The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Latest Episodes:

401: Classic LucasArts Adventures: The SCUMM Engine's Development Pt 2 - The Retro Hour EP401 Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

In part two of our epic interview with the SCUMM Engine's co-creator Aric Wilmunder, we venture further into its evolution through the lens of iconic titles. Aric reminisces on the technical and collaborative strides from 'Monkey Island 2', 'Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis', and shares intriguing insights on the friendly rivalry with Sierra. We explore the auditory dimension added by Skywalker Sounds, the engine shuffle in 'The Dig', and how the INSANE video engine accelerated 'Full Throttle's development. As 'The Curse of Monkey Island' marks the engine’s finale, Aric reflects on SCUMM’s legacy, the ScummVM project, and his current endeavours in the gaming arena.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:03 - Aric Wilmunder Interview Pt 2
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
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Website: http://theretrohour.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour
Show notes:
Show Notes:
Atari Jaguar Welcomes Classic FPS Revivals: https://tinyurl.com/bp9dhbm9
Two Decades of N-Gage: https://tinyurl.com/2bd9xjhw
Preservation of Nuon's Rarest Title: https://tinyurl.com/57x6es37
PiStorm Integration with Atari STe: https://youtu.be/xtQSo7G3DBo?si=HL7hb4PeiBSZ00G1
Terrorbytes’ Horrific Journey Through Gaming History: https://www.creatorvc.com/terrorbytes
Enjoying the show? Leave us a review on Apple Podcast and join our Patreon for exclusive content!

400: The SCUMM Engine: From Maniac Mansion to Monkey Island - The Retro Hour EP400 Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

It's our 400th episode! In the first of an epic two-part interview, we chat with Aric Wilmunder, the co-creator of the legendary SCUMM Engine, which enabled some of the best adventure games of all time, including Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, and Loom.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:00 - Aric Wilmunder 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
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Fabio, Andy Aldrich, Paul Bullard, and Brian Downie
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's New Hardware: Nintendo 64: https://tinyurl.com/2p8bfay2
New Hogs of War - Lardcore: https://tinyurl.com/mt3x8xn8
Fraser Fantasy RPG: https://tinyurl.com/43zydvmk
Super Mario Film (1993) Getting 4K Re-release: https://tinyurl.com/5n94fbj4

399: From Commodore 64 to BAFTA Nominee: The Sonic Boom of Ross Tregenza - The Retro Hour EP399 Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

We're joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Ross Tregenza. From his early days of falling in love with the Commodore 64's SID chip to lending his audio magic to legendary games like TimeSplitters, Crysis, and Team Sonic Racing, Ross has crafted audio experiences that resonate with gamers worldwide. In this episode, we unravel Ross's journey, explore his inspirations, and get a glimpse into the magic that brings video games to life.
https://www.rosstregenza.com/
Leave us a Voicemail for episode 400: https://www.speakpipe.com/retrohour
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:17 - Ross Tregenza Interview
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
Show notes:
Lost 2600 Game Re-release: https://tinyurl.com/2s3fu93s
Saturn Pro Controller: https://tinyurl.com/2fdnjh6s
The Last Exterminator: https://tinyurl.com/33ndudas
PS1s Turned into CD Players: https://tinyurl.com/5yd8t3tw

398: Super Play: The British SNES Magazine with a Japanese Twist - The Retro Hour EP398 Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we chat with artist Wil Overton, famed for his manga-style covers on Super Play magazine in the early '90s. Wil's journey led him from N64 Magazine, where his Perfect Dark cover caught the eye of Rare, to working at the esteemed gaming company itself.
Leave us a Voicemail for episode 400: https://www.speakpipe.com/retrohour

Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:12 - Wil Overton Interview
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
Show notes:
Raspberry Pi 5: https://tinyurl.com/3nrr6xuk
Crash vs Spyro Demo Found: https://youtu.be/Uli-uWxsI3M
Dance Dance Revolution Mini: https://tinyurl.com/ycxb4pab
Tomb Raider Anime: https://tinyurl.com/3adumenm
The Smiths Now Have Their Own Game: https://tinyurl.com/25bzuhcw

397: Obsidian & Rocket Science Games with Matthew Fassberg - The Retro Hour EP397 Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we chat with Matthew Fassberg, producer from Rocket Science Games, a groundbreaking venture blending Hollywood production values with top-tier game design. We explore the classic adventure Obsidian, a 1997 masterpiece believed by its ardent fans to be as monumental as Myst.
Obsidian on Zoom Platform: https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/obsidian
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:08 - Matthew Fassberg 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: Pete Clark and Richard
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:
Tomb Raider Remaster: https://tinyurl.com/5xchh2tn
New Giana Sisters C64 Game: https://tinyurl.com/3brx5bcb
F-Zero 99: https://tinyurl.com/5xyepsuz
MicroDrive Replacement: https://tinyurl.com/jzn79rht
32 Player AVP: https://tinyurl.com/5c3xwr66

396: PC Zone Magazine with Richie Shoemaker - The Retro Hour EP 396 Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

We chat with Richie Shoemaker, the former deputy editor of the iconic PC gaming magazine, PC Zone. Delving into the magazine's rich history, Richie shares behind-the-scenes tales from its heyday and offers insights into its influential role in shaping the PC gaming landscape. We also touch upon the early days of renowned writer and 'Black Mirror' creator, Charlie Brooker, who once graced the pages of PC Zone with his witty and incisive commentary.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:22 - PC Zone Interview
PC Zone Lives: https://pczone.substack.com/
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:
Metal Gear Ported to Mega Drive: https://tinyurl.com/mrybvxmz
Salvaging CD-i Zelda Games: https://tinyurl.com/5echkeww
Rockstar Pirates Its Own Game: https://tinyurl.com/44c368r4
How to Play Command and Conquer Red Alert 2 in Browser: https://tinyurl.com/2jc8x6am

395: Banjo-Kazooie’s Stop ‘n’ Swop: The Feature That Never Was - The Retro Hour EP395 Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

We catch up with Rare's Paul Machacek to share the story of Stop ‘n’ Swop, a cancelled feature which aimed to allow elements in one game to unlock features in another, giving players a unique interconnected experience. Despite its ambitious scope that would have spanned across six Rare titles, the feature remained shrouded in mystery for years. We get the full story of one of gaming's most intriguing legends.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
45:45 - Paul Machacek 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
Upcoming events we'll be at:
Passione Amiga Day: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/
Show notes:
Atari buys Atari Age: https://tinyurl.com/47yj2c69
Build your own Xbox 360: https://tinyurl.com/3zuvr5hk
New Wii U homebrew servers: https://pretendo.network/
Triple Jump NES: https://tinyurl.com/5h2uwzra
Portal de-Make for N64: https://tinyurl.com/3kedanpf

394: Commodore 64: I Adore My 64 - The Retro Hour EP394 Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

This week, we dive into the enduring legacy of the Commodore 64, the iconic home computer that revolutionised personal computing. We chat with Jeff Schaap, the creator of "I Adore My 64," a new documentary that pays homage to this technological marvel, the passionate global community that keeps its spirit alive, and a real heartfelt tribute to a machine that was truly ahead of its time.
Support "I Adore My 64": https://tinyurl.com/5n6dwkyd
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
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Mark Hill, Ramon
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
Upcoming events we'll be at:
Passione Amiga Day: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/
Show notes:
New Vectrex Controller: https://tinyurl.com/ynkch9m2
Rugrats Adventure in Gameland: https://tinyurl.com/2p8uhj9k
Super A'Can on eBay: https://tinyurl.com/3cup97jx https://youtu.be/Ycy861t9m_A?si=9O0LA5dXIYKd3Vlt
DIY Retro CRT Cable TV Channel: https://youtu.be/luxFdsAkG80?si=vpEOR1ijVfpaGeMD
Demon Claw Game Release: https://tinyurl.com/3n38mh97

393: The Music of Rare with Grant Kirkhope and David Wise - The Retro Hour EP393 Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

We chat with Grant Kirkhope and David Wise, iconic video game composers from Rare. Dive deep into their creative process, challenges, and legacy in the world of video game music, from 'Banjo-Kazooie' to 'Donkey Kong Country'.
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
Try Notion AI for free - Work faster. Write better. Think bigger: https://notion.com/retro
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Giro-lamo Castaldo, Håkon Puntervold, Daniel Louks
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
Upcoming events we'll be at:
Passione Amiga Day: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/
Show notes:
Microsoft to Close Xbox 360 Store: https://tinyurl.com/4yx88fym
Broken Sword is Back: https://tinyurl.com/4pewmpbd
Time Crisis Deluxe: https://tinyurl.com/yhpkb3mk
Stunt Car Racer for Commodore Plus/4: https://tinyurl.com/4z4w5jud
GeekyFab Announces USB-C Adapter For Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad:
Run Linux on Commodore 64: https://tinyurl.com/4ayrjux5

392: Mikro-Gen: The Rise and Fall of a British Software House with Chris Hinsley - The Retro Hour EP392 Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

We chat to the legendary Chris Hinsley, one of the lead programmers at Mikro-Gen, a pioneering software house in the 1980s that produced games such as Pyjamarama, Everyone’s a Wally, and Equinox. Chris shared his memories of Mikro-Gen and his time on the groundbreaking TaOS, which almost became the next operating system for the Amiga.
ChrysaLisp: https://github.com/vygr/ChrysaLisp
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
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Steve Q, Michal Klimek
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
Upcoming events we'll be at:
Passione Amiga Day: https://passioneamigaday.it/en/home/
Show notes:
The Return of the Atari 2600: https://tinyurl.com/ykjhb56r
Turok 3 Remaster in the Works: https://tinyurl.com/yrdtjuxt
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster: https://tinyurl.com/4jxthddm
The 7th Guest VR: https://youtu.be/OQt0EPl3kT0?si=FDdtucoLf5IFEgDV
DuckTales Ported to the SNES: https://tinyurl.com/4jmxjssr

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