393: The Music of Rare with Grant Kirkhope and David Wise - The Retro Hour EP393

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 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: Infogrames revival announced: https://tinyurl.com/mtvjj6ar Game Boy as FM Radio with new cart: https://tinyurl.com/y7xauz4t Switch Arcade Racing Dock revealed: https://tinyurl.com/3j9hcnrt Doom 64 coming to the Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/59zwawsf Phoenix launches on Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/mk635zy3

25 Huhti 20241h 18min

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 News Stories 45:20 - Roland Perry Interview Amstrad Addict Magazine: https://www.pixel.addict.media/shop/amstrad-addict-magazine 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: Golden Axe TV Show: https://tinyurl.com/3abhf8sr Xbox Launch Dedicated Team to Backwards Compatibility: https://tinyurl.com/bdujbj55 New Atari ST Racer: https://tinyurl.com/y5c6b8zr Tomb Raider Coming to Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/hefukt8w Control Your Switch Using Your GBA: https://tinyurl.com/mwdkpa9r

19 Huhti 20241h 28min

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