |
| 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 whether this story will continue has yet to be answered. (Shenmue) |
Discuss |
| 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) |
Discuss |
| 65 |
"Risky Gambits" |
February 13, 2012 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, TwinBahamut, Omegabyte, Ocelot |
| 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 result is one giant dish. (Final Fantasy XII) |
Discuss |
| 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 with one gem that gets plentiful praise. (Breath of Fire) |
Discuss |
| 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 intermittent spurts to this day, though not at a uniform level of quality. (Star Ocean) |
Discuss |
| 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 monsters that came one Christmas. Her life just got weirder from there. (Parasite Eve) |
Discuss |
| 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 that sounds eerily familiar or bafflingly bizarre, give the story a listen. (Final Fantasy Tactics) |
Discuss |
| What can change the nature of a man? Quite a few things, actually, but this game is definitely one of them. (Planescape: Torment) |
Discuss |
| 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 first person dungeon crawling also. (Shining in the Darkness & Shining the Holy Ark) |
Discuss |
| 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. (SaGa Frontier) |
Discuss |
| 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 adequately blown up, so please do that. (Paper Mario) |
Discuss |
| 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 served that purpose. (Final Fantasy Adventure, Legend of Mana, Sword of Mana, Children of Mana, Dawn of Mana, Heroes of Mana) |
Discuss |
| 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 talk about a series of precious crystal gems found in the caverns of the series. (Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles) |
Discuss |
| 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 some time for analysis. (Odin Sphere, Grim Grimoire, Muramasa: The Demon Blade) |
Discuss |
| 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 has supplied ample opportunity for remembrance. (Radiata Stories) |
Discuss |
| 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 a trip back to the time when Hyrule was a new place to be. (The Legend of Zelda - part 1) |
Discuss |
| 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 for sharing. (Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, Secret of Evermore) |
Discuss |
| 50 |
"Dragonslayer" |
August 7, 2011 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, TwinBahamut, Rosestorm, Ocelot, Fowl Sorcerous |
| 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, one of BioWare's best-known games is given plentiful discourse. (Dragon Quest - part 1, Baldur's Gate 2) |
Discuss |
| 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 is the subject of today's spirited discussion, along with its in-name-only sequel. (Alundra) |
Discuss |
| 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 of them that otherwise have no connection get a thorough scrutiny. (Albert Odyssey & Magic Knight Rayearth) |
Discuss |
| 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 tactical gaming's biggest names. (Fire Emblem) |
Discuss |
| 46 |
"Dirt Rage" |
June 1, 2011 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Ocelot, Nyx, Rosestorm, Ada |
| 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 it comes in the form of some monsters that need to be disciplined with corporal punishment. (Rune Factory) |
Discuss |
| 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 with a listen to this episode. (Ultima) |
Discuss |
| 44 |
"Ragnarok" |
May 9, 2011 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Nyx, Rosestorm |
| 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 thing for RPG lovers by listening. (Valkyrie Profile) |
Discuss |
| 43 |
"Double D&D; Dose" |
April 30, 2011 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Macstorm, Fowl Sorcerous, Ocelot, Rosestorm |
| A couple of other titles sneak into the mix, but mostly we're talking about games with enormous Dungeons & Dragons inspiration. One of them is highly regarded, the other appealed to a very select audience, and their salient points provide ample fodder for talk. |
Discuss |
| 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 creation fare? (Final Fantasy XI) |
Discuss |
| 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 ill, we talk about everything we could remember from Monolith Soft's big production. (Xenosaga) |
Discuss |
| 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. We discuss its many merits, in an effort to help explain why acquiring the game may well be worth the eBay price. (Panzer Dragoon Saga) |
Discuss |
| 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 many hours, but even a truncated discussion is quite informative. |
Discuss |
| What were RPGamers looking for Game Boy RPGs in the early 90's to do? The answer involves carnivorous monsters and the deaths of deities, as documented on this episode. (Final Fantasy Legend) |
Discuss |
| 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 the Backtrack panelists are here to explain why. (Pokemon) |
Discuss |
| 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 the discussion time in this Backtrack installment. |
Discuss |
| 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 that theory, but listen and decide for yourself. (Luminous Arc) |
Discuss |
| 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 place and relive one of the PS2's biggest hits. (Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2) |
Discuss |
| 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 that no one will get hurt. (Harvest Moon) |
Discuss |
| Do Tales games and excessively long podcasts go together? If you answered in the affirmative, definitely listen to this episode. (Tales of Legendia, Tales of Destiny 2, Tales of the Abyss, Tales of Radiant Mythology, Tales of Vesperia) |
Discuss |
| 31 |
"Vyse the Legend" |
December 14, 2010 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Risingsuntzu, Quin, Sarahvait, Rosestorm |
| 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 the nefarious grip of an evil empire. Relive the Dreamcast's star RPG with us. (Skies of Arcadia) |
Discuss |
| 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 a penalty for foolish or unlucky behavior. That series had many moments good and bad, but more of the former, as we'll tell you. (Might & Magic) |
Discuss |
| 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 administer divine wrath upon the legions of Tanzra is what we're talking about today, so listen and reminisce. (ActRaiser) |
Discuss |
| 28 |
"Gespenst Kick!" |
November 3, 2010 |
JCServant, JuMeSyn, Fowl Sorcerous, TwinBahamut, Quin, Nyx, GDawgTUK |
| 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, Fang Slasher, Sonic Breaker, Giga Unghia, Boost Knuckle, Schulterplatte, Dominion Ball: do any of these things sound familiar? If not, a listen to our lengthy, in-depth discussion of their source is mandatory. (Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation) |
Discuss |
| 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 a series that did this very thing, and we have a lot to say about it. (Grandia) |
Discuss |
| 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 to chronicle the entirety of the series, so rejoice in our deep dissections. (Tales of Phantasia, Tales of Eternia, Tales of Destiny, Tales of Symphonia) |
Discuss |
| 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 hope of increasing its profile. (Final Fantasy IX) |
Discuss |
| 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 the years. Meanwhile, in an alternate future, a DeLorean is racing back to make sure this game gets made. (Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross) |
Discuss |
| 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 developer has done, so listening to the discussion is required. (Evolution, Yggdra Union, Riviera: The Promised Land, Dokapon Kingdom, Knights in the Nightmare, Hexyz Force, Treasure Hunter G, Solid Runner, Baroque) |
Discuss |
| 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 into a discussion of Falcom's best-known series. |
Discuss |
| 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 course has never seen an English release by any other means. (Dragon Force) |
Discuss |
| 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 best methods of slaying, and being slain by, undead on the DS. (Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia) |
Discuss |
| 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 the debate on one of Final Fantasy's most controversial iterations. (Final Fantasy VIII) |
Discuss |
| 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 Chaz all spend some time under our microscope today. (Phantasy Star) |
Discuss |
| 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 Shadowrunning is all about, so jack into the Matrix and have a listen. (Shadowrun) |
Discuss |
| 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, and a story that really takes its time to get going but eventually becomes quite interesting? If any of these things sound interesting, listen to us talk some Golden Sun. |
Discuss |
| 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 return after meeting Death repeatedly on the Game Boy Advance. (Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow) |
Discuss |
| 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 discussion. (Final Fantasy VII) |
Discuss |
| 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, this one stands out. (Robotrek) |
Discuss |
| 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 the power of prayer in a pinch. Boing! (Earthbound) |
Discuss |
| 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 paved a new road for the series, so who's better to help inaugurate the return of the RPG Backtrack? (Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night) |
Discuss |
| 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 nuclear waste. |
Discuss |
| 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 we fight through the darkness. |
Discuss |
| Which is better: Final Fantasy IV or Final Fantasy VI? The Backtrack crew tackles this debate and FF composer Nobuo Uematsu until we can stand it any longer. |
Discuss |
| 7 |
"Get a Job" |
March 31, 2009 |
Macstorm, Neist, SeventhCircle, JuMeSyn |
| 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 find a lot when they do. |
Discuss |
| Light Warriors get ready to hit yourselves. The Backtrack panel tackles the first two Final Fantasy games in this episode. |
Discuss |
| 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 2006. |
Discuss |
| We are missing one regular, but we have a special guest on this episode. Shining Force rocks. |
Discuss |
| For the third RPG Backtrack, the cast discusses Secret of Mana. There is love and hate all throughout this one, folks. |
Discuss |
| 2 |
"The Ogres" |
September 22, 2008 |
Macstorm, Neist, SeventhCircle |
| On this episode the cast tackles Matsuno's two Ogres and beyond. |
Discuss |
| The RPG Backtrack starts our pilot episode with discussion of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. |
Discuss |
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