The Retro Hour (Retro Gaming Podcast)

This week, we're joined by legendary game designer and artist Mark Healey. From his early days with a Commodore 64, working on the classic KGB Super Spy, to his pivotal role in iconic Bullfrog titles like Theme Park and Dungeon Keeper, Mark shares the stories and inspirations behind his work. Hear about his experiences with industry giants like the Darling brothers and Peter Molyneux, his innovative approach to educational games with Fun School, and the creation of his own studio, Media Molecule.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:37 - Mark Healey 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
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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/
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour
Show notes
Mario Maker 64: https://tinyurl.com/mrxyhtrw
Cronela's Mansion: https://tinyurl.com/3tv6xaj5
The Glass Staircase PS2 Horror: https://tinyurl.com/t8y32zmb
Hack NES Tetris from inside the game: https://tinyurl.com/3svec93w
Play with classic Mac OS's in your browser: https://infinitemac.org/

This week on the podcast, we sit down with the pioneering game designer Nicole Lazzaro, renowned for her work on iconic titles like The Sims, Myst, and Diner Dash. From playing Colossal Cave Adventure on shared computers to studying Psychology and Film at Stanford, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of emotions in games.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
34:10 - Nicole Lazzaro 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
Incredible new N64 recomp tool: https://tinyurl.com/49s9sxsw
Ron Gilbert is creating a new Zelda-type game: https://tinyurl.com/yc5bkevd
Dread Delusion: https://tinyurl.com/ycy33e8h
Tomb Raider TV show: https://tinyurl.com/4bz8274h
Mario 64 on GBA: https://tinyurl.com/dv56mxnv

We catch up with the legendary Joe Bonar as he discusses his journey from the early days of the GameCube to developing on quirky systems like the Nokia N-Gage. Joe gives us an insider’s look into the creation of groundbreaking titles like Burnout, Tron 2.0, and Sonic Rivals.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
39:09 - Joe Bonar Interview
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
Super Mario Bros CD: https://tinyurl.com/35tbt53m
Gladmori for Dreamcast and Neo Geo: https://tinyurl.com/5byrnpbn
BASIC turns 60: https://tinyurl.com/5xsawmbj
Tricky Madness: https://tinyurl.com/2uj3v6zn
ZX Spectrum game broadcast on FM radio: https://tinyurl.com/4dzxdfdp

This week, we're joined by Sam Dicker, a pioneer who helped shape the sound and fury of iconic games like Defender and Sinistar. We explore his time at Williams Electronics and joining the early Amiga crew, Sam shares his stories behind the creation of game-changing sounds and making the legendary Amiga 'boing ball' demo that wowed CES in 1984.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:48 - Sam Dicker 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/
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:
Xbox 360 store to close this summer: https://tinyurl.com/6hs6suxj
SummerCart64: https://tinyurl.com/yc6mjuzr
Dr Robotnik ring racers: https://tinyurl.com/43x9466s
Fallout excel: https://tinyurl.com/2ktmw25t
30 years since Commodore went bust: https://tinyurl.com/m573sxhx

We continue our celebrations of 40 years of the Amstrad CPC with part 2 of our chat with Roland Perry. This episode dives into the Sinclair acquisition, the transformation of Amstrad after incorporating the Spectrum, the expansion of the CPC line into high-end models, and a peek at some intriguing unreleased prototypes.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:36 - Roland Perry 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/
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:
Infogrames revival announced: https://tinyurl.com/mtvjj6ar
Game Boy as FM Radio with new cart: https://tinyurl.com/y7xauz4t
Switch Arcade Racing Dock revealed: https://tinyurl.com/3j9hcnrt
Doom 64 coming to the Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/59zwawsf
Phoenix launches on Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/mk635zy3

Join us on a special journey back in time with Roland Perry, the visionary tech consultant behind the legendary Amstrad CPC, as we celebrate 40 incredible years of this iconic machine. In this not-to-be-missed episode, Roland takes us from his early days tinkering with electronics in school, through the founding of Ambit International, right up to his crucial role in steering the Amstrad CPC to success against heavyweights like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
45:20 - Roland Perry Interview
Amstrad Addict Magazine: https://www.pixel.addict.media/shop/amstrad-addict-magazine
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/
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:
Golden Axe TV Show: https://tinyurl.com/3abhf8sr
Xbox Launch Dedicated Team to Backwards Compatibility: https://tinyurl.com/bdujbj55
New Atari ST Racer: https://tinyurl.com/y5c6b8zr
Tomb Raider Coming to Evercade: https://tinyurl.com/hefukt8w
Control Your Switch Using Your GBA: https://tinyurl.com/mwdkpa9r

This week, we have a virtual sit-down with Lee Jacobson, the creative force behind the cult classic dark adventure game 'Harvester' and the groundbreaking 'Command Adventures: Starship' and the B-movie style 1994 FPS 'The Fortress of Dr. Radiaki', sharing behind-the-scenes tales from the early days of FPS and adventure games.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:59 - Lee Jacobson 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/
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:
Wii U connects to new servers no jailbreak: https://tinyurl.com/2a5fn96j
Rare PS1 controller turned into handheld: https://tinyurl.com/5bsjmytr
Prototype N64 cancelled game appears online: https://tinyurl.com/yc4erc7c
CEX launches repair service for consoles including retro: https://tinyurl.com/4jm5ymk7
Ninja Action Shadow game: https://tinyurl.com/8u297mye

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Ken Levine, the mastermind behind Bioshock, to explore his gaming roots and creative journey. From his early fascination with electro-mechanical games to the immersive worlds of Ultima Underworld and Civilization, Ken unfolds the layers behind Bioshock's immersive narrative and art deco influences. We'll also peek into the development of his newest project, Judas, and its appeal to Bioshock fans.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
48:37 - Ken Levine Interview
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/
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:
Time Splitters Rewind seeks developers: https://tinyurl.com/ymwth8wy
New Amstrad fan game: Mighty Street Fighter: https://tinyurl.com/y57hdmad
NES cartridge turned into a console: https://youtu.be/ON-vArvervA
Cyber Mission: New Genesis/Mega Drive game: https://tinyurl.com/mw3su79d
PO'ed Mightdive remaster revealed: https://tinyurl.com/382vp9hk

This week we're joined by Kate Fox, the Macintosh Librarian, to explore the world of retro Apple tech. Kate shares how Apple's educational programs and early experiences with technology shaped her career. We'll delve into the creation of her Youtube channel and her AI assistant Maccy, the allure of the NeXT computers, and the intrigue of third-party Mac clones. Plus, Kate gives us a glimpse into her gaming favourites, essential maintenance tips for classic Macs, and her visions for future projects.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
43:17 - Macintosh Librarian 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:
GameCube Goes Online: $15 Device: https://tinyurl.com/br8ufsk3
NBA 2K19: Unwanted Copies: https://tinyurl.com/2484n8zb
Amigo Sampler: Amiga Plugin: https://tinyurl.com/4x77vrp5
Unveiled: 'Tetris Reversed' Sequel: https://tinyurl.com/ye29a9zd
N64's Secret DVD Drive: https://tinyurl.com/ypye4pcz

We chat with industry legend Sheri Graner Ray, tracing her journey from her early days at Origin Systems, where she shaped the fantastical realms of Ultima, to her pioneering role at Her Interactive in creating the first-ever CD-ROM titles aimed at females, along with the challenges that entailed. Beyond her technical achievements, we delve into her passionate advocacy for gender inclusivity within gaming, inspiring women both as players and industry professionals.
Contents:
00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
32:30 - Sheri Graner Ray 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/
Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Rodney Underkoffler, Andreas Wanda, Tiago Epifanio, James Randall
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:
Archer Maclean's Atari Arcade Experiments Preserved: https://tinyurl.com/ywwe29wj
New Saturn-Style Parking Garage Racer Looks Ridiculously Fun: https://tinyurl.com/39yr9v9y
Mirror Your PC Screen to a CRT with MiSTerCast: https://tinyurl.com/3vruhrhm
Duck Hunt Gets an Enhanced Remake for the Amiga: https://tinyurl.com/4hwczef6
Atari Returns to the Arcade with Its Recharged Series: https://tinyurl.com/2cpfctn8