The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

We dive into the fusion of retro gaming and modern music with Richard Faulkner who is creating game soundtracks for the Spectrum Next. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of composing with retro hardware, the role of MIDI and synths, and the vibrant resurgence of the Spectrum scene. Richard shares his journey from nostalgic tunes to cutting-edge chiptunes, revealing the collaborative spirit behind developing new games for this beloved platform.  A Man in his TechnoShed: http://tinyurl.com/4fbjv84u Priority Order List for TX-1696: http://tinyurl.com/yyyz4dpv Bikers: http://tinyurl.com/4dyk3xka  Spectrum Next game list: http://tinyurl.com/2v3dsrw5 Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 44:19 - Richard Fawlkner 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 Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Will Bamford, Scott McCulloch, Adam Surtees 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: CDi Controller Re-release: http://tinyurl.com/mph6yn32 Sega AI Preserved Online: http://tinyurl.com/3hwnzwtf Game On in Doncaster: http://tinyurl.com/mujbd2xj Atari Publishing 3 7800 Classics: http://tinyurl.com/y4nec9mp Ami Cube: http://tinyurl.com/ma4d5x5z

2 Feb 20241h 33min

We have a virtual sit-down with the talented artist and producer, Andy Crawshaw, to hear about his remarkable contributions to iconic titles like 'Alien Hominid', 'Excalibur 2555 AD', and the genre-defining 'Everybody's Gone to the Rapture'. We'll delve into his experiences developing for platforms ranging from the PS1 to the GBA, and explore how Andy's artistry evolved with technological advances in gaming. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 40:05 - Andy Crawshaw 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 Riishop: http://tinyurl.com/4jrpus8u The Z Poket: http://tinyurl.com/3479fhex Super Sunny World Is A Brand New NES Game Featuring Zapper Support: http://tinyurl.com/mr3jvxr6 The Retro Watch: http://tinyurl.com/ax26afbs Alone in the Dark Deluxe Will Include OG Skins: http://tinyurl.com/4xz4b2mn

26 Jan 20241h 16min

On this week's show, we delve into the lesser-known realms of video game history with Lewis Packwood, author of new book 'Curious Video Game Machines.' Lewis unveils a world beyond the mainstream narrative of gaming giants, exploring the intriguing and obscure: from a wargame computer made of calculators to voice-recognising LaserDisc machines and sticker-printing consoles. Join us for a journey through gaming's hidden gems and untold stories. Curious Video Game Machines on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mtt9nuf8  Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 52:28 - Lewis Packwood 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/retrohour Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Editorb, Kate Pankhurst, PigDan, Mark Devlin 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: BBC Toast Commodore Episode: http://tinyurl.com/7mpx7v3b Atari 400 mini: http://tinyurl.com/5b4e9jm4 Rocket Knight Adventures Resparked: http://tinyurl.com/yj2akk7p  Turbo Outrun ported to Commodore Plus/4: http://tinyurl.com/yc2pdh48 Atari Game Station: http://tinyurl.com/43v9smvx  The Casio Loopy gets a flash cart: https://youtu.be/dMUZkTdj_GA

19 Jan 20241h 43min

In this week's episode, we're joined by Mike Fischer, former Product Manager and Vice President at Sega of America, who gives us an insider's view of SEGA's vibrant culture and the strategic relationship between its American and Japanese branches. He touches on the impact of iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and reminisces about marketing strategies and celebrity encounters, including Michael Jackson. Dive into a nostalgic exploration of SEGA's groundbreaking era, packed with fascinating insights and lesser-known stories. Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 39:35 - Mike Fischer 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/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: Handheld Mega Drive: http://tinyurl.com/29fmtdv4 Vector Man 3 PS2 Prototypes Unearthed: http://tinyurl.com/4cjjfpyw Tomb Raider Ported to 32x: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYsGbMjM7tQ Robocop vs Predator Gameboy Game: http://tinyurl.com/yb2n27rw I Made a Nintendo Playstation: https://youtu.be/9lpTfVxwwSU?si=ZTrVnC7JWl0Tx6FF

12 Jan 20241h 32min

We chat with Ben Jones, the mastermind behind the new Atari 2600+, about his journey from childhood Atari enthusiast to Commercial Director of Retro at Plaion. We delve into the design and audience of the Atari 2600+, the challenges of incorporating modern tech into a classic, and Ben's personal connection to Atari's legacy.  Atari 2600+: https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus Dan's Video: https://youtu.be/-22KiX2REeI Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories 43:08 - Ben Jones 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 ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 Free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase. Go to: https://drinkAG1.com/retrohour Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Scott Coulter, Ant, Frink and Ron Van Sherpe 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: 23 Years Later, PS1 Alien Resurrection's Naughty Piracy Cheat Code Is Revealed: http://tinyurl.com/2pfn6bkm  Long Lost N64 Footage Reveals Mario 64 Multiplayer & Playable Luigi: http://tinyurl.com/2ftnnhdx Teensy Rom for the C64: http://tinyurl.com/3pjeuv3u SNES Ticking Time Bomb: http://tinyurl.com/4pu2v3xy Game Boys Used In Vehicle Diagnostics: http://tinyurl.com/3zztn8j9

5 Jan 20241h 35min

As it's our annual week off from the main podcast, we thought we'd treat you to a special episode of one of our monthly Patron's only podcasts, The Retro Hour After Hours.  If you'd like to receive the show, and unlock 38 previous episodes, please consider joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/retrohour In this episode from January 2023, Dan & Ravi FINALLY get Joe on the Amiga!  Plus, we all run through our Top 5 Amiga games that we still play in 2023.

29 Dec 20231h 6min

It's our favourite episode of the year, we let our hair down and find out who will be crowned this year's Retro Hour Christmas Super Quiz champions!  Regulars Paul Drury from Retro Gamer/Edge magazine and quiz extraordinaire Oliver Wilmot, take on Joe and his mate Jason, and Dan brings out his secret weapon, DJ Slopes from Slopes Game Room. Grab a mince pie, and enjoy! Merry Christmas to all our amazing listeners, we'll see you in 2024! Paul Drury co-hosts The Ted Dabney Experience podcast - interviews with the leading lights and supporting cast of the Golden Age of Arcades:  https://www.teddabneyexperience.com/ Check out Oliver Wilmot's regular Yet Another Video Games Quiz at: https://www.facebook.com/anotherquiz Slope's Game Room,  the complete history on your gaming past: https://www.youtube.com/@slopesgameroom Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.co.uk/ Try Notion AI for free - Work faster. Write better. Think bigger: https://notion.com/retro Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/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

22 Dec 20231h 22min

Dive into a spectacular nostalgia trip with us as we revisit the standout moments of 2023! It's been a year brimming with amazing stories, fascinating insights, and unforgettable interviews with some of the most influential figures from the golden age of gaming and technology. From groundbreaking developments in retro tech to deep dives into classic video game history, join us for an exhilarating journey as we celebrate the best of The Retro Hour from 2023. 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: Cyberia: Revisiting The Cyber Cafe with Eva Pascoe: http://tinyurl.com/4jsdrdas Homeworld Co-Creator Rob Cunningham - The Retro Hour EP371: http://tinyurl.com/2fcawuzw Age of Empires II and Xbox Live with Mark Terrano - The Retro Hour EP383: http://tinyurl.com/4xejvcch Swordquest and Atari's Pac-Man with Tod Frye - The Retro Hour EP384: http://tinyurl.com/mppajh7z From Dark Seed to True Crime: The Artistic Journey of Joby Otero - The Retro Hour EP391: http://tinyurl.com/2zrvz82t From Commodore 64 to BAFTA Nominee: The Sonic Boom of Ross Tregenza - The Retro Hour EP399: http://tinyurl.com/2s3ckvvt Back To The BBS with Al's Geek Lab - The Retro Hour EP382: http://tinyurl.com/27hv4jh5 Core Design, Psygnosis & Disney Studios with Rolf Mohr - The Retro Hour EP369: http://tinyurl.com/42zeyb45 Bringing Konami Games To The West - The Retro Hour EP386: http://tinyurl.com/bdcmy62b Controversial Retro Games with Kirk Ewing - The Retro Hour EP365: http://tinyurl.com/55dpbp2r Shaping the Sounds of Fallout and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy - The Retro Hour EP405: http://tinyurl.com/f7jyt7s2     South Park Games, DMA Design and Acclaim with Neill Glancy - The Retro Hour EP375: http://tinyurl.com/y443zxj3 Microsoft Memories with Dave Plummer - The Retro Hour EP373: http://tinyurl.com/3rvkcxdt Retro Edutainment: Unpacking the Classic Arthur Games with Marc Brown - The Retro Hour EP379: http://tinyurl.com/y48mtcbp The Dreamcast Junkyard - The Retro Hour EP377: http://tinyurl.com/mtncem7f

15 Dec 20231h 31min