About this episode

The episode explores the game Xanadu Next and its themes, mechanics, and design.

Still...An ancient castle that only appears in the mist, and a holy sword that rests therein...It's like a fairy tale! Just hearing about it makes my heart beat faster! This week on Retro Encounter, a panel of Falcom afficianados (and one relative newcomer) explores the ruins of Xanadu Next 's Harlech Island. Released all the way back in 2005 (and brought to US shores courtesy of XSEED Games in 2016), Xanadu Next is one of Falcom's oft-forgotten classics, with a dark, somber tone and slower pace influenced by Yasumi Matsuno's Ivalice universe ( Vagrant Story in particular). We discuss Charlotte Wells and our unnamed protagonist knights' inauspicious start to their investigation of Harlech Island's ancient mysteries, how the game's combat compares to other isometric action RPGs like Diablo , and the merits of interconnected world design. Give it a listen if you love Falcom's golden era of PC releases, or if you're curious about the game's ingenious (at times frustrating) key economy. Featuring: Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Audra Bowling; Edited by Zach Wilkerson Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri Get in Touch: RPGFan.com RPGFan Shop Email us: retro@rpgfan.com Twitter…

People in this episode

Host: Aleks Franiczek

Guests: Ben Love, Audra Bowling

Topics covered

• Xanadu Next
• Falcom
• isometric action RPGs
• game design
• combat mechanics
• PC gaming

Keywords

• Xanadu Next
• Falcom
• RPG
• isometric
• combat
• game design
• PC games

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: XSEED Games

Books & works: Xanadu Next, Vagrant Story

Places: Harlech Island

More episodes of RPGFan's Retro Encounter

• 490 - The Legend of Zelda Tier List Part I · July 16, 2026 · 1h 59m
• 489 - Xanadu Next Part II · July 2, 2026 · 2h 7m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the RPGFan's Retro Encounter podcast page.