Episodes

  • 457: Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457

    457: Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457
    Nov 29 2024
    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 and help to support the show:

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    Show notes:

    Jaguar comes to iPhone: https://tinyurl.com/597vdbsv
    Sonic 3 the movie on Genesis cart: https://tinyurl.com/yvnh8wht
    Real-life Pac-Man: https://tinyurl.com/5n8xvkna
    Codename Iceman fan hack: https://tinyurl.com/bdd45nrd
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 456: Scala: The Amiga’s Multimedia Marvel with Jon Bøhmer - The Retro Hour EP456

    456: Scala: The Amiga’s Multimedia Marvel with Jon Bøhmer - The Retro Hour EP456
    Nov 22 2024
    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 News Stories
    42:59 - Jon Bøhmer 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

    The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.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://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
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    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    More lost Sega Channel games found: https://tinyurl.com/59ys9sdr
    Battle Chest remaster, and Warcraft 1 and 2 remasters: https://youtu.be/ryZ2jiW95qo
    GOG launches preservation program: https://tinyurl.com/y68xetee
    Wings of Death for Jaguar: https://tinyurl.com/mmx9k4z7
    Epic don’t mind you pirating Unreal: https://tinyurl.com/mvavsppd
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • 455: Core Design: Chuck Rock, Rick Dangerous 2 and Mega CD Magic - The Retro Hour EP455

    455: Core Design: Chuck Rock, Rick Dangerous 2 and Mega CD Magic - The Retro Hour EP455
    Nov 15 2024
    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 tales of Rick Dangerous 2, Swagman, and Wonderdog.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    40:22 - Chris Long 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

    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

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    Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
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    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    New cheat code found in Donkey Kong Country 2: https://tinyurl.com/5n6teuce
    Sega delists most of its retro games: https://tinyurl.com/2z3bptu8
    Mega Drive tracker: https://tinyurl.com/rydpwvda
    Lost Commodore 64 game uncovered by archivists: https://tinyurl.com/5n76he7c
    Captain Square Jaw demo released for the Spectrum Next: https://tinyurl.com/mr2pmsf3
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 454: Blood: The Making of a 90s FPS Legend - The Retro Hour EP454

    454: Blood: The Making of a 90s FPS Legend - The Retro Hour EP454
    Nov 8 2024
    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

    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 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:

    Nintendo Music App Launches: https://tinyurl.com/yu6u9urj
    Fan-Made Monkey Island Game Available: https://tinyurl.com/ajc39zkm
    New House of the Dead Movie Announced: https://tinyurl.com/2x53w7ky
    iPod Clickwheel Games Preserved: https://tinyurl.com/bmsyretf
    Atari Acquires Transport Tycoon IP: https://tinyurl.com/3xy4ax4f
    Atari Jaguar T-Shirts Available: https://tinyurl.com/yupbscjd
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • 453: Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453

    453: Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453
    Nov 1 2024
    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 Retro News Stories
    36:44 - Chris Blok 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 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:

    Analogue 3D: https://tinyurl.com/5277bbe3
    SpeedBall Reboot: https://tinyurl.com/4bsywekv
    Fable Demake: https://tinyurl.com/3a9t982v
    New Mega Drive Evercade Cart: https://tinyurl.com/2s3enynr
    Atari Decanter Set: https://tinyurl.com/4upd3nz8
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 452: Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452

    452: Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452
    Oct 24 2024
    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 dominance.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    36:13 - Tara Hernandez 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

    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
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    Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    Mode 7 on NES: https://tinyurl.com/yukdj9m2
    Cyclopean: https://tinyurl.com/4xzzndcm
    Yoshi DS leaked: https://tinyurl.com/8hu5nzjj
    1986 Mac Plus online: https://tinyurl.com/4x4chsub
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 451: Soccer Kid: The Inside Story with Matt Furniss - The Retro Hour EP451

    451: Soccer Kid: The Inside Story with Matt Furniss - The Retro Hour EP451
    Oct 18 2024
    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 gameplay and music.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    35:00 - Matt Furniss 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 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:

    Worms DC Update: https://tinyurl.com/25m2jk3z
    NES Hub: https://tinyurl.com/4a33e4s2
    Green Day on Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/5yt6fa83
    Tetris Forever: https://tinyurl.com/4ryx9wyn
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • 450: Strategic Simulations & Saints Row - The Retro Hour EP450

    450: Strategic Simulations & Saints Row - The Retro Hour EP450
    Oct 11 2024
    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 its lasting impact on the open-world genre.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    42:08 - Dan Cermak 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 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:

    Bleem is back: https://tinyurl.com/yc7cttry
    Fake PS1 discs flood the market: https://tinyurl.com/csueseuz
    BBC found in dump ends up in museum: https://tinyurl.com/2xs8c95s
    Atom Controller: https://tinyurl.com/ydbw6fcw
    Unreal Tournament 99 Intro reimagined: https://tinyurl.com/mrckwf4r
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    1 hr and 41 mins