Main Quest Podcast

It's that time of year again! It's a massive celebration of video games from retro to modern, platforming to walking simulators and everything in between! There's ten categories and a HUGE selection of games to be talked about all culminating in my personal top 10 games of 2023.

Please take the time to check out this years line-up of contributors:

When a global pandemic eradicates the globe and commercialism is truly dead, Festivus will truly be celebrated! Family, friendship, and unity!

Cozy up with a Cerberus in your lap as I read you the spin off story Capcom won't tell....

You flee your vehicle after running a stop sign, stumbling down an alley as you feel Vengeance stalking you from the shadows. Suddenly, the Defender of Gotham appears but fortunately he falls from the building like a sack of rice, he's out of batarangs and cannot hurt you.

Today on the show, it's the worst port of Batman Returns!

GET OVER HERE! Again! Because this week we're leaving Earthrealm to talk about Mortal Kombat II! I'm joined by Raging Demon (Kommand List) and Rick Firestone (Pixel Project Radio) as we test our might against one of the most popular games in the series. 

Don't be confused, this episode does not star Mickey Mouse but I will be talking about the first game in the Illusion series!What was platforming like on the Genesis in a world without Sonic? Turns out - a little better than you would think. And with all the money put in the right spot, could Mickey have been poised as the mascot for the 16-bit console?? And most of all, how well does Castle of Illusion hold up?

This was coming eventually - it's yet another Sonic game but this time he brought a friend...well another friend. And I have a friend joining me and it's Danny from the Retro Wars podcast to come unlock the lock on technology that is Sonic & Knuckles!

On this very special and final entry of this years Ghoulcade, I'm joined by the one and only Redfox (Knight of The Living Podcast/Drunken Gamers/Super Slash Bros) to talk about the "scariest games of all time".

Does Amnesia live up to its reputation? Are the mechanics really that deep or is it all in your head? Did we need to do a power hour to talk about this game? I'll answer that: Yes.

Check out everything Redfox does:

Back by popular demand, or by accountable inevitability - The Resident Evil series returns as I dive back into the story and lore once again of Resident Evil 4! 

2023 washes away the old and brings in brand new canon as the remake replaces the original (and my original episode) according to our lord and saviors Capcom. So this time I'm not completely remaking what I already made, but am talking about the differences and what this means for the rest of the lore of the franchise.

So wait, follow me, as I walk you through Resident Evil 4 one last time...

The Ghoulcade rolls on with a curious title straight from Japan, Clock Tower! My guest Vanfernal and I discuss the lasting legacy behind this game, compare its sequels and why a man with scissors is so terrifying

The show finally, and rightfully returns to the Sega Genesis with the sequel X-Men 2: The Clone Wars! Joining me are brothers Alex and Luke of Low 5 Gaming as we discuss our love for the franchise and comics and what our thoughts are on the changes made to this beloved Sega game.

This week I'm releasing a special Patreon episode here on the main feed! It's a great conversation I had with Chris of A Novel Console about the entire Star Fox franchise from its inception to last gasps of air. Where should the franchise go from here? What could be remade and what are our favorite games of the bunch??

The Main Quest is back! And since I've been away so long I figure I would kick off my return with a mail bag episode to let you guys get to know me a little better, and find out what I've been up to on my hiatus.

Every once in awhile a phenomenon arises from out of nowhere and for the podcast it's Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins!

In the podcasting world there's no rhyme or reason an episode hits, but this one did! So bare down and nash your teeth as we explore one of the most difficult games on the NES!

This week on the podcast we're revisiting my 3rd and most popular Zelda episode on Link's Awakening!

This week we're going all the way back to the point and click adventure Shadowgate!

This week we're revisiting an episode I did on a modern indie darling, Hades! This was the first time I was joined by long time friend of the show Eric Gess of Unlockables Podcast (formerly Sidequest Podcast) as we talked about how Xbox Live Arcade shaped modern indie gaming, how Hades sprouted from the frustration of working within EA and how much this game took over our lives.

This summer we're taking a look back at some of the most popular episodes of the program and with Keigh3 right around the corner and my E3 coverage from 2021 being in the top 10 most listened to episodes, this is the perfect time to revisit this tiny time capsule. How many of these were released? How many were broken? And how many do you even remember existing in the first place?!

Time has not been kind to early Genesis games. Everyone remembers Sega post Sonic, but don't really talk about what it was like before Sonic. Unless you're from the UK.And though B-Ross from Super Garbage Day is not English, him and I share fond memories of growing up with The Revenge of Shinobi. How does this compare to everything that came before it? Why is the soundtrack so damn good?! WHY IS SPIDER-MAN HERE?!? And does the game still hold up today??

On the pilot episode of the Main Quest Matinée Ryan and Keith sell you on the idea of why they deserve to talk about film adaptations of their favorite video games! But really it is about them and their love of movies, what films have affected them the most and what their favorite genre's are. And they wrap the discussion up by asking the question: Do film adaptations of video games need to exist? They also discuss the rules for the new program because these movies are being ranked baby! So if you like what you hear, head on over to the Patreon and check out the latest episode!

If you thought commercialism within the gaming market died in the 80's, you're terribly mistaken. As you can see from the games I've covered so far, I couldn't escape the licensed games that plagued the store shelves. Taz-Mania is one of those and to help carry the burden that is this Genesis game is Josh from Still Loading. We recount our memories of Looney Tunes becoming the zeitgeist for middle America "attitude" and try to decide if this game still stands the test of time.

Here is just a small sample of a Patreon exclusive episode about the Star Fox franchise!

And before you know it, Player Vs Podcast is coming to and end. But there's still one game left to talk about! We're still in the realm of Playstation and what else goes better together than them and Squaresoft? The RPG juggernaut of the 90's is in their prime and experimenting more than ever, with Einhänder being their first foray into the shooter genre. How well does this game stand out from their regular output? And does it still hold up today?!

Now that the podcast has been around for 3 years, I can now draw a circle, use a fork and play well with other podcasts! This would usually be time best used for bragging and what I have or haven't accomplished for the show but this episode isn't about the past. Instead it's about looking ahead and what the future will bring along with some big announcements! But most of all, it's a solid 20 minutes of appreciation for everything you diehards have gave to me. Onward to year 4!

The 90's were a wild time. Video games were becoming adolescents, a new competitor hit the market, Nintendo was no longer King and 3D gaming was the wave of the future. Video games were no longer bound to a flat plane of existence, there's no way we would ever go back to that! Wait, no, that's wrong. This is the type of thinking that did Punky Skunk in. If it wasn't bad enough that it was another mascot platformer, it also came out at the wrong time. But can it bust out from those 1998 restraints placed on it? Does it hold up today??

This is what happens when a dare comes to fruition! Let's hope both parties get what they want out of this because Player VS Podcast/Listener Request Month rolls on with a Super Nintendo game that drowned in the ocean full of mascot platformers. Ardy Lightfoot does a lot to separate itself from the pack but to what extent? Did Ardy have enough going for it that it could've done better with a great marketing push? Listen and find out!

Player VS Podcast is BACK! Another year, another batch of episodes you dear listeners have picked for me. And we're kicking the year off with a late Playstation game Silent Bomber! Hear as I struggle to pronounce the main characters name just as much as the voice actors. Is this Metal Gear for babies? Does the game need to veer off into Resident Evil territory? Speaking of Resident Evil, what's the deal with the voice acting? It's the sunset years of the Playstation, but does this game still hold up today? 

We're after the emeralds once again! It's one half of a larger game, Sonic The Hedgehog 3! I know, I know, Sonic hasn't had the best of showings here on the podcast but this time he's got some back up from Belt Buckle Bill (Two Guys One Game/The Reviews Brothers) as we both discuss how the game was made, what happened for it to get split in half, and whether or not it holds up today. If you're coming from the Sonic 1 & 2 episodes...you might be in for a surprise!

Find Belt Buckle Bill:

Ooga booga! Arggle brigagla's episode, reoccurring ooga arggle Paul bugga bugl bork borgle. Snarkus burg Core Design's earliest ooga, Chuck Rock! Bork borgle bruggle blug burg arggle? Booga arggle brigglel gurrrrggaa borgle? Bissglag gunga grug drabble!

If you were ever going to compete with a major, best selling RPG I suppose you would make a beat 'em up? Well thanks to Dragon Quest, the world got Golden Axe! And without Golden Axe, we wouldn't have beat 'em up connoisseur Ryan from List Off to join me today to talk about what it's like to play this early Sega classic. Does it still hold up today? Why isn't there even a golden axe in the game? Find out today!

When Sonic burst onto the scene it shook the gaming scene to its foundation with flashy graphics, fast paced action and infectious music. It kicked in the door of the house Nintendo helped create and made itself at home and Sega a name to be aware of. Of course a sequel would be the first thing on Sega's mind, right? Well...not exactly. The history of Sonic 2 isn't as cut and dry as you might think, and as far as the gaming holding up today....well that seems to be contentious as well...so this week Phillip from Gaming Together Podcast drops in to help talk all about it!

Yo dawg! This is gonna be the most happenin', chillaxin' episode on the scene! So sit right down as I set you up with tha most craziest game on the Genesis so far, Toejam & Earl! This game had people sayin' whhhaaaat?!? Hell, even Sega said whhaaaat?!? But it ain't no sweat, cuz there were 3 more games, son. And I'm gonna tell ya all about 'em. For real.

What's cooler than being cool? Strapping on your VR helmet and diving into a video game that has been kidnapping and killing children in your neighborhood in which you apply a dozen powerups to get yourself through over 100 levels to prove you can make it out alive unlike the filthy casuals before you. Yup, that's Kid Chameleon, and to help me break it down beyond that I have Twin Galaxies world record holders Willie and Ginger from Grand Rapidians Play Video Games on to talk about one of STI's final creations before it's imminent demise.

After a handful of Genesis episodes, and several dozen Nintendo games, it's finally the opposite side of the console war. Sonic The Hedgehog was the anti-Nintendo missile Sega needed that finally broke the industry wide open and offered up the competition some people were looking for. Chris Coplien from the Retro Hangover Podcast joins the quest today as we talk about why this game is so important and what it's like playing it today...

Brought to you LIVE! (sort of) from the Main Quest theater, it's the 3rd celebration of an entire year in video games! 

This year's show is bigger than ever! There's a lot to take in and a ton of games to talk about. Special thanks to everyone involved in making this the biggest celebration in gaming on the internet and of course a MASSIVE thanks to everyone who has checked out the show over the past year! Enjoy your gaming!

GOTY Contributors: 

It's a brand new year and I'm starting it with a relaxed fit episode. I'm putting down the controllers, shelving the games and answering your questions! There's a little something for everyone...and I mean EVERYONE...how much of a retro gamer am I? Where can you buy a bidet? What's my favorite franchise? Disco Elysium?? And pet names! 

Another year of the Ghoulcade concludes with an extensive talk on the genre I wouldn't have a gimmick without, horror video games! This week I am joined by the guru of ghastliness, the authority on agony, Ryan from List Off Podcast to go down memory lane and touch on various games throughout the genres short but storied history and what the future may bring for one of our favorite genres!

This special edition of the Ghoulcade marches on as I discuss one of the more niche games on the Genesis, Haunting Starring Polterguy. Corporate greed, malicious intent, dark money, and bears in hell. This game has it all. It's like the Sims but if you could create a haunted house! But does it hold up today?

Happy Horror Days! Better late than never, it's the 3rd annual Ghoulcade! We're kicking the month off with a man that has a pantheon of Lunar curses. Or perhaps just cursed from hell. It's Altered Beast! Phil from Deleted Saves rises from his grave as we break down the development and gameplay, and wax poetically about Sega's early years in the market. 

Two years in the making, and the Resident Evil series is at an end. Today on the show I breakdown the final entry in the series, Resident Evil VIII...or Resident Evil Village?? I guess throughout all of this, Capcom still doesn't know what to call their games. How does the saga end? Where do we go from here? Let's find out together!

In an era when Japanese developers had the upper hand on development tools, and mascot platformers were a dime a dozen, Earthworm Jim was one of the few American developed games that really stood out among it's contemporaries. I'm joined by my friend Aaron today as we debate graphics vs gameplay, and find out if Earthworm Jim still holds up today.

Excelsior! What an uncanny episode this will be as I tackle 1993's X-Men for the Genesis/Mega Drive. A game that I feel like I've covered on the show last year but happens to share many similarities to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Mutations aren't the only things the characters have in common....

Similar to a massive explosion the began our ever expanding universe, I finally begin my coverage of Sega games with a game that was surprisingly a blast to play. What is Ristar? How did he get sidelined by Sonic? And most importantly, does the game still hold up today?

Not since Donkey Kong has the show covered such a monumental game. What's left to say about Pokémon Gen 1? Well Eric Gess (Unlockables Podcast) and Alyx toss their monsters into the arena as we try our best to cover every aspect of these first games and the legacy they left behind in this enormous, nearly 3 hour episode. A discussion worthy of the franchise.

Please rate and review the show where ever you get your podcasts!

Diehards will know the Legend of Zelda series has had a bad run on the show so far. But with the 3rd game in the series, myself, Jared and Ben try to break that curse and see if Link's Awakening still holds up today. Also is this the horniest Zelda game? All this and more on today's episode!

Please rate and review the show where ever you get your podcasts!