The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Latest Episodes:

470: GOG: Meet the Heroes Saving Your Favourite Childhood Games - The Retro Hour EP470 Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

We chat with Marcin Paczyński, Senior Business Development Manager at Good Old Game, and Adam Ziółkowski, Technical Engineer, to hear about their new Preservation Program. Launched in November 2024, this initiative is dedicated to ensuring classic games remain playable on modern and future systems. We hear about the challenges of maintaining compatibility, the process of updating and bug-fixing classic titles, and GOG’s commitment to DRM-free gaming.
GOG Preservation Program: https://www.gog.com/en/gog-preservation-program
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:05 - Good Old Game 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
Terminator 2D No Fate: https://tinyurl.com/2jcsa8mn
RIP Skype: https://tinyurl.com/3ahrj2cp
Lost PC game Big Brother archived online: https://tinyurl.com/33kt64td
Sonic Unleashed 360 Recomp: https://tinyurl.com/pe34prja
Bandai Namco want to license out classic IPs: https://tinyurl.com/4ez98jhn

469: Behind the Scenes of GTA 3 & Guitar Hero with Kelly Sumner - The Retro Hour EP469 Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

In part two of our epic interview with Kelly Sumner, we move beyond Commodore and into his time at GameTek and Take-Two Interactive. Kelly shares behind-the-scenes stories from the launch of GTA 3 and his experiences working with the Houser brothers. We also dive into his time as CEO of RedOctane, where he helped turn Guitar Hero into a global phenomenon.
Recreational Music: https://reactionalmusic.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:18 - Kelly Sumner 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
Sonic & The Moon Facility playable demo: https://tinyurl.com/2yjjezte
MSX laptop: https://tinyurl.com/3e5rzs44
Samurai Pizza Cats game: https://youtu.be/jErZx5DekeI
Nightmare Busters: https://tinyurl.com/3njnctrs
Official WinRAR bag: https://in.tern.et/en-gb

468: What Really Killed Commodore? UK MD Kelly Sumner Tells All - The Retro Hour EP468 Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

In the first part of our epic two part interview, we sit down with Kelly Sumner, former Managing Director of Commodore UK, to hear the highs and lows of his 15-year journey at the legendary company. From starting as a trainee engineer in 1979 to marketing the iconic Amiga and C64, Kelly shares never-before-heard stories about selling the Amiga 1000, the infamous C64GS flop, CDTV’s retail struggles, and his surprising appearance on GamesMaster!
Recreational Music: https://reactionalmusic.com/
Kelly Sumner on GamesMaster: https://youtu.be/oZ4XbkJ2sIA
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:35 - Kelly Sumner 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
Dreamcast cloud save support: https://tinyurl.com/stk3vu65
1 in 4 Gen Z Brits owns a retro gaming console: https://tinyurl.com/2emuu7cv
Flesh Made Fear: https://youtu.be/_n55OCtkM4U
E-Reader handheld console: https://inkconsole.com/
The new Shinobi: https://tinyurl.com/46xpav7u

467: The Games of a Lifetime with Jaz Rignall - - The Retro Hour EP467 Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

We catch up with legendary games journalist Julian 'Jaz' Rignall about his epic new book, The Games of a Lifetime, which is a video game time machine that takes you on an incredible journey from the very dawn of the industry, through the decades to the present day. It’s essentially video game history from the inside, seen through the eyes of Jaz Rignall, a hardcore gamer, who ended up becoming a journalist who launched iconic game magazines like ZZAP!64, CVG and Mean Machines.
Buy Jaz's book here: https://jazbook.com/
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:17 - Jaz Rignall 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
Programming language for making NES games: https://tinyurl.com/mrx7jvzt
Doomlings on the MSX: https://tinyurl.com/msyn3c38
Balatro C64 sad update: https://tinyurl.com/mrxftszr
Combined Arms RTS: https://tinyurl.com/yrxrysr7
14% of Americans retro game: https://tinyurl.com/4huhnfz7

466: Deus Ex, System Shock & Origin Systems: Harvey Smith Tells All - The Retro Hour EP466 Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

This week, we chat to Harvey Smith, the legendary designer behind Deus Ex, System Shock, and Area 51! From his early days playing D&D and Ultima Underworld to working at Origin Systems on Super Wing Commander. We hear about the challenges of designing Deus Ex, working alongside Warren Spector, and the technical innovations that made it a classic!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
37:43 - Harvey Smith 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
Mortal Kombat II for 3DO: https://tinyurl.com/mjf9hewr
PS2 memory card that can run your entire library: https://youtu.be/mdxDRtfEXNg
Dream Ride – a new Skidmarks style game for the Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/vnysuarv
Tang FPGA console: https://tinyurl.com/pp3jhzun

465: ZX Spectrum, GamesMaster & Retro Nostalgia with Rose Tinted Spectrum - The Retro Hour EP465 Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

This week, we chat to Dave from the wonderfully nostalgic Youtube channel Rose Tinted Spectrum. From growing up in the arcades of Blackpool to his love of ZX Spectrum budget games, his hilarious takedowns of classic gaming TV, and why he really isn’t a fan of The Bitmap Brothers!
Rose Tinted Spectrum: https://www.youtube.com/@RoseTintedSpectrum
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:45 - Rose Tinted Spectrum Interview
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
New AVGN game: https://youtu.be/ffmrpIeHLzU
The Retro Tap: https://tinyurl.com/3etpych9
Heavy Recoil Mega Drive port: https://tinyurl.com/3ew6zcr8
The end for Blu-ray/Minidisc?: https://tinyurl.com/ycyerkv3
Atari Karts re-run: https://tinyurl.com/575jhu6c

464: Bringing Mortal Kombat Home: The Crazy Story of the Mega Drive Port - The Retro Hour EP464 Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Paul Carruthers, the programming wizard behind the Sega Mega Drive’s iconic Mortal Kombat port, joins us this week to share his incredible journey. From his early gaming memories and passion for puzzle games to the challenges of co-founding Astral and developing titles like Archipelagos, Paul delves into the intricacies of game development. He offers an insider’s perspective on bringing the arcade phenomenon Mortal Kombat to home consoles, discussing the hurdles of limited hardware and the origins of the famous blood code.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
38:01 - Paul Carruthers Interview
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
Dreamcast online Half-Life & Counter-Strike: https://tinyurl.com/4ajujn88
Amiga F-Zero style racer: https://youtu.be/Z9-Z79e2t_c
Atari Jaguar Livewire: https://youtu.be/E1mRvi8qzE0
Doomguy swaps weapons for wine: https://tinyurl.com/ybpy399f
Broken Sword for Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/3j58ftn8

463: ScummVM: Keeping Classic Games Alive - The Retro Hour EP463 Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by Eugene Sandulenko, project lead of the legendary ScummVM, to explore how this essential tool preserves gaming history. From its origins to supporting classics like Blade Runner and lesser-known gems, Eugene shares fascinating stories about reverse engineering, community passion, and overcoming challenges like LucasArts’ legal battles. Plus, we discuss how ScummVM adapts to modern trends, supports countless platforms, and even improves the retro gaming experience without losing its charm.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
41:03 - Eugene Sandulenko 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
Capcom and Bandai Namco handheld: https://tinyurl.com/3nnvwms3
Atari handheld: https://tinyurl.com/2j95myyk
Kero Quest 64: https://tinyurl.com/wnb8ay3b
House of the Dead 2 remake: https://tinyurl.com/4kjjx8uc
Atari prototype found: https://tinyurl.com/5xeszd5s

462: Argonaut Games: Jez San on Star Fox, Croc, and the SuperFX Chip - The Retro Hour EP462 Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Retro Hour, we’re joined by gaming legend Jez San OBE, the mastermind behind classics like StarGlider, the groundbreaking SuperFX chip, and the much-loved Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. From his early days coding on a TRS-80 to working with Nintendo on Star Fox, Jez shares his journey through the golden age of gaming. Hear how he reverse-engineered the Game Boy, created stunning 3D experiences, and built Argonaut into a pioneering powerhouse. Plus, exciting insights into the upcoming Croc remaster and the rebirth of Argonaut!
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:05 - Jez San 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
The Spectrum outsells the Xbox: https://tinyurl.com/tu6bu6c3
Snes version of Batman Returns now on Mega Drive: https://tinyurl.com/nupwkx8x
Secret hidden in Majora’s Mask found: https://youtu.be/W1x6XnTaN28
New FPGA PS1: https://x.com/TakiUdon_/status/1877179623026397528
Soviet bots: https://youtu.be/GdLLPRsgsV8

461: Forcing Ourselves To Play AWFUL Video Games - The Retro Hour EP461 Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

As we take an extended break for Christmas, we're treating everyone to a FREE bonus episode of our Patron's only podcast, The Retro Hour After Hours.
In this special episode of The Retro Hour After Hours, Dan, Ravi, and Joe face a challenge that many gamers fear – giving some of the most notoriously awful video games of all time a fair shot!
Will Joe have anything positive to say about Shaq Fu? How did Ravi react to the sleazy BMX XXX? And Dan revisits his 1994 Christmas present and gives Rise of The Robots a proper work out, is it really as bad as we all remember?
Normal podcasts will resume next Friday.
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

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