We're joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Ross Tregenza. From his early days of falling in love with the Commodore 64's SID chip to lending his audio magic to legendary games like TimeSplitters, Crysis, and Team Sonic Racing, Ross has crafted audio experiences that resonate with gamers worldwide. In this episode, we unravel Ross's journey, explore his inspirations, and get a glimpse into the magic that brings video games to life. https://www.rosstregenza.com/ Leave us a Voicema...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 399
In this episode, we chat with artist Wil Overton, famed for his manga-style covers on Super Play magazine in the early '90s. Wil's journey led him from N64 Magazine, where his Perfect Dark cover caught the eye of Rare, to working at the esteemed gaming company itself. Leave us a Voicemail for episode 400: https://www.speakpipe.com/retrohour Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 38:12 - Wil Overton Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books ht...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 398
In this episode, we chat with Matthew Fassberg, producer from Rocket Science Games, a groundbreaking venture blending Hollywood production values with top-tier game design. We explore the classic adventure Obsidian, a 1997 masterpiece believed by its ardent fans to be as monumental as Myst. Obsidian on Zoom Platform: https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/obsidian Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 32:08 - Matthew Fassberg Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to suppo...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 397
We chat with Richie Shoemaker, the former deputy editor of the iconic PC gaming magazine, PC Zone. Delving into the magazine's rich history, Richie shares behind-the-scenes tales from its heyday and offers insights into its influential role in shaping the PC gaming landscape. We also touch upon the early days of renowned writer and 'Black Mirror' creator, Charlie Brooker, who once graced the pages of PC Zone with his witty and incisive commentary. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories ...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 396
We catch up with Rare's Paul Machacek to share the story of Stop ‘n’ Swop, a cancelled feature which aimed to allow elements in one game to unlock features in another, giving players a unique interconnected experience. Despite its ambitious scope that would have spanned across six Rare titles, the feature remained shrouded in mystery for years. We get the full story of one of gaming's most intriguing legends. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 45:45 - Paul Machacek Interview Please ...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 395
This week, we dive into the enduring legacy of the Commodore 64, the iconic home computer that revolutionised personal computing. We chat with Jeff Schaap, the creator of "I Adore My 64," a new documentary that pays homage to this technological marvel, the passionate global community that keeps its spirit alive, and a real heartfelt tribute to a machine that was truly ahead of its time. Support "I Adore My 64": https://tinyurl.com/5n6dwkyd Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support th...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 394
We chat with Grant Kirkhope and David Wise, iconic video game composers from Rare. Dive deep into their creative process, challenges, and legacy in the world of video game music, from 'Banjo-Kazooie' to 'Donkey Kong Country'. 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 Thanks to our l...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 393
We chat to the legendary Chris Hinsley, one of the lead programmers at Mikro-Gen, a pioneering software house in the 1980s that produced games such as Pyjamarama, Everyone’s a Wally, and Equinox. Chris shared his memories of Mikro-Gen and his time on the groundbreaking TaOS, which almost became the next operating system for the Amiga. ChrysaLisp: https://github.com/vygr/ChrysaLisp Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Check out ...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 392
This week we chat with industry luminary, Joby Otero. From his early artistic explorations on platforms like the TI99 and Atari 400 to groundbreaking titles like Darkseed and MDK, Joby's journey is a masterclass in evolution and innovation. Discover the stories behind unpublished gems like "Evolver", the artistic collaboration with H.R. Giger, and the creation of the expansive True Crime series. Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks....
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 391
Remember the joy of opening a game case and finding a detailed manual inside? Sadly, many modern games have left this cherished tradition behind. But thanks to passionate enthusiasts like our guest Rowan Fox-Noble, gamers can once again experience the tactile pleasure of flipping through a beautifully designed game manual. We discuss the labour of love that goes into recreating these nostalgic treasures. MPBUK: https://www.mbpuk.net/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 390
This week, we take a deep dive into the illustrious career of gaming industry veteran, Michael Rubinelli. From his early days as a producer at Electronic Arts to his influential roles at THQ, Midway Games, and Capcom, working on classics like Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, the John Madden series and GTA III. Wave Game Studios: https://www.wavegamestudios.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.co...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 389
This week, we're in conversation with Daniel Crocker from Wave Game Studios, the force behind some remarkable new titles for the Sega Dreamcast. Not only are they breathing new life into legendary games like Postal through porting, but they're also making waves with their innovative titles. Among these is Driving Strikers, a Rocket League-inspired game that marks the first Dreamcast game to support online play in over two decades. We'll also delve into Shadow Gangs, a beat 'em up game that draws...
Jul 28, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 388
We chat with Eva Pascoe, co-founder of Cyberia, Britain's first internet cafe. We explore the birth of Cyberia, a 1994 innovation that transformed the digital world. Cyberia wasn't just a tech hub; it was a hotspot for celebrities like David Bowie, Kylie Minogue and Mick Jagger, and it was famed for their Sunday morning post-rave LAN parties and gaming basement. 22 Ideas About The Future: https://tinyurl.com/yb8ayc8z CybrSalon Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CybrSalon/videos Please vis...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 387
On this week's podcast, we chat with Jeremy Blaustein, an American translator and voice director known for his work in localising Japanese media into English. With notable contributions to games like 'Metal Gear Solid', 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night' and Snatcher. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the man who brought some of your favorite games to the English-speaking world! Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ We ...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 386
Join us in this episode as we chat with David L. Craddock and Richard Moss, the creators of 'First Person Shooter', the ultimate documentary tracing the evolution of FPS games. We'll explore industry secrets, personal favorites, and insights from their interviews with gaming legends. From the rudimentary wireframe graphics of Maze War and Spasim to the genre-defining classics like Doom and Half Life. First Person Shooter Documentary: https://fpsdoc.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 385
This week, we're joined by gaming icon Tod Frye, known for the Atari 2600's Pac-Man and the Swordquest series. We explore Pac-Man's controversial development story, its effects on Atari, and delve into the innovative, ambitious Swordquest series and the mysterious missing treasures. 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 issues of your favourite Future Publishin...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 384
On this week's podcast, we journey into the heart of the classic strategy game, Age of Empires 2, with none other than its Lead Designer, Mark Terrano. Not stopping there, Mark also shares his unique insights from his time as the Technical Game Manager for Microsoft during the launch of the original Xbox, shedding light on the early days of Xbox Live. Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Take your business to the next level tod...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 383
We delve into the fascinating world of Bulletin Board Systems with Al's Geek Lab, the creator of the awesome YouTube series 'Back to the BBS'. We explore how BBSs laid the groundwork for today's Internet, the artistic flair of ANSI art, and the enduring allure of BBS games and mods and why the scene is thriving again today. Back To The BBS Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/2ur5mwcs Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Check out PCB...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 382
Join us for a deep dive into the iconic 1984 video game "Montezuma's Revenge" with its creator, Rob Jaeger. Delve into the mind of a then 16-year-old game designer and discover the untold stories of this gaming masterpiece, including features that didn't make it to the final cut. Montezuma's Revenge on Steam: https://tinyurl.com/2s3hswhh Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast,...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 381
We have a long-overdue catch up with Daniel Ibbertson AKA Slope's Game Room, including breaking down the ill-fated Intellivision Amico. Promising to bring back the classic brand, the Amico's repeated delays, leadership changes, and potential cancellation have left it shrouded in uncertainty. DJ Slope, renowned for his comprehensive gaming history content, brings his insight into this saga, discussing the console's initial vision, the issues it faced, the intriguing lineup of games that were slat...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 380
We chat to the creator of the beloved kid's TV and book series, Arthur. From TV to PC, we'll explore how Marc and the team at Living Books crafted an engaging, fun, and educational experience for kids back in the 90s. If you're a retro gaming enthusiast or an Arthur fan, you won't want to miss this nostalgic journey back to Elwood City's digital domain. Arthur games on Zoom Platform: https://snip.ly/f1yflm Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.b...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 379
We sit down with Brian Lowe, a veteran in the gaming industry, known for his work at Strategic Simulations and Midway. We explore his early gaming experiences, his shift from testing to production, and his unique perspective on the evolution of the industry. Lowe shares his experiences on working on legendary titles like Pools of Darkness, Eye of the Beholder 2, and the challenges of porting games like NBA Hangtime from console to PC, and the pressures of handling high-profile titles like "Morta...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 378
Born from a chance encounter with a low-priced Sega Dreamcast at video game shop, The Dreamcast Junkyard has grown from a personal blog into a thriving online community. We chat to Lewis and Mike from the team about the Dreamcast's past, present, and future, exploring why this final console from Sega has left such a lasting impact on the gaming community. The Dreamcast Junkyard: https://www.thedreamcastjunkyard.co.uk/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books h...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 377
We talk to Oliver Harper, the director of “Here Comes a New Challenger”, a documentary about the legendary Street Fighter 2. Oliver shares his passion for the game, his process of making the documentary, and some of the fascinating stories and insights he uncovered along the way. Here Comes a New Challenger Blu-Ray: https://bit.ly/3VyT4LG 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://expressv...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 376
Check out the captivating journey of Neill Glancy, from pixel artist to lead designer. We explore his work at DMA Design, Iguana Entertainment, and more, touching on classics like Walker, the ill-fated Walker 2 and the troubled development of the first South Park games. Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: 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, ...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 375
We chat with Stephen Jones, the founder of Checkmate Digital, a company that makes Amiga-inspired desktop computer cases. Stephen shares his journey from developing Amiga products in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Checkmate A1500 and the Siamese System, to his return to the scene with new products and his love for the Amiga community. Checkmate: https://www.checkmate1500plus.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 374
In this episode, we chat with former Microsoft engineer-turned YouTuber, Dave Plummer, who played a crucial role in developing iconic software like the Windows Task Manager, 3D Pinball Space Cadet, and the peculiar story of how he sneaked Microsoft BOB into every copy of Windows XP! Dave's Garage: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavesGarage/videos 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 you...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 373
We chat to the developer of the amazing new Dreamcast dungeon crawler Harlequest, to find out what goes into developing new titles on Sega’s legendary console in 2023. Harlequest Kickstarter: https://bit.ly/3MoqTg0 Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: 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://theret...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 372
We get the inside story on the development of legendary sci-fi strategy game Homeworld. Co-creator Rob Cunningham shares some memories from the early days, and a sneak preview of the upcoming Homeworld 3. Homeworld 3: https://bit.ly/433Ij7F 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 runnin...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 371
We chat with Vic Pflug from indie game group Wormwood Studios who create retro-style games, inspired by classics like Eye of the Beholder & Lands of Lore. Hibernaculum Kickstarter: https://bit.ly/4088tUT Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Jeremy Graham, Daniel Hall & Wes Carter We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to h...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 370
