Retro Reloaded - Retro Gaming Podcast

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