Nostalgium Arcanum - Episodes Tagged with “Rpgs”

Paper Mario

Doug Lief — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Far from, leaving us flat, Paper Mario injected whimsy and dimensionally creative play into the standard turn-based RPG formula for an unforgettable romp through the Mushroom Kingdom. We're joined by Emily Merritt (@aspecificegg) of the No Small Games podcast (https://nosmallgames.com/) to unfold why this highly unusual game is so special.

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

If you have feedback, find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from Paper Mario by Yuka Tsujiyoko

Final Fantasy VII

Doug Lief — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

By 1997 SquareSoft had honed its turn-based JRPG engine and operatic story to a fine point. Although Final Fantasy VII followed on its exquisite predecessor, no one could have predicted what a groundbreaking phenomenon the series' first 3D entry would be. The fusion of cyberpunk and medieval motifs, its melancholy but striving world, emotional soundtrack, and unforgettable characters have stood the test of time. Guest podcaster Gen Moonen joins our party to celebrate nearly 30 years of Final Fantasy VII casting a planet-changing spell.

Find Gen's podcast "Fun" and Games, and more at www.funandgamespod.com, www.certainpov.com, and/or www.genmoonen.com.

Just last week, we joined Gen on Dave Jackson's podcast "Tales From The Backlog" to discuss the role of comedy in videogames. Go give that a listen!

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

And for some bonus Final Fantasy VII content, go check out our episode on Sephiroth from our old show, "A Podcast, But Evil".

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:
Intro - Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie
All music from Final Fantasy VII by Nobuo Uematsu

Final Fantasy IX

Doug Lief — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0800

For those who love video games with an emotionally resonant story, Final Fantasy IX is a place to call home. We're joined by Rick Firestone of the Pixel Project Radio podcast to celebrate this compelling entry in the long-running series, its memorable characters, impactful story, and all-time great soundtrack. Kupo!

If you have feedback, send it via Mognet or find us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy IV by Nobuo Uematsu
Dungeons & Dragons - The Dead Alewives

Fallout

Doug Lief — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0700

Duck and cover! We're going back to the radioactive world of tomorrow as companion B.T. Moorer joins us to open the vault to Fallout. This unique videogame series and its recent blockbuster TV adaptation use an alternate history post-apocalypse to spin stories that, twist, turn, disgust, and delight all at once. We give it a big thumbs up!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
Fallout Score by Mark Morgan
Way Back Home - Bob Crosby and the Bobcats
Butcher Pete – Roy Brown
Big Iron – Marty Robbins
Anything Goes – Cole Porter
A Wonderful Guy – Tex Beneke
Fallout 3 Score by Inon Zur
I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire – The Ink Blots
Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin – Ernest Tubb
Don't Fence Me In - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
So Long, Mom (A Song for World War III) – Tom Lehrer

ActRaiser

Doug Lief — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0800

Lo and behold! In ActRaiser you get to play God, literally. This SNES classic combines two different gameplay modes (hack/slash and city-building sim) to create an overall experience that is still worshipped today.

If you have feedback, beseech unto us on the socials here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/
The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod
BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from ActRaiser and ActRaiser: Renaissance by Yuzo Koshiro