The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Latest Episodes:

440: Revolution in the Valley: The Birth of the Apple Macintosh - The Retro Hour EP440 Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

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

439: Secrets of id Software Marketing: Mike Wilson’s Insider Stories - The Retro Hour EP439 Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

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

438: The Man Behind Europe’s Most Impressive Retro Computer Collection - The Retro Hour EP438 Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

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

437: From Bullfrog to Two Point: Syndicate, Theme Hospital and Beyond with Mark Webley & Gary Carr Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

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

436: From Bedroom Coders to AAA Games: Paul Driscoll on the Amiga Era - The Retro Hour EP436 Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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

435: Dragon's Lair to Disney: The Journey of Darlene Lacey - The Retro Hour EP434 Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

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/

434: Real Time Games Software & Carrier Command with Ian Oliver - The Retro Hour EP434 Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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

433: Stories of Amiga OS Development with Randell Jesup - The Retro Hour EP433 Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

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

432: Finders Keepers to Stormbringer: The Magic Knight Story With David Jones - The Retro Hour EP432 Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

This week, we chat with legendary game developer David Jones, the creative mind behind the iconic Magic Knight series. David delves into the fascinating history of creating some of the most beloved 8-bit adventure games of the 1980s, from his innovative use of the TRS-80 Model III for Spectrum development to developing the storytelling and gameplay mechanics of titles like Finders Keepers and Spellbound.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:44 - David Jones Interview
David’s Links: https://davidxjonesauthor.com/retro-hour-podcast-links/
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/
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
Evercade arcade: https://tinyurl.com/2s4d359p
Resident Evil Zero & Code Veronica remakes: https://tinyurl.com/mw2seakj
8bit Do Keyboard and Numpad: https://tinyurl.com/mrj4jx6v
Aliens Neoplasma II: https://tinyurl.com/4um523x8
Zelda LEGO announced: https://tinyurl.com/bdhdyhbw

431: Orbital: Paul Hartnoll on Rave Culture & Video Game Music - The Retro Hour EP431 May 30, 2024

Show notes

We sit down with Paul Hartnoll of the legendary electronic duo Orbital. Paul takes us on a nostalgic journey, sharing his first gaming experiences and the early home systems that sparked his passion for technology. Plus the impact of Orbital's music featuring on classics like Wipeout, Test Drive 4 and creating music on the Atari ST.
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:48 - Paul Hartnoll 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
Atari purchase Intellivision: https://tinyurl.com/27n8vz93
Dreamcast PSU: https://tinyurl.com/3p43au66
Apple's Unreleased iPod Tetris Clone Has Been Discovered: https://youtu.be/q0c6SOP4CCo
Mario kart rom hack: https://tinyurl.com/yc6pmyd2
RIP ICQ: https://tinyurl.com/5ed3hb8m

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