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...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 428
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 bu...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 427
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 leve...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 426
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...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 425
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 nex...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 424
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 - K...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 423
This week we're joined by Kate Fox, the Macintosh Librarian, to explore the world of retro Apple tech. Kate shares how Apple's educational programs and early experiences with technology shaped her career. We'll delve into the creation of her Youtube channel and her AI assistant Maccy, the allure of the NeXT computers, and the intrigue of third-party Mac clones. Plus, Kate gives us a glimpse into her gaming favourites, essential maintenance tips for classic Macs, and her visions for future projec...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 422
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 R...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 421
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 Int...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 420
This week, we talk to Carl Malamud, heralded as "The Father of Internet Radio". We trace Carl's journey from the early buzz of bulletin board systems to setting up the first-ever Internet radio station back in 1992. Carl shares tales from the creation of his flagship show "Geek of The Week," where Internet legends like Tim Berners-Lee took the mic, to orchestrating the monumental Internet 1996 World Exposition, a digital World's Fair that connected millions globally. Internet Talk Radio Archives...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 419
This week we're joined by the awesome John Riggs, renowned for his YouTube channel and contributions to the NES and indie gaming scenes. John walks us through his earliest gaming memories, his arcade roots, and his journey into the heart of YouTube. From collaborating with Metal Jesus Rocks to the therapeutic joys of 'Open Cart Surgery'. John also shares insights into his game development adventures, from ROM hacks to indie successes, and his love of vintage breakfast cereal. John Riggs: https:/...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 418
Dive into a fascinating journey with Ali Motisi, the mastermind behind 'Full Void' and the founder of Out of the Bit, as we explore the captivating world where retro meets modern. Discover how Commodore Amigas are being used to craft stunning graphics and soundscapes for today's gaming giants like PlayStation 5 and Xbox. From the formation of Out of the Bit to the groundbreaking creation of 'Full Void', Ali shares insider details on the unique blend of old-school inspirations and cutting-edge te...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 417
In this week’s episode, we're joined by Dominic Wheatley, a true pioneer in the gaming industry and co-founder of the iconic Domark. From the groundbreaking 'Eureka!', securing iconic James Bond and Star Wars licenses, to the merger with Eidos, launching the era of Tomb Raider. Catalis Group: https://www.catalisgroup.com/ Testronic: www.testroniclabs.com Curve Games: www.curvegames.com Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 35:20 - Dominic Wheatley Interview Please visit our amazing spo...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 416
In this week’s episode, we dive into the remarkable world of AmigaKit, a beacon of nostalgia in the modern age, with its Managing Director, Matthew Leaman. Discover how this unique company thrives as a full-time Amiga retailer, providing an extensive range of hardware and software that breathes new life into the classic Amiga computers. Plus, we find out about their upcoming new machine, the A600GS. Amiga Kit: https://amigakit.amiga.store/ A600GS: https://www.a600gs.com/ Contents: 00:00 - The We...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 415
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/4fbj...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 414
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 v...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 413
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://tinyur...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 412
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 ins...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 411
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...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 410
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 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min
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 - inte...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 409
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 ...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 408
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, a...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 407
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 Intervie...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 406
This week, we delve into the creative mind of Douglas Rapport, the renowned Speech Designer and Senior Producer whose work has shaped some of the most iconic video games of our time. Douglas opens up about his journey in the gaming industry, from his early days at Interplay to his groundbreaking work on classics like Fallout, Fallout 2, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 40:30 - Douglas Rapport Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 405
We chat with retro gaming magazine historian (and all round nice chap!) Paul Monahan to re-live the days of classic console and computer magazines, cover disk demos and those amazing bumper Christmas issues. Join us for a delightful rewind to those pre-Internet days when these magazines were the heart of the gaming community. Amiga Addict: https://www.amiga-addict.com/ Pixel Addict: https://www.pixel.addict.media/ Maximum Power Up Podcast: https://maximumpowerup.com/ Contents: 00:00 - The Week's...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 404
We dive into the history of horror games with Dan Richardson, the producer of 'TerrorBytes,' a new documentary that charts the rise of horror in video games from the flickering screens of the '70s to the immersive experiences of the mid-2000s. Tune in for a journey through the golden age of chills and remember the games that turned our playtime into fright time. TerrorBytes: https://www.creatorvc.com/terrorbytes Dan Drambles Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanDrambles Contents: 00:00 - The Wee...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 403
In week's show, dive deep into the 1990s Italian Amiga scene with Paolo D'Urso. From his days as a demo coder and cloning Super Mario 64 with the late Amiga classic 'Tales of Heaven', to the publication of 'Passione Amiga' magazine. Now, Paolo's reigniting his Amiga passion, collaborating with his childhood hero and music maestro, Allister Brimble, on a new game and reviving those iconic Amiga parties. Darkage Software: https://www.darkagesoftware.it/ Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stor...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 402
In part two of our epic interview with the SCUMM Engine's co-creator Aric Wilmunder, we venture further into its evolution through the lens of iconic titles. Aric reminisces on the technical and collaborative strides from 'Monkey Island 2', 'Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis', and shares intriguing insights on the friendly rivalry with Sierra. We explore the auditory dimension added by Skywalker Sounds, the engine shuffle in 'The Dig', and how the INSANE video engine accelerated 'Full Throt...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 401
It's our 400th episode! In the first of an epic two-part interview, we chat with Aric Wilmunder, the co-creator of the legendary SCUMM Engine, which enabled some of the best adventure games of all time, including Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, and Loom. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 40:00 - Aric Wilmunder 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...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 400
