Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 42: Listener Mail 2015
This week on Retronauts, we're resurrecting two features from our older seasons that normally don't fit into the show's refurbished format: going over the best retro rereleases, and responding to your comments and questions. Those carefree days of 2013 and earlier are back, baby! (If only for 90 minutes.) On this installment, Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and Chris Antista as th...
1hr 39m Jun 22, 2015
1hr 39m
Retronauts Micro Episode 15: A Tengen Tale
Jeremy looks back at the dark counterpart to Konami spinoff Ultra Games: Atari spinoff Tengen, who didn't so much bend the rules of NES publishing as shatter them into a million tiny pieces.
15m Jun 14, 2015
15m
Retronauts Episode 41: The Mega Man Legacy
Jeremy and Bob are joined by Capcom's Brett Elston and Greg Moore to revisit a topic near to everyone's heart: the Mega Man legacy. (And also the Mega Man Legacy Collection, due later this year.)
1hr 52m Jun 08, 2015
1hr 52m
Retronauts Micro 014: Konami 8-Bit B-Sides Mixtape
Without a doubt, the music of Konami's NES catalog has a stellar reputation--if their stable of composers had only crafted the 8-bit Castlevania soundtracks, they'd still go down in history as some of the greatest video game maestros of all time. But did you know Konami applied the same amount of musical genius to all of their 8-bit games, regardless of their disposability? On this week's Retro...
16m Jun 01, 2015
16m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 40: Why We Love Japanese Games
By this point, it shouldn't be a big surprise that we Retronauts are big fans of Japanese games. Each of us developed our love for the medium in a decade when Japan dominated the gaming landscape, after all--even if it took us a while to realize our favorite games came from outside the US of A. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, and guest Henry Gilbert as the crew tr...
1hr 33m May 26, 2015
1hr 33m
Retronauts Micro Episode 13: Ultra Games
Only '90s kids will understand the appeal of games published by a great studio under a different name! In the NES days, Ultra Games brought us tons of quality Konami creations, because Konami couldn't. Jeremy contemplates the whys and wherefores of Ultra.
9m May 18, 2015
9m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 39: Slow Life Games
At the behest of Kickstarter backer Chase (yes, we're still fulfilling Kickstarter episodes), Jeremy, Bob, Ray, and Gary Butterfield assemble to talk about "slow life games." You know, the ones about nothing. The Seinfelds of games.
1hr 45m May 11, 2015
1hr 45m
Retronauts Micro 012: Interstate '76
Back in the '90s, '70s nostalgia reigned supreme. And few games took advantage of our rekindled love for all things groovy like Activision's Interstate '76. This car combat simulator didn't simply act as a superficial sendup of "The Me Decade," though; Activision's surprisingly complex creation used a '70s backdrop to add a heavy dose of atmosphere and colorful characters that wouldn't be there...
12m May 04, 2015
12m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 38: Bonk
For whatever reason, the late '80s to early '90s absolutely overflowed with games about cavemen and dinosaurs. And while we're still struggling to explain this trend, without "Cave-mania," we wouldn't have Bonk: The TurboGrafx-16's answer to Mario. For roughly five years, NEC's big-headed caveman tried to carve a niche for himself within the crowded mascot platformer market, though the harsh co...
1hr 18m Apr 27, 2015
1hr 18m
Retronauts Micro 011: Virtual Boy
Following our look at Game Boy's competitors in the late '90s, Jeremy explores the system's would-be successor: Nintendo's disastrous Virtual Boy. Aw, but it wasn't all bad.
11m Apr 20, 2015
11m
Retronauts Vol. IV, Episode 37: Neo Geo Pocket & WonderSwan
Old-timers Shane Bettenhausen and Christian Nutt join Jeremy and Bob to hash out the history and relative failures of the last great Game Boy challengers of the '90s: Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan.
1hr 26m Apr 13, 2015
1hr 26m
Retronauts Micro 010: Parodius
Remember Konami? They might not put out many games these days, but back in the '90s they were an absolute powerhouse, with their work dipping into just about every genre known to humankind. In fact, they were so prolific, a parody of one of their famous shoot-em-ups even made for a viable franchise! On this week's edition of Retronauts Micro, learn all about Parodius, the classic Konami shooter...
10m Apr 06, 2015
10m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 36: Super Mario World
Super Mario World celebrates its 25th birthday this year, making all of us indescribably old. More importantly, though, this anniversary is the perfect time to discuss the finer points of this legendary Nintendo-developed platformer--one we may take for granted, seeing as most of us got it for free. On this episode, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, and guest Gary Butterfield as the crew dedicate...
1hr 35m Mar 30, 2015
1hr 35m
Retronauts Micro 009: Wizards & Warriors
After last week's in-depth blowout on Rare, Jeremy pauses to look briefly at one of the company's most significant yet underappreciated creations: 1987's Wizards & Warriors for NES.
7m Mar 25, 2015
7m
Retronauts Episode Vol. IV Episode 35: Rare
UK ex-pat Jaz Rignall joins Bob and Jeremy to discuss England's crown jewel: Rare. From their early era as Ultimate Play the Game to their N64 glory days, we cover the full history of this enigmatic developer. By request of Kickstarter backer Michael Lee!
1hr 30m Mar 16, 2015
1hr 30m
Retronauts Micro Episode 8: Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures
Who had this idea for a video game? Where are they now? Did this strange experiment start as a project for the promising SNES-CD? And who, exactly, from Namco's US branch thought this bizarre creation should be Pac-Man's first official sequel? Join Bob Mackey on this solo Retronauts Micro as he tries to discover the answers to the many mysteries behind Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures. Be sure to ...
11m Mar 10, 2015
11m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 34: Tiny Toon Adventures Games
They're tiny, they're toony, they're all a little looney, and, coming from a show with only 100 episodes, they're sure in a hell of a lot of games. (Hey, we're no lyricists.) Tiny Toon Adventures celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015, making this an opportune time to celebrate Steven Spielberg's resurrection of the classic Looney Tunes brand for a new generation. On this episode, join Bob Mac...
1hr 34m Mar 02, 2015
1hr 34m
Retronauts Micro 007: The Ups and Downs of Xenogears
Jeremy explores his uncomfortable mixture of admiration for and frustration with Squaresoft's almost-classic RPG for PlayStation, Xenogears. It's a complicated episode for a complicated game. [This essay originally appeared in GameSpite Journal 11.]
13m Feb 23, 2015
13m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 33: What's the Deal with Relevance?
Last time we talked about games that jumped the shark; here's the flip side of the conversation. IGN's Jose Otero joins us to discuss classic series that faded away not because of bad sequels but simply because time passed them by.
1hr 49m Feb 16, 2015
1hr 49m
Retronauts Micro Episode 6: Retro Games We Want to Like
Have you ever wanted to like a classic game, but something about it just didn't jive with you? Well, the Retronauts are no different. On this bite-sized episode, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Shane Bettenhausen, and Christian Nutt as the gang discusses those retro games they wish they could love. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com (http://www.retronauts.com) , and check out our partn...
17m Feb 09, 2015
17m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 32: When Games Jump the Shark
Sometimes, good games can go bad. And when they do, they usually go REALLY bad. On this episode of Retronauts, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Kat Bailey, and Mikel Reparaz as the crew tries to pinpoint when certain series went off the rails and into oblivion--and if any of them ever recovered. If you disagree with the opinions within, just remember: That's perfectly okay! We won't begin etchin...
1hr 41m Feb 02, 2015
1hr 41m
Retronauts Micro 005: Yellow Magic Orchestra
A brief journey into the music of a band that had an incredible influence on the direction and style of game music in the '80s and '90s: Japan's New Wave-tinged synth rockers Yellow Magic Orchestra. Featuring lots of music by, yes, Yellow Magic Orchestra.
9m Jan 26, 2015
9m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 31: All Hail the DS
What is "retro"? This week, we test the limits by talking about a 10-year-old system whose games you can still buy at retail. But in fairness, the Nintendo DS was pretty much retro from the moment of its conception. Featuring the voices of Games Radar's Henry Gilbert and USgamer's Kat Bailey.
1hr 49m Jan 19, 2015
1hr 49m
Retronauts Micro Episode 4: Bad Purchasing Decisions
As adults, we may do the proper research before plunking down our hard-earned cash on a new video game, but this wasn't always the case. Years ago, our developing brains weren't quite as skilled at impulse control, leading to some particularly painful cases of buyer's remorse. On this episode of Retronauts Micro, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Kat Bailey, and Mikel Reparaz as they discuss the ...
18m Jan 12, 2015
18m
Retronauts Micro Episode 3: Zillion
This off-week, Jeremy looks back at one of the forgotten gems of a forgotten system: Zillion for Master System. While imperfect, it neatly demonstrated Sega's knack for going above an beyond the typical.
7m Jan 05, 2015
7m
Retronauts Micro Episode 2: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Didn't play The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask? You're not alone! With most of the world being wrapped up in PlayStation 2-mania during that memorable month of October 2000, this black sheep of the Zelda family went forgotten, only to build up a devoted following over the past 15 years. And, with a 3DS remake on the way, there's never been a better time to talk about why Majora's Mask is simply...
24m Dec 29, 2014
24m
Retronauts Volume IV Episode 30: Telenet and Valis
As a holiday treat for our listeners, we're putting out TWO full-length episodes in a row—and this one is the long-awaited Valis special. It's taken many years, but it's finally here. Sony's Shane Bettenhausen and Gamasutra's Christian Nutt join us to discuss the history of Telenet's crown jewel.
1hr 24m Dec 22, 2014
1hr 24m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 29: Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li
The Retronauts holiday tradition continues with a fourth trip to our cabin in Parts Unknown, and, due to popular demand, this year's special marks a return to the Movie Month style of episodes we did a few years ago! Join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and Laser Time's Chris Antista for a long, painful look at 2009's Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, a box office bomb that's most...
1hr 32m Dec 15, 2014
1hr 32m
Retronauts Micro Episode 1: The TI-99/4A
It's our first off-week of the season, and we're going small with Retronauts Micro: Bite-sized chunklets of podcast, no more than 10 minutes in length. In this Micro episode, Jeremy flies solo and looks back at a largely forgotten computer platform: The TI-99/4A.
9m Dec 08, 2014
9m
Retronauts Vol. IV Episode 28: Gaming's Greatest Flops
Retronauts is back for a brand-new season! And what better way to celebrate our crowdfunding success than an entire episode devoted to failure? In this season premiere, join Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, Bob Mackey, and special guest Brett Elston (of Capcom Unity) as the crew discusses some of the most spectacular flops in video game history. Be sure to visit our blog at Retronauts.com (http://w...
1hr 33m Dec 01, 2014
1hr 33m
Retronauts Special: New Season Preview/Kickstarter Backer Tribute
Want details on our next season? Well, you've come to the right place, buddy! On this special episode of Retronauts, join Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and Bob Mackey for a thorough discussion of what's going to be happening with the next year of Retronauts. (Oh, and you might want to head over to http://www.patreon.com/retronauts and consider donating just a few bucks a month.) And on the secon...
1hr 10m Nov 03, 2014
1hr 10m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 27: Games of Game Center CX
In our season finale, we discuss four games that appeared on Game Center CX and drove its host to the brink.
42m Aug 18, 2014
42m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 27: Game Center CX
Why spend 90 minutes talking about a Japanese TV show? Because it's just that great. We give you the lowdown on one of the most enjoyable shows about games ever made.
1hr 21m Aug 11, 2014
1hr 21m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 26: Planescape: Torment
BioWare's Infinity Engine powered some of the greatest PC experiences the '90s had to offer, and one of its last games was unlike any other RPG we'd seen before -- or since, for that matter. On this episode of Retronauts Pocket, join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Jeremy Parish, and Duckfeed.tv's Gary Butterfield for a morbid conversation about Planescape: Torment, an insanely creative RPG with a mo...
46m Aug 04, 2014
46m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 26: RPG Battle Systems
RPG battle systems: What started as a way to simulate the rolling of dice on a Cheetos-stained card table has mutated over the past 30-plus years into something far different from its Dungeons and Dragons roots. And even though Gary Gygax had no idea what a "limit break" was back in the early '70s, this and other additions have made menu-based enemy encounters far more appealing than they used ...
1hr 38m Jul 28, 2014
1hr 38m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 25 - The Castlevania Trilogy
Jeremy puts the wraps on his hosting duties for Retronauts Vol. III by returning to an old favorite topic (Castlevania) while Bob and Ray demonstrate patient indulgence. 
1hr 2m Jul 21, 2014
1hr 2m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 25: 8-Bit Anarchy in the U.K.
It's taken nearly eight years, but we finally got a real live British person to join us so we can talk about the most egregious failure in Retronauts coverage: Britain's 8-bit micros. By request of Mike Wasson, Jaz Rignall lays a tarp over the gap.
1hr 42m Jul 14, 2014
1hr 42m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 24: Skyblazer
A pleasant chat about one of the least-known, better-playing Super NES games of the day: Sony's Skyblazer.
28m Jul 07, 2014
28m
Retronauts Special #3 – Live From TooManyGames 2014
We present the "Life and Times of the 3DO" in this special live panel about the often-forgotten 32-bit console.
54m Jun 30, 2014
54m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 24: Intellivision
We continue to dip our feet in the console golden age and jump around the chronology of Mattel's "Intelligent Television."
1hr 4m Jun 23, 2014
1hr 4m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 23: Policenauts
Esteemed game designer Hideo Kojima has had his hands full with Metal Gear (exclusively) for the past 15 years, but once upon a time his games featured far fewer nanomachines. On this installment of Retronauts Pocket, we take a long, hard look at Policenauts, Kojima's 1994 adventure game that signaled the end of his brief flirtation with this genre. Join Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, and Michael Sa...
44m Jun 03, 2014
44m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 23: Speedruns
The art of speedrunning is barely two decades old, but in that time we've seen our share of stupefying feats from game masters that would put Captain N himself to shame. Will this burgeoning subculture be the key to keeping love for classic games alive? Thanks to a generous donation from Kickstarter backer Nich Maragos, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt, and guest Christian Nutt as t...
1hr 27m May 27, 2014
1hr 27m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 22 - ColecoVision
Chris Kohler joins us once again to revisit the ColecoVision and Coleco ADAM, 1982's most underappreciated console race contenders.
43m May 20, 2014
43m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 22: Misplaced Nostalgia
Our ol' pal Chris Kohler finally shows up to join us as we fart around in the studio for 90 minute in a loose interpretation of backer Jonathan Anderson's request to talk about misplaced nostalgia and nostalgia for things we never experienced.
1hr 31m May 12, 2014
1hr 31m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 21: Joe & Mac
We discuss the four somewhat disparate games in Data East's caveman ninja games, with Vidjagame Apocalypse's Mikel Reparaz.
50m May 05, 2014
50m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 21: Girl Games
We talk about another great period of '90s gaming nostalgia, only this time from a feminine perspective. It's the ups and downs of girl games in this explorative discussion with guest Rachel Weil of FEMICOM.
1hr 27m Apr 28, 2014
1hr 27m
Retronauts Pocket Episode 20: RPGs with Modern-Day Settings
Kickstarter backer Juan Soto brings you Retronauts Pocket episode 20, which explores the very small world of RPGs with modern-day settings. Why do we find them so captivating, and why do the majority of RPG developers rely on Tolkienesque fantasy? Listen in for answers to these questions and more with the help of Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Jeremy Parish, and Kat Bailey.
45m Apr 21, 2014
45m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 20: Listener Mail
Mail call! Or something like that. Retronauts might be too cool for the United States Postal Service, but that doesn't mean we can't answer your burning questions! On this listener-focused episode, join Bob Mackey, Jeremy Parish, Ray Barnholt and Kat Bailey as they respond to fans who submitted their online-digital-e-messages via Retronauts.com. NOTE: due to a technical fudge-up, Ray and Kat ar...
1hr 44m Apr 14, 2014
1hr 44m
Retronauts Pocket 19 - Capcom's NES Games
By our powers combined! (With the backing of Larry Froncek.) We delve into Capcom's NES years, also known as the point at which a fledgling arcade developer became a world-class console powerhouse.
48m Apr 07, 2014
48m
Retronauts Vol. III Episode 19 - Nintendo Power
Backer Tyler Castro joins us to discuss the flip side of our game magazines episode: Nintendo Power. Why does this propaganda rag command such affection among Gen-X types? We, the brainwashed, explore the Barnum principles behind its succcess. 
1hr 40m Apr 01, 2014
1hr 40m