The Retro Hour - Episode 23 (Lotus 2 and Top Gear with Barry Leitch)

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 next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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 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: Wii U connects to new servers no jailbreak: https://tinyurl.com/2a5fn96j Rare PS1 controller turned into handheld: https://tinyurl.com/5bsjmytr Prototype N64 cancelled game appears online: https://tinyurl.com/yc4erc7c CEX launches repair service for consoles including retro: https://tinyurl.com/4jm5ymk7 Ninja Action Shadow game: https://tinyurl.com/8u297mye

11 Huhti 20241h 31min

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 - Ken Levine 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://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://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: Time Splitters Rewind seeks developers: https://tinyurl.com/ymwth8wy New Amstrad fan game: Mighty Street Fighter: https://tinyurl.com/y57hdmad NES cartridge turned into a console: https://youtu.be/ON-vArvervA Cyber Mission: New Genesis/Mega Drive game: https://tinyurl.com/mw3su79d PO'ed Mightdive remaster revealed: https://tinyurl.com/382vp9hk

4 Huhti 20241h 40min

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 projects.  Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 43:17 - Macintosh Librarian Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour 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://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: GameCube Goes Online: $15 Device: https://tinyurl.com/br8ufsk3 NBA 2K19: Unwanted Copies: https://tinyurl.com/2484n8zb Amigo Sampler: Amiga Plugin: https://tinyurl.com/4x77vrp5 Unveiled: 'Tetris Reversed' Sequel: https://tinyurl.com/ye29a9zd N64's Secret DVD Drive: https://tinyurl.com/ypye4pcz

29 Maalis 20241h 36min

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 Retro News Stories 32:30 - Sheri Graner Ray Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Rodney Underkoffler, Andreas Wanda, Tiago Epifanio, James Randall 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: Archer Maclean's Atari Arcade Experiments Preserved: https://tinyurl.com/ywwe29wj New Saturn-Style Parking Garage Racer Looks Ridiculously Fun: https://tinyurl.com/39yr9v9y Mirror Your PC Screen to a CRT with MiSTerCast: https://tinyurl.com/3vruhrhm Duck Hunt Gets an Enhanced Remake for the Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/4hwczef6 Atari Returns to the Arcade with Its Recharged Series: https://tinyurl.com/2cpfctn8

22 Maalis 20241h 17min

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 Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needs Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Rodney Underkoffler, Andreas Wanda, Tiago Epifanio, James Randall 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 64 VR: https://tinyurl.com/58hyjs35 Lego Mario Kart: https://tinyurl.com/2m7na7ka PSP Go storage mod: https://tinyurl.com/35keatya Sega Bass Fishing for NES: https://tinyurl.com/y56upns7 Great Giana Sisters for Commodore Plus/4: https://tinyurl.com/4bjv8kev

15 Maalis 20241h 25min

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: https://archive.org/details/RT-FM Public.Resource.Org: https://public.resource.org/ Bangalore Literature Festival: https://archive.org/details/bangalore.literature.festival.2023 Internet Talk Radio on Computer Chronicles: https://youtu.be/U_o8gerare0?si=IciilvN84v4DpYqY&t=1027  Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 49:05 - Carl Malamud Interview 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://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: Amstrad's Return Under Lord Alan Sugar: https://tinyurl.com/2kerma83 Atari 2600 Movie Experience: https://tinyurl.com/2vna892p Indie Game Thunder Helix Pays Homage to Classics: https://tinyurl.com/2s4jdjz6 Jeff Minter's Interactive Documentary Preview: https://tinyurl.com/4wxrrybm Unearthed Time Splitters 4 Prototype: https://tinyurl.com/3ustfvwh

8 Maalis 20241h 37min

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://linktr.ee/johnriggs Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 40:55 - John Riggs Interview 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://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: Flipper Zero Gameboy Adaptor: https://tinyurl.com/mv3d78jf  Return of Physical Media: https://tinyurl.com/3j2emtnm Virtual Boy Emulator for the 3DS: https://tinyurl.com/4wj6ytc4  Age of Empires 2 Still Getting DLC: https://tinyurl.com/38mxwtps  Official Doom Port to a Lawnmower: https://tinyurl.com/3dd5zps2

1 Maalis 20241h 39min

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 technology.  Out of The Bit: https://www.outofthebit.com/ Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 42:29 - Out of The Bit Interview 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: Seb, Justin “Jutman” Hickman, Rodney Underkoffler 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: Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection Remaster: http://tinyurl.com/yeytp835 New Xbox Exploit: Hacks Your Console with Just a Memory Card: http://tinyurl.com/4kubduyu Evercade Gets Its First 64-bit Title: Glover: http://tinyurl.com/4w7amudn Jeff Minter's Akka Arrh Comes to PSVR2: http://tinyurl.com/3f7m4eew Collector Finds Rare Philips CD-i Hotel Mario Prototype in Goodwill: http://tinyurl.com/2eck6aj3

23 Helmi 20241h 29min