This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re doing a First Impressions episode for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on Nintendo DS.

Instead of a full review, this episode focuses on the early experience: the touch controls, the Wind Waker-style visuals, the story setup, the Temple of the Ocean King, and whether this handheld Zelda adventure makes me want to continue the playthrough or drop anchor early.

Joining me for this episode is Dan from Controller Wipez.

Check out Controller Wipez here:
https://controller-wipez.com/

Use promo code Reloaded10 at checkout for 10% off Controller Wipez.

In this episode, we discuss:

• First impressions of Phantom Hourglass

• How the DS touch controls feel today

• Whether it works as a Wind Waker sequel

• The good, the bad, and the in-between

• Whether I’ll continue the playthrough

Question of the week:
Is Phantom Hourglass underrated, or is it one of the weaker Zelda games?

Join the Retro Reloaded Discord:
https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thanks for watching, listening, and helping keep retro gaming alive.

#Zelda #PhantomHourglass #NintendoDS #LegendOfZelda #RetroReloaded #GamingPodcast #Nintendo #RetroGaming

🎙️⭐ Pixel Panel – Star Wars Prequel Games is Live! ⭐🎙️

This week on Pixel Panel, we're traveling back to a galaxy far, far away to discuss one of the most unique eras in gaming history: Star Wars Prequel Games.

From lightsaber duels and podracing to clone troopers and Jedi adventures, the prequel era gave us some of the most memorable Star Wars games ever made. The question is: did these games live up to the movies, or were they even better?

Joining me for this special community panel are:

🎙️ Arcane_Wanderer
🎙️ SummerSetBanjo 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440
🎙️ Sobin_Un_Gomerz 👉 https://x.com/RetailRobbery
🎙️ ThuglifeSuperman
🎙️ Dungeon00x
🎙️ Icecreaman
🎙️ Beamerboy69
🎙️ Thebathwaterhero

⚔️ Our favorite Star Wars prequel-era games

🏎️ The legacy of Star Wars Episode I: Racer

🟦 The Clone Wars gaming era

🎮 Hidden gems and forgotten classics

🔥 Which game captured the Star Wars feeling best?

👑 The greatest Star Wars prequel game of all time

Which Star Wars prequel game deserves a modern remake or remaster?

Do you agree with our rankings and hot takes?

Let us know what your favorite Star Wars prequel game was and why!

🎮 Discord: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thank you to everyone who joined this Pixel Panel discussion and helped make it one of our biggest community episodes yet. Whether you're a Jedi, a Sith, or just here for the podracing, we hope you enjoy the episode!

May the Force be with you. ⭐

🌌 In This Episode💬 Panel Question🎮 Join the Discussion💬 Join the Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re doing something a little different…

Instead of reloading a game, we’re reloading
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 🎬

Joining me this week is special guest Leanne from Leanne64 as we break down the movie the Retro Reloaded way — covering the story, controversies, easter eggs, new characters, soundtrack, visuals, and whether this ambitious cosmic adventure actually captures the magic of
Super Mario Galaxy.

🎙️ Leanne64
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Leanne64

🎮 Does it truly feel like Mario Galaxy?
🌌 Rosalina’s role and emotional impact
🦖 Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and the new additions
🥚 Nintendo easter eggs & crossover references
⚖️ The good, the bad, and the in-between
🔥 Critics vs audience reactions
🎥 How it compares to other animated films

And of course…

❓ Is this movie actually better than
The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

• Did the movie move TOO fast?

• Was Rosalina underused?

• Was Fox McCloud cool… or pure sequel bait?

• Is Illumination holding Mario movies back creatively?

You already know things get heated 👀

Did Mario movies finally prove they can handle deeper storytelling… or should they stay simple and fun?

🎮 Discord: https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Want early access episodes, giveaways, bonus content, and voting power on future games?

👉 https://www.patreon.com/retroreloaded

🎤 Guest Speaker🌠 In This Episode:💀 Hot Takes Included💬 Question of the Week💬 Join the Community

🎮 Episode 41 – Super Mario World is Live!

We’re heading back to Dinosaur Land with
Super Mario World — one of the most iconic platformers ever made and a defining title of the SNES era.

Joining me this week is Brian from Beat of the Month, and we dive into what makes this game so legendary—from tight controls and unforgettable level design to the secrets that kept us exploring for hours.

🎙️ Brian – Beat of the Month
👉 https://www.beatofthemonth.com/

Huge thanks to Jake for bringing Mario to life in the intro!
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JakeNet

🦖 The introduction of Yoshi and how he changes gameplay
🗺️ Hidden exits, Star Road, and why exploration is so rewarding
🎮 Does the cape make the game too easy… or more fun?
⚖️ How it compares to other classic Mario titles
👀 And the big question: Is this the best 2D Mario game ever made?

Is Super Mario World the greatest 2D Mario game… or does another title take the crown?

Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways?

👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

As always, thank you for supporting Retro Reloaded — more episodes, debates, an

🎤 Guest Speaker🎙️ Voice Acting🔥 In This Episode:💬 Question of the Week💬 Join the Community

We officially made it to ONE YEAR of Retro Reloaded 🎉

And for this special episode, we’re doing something a little different…
This one is community-driven — and yeah… you all had a lot to say 😅

Joining me for the anniversary are Kaz Wheeler and Wobeeyert, and together we go through some of the best… and WORST takes I’ve had over the past year.

Let’s just say… not all of them aged well.

🔥 The community calls me out on my worst takes
🎯 We revisit the best takes that actually aged well
⚖️ Defending (and sometimes regretting) my opinions
🏆 My personal Game Awards for the year
😂 Some moments that definitely caught me off guard

🎙️ Kaz Wheeler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatalFourPod

🎮 Wobeeyert
X: https://x.com/wobeeyert

To celebrate one year of Retro Reloaded, we’re giving away:

Resident Evil 4 (Remake) – Steam

If you entered through the announcement post, you’re already in 👀

Winner will be revealed as part of the anniversary celebration!

What’s one take I had this year that you’ll never let go? 😅

Or… which one did you actually agree with?

Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways?

👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Seriously — thank you all for supporting Retro Reloaded this past year.

This community is what makes everything worth it.
Here’s to another year of great games… and probably more bad takes 🔥🎮

💬 In This Episode:🎤 Guest Speakers🎁 Anniversary Giveaway💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Community

We’re heading back to where it all began with
Pokémon Red and Blue — the games that started a global phenomenon and defined a generation of handheld gaming.

In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Gamefreak (community member, not the company 😄), and we dive deep into Kanto—covering everything from first memories and favorite teams to how these games hold up today. Does the magic still hit? Or is it nostalgia carrying the experience?

Huge shoutout to Drew for the incredible voice intro on this episode! Be sure to check out his channel here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@NatOnetyGaming

• Our history with Pokémon Red & Blue

• Best and worst aspects of the games today

• Favorite Pokémon, moments, and memories

• How it compares to modern Pokémon titles

• Some spicy takes you might not agree with 👀

Want to be part of future episodes, discussions, and giveaways? Jump into the Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

As always, thank you all for the continued support—you’re the reason Retro Reloaded keeps leveling up 💙

Let me know your starter pick… Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur?

🔥 Unpopular Opinions Part 2 – Things Are About to Get Spicy 🎮

We’re back with Unpopular Opinions Part 2… and yeah, we’re doubling down.

This episode is all about the takes that get you side-eyed in the gaming community — the kind of opinions that make people say “wait… WHAT?”

And trust us… we did NOT hold back.

🔥 Hot takes on beloved classics
🎮 Opinions that go against the grain
😈 Some arguments that might actually hurt to hear
😂 And plenty of moments where things get heated

Whether you agree, disagree, or are ready to throw hands in the comments — this episode is all about the fun of debate.

Huge shoutout to our guests for bringing the chaos:

🕹️ Dan
👉 https://controller-wipez.com/

Dan is also hooking up the Retro Reloaded community with a discount!

💥 Use code: Reloaded10
🎟️ Get 10% off at checkout

🎸 SummerSetBanjo
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440

🎮 Leanne64
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@leannem64

What’s YOUR most unpopular gaming opinion?

Drop it in the comments — no matter how controversial — and we may read it on a future episode.

Want to be part of future discussions, polls, and giveaways?

Join the Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive… even when the opinions get wild. 🎮🔥

🎙️ What to Expect🎤 Guest Speakers💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we’re diving into a tactical RPG classic:

Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon

A reimagining of the original Shining Force, this Game Boy Advance title brought new life to a beloved strategy RPG — blending turn-based combat, memorable characters, and classic fantasy storytelling.

But does it still hold up today?

⚔️ Tactical gameplay and battle design
🧙‍♂️ Character variety and party building
📖 Story and pacing
🎮 How it compares to the original Shining Force
🔥 And whether this version improves or changes too much

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this episode breaks down what makes Shining Force so memorable.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped bring this episode to life:

Intro Narration
🎙️ Lauren Hilary Voss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhilary_vo

Guest Speakers

🎸 SummerSetBanjo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440

🕹️ Mike
Website: https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com/

🎮 Paphvul
Website: https://paphvulslair.neocities.org/

What’s your favorite tactical RPG of all time?

Is it Shining Force, Fire Emblem, or something else entirely?

Let us know in the comments and we may read your answers on a future episode!

Want to join future episodes, discussions, and giveaways?

Jump into the Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮🔥

🎙️ What We Cover🎤 Special Thanks💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

It’s time for another Pixel Panel episode!

For those who may be new, Pixel Panel episodes are special guest-hosted discussions where members of the Retro Reloaded community take the reins and dive into gaming topics they’re passionate about.

This time, SummerSetBanjo steps in as host to lead a great discussion about one of gaming’s most beloved genres: 3D Platformers.

Joining the panel are MamaSloth64 and Paphvul, bringing their perspectives and favorite examples from across the genre.

Together they explore:

🎮 What actually defines a 3D platformer
🧠 The design elements that make the genre work
⭐ Personal favorite 3D platformers
🕹️ What separates the good ones from the truly great ones

From classic mascots to modern platforming innovations, this episode dives deep into the mechanics and creativity behind the genre.

Huge thanks to everyone involved in this Pixel Panel episode:

Host
🎸 SummerSetBanjo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@summersetbanjo7440

Panel Guests
🦥 MamaSloth64
Website: https://www.tripminestudios.com/

🎮 Paphvul

Pixel Panel Intro Narration
🎙️ Mo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mo64366

Mo provided the short Pixel Panel intro narration that helps kick off these guest-hosted episodes.

What’s your favorite 3D platformer of all time?

Is it a classic mascot platformer, something from the PS2/GameCube era, or a modern take on the genre?

Let us know in the comments and we may read your answers on a future episode!

Want to join future discussions, guest panels, and community events?

Jump into the Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thanks as always for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮🔥

🎙️ Special Thanks💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community

This week on Retro Reloaded, we tackle one of the biggest debates in JRPG history:

Final Fantasy VII vs. Final Fantasy X

Two legendary entries from the Final Fantasy series — but only one can claim victory in this showdown.

To make things interesting, we turned this episode into a full debate format.

🔥 Wob joins the show as the FFX advocate, defending why Final Fantasy X deserves the crown.

⚖️ Tetra Folly steps in as the referee, keeping the debate fair while trying to survive the chaos of two passionate JRPG arguments.

And of course, I’m here bringing the case for Final Fantasy VII.

During the episode we break down:

🎮 Story and worldbuilding
⚔️ Combat systems and gameplay
🎵 Music and presentation
🌍 Exploration and world design
🔥 And a lot of very strong opinions

Whether you grew up exploring Midgar or journeying through Spira, this is a debate you won’t want to miss.

Wob – Defending Final Fantasy X
🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/wobeeyert

Tetra Folly – Episode Referee
🎮 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/distracteddaffygamer

Which game do YOU think is better — FFVII or FFX?

Drop your answer in the comments and we may read your response on a future episode!

Want to participate in future episodes, polls, and giveaways?

Join the Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/EbRy4uvvQ2

Thanks for supporting Retro Reloaded and helping keep retro gaming alive. 🎮

🎤 Guest Spotlight💬 Question of the Week🎮 Join the Retro Reloaded Community