The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Latest Episodes:

480: Diablo, StarCraft & Comix Zone: Stieg Hedlund Reveals All - The Retro Hour EP480 May 15, 2025

Show notes

This week we hear about the incredible career of game designer Stieg Hedlund! From his early days tinkering with BASIC on a Bally Astrocade to shaping some of the most iconic titles of the '90s like Comiz Zone, The Ooze, and the legendary Diablo.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:26 - Stieg Hedlund 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/
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
Ecco The Dolphin Remastered: https://tinyurl.com/37hdwzw3
Lost Lynx game is revived: https://tinyurl.com/58nav3y3
Fallout 1 and 2 Lost Source Code Found: https://tinyurl.com/297mzhec
Batman on the Sinclair QL: https://tinyurl.com/2wttffa4
Bubsy The Purrfect Collection: https://tinyurl.com/5n98dbxy

479: Psygnosis, G-Police & Writing FPS History with Stuart Maine - The Retro Hour EP479 May 09, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by game designer and author Stuart Maine, whose 28-year career spans iconic titles like Theme Hospital, Dungeon Keeper, and G-Police: Weapons of Justice. Stuart shares stories from the heyday of Bullfrog and Psygnosis, reflects on the golden era of first-person shooters, and reveals the wild behind-the-scenes of cancelled games and dev kit coffee tables. Plus, we dive into his latest book Hurt Me Plenty which explores the blockbuster FPS era of 2003–2010.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:15 - Stuart Maine Interview
Pre-order Hurt Me Plenty: The Ultimate Guide to First-Person Shooters 2003–2010: https://tinyurl.com/mwtf8juz

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
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
Sega opens first shop: https://tinyurl.com/44mb6amr
Sega HQ relocating: https://tinyurl.com/38eyzs3t
New Vectrex shooter from Alan Wake dev: https://tinyurl.com/buup3kwp
WavePhoenix revives classic controller: https://tinyurl.com/ra7a8y9c
Fan remake of Altered Beast: https://tinyurl.com/5n8kn8rs

478: Why The Demo Scene Is Now a Cultural Treasure - The Retro Hour EP478 May 02, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Tobias Kopka—aka Melkor of Haujobb—as we explore the importance of the demo scene. We explore how this underground digital art movement went from C64 crack intros to global recognition through the ‘Art of Coding’ UNESCO initiative. From the days of 2,000 sweaty kids attending events like The Gathering to international cultural bids, Tobias shares some amazing stories, including running demos on ATMs and sending them into space!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:49 - Tobias Kopka 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
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
Wii Homebrew Channel closes: https://tinyurl.com/yy32spc4
Frontier Force: https://tinyurl.com/53uy5u54
Breakspace Spectrum magazine – Issue 1 released: https://breakspace.itch.io/issue-1
Toys R Us – the movie: https://tinyurl.com/48trvmhm
Linecraft for Pico-8: https://tinyurl.com/5cbyrynu

477: American McGee - From Doom to Dark Wonderland - The Retro Hour EP477 Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

We’re joined by legendary game developer American McGee, who takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings on the Timex Sinclair and Commodore 64 to designing iconic levels for Doom II and Quake. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from iD Software, reveals how a Ferrari-driving neighbour turned out to be John Carmack, and discusses the gothic inspirations behind American McGee’s Alice. Plus, we hear about his time at EA, and why being fired from iD turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to him!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:28 - American McGee 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
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
YouTube Turns 20: https://tinyurl.com/mrx88ybs
Windows on Game Boy: https://tinyurl.com/25mkwpdp
OutRun the Movie: https://tinyurl.com/5n6r8ntk
Neon Hearts City: https://tinyurl.com/yvezebcn
Upcoming events
RetCon 2025 – https://retconfestival.co.uk/
PT1210 – https://www.ptweekender.com/
RetroMessa – https://www.retromessa.no/

476: The Commodore Amiga at 40: The Original Developers' Story - The Retro Hour EP476 Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

As the Commodore Amiga celebrates its 40th birthday, we hear stories from original developers Dale Luck, Jeff Porter, Andy Finkel, and others. Recorded live at VCF East in New Jersey, our Dan gets the story of this legendary machine direct from the people who made it happen.
Thanks to Amiga Bill for recording the interview, and joining us for the news this week!
🌟 Twitch: twitch.tv/AmigaBill
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@AmigaBill
🌐 Website: AmigaBill.tv
VCF Event: https://vcfed.org/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
45:00 - Amiga 40th Panel
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
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
New Sega Saturn homebrew racer: https://tinyurl.com/2sn87by7
Compute’s Gazette returns: https://tinyurl.com/yc7km7yn
Limited Run DOOM I & II collection: https://tinyurl.com/yyw46vhc
AmigaOS update released: https://tinyurl.com/4fzbs2d8
Mechanoids 2 – The Final Conflict: https://tinyurl.com/3mkh48rs

475: The Story of Unreal Tournament – With Producer Neil Haldar - The Retro Hour EP475 Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Neil Haldar, a pivotal figure behind the legendary Unreal Tournament. From dropping out of medical school to leading major projects at Sierra Online, GT Interactive, and MGM Studios, Neil shares incredible stories from his time shaping iconic games. Plus, we rewind to the 3DO era, and get the inside story on licensed games like 007 Racing and Rocky.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:36 - Neil Haldar 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
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
AI-generated Quake mixes reactions: https://tinyurl.com/tcevvphu
John Carmack defends AI Quake II level: https://tinyurl.com/55kne3rm
New N-Gage release: https://tinyurl.com/28rzes4x
The World Is Not Enough prototype: https://tinyurl.com/54vwzw6p
GameCube comes to Switch 2: https://tinyurl.com/3v7cujsc

474: The Dark Origins of Horror Games - The Retro Hour EP474 Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

This week, we catch up with Richard Moss and welcome first-time guest Connor O’Keane, the creative minds behind the spine-chilling documentary series TerrorBytes. In this follow-up to our earlier chat with the TerrorBytes team, we explore the evolution of horror in video games, from lo-fi jump scares to controversial bans and accidental nightmares. Plus, why horror in games is more than just guts and gore, and what really makes a game scary…
TerrorBytes website: https://terrorbytesdoc.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:09 - TerrorBytes 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
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
Long Lost NES Populous Found: https://tinyurl.com/y434kfzw
Ghosts ’N Goblins Tribute Gladmort: https://tinyurl.com/ymr98anx
Krogharr – New Amiga Slasher: https://tinyurl.com/79xfph5p
Exploding PSPs Warning: https://tinyurl.com/mvj9msph

473: What Gen-Z Can Teach Us About Retro Tech – Kari Lawler Joins The Show - The Retro Hour EP473 Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by YouTuber Kari Lawler, who’s breathing new life into vintage systems! At 21 years old, Kari’s love for old-school computing spans BBC Micros, Apple IIs, and even programming from classic magazine listings. We chat about her early coding days, winning a space tech challenge at 15, the origins of her channel, and why treating viewers with intelligence is the key to her fast-growing fanbase.
Kari's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@karilawler
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:46 - Kari Lawler 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
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
Sensi Soccer on NES found: https://tinyurl.com/4mdu5bp3
Another Nintendo PlayStation: https://tinyurl.com/yhw79w7x
Wipeout Dreamcast: https://youtu.be/01MuoxLTQ9o
Full Size Amiga 1200 delayed: https://tinyurl.com/y7e9jhet

472: RogueCraft: Making The Ultimate Modern Amiga Game - The Retro Hour EP472 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

This week, we chat to the creators of RogueCraft, a stunning new Amiga title that recently won an award at the Debug Indie game awards. Ricki and Henning from Badger Punch Games tell us about their roots in Norway’s Amiga scene to developing for the MEGA65 and building procedural magic on vintage hardware, they share the journey of crafting one of the most exciting modern Amiga games.
Badger Punch Games: https://www.badgerpunch.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:48 - Badger Punch Games 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
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
Sega Saturn games streamed from Wi-Fi: https://tinyurl.com/4jft5txa
You can now order CEX from JustEat: https://tinyurl.com/3cdhfxew
Cancelled SNES title ‘Mortal Kombat Nitro’: https://youtu.be/n8ovAVUZroU
USB hyper hack for Xbox 360: https://youtu.be/IUK__yGXmds
Counter-Strike remake: https://tinyurl.com/44axx4nk

471: The Elder Scrolls: How It All Began with VJ Lakshman - The Retro Hour EP471 Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

This week, we hear about the origins of The Elder Scrolls with the legendary VJ Lakshman, co-creator and a key figure in Bethesda Softworks’ early days. From the D&D roots of Elder Scrolls, and how procedural generation shaped an RPG legend. VJ also shares stories from his work on The Terminator, Crash Bash, Spyro The Dragon, and his time at Warner Bros. & Turbine, working on Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.
VJ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07B3T9RLG
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:53 - VJ Lakshman 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
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
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remakes Announced: https://tinyurl.com/3vje2vhr
Spectrum Next Gets 3rd Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/4nbfst6p
SNES Is Getting Faster, Nobody Knows Why: https://tinyurl.com/ms8dfj62
Acclaim Rises from the Ashes: https://tinyurl.com/yrtuw56v
PS3 Gets an Update: https://tinyurl.com/4ucx5enu

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected