The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

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 memorable retro road trips, favourite game room treasures, and what's next for his channel as it nears a million subscribers! MetalJesusRocks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFymXY4eFCo_AchSpxwyrg Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories  43:59 - Metal Jesus 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: Croc is back: https://youtu.be/dQ2lPC8Hu-0 Dreamconn S controller: https://tinyurl.com/4etsp2xs Mech boomer shooter: https://tinyurl.com/msf2vfsu EmuDeck retro emulation box: https://tinyurl.com/3pzzrx6k Restless Anima: https://tinyurl.com/bdder4fw

5 Sep 20241h 41min

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 help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com 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: The Spectrum: https://tinyurl.com/y97brnzv Sonic CD ported to Mega Drive: https://youtu.be/uXDfIk3h-8g Computer Café archived: https://tinyurl.com/2p8sxrzj King's Quest VI demake: https://tinyurl.com/yc3p4hkk Retro-Bit Sega Saturn fighting stick: https://tinyurl.com/3s9483bw

29 Aug 20241h 19min

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 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 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: Atari 7800+ announced: https://tinyurl.com/4ksfr64r New Final Fight comic book: https://tinyurl.com/3833zsk3 Nintendo Museum Direct: https://tinyurl.com/4f6mz38k Console Wars sneakers: https://tinyurl.com/2p9zrm37 Masters of Albion: https://tinyurl.com/36dv99uv

23 Aug 20241h 35min

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 Coffee Table Book: https://tinyurl.com/3t5nkzdv 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories  37:49 - Kim Justice 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Our Upcoming Events: RetroMessa, Sandefjord, Norway 17-18th August: https://www.retromessa.no/ Passione Amiga Day, Spoleto, Italy: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/ Show notes: SNES Satellaview is back: https://tinyurl.com/yyudvvt4 Landstalker builder: https://tinyurl.com/3vrv6hu3 WordStar archives: https://tinyurl.com/4znud26u Thumby Color: https://tinyurl.com/2v892avh New retro Evil Dead and Halloween games: https://tinyurl.com/4zh3wazw

16 Aug 20241h 19min

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://www.amazon.co.uk/Untold-History-Japanese-Game-Developers/dp/0992926025 Buy The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com 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 Our Upcoming Events: RetroMessa, Sandefjord, Norway 17-18th August: https://www.retromessa.no/  Passione Amiga Day, Spoleto, Italy: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/ Show notes: Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 for Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/558tr4wv Nintendo’s Gashapon toys can be used as controller replacement parts: https://tinyurl.com/3ptxra8t Access the bad ending on Streets of Rage on one player: https://tinyurl.com/4d3ujn48 Lemmings arcade recreated: https://tinyurl.com/4frcvx5p Hoonigans for Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/bdfbhawr

8 Aug 20241h 24min

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 e-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolution-Valley-Paperback-Insanely-Great-ebook/dp/B006BAW3N0 Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 34:12 - Andy Hertzfeld 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Our Upcoming Events: RetroMessa, Sandefjord, Norway 17-18th August: https://www.retromessa.no/ Passione Amiga Day, Spoleto, Italy: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/ Show notes: $40 Mega Drive EverDrive: https://tinyurl.com/yfb9jcxf  Iron Meat: https://youtu.be/bvz2B7B_5wE Play Mega Drive on a VMU: https://tinyurl.com/47xyr6pt Clone of the 1984 Apple Macintosh Plus: https://tinyurl.com/k6pdfvh5 Hayato's Journey: https://tinyurl.com/28b8vtd5

1 Aug 20241h 24min

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 visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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: Sega Saturn online RPG 'playable' again: https://tinyurl.com/5yzay77v Windows 3.1 saves the day: https://tinyurl.com/etexadbb Kawaii: https://tinyurl.com/ymnrtpfp Halo on Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/wxhe256p TinyPod for Apple Watch: https://tinyurl.com/4ubjfm3n

26 Jul 20241h 36min

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 role of piracy in software preservation. HomeComputerMuseum: https://www.homecomputermuseum.nl/ Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 36:36 - Bart van den Akker Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box 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: CGNET GameCube: https://tinyurl.com/58rzn72n Lost Dreamcast game emerges: https://tinyurl.com/7eamftsh Netflix reimagined Minesweeper: https://tinyurl.com/3r2ce9xd The first PC emulator arrives for iOS: https://tinyurl.com/57fz2kdt 16-bit style Karate Kid game: https://tinyurl.com/ye29x445

18 Jul 20241h 27min