Pocket Episode 18: Nintendo Merchandise
Make room for a big bowl of Nintendo Cereal System as we take a quick look at the absurdity of classic Mario and friends merchandise from its kind-of-golden years.
39m Mar 24, 2014
39m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 18: Video Game Media
GamePro? EGM? Next Generation? Household names — if you were a household of game nerds, that is. We flip through the pages of game magazines and websites in their best and most formative years.
1hr 53m Mar 17, 2014
1hr 53m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 17: Another World/Out of this World
Matsuba! Regardless of how you interpret this alien expression, Eric Chahi's Out of this World (or Another World to our European friends) wowed its early-'90s audience with its enigmatic atmosphere and lack of respect for convention -- which is probably why it remains so playable today. Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Jeremy Parish, and Watch Out for Fireballs' Gary Butterfield as the Retronauts...
42m Mar 10, 2014
42m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 17: Parappa the Rapper Series
In those oh-so optimistic '90s, Parappa the Rapper taught an entire generation there's no shame in playing a game about a paper-thin puppy who raps about pooping. But when the end of the decade saw a sequel about a guitar-playing lamb, our love affair with musically adept cartoon animals was over. Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Jeremy Parish, and Gamasutra's Christian Nutt as the Retronauts dis...
1hr 43m Mar 03, 2014
1hr 43m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 16: Ivalice
By request of Jeff Tibayan, we follow up on last week's Yasumi Matsuno episode with an in-depth look at the lore and evolution of Matsuno's largest single body of work (plus some other games) to date: The Ivalice series.
46m Feb 26, 2014
46m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 16: Yasumi Matsuno
By request of supporter Hugh Franck, we delve into the complex (and often very earth-tone) world of Yasumi Matsuno, from the early Quest era all the way through the recent Unsung Story Kickstarter. 
1hr 49m Feb 16, 2014
1hr 49m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 15: Destiny of an Emperor
Ancient Chinese novel meets 1980s Japanese manga meets 1990 video game. We discuss the finer points of Capcom's NES role-playing game Destiny of an Emperor.
25m Feb 10, 2014
25m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 15: Retro Compilations
Yes, even retro collections can be retro. We discuss the highlights and lowlights of classic game packs of the past 20 years, like Namco Museum, Sega Ages, and more.
1hr 34m Feb 03, 2014
1hr 34m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 14: Baldur's Gate
In 1998, Bioware changed the face of RPGs with Baldur's Gate, which did an amazing job of translating the complex mechanics of Dungeons and Dragons into video game form--and not just the dungeon crawly stuff. Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt and Jason Wilson as they discuss one of BioWare's best and gather their party before venturing forth.
47m Jan 28, 2014
47m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 14 - Harvest Moon
For over 15 years, the Harvest Moon series has been teaching sickly indoor kids the virtues of tilling the land, petting the chickens, and having low-wage serfs do most of the dirty work. Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and special guest backer Adam Fitch as the Retronauts explore this prolific farming sim series, and maybe -- just maybe -- raise each other's affection levels in t...
1hr 38m Jan 19, 2014
1hr 38m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 13: Pre-Video Arcade Gaming
It's the most retro Retronauts ever as we look at the roots of video games in the form of pre-video arcade games. Ski-ball! Kinetoscopes! Electromechanical target galleries! Even WE aren't this old. Sam Claiborn joins Jeremy, Ray, and Bob.
31m Jan 13, 2014
31m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 13: The Golden Age of the Arcade
We enter the new year by talking about -- what else? -- very old years. IGN's Sam Claiborn joins Jeremy, Bob, and Ray for a discussion of the golden era of the American arcade. Digressions abound!
1hr 42m Jan 06, 2014
1hr 42m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 12: Quake
We go over a brief history of id Software’s original release of the PC first-person shooter Quake, including the finer points of the game and the innovations it helped jumpstart. Or is that rocket-jumpstart?
38m Dec 30, 2013
38m
Retronauts Holiday 2013 Extravaganza
It doesn't matter whether you've been naughty or nice -- the Retronauts are back with another holiday spectacular to fill your sinful ears with delight. Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and special guest Chris Antista as the crew discusses Christmas specials from The Super Mario Bros. Super Show and Super Mario World, and curses the uncaring god who would let such things happen. (N...
1hr 1m Dec 23, 2013
1hr 1m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 12 - Wrestlenauts
We discuss the surprisingly rich and legitimate history of wrestling games, with the best and worst games from the 8 to 32-bit eras and (hopefully) beyond, with guests Michael Donahoe, Henry Gilbert and Dave Rudden.
2hr 1m Dec 16, 2013
2hr 1m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 11 - The Minnesota Educational Computing Corporation (MECC)
If you're a child of the '80s, you may remember whiling away valuable school hours planted in front of an Apple IIe, playing one of the many games developed by the Minnesota Educational Computing Corporation. From munching numbers to carving a path to the bounty of Oregon, the fine people of MECC gave plenty of kids a respite from long division and the shame of gym class -- and we thank them fo...
34m Dec 09, 2013
34m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 11 - The History of Video Game Voice Acting
From Berzerk's creepy robot barks to Metal Gear Solid's overwrought death monologues, voice acting has been a major element of video games -- but just how did we get to where we are today? Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt and special backer guest Chris Doucette as they dine on Jill sandwiches, sit in rocket lawn chairs, and explore the mysteries of video game voice acting.
1hr 30m Dec 02, 2013
1hr 30m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 10 - Gaming Roots - Star Wars
IGN's Sam Claiborn joins Jeremy, Bob, and Ray to explore more of the roots of classic games by discussing the influence of Star Wars (if any!) on the medium.
40m Nov 25, 2013
40m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 10 - Japan's Golden Age
Live from Japan! Kickstarter backer Dan Feit joins Jeremy Parish, Kat Bailey, Shane Bettenhausen, Mark MacDonald, John Ricciardi, and Kyle McLain to answer the most important question: What was the golden era of Japanese games?
1hr 1m Nov 18, 2013
1hr 1m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 9 - Super NES Accessories
Not a lot of memorable accessories hit the Super NES back in the day, but the ones that do still have some stories behind them. We talk about the mice, guns, and bikes — yes, bikes — that were made for the 16-bit powerhouse.
26m Nov 11, 2013
26m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 9: Konami Arcade Beat-Em-Ups
We love the Ninja Turtles and Simpsons arcade games, but what other similar games did Konami make back then? Guest Matt Leone rejoins us for this backer-requested topic on Konami’s beat-em-up lineage.
1hr 2m Nov 05, 2013
1hr 2m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 8 - Jaws & Friday the 13th
In the late '80s, Lewis J. Norman had a dream: delivering children awful video game adaptations of movies way out of their age range. But are these 8-bit monsters really just misunderstood? Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, and special guests Brett Elston and Chris Antista as they uncover the dark truths of Jaws and Friday the 13th for the NES, and brave the horrors of mechanical sharks and machet...
34m Oct 28, 2013
34m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 8: Fan Translations
On this episode, we examine the achievements of gaming's true heroes: the selfless hackers who spend weeks, months, and years translating some of the most amazing games that never left Japan -- and for free! Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, and the Laser Time Network's Chris Antista and Brett Elston for a discussion of the fan translation scene, and a thorough countdown of the top 12 fan translat...
1hr 53m Oct 21, 2013
1hr 53m
Retronauts Special 2 - Portland Retro Gaming Expo Live 2013
Hold onto your beards and fashionable second-hand clothing -- the Retronauts are in Portland and ready to rock. And by "rock" we mean "talk about the Mega Drive/Sega Genesis' 25th birthday." Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Gary Butterfield, Kole Ross, and Kevin Gifford as they pay their proper respects to Sega's most successful console in front of a live audience.
55m Oct 14, 2013
55m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 7 - Quintet & Illusion of Gaia
By request of backer Daniel Worthington, Bob, Ray, and Jeremy delve into the history of 16-bit RPG masters Quintet… or at least as much history as we can dig up. Those guys were pretty mysterious.
48m Oct 07, 2013
48m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 7 - Game Music Redux - 9.30.13
Retronauts backer James Eldred of LostTurntable.com joins Jeremy, Bob, and Ray to talk about the highs and lows of the history of video game music in this nearly two-hour ramblefest.
1hr 52m Sep 30, 2013
1hr 52m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 6: Genesis Accessories
The history of Sega Genesis accessories went from mundane to insane in just a few short years. We touch on the modems, mice, Menacers and Activators of Sega's 16-bit powerhouse.
30m Sep 23, 2013
30m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 6: Arcade Racing Games
From jalopies to supercars (so to speak), we discuss 40 years of arcade-based driving games. Old friend and arcade game expert Matt Leone joins us to run through a pile of notable rubber-burning, quarter-munching experiences, and where they might be headed.
1hr 19m Sep 16, 2013
1hr 19m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 5: The Media vs. NintendoMania
In what could be the most John Stossel-heavy Retronauts episode of all time (we hope), your favorite classic gaming buddies and special guest Henry Gilbert (of GamesRadar) take a look at how the media reacted to Nintendo conquering a generation of children in the late '80s. Sit back, relax, and get ready to hear middle-aged adults growing progressively crankier about how kids can't stop playing...
37m Sep 09, 2013
37m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 5 - The History of Video Game Violence
Video games have been no stranger to scandal; even before the first splash of digital blood could be rendered on our TV screens, gaming threatened to warp minds, steal souls, and possibly, lead to rampant slackerism. Join the Retronauts crew as they explore the many smear campaigns levied towards gaming throughout the decades, mostly by clueless opportunists who couldn't see the clean, wholesom...
1hr 36m Sep 01, 2013
1hr 36m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 4: Ultima IV
Welcome to our very first backer-determined episode! At the behest of David Epp, Jeremy, Bob, Ray, and Sharkey talk about Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar and how games have been influenced by (but never quite matched) its morality system.
44m Aug 26, 2013
44m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 4 - Atari
Retronauts alumnus Scott Sharkey returns from his 40 weeks of wandering in the desert to join us for a look back at the history of Atari, from the early days of the American arcade through the glory times of the 2600 and on to the sad dissolution that followed. Jeremy Parish hosts, with Bob Mackey on play-by-play and Ray on color.
1hr 42m Aug 19, 2013
1hr 42m
Retronauts Special 1 - Seattle Retro Gaming Expo Live 2013
Live from Seattle! Jeremy, Bob, and Ray went to this year's Seattle Retro Gaming Expo to talk about their favorite summer video game memories; then they open the floor to the crowd, which responds in kind.
1hr 21m Aug 12, 2013
1hr 21m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 3: NES Accessories
There's more to retro games than just games -- there's also buttons, sticks, gloves, and any other wacky thing that can be engineered. Ray, Bob and Jeremy have a brief round-up of just some of the peripherals that stuck out in our minds during the NES era.
28m Aug 04, 2013
28m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 3: Ninja Gaiden
Dragon swords, demon birds, and Draconian action gameplay -- these are the pillars of Ninja Gaiden. The Retronauts crew offers a primer on Tecmo's celebrated action series, exploring the arcade, Nintendo, and Sega eras of Ryu Hayabusa's many adventures. Plus, talk of recent Game Gear releases on Virtual Console, and multiple interruptions by our special "guest."
1hr 30m Jul 29, 2013
1hr 30m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 2: Captain N: The Game Master
Nearly 25 years ago, one of Nintendo's most successful marketing tools infected millions of children with the help of broadcast television: Captain N: The Game Master. Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, and Ray Barnholt as they examine the first episode of the show and try not to get too distracted by King Hippo's exquisitely drawn nipples.
40m Jul 21, 2013
40m
Retronauts Vol. III Ep. 2: Wario Land
Wario's been adventuring solo for nearly twenty years, though Nintendo's evil answer to Mario is mostly known for his micro-game legacy. Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and Kat Bailey as they peer back a bit further into this character's past.
1hr 33m Jul 12, 2013
1hr 33m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 1: Progressive Rock
We step outside the bounds of tradition to look at some of the influences that shape the games we love. This time, we talk about progressive rock (such as it was) and its impact on countless game composers. Special guest Dr. Sparkle (Chrontendo) joins Jeremy, Bob, and Ray.
45m Jul 08, 2013
45m
Retronauts Vol. III Ep. 1: Launches
We're back! By the power of crowdfunding! Retronauts launches a new season by marking the 30th anniversary of three crucial Japanese consoles: Famicom, SG-1000, and MSX. Featuring the voice of Chrontendo (http://chrontendo.blogspot.com) 's Dr. Sparkle and a lovely new musical theme. Host: Jeremy Parish. With Ray Barnholt, Bob Mackey, and Dr. Sparkle.
1hr 27m Jul 01, 2013
1hr 27m