Giraffe Feels: A Retro Video Game Podcast

The march to 100 continues with Halo Combat Evolved! My mom loved talking to Cortana on her computer and was fascinated that she was in a video game too.

The march to 100 begins! Tecmo Super Bowl is one of the best sports games ever. Super fun, and despite its arcade style also having a depth of statistical analysis.

The Giraffe Feels Podcast is going to be ending soon, but it will regenerate. The moment has been prepared for...

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $200 in 2021. So far in 2022 we have raised $352.

We are currently on streaming hiatus. Check out my Twitch page for more information about future streams.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

We covered Super Mario World in a holiday episode years ago, but there are no rules! We can do whatever we want, so here is an expanded episode on the game.

Kaiju films meets wrasslin' in 1991's King of the Monsters for the Neo Geo and some other systems. This is a fun game and I offer some thoughts on it in our latest 500 Words episode.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $170.

We are currently on streaming hiatus. Check out my Twitch page for more information about future streams.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

We will be right back!

Final Fantasy was a massive influence on me when I was growing up. Honestly, I'm not sure if I would have ended up the person I am today without it. Join me, won't you, for a pretty long episode discussing this plus how the game holds up today.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $11.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

I thought it would be fun to go through the game in the Konami arcade collection that came out in the recent past. We've done this for a few collections and it's always fun. Thunder Cross rules!

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $11.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Fire Emblem is a series I came to much later in life, so I was excited to check out its origins. In our newest 500 Words About episode, I discuss the game's flaws as it also lays the groundwork for what is to come in what has become a fairly solid series of games.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $11.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

A lot of wrestling games don't hold up that well, but WWF Royal Rumble is a fairly solid game. Let's start an annual tradition of covering a wrestling game every April!

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $11.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

While the NES version is the definitive version, Contra debuted in the arcade. Join me, won't you, to discuss the arcade version, which isn't a classic like the NES one, but still a solid game.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $11.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

In our final game rankings episode we rank Final Fantasy IX, North and South, Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego, Micro League Baseball, Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, Shadowgate, Phantasy Star II, and Strider. Whew!

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $6.

On Monday and Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Another game rankings episode! This episode covers Streets of Rage II, Gun Star Heroes, Super Pitfall, Alien Storm, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Sonic 2. One more of these episodes to go!

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $445 in 2020. So far in 2021 we have raised $6.

On Monday and Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Another game rankings episode! This episode covers Super Mario Brothers, Mega Man V, Mega Man VI, Deadly Towers, and Super Castlevania IV.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $445.

On Monday and Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

It's our annual holiday episode, but we broke the schedule to talk more about my mom and Animal Crossing City Folk.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $445.

On Monday and Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Another game rankings episode: This episode covers Sim City 2000, Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past, Duck Tales II, Legacy Of The Wizard, and Castlevania Chronicles.

This episode is coming out slightly out of order, so bear with me in that regards. I ended up moving some episodes around after the recording session this was a part of last month.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $420.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. On Sunday nights I also stream around 9pm until I feel like stopping. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Metroid has never been one of my favorite games, but it's such an important step in the evolution of video games and continues to influence everything today so we had to do an episode about it. Sorry this is a few days late...long week!

We streamed Metroid a few years ago.

This episode is coming out slightly out of order, so bear with me in that regards. I ended up moving some episodes around after the recording session this was a part of last month.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $420.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. On Sunday nights I also stream around 9pm until I feel like stopping. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Show Notes:

We continue our now annual Castlevania coverage during the festive Halloween season with two of the more obscure games in the franchise: First we have Vampire Killer on the MSX followed by the arcade game Haunted Castle.

This episode is coming out slightly out of order, so bear with me in that regards. I ended up moving some episodes around after the recording session this was a part of last month.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $322.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. On Sunday nights I also stream around 9pm until I feel like stopping. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Show Notes:

In our fourth game rankings episode, we add Duck Tales, Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers, River City Ransom, Baseball Stars 2, and Final Fantasy Tactics to the list.

This episode is coming out slightly out of order, so bear with me in that regards. We had a bit more space left in our storage for the month, so I thought sneaking in another episode would be a good idea.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $322.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. On Sunday nights I also stream around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

In our second Castlevania mix tape, we take a look at the sounds of the 16 bit era. This is an exceptional series with amazing soundtracks!

It looks like a lot of Castlevania soundtracks reissued in recent years are out of print again :(

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $311.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. On Sunday nights I also stream around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

In our third game ranking episode, we add Mega Man 3, Metal Gear, Super Ghouls N Ghosts, Mega Man 4, and NHL94 to the chart.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $163.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

I never played Cyber Lip back in the old days, but I remember seeing it in magazines. Join me, won't you, and take a look at this very odd side scroller.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $163.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Show Links...

In our second game rankings episode, we discuss and then rank Castlevania: Dracula X, Sim City, Final Fantasy V, Zelda II, and Castlevania II.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $130.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

One of the best games ever and we are finally covering it! Join me, won't you, to discuss why I didn't like SoTN when it came out and how I see it now as one of video gaming's true masterpieces.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $105.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Show Links

In our nicest episode yet, it's time to discuss Phantasy Star III, a problematic game that is super ambitious but doesn't really hold up to it's lofty ambitions.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $105.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

I thought it would be fun to begin ranking the games we have covered on the podcast ala what Hardcore Gaming 101 does on their own podcast. We will do five an episode until we catch up. All new games covered will be ranked during the episode.

Games covered:

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019. So far in 2020 we have raised $105.

On Thursday nights around 7pm I stream old and new games until around 9pm. Check out my Twitch page for more information and a tentative schedule.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

You can view our game ranking list here.

Electronic Gaming Monthly's game of the year for 1990...this is not. Strider on the NES is absolutely not the classic version of the game from the arcade and Sega Genesis, but I played a lot of growing up so I figured it was worth covering in our "500 Words About" series of episodes.

I have not streamed Strider.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Phantasy Star II is a bit of a chore to get through these days...but what about that ending!?!?!? Join me, won't you, for a brief discussion of the lofty aspirations of this game and the series in general.

I have not streamed Phantasy Star II, but have streamed its sequel.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

In the first of a multiple part series, I offer some memories of my mother when I was growing from the days before she became a gamer. I will be doing a few more of these over the next few weeks. Hang tight.

One of the best games of the nineties and one of my favorite Castlevania games. in this episode we take a look at Rondo of Blood and how much I will 2D platformer Castlevania games.

I have streamed Rondo of Blood before.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

To get more content in the feed, I have decided to break out out Top 50 of the Nineties list into separate episodes. The ones that are already done will begin going up soon with new ones to follow. Like the ones already done, these episodes will be pretty loose without much of a script, which is pretty fun. Our first game on the list is Alien Storm!

Since my comments on Alien Storm were fairly brief, I didn't know I would be doing this eventually, I also threw in the mailbag portion from this episode, which discussed whether a Playstation Vita is worth buying.

We have streamed Alien Storm a few years ago.

Instead of a Patreon, consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We raised $335 in 2019.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

For our annual holiday episode, instead of picking a console and a year, we look back at 9-9-99 and the release of Final Fantasy VIII and the Sega Dreamcast. Primarily this episode is about Final Fantasy VIII, but the Dreamcast is also part of the story.

Our mailbag question discusses Super Mario games after Super Mario World.

We have not streamed Final Fantasy VIII. Maybe one day...

Later this month, I will be closing down out Patreon. Instead consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So far in 2019 we have raised $335.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Shadowgate was an excellent "MacVenture" game that recently had a revival and a reissue for modern console. Let's take a look back at this game and it's compelling narrative and fantastic soundtrack.

Our mailbag question discusses suggestions for RPGs to introduce gamers to the genre.

We streamed Shadowgate a few times last year.

Later this month, I will be closing down out Patreon. Instead consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So far in 2019 we have raised $335.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Just in time for your Thanksgiving commute or MST3K marathon pregaming, here is the first of two Castlevania mix tapes. The second one will be out soon.

I was always warded away from Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, but while it is certainly not a great game it is definitely a solid beginner RPG and made sense for the American market when it came out in 1992. Join me, won't you, for a brief episode about the game.

We are back to my trusty desktop computer for this issue, which means the sound issues from the past few podcasts should be gone.

Micro League Baseball is one of the best baseball games ever. I really wish this series was still around. Our latest installment of the "500 Words About..." series looks at the game and my memories of it.

Apologies for a few really loud vocal moments in this episode. I have recorded the last few episodes with my laptop and am going to go back to my old, trustworthy, desktop for future episodes.

Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego? was one of the best edutainment games of the eighties. Join me to discuss my memories of the game and how it stands up in 2019.

Also during this episode we induct the seventh game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list: Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past. ALTTP joins Streets of Rage 2, Alien Storm, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, River City Ransom, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Gunstar Heroes.

Our mailbag question discusses Grand Theft's relationship to the recent discussions of video game censorship in the mainstream media and whether we will ever do an episode about the series.

I am streaming Wednesday evenings on Twitch. Check out our events page or follow us on social media for announcements about what games I will playing on streams.

We streamed Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego? back in late 2018 and early 2019.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

North & South was a game that, probably, introduced me to turn based gaming and also the first game I remember being based around the Civil War. Join me as we kick some Confederate ass and discuss North & South. 

Also during this episode we induct the sixth game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list: Final Fantasy Tactics. FFT joins Streets of Rage 2, Alien Storm, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, River City Ransom, and Gunstar Heroes.

I am streaming Wednesday evenings on Twitch.  Check out our events page or follow us on social media for announcements about what games I will playing on streams.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Before heading into its more modern era, Square takes one last retro dive with Final Fantasy IX, a game with considerable homages to previous series games and, in general, is one of the best games in the series. 

Also during this episode we induct the fifth game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list: Streets of Rage 2, which joins Alien Storm, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, River City Ransom, and Gunstar Heroes.

I am streaming Wednesday evenings on Twitch.  Check out our events page or follow us on social media for announcements about what games I will playing on streams.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

I am not a big fan of the Sonic series, but it is such a massive part of gaming history that an episode was definitely in order. This episode ends up focusing on Sonic 2, but also covers the first game on both the Genesis and Master System. 

Also during this episode we induct the forth game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list: Alien Storm, which joins Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, River City Ransom, and Gunstar Heroes.

I am streaming Wednesday evenings on Twitch.  Check out our events page or follow us on social media for announcements about what games I will playing on streams. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Alien Storm is yet another in a long line of side scrollers on the Genesis that have held up to the test of time. Join me to discuss this really cool game. 

Also during this episode we induct the third game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list: River City Ransom, which joins Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Gunstar Heroes. 

I am streaming Monday, Thursday, and on the weekend on Twitch.  Monday is RPG Night. Thursday is Retro Night. On the weekend I normally stream newer games.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Super Pitfall might have been the first ever NES game I actually played, but it is also one of the worst video games ever. Join me as I try to parse my memories of the game with its hideous reality. 

Also during this episode we induct the second game on the Giraffe Feels Podcast Top 50 games of the 1990s list onto the list. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Lunar The Silver Star. The break music is from Suikoden II.

I am streaming Monday, Thursday, and on the weekend on Twitch.  Monday is RPG Night. Thursday is Retro Night. On the weekend I normally stream newer games. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Gunstar Heroes is one of the best platformers ever and might be the best game on the Genesis. Join me as I look back at the game and its place in history. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen. The break music is from Suikoden II.

I am streaming Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday on Twitch.  Monday is RPG Night. Tuesday is normally a newer game. Thursday is Retro Night. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Our 50th episode! For this episode, we take some time to look back at some of my favorite moments from our first 49 episodes. Clips from episodes about the following games are included...

I am streaming Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday on Twitch.  This week we will be streaming Super Mario USA. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our goal for 2019 is $200. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Our final episode of 2018! In our annual holiday episode, we discuss the fall and winter of 1997, getting a Playstation, and how Final Fantasy VII helped me deal with not starting college out so well. The second half of the episode discusses some of our plans for 2019 and a big announcement about a new project.

Consult the end of this episode as well for an update about our streaming plans for 2019.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So far we have raised $175 during 2018.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

If Streets of Rage 2 came out today, it would be a game of the year candidate. In this episode we discuss the game, its legacy, and how well it holds up against other games of the genre and era.

I am streaming Monday through Thursday and sometimes other days on Twitch.  Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II.  Tuesday we are streaming Final Fantasy IV. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego. Thursday is currently TBA.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So far we have raised $175 during 2018.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Links:

As promised during our holiday season of 1991 episode, we have gotten to Castlevania IV. In this episode, we discuss how well this game showed off the SUPER technology of the SNES, whether it is a prequel or sequel or maybe neither, and how it improves upon Castlevania III. Join me, won' you, as we go THROUGH A ROOM. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom. The break music is from Final Fantasy IV.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and sometimes other days on Twitch.  Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II.  Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming  Super Mario Brothers 2 (Lost Levels). Friday I sometimes stream newer games in the  afternoon. Currently we are streaming Octopath Traveler.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So far we have raised $175 during 2018. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Links:

This episode goes through the best music of the first six Mega Man games and discusses some of the vast highs, and lows, of the series. This was really fun, but also grueling, to put together and I hope you enjoy it. At the end of this episode, we spend a few minutes discussing our Extra Life plans for November 3rd and announce the streaming schedule for November.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes other days on Twitch. Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Mega Man VII. Friday I sometimes stream newer games in the afternoon. Currently we are streaming Octopath Traveler.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

It took a few tries to get this episode recorded, but here we are! There may be a few minor audio glitches because Audacity was very uncooperative while I was editing and recording. Mega Man VI is a solid improvement over the last few games in this series, but still not near the absolute heights of it. Join me, won't you, to discuss the game and my concerns about robotkind in the Mega Man universe. At the end of this episode, there is some discussion of our Extra Life campaign and some of the new, upcoming, Patreon goals I am going to introduce soon.

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Lunar: The Silver Star. The break music is from Final Fantasy IV.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes other days on Twitch. Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Castlevania Chronicles. Friday I sometimes stream newer games in the afternoon. Currently we are streaming Octopath Traveler.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Finally, a new episode! I apologize for the delay...the new school year got a bit out of hand and I kept putting off editing this episode. Deadly Towers is a frustrating, difficult, and mind numbing game I have been trying to figure out for the past 30 years. I still have not figured it out.

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Final Fantasy V. The break music is from Final Fantasy IV.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes other days on Twitch. Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Alien Solder.

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

There are other retro gaming podcasters who love Mega Man V, but I am not much of a fan. After trying to play through it a few times on our Twitch page, I put my thoughts together for the podcast. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Suikoden II. The break music is from Castlevania: Rondo Of Blood.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Twitch. Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Super Mario Brothers III. Friday is a new game of my choice. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Super Mario Brothers is one of the most important video games ever made. Join us for a discussion of my early experiences with the game and how it plays today. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Final Fantasy VII. The break music is from Castlevania: Rondo Of Blood.

I am streaming Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Twitch. Monday night is RPG Night. Currently we are streaming Suikoden II. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice. This week we will be streaming Streets of Rage III. Friday is a new game of my choice. Currently we are streaming Shadows of Adam. 

Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Originally this episode was going to be a mix of my favorite airship themes, but I ended up expanding it to "travel" in general. I had a lot of fun putting together this episode! Our next episode will be out at the beginning of the month.

In this episode we play music from...

I am streaming Monday-Thursday on Twitch. Monday nights is New Game Night. I am currently streaming Shadows of Adam around 8pm. Tuesdays I am streaming Phantasy Star III: Generations Of Doom around 7pm. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice around 8pm. Thursday is Final Fantasy IX around 7pm. Consider donating to our Extra Life charity drive. We are raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page.

Castlevania Chronicles is a game you do not hear a lot about in this series, but it has some nice homages to previous games and a fantastic soundtrack. This episode also has some initial thoughts about Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon.

I am streaming Monday-Thursday on Twitch. Monday nights is New Game Night. I am currently streaming Lost Sphear around 8pm. Tuesdays I am streaming Phantasy Star III: Generations Of Doom around 7pm. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice around 8pm. Thursday is Final Fantasy IX around 7pm.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast. We recently updated our rewards page. 

Thank you for your patience while I was moving and dealing with the end of the school year. We are back with our first mix tape in awhile. This one covers some of my favorite town themes from RPGs. Games covered include Final Fantasy Origins, Earthbound, Sword Of Vermillion, Sim City, and Phantasy Star III. Our intro music comes Shining Force. 

I am streaming Monday-Thursday on Twitch. Monday nights is New Game Night. I am currently streaming Lost Sphear around 8pm. Tuesdays I am streaming Phantasy Star III: Generations Of Doom around 7pm. Wednesday is a retro game of my choice around 8pm. Thursday is Final Fantasy IX around 7pm. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

I had not thought about Legacy Of The Wizard for a really long time until a recent Retronauts episode discussed it. I know some people who are very high on this game, but, after giving it a shot again, I am not one of them. At the same time, let's also discuss why Legacy Of The Wizard is an important step for Metroidvania games. 

Wednesday I will be streaming Super Castlevania IV at 8pm on Twitch. On Tuesday and Thursday I will also be streaming a TBD game at 6pm, although Tuesday I may not make it home from a trip in time to do so. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website. Our May schedule will be up in a few days plus a big announcement about our summer streaming schedule.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Duck Tales II is a good, not great, followup to the incredible Duck Tales. I had never played it before the Disney Afternoon Collection came out! Join me for a brief discussion of the game. 

On Monday I will be streaming Halo III (which I have never played before!) and Wednesday I will be streaming Super Castlevania IV at 8pm on Twitch. On Tuesday and Thursday I will also be streaming a TBD game at 6pm. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website. Our May schedule will be up in a few days plus a big announcement about our summer streaming schedule. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

We're back! A Link To The Past was an incredible return to form for the Zelda series and perhaps the best game in the series? Let's talk about that and other issues in the 36th episode of our podcast! 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Mega Man IV. The break music is from Super Castlevania.

Next Monday I will be streaming Gauntlet Slayer Edition and Next Wednesday I will be streaming River City Ransom at 8pm on Twitch. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Our "500 Words About" series continues with a discussion of Sim City 2000, the busy nature of modern simulation games, the tyranny of choice, and why I love Sim City on the Super Nintendo. 

Next Monday I will be streaming Super Mega Baseball and Next Wednesday I will be streaming Castlevania: Dracula X at 8pm on Twitch. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Final Fantasy Tactics just passed its 20th anniversary, which qualifies the game for the podcast! At times I have called Final Fantasy Tactics my favorite game of all time. I do not quite feel that way anymore, but join me to discuss the high and lows of this game, how I played it in both college and grad school, and how I feel about the game nowadays. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Lunar: Silver Star Story. The break music is from Super Castlevania.

This Wednesday at 8pm I will be streaming The Legend Of Zelda on Twitch. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive.

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

(I just noticed the typo in the art for this episode...I'll fix it in a few days...)

Baseball Stars II was a very disappointing followup to the amazing Baseball Stars. This episode is our second "500 Words" episode and discusses where the game fell short. 

This Wednesday at 8pm I will be streaming Baseball Stars II on Twitch. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website. I will update our stream schedule for March over the weekend. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. 

Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

In our first every "500 Words About" episode, which we will use to discuss games that don't need a longer episode, Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers is discussed. The release of the Disney Afternoon Collection pushed me to replay this game back in the fall. What I found was a decent platformer that has held up over the years. 

This Wednesday at 8pm I will be streaming Super Ghouls N Ghosts on Twitch. You can find a schedule for upcoming streams on our website. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

When we covered Mega Man II originally, I still didn't have good equipment to record with yet. I thought it would be a good idea to record a new version of this episode. I'm just getting over a cold, so I apologize if my voice still sounds a bit rough. 

This Wednesday at 8pm I will be streaming Mega Man III on Twitch. In a few days there will be a schedule for upcoming streams on the website. Future episodes will also have it listed in the notes for that episode. 

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

This is a quick update announcing that I will be doing game streams on Wednesday nights at 8pm on Twitch. See you tonight for Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers and then next week for Mega Man 2 (Wily Wars Version). 

It turns out I don't have quite as profound a set of memories of getting a Sega Genesis as I did a Super Nintendo, but it was still a pretty neat day due to some inquisitive purchasing choices by my mother. This episode discusses Christmas Day 1992 and what I loved, and hated, about the Genesis. 

There is also some discussion of our plans for 2018. 

Games Discussed: 

This episode began as another thematic mix tape, but ended up being a bunch of interesting tracks I curated for this podcast. We will have one more episode this year, which will be our annual holiday episode. This years episode focused on the Sega Genesis and the Christmas of 1992. 

Tracks are from...

The background music for this episode’s introduction is from Final Fantasy V. The break music is from Super Castlevania.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

In one of our first episodes, I promised an episode about River City Ransom. This is one of the best games games I have every played and its combination of side scrolling beat em up and role playing game mechanics has held up really well. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Chrono Trigger. The break music is from Super Castlevania.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Duck Tales is one of the best video games ever made. I was so happy when the Disney Afternoon Collection came out earlier this year and spent an evening replaying this wonderful game. 

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Final Fantasy IX. The break music is from Shining Force II.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

NHL 94 is one of the best sports games ever. In this episode, we look at the early years of the series that made me want a Genesis.

Games Discussed:

There is also some additional music from the Sega CD version of NHL 94, which is so good!

The background music for this episode’s mailbag is from Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past. The break music is from Shining Force II.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Over the summer I spent some time playing through various games on the Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for the PS3. This is a great anthology of a lot of cool Genesis games, but also some that are not that good. This episode discusses some of them. There is not much about Phantasy Star or Shining Force because we will do full length episodes about those series in the future.

Games Discussed:

To further discuss these games, there is also some discussion of:

The background music for this episode's mailbag is from Super Castlevania. The break music is from Shining Force II.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

I never played Mega Man 4 back in the old days! Join me as I offer some thoughts on the game after playing through it on the Mega Man Legacy Collection.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

On Christmas Day 1991 my focus was on Super Mario World, but my parents also got me Super Ghouls N Ghosts. I love this game and am so impressed with how well it has held up over the years.

The background music during the Tweets & Emails segment is from Earthbound.

NOTE: Whoops, around the 3:50 mark I meant to say Ghosts N Goblins, not Ghouls N Ghosts.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Here is a preview of our episode about Super Ghouls N Ghosts. The full episode will be out September 19th.

To celebrate our first anniversary, I went back and made a new version of the first episode of the podcast with updated content and significantly better audio quality. Thank you for supporting the first year of the podcast.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Here is a preview of our next episode, which is about Castlevania III. The full episode will be out on September 1st.

I gave a presentation about Valkyria Chronicles at an academic conference back in the fall. While it is pretty rough as it was an in progress work, I decided to make a recording of the presentation for the podcast. I love Valkyria Chronicles and hope you enjoy this episode.

We are on hiatus during August, but there will still be a few things coming out in the feed. First off is an update of the changes I have made to our Patreon recently. I also offer some notes on future episodes of the podcast and a few reflections of how our first year has gone so far.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

Background music during this episode comes from...

Metal Gear was an "okay" game that frustrated me in many places. In 1989, I would have never believed it would become such a popular gaming franchise to this very day. Before we start: Just wanted to warn that there is some discussion of PTSD and domestic violence near the middle of this episode.

We are also on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. You can also download episodes from the Internet Archive. Please consider becoming a Patron of the podcast.

We will be on hiatus during August. There MIGHT be some content in the feed at some point during the month, but normal episodes will resume on September 1st.

Links

Here is our first mix in a long time. This one covers some of my favorite end game themes plus an additional track that I threw in because I love it.

Games Covered:

Back in the early nineties, I did not enjoy Mega Man 3 that much at all. For better or worse, it was following up one of the best video games ever made. Join me as I revisit the game 25 years later.

Here is a quick preview of our next episode, which is about Mega Man 3. Full episode will be posted on Tuesday June 20th.

This episode discusses how computer gaming led me to my academic research interest and teaching career.

Full episode out on Monday June 5th.

Simon's Quest was my first Castlevania game. I have a lot of fond memories. Join me as we finish up the first half of 2017. We will have one supplemental episode later in May and return early in June for new episodes.

Last summer, after hearing some praise for the game on a few podcasts, for Zelda II, I decided to give it another trying after not enjoying it growing up. Spoiler: I still do not really like it.

Final Fantasy 5 did not come into my gaming life until its reissue on the Playstation, but it is still quite a memorable game for reasons both good and bad. This episode will discuss the game and my frustrations with it over the years.

Sim City was one of the games that began my life long love of simulation games. The Super Nintendo version is rather unique in its adaptation of the series. This episode will talk about Sim City's importance to me growing up and how it is a game I return to in trying times.

Games Discussed

Christmas 1991 was the dawn of the Super Nintendo. Super Mario World is one of the greatest video games ever and is still so infinitely playable. Tune in as I discuss the Christmas of 1991 and Super Mario World launched what I would argue is the golden age of gaming.

Games Discussed:

A trip to the video store in the middle of 1996 unearthed a new Castlevania game I did not know much about. Join me, won't you, to discuss both Dracula X and Rondo of Blood.

Games Discussed

8-Bit NES baseball games were often very imperfect until Baseball Stars came along. Join me, won't you, as we discuss my favorite baseball game.

Games Discussed:

When I first started doing research (by playing video games!) for this podcast, "great stage themes!" was a note I wrote down over and over. This episode explores some of my favorites of the 16 bit era.

Games Discussed:

Legend of Zelda was an absolutely monumental part of my childhood. This episode explores how Link was my childhood hero and the importance of the game to me.

Final Fantasy IV is probably my favorite game of all time. I had waited a little bit to do this episode so I can finish a replay of the game, but here we are now. Now that the school year has begun again, regular posting at the beginning and middle of the month will resume.

Games Discussed:

I have been a bit under the weather, but we are finally getting this one out. This episode is inspired by my response to a Jane McGonigal post about using computer games to create narrative as children. Regular podcasting will resume in September with, tentatively, Final Fantasy IV and Legend Of Zelda.

Note: I tried a few different microphone settings during this episode, so the recording of my voice is going to vary a little bit at times.

Games Discussed:

Our first mixtape episode! In the third episode of the Giraffe Feels Podcast, we look at some of my favorite overworld themes.

In the second episode of the Giraffe Feels Podcast, we look at how Mega Man II was one of my favorite games growing up…

At the end of the podcast I offer some quick thoughts on Mighty No. 9

In the first episode of the Giraffe Feels podcast, we look at how Castlevania III was a part of a rather dark time in my childhood.