Unlike film and book preservation, video games are always under attack; often, ironically, by their very makers. Once again, the ESA's cabal of Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and like-minded tyrants have united to strike down a ROM preservation website--this one being Vimm's Lair, an esteemed gaming curation destination brimming with the industry's storied …

Sega's Genesis (Mega Drive) and Nintendo's Super Nintendo - they were the topic of every school debate in the early '90s, but decades later, these rival machines STILL trigger passionate reactions in dedicated fans. Which system really was "the best?" Usually, it depends on who's being asked, but hindsight never lies. Looking back, one system was g…

Sonic the Hedgehog is still a gaming superstar, but his games appeal to different audiences. Some prefer his classic 2-D excursions; others like his more free-roaming adventures. And yet, the complaints are rife for either approach: "2-D Sonic can't do anything new/3-D Sonic misses the point!" Are these naysayers being unreasonable...or might they …

The "switcheroo" or "body swap" is an oft-repeated trope in cartoons, books, and film...but the premise stems from a singular source. After author Mary Rodgers imagined a daughter swapping bodies with her pretty mother, a new franchise--nay, a new genre--was born. Today's show examines the freaky franchise five times over: 1 book, 4 films. Are they…

One’s imagination is precious--it's the tool one uses to visualize the spoken, the inferred, the otherwise unseen. But do modern games, what with their HD photorealism...rob people of this fundamental, very human ability? Maybe games don't need to be quite so...on the nose. Visit www.lostnostalgia.com for more old-school goodness. Thanks to Deckton…

Nintendo loves remaking and remastering its ancient games, including the 2024 rerelease of Mario vs. Donkey Kong. But with all the reboots and redos, why doesn't the Big N bring back the ape's best--the Game Boy's phenomenal Donkey Kong '94? Isn't it time to revisit this tragically neglected classic? Please visit www.lostnostalgia.com for more crit…

For nearly 29 years, Charles Martinet had provided Nintendo's Super Mario with his iconic voice. All the "wahoos" and "mama mias" came courtesy of the actor's style and invention. In a very real sense, Martinet was Mario; he'd become the face of the world-recognized star. And that, perhaps, was exactly the problem. In 2023, The Big N "retired" Mart…

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a huge hit, but the fans must decide--does it support, or subvert, the character's lore and legacy? Mr. Pacario compares the film with Mario's (once?) accepted origin, examining the complements and contradictions between the classic canon and its big-screen counterpart. The fairy tale versus the blockbuster, essential…

The illustrious Studio Ghibli is one of the industry's preeminent leaders in theatrical anime, and standing at its center is the legendary animator and director, Hayao Miyazaki. Indeed, his name is almost synonymous with the studio itself thanks to his many mesmerizing films, from the whimsical My Neighbor Totoro to the sometimes grim and violent P…

Not known for its shooters, the Super Nintendo still hosted one of the greatest shoot 'em ups of the 16-bit age--the inimitable Pocky and Rocky. The game's obscure status, however, meant that millions missed experiencing this sublime romp...until now, that is. Thanks to developer Natsume, the series returns as Pocky and Rocky Reshrined, a remake/se…

Early anime lovers from decades ago know of Project A-KO--it was one of the 1980's great anime films, serving as both an introduction for new fans of the medium, and a brave, farcical sendup for those already well-acquainted with the art form. But, years later, does this brash fantasy of beautiful, superpowered school girls raining destruction acro…

After Sonic the Hedgehog's first film became a big hit with the movie-going public, the Blue Blur returns for the inevitable sequel. Does it surpass its predecessor...or does it sink like so many sequels before? (If only Sonic could swim!) Thanks to decktonic.com for the theme music.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600...is it really the worst game of all time? Did it really spark the downfall of Atari? Should its creator, Howard Scott Warshaw, be blamed for almost tanking an entire industry? Here, Mr. Pacario explores these very questions, analyzing the tricky particulars--the arguments for and against--Mr. Warshaw's…

Video games are often loved as much for their sweet music as their (hopefully) engaging gameplay, a truth this particular episode is anxious to illustrate! 22 amazing tunes await the avid listener in what might be the most ambitious Great Gamer's Quiz yet! In 20 seconds (more-or-less), gamers will try to identify some legendary melodies. Or...they …

Once again, portable gaming systems are becoming all the rage, and the Arduboy FX might be the most unique among the current deluge of handheld entertainment. The size of a credit card--yet packing over 200 games and apps!--this little device pays tribute to Nintendo's Game Boy, yet fully embraces the can-do spirit of the modern gaming scene. So, i…

Limited Run Games, or LRG, became celebrated for converting rare and digital-only games into physical editions, then selling them in "limited" quantities to anxious collectors. At least, that's how it was supposed to go. But now, as LRG grows bloated on the goodwill, and cash, of a swarming fanbase, some are questioning the company's manipulative m…

The legendary arcade game comes home in miniature form courtesy of Numskull, the UK-based company specializing in everything retro. It's a slick-looking machine, too, but how well does it play? Is it worth the premium price? Mr. Pacario discusses the machine and the game within, then ponders the company itself--will Numskull keep producing these ti…

For this brief but no less spiffy entry, Mr. Pacario reviews Super Mario Manga Mania, the first official Western adaptation of the long-running comic series. Perhaps even more exciting, however, is Pac-Man's own celebratory book--Pac-Man: Birth of an Icon--coming soon from www.cookandbecker.com. And lastly, thanks to the U.K.-based company Numskull…

When it comes to talking classic games, few shows can match the renowned Retronauts podcast, a production that has long celebrated the gaming pastime’s colorful history. But with the show’s host and founder, Jeremy Parish, now moonlighting over at publishing house Limited Run Games in various capacities, is the show still as pure and transparent as…

At long last, Nintendo has graced us with a new mini...but it's not quite the Game Boy Classic many wanted. Rather, it's the rebirth of the old Game and Watch line, with Super Mario Bros. its showcase piece. The gadget's a nifty callback to the past...but is it worth the modern asking price? Mr. Pacario drops some thoughts in this quickie, bite-siz…

Death comes for everyone, and the 3DS is no exception--the dual-screened device has officially been abandoned, sort of, by the ever practical Big N. Mr. Pacario gives the system a fitting eulogy before tackling a more controversial matter--Nintendo's Super Mario 3D All-Stars, released in decidedly uninspired form. Is this really the company's best?…

After Nintendo and Sega took their turns, it was only fitting the TurboGrafx-16 also receive the mini treatment. A system both overlooked and underappreciated during the 8 and 16-bit eras, Konami has seen fit to give it an extra life with this tinier edition. Indeed, it's a sweet box of "what ifs"...a compilation of obscure but no less engaging gam…

What's better than the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation Vita? It might just be the Analogue Pocket, a slick, Game Boy-like device capable of playing an assortment of history's greatest gaming relics. With the device soon up for preorder, Mr. Pacario lists the system's many frills, features, and incredible options...along with one or two unfortunate d…

Sega is back with another miniature snack! After the nifty Mega Drive Mini and the loco Game Gear Micro, the company is going for a three-for-all with its Astro City machine, a cute all-in-one console with an assortment of rarely seen arcade games! Although little has been revealed, Mr. Pacario divulges the scants facts before proceeding with a "mi…

Along with countless movies, shows, and video games to consume, people must also choose between thousands of new podcasts appearing on a rapid-fire, weekly basis. And guess what? Most of these shows are junk! Luckily, Mr. Pacario is here to recommend six sublime shows of true worth and fun--from the cinephile's Now Playing to the sometimes creepy E…

Gamers complain about a lot of things...the most ironic, perhaps, is having too much content. In other words--too many games releasing every week! It's a weird problem that others of a different time would have loved to share, but there's truth to the complaint. Gamers are drowning in freebies, indies, Twitch streams, and cheap DLC without a proper…

For those who love the more audible side of gaming, this episode will draw them into that illustrious past while also highlighting the occasional modern day masterpiece. Indeed, music--especially that of the gaming persuasion--has always possessed the unique quality of making even the darkest days seem brighter. This quiz might challenge one's memo…

Don't say mini, say micro! Yep, Sega actually goes there with its tinier than dinky line of miniature Game Gears...while on the larger side of things, Arcade1UP unveils its next slate of home arcade machines, including the oft-sought Ms. Pac-Man. But whether teeny or supreme, are any of these machines really worth the money? Mr. Pacario gives his b…

Was 1980 really that long ago? Indeed, the year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary (or birthday) of gaming's greatest icon--the titular Pac-Man. For a time, the globular marble dominated pop culture in a way no mascot--even the almighty Mario--has ever achieved since. But beyond his command of the cultural zeitgeist, Pac-Man essentially gave birth to …

Turbo trumps virus! Indeed, after being delayed by the infamous plague, the TurboGrafx-16 Mini finally takes the West. Question is...was it worth the wait? Mr. Pacario provides his initial impressions regarding the almost mythical system and its generous trove of jubilant gems. Check out Pacario's occasionally updated blog here: https://www.destruc…

After a slight delay, the next Great Gamer's Quiz is ready to be played! This one's a hodgepodge of trivia taken from the entirety of the hobby - only the most well-versed gaming acolytes will survive! So whether carpooling to work or trapped at home, let this quiz prove, once and for all, you are indeed a gaming maven. Check out Pacario's occasion…

Limited Run Games prides itself on the "preservation" of digital titles, and for a while, collectors adored it. But times change, and the LRG of today seems more bent on manipulating gamers than truly serving the art form. Indeed, the company's recent stumble with its "exclusive" Streets of Rage 4 preorder has left many feeling burned. As always, M…

Collecting video games is time-consuming. Collecting video games is expensive. And for hunters desperate to own a complete set of a particular system, the going is often impossible. But all is not lost! In this episode, Mr. Pacario suggests different ways one might achieve a "full" set, while also pointing out the remaining consoles in which procur…

Collecting video games has become a popular pastime. But for some, it's more than that--collecting is their life, with libraries mounting into the thousands. At which point do stashes like these go from impressive to excessive? From being a nifty collection to an unfortunate addiction? Mr. Pacario, a collector himself, takes an honest look at the p…

Great news! The Great Gamer's Quiz returns for a speedy, rapid fire, turbo-charged installment. Yep, questions will be asked and answers expected...all within a scant few seconds. Can you best your friends or prove your worth within the strict time limit? Now's the time to spread that gamer cred! Check out Pacario's occasionally updated blog here: …

Want to play 3DS games on your Switch? You can't! Want to play PS3 games on your PS4? You can't! Alas, wouldn't it be great if the next Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo console could play every game from the past twenty years, thus preserving gamers' hard won collections? Well, depending on the company, gamers might just get their wish...or be bitte…

The TurboGrafx-16 Mini, along with its foreign counterparts the CoreGrafx and PC Engine, have all graced that magical land of Japan...while the rest of the world continues to wait. Are early impressions, well, impressive? Opinions vary, but there's a greater question at stake--after this system sees full release, can gamers expect more mini machine…

At last, another Great Gamer's Quiz arrives, this time celebrating some of gaming's finest symphonic--and oftentimes iconic--tracks and melodies. Indeed, the aspiring connoisseur will revel in a montage of ten awe-inspiring pieces with the aim, naturally, of proclaiming the game and origin of each one. Should be easy for any gaming expert...but new…

The Sega Genesis Mini arrived in September 2019, but that's only a third of the story. Two more versions of the system exist! And so, Mr. Pacario procured the Japanese unit, treating himself to an array of games very different from its Western counterpart. But...different doesn't always mean better. Indeed, is the Japanese Mini worth the money? Thi…

After a lengthy delay, Mr. Pacario has finally procured Numskull's 1/4 scale Ms. Pac-Man machine...and indeed, she's quite the looker! Fully playable and nearly identical to her larger counterpart, this device is a nice display piece, but is it worth the premium price? Mr. Pacario shares his thoughts and advice. Check out Pacario's blog for pics an…

Just how well do you know your favorite pastime, anyway? Indeed, treat yourself to a fine assortment of gaming goodness, this time in the form of some clever trivia spread across gaming's best, most iconic titles. Gaming vets, gurus, and prodigies might just nab that perfect score...while everyone else will at least learn something grand about gami…

The Blue Blur. The Blue Dude. The Blue Buzzsaw. Yep, the Hedgehog has returned, but this time it's a sprint to the screen as Sonic enjoys his first theatrical film. Yet, thanks to a horrific early trailer, this is a movie once surrounded by controversy. "Dumpster fire!" many were eager to say. Fortunately, the movie now seems to proving the naysaye…

Dragon Ball, that long loved series, returned after years of hiatus with Dragon Ball Super, a series that both entertained and disappointed the fanbase. Being a self-proclaimed "amateur" disciple of the series, Mr. Pacario uses this episode to share his thoughts regarding Super's finale, the epic Tournament of Power. Does it satisfy and redeem the …

The advent of digital media has brought many gifts, including the ease of convenience and more games than anyone could ever play. But the sacrifice? Physical copies of our favorite games--carts, cards, and discs, not to mention manuals and other amenities--look doomed to disappear. In this bite-sized 'sode, Mr. Pacario examines the pastime's slow c…

To celebrate Sonic's first theatrical film, it's only natural to present a new Great Gamer's Quiz, this one dedicated to everything blue and blurry. Are you a true Sonic fan? Do you count hedgehogs in your sleep? Do you have an uncanny need for speed? Then take a quick detour and give this quiz a listen--and see where you stand in Sonic's pantheon …

This week's show is a splash of animated favorites from ages past. Classic shorts, huge Disney epics, anime, and the sadly underrated are among those Mr. Pacario has yanked from his memory banks. As we old-timers love to say, "They don't make them like they used to!" Check out Pacario's occasionally updated blog here: https://www.destructoid.com/bl…

Games, like any art form, can prove to be a weird window into its creator(s)' soul. Indeed, even the most conventional genres can be bent into something wildly unexpected. Enter Pooyan, a certainly offbeat title that takes the basic gameplay of, say, Galaga, but turns it sideways and adds a dash of pork! For this mini-episode, Mr. Pacario describes…

Get ready, all you gaming collectors! Indeed, with gamers often spending more time hoarding and displaying their vast libraries than actually playing them, this Gamer's Quiz is strictly devoted to that facet of the hobby. Yep, from the rarest Atari games ever released to obscure Nintendo amiibos, this test will determine just how much one actually …

Another year, another chance to reflect on the state of game collecting--is it still worth hunting down all those hidden treasures, from sealed NES games to multiple copies of Luigi's Mansion 3, and then hoarding them for twenty years or more? Mr. Pacario provides his best insight into these matters, then goes into lighter fare as he drools over Ar…

'Tis a two-prong show this week--first, Mr. Pacario provides his thoughts on Numskull's recently released Galaxian 1/4 scale arcade machine. From there, he proceeds to analyze the entire home arcade market that has seemingly sprung out of nowhere. Indeed, how many of these nifty but hefty attractions can people collect before they simply cannot fin…