Episodes

  • 459: The Best of Retro In 2024: Unforgettable Highlights - The Retro Hour EP459

    459: The Best of Retro In 2024: Unforgettable Highlights - The Retro Hour EP459
    Dec 13 2024
    Join us for an epic look back at 2024 as we celebrate some of the most incredible guests and legendary industry icons who’ve graced the podcast this year. From fascinating stories to behind-the-scenes tales, this bumper episode is packed with highlights you won’t want to miss.

    Have a very Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to join us next week for our festive Christmas quiz!

    Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:

    Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com

    The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.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/
    X: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452: http://bit.ly/3Df8jnW
    Inside SEGA's Golden Era: A Chat with Mike Fischer - The Retro Hour EP411: https://bit.ly/3ZUWmgg
    Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457:
    https://bit.ly/4g9CJGX
    Amstrad CPC 40th Anniversary with Roland Perry Pt 1 - The Retro Hour EP425:
    https://bit.ly/4g7razQ
    Yoko Shimomura: The Music of Street Fighter II & Kingdom Hearts - The Retro Hour EP444: https://bit.ly/4gaUMfD
    Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453: https://bit.ly/3ZOfcp8
    Domark: The Inside Story With Co-Founder Dominic Wheatley - The Retro Hour EP416: https://bit.ly/3DbnAWJ
    Orbital: Paul Hartnoll on Rave Culture & Video Game Music - The Retro Hour EP431: https://bit.ly/3VDioBD
    Secrets of id Software Marketing: Mike Wilson’s Insider Stories - The Retro Hour EP439: https://bit.ly/41rXoBr
    Revolution in the Valley: The Birth of the Apple Macintosh - The Retro Hour EP440: https://bit.ly/4ix4w5z
    From Bullfrog to Two Point: Syndicate, Theme Hospital and Beyond with Mark Webley & Gary Carr: https://bit.ly/3VExjLD
    Strategic Simulations & Saints Row - The Retro Hour EP450: https://bit.ly/49Cnhk3
    The Father of Internet Radio: Carl Malamud - The Retro Hour EP419: https://bit.ly/4ixSI32
    Dragon's Lair to Disney: The Journey of Darlene Lacey - The Retro Hour EP434: https://bit.ly/3DeX4Mp
    Burnout 1&2 to Sonic Rivals with Joe Bonar - The Retro Hour EP428: https://bit.ly/3ZxgMdz
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 14 mins
  • 458: Allister Brimble: The Maestro Behind Alien Breed, Driver, and Project X - The Retro Hour EP458

    458: Allister Brimble: The Maestro Behind Alien Breed, Driver, and Project X - The Retro Hour EP458
    Dec 6 2024
    We have a long overdue catch up with video game music legend Allister Brimble to discuss his illustrious career, from his early days composing for the Amiga to his recent work on the officially endorsed reboot of Team 17’s classic, Project-X. Discover the stories behind iconic soundtracks for games like Alien Breed and RollerCoaster Tycoon, and gain insight into Brimble’s creative process, his experiences with industry giants like Codemasters and Disney, and his thoughts on the evolution of game music from the 1980s to today.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    44:27 - Allister Brimble 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

    Get 4 months of ExpressVPN for FREE: https://expressvpn.com/retro


    The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.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/
    X: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    Build NES Games with GB Studio Hack: https://tinyurl.com/5ftwckcf
    Sega Shuts Down the Super Sega FPGA Project: https://tinyurl.com/4t649exk
    Kirito: A YouTuber Beat ’Em Up for the Mega Drive: https://tinyurl.com/47kmzy9u
    Victory Heat Rally Coming to Switch: https://tinyurl.com/53stjmvb
    Sony Leadership Initially Dismissed the PS1: https://tinyurl.com/467tdm5z
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • 457: Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457

    457: Comix Zone: Creating a Mega Drive Cult Classic - The Retro Hour EP457
    Nov 29 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Stephens, the legendary developer behind the Mega Drive cult classic Comix Zone. Adrian takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, starting with early experiments on the BBC Micro, his chart-topping Killer Gorilla, and his work with Superior Software and Micro Power. Plus, hear about his move to 3D with True Crime: Streets of LA.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    38:38 - Adrian Stephens 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 your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour

    The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.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/
    X: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    Jaguar comes to iPhone: https://tinyurl.com/597vdbsv
    Sonic 3 the movie on Genesis cart: https://tinyurl.com/yvnh8wht
    Real-life Pac-Man: https://tinyurl.com/5n8xvkna
    Codename Iceman fan hack: https://tinyurl.com/bdd45nrd
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 456: Scala: The Amiga’s Multimedia Marvel with Jon Bøhmer - The Retro Hour EP456

    456: Scala: The Amiga’s Multimedia Marvel with Jon Bøhmer - The Retro Hour EP456
    Nov 22 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Jon Bøhmer, the visionary behind Scala, the groundbreaking multimedia software for the Commodore Amiga. Jon shares his early experiences with computers, the inspiration behind creating dynamic information displays, and the journey from a small startup to a global influence in digital signage. We delve into the technical challenges, collaborations with industry pioneers, and Scala’s lasting impact on multimedia presentations.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    42:59 - Jon Bøhmer 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

    The Retro Hour Book: https://retrohour.myshopify.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/
    X: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com
    Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

    Show notes:

    More lost Sega Channel games found: https://tinyurl.com/59ys9sdr
    Battle Chest remaster, and Warcraft 1 and 2 remasters: https://youtu.be/ryZ2jiW95qo
    GOG launches preservation program: https://tinyurl.com/y68xetee
    Wings of Death for Jaguar: https://tinyurl.com/mmx9k4z7
    Epic don’t mind you pirating Unreal: https://tinyurl.com/mvavsppd
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 43 mins
  • 455: Core Design: Chuck Rock, Rick Dangerous 2 and Mega CD Magic - The Retro Hour EP455

    455: Core Design: Chuck Rock, Rick Dangerous 2 and Mega CD Magic - The Retro Hour EP455
    Nov 15 2024
    This week, we’re joined by Chris Long, a former programmer at Core Design, to uncover the fascinating stories behind some of the studio’s most iconic titles. From his early days creating the quirky Merv The Merciless for Probe Software, to the smash-hit Chuck Rock and its sequel, Chris gives us an insider’s view into the creativity and chaos of Core in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. We delve into the tools of the trade, the challenges of transitioning to 3D with the PlayStation, and the untold tales of Rick Dangerous 2, Swagman, and Wonderdog.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    40:22 - Chris Long 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:

    New cheat code found in Donkey Kong Country 2: https://tinyurl.com/5n6teuce
    Sega delists most of its retro games: https://tinyurl.com/2z3bptu8
    Mega Drive tracker: https://tinyurl.com/rydpwvda
    Lost Commodore 64 game uncovered by archivists: https://tinyurl.com/5n76he7c
    Captain Square Jaw demo released for the Spectrum Next: https://tinyurl.com/mr2pmsf3
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 454: Blood: The Making of a 90s FPS Legend - The Retro Hour EP454

    454: Blood: The Making of a 90s FPS Legend - The Retro Hour EP454
    Nov 8 2024
    This week, we’re joined by Kevin Kilstrom formerly of Monolith Productions, the masterminds behind the iconic 90s horror FPS Blood. Kevin reveals how Blood pushed boundaries with its over-the-top gore, dark humour, and multiplayer BloodBath mode, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes stories from working on the project. Plus, we get a glimpse into his work on other classics like Claw, Shogo, and Alien vs. Predator 2.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    53:39 - Kevin Kilstrom 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:

    Nintendo Music App Launches: https://tinyurl.com/yu6u9urj
    Fan-Made Monkey Island Game Available: https://tinyurl.com/ajc39zkm
    New House of the Dead Movie Announced: https://tinyurl.com/2x53w7ky
    iPod Clickwheel Games Preserved: https://tinyurl.com/bmsyretf
    Atari Acquires Transport Tycoon IP: https://tinyurl.com/3xy4ax4f
    Atari Jaguar T-Shirts Available: https://tinyurl.com/yupbscjd
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • 453: Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453

    453: Resurrecting Arcades: Meet Europe’s Biggest Arcade Importer - The Retro Hour EP453
    Nov 1 2024
    In this week’s episode, we sit down with Chris Blok, the co-owner of Amsterdam’s legendary Blast Galaxy and Europe’s largest arcade importer. Chris takes us on an incredible journey through his life as an arcade enthusiast, from his earliest gaming experiences in the Netherlands to witnessing the boom and decline of arcades. We discuss everything from the challenges of importing and restoring rare machines, to his plans for keeping arcade culture alive and thriving.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    36:44 - Chris Blok 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 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:

    Analogue 3D: https://tinyurl.com/5277bbe3
    SpeedBall Reboot: https://tinyurl.com/4bsywekv
    Fable Demake: https://tinyurl.com/3a9t982v
    New Mega Drive Evercade Cart: https://tinyurl.com/2s3enynr
    Atari Decanter Set: https://tinyurl.com/4upd3nz8
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 452: Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452

    452: Netscape: The Spectacular Rise and Fall with Tara Hernandez - The Retro Hour EP452
    Oct 24 2024
    This week we're joined by Tara Hernandez, former manager of Netscape Navigator development, as she takes us inside the legendary 90s browser wars. Tara shares her experiences working at the cutting edge of Internet technology, from joining Netscape in 1995, to the heated competition with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, and the iconic decision to open-source the Mozilla code. Hear about the challenges of working 120 hour weeks, wild office celebrations, and pranks during the battle for Internet dominance.

    Contents:

    00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
    36:13 - Tara Hernandez 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:

    Mode 7 on NES: https://tinyurl.com/yukdj9m2
    Cyclopean: https://tinyurl.com/4xzzndcm
    Yoshi DS leaked: https://tinyurl.com/8hu5nzjj
    1986 Mac Plus online: https://tinyurl.com/4x4chsub
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins