

The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)
The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)
Your weekly dose of retro gaming and technology news and interviews with industry veterans.
New episodes released every Friday!
New episodes released every Friday!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2024 • 1h 34min
414: The New Retro Wave: ZX Spectrum Next and the Sound of Tomorrow - The Retro Hour EP414
We 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
Spectrum Next game list: http://tinyurl.com/2v3dsrw5
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:19 - Richard Fawlkner 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
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Will Bamford, Scott McCulloch, Adam Surtees
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:
CDi Controller Re-release: http://tinyurl.com/mph6yn32
Sega AI Preserved Online: http://tinyurl.com/3hwnzwtf
Game On in Doncaster: http://tinyurl.com/mujbd2xj
Atari Publishing 3 7800 Classics: http://tinyurl.com/y4nec9mp
Ami Cube: http://tinyurl.com/ma4d5x5z

Jan 26, 2024 • 1h 17min
413: Alien Hominid to Rapture with Andy Crawshaw - The Retro Hour EP413
We have a virtual sit-down with the talented artist and producer, Andy Crawshaw, to hear about his remarkable contributions to iconic titles like 'Alien Hominid', 'Excalibur 2555 AD', and the genre-defining 'Everybody's Gone to the Rapture'. We'll delve into his experiences developing for platforms ranging from the PS1 to the GBA, and explore how Andy's artistry evolved with technological advances in gaming.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:05 - Andy Crawshaw 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 Riishop: http://tinyurl.com/4jrpus8u
The Z Poket: http://tinyurl.com/3479fhex
Super Sunny World Is A Brand New NES Game Featuring Zapper Support: http://tinyurl.com/mr3jvxr6
The Retro Watch: http://tinyurl.com/ax26afbs
Alone in the Dark Deluxe Will Include OG Skins: http://tinyurl.com/4xz4b2mn

Jan 19, 2024 • 1h 43min
412: Curious Video Game Machines - Rare and Unusual Consoles & Computers - The Retro Hour EP412
On this week's show, we delve into the lesser-known realms of video game history with Lewis Packwood, author of new book 'Curious Video Game Machines.' Lewis unveils a world beyond the mainstream narrative of gaming giants, exploring the intriguing and obscure: from a wargame computer made of calculators to voice-recognising LaserDisc machines and sticker-printing consoles. Join us for a journey through gaming's hidden gems and untold stories.
Curious Video Game Machines on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mtt9nuf8
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
52:28 - Lewis Packwood 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase.
Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/retrohour
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Editorb, Kate Pankhurst, PigDan, Mark Devlin
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:
BBC Toast Commodore Episode: http://tinyurl.com/7mpx7v3b
Atari 400 mini: http://tinyurl.com/5b4e9jm4
Rocket Knight Adventures Resparked: http://tinyurl.com/yj2akk7p
Turbo Outrun ported to Commodore Plus/4: http://tinyurl.com/yc2pdh48
Atari Game Station: http://tinyurl.com/43v9smvx
The Casio Loopy gets a flash cart: https://youtu.be/dMUZkTdj_GA

Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 32min
411: Inside SEGA's Golden Era: A Chat with Mike Fischer - The Retro Hour EP411
In this week's episode, we're joined by Mike Fischer, former Product Manager and Vice President at Sega of America, who gives us an insider's view of SEGA's vibrant culture and the strategic relationship between its American and Japanese branches. He touches on the impact of iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and reminisces about marketing strategies and celebrity encounters, including Michael Jackson. Dive into a nostalgic exploration of SEGA's groundbreaking era, packed with fascinating insights and lesser-known stories.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:35 - Mike Fischer 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase.
Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/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:
Handheld Mega Drive: http://tinyurl.com/29fmtdv4
Vector Man 3 PS2 Prototypes Unearthed: http://tinyurl.com/4cjjfpyw
Tomb Raider Ported to 32x: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYsGbMjM7tQ
Robocop vs Predator Gameboy Game: http://tinyurl.com/yb2n27rw
I Made a Nintendo Playstation: https://youtu.be/9lpTfVxwwSU?si=ZTrVnC7JWl0Tx6FF

Jan 5, 2024 • 1h 36min
410: Atari 2600+: The Inside Story With Creator Ben Jones - The Retro Hour EP410
We chat with Ben Jones, the mastermind behind the new Atari 2600+, about his journey from childhood Atari enthusiast to Commercial Director of Retro at Plaion. We delve into the design and audience of the Atari 2600+, the challenges of incorporating modern tech into a classic, and Ben's personal connection to Atari's legacy.
Atari 2600+: https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus
Dan's Video: https://youtu.be/-22KiX2REeI
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:08 - Ben Jones 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase.
Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/retrohour
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Scott Coulter, Ant, Frink and Ron Van Sherpe
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:
23 Years Later, PS1 Alien Resurrection's Naughty Piracy Cheat Code Is Revealed: http://tinyurl.com/2pfn6bkm
Long Lost N64 Footage Reveals Mario 64 Multiplayer & Playable Luigi: http://tinyurl.com/2ftnnhdx
Teensy Rom for the C64: http://tinyurl.com/3pjeuv3u
SNES Ticking Time Bomb: http://tinyurl.com/4pu2v3xy
Game Boys Used In Vehicle Diagnostics: http://tinyurl.com/3zztn8j9

Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 7min
BONUS: Amiga Games We Still Play - The Retro Hour After Hours
As it's our annual week off from the main podcast, we thought we'd treat you to a special episode of one of our monthly Patron's only podcasts, The Retro Hour After Hours. If you'd like to receive the show, and unlock 38 previous episodes, please consider joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/retrohour
In this episode from January 2023, Dan & Ravi FINALLY get Joe on the Amiga! Plus, we all run through our Top 5 Amiga games that we still play in 2023.

Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 23min
409: Retro Gaming Christmas Quiz 2023 - The Retro Hour EP409
It'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!
Regulars Paul Drury from Retro Gamer/Edge magazine and quiz extraordinaire Oliver Wilmot, take on Joe and his mate Jason, and Dan brings out his secret weapon, DJ Slopes from Slopes Game Room. Grab a mince pie, and enjoy!
Merry Christmas to all our amazing listeners, we'll see you in 2024!
Paul Drury co-hosts The Ted Dabney Experience podcast - interviews with the leading lights and supporting cast of the Golden Age of Arcades: https://www.teddabneyexperience.com/
Check out Oliver Wilmot's regular Yet Another Video Games Quiz at: https://www.facebook.com/anotherquiz
Slope's Game Room, the complete history on your gaming past: https://www.youtube.com/@slopesgameroom
Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:
Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.co.uk/
Try Notion AI for free - Work faster. Write better. Think bigger: https://notion.com/retro
Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/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

Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 32min
408: Retro Rewind 2023: Unforgettable Moments & Hidden Gems - The Retro Hour EP408
Dive into a spectacular nostalgia trip with us as we revisit the standout moments of 2023! It's been a year brimming with amazing stories, fascinating insights, and unforgettable interviews with some of the most influential figures from the golden age of gaming and technology. From groundbreaking developments in retro tech to deep dives into classic video game history, join us for an exhilarating journey as we celebrate the best of The Retro Hour from 2023.
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:
Cyberia: Revisiting The Cyber Cafe with Eva Pascoe: http://tinyurl.com/4jsdrdas
Homeworld Co-Creator Rob Cunningham - The Retro Hour EP371: http://tinyurl.com/2fcawuzw
Age of Empires II and Xbox Live with Mark Terrano - The Retro Hour EP383: http://tinyurl.com/4xejvcch
Swordquest and Atari's Pac-Man with Tod Frye - The Retro Hour EP384: http://tinyurl.com/mppajh7z
From Dark Seed to True Crime: The Artistic Journey of Joby Otero - The Retro Hour EP391: http://tinyurl.com/2zrvz82t
From Commodore 64 to BAFTA Nominee: The Sonic Boom of Ross Tregenza - The Retro Hour EP399: http://tinyurl.com/2s3ckvvt
Back To The BBS with Al's Geek Lab - The Retro Hour EP382: http://tinyurl.com/27hv4jh5
Core Design, Psygnosis & Disney Studios with Rolf Mohr - The Retro Hour EP369: http://tinyurl.com/42zeyb45
Bringing Konami Games To The West - The Retro Hour EP386: http://tinyurl.com/bdcmy62b
Controversial Retro Games with Kirk Ewing - The Retro Hour EP365: http://tinyurl.com/55dpbp2r
Shaping the Sounds of Fallout and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy - The Retro Hour EP405: http://tinyurl.com/f7jyt7s2
South Park Games, DMA Design and Acclaim with Neill Glancy - The Retro Hour EP375: http://tinyurl.com/y443zxj3
Microsoft Memories with Dave Plummer - The Retro Hour EP373: http://tinyurl.com/3rvkcxdt
Retro Edutainment: Unpacking the Classic Arthur Games with Marc Brown - The Retro Hour EP379: http://tinyurl.com/y48mtcbp
The Dreamcast Junkyard - The Retro Hour EP377: http://tinyurl.com/mtncem7f

Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 39min
407: Cinemaware and MicroProse Reflections with Ed Magnin - The Retro Hour EP407
In this fascinating episode, we chat with Ed Magnin. From his first encounter with video games to pioneering developments on the Apple II, Ed shares his unique insights and experiences. We explore the early days of online services in 1979, his involvement with iconic companies like Cinemaware and MicroProse, and the intricacies of porting games across platforms like the Amiga, Apple II, and GameBoy. Ed's passion for 1950s sci-fi and its influence on his work, the dynamic culture at Cinemaware, and his journey through the evolving gaming landscape from the SNES to mobile gaming are all on the table.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:34 - Ed Magnin Interview
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
Show notes:
Atari 50 gets free updates: https://tinyurl.com/2t6p2x2t
Turok 3 is remastered: https://tinyurl.com/587t2f5d
Cyborg force comes to neo geo, dreamcast, and PSP: https://tinyurl.com/mwpdv4sf
SEGA Partners With Anicorn To Launch $800 Mega Drive/Genesis Watches: https://tinyurl.com/3cv23rfh
A new Commodore console?: https://tinyurl.com/yc6a8svb

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 22min
406: Developing for the Atari Jaguar and The Love of Lisp - The Retro Hour EP406
We chat with the fascinating Conrad Barski, creator of "FlipOut!" for the Atari Jaguar. He discusses the game's development, reflecting on the Jaguar's unique hardware and the creative challenges he faced. He also delves into his work on the unreleased "Dante's Inferno," his love for Lisp programming, and his current projects like the Lisperati1000, an Amstrad inspired computer and developing for the Playdate console.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:23 - Conrad Barski 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
Try Notion AI for free - Work faster. Write better. Think bigger: https://notion.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:
Virtua fighter 3 gets online mode after 25 years: https://tinyurl.com/45cv3fr2
Virtua fighter robot: https://tinyurl.com/65f88587
Amiga Christmas Tree: https://tinyurl.com/mr3z8j6s
Crimbo AGA - Unofficial ZX Spectrum to Amiga conversion: https://tinyurl.com/bdeuzcdx
Sega Neptune fan made project: https://youtu.be/oz_8-sqxLjs?si=msOATiyHDy8aV3i-
The Fallout TV trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ADY30Awz6Q
BBC Basic is back: https://tinyurl.com/4kk5mrfn


