The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

Pinball Illusions finally gets the fourth table Amiga owners missed out on in 1995! Legendary games journalist Jaz Rignall joins us for this week’s retro gaming news and tells us about Golden Age, his new magazine celebrating 20th-century gaming. Plus, Bill & Ted get an excellent arcade adventure, GOG dreams of bringing back big box PC games, EA revisits its classics, and the Atari Jaguar gets some homebrew love.Golden Age Video Game Magazine: https://lnk.ua/2QiCROymbPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Show notesBill & Ted go arcade: https://lnk.ua/A2vZMsJ8CGOG eyes physical PC games: https://lnk.ua/eZLzRf6yaPinball Illusions’ missing table restored: https://lnk.ua/QM5sZ8Wd0EA classics return with remasters: https://lnk.ua/SqYwealAODowntown Dash races onto Jaguar: https://lnk.ua/7dMsfrO2HThief remaster sneaks onto consoles: https://lnk.ua/8Up506MfF

This week on The Retro Hour, Andy Tudor takes us from learning to animate on his Amiga to directing Kiefer Sutherland in 24: The Game, the PS2 chapter set between seasons two and three. He shares how Sony Cambridge faked reflections in Primal and started building a New York subway crash for the sequel that never came out. We also hear how Slightly Mad Studios landed Need for Speed Shift and why The Walking Dead: Assault went back to the original comics.Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/

Smash Bros-style battles on a Commodore 64? This week, Chris from Games You Loved joins us to talk about a stunning free C64 brawler that brings two-player chaos to the classic machine. We also check out the kit turning a LEGO PlayStation into a playable console, Resident Evil Outbreak running in your browser, and an ambitious SNES demake of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Plus, rare N64 games return to cartridge, and we debate the growing backlash against AI-assisted retro gaming projects.Games You Loved: https://linktr.ee/gamesyoulovedPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Show notesModRetro reissues rare N64 ClayFighter: https://lnk.ua/uJkuFol4dAI retro recreations in doubt: https://lnk.ua/zf8MSxEhEHumanbrew launches AI-free homebrew community: https://lnk.ua/Uh8KK0MztBrickStation makes LEGO PlayStation playable: https://lnk.ua/uO3Uo62hVSmash Bros. clone hits C64: https://lnk.ua/7bpO9p8ENResident Evil Outbreak hits browsers: https://lnk.ua/jjdZghoQCCastlevania gets AI-free SNES demake: https://lnk.ua/ymIofKofw

This week we’re joined by Martin Webb, the programmer who brought Sega’s legendary OutRun to the Commodore 64 while still a teenager. From selling his first games as a schoolboy to landing the US Gold contract, Martin shares the story of recreating an arcade sensation with an OutRun cabinet in the family garage and a Christmas deadline looming. We hear about the coding tricks, last-minute demands and elusive bug that pushed him to his limits, alongside his work on RoadBlasters and a trip to Chicago to help with the American version of OutRun. Martin also speaks candidly about working with his father, why he eventually left the games industry, and the original backup discs still tucked away in his former girlfriend’s wardrobe.Steve's Amiga Games: https://stevehiggins.itch.io/amiga-rescueA Crazy Thing Called Life C16 Book: https://commodore16.com/Contents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories50:40 – Martin Webb InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Glasgow Gaming Market: https://lnk.ua/qa16qr9YfCheck out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Show notesAlien 3 gets CD32 upgrade: https://lnk.ua/M84ZQUQgJFree Knightmare game coming: https://lnk.ua/78C15PgcUAtari VCS support ending: https://lnk.ua/WMG9XRNyiSonic 3 Unlocked adds Encore: https://lnk.ua/6Ge05siDaiPhone Duo emulates Nintendo DS: https://lnk.ua/rLfdftWoWTen spooky games for Halloween: https://lnk.ua/4poLfqFFF

This week, we’re joined by legendary artist Hitoshi Ariga to explore his work on Streets of Rage 2, his celebrated Mega Man manga, and a career packed with 16-bit classics. From drawing sprites by night to giving the Robot Masters their personalities, Hitoshi shares stories behind the artwork, explains why technical limitations sparked his creativity, and discusses collaborating with Toby Fox. Plus, memories of ActRaiser 2, Illusion of Gaia, and the influence of his wife and fellow artist Ayano Koshiro.Kim Justice Rubber Keyed Wonder Kickstarter: https://lnk.ua/AbF4fVrVpContents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories51:31 – Hitoshi Ariga InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Glasgow Gaming Market: https://lnk.ua/qa16qr9YfCheck out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Show notesGhostbusters II Amiga fan upgrade: https://lnk.ua/g91oEqIHaHalo multiplayer comes to N64: https://lnk.ua/f0BtptbiRZX Spectrum ULA designs found: https://lnk.ua/u2QODD6WhToki arcade conversions in development: https://lnk.ua/EQO2vIkR9Wing Commander III remaster rumoured: https://lnk.ua/yR6BORUvFCrash Bandicoot coming to iPod: https://lnk.ua/qrmTvWjTaSprout upgrades classic iPods: https://lnk.ua/OVEgZsVPtTenebris Somnia brings FMV horror: https://lnk.ua/xh4de3fN2

Gremlin Graphics is making a comeback, and this week we meet Alan Turvey, the lifelong fan helping bring it back through Gremlin Graphics Classics. Alan shares how a Monty Mole project led to a partnership with founder Ian Stewart, the plans to bring classic characters to new audiences, and the community of bedroom coders helping make it happen. We also explore his journey with Midnight Brew, the painstaking work to recreate Gremlin’s lost artwork for a new book, and why giving fans the chance to work with their heroes is at the heart of the revival.https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rq9lZoWphzXvxkrETrWg0Contents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories1:00:03.549 – Gremlin Graphics Alan Turvey InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Glasgow Gaming Market: https://lnk.ua/qa16qr9YfCheck out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Show notesAtari 800XL official details: https://lnk.ua/gEFrOJqZpClassic games on VHS: https://lnk.ua/OSkrtc6HrSuperStation One gets new colours: https://lnk.ua/92rrYtHq5Taki Udon teases FPGA SNES: https://lnk.ua/PsPhiAyoMMario Kart Game Boy demake: https://lnk.ua/iR3QLbQjvSuper Mario Kart goes fullscreen: https://lnk.ua/bxtKkIqhhDoom gets the Vectrex treatment: https://lnk.ua/ZaNstWSNmSuperAstra changes games with AI: https://lnk.ua/E0zOllC5n

GamesMaster legend Dominik Diamond joins us for a brand-new conversation recorded live at PLAY Expo in Blackpool. From landing the presenting job and meeting Patrick Moore just once to backstage rivalries, celebrity guests and the infamous Dave Perry fallout, Dominik shares hilarious and candid stories from the show that defined gaming TV in the ’90s. Plus, audience questions, his return to stand-up and an honest look at the pressures of overnight fame.Contents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories49:54 – Dominik Diamond InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Glasgow Gaming Market: https://lnk.ua/qa16qr9YfCheck out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.comTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohourShow notesOliver Twins announce new Dizzy: https://lnk.ua/foh1kzQQANew Dizzy game announcement video: https://lnk.ua/IAR5e7mU3House of the Dead VR: https://lnk.ua/z4Nyg4K1vDoom-style action on Commodore 64: https://lnk.ua/weBSRgtNSDoom64 gameplay video: https://lnk.ua/1fEmPhS0SCroc 2 remaster arrives soon: https://lnk.ua/hVVW7FEH0RetroAchievements reach real PS2 hardware: https://lnk.ua/e640i6vy3

This week we’re joined by legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro, recorded live at Retromessa in Norway, for the story behind the iconic Streets of Rage soundtracks. From the club music that inspired those unforgettable beats to getting the most out of the Mega Drive, Yuzo shares how he helped shape the sound of Sega—and reveals his role designing moves and voicing characters in Streets of Rage 2! Plus, we talk Revenge of Shinobi, Sonic and his return to Mega Drive development with Earthion.Plus, Modern Vintage Gamer joins us for the news!MVG: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernVintageGamer/videosContents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories50:27 – Yuzo Koshiro InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark!Play Expo Blackpool: https://www.playexpoblackpool.com/Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsWe 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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.comTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohourShow notesC64 and Spectrum handhelds delayed: https://lnk.ua/Y92W4t1J7Super Mario 64 SNES port: https://lnk.ua/IzOyma94qAmiga Addams Family backgrounds edition: https://lnk.ua/guzIbbISRGoldenEye 007 goes third-person: https://lnk.ua/mPTCUlTqmBinky launches on C64: https://lnk.ua/My9oxsebGLost SNES Railroad Tycoon footage: https://lnk.ua/hwttaGmyJReal coin slot for emulators: https://lnk.ua/fxCnlQe5C

This week, we’re joined by legendary game designer Warren Spector to explore the stories behind Ultima, Deus Ex and Epic Mickey. From the Dungeons & Dragons session that changed his life to John Romero’s offer to make his dream game, Warren shares how he championed player freedom, why Deus Ex almost became a Command & Conquer RPG, and what working with Mickey Mouse meant to him.Paul Drury's The Arcade book: https://lnk.ua/vLieP7PVAContents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories55:50 – Yuzo Koshiro InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsPlayEXPO Blackpool: https://www.playexpoblackpool.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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.comTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohourShow notesGun.Smoke Comes to Amiga: https://lnk.ua/9VVzy7Q1wPixar vs Nintendo: https://lnk.ua/gtcZcmiayThe Return of Motion Gaming: https://lnk.ua/jFAg9AEndCrazy Taxi Netflix Film Announced: https://lnk.ua/AhvVYnhYSMatthew Smith Spectrum Collection: https://lnk.ua/0L1SD3zv3Star Wars Trilogy on Dreamcast: https://lnk.ua/4KpQVGPUT

Recorded live at Retromessa in Norway, we sit down with legendary video game composer Yuzo Koshiro for part one of our conversation, exploring his Nintendo years. From his earliest piano lessons to the orchestral sounds of ActRaiser, the infectious grooves of Super Adventure Island and the worlds of Etrian Odyssey and Super Smash Bros., Yuzo shares the stories and influences behind his music. Plus, audience questions uncover his favourite games, the origins of his YK2 alias and a contribution to Terranigma he’d forgotten he made!Slope's Book Kickstarter: https://lnk.ua/N6GM8pALmContents:00:00 – The Week’s Retro News Stories54:46 – Yuzo Koshiro InterviewPlease visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:Bitmap Books – https://www.bitmapbooks.comGo to https://surfshark.com/retrohour or use code RETROHOUR at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com for all your PCB needsPlayEXPO Blackpool: https://www.playexpoblackpool.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/retrohourJoin our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8Website: http://theretrohour.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/X: https://twitter.com/retrohourukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.comTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohourShow notesNeo Geo AES+ Delayed: https://lnk.ua/lorIBnZ5QNew Lotus Trilogy Remake: https://lnk.ua/NbvwYx8suRPCS3 Adds Physical Disc Support: https://lnk.ua/xkdGOKL4zRare’s Project Dream Leaks Online: https://lnk.ua/15LPiFgPBOcarina of Time Remake: https://lnk.ua/Z0YTZRr2ZMetal Slug Collection Hits Switch: https://lnk.ua/nXKpK6iQA