The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ 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 Incredible new N64 recomp tool: https://tinyurl.com/49s9sxsw Ron Gilbert is creating a new Zelda-type game: https://tinyurl.com/yc5bkevd Dread Delusion: https://tinyurl.com/ycy33e8h Tomb Raider TV show: https://tinyurl.com/4bz8274h Mario 64 on GBA: https://tinyurl.com/dv56mxnv

We 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: Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro 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 Super Mario Bros CD: https://tinyurl.com/35tbt53m Gladmori for Dreamcast and Neo Geo: https://tinyurl.com/5byrnpbn BASIC turns 60: https://tinyurl.com/5xsawmbj Tricky Madness: https://tinyurl.com/2uj3v6zn ZX Spectrum game broadcast on FM radio: https://tinyurl.com/4dzxdfdp

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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: Xbox 360 store to close this summer: https://tinyurl.com/6hs6suxj SummerCart64: https://tinyurl.com/yc6mjuzr Dr Robotnik ring racers: https://tinyurl.com/43x9466s Fallout excel: https://tinyurl.com/2ktmw25t 30 years since Commodore went bust: https://tinyurl.com/m573sxhx

We 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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: Infogrames revival announced: https://tinyurl.com/mtvjj6ar Game Boy as FM Radio with new cart: https://tinyurl.com/y7xauz4t Switch Arcade Racing Dock revealed: https://tinyurl.com/3j9hcnrt Doom 64 coming to the Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/59zwawsf Phoenix launches on Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/mk635zy3

Join 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/amstrad-addict-magazine Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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: Golden Axe TV Show: https://tinyurl.com/3abhf8sr Xbox Launch Dedicated Team to Backwards Compatibility: https://tinyurl.com/bdujbj55 New Atari ST Racer: https://tinyurl.com/y5c6b8zr Tomb Raider Coming to Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/hefukt8w Control Your Switch Using Your GBA: https://tinyurl.com/mwdkpa9r

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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: Wii U connects to new servers no jailbreak: https://tinyurl.com/2a5fn96j Rare PS1 controller turned into handheld: https://tinyurl.com/5bsjmytr Prototype N64 cancelled game appears online: https://tinyurl.com/yc4erc7c CEX launches repair service for consoles including retro: https://tinyurl.com/4jm5ymk7 Ninja Action Shadow game: https://tinyurl.com/8u297mye

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ 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: Time Splitters Rewind seeks developers: https://tinyurl.com/ymwth8wy New Amstrad fan game: Mighty Street Fighter: https://tinyurl.com/y57hdmad NES cartridge turned into a console: https://youtu.be/ON-vArvervA Cyber Mission: New Genesis/Mega Drive game: https://tinyurl.com/mw3su79d PO'ed Mightdive remaster revealed: https://tinyurl.com/382vp9hk

This week, Kate Fox, the Macintosh Librarian, dives into her passion for retro Apple technology. She shares how early educational experiences with Macs shaped her career and the creation of her engaging YouTube channel. The allure of NeXT computers and the fascinating world of third-party Mac clones spark lively discussion. Plus, Kate reveals her favorite classic games, essential maintenance tips for older Macs, and her exciting visions for future projects, ensuring listeners walk away with a fresh perspective on vintage tech!

We 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Rodney Underkoffler, Andreas Wanda, Tiago Epifanio, James Randall 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: Archer Maclean's Atari Arcade Experiments Preserved: https://tinyurl.com/ywwe29wj New Saturn-Style Parking Garage Racer Looks Ridiculously Fun: https://tinyurl.com/39yr9v9y Mirror Your PC Screen to a CRT with MiSTerCast: https://tinyurl.com/3vruhrhm Duck Hunt Gets an Enhanced Remake for the Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/4hwczef6 Atari Returns to the Arcade with Its Recharged Series: https://tinyurl.com/2cpfctn8

We 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 support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Rodney Underkoffler, Andreas Wanda, Tiago Epifanio, James Randall 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: Nintendo 64 VR: https://tinyurl.com/58hyjs35 Lego Mario Kart: https://tinyurl.com/2m7na7ka PSP Go storage mod: https://tinyurl.com/35keatya Sega Bass Fishing for NES: https://tinyurl.com/y56upns7 Great Giana Sisters for Commodore Plus/4: https://tinyurl.com/4bjv8kev