u/Tight_Respond_3697

Standing there for an hour, neck tilted at a 90-degree angle, completely ignoring the rest of the store until Mom came back to find me. I’d be totally lost in the glow of the screen until that tap on the shoulder meant my time was up, or I’d hear the impatient "cough" of the kid standing behind me waiting for their turn.

​The tension of that silent line was real.

Did anyone else have this CRT babysitter growing up? What was the one game you’d play until your eyes glazed over?

It’s time to set the itinerary for Side Quest Saturday! ​

I’m putting Beavis and Butt-Head on the ballot, but I’m not talking about a movie screening. I’m talking about the 16-bit grind. We’re going back to 1994 to find those shredded GWAR tickets, and let’s be real—the search is different depending on which platform you’re loyal to.

New Knulli update working on the 34xxsp

The community has spoken! Our first journey for Save Point Sunday takes us to the Algol Star System as we dive into the legendary Phantasy Star.

​Since RPGs are such an epic undertaking, we’re treating this as a dedicated marathon running alongside our regular Game of the Month. This is its own space to breathe, so there’s no pressure to rush—the goal is to enjoy the adventure at your own pace.

​The Road Ahead:

We’re starting at the very beginning with the first game in the series. Once we’ve all seen the credits roll, we’ll huddle back up as a community to decide our next move: do we keep the momentum going with the next Phantasy Star sequel, or do we pivot to a completely different RPG? The choice will be ours!

How to Participate:

​No Spoilers (Initially): Keep the early discussion friendly for those who haven't played it.

​Progress Checks: Share your party’s level, your favorite gear, or your maps of those 3D labyrinths.

​Take Your Time: Again, this is a "save point" for a reason. Play when you can!

​Get those saves ready and let’s see if we can take down Lassic. The journey begins now!

Hey everyone! As the Retro Game of the Month Club continues to grow, it’s time to settle in for the "long-game." We’re officially launching Save-Point Sunday, a dedicated day for us to tackle the greatest RPG sagas in gaming history, playing through the releases and watching the genre evolve.

​We have three legendary paths ahead of us. Which one are we walking first?

​Dragon Quest: The grandfather of the genre. Starting with the original NES Dragon Warrior, we’ll experience the pure hero’s journey that defined JRPGs for decades.

​Phantasy Star: Sega’s technical powerhouse. If you want 3D-scrolling dungeons on the Master System and a unique blend of sci-fi and magic, this is our pick.

​Final Fantasy: The game that saved Square. Experience the birth of the job system and the elemental orbs that set the standard for cinematic storytelling.

​How it works:

Drop a comment with your vote! The winning series will be our focus every Sunday. We'll share our stats, our favorite party compositions, and where we're "saving" our progress each week.

Happy Side Quest Saturday, everyone!

​First off, sorry we didn’t have a formal vote on this one, but it was the most uprated game in our recent discussions, and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated titles of the 16-bit era. We couldn't pass it up!

​Pilotwings was an absolute technical showcase when the SNES launched. It pushed the hardware to its limits with Mode 7 graphics, giving us that incredible sense of depth and rotation that blew minds in 1991. Whether you’re precision-landing a Light Plane or trying not to face-plant during a Skydiving lesson, this game is all about that "just one more try" gameplay.

Who else remembers the absolute struggle of playing the original Game Boy in the backseat of a car at night?

​Before backlit screens were even a dream, we were out here playing a high-stakes game of "Street Light Roulette." You had exactly three seconds of visibility every time you passed under a lamp to make your move. You’d be mid-jump in Super Mario Land, just praying for a long stretch of highway lighting or a well-lit intersection so you didn't run off a ledge.

​I’ll never forget the Christmas I finally unwrapped the Handy Boy. It was that massive light/magnifier/speaker combo that snapped onto the front like an exoskeleton. It was bulky, it ate batteries for breakfast, and it looked like it belonged in a cockpit—but it was a total game-changer. Suddenly, I didn't have to time my jumps with the streetlights anymore.

I’ve heard the chatter—Shadowrun on the Genesis is no joke. The Seattle sprawl is a grind, and those difficulty spikes are hitting hard. If the Matrix is getting the better of you, don't give up on the club! If you need a way out of the grind, it’s time to take the Chicken Exit Side Quest.

​The Game: Legend of the River King

​Platform: Game Boy / Game Boy Color

​Vibe: Peaceful / Fishing RPG / "Total Reset"

​Difficulty: Relaxed (The ultimate palate cleanser)

​Think of this as your reward for surviving the Sprawl. It’s all about the sights, the sounds of nature, and landing that perfect catch. No cyber-attacks, no street wars—just you and the river.

Chicken Exit Challenges:

If you’re taking the exit, try to hit these milestones this month:

​The Peaceful Angler: Catch one of every fish in the first area without losing your line once.

​The "Heavyweight" Catch: Land a fish that is over 40cm. Snap a photo of the "Nice Catch!" screen.

​The Master Hiker: Find a hidden item or a rare insect while wandering the map.

​The Handheld Flex: Post a photo of your Analogue Pocket, RG35XX, or original hardware to show off your "Exit" setup.

All right, I'm looking for your suggestions for the next Side Quest Saturday.

​My suggestion this week is going to be Batman Return of the Joker for the NES. Its a beautiful game and that soundtrack still absolutely rips.

This week we are diving into the SNES classic also on the GBA, Disney’s Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse.

​Released by Capcom in 1992, this game is a masterclass in 16-bit charm, vibrant colors, and creative platforming. Whether you’re scaling mountains in the Wizard costume or putting out fires as a firefighter, there’s a reason this one stays in the permanent rotation for retro fans.

How to Participate

​The Mission: Play through as much of the game as you can this weekend!

​The Goal: Share your progress, your favorite costume mechanics, or that one boss that always gave you trouble.

​Show & Tell: Post your high scores, screenshots of your favorite levels, or a photo of your current handheld/console setup.

Forget the SNES version—this month we’re playing the Sega Genesis classic. It’s a completely different game and a true open-world RPG.

​You play as Joshua, a novice runner who travels to Seattle to investigate the brutal murder of his brother, Michael, during a botched run. Starting with nothing but his brother's unpaid debts, you have to work your way up the underworld ladder to uncover a conspiracy involving megacorporations and ancient magic.

​I’ll be running this on my Anbernic RG353V. The 4:3 screen is perfect for Genesis games

Don't forget to share how you're playing! Whether you're on original hardware or a different handheld, let the community know your setup.