The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

This 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 visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: AI powered light gun: https://tinyurl.com/p84r4m7k Rocky Horror the game: https://youtu.be/M4ORgvYXHxM Game Boy Advance Cube Prototype: https://tinyurl.com/yc4n7538 Lethal Wedding: https://tinyurl.com/25x7786c Retro pirates ring smashed in Italy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1k7387pmrpo

This 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/@TheGadgetShow/videos Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories  46:33 - Jason Bradbury Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: PS5 PS1 version: https://tinyurl.com/2p9wn5ds Sega Saturn Slim: https://tinyurl.com/uxc6hswz DID is back: https://tinyurl.com/yskpve37 Sega are hiring an official archivist: https://tinyurl.com/23hcw2bz Top 10 greatest innovations in video game history: https://tinyurl.com/2hfw7uh3

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: Sonic Ultra Saturn: Fan-made 2D Sonic game: https://tinyurl.com/45dufpkt C64 Games on YouTube: Transmitting games at 30 bits per second: https://tinyurl.com/ysxs7cpx PS2 Gold Mine: Rare game drops in value: https://tinyurl.com/2xxzjexy Jason Bradbury Film: Retro gamers vs AI: https://tinyurl.com/5n98b649 Spelunky C64: Official port for the Commodore 64: https://tinyurl.com/ysbxx52y

This 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 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: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: Dreamcast 25 merchandise: https://tinyurl.com/5n9369vn Duke Nukem 3D on Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/yce65djc  Golden Axe Debug Menu Found 29 Years Later: https://tinyurl.com/2xr5hmce The Last Job PS2 Game Found: https://tinyurl.com/3jkut5p4 PlayStation celebrates its 30th anniversary: https://tinyurl.com/mv7rbmfd

We 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 million subscribers! MetalJesusRocks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFymXY4eFCo_AchSpxwyrg Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories  43:59 - Metal Jesus Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: Croc is back: https://youtu.be/dQ2lPC8Hu-0 Dreamconn S controller: https://tinyurl.com/4etsp2xs Mech boomer shooter: https://tinyurl.com/msf2vfsu EmuDeck retro emulation box: https://tinyurl.com/3pzzrx6k Restless Anima: https://tinyurl.com/bdder4fw

This 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 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: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: The Spectrum: https://tinyurl.com/y97brnzv Sonic CD ported to Mega Drive: https://youtu.be/uXDfIk3h-8g Computer Café archived: https://tinyurl.com/2p8sxrzj King's Quest VI demake: https://tinyurl.com/yc3p4hkk Retro-Bit Sega Saturn fighting stick: https://tinyurl.com/3s9483bw

In 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: Atari 7800+ announced: https://tinyurl.com/4ksfr64r New Final Fight comic book: https://tinyurl.com/3833zsk3 Nintendo Museum Direct: https://tinyurl.com/4f6mz38k Console Wars sneakers: https://tinyurl.com/2p9zrm37 Masters of Albion: https://tinyurl.com/36dv99uv

This 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 Week's Retro News Stories  37:49 - Kim Justice Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Our Upcoming Events: RetroMessa, Sandefjord, Norway 17-18th August: https://www.retromessa.no/ Passione Amiga Day, Spoleto, Italy: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/ Show notes: SNES Satellaview is back: https://tinyurl.com/yyudvvt4 Landstalker builder: https://tinyurl.com/3vrv6hu3 WordStar archives: https://tinyurl.com/4znud26u Thumby Color: https://tinyurl.com/2v892avh New retro Evil Dead and Halloween games: https://tinyurl.com/4zh3wazw

This 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/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/  Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Our Upcoming Events: RetroMessa, Sandefjord, Norway 17-18th August: https://www.retromessa.no/  Passione Amiga Day, Spoleto, Italy: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/ Show notes: Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 for Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/558tr4wv Nintendo’s Gashapon toys can be used as controller replacement parts: https://tinyurl.com/3ptxra8t Access the bad ending on Streets of Rage on one player: https://tinyurl.com/4d3ujn48 Lemmings arcade recreated: https://tinyurl.com/4frcvx5p Hoonigans for Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/bdfbhawr

Join Andy Hertzfeld, a pivotal innovator behind the original Apple Macintosh, as he shares captivating stories from early computing days. Discover the intriguing dynamics within the Macintosh team, the magnetic influence of Steve Jobs, and the behind-the-scenes antics of the iconic 1984 Super Bowl commercial. Hertzfeld also reflects on his journey post-Apple, including the ambitious vision at General Magic that anticipated today’s technologies. Dive into the thrilling history of personal computing and the battles fought for innovation!