RPGFan's Retro Encounter 475 - 1995 Year in Review
14 snips
Dec 18, 2025 
Join gaming aficionados Ben Love, Lucas Greene, and Mike Salbato as they journey back to 1995, exploring the highs and lows of RPGs from that year. They delve into the quirky charm and lasting impact of EarthBound, weigh the mechanics and localization quirks of Breath of Fire II, and rave about the narrative depth of Phantasy Star IV. The conversation covers everything from nostalgic anecdotes to critiques of Tecmo’s Secret of the Stars, making it a delightful trip down memory lane for retro gaming lovers!
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EarthBound's Lasting, Oddball Influence
- EarthBound fused traditional JRPG structure with surreal modern setting and lasting influence on indie RPGs.
- Its field encounters, humor, and presentation inspired creators like Toby Fox and games like Undertale and OMORI.
Saved To Avoid Nighttime Chores
- Lucas rented EarthBound and saved obsessively to avoid replaying routine tasks like brushing his teeth.
- He once played late into the night and rushed to save so he wouldn't have to repeat mundane chores.
Breath Of Fire II's Ambitious Rough Edges
- Breath of Fire II experimented with town building, auto-battle and transformation mechanics despite a flawed localization.
- Its quirks and aesthetic still pushed JRPG design forward even with balancing and translation problems.
