We have a long overdue catch up with video game music legend Allister Brimble to discuss his illustrious career, from his early days composing for the Amiga to his recent work on the officially endorsed reboot of Team 17’s classic, Project-X. Discover the stories behind iconic soundtracks for games like Alien Breed and RollerCoaster Tycoon, and gain insight into Brimble’s creative process, his experiences with industry giants like Codemasters and Disney, and his thoughts on the evolution of game...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 458
In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Stephens, the legendary developer behind the Mega Drive cult classic Comix Zone. Adrian takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, starting with early experiments on the BBC Micro, his chart-topping Killer Gorilla, and his work with Superior Software and Micro Power. Plus, hear about his move to 3D with True Crime: Streets of LA. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 38:38 - Adrian Stephens Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors ...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 457
In this episode, we sit down with Jon Bøhmer, the visionary behind Scala, the groundbreaking multimedia software for the Commodore Amiga. Jon shares his early experiences with computers, the inspiration behind creating dynamic information displays, and the journey from a small startup to a global influence in digital signage. We delve into the technical challenges, collaborations with industry pioneers, and Scala’s lasting impact on multimedia presentations. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro Ne...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 456
This week, we’re joined by Chris Long, a former programmer at Core Design, to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of the studio’s most iconic titles. From his early days creating the quirky Merv The Merciless for Probe Software, to the smash-hit Chuck Rock and its sequel, Chris gives us an insider’s view into the creativity and chaos of Core in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. We delve into the tools of the trade, the challenges of transitioning to 3D with the PlayStation, and the untold ta...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 455
This week, we’re joined by Kevin Kilstrom formerly of Monolith Productions, the masterminds behind the iconic 90s horror FPS Blood. Kevin reveals how Blood pushed boundaries with its over-the-top gore, dark humour, and multiplayer BloodBath mode, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes stories from working on the project. Plus, we get a glimpse into his work on other classics like Claw, Shogo, and Alien vs. Predator 2. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 53:39 - Kevin Kilstrom Interview...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 454
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Chris Blok, the co-owner of Amsterdam’s legendary Blast Galaxy and Europe’s largest arcade importer. Chris takes us on an incredible journey through his life as an arcade enthusiast, from his earliest gaming experiences in the Netherlands to witnessing the boom and decline of arcades. We discuss everything from the challenges of importing and restoring rare machines, to his plans for keeping arcade culture alive and thriving. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's ...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 453
This week we're joined by Tara Hernandez, former manager of Netscape Navigator development, as she takes us inside the legendary 90s browser wars. Tara shares her experiences working at the cutting edge of Internet technology, from joining Netscape in 1995, to the heated competition with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, and the iconic decision to open-source the Mozilla code. Hear about the challenges of working 120 hour weeks, wild office celebrations, and pranks during the battle for Internet do...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 452
This week we chat with legendary composer and game designer Matt Furniss, delving into his role in creating football platformer Soccer Kid! Not only did Matt compose the game's unforgettable soundtrack, but he was also one of the key designers behind this classic. We explore the creative process that went into blending sports and platforming, how Soccer Kid was brought to life across platforms like the Amiga, DOS, and 3DO, and how Matt ensured its European football vibe resonated through both ga...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 451
This week, we chat with the amazing Dan Cermak, whose remarkable career has spanned key roles at Strategic Simulations Inc., Westwood Studios, and Volition. Dan takes us through his early days as a self-taught programmer, his love for military history, and the challenges of developing iconic strategy games like Silent Hunter for the C64 and other classic systems. We also delve into his time at Volition, discussing how Saints Row stood out from the crowd, the evolution of online multiplayer, and ...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 450
This week, we’re honoured to welcome Mark Cale, founder and CEO of System 3, one of the longest-running British software houses. Mark takes us back to the early days of the UK gaming scene, revealing how System 3 pushed the technical limits of classic platforms like the Commodore 64 with hits like International Karate and The Last Ninja, which is back for 2024 with an amazing new collection! Back The Last Ninja Collection on Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/3pk2fr8a Contents: 00:00 - The Week's ...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 449
This week, we catch up with Jason Bradbury, long-time host of The Gadget Show and self-confessed retro tech lover. We reflect on 20 years of The Gadget Show and how the industry has changed in that time, his love for cassette tapes, gadgets that should have changed the world—but didn’t, and we hear all about his latest project, Ctrl A.I Delete, a thrilling new film where retro gamers are humanity’s last line of defence against a rogue AI! Cntrl A.I Delete: https://www.ctrlaidelete.net/ The Gadge...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 448
This week, we catch up with one of the most influential video game music composers of all time, Chris Huelsbeck! Chris takes us back to his early days with the Commodore 64 and Amiga, his groundbreaking work on classic games like Turrican, The Great Giana Sisters, and R-Type, and his innovative techniques that pushed the boundaries of game audio. Recorded live at Retromessa in Norway. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 43:04 - Chris Huelsbeck Panel Please visit our amazing sponsors ...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 447
This week, we bring you an all star panel with legends from Rare Ltd and Core Design! Hear first-hand accounts from Heather Stevens, Kev Bayliss, Chris Marlow, and Paul Machacek as they reveal how the industry transitioned from 2D to 3D graphics and worlds in the mid 90s, resulting in classics like Tomb Raider and Golden Eye 007 for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. Discover how they tackled challenges, learned new skills, and designed unforgettable worlds that set the stage for the future of gam...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 446
We catch up with Jason Lindsey, better known as 'Metal Jesus Rocks' – a YouTube sensation and former Sierra On-Line employee. We hear about his recent reunion with the legendary Sierra team, reminiscing about the glory days of one of the most iconic companies in PC gaming history. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Sierra, from wild office parties to the transition from accounting to game testing, and his passion for big-box PC games. Plus, we get the inside scoop on his mem...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 445
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 hel...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 444
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 spo...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 443
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 Coffe...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 442
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...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 441
This week, we're joined by Andy Hertzfeld, a key figure behind the creation of the original Apple Macintosh. He shares fascinating insights into the team dynamics, the impact of Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field," and the story behind Apple's iconic 1984 Super Bowl commercial. We also delve into his post-Apple ventures, including co-founding General Magic, and explore the visionary ideas that were far ahead of their time. Folklore: https://www.folklore.org/ Revolution In The Valley ...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 440
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 visi...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 439
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 ro...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 438
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: Bitma...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 437
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 ...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 436
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 tr...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 435
This week, we hear the fascinating career of Ian Oliver as he shares insider stories from founding Real Time Games Software, including the development of the groundbreaking Carrier Command and creating development systems for Sega. From the humble beginnings of 3D Tank Duel on the ZX Spectrum to navigating the complexities of the Sega Dreamcast era, Ian offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the gaming industry. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 41:44 - Ian Oliver Interview Please vis...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 434
This week, we chat with Randell Jesup, former Senior Software Engineer at Commodore Amiga Inc. From his pioneering work with 80's online gaming platform PlayNET and the revolutionary Amiga OS. Discover how PlayNET evolved into Quantum Link and AOL, the challenges of developing high-performance drivers, and the innovative spirit that drove Amiga's success. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 39:15 - Randell Jesup Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap B...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 433
This week, we chat with legendary game developer David Jones, the creative mind behind the iconic Magic Knight series. David delves into the fascinating history of creating some of the most beloved 8-bit adventure games of the 1980s, from his innovative use of the TRS-80 Model III for Spectrum development to developing the storytelling and gameplay mechanics of titles like Finders Keepers and Spellbound. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 40:44 - David Jones Interview David’s Links: https://d...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 432
We sit down with Paul Hartnoll of the legendary electronic duo Orbital. Paul takes us on a nostalgic journey, sharing his first gaming experiences and the early home systems that sparked his passion for technology. Plus the impact of Orbital's music featuring on classics like Wipeout, Test Drive 4 and creating music on the Atari ST. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 42:48 - Paul Hartnoll Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next ...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 431
This week, we're joined by legendary game designer and artist Mark Healey. From his early days with a Commodore 64, working on the classic KGB Super Spy, to his pivotal role in iconic Bullfrog titles like Theme Park and Dungeon Keeper, Mark shares the stories and inspirations behind his work. Hear about his experiences with industry giants like the Darling brothers and Peter Molyneux, his innovative approach to educational games with Fun School, and the creation of his own studio, Media Molecule...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 430
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 busine...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 429
