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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Website: http://theretrohour.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
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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

We catch up with Alastair Low of LowTek Games, as we explore how classic consoles like the NES and Dreamcast are getting a new lease on life. Alastair shares his journey from early gaming memories to developing the huge NES hit 'Flea' and the new sequel, the impact of NES Maker and the success of these retro projects. 

https://lowtek.games/
Flea 2 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flea-game/flea2-new-nes-game

Contents:

00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
44:13 - Lowtek Games 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

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

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Website: http://theretrohour.com
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

Show notes:

Nintendo 64 VR: https://tinyurl.com/58hyjs35
Lego Mario Kart: https://tinyurl.com/2m7na7ka
PSP Go storage mod: https://tinyurl.com/35keatya
Sega Bass Fishing for NES: https://tinyurl.com/y56upns7
Great Giana Sisters for Commodore Plus/4: https://tinyurl.com/4bjv8kev

This week, we talk to Carl Malamud, heralded as "The Father of Internet Radio". We trace Carl's journey from the early buzz of bulletin board systems to setting up the first-ever Internet radio station back in 1992. Carl shares tales from the creation of his flagship show "Geek of The Week," where Internet legends like Tim Berners-Lee took the mic, to orchestrating the monumental Internet 1996 World Exposition, a digital World's Fair that connected millions globally.

Internet Talk Radio Archives: https://archive.org/details/RT-FM
Public.Resource.Org: https://public.resource.org/
Bangalore Literature Festival: https://archive.org/details/bangalore.literature.festival.2023
Internet Talk Radio on Computer Chronicles: https://youtu.be/U_o8gerare0?si=IciilvN84v4DpYqY&t=1027 

Contents:

00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
49:05 - Carl Malamud Interview

Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:

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:

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https://www.patreon.com/retrohour

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Show notes:

Amstrad's Return Under Lord Alan Sugar: https://tinyurl.com/2kerma83
Atari 2600 Movie Experience: https://tinyurl.com/2vna892p
Indie Game Thunder Helix Pays Homage to Classics: https://tinyurl.com/2s4jdjz6
Jeff Minter's Interactive Documentary Preview: https://tinyurl.com/4wxrrybm
Unearthed Time Splitters 4 Prototype: https://tinyurl.com/3ustfvwh

This week we're joined by the awesome John Riggs, renowned for his YouTube channel and contributions to the NES and indie gaming scenes. John walks us through his earliest gaming memories, his arcade roots, and his journey into the heart of YouTube. From collaborating with Metal Jesus Rocks to the therapeutic joys of 'Open Cart Surgery'. John also shares insights into his game development adventures, from ROM hacks to indie successes, and his love of vintage breakfast cereal. 

John Riggs: https://linktr.ee/johnriggs

Contents:

00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
40:55 - John Riggs Interview

Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:

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

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

Show notes:

Flipper Zero Gameboy Adaptor: https://tinyurl.com/mv3d78jf 
Return of Physical Media: https://tinyurl.com/3j2emtnm
Virtual Boy Emulator for the 3DS: https://tinyurl.com/4wj6ytc4 
Age of Empires 2 Still Getting DLC: https://tinyurl.com/38mxwtps 
Official Doom Port to a Lawnmower: https://tinyurl.com/3dd5zps2

Dive into a fascinating journey with Ali Motisi, the mastermind behind 'Full Void' and the founder of Out of the Bit, as we explore the captivating world where retro meets modern. Discover how Commodore Amigas are being used to craft stunning graphics and soundscapes for today's gaming giants like PlayStation 5 and Xbox. From the formation of Out of the Bit to the groundbreaking creation of 'Full Void', Ali shares insider details on the unique blend of old-school inspirations and cutting-edge technology. 

Out of The Bit: https://www.outofthebit.com/

Contents:

00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
42:29 - Out of The Bit Interview

Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show:

Bitmap Books https://www.bitmapbooks.com/

Thanks to our latest Patreon backers, in the Hall of Fame this week: Seb, Justin “Jutman” Hickman, Rodney Underkoffler

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

Show notes:

Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection Remaster: http://tinyurl.com/yeytp835
New Xbox Exploit: Hacks Your Console with Just a Memory Card: http://tinyurl.com/4kubduyu
Evercade Gets Its First 64-bit Title: Glover: http://tinyurl.com/4w7amudn
Jeff Minter's Akka Arrh Comes to PSVR2: http://tinyurl.com/3f7m4eew
Collector Finds Rare Philips CD-i Hotel Mario Prototype in Goodwill: http://tinyurl.com/2eck6aj3

In this week’s episode, we're joined by Dominic Wheatley, a true pioneer in the gaming industry and co-founder of the iconic Domark. From the groundbreaking 'Eureka!', securing iconic James Bond and Star Wars licenses, to the merger with Eidos, launching the era of Tomb Raider.

Catalis Group: https://www.catalisgroup.com/
Testronic: www.testroniclabs.com
Curve Games: www.curvegames.com

Contents:

00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories
35:20 - Dominic Wheatley 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
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour

Show notes:

All 25 games announced for the 400 Mini: http://tinyurl.com/8h2tcans
New Mega Drive game, Rocket Panda, launches on Kickstarter: http://tinyurl.com/48pnz3u4
Atari-themed TV show under development: http://tinyurl.com/228k5ds5
Modders rectify a longstanding NES issue: http://tinyurl.com/24pbp3yu
Safedisc DRM finally cracked: http://tinyurl.com/hurr6udb