Episode 154: SEGA special (Patreon)

I swear, if anyone ever whines again about Retronauts being more like Nintendonauts amirite, I will end them. This has been, without question, the most complex and time-consuming episode of the show I've ever assembled in 12 years of podcasting, and it's 100% devoted to SEGA. Hopefully, hopefully, that effort has paid off.

There are two parts to this episode. 

First, we have an interview with Rieko Kodama and Toru Yoshida about preserving classic SEGA games, and about Phantasy Star's history in particular. This isn't the most comprehensive or in-depth interview of all time, but that's by design. I'm told this is the first time either Kodama or Yoshida have sat in on a podcast (certainly the first time they've been live on an English-language show), so there were a lot of limitations on the format. Still, I think it's interesting to hear about the origins of some classic RPGs from the creators themselves, even if most of this info is already floating around on Wikipedia or whatever.

The second portion takes the form of a long overdue Retronauts Radio segment. I tried a different approach this time than I have in the past, and I think it turned out well. This segment, in keeping with the SEGA theme, focuses on three recent DataDiscs releases (After Burner II, Space Harrier, and Streets of Rage 3). Retronauts Radio seems to be somewhat polarizing — music-focused episodes almost always get fewer downloads than other topics, but I also receive (bar none) the most positive feedback on these episodes. With luck, this will work out as a best-of-both-worlds situation, with the music commentary backing up a rare developer interview…

Anyway, I humbly submit this staggeringly complex production to you for your approval. And I will look forward to letting Bob take lead next week, because after this episode, I kinda need a week-long nap. Enjoy! — Jeremy