The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

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 beh...

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...

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 t...

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...

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: htt...

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,...

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 a...

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...

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 GameBo...

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...

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'...

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.pi...

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....

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 par...

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 Skywal...

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 sh...

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 glim...

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 - W...

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 Retr...

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...

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 intrigu...

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 "...

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 N...

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 ou...

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. ...