About this episode

The episode discusses the second half of Falcom's dark fantasy action RPG Xanadu Next, focusing on its creative boss fights and bittersweet ending.

Three years hence the War of the Knights...The old ways rang of their death knell, a fresh wind began to blow. The path the one knight chose, he continued being a knight even after. This week on Retro Encounter, our panel returns to discuss the second half of Falcom's oft-forgotten dark fantasy action RPG Xanadu Next. We cover the game's creative boss fights, the emergence of Castle Strangerock from the depths of Lake Orwell, and wax poetically about the bittersweet ending sequence. Give it a listen and find out why Xanadu Next remains one of Falcom's all-time classic titles. 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: @rpgfancom Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social Instagram: @rpgfancom Threads: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom

People in this episode

Host: RPGFan.com

Guests: Aleks Franiczek, Ben Love, Audra Bowling

Topics covered

• dark fantasy
• action RPG
• game design
• boss fights
• storytelling

Keywords

• Xanadu Next
• Falcom
• dark fantasy
• action RPG
• game design
• boss fights
• bittersweet ending

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Xanadu Next

Places: Castle Strangerock, Lake Orwell

More episodes of RPGFan's Retro Encounter

• 490 - The Legend of Zelda Tier List Part I · July 16, 2026 · 1h 59m
• 488 - Xanadu Next Part I · June 18, 2026 · 1h 31m

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