
440: Revolution in the Valley: The Birth of the Apple Macintosh - The Retro Hour EP440
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

439: Secrets of id Software Marketing: Mike Wilson’s Insider Stories - The Retro Hour EP439
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 Juli 20241h 36min

438: The Man Behind Europe’s Most Impressive Retro Computer Collection - The Retro Hour EP438
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 Juli 20241h 27min

437: From Bullfrog to Two Point: Syndicate, Theme Hospital and Beyond with Mark Webley & Gary Carr
This week we sit down with industry legends Mark Webley and Gary Carr! From Gary's start at Palace Software working on the classic Barbarian, to Mark's entry into Bullfrog, working on classics like Syndicate, Theme Park and Theme Hospital. Plus, how they continued this legacy with the making of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 36:16 - Mark Webley & Gary Carr Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com/products/the-art-of-the-box Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro 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: Sonic Mania ported to Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/46hk3rwe Dead Rising remaster: https://tinyurl.com/2s4t9473 GameCube gets achievements: https://tinyurl.com/2u99k2eh Sega Neptune game announced: https://tinyurl.com/2p9aauks
12 Juli 20241h 43min

436: From Bedroom Coders to AAA Games: Paul Driscoll on the Amiga Era - The Retro Hour EP436
This week we’re joined by fellow podcaster, author, and huge Amiga fan, Paul Driscoll, AKA The Drisk. Paul is the host of the RGDS podcast and the author of several incredible free books on retro gaming. We chat about his new book, "Amiga Top 50 Games: Book One - 50 to 26". We explore what made the Amiga such a standout machine, relive classic game bundles like the iconic Batman and Screen Gems packs, and discuss the unique era of bedroom coders and AAA games. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 37:19 - Paul Driscoll Interview Amiga Top 50 Games: Book One - 50 to 26 Book: https://tinyurl.com/mr3248pn RGDS Podcast: https://retrogamingdailyshow.libsyn.com/ Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - 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: Open World Crazy Taxi: https://tinyurl.com/56v5n7kc Yars Revenge Sequel in Talks with Atari: https://tinyurl.com/2tscz7wd SuperSega FPGA: https://tinyurl.com/mazhwz7u Life-Size Super Monkey Ball Controller: https://tinyurl.com/yckuf3yn Plus/4 Prince of Persia: https://tinyurl.com/ycckxcx4
5 Juli 20241h 39min

435: Dragon's Lair to Disney: The Journey of Darlene Lacey - The Retro Hour EP434
This week, we chat to Darlene Lacey, a trailblazer in game design and narrative development. Starting with her early experiences in arcades and her passion for story writing, Darlene shares her fascinating journey into the world of Advanced Microcomputer Systems. Learn about her pivotal role in the creation of iconic games like Dragon's Lair and Space Ace, working with legends Rick Dyer and Don Bluth, and the innovative approaches that kept the studio's costs low. Darlene also delves into her transition to the Walt Disney Company, where she navigated the challenges of adapting to new creative approaches and working on beloved titles like Donald’s Alphabet Chase and Disney's DuckTales. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 37:17 - Darlene Lacey Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - 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 Sega Neptune is revived: https://tinyurl.com/52b9tnac Marvel vs Capcom collection is coming: https://tinyurl.com/ysjadasf Dune 2 remaster for Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/22zmpe9y 1 button handheld console: https://youtu.be/vJMq8O_84eU Carpark Capital: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3031880/Car_Park_Capital/
28 Juni 20241h 33min

434: Real Time Games Software & Carrier Command with Ian Oliver - The Retro Hour EP434
This week, we hear the fascinating career of Ian Oliver as he shares insider stories from founding Real Time Games Software, including the development of the groundbreaking Carrier Command and creating development systems for Sega. From the humble beginnings of 3D Tank Duel on the ZX Spectrum to navigating the complexities of the Sega Dreamcast era, Ian offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the gaming industry. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 41:44 - Ian Oliver Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - 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 $60 Sega Saturn Flash Cart: https://tinyurl.com/2j3xvcd5 Blingboard64 Keyboard: https://tinyurl.com/zxrt4396 New Power Rangers Beat 'Em Up: https://tinyurl.com/3te66jv8 Wonder Swan to TV Mod Kit: https://tinyurl.com/y6ehxrsr Contra Reforged: https://tinyurl.com/2s4artyr
21 Juni 20241h 39min

433: Stories of Amiga OS Development with Randell Jesup - The Retro Hour EP433
This week, we chat with Randell Jesup, former Senior Software Engineer at Commodore Amiga Inc. From his pioneering work with 80's online gaming platform PlayNET and the revolutionary Amiga OS. Discover how PlayNET evolved into Quantum Link and AOL, the challenges of developing high-performance drivers, and the innovative spirit that drove Amiga's success. 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 39:15 - Randell Jesup Interview Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - Get £5 off The Art of The Box - Use code: RH5 at checkout - 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 Lost Atari game brought back to life: https://tinyurl.com/bp8ujffh The Thing remaster: https://tinyurl.com/3u23dk4a USB to 3DO driver: https://tinyurl.com/mu9mk2vx New beat 'em up Deadly Metropolis: https://tinyurl.com/2ab8pvwz Rare Xbox in Charity Shop: https://tinyurl.com/3837en9d
14 Juni 20241h 41min