The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)
By: The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)
Language: en
Categories: Leisure, Games, Technology, Video Games
Episodes
Terminator 2D No Fate: The Inside Story – The Retro Hour Podcast EP513
Jan 09, 2026
This week we’re joined by Mike Tucker and Quang DX from Bitmap Bureau to talk about the making of Terminator 2D: No Fate. We hear how their lifelong love of Terminator 2 turned into a three-year obsession, why so many classic T2 games missed the mark, and how this project set out to put that right. From painstakingly recreating iconic film moments in pixel art, to difficulty balancing, licensing hurdles, hidden Easter eggs, and expanding the Future War beyond the film, this is the story of how the Terminator game fans always wanted finally became reality. 
Powerhoof games...
Duration: 01:47:09The Top 5 Tech & Gaming Innovations of 1994-2024 - The Retro Hour 512
Jan 05, 2026Happy New Year!
As we kick off 2026, we’re treating everyone to something special: a FREE episode of The Retro Hour: After Hours, our podcast that’s usually exclusive to our Patreon supporters.
After Hours is where Dan, Ravi, and Joe loosen the ties a bit and go deeper into retro gaming and technology. Longer chats, more personal opinions, and plenty of nostalgia that doesn’t always fit into the main show.
This episode is a taste of what you get by joining our Patreon:
• Loads of extra perks
• A great way to support...
Retro Gaming Christmas Quiz 2025 – The Retro Hour EP511
Dec 22, 2025It’s our absolute favourite episode of the year once again, the Retro Hour Christmas Quiz is back! 🎄🎮
This year, Paul Drury and Oliver Wilmot are taking on hosting duties, armed with festive cheer and plenty of tricky questions. Meanwhile, Dan, Ravi and Joe have each drafted in some of our wonderful Patrons to join their teams, because what’s Christmas without a bit of friendly competition and chaos?
Expect laughs, questionable answers, retro knowledge put to the test, and the all-important bragging rights as everyone battles it out to be crowned this year’s Retro Hour Christm...
“We Hid Gabe Newell in Our Game!” – Powerhoof - Making Retro Point & Click Adventures – The Retro Hour Podcast EP510
Dec 12, 2025We go Down Under with Powerhoof’s David Lloyd, the brain behind award-winning indie hits like The Drifter and Crawl. From hiding DOS games as a kid to creating their own game engine and scooping Game of the Year at the Australian Game Developer Awards. From swapping floppies in the schoolyard to creating retro-inspired adventures, and why the Sierra era still casts a long shadow over indie devs today.
Powerhoof games: https://www.powerhoof.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
1:00:00 - Powerhoof Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help...
“This Shouldn’t Be Possible on an Amiga 500!” – H0ffman - Demoscene and Game Ports – The Retro Hour Podcast EP509
Dec 05, 2025This week, we catch up with the legendary H0ffman to hear some tales from the demo scene trenches, Amiga wizardry, and porting classic arcade titles. From brigning Metal Gear and Knightmare from the MSX to the Amiga, to pushing Neo Geo boundaries with Sega classics, and how he accidentally created a global DJ community with a bit of Amiga code.
h0ffman Website: https://hoffman.home.blog/
h0ffman Itch: https://h0ffman.itch.io/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
57:27 - h0ffman Interview
Please visit our...
"The 3DO M2 demo was mind-blowing... we were dying to ship it!" – Michael Devine (Former 3DO VP of Sales) – The Retro Hour Podcast EP508
Nov 28, 2025This week we’re joined by industry veteran Michael Devine, former VP of Sales at The 3DO Company, key player at TDK Mediactive, and now CEO of Rockit Games, for an incredible look at four decades inside the games industry. From the “mind-blowing” M2 demos and the rise of Army Men, to the chaos of securing Hollywood licences and resurrecting Jaleco’s classic sports titles.
Rock It Games: https://rockitgames.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
49:31 - Michael Devine Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:<...
"A Single MP3 is Bigger Than the NES Library!" – eXo on Emulation, BBS Days & Saving DOS Classics – The Retro Hour Podcast EP507
Nov 21, 2025This week, we’re joined by eXo, the visionary behind the colossal eXoDOS emulation project, dedicated to preserving DOS, Windows 3.x, and interactive fiction games in all their original (and often quirky) glory. We explore how eXo and a global team of volunteers are not just making old games playable again, but restoring everything from lost CD audio to obscure soundcard support and the belief that retro games should be remembered, and played exactly as they were.
eXoDOS: https://www.retro-exo.com/exodos.html
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
51:49 - eXo...
“Atari’s Actually Doing Things RIGHT?!” – Ctrl-Alt-Rees - The Retro Hour Podcast EP506
Nov 14, 2025This week, we catch up with the ever-inventive Ctrl-Alt-Rees in his brand new studio. Rees shares his latest projects, retro tech obsessions, and the bizarre story of a Japanese teaching computer with a paper screen. We hear his thoughts on modern Atari’s surprising comeback, his favourite (and most hated) handhelds, the quirks of the Jaguar scene, and why Windows 95 still holds up 30 years later.
ctrl-alt-rees on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ctrlaltrees
Podcast and website: https://ctrl-alt-rees.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
56:32 - ctrl-alt-rees Interview
Pleas...
“I Presented the Amiga Chipset to Atari… and Everyone Freaked Out!” - Atari's Matt Householder - The Retro Hour Podcast EP505
Nov 07, 2025From hating Pong to working for Atari, this week we chat with Matt Householder. From his early days at Gaming Devices Inc. and designing the arcade classic Krull, through to joining Atari right after the video game crash and witnessing the dramatic Amiga chipset saga from the inside. Matt reveals what it was really like working under Jack Tramiel, converting GEM for the Atari ST in record time, and why developers had to sell snacks from their desks just to survive. He then takes us into the golden years at Epyx, creating World Games and the smash hit California Games, b...
Duration: 01:56:47“I’d Never Even Seen a Computer Until I Worked at Sierra!” – Mark Crowe on Space Quest - The Retro Hour Podcast EP504
Oct 31, 2025This week we're joined by Sierra legend Mark Crowe, co-creator of the Space Quest series and one half of the iconic Two Guys from Andromeda. Mark reveals how he went from never touching a computer to helping define the golden age of adventure gaming, working alongside Roberta Williams, Disney, and a hapless space janitor named Roger Wilco. Plus, we hear about the long-awaited reunion that brought Space Venture to life.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
58:10 - Mark Crowe Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the sh...
“The Demo Scene Taught Us to Do the Impossible” – Erik Simon of Thalion - The Retro Hour EP503
Oct 24, 2025This week's show features Erik Simon, co-founder of the legendary Thalion Software, the minds behind Lionheart, Ambermoon, and No Second Prize. Erik shares hilarious and jaw-dropping tales from the golden age of Amiga development, how the demo scene shaped Thalion’s “make the impossible happen” ethos, why Lionheart used every Amiga graphics mode. Recorded live at Amiga 40 in Germany.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
46:59 - Erik Simon Interview
Amiga Report Archive: https://bigbookofamigahardware.com/amigareport/
This Week In Retro: https://www.rmcretro.com/this-week-in-retro
Please visit our amazing sponsors...
“From Modems to Headlines” – Jason Compton on the Amiga Report Revolution - The Retro Hour EP502
Oct 16, 2025This week, we’re joined by former Amiga Report editor, writer, and This Week in Retro host Jason Compton, who takes us into the golden age of 90s computing news. From chasing stories during Commodore’s dramatic collapse (“we may not make more chips, but we can sell the floor scrubber!”) to the birth of one of the first online tech magazines, Jason recalls the chaos, creativity and sheer enthusiasm that kept the Amiga community alive long after the headlines faded.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
50:34 - Jason Compton Interview
Amiga Report Arch...
“Michael Jackson Just Said ‘Okay, I’ll Do It All’” – SEGA's Roger Hector Tells the Inside Story of Sonic 3
Oct 10, 2025For years, it’s been one of gaming’s biggest urban legends, how much did Michael Jackson really work on the music for Sonic the Hedgehog 3? In part two of our exclusive chat with Roger Hector, former Director of the Sega Technical Institute, we get the full story. Roger reveals how Jackson’s unexpected visit to STI turned into hands-on involvement with Sonic 3’s soundtrack. Plus, we explore Roger’s time leading the legendary Sonic team, the cross-cultural chaos of 1990s Sega, and the pressure of delivering a new Sonic game every Christmas.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Ret...
"No One Had Storyboarded Games Before - So I Did!" - Atari Legend Roger Hector - The Retro Hour EP500
Oct 03, 2025This week marks our milestone 500th episode, and we’re celebrating in style with part one of an epic two-part chat with industry legend Roger Hector. From working under Nolan Bushnell and Al Alcorn in the very earliest days of Atari, to helping bring classics like Super Breakout and Battlezone to life, Roger shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of arcades, coin-ops, and pioneering design that shaped the future of video games. From overflowing Pong machines to storyboarding games before anyone else thought to do it.
Thanks for all your messages of support, here's to 500 more episodes!
Contents:
"Nintendo Made Us Cut the Bikini Girls from Duke Nukem 64" - Eurocom's Kev Harrison - The Retro Hour EP499
Sep 26, 2025This week we chat with designer Kev Harrison, whose career began at Eurocom working on Duke Nukem 64 and Duke Nukem: Zero Hour. Kev shares what it was like adapting Duke’s outrageous world for Nintendo, from cutting bikini girls to sneaking in Simpsons gags, as well as why his team saw Duke as a tongue-in-cheek Bruce Campbell figure while publishers insisted he was a deadly serious hero. We also cover his years bringing Bond, Star Wars, Predator and Hellboy to consoles, packed with stories from one of the UK’s busiest studios of the late 90s and 2000s.
Leav...
“Arcade Lessons, Nintendo Secrets, and Omega 6” – Takaya Imamura & Junji Seki - The Retro Hour EP498
Sep 19, 2025This week we hear part two of our chat with Nintendo legend Takaya Imamura and game director Junji Seki. We hear about the creation of Omega 6: The Triangle Stars, blending manga, classic adventure game engines, and even a rock-paper-scissors battle system. Imamura reflects on his decades at Nintendo, from the high-stakes launch of the Switch to breaking free with new creative freedom, while Seki shares stories of arcades, founding his studio Happy Meal, and keeping the spirit of physical releases alive.
Leave us a message for Episode 500: https://theretrohour.com/message/
Contents:
00:00 - The W...
“We Wanted Ocarina’s Opposite - That’s Why Majora’s Mask Got So Dark” - Takaya Imamura Interview - The Retro Hour EP497
Sep 12, 2025This week we welcome Nintendo legend Takaya Imamura, the visionary artist behind F-Zero, Star Fox, and Majora’s Mask. We hear some incredible stories from his three decades at Nintendo: from being interviewed by Shigeru Miyamoto, to creating Captain Falcon on a whim, to the wild one-year crunch that gave birth to Majora’s Mask. He reveals how a shrine in Kyoto inspired Fox McCloud, why Tingle was born out of pure exhaustion, and the surprising comic book roots of his latest project Omega Six. This chat was recorded live at Retromessa in Norway.
Contents:
00:00 - The W...
"The SID Chip Was My First Love” - Jeroen Tel: Maniacs of Noise - The Retro Hour EP496
Sep 05, 2025This week we catch up with legendary C64 composer Jeroen Tel of Maniacs of Noise fame. Jeroen takes us back to the early days of programming music directly in machine code, pushing the SID chip to its limits, and soundtracking classics like Cybernoid, Hawkeye, Supremacy, and Turbo OutRun. From cracktros and demo parties, we hear the story of some of the most iconic game music of the 8-bit era. This episode was recorded live at Retromessa in Norway
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:56 - Jeroen Tel Interview
Please visit our amazing sp...
PS1 Demo Discs, Bedroom Coders and FMV Revival - Indie Games That Changed The World - The Retro Hour EP495
Aug 28, 2025We're joined by games journalist and author Aaron Potter to chat about his new book, 50 Indie Games That Changed the World. From the roots of the Indie scene with the 80's bedroom coders, the revival of lost genres like FMV games, and how modern indie titles are keeping classic computers and consoles alive.
50 Indie Games That Changed The World: https://tinyurl.com/4s3y5p27
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:29 - Aaron Potter Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Liverpool Gaming M...
“Sonic R’s Soundtrack Has a Life of Its Own” - Richard Jacques, The Sound of 90s SEGA - The Retro Hour EP494
Aug 21, 2025This week’s episode comes live from Retromessa 2025 in Norway, where we were joined on stage by legendary video game composer Richard Jacques. From creating music on a ZX Spectrum at age 11 to scoring iconic titles like Sonic R, Jet Set Radio, Headhunter, and Mass Effect, Richard shares his incredible journey through Sega’s golden years, live orchestras at Abbey Road, and the unexpected afterlife of a song that became a meme.
Richard's website: https://www.richardjacques.com/home
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
54:42 - Richard Jacques Interview
Please visit...
“Flash Games Should Never Have Died” – Alex Johansson, Experimental Game Maker - The Retro Hour EP493
Aug 14, 2025This week we are joined by award-winning experimental designer, educator and game maker Alex Johansson of ALYO Games. He is the mind behind wild alt-controller creations like Muppet Boxing, syringe-powered co-op games and his new Morse code-based strategy title Morse. We dive into the wonderfully strange world of odd inputs, discuss why Flash games should have been preserved, explore how gaming can reach older and underserved communities, and hear how Alex’s love for tactile play has taken him from cardboard-box cockpits to the heart of the ham radio scene.
Alex's website: https://alexvscoding.itch.io/
Co...
“My Teacher Said I Wasn’t That Good” – The Story of Worms with Andy Davidson - The Retro Hour EP492
Aug 08, 2025This week, we chat with Andy Davidson, the creator of the legendary game Worms. Andy shares how a quirky artillery game made on a school Amiga evolved into one of the most recognisable franchises in gaming history. From ripping sprites out of Lemmings for a laugh, to a five-minute pitch that landed him a publishing deal with Team17, plus some updates on the upcoming Worms Director's Cut 1.5 for the Amiga!
Andy Davidson on X: https://x.com/totalwormage
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:31 - Andy Davidson Interview
Please visit ou...
Croc Was Meant to Be Yoshi - Then It All Changed! - Matt Porter, Argonaut Programmer - The Retro Hour EP491
Aug 01, 2025This week we’re joined by Matt Porter, former programmer at Argonaut Software and one of the key developers behind Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. Matt shares inside stories from the development of titles like Creature Shock, Scooby-Doo Mysteries, and SWAT: Global Strike Team, delves into the challenges of porting games across wildly different platforms, and teases some fascinating lost betas and unreleased gems he’s been finding on 30-year-old hard drives.
Dovetail Games: https://dovetailgames.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:40 - Matt Porter Interview
Please visit our amazi...
"I Only Found Out My Game Was in a Magazine Years Later" Rob Smith, Retro Inventor - The Retro Hour EP490
Jul 25, 2025This week’s guest is Rob Smith: the mad‑scientist of the retro scene. Rob takes us on a tour of his wild inventions—from a disco‑themed floppy‑disk cleaning workstation that actually plays tunes, to a full‑scale whack‑a‑mole game controlled by an Amiga via Arduino and AMOS, and his glowing levitating Boing Ball built with magnets and LEDs. He also talks about the Retro Directory, disc backup stations, and his journey from VIC 20 BASIC to making modern retro PD titles.
Rob Smith's website: https://robsmithdev.co.uk/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro...
“Don’t Press OK – It Will Destroy Your PC!”: QA Testing at Virgin with Dave Isherwood - The Retro Hour EP489
Jul 18, 2025his week, we go behind the scenes of ’90s game testing with QA veteran Dave Isherwood! From the chaos of Virgin Interactive’s wild office parties to uncovering show-stopping bugs just hours before launch. Hear about the day Virgin fell apart, the mystery of the deadly red screen, and why he had to fake losing video game tournaments.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:37 - Dave Isherwood Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com
Take your busine...
"My Spectrum Caught Fire on Boxing Day!" - RetroBytes - The Retro Hour EP488
Jul 11, 2025This week, we’re joined by John from the awesome YouTube channel RetroBytes - a creator who dives into the obscure corners of computing history. From his childhood memories of a flaming Spectrum, to restoring Unix workstations, the beauty of operating systems that time forgot, and why Gopher might’ve beaten the web, if not for one fatal mistake.
RetroBytes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetroBytesUK
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:03 - RetroBytes Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books...
“We Cold-Called Nintendo After a Few Ciders” The Story of Enigma Variations - The Retro Hour EP487
Jul 03, 2025This week, we’re joined by Darren Melbourne and Mark Greenshields to unravel the untold story of British software house Enigma Variations. From bargain licensing deals for Postman Pat and Bugs Bunny to cold-calling Nintendo after a few ciders. Plus, their recent efforts to preserved lost classics, the truth behind NES Lion King, and why some of their best work never saw the light of day... until now.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:53 - Darren Melbourne and Mark Greenshields Interview
Games That Weren't: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/
Antstream: https://www.ant...
He Cracked Games at 14, Then Made Game Genie and Rock n’ Roll Racing - The Retro Hour EP486
Jun 27, 2025We’re joined by Allen Anderson, a veteran SNES coder, and one of the key programmers behind Rock n’ Roll Racing. Starting as a teenage game cracker in Arkansas, he shares how hacking games led him into the industry, the chaos of SNES development with homemade dev kits, and how he programmed the Game Genie under insane deadlines, and the story behind the legendary cancelled Sega Saturn title, Propaganda.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:20 - Allen Anderson Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap...
Psygnosis to PSN: Phil Gaskell on Shaping Sony’s Early Playstation Era - The Retro Hour EP485
Jun 20, 2025This week, we chat with game developer and producer Phil Gaskell, whose career spans from typing BASIC on a ZX81 to shaping titles at Psygnosis, Sony Playstation and Warthog. Phil shares behind-the-scenes tales of early PlayStation days, cancelled games, missed payrolls and mafia connections at Gizmondo, and rebooting iconic games like Lemmings and Super Stardust HD.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
36:41 - Phil Gaskell Interview
Our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetroHourPodcast/videos
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books...
The Man Who Tried To Save the Amiga: Petro Tyschtschenko - The Retro Hour EP484
Jun 13, 2025This week we hear about the turbulent post-Commodore years with former Amiga Technologies President, Petro Tyschtschenko. From scrambling to find buyers after Commodore’s collapse to selling Amiga 1200s out of a warehouse in India, Petro shares his story, from the courtroom battles, the backroom deals, and the community spirit that refused to let the Amiga die.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:51 - Petro Tyschtschenko Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com
Take your business to t...
Last Action Hero to Chronicles of Riddick: Cos Lazouras Tells All - The Retro Hour EP483
Jun 05, 2025This week we welcome Cos Lazouras, a true veteran with over three decades in the games industry. From blagging his way into Bits Studios to working with Vin Diesel on The Chronicles of Riddick, Cos shares incredible stories from working on Spider-Man, The Simpsons, Wolverine and Last Action Hero including why that one remains his most ‘disastrous’ game. And his incredible new 80's themed point & click adventure.
VICE Undercover: https://tinyurl.com/476ucjzb
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:47 - Cos Lazouras Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to su...
Medal of Honor: The Inside Story with Chris Cross - The Retro Hour EP482
May 29, 2025This week we’re joined by Chris Cross, the original lead designer of Medal of Honor, who cut his teeth at Blizzard on Warcraft II and Diablo, worked on Small Soldiers: Squad Commander, survived Trespasser: The Lost World, and brought us gritty realism in Homefront. Chris shares some amazing behind-the-scenes stories, from Spielberg’s influence and arcade obsessions, to why he loved PS1 development and what went wrong (and right) on some of the most ambitious projects of the '90s and early 2000s.
Brain Arcade Podcast: https://coffeewithcross.com/brainarcade
Contents:
00:00 - The W...
Tony Warriner & Stoo Cambridge’s UrbX Warriors: A Masterpiece for the ZX Spectrum Next - The Retro Hour EP481
May 23, 2025This week, we chat with two legends of the British gaming scene, Tony Warriner (Revolution Software) and Stoo Cambridge (Sensible Software), who’ve teamed up to create UrbX Warriors, an incredible new title for the ZX Spectrum Next.
UrbX Warriors Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/yvhw43et
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:29 - Tony Warriner & Stoo Cambridge Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com
Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 month...
Diablo, StarCraft & Comix Zone: Stieg Hedlund Reveals All - The Retro Hour EP480
May 15, 2025This week we hear about the incredible career of game designer Stieg Hedlund! From his early days tinkering with BASIC on a Bally Astrocade to shaping some of the most iconic titles of the '90s like Comiz Zone, The Ooze, and the legendary Diablo.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:26 - Stieg Hedlund Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com
Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: htt...
Psygnosis, G-Police & Writing FPS History with Stuart Maine - The Retro Hour EP479
May 09, 2025This week, we’re joined by game designer and author Stuart Maine, whose 28-year career spans iconic titles like Theme Hospital, Dungeon Keeper, and G-Police: Weapons of Justice. Stuart shares stories from the heyday of Bullfrog and Psygnosis, reflects on the golden era of first-person shooters, and reveals the wild behind-the-scenes of cancelled games and dev kit coffee tables. Plus, we dive into his latest book Hurt Me Plenty which explores the blockbuster FPS era of 2003–2010.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:15 - Stuart Maine Interview
Pre-order Hurt Me Plenty: The Ultimate Guid...
Why The Demo Scene Is Now a Cultural Treasure - The Retro Hour EP478
May 02, 2025This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Tobias Kopka—aka Melkor of Haujobb—as we explore the importance of the demo scene. We explore how this underground digital art movement went from C64 crack intros to global recognition through the ‘Art of Coding’ UNESCO initiative. From the days of 2,000 sweaty kids attending events like The Gathering to international cultural bids, Tobias shares some amazing stories, including running demos on ATMs and sending them into space!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:49 - Tobias Kopka Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to supp...
American McGee - From Doom to Dark Wonderland - The Retro Hour EP477
Apr 25, 2025We’re joined by legendary game developer American McGee, who takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings on the Timex Sinclair and Commodore 64 to designing iconic levels for Doom II and Quake. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from iD Software, reveals how a Ferrari-driving neighbour turned out to be John Carmack, and discusses the gothic inspirations behind American McGee’s Alice. Plus, we hear about his time at EA, and why being fired from iD turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to him!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stor...
The Commodore Amiga at 40: The Original Developers' Story - The Retro Hour EP476
Apr 18, 2025As the Commodore Amiga celebrates its 40th birthday, we hear stories from original developers Dale Luck, Jeff Porter, Andy Finkel, and others. Recorded live at VCF East in New Jersey, our Dan gets the story of this legendary machine direct from the people who made it happen.
Thanks to Amiga Bill for recording the interview, and joining us for the news this week!
🌟 Twitch: twitch.tv/AmigaBill
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@AmigaBill
🌐 Website: AmigaBill.tv
VCF Event: https://vcfed.org/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
45:00 - Amiga 40th...
The Story of Unreal Tournament – With Producer Neil Haldar - The Retro Hour EP475
Apr 11, 2025This week we’re joined by Neil Haldar, a pivotal figure behind the legendary Unreal Tournament. From dropping out of medical school to leading major projects at Sierra Online, GT Interactive, and MGM Studios, Neil shares incredible stories from his time shaping iconic games. Plus, we rewind to the 3DO era, and get the inside story on licensed games like 007 Racing and Rocky.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:36 - Neil Haldar Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com...
The Dark Origins of Horror Games - The Retro Hour EP474
Apr 04, 2025This week, we catch up with Richard Moss and welcome first-time guest Connor O’Keane, the creative minds behind the spine-chilling documentary series TerrorBytes. In this follow-up to our earlier chat with the TerrorBytes team, we explore the evolution of horror in video games, from lo-fi jump scares to controversial bans and accidental nightmares. Plus, why horror in games is more than just guts and gore, and what really makes a game scary…
TerrorBytes website: https://terrorbytesdoc.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:09 - TerrorBytes Interview
Please visit our amazi...
What Gen-Z Can Teach Us About Retro Tech – Kari Lawler Joins The Show - The Retro Hour EP473
Mar 28, 2025This week, we’re joined by YouTuber Kari Lawler, who’s breathing new life into vintage systems! At 21 years old, Kari’s love for old-school computing spans BBC Micros, Apple IIs, and even programming from classic magazine listings. We chat about her early coding days, winning a space tech challenge at 15, the origins of her channel, and why treating viewers with intelligence is the key to her fast-growing fanbase.
Kari's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@karilawler
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:46 - Kari Lawler Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors...
RogueCraft: Making The Ultimate Modern Amiga Game - The Retro Hour EP472
Mar 21, 2025This week, we chat to the creators of RogueCraft, a stunning new Amiga title that recently won an award at the Debug Indie game awards. Ricki and Henning from Badger Punch Games tell us about their roots in Norway’s Amiga scene to developing for the MEGA65 and building procedural magic on vintage hardware, they share the journey of crafting one of the most exciting modern Amiga games.
Badger Punch Games: https://www.badgerpunch.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:48 - Badger Punch Games Interview
Please visit our amazing spon...
The Elder Scrolls: How It All Began with VJ Lakshman - The Retro Hour EP471
Mar 14, 2025This week, we hear about the origins of The Elder Scrolls with the legendary VJ Lakshman, co-creator and a key figure in Bethesda Softworks’ early days. From the D&D roots of Elder Scrolls, and how procedural generation shaped an RPG legend. VJ also shares stories from his work on The Terminator, Crash Bash, Spyro The Dragon, and his time at Warner Bros. & Turbine, working on Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.
VJ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07B3T9RLG
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Sto...
GOG: Meet the Heroes Saving Your Favourite Childhood Games - The Retro Hour EP470
Mar 07, 2025We chat with Marcin Paczyński, Senior Business Development Manager at Good Old Game, and Adam Ziółkowski, Technical Engineer, to hear about their new Preservation Program. Launched in November 2024, this initiative is dedicated to ensuring classic games remain playable on modern and future systems. We hear about the challenges of maintaining compatibility, the process of updating and bug-fixing classic titles, and GOG’s commitment to DRM-free gaming.
GOG Preservation Program: https://www.gog.com/en/gog-preservation-program
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:05 - Good Old Game Interview
Please visit our amaz...
Behind the Scenes of GTA 3 & Guitar Hero with Kelly Sumner - The Retro Hour EP469
Feb 28, 2025In part two of our epic interview with Kelly Sumner, we move beyond Commodore and into his time at GameTek and Take-Two Interactive. Kelly shares behind-the-scenes stories from the launch of GTA 3 and his experiences working with the Houser brothers. We also dive into his time as CEO of RedOctane, where he helped turn Guitar Hero into a global phenomenon.
Recreational Music: https://reactionalmusic.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:18 - Kelly Sumner Interview
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What Really Killed Commodore? UK MD Kelly Sumner Tells All - The Retro Hour EP468
Feb 21, 2025In the first part of our epic two part interview, we sit down with Kelly Sumner, former Managing Director of Commodore UK, to hear the highs and lows of his 15-year journey at the legendary company. From starting as a trainee engineer in 1979 to marketing the iconic Amiga and C64, Kelly shares never-before-heard stories about selling the Amiga 1000, the infamous C64GS flop, CDTV’s retail struggles, and his surprising appearance on GamesMaster!
Recreational Music: https://reactionalmusic.com/
Kelly Sumner on GamesMaster: https://youtu.be/oZ4XbkJ2sIA
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro New...
The Games of a Lifetime with Jaz Rignall - - The Retro Hour EP467
Feb 14, 2025We catch up with legendary games journalist Julian 'Jaz' Rignall about his epic new book, The Games of a Lifetime, which is a video game time machine that takes you on an incredible journey from the very dawn of the industry, through the decades to the present day. It’s essentially video game history from the inside, seen through the eyes of Jaz Rignall, a hardcore gamer, who ended up becoming a journalist who launched iconic game magazines like ZZAP!64, CVG and Mean Machines.
Buy Jaz's book here: https://jazbook.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The We...
Deus Ex, System Shock & Origin Systems: Harvey Smith Tells All - The Retro Hour EP466
Feb 07, 2025This week, we chat to Harvey Smith, the legendary designer behind Deus Ex, System Shock, and Area 51! From his early days playing D&D and Ultima Underworld to working at Origin Systems on Super Wing Commander. We hear about the challenges of designing Deus Ex, working alongside Warren Spector, and the technical innovations that made it a classic!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:43 - Harvey Smith Interview
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Take your b...
ZX Spectrum, GamesMaster & Retro Nostalgia with Rose Tinted Spectrum - The Retro Hour EP465
Jan 31, 2025This week, we chat to Dave from the wonderfully nostalgic Youtube channel Rose Tinted Spectrum. From growing up in the arcades of Blackpool to his love of ZX Spectrum budget games, his hilarious takedowns of classic gaming TV, and why he really isn’t a fan of The Bitmap Brothers!
Rose Tinted Spectrum: https://www.youtube.com/@RoseTintedSpectrum
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:45 - Rose Tinted Spectrum Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
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...
Bringing Mortal Kombat Home: The Crazy Story of the Mega Drive Port - The Retro Hour EP464
Jan 24, 2025Paul Carruthers, the programming wizard behind the Sega Mega Drive’s iconic Mortal Kombat port, joins us this week to share his incredible journey. From his early gaming memories and passion for puzzle games to the challenges of co-founding Astral and developing titles like Archipelagos, Paul delves into the intricacies of game development. He offers an insider’s perspective on bringing the arcade phenomenon Mortal Kombat to home consoles, discussing the hurdles of limited hardware and the origins of the famous blood code.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:01 - Paul Carruthers Interview
Pl...
ScummVM: Keeping Classic Games Alive - The Retro Hour EP463
Jan 17, 2025This week, we’re joined by Eugene Sandulenko, project lead of the legendary ScummVM, to explore how this essential tool preserves gaming history. From its origins to supporting classics like Blade Runner and lesser-known gems, Eugene shares fascinating stories about reverse engineering, community passion, and overcoming challenges like LucasArts’ legal battles. Plus, we discuss how ScummVM adapts to modern trends, supports countless platforms, and even improves the retro gaming experience without losing its charm.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:03 - Eugene Sandulenko Interview
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Argonaut Games: Jez San on Star Fox, Croc, and the SuperFX Chip - The Retro Hour EP462
Jan 10, 2025This week on The Retro Hour, we’re joined by gaming legend Jez San OBE, the mastermind behind classics like StarGlider, the groundbreaking SuperFX chip, and the much-loved Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. From his early days coding on a TRS-80 to working with Nintendo on Star Fox, Jez shares his journey through the golden age of gaming. Hear how he reverse-engineered the Game Boy, created stunning 3D experiences, and built Argonaut into a pioneering powerhouse. Plus, exciting insights into the upcoming Croc remaster and the rebirth of Argonaut!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
...
Forcing Ourselves To Play AWFUL Video Games - The Retro Hour EP461
Jan 03, 2025As we take an extended break for Christmas, we're treating everyone to a FREE bonus episode of our Patron's only podcast, The Retro Hour After Hours.
In this special episode of The Retro Hour After Hours, Dan, Ravi, and Joe face a challenge that many gamers fear – giving some of the most notoriously awful video games of all time a fair shot!
Will Joe have anything positive to say about Shaq Fu? How did Ravi react to the sleazy BMX XXX? And Dan revisits his 1994 Christmas present and gives Rise of The Robots a proper work ou...
Retro Gaming Christmas Quiz 2024 - The Retro Hour EP460
Dec 24, 2024It's our favourite episode of the year, we let our hair down and find out who will be crowned this year's Retro Hour Christmas Super Quiz champions!
DJ Slopes from Slopes Game Room on Youtube sets the all important questions this year as regulars Paul Drury from Retro Gamer/Edge magazine and quiz extraordinaire Oliver Wilmot, take on Dan and Joe and Ravi and Ashley to find out who will be crowned this year's champ. Grab a mince pie, and enjoy!
Merry Christmas to all our amazing listeners, we'll see you in 2025!
Slopes Game...
The Best of Retro In 2024: Unforgettable Highlights - The Retro Hour EP459
Dec 13, 2024Join us for an epic look back at 2024 as we celebrate some of the most incredible guests and legendary industry icons who’ve graced the podcast this year. From fascinating stories to behind-the-scenes tales, this bumper episode is packed with highlights you won’t want to miss.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to join us next week for our festive Christmas quiz!
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Allister Brimble: The Maestro Behind Alien Breed, Driver, and Project X - The Retro Hour EP458
Dec 06, 2024We have a long overdue catch up with video game music legend Allister Brimble to discuss his illustrious career, from his early days composing for the Amiga to his recent work on the officially endorsed reboot of Team 17’s classic, Project-X. Discover the stories behind iconic soundtracks for games like Alien Breed and RollerCoaster Tycoon, and gain insight into Brimble’s creative process, his experiences with industry giants like Codemasters and Disney, and his thoughts on the evolution of game music from the 1980s to today.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:27 - Allister Brimbl...
Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457
Nov 29, 2024In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Stephens, the legendary developer behind the Mega Drive cult classic Comix Zone. Adrian takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, starting with early experiments on the BBC Micro, his chart-topping Killer Gorilla, and his work with Superior Software and Micro Power. Plus, hear about his move to 3D with True Crime: Streets of LA.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:38 - Adrian Stephens Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
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Scala: The Amiga’s Multimedia Marvel with Jon Bøhmer - The Retro Hour EP456
Nov 22, 2024In this episode, we sit down with Jon Bøhmer, the visionary behind Scala, the groundbreaking multimedia software for the Commodore Amiga. Jon shares his early experiences with computers, the inspiration behind creating dynamic information displays, and the journey from a small startup to a global influence in digital signage. We delve into the technical challenges, collaborations with industry pioneers, and Scala’s lasting impact on multimedia presentations.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:59 - Jon Bøhmer Interview
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Core Design: Chuck Rock, Rick Dangerous 2 and Mega CD Magic - The Retro Hour EP455
Nov 15, 2024This week, we’re joined by Chris Long, a former programmer at Core Design, to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of the studio’s most iconic titles. From his early days creating the quirky Merv The Merciless for Probe Software, to the smash-hit Chuck Rock and its sequel, Chris gives us an insider’s view into the creativity and chaos of Core in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. We delve into the tools of the trade, the challenges of transitioning to 3D with the PlayStation, and the untold tales of Rick Dangerous 2, Swagman, and Wonderdog.
Contents:
00...
Blood: The Making of a 90s FPS Legend - The Retro Hour EP454
Nov 08, 2024This week, we’re joined by Kevin Kilstrom formerly of Monolith Productions, the masterminds behind the iconic 90s horror FPS Blood. Kevin reveals how Blood pushed boundaries with its over-the-top gore, dark humour, and multiplayer BloodBath mode, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes stories from working on the project. Plus, we get a glimpse into his work on other classics like Claw, Shogo, and Alien vs. Predator 2.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
53:39 - Kevin Kilstrom Interview
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Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453
Nov 01, 2024In this week’s episode, we sit down with Chris Blok, the co-owner of Amsterdam’s legendary Blast Galaxy and Europe’s largest arcade importer. Chris takes us on an incredible journey through his life as an arcade enthusiast, from his earliest gaming experiences in the Netherlands to witnessing the boom and decline of arcades. We discuss everything from the challenges of importing and restoring rare machines, to his plans for keeping arcade culture alive and thriving.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
36:44 - Chris Blok Interview
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Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452
Oct 24, 2024This week we're joined by Tara Hernandez, former manager of Netscape Navigator development, as she takes us inside the legendary 90s browser wars. Tara shares her experiences working at the cutting edge of Internet technology, from joining Netscape in 1995, to the heated competition with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, and the iconic decision to open-source the Mozilla code. Hear about the challenges of working 120 hour weeks, wild office celebrations, and pranks during the battle for Internet dominance.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
36:13 - Tara Hernandez Interview
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Soccer Kid: The Inside Story with Matt Furniss - The Retro Hour EP451
Oct 18, 2024This week we chat with legendary composer and game designer Matt Furniss, delving into his role in creating football platformer Soccer Kid! Not only did Matt compose the game's unforgettable soundtrack, but he was also one of the key designers behind this classic. We explore the creative process that went into blending sports and platforming, how Soccer Kid was brought to life across platforms like the Amiga, DOS, and 3DO, and how Matt ensured its European football vibe resonated through both gameplay and music.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:00 - Matt Furniss Interview
Strategic Simulations & Saints Row - The Retro Hour EP450
Oct 11, 2024This week, we chat with the amazing Dan Cermak, whose remarkable career has spanned key roles at Strategic Simulations Inc., Westwood Studios, and Volition. Dan takes us through his early days as a self-taught programmer, his love for military history, and the challenges of developing iconic strategy games like Silent Hunter for the C64 and other classic systems. We also delve into his time at Volition, discussing how Saints Row stood out from the crowd, the evolution of online multiplayer, and its lasting impact on the open-world genre.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:08...
System 3: The Last Ninja Story with Mark Cale - The Retro Hour EP449
Oct 04, 2024This week, we’re honoured to welcome Mark Cale, founder and CEO of System 3, one of the longest-running British software houses. Mark takes us back to the early days of the UK gaming scene, revealing how System 3 pushed the technical limits of classic platforms like the Commodore 64 with hits like International Karate and The Last Ninja, which is back for 2024 with an amazing new collection!
Back The Last Ninja Collection on Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/3pk2fr8a
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:44 - Mark Cale System 3 Interview
Please vis...
Gadget Show Legend Jason Bradbury: Can Retro Gamers Stop a Rogue AI? - The Retro Hour EP448
Sep 26, 2024This week, we catch up with Jason Bradbury, long-time host of The Gadget Show and self-confessed retro tech lover. We reflect on 20 years of The Gadget Show and how the industry has changed in that time, his love for cassette tapes, gadgets that should have changed the world—but didn’t, and we hear all about his latest project, Ctrl A.I Delete, a thrilling new film where retro gamers are humanity’s last line of defence against a rogue AI!
Cntrl A.I Delete: https://www.ctrlaidelete.net/
The Gadget Show Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGad...
Chris Huelsbeck: Turrican 2, R-Type & The Great Giana Sisters - The Retro Hour EP447
Sep 19, 2024This week, we catch up with one of the most influential video game music composers of all time, Chris Huelsbeck! Chris takes us back to his early days with the Commodore 64 and Amiga, his groundbreaking work on classic games like Turrican, The Great Giana Sisters, and R-Type, and his innovative techniques that pushed the boundaries of game audio.
Recorded live at Retromessa in Norway.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:04 - Chris Huelsbeck Panel
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Core Design and Rare Ltd - The 90's 3D Gaming Revolution - The Retro Hour EP445
Sep 13, 2024This week, we bring you an all star panel with legends from Rare Ltd and Core Design! Hear first-hand accounts from Heather Stevens, Kev Bayliss, Chris Marlow, and Paul Machacek as they reveal how the industry transitioned from 2D to 3D graphics and worlds in the mid 90s, resulting in classics like Tomb Raider and Golden Eye 007 for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. Discover how they tackled challenges, learned new skills, and designed unforgettable worlds that set the stage for the future of gaming.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:52 - Rare & Core Design Panel
Sierra Stories with Metal Jesus Rocks - The Retro Hour EP445
Sep 05, 2024We catch up with Jason Lindsey, better known as 'Metal Jesus Rocks' – a YouTube sensation and former Sierra On-Line employee. We hear about his recent reunion with the legendary Sierra team, reminiscing about the glory days of one of the most iconic companies in PC gaming history. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Sierra, from wild office parties to the transition from accounting to game testing, and his passion for big-box PC games. Plus, we get the inside scoop on his memorable retro road trips, favourite game room treasures, and what's next for his channel as it nears a...
Duration: 01:41:41Yoko Shimomura: The Music of Street Fighter II & Kingdom Hearts - The Retro Hour EP444
Aug 29, 2024This week, we’re honoured to be joined by the legendary Japanese composer Yoko Shimomura, the musical genius behind some of the most iconic video game soundtracks of all time including Street Fighter II, and the enchanting melodies of Kingdom Hearts. We explore her incredible career and the creative process behind these timeless scores. Recorded live at RetroMessa in Norway.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:31 - Yoko Shimomura Interview
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Take y...
Waterworld: Peter Scott on the Cancelled 3DO Game at Software Creations - The Retro Hour EP443
Aug 23, 2024In this episode, we sit down with the Peter Scott, a developer who has left his mark on some of the most intriguing projects in gaming history. From his early days coding on the VIC-20 and BBC Micro to his groundbreaking work at TierTex and Psygnosis. We hear the story behind the cancelled Waterworld game for the 3DO and PlayStation, and the impact of working on a game tied to such a polarising movie.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
47:41 - Pete Scott Interview
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Arcade Decades: Kim Justice’s Ultimate 80s Gaming Tribute - The Retro Hour EP442
Aug 16, 2024This week, we welcome the awesome Kim Justice back to the podcast, as she reveals her latest passion project – Arcade Decades: 80s Edition. Known for her love of the Amiga, Kim also has a deep-rooted passion for the 80s arcade scene, which many argue was the golden age of gaming. In this episode, Kim takes us on a nostalgic journey through her new book, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of this ultimate 80s arcade tribute. Contents:
Arcade Decades - 80s Edition - A Coffee Table Book: https://tinyurl.com/3t5nkzdv
00:00 - The We...
The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers - The Retro Hour EP441
Aug 08, 2024This week on the podcast, we chat with John Szczepaniak, author of ‘The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers.’ John shares his journey documenting previously untold these stories, interviewing legends like Ryuichi Nishizawa and Kouichi Yotsui. And some insights from developers behind classics like Streets of Rage 2, Illusion of Gaia, and Metal Gear Solid.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:47 - John Szczepaniak Interview
The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Untold-History-Japanese-Game-Developers/dp/0992926025
Buy The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.com/
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Revolution in the Valley: The Birth of the Apple Macintosh - The Retro Hour EP440
Aug 01, 2024This week, we're joined by Andy Hertzfeld, a key figure behind the creation of the original Apple Macintosh. He shares fascinating insights into the team dynamics, the impact of Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field," and the story behind Apple's iconic 1984 Super Bowl commercial. We also delve into his post-Apple ventures, including co-founding General Magic, and explore the visionary ideas that were far ahead of their time.
Folklore: https://www.folklore.org/
Revolution In The Valley e-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolution-Valley-Paperback-Insanely-Great-ebook/dp/B006BAW3N0
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News S...
Secrets of id Software Marketing: Mike Wilson’s Insider Stories - The Retro Hour EP439
Jul 26, 2024In this week's episode, we chat to the legendary Mike Wilson, the business mind behind id Software's biggest titles like Doom and Quake. From his early days revolutionising multiplayer gaming with DWANGO to founding iconic companies like Ion Storm, Gathering of Developers, and Devolver Digital, Mike shares insider stories and reveals the secrets behind some of the most influential moments in gaming history.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:28 - Mike Wilson Interview
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The Man Behind Europe’s Most Impressive Retro Computer Collection - The Retro Hour EP438
Jul 18, 2024This week, we chat with Bart van den Akker, the man behind one of Europe’s largest retro computer collections at The HomeComputerMuseum in the Netherlands. Learn about the unique features and challenges of maintaining and restoring vintage machines, including the day when a 6-meter truck delivered the world's largest PC-Games collection. Bart shares insights on recreating nostalgic experiences like LAN setups with MSN Messenger, the significance of the Dutch-designed Estatos computer, and the role of piracy in software preservation.
HomeComputerMuseum: https://www.homecomputermuseum.nl/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
36:36 - Bar...
From Bullfrog to Two Point: Syndicate, Theme Hospital and Beyond with Mark Webley & Gary Carr
Jul 12, 2024This week we sit down with industry legends Mark Webley and Gary Carr! From Gary's start at Palace Software working on the classic Barbarian, to Mark's entry into Bullfrog, working on classics like Syndicate, Theme Park and Theme Hospital. Plus, how they continued this legacy with the making of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
36:16 - Mark Webley & Gary Carr Interview
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G...
From Bedroom Coders to AAA Games: Paul Driscoll on the Amiga Era - The Retro Hour EP436
Jul 05, 2024This week we’re joined by fellow podcaster, author, and huge Amiga fan, Paul Driscoll, AKA The Drisk. Paul is the host of the RGDS podcast and the author of several incredible free books on retro gaming. We chat about his new book, "Amiga Top 50 Games: Book One - 50 to 26". We explore what made the Amiga such a standout machine, relive classic game bundles like the iconic Batman and Screen Gems packs, and discuss the unique era of bedroom coders and AAA games.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:19 - Paul Driscoll Interview
Dragon's Lair to Disney: The Journey of Darlene Lacey - The Retro Hour EP434
Jun 28, 2024This week, we chat to Darlene Lacey, a trailblazer in game design and narrative development. Starting with her early experiences in arcades and her passion for story writing, Darlene shares her fascinating journey into the world of Advanced Microcomputer Systems. Learn about her pivotal role in the creation of iconic games like Dragon's Lair and Space Ace, working with legends Rick Dyer and Don Bluth, and the innovative approaches that kept the studio's costs low. Darlene also delves into her transition to the Walt Disney Company, where she navigated the challenges of adapting to new creative approaches and working on...
Duration: 01:33:20Real Time Games Software & Carrier Command with Ian Oliver - The Retro Hour EP434
Jun 21, 2024This week, we hear the fascinating career of Ian Oliver as he shares insider stories from founding Real Time Games Software, including the development of the groundbreaking Carrier Command and creating development systems for Sega. From the humble beginnings of 3D Tank Duel on the ZX Spectrum to navigating the complexities of the Sega Dreamcast era, Ian offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the gaming industry.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:44 - Ian Oliver Interview
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Stories of Amiga OS Development with Randell Jesup - The Retro Hour EP433
Jun 14, 2024This week, we chat with Randell Jesup, former Senior Software Engineer at Commodore Amiga Inc. From his pioneering work with 80's online gaming platform PlayNET and the revolutionary Amiga OS. Discover how PlayNET evolved into Quantum Link and AOL, the challenges of developing high-performance drivers, and the innovative spirit that drove Amiga's success.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:15 - Randell Jesup Interview
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Finders Keepers to Stormbringer: The Magic Knight Story With David Jones - The Retro Hour EP432
Jun 06, 2024This week, we chat with legendary game developer David Jones, the creative mind behind the iconic Magic Knight series. David delves into the fascinating history of creating some of the most beloved 8-bit adventure games of the 1980s, from his innovative use of the TRS-80 Model III for Spectrum development to developing the storytelling and gameplay mechanics of titles like Finders Keepers and Spellbound.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:44 - David Jones Interview
David’s Links: https://davidxjonesauthor.com/retro-hour-podcast-links/
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...
Orbital: Paul Hartnoll on Rave Culture & Video Game Music - The Retro Hour EP431
May 30, 2024We sit down with Paul Hartnoll of the legendary electronic duo Orbital. Paul takes us on a nostalgic journey, sharing his first gaming experiences and the early home systems that sparked his passion for technology. Plus the impact of Orbital's music featuring on classics like Wipeout, Test Drive 4 and creating music on the Atari ST.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:48 - Paul Hartnoll Interview
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Magic Carpet, Fun School & Theme Park with Mark Healey - The Retro Hour EP430
May 23, 2024This week, we're joined by legendary game designer and artist Mark Healey. From his early days with a Commodore 64, working on the classic KGB Super Spy, to his pivotal role in iconic Bullfrog titles like Theme Park and Dungeon Keeper, Mark shares the stories and inspirations behind his work. Hear about his experiences with industry giants like the Darling brothers and Peter Molyneux, his innovative approach to educational games with Fun School, and the creation of his own studio, Media Molecule.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:37 - Mark Healey Interview
Please...
The Sims and Myst: Bringing Emotion To Games - The Retro Hour EP429
May 17, 2024This week on the podcast, we sit down with the pioneering game designer Nicole Lazzaro, renowned for her work on iconic titles like The Sims, Myst, and Diner Dash. From playing Colossal Cave Adventure on shared computers to studying Psychology and Film at Stanford, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of emotions in games.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
34:10 - Nicole Lazzaro Interview
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Burnout 1&2 to Sonic Rivals with Joe Bonar - The Retro Hour EP428
May 10, 2024We catch up with the legendary Joe Bonar as he discusses his journey from the early days of the GameCube to developing on quirky systems like the Nokia N-Gage. Joe gives us an insider’s look into the creation of groundbreaking titles like Burnout, Tron 2.0, and Sonic Rivals.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:09 - Joe Bonar Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
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Williams Electronics and Designing The Amiga with Sam Dicker - The Retro Hour EP427
May 03, 2024This week, we're joined by Sam Dicker, a pioneer who helped shape the sound and fury of iconic games like Defender and Sinistar. We explore his time at Williams Electronics and joining the early Amiga crew, Sam shares his stories behind the creation of game-changing sounds and making the legendary Amiga 'boing ball' demo that wowed CES in 1984.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:48 - Sam Dicker Interview
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Amstrad CPC with Roland Perry Pt 2: The Sinclair Takeover, Expanding the Range - The Retro Hour EP426
Apr 25, 2024We continue our celebrations of 40 years of the Amstrad CPC with part 2 of our chat with Roland Perry. This episode dives into the Sinclair acquisition, the transformation of Amstrad after incorporating the Spectrum, the expansion of the CPC line into high-end models, and a peek at some intriguing unreleased prototypes.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:36 - Roland Perry Interview
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Amstrad CPC 40th Anniversary with Roland Perry Pt 1 - The Retro Hour EP425
Apr 19, 2024Join us on a special journey back in time with Roland Perry, the visionary tech consultant behind the legendary Amstrad CPC, as we celebrate 40 incredible years of this iconic machine. In this not-to-be-missed episode, Roland takes us from his early days tinkering with electronics in school, through the founding of Ambit International, right up to his crucial role in steering the Amstrad CPC to success against heavyweights like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
45:20 - Roland Perry Interview
Amstrad Addict Magazine: https://www.pixel.addict.media/shop/a...
From Harvester to Midway with Lee Jacobson - The Retro Hour EP424
Apr 11, 2024This week, we have a virtual sit-down with Lee Jacobson, the creative force behind the cult classic dark adventure game 'Harvester' and the groundbreaking 'Command Adventures: Starship' and the B-movie style 1994 FPS 'The Fortress of Dr. Radiaki', sharing behind-the-scenes tales from the early days of FPS and adventure games.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:59 - Lee Jacobson Interview
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BioShock: Creating Rapture with Ken Levine - The Retro Hour EP423
Apr 04, 2024This week on the podcast, we sit down with Ken Levine, the mastermind behind Bioshock, to explore his gaming roots and creative journey. From his early fascination with electro-mechanical games to the immersive worlds of Ultima Underworld and Civilization, Ken unfolds the layers behind Bioshock's immersive narrative and art deco influences. We'll also peek into the development of his newest project, Judas, and its appeal to Bioshock fans.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
48:37 - Ken Levine Interview
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Macintosh Librarian: Vintage Apple Computers - The Retro Hour EP422
Mar 29, 2024This week we're joined by Kate Fox, the Macintosh Librarian, to explore the world of retro Apple tech. Kate shares how Apple's educational programs and early experiences with technology shaped her career. We'll delve into the creation of her Youtube channel and her AI assistant Maccy, the allure of the NeXT computers, and the intrigue of third-party Mac clones. Plus, Kate gives us a glimpse into her gaming favourites, essential maintenance tips for classic Macs, and her visions for future projects.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:17 - Macintosh Librarian Interview
Please v...
Origin Systems, American Laser Games & Women in Gaming: Sheri Graner Ray - The Retro Hour EP421
Mar 22, 2024We chat with industry legend Sheri Graner Ray, tracing her journey from her early days at Origin Systems, where she shaped the fantastical realms of Ultima, to her pioneering role at Her Interactive in creating the first-ever CD-ROM titles aimed at females, along with the challenges that entailed. Beyond her technical achievements, we delve into her passionate advocacy for gender inclusivity within gaming, inspiring women both as players and industry professionals.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:30 - Sheri Graner Ray Interview
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Nintendo NES Homebrew Games: Lowtek Games - The Retro Hour EP420
Mar 15, 2024We catch up with Alastair Low of LowTek Games, as we explore how classic consoles like the NES and Dreamcast are getting a new lease on life. Alastair shares his journey from early gaming memories to developing the huge NES hit 'Flea' and the new sequel, the impact of NES Maker and the success of these retro projects.
https://lowtek.games/
Flea 2 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flea-game/flea2-new-nes-game
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:13 - Lowtek Games Interview
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to s...
The Father of Internet Radio: Carl Malamud - The Retro Hour EP419
Mar 08, 2024This week, we talk to Carl Malamud, heralded as "The Father of Internet Radio". We trace Carl's journey from the early buzz of bulletin board systems to setting up the first-ever Internet radio station back in 1992. Carl shares tales from the creation of his flagship show "Geek of The Week," where Internet legends like Tim Berners-Lee took the mic, to orchestrating the monumental Internet 1996 World Exposition, a digital World's Fair that connected millions globally.
Internet Talk Radio Archives: https://archive.org/details/RT-FM
Public.Resource.Org: https://public.resource.org/
Bangalore Literature Festival: https://archive.org...
John Riggs: From NES Mods to Indie Hits - The Retro Hour EP418
Mar 01, 2024This week we're joined by the awesome John Riggs, renowned for his YouTube channel and contributions to the NES and indie gaming scenes. John walks us through his earliest gaming memories, his arcade roots, and his journey into the heart of YouTube. From collaborating with Metal Jesus Rocks to the therapeutic joys of 'Open Cart Surgery'. John also shares insights into his game development adventures, from ROM hacks to indie successes, and his love of vintage breakfast cereal.
John Riggs: https://linktr.ee/johnriggs
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:55 - John R...
The Amiga Advantage: Out of the Bit's Secret Weapon for Full Void's Success - The Retro Hour EP417
Feb 23, 2024Dive into a fascinating journey with Ali Motisi, the mastermind behind 'Full Void' and the founder of Out of the Bit, as we explore the captivating world where retro meets modern. Discover how Commodore Amigas are being used to craft stunning graphics and soundscapes for today's gaming giants like PlayStation 5 and Xbox. From the formation of Out of the Bit to the groundbreaking creation of 'Full Void', Ali shares insider details on the unique blend of old-school inspirations and cutting-edge technology.
Out of The Bit: https://www.outofthebit.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro N...
Domark: The Inside Story With Co-Founder Dominic Wheatley - The Retro Hour EP416
Feb 16, 2024In this week’s episode, we're joined by Dominic Wheatley, a true pioneer in the gaming industry and co-founder of the iconic Domark. From the groundbreaking 'Eureka!', securing iconic James Bond and Star Wars licenses, to the merger with Eidos, launching the era of Tomb Raider.
Catalis Group: https://www.catalisgroup.com/
Testronic: www.testroniclabs.com
Curve Games: www.curvegames.com
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:20 - Dominic Wheatley Interview
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Bitmap Books https://ww...
Amiga Kit: How To Run a Full Time Amiga Business in 2024 - The Retro Hour EP415
Feb 09, 2024In this week’s episode, we dive into the remarkable world of AmigaKit, a beacon of nostalgia in the modern age, with its Managing Director, Matthew Leaman. Discover how this unique company thrives as a full-time Amiga retailer, providing an extensive range of hardware and software that breathes new life into the classic Amiga computers. Plus, we find out about their upcoming new machine, the A600GS.
Amiga Kit: https://amigakit.amiga.store/
A600GS: https://www.a600gs.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
51:12 - AmigaKit Interview
Pl...
The New Retro Wave: ZX Spectrum Next and the Sound of Tomorrow - The Retro Hour EP414
Feb 02, 2024We dive into the fusion of retro gaming and modern music with Richard Faulkner who is creating game soundtracks for the Spectrum Next. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of composing with retro hardware, the role of MIDI and synths, and the vibrant resurgence of the Spectrum scene. Richard shares his journey from nostalgic tunes to cutting-edge chiptunes, revealing the collaborative spirit behind developing new games for this beloved platform.
A Man in his TechnoShed: http://tinyurl.com/4fbjv84u
Priority Order List for TX-1696: http://tinyurl.com/yyyz4dpv
Bikers: http://tinyurl.com/4dyk3xka