The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

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!

In 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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: Sega Saturn online RPG 'playable' again: https://tinyurl.com/5yzay77v Windows 3.1 saves the day: https://tinyurl.com/etexadbb Kawaii: https://tinyurl.com/ymnrtpfp Halo on Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/wxhe256p TinyPod for Apple Watch: https://tinyurl.com/4ubjfm3n

This 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 - Bart van den Akker Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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: CGNET GameCube: https://tinyurl.com/58rzn72n Lost Dreamcast game emerges: https://tinyurl.com/7eamftsh Netflix reimagined Minesweeper: https://tinyurl.com/3r2ce9xd The first PC emulator arrives for iOS: https://tinyurl.com/57fz2kdt 16-bit style Karate Kid game: https://tinyurl.com/ye29x445

This 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 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro 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: Sonic Mania ported to Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/46hk3rwe Dead Rising remaster: https://tinyurl.com/2s4t9473 GameCube gets achievements: https://tinyurl.com/2u99k2eh Sega Neptune game announced: https://tinyurl.com/2p9aauks

This 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 Amiga Top 50 Games: Book One - 50 to 26 Book: https://tinyurl.com/mr3248pn RGDS Podcast: https://retrogamingdailyshow.libsyn.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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: Open World Crazy Taxi: https://tinyurl.com/56v5n7kc Yars Revenge Sequel in Talks with Atari: https://tinyurl.com/2tscz7wd SuperSega FPGA: https://tinyurl.com/mazhwz7u Life-Size Super Monkey Ball Controller: https://tinyurl.com/yckuf3yn Plus/4 Prince of Persia: https://tinyurl.com/ycckxcx4

This 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 beloved titles like Donald’s Alphabet Chase and Disney's DuckTales.   00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 37:17 - Darlene Lacey Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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 Sega Neptune is revived: https://tinyurl.com/52b9tnac Marvel vs Capcom collection is coming: https://tinyurl.com/ysjadasf Dune 2 remaster for Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/22zmpe9y 1 button handheld console: https://youtu.be/vJMq8O_84eU Carpark Capital: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3031880/Car_Park_Capital/