Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah! If it's good enough for Tim Waltz, if good enough for us...

We're showing our love to one of the Dreamcast's most iconic games this time out on Cocktail Mode: Crazy Taxi reminds us what it was like before the PlayStation and Xbox turned everything brown and grimy!

We'll talk punk, we'll talk sequels, we'll talk law suits, and we'll talk S-Club 7... yes, really!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

The greatest videogame ever made? The greatest marketing machine that ever existed? The greatest piece of fortuitous episode timing ever?

As the new TV series lands, the remastered original trilogy flies high in the charts, and the conversation about 'what's next' gets ever more prevalent - it couldn't be a better time for Andy and Dave to weigh in on what they think of Lara Croft and her various exploits over the decades... and then try to pick a cocktail that goes well with the episodes topic.

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

For the first time on Cocktail Mode we're discussing a game that one of us hadn't played prior to selection for this episode: Toejam & Earl on the Mega Drive!

Did we think it was Gnarly (sorry) or Heinous (sorry) and did we both find a bodacious (really, very sorry) cocktail to pair with it? Listen in and find out.

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

NBA Jam drains it from downtown into our tenth episode that rapid veers from basketball to just about every other sport - videogame and otherwise - under the sun. Basketball fans of a sensitive disposition can look away now!

Cocktails in this episode include...

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

Some say it's the best PC game ever made, some say it's almost a genre unto itself, some say "Why would you make a game this hard? Are you nuts!?".

All sorts of other turn based games get a mention as Dave and I discuss, and try to pair a cocktail with, Julian Gollop's strategy masterpiece.

Cocktails featured in this episode:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

In a change to the advertised episode we're talking about Tetris this time out: The game, the film, the phenomenon.

Cocktails this episode:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

Dave waves the flag for the glorious PC gaming master-race, Andy rants about the quality of stories in games, and we even take the opportunity to give Portal 2 an off topic piece of our mind... all while discussing as many of the 30 Resident Evil games as possible.

Oh... and cocktails! 

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

Join us on a trip to New Washington and beyond as we follow Conrad B. Hart on his stunningly crafted adventure. We'll discuss ports, remakes, censorship, sequels and - of course - THAT door! Dave and Andy even manage to come from broadly the same direction when choosing their cocktails to pair with this 1992 masterpiece. 

Drop in to the late nineties with Andy & Dave as we discuss the beauty of THPS, the art of the 'Strawpedo', the majesty of California Games, and the shear abject horror of having to listen to the The Suicide Machines' "New Girl" for the first time in twenty years. 

Namco's classic lightgun arcade series is the focus of this episode - with Barbarian, Hitman, John Woo movies and Lebowski's bar in Glasgow featuring among the many obstacles to us sticking to the point!

Is Nico Collard really that horrible? Is George Stobbard secretly a pr**k? And are there any cocktails that we can somehow pair with gaming history's most annoying goat?

Give us 59 minutes of your time and the answer to all these questions (and more) will become clear!

Welcome to the party, pal, where the drinks are great and the games are... err... you'll have to listen to find out.

Dave and Andy wander off topic (as usual) in this episode and end up discussing every Die Hard videogame ever made and spend no small amount of time chatting about the films too.

Cocktails this week:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail sadly doesn't have a link this week.

Minnie Driver, Motorway Service Stations, and (of course) Turbo Esprit all feature in this episodes conversation about Taito's brilliant cop chase game - we even try and settle the decades old argument of which was better: ZX Spectrum or Amstrad CPC464?

While reminiscing about the all-conquering fighting game Dave and I touch on Arcade Etiquette, Single Player modes, Kylie's posterior, and THAT movie! We even eventually get around to pairing Street Fighter 2 with a couple of cocktails!

Some say "He can't be killed", some say "He drinks blood", I say: This is our longest episode yet so strap for a wild ride back to the eighties when films were great, games were great, and Jim Carrey (thankfully) wasn't famous yet!

Drinks this episode:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

The seminal Irem shooter R-Type is the seed to start this episodes conversation about all things H-Shmup - from Gradius to Einhander, Defender to Delta - all bases are covered but they are sadly not 'belong to us', as we complete neglect to mention 'Zero Wing' in all it's meme-y glory. Nevermind, eh? For a bonus point, see if you can spot the moment Andy complete ignores Dave's Star Wars pun!

Cocktails this week:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

We welcome a guest co-host to Cocktail Mode this week with the aim of bringing some insight to the sport behind the game as we talk about the BTCC in both it's video game and real world variants.

Cocktails this week:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Chris's Cocktail

You may not know of Football Champ (AKA Hat Trick Hero) but rest assured we spend plenty of time talking about FIFA, ISS, Sensible Soccer, and just about every other football game of the previous century - and a couple from this - before eventually choosing two drinks to accompany Taito's bonkers arcade soccer game.

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Podcast #Cocktails #RetroGames

We're of to Strangereal to visit Mobius 1 and the rest of the Ace Combat crew this episode, with the usual few detours en route - that this week include, among others, the musical stylings of Roxette!

Andy's cocktail this week

And Dave's

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

Alongside the beast riding adventures of Ax Battler et al we'll be discussing all the usual beat-em-up suspects and some much less well known examples of the genre.

Cocktails this episode:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

This time round we've experimented by choosing a game that neither of us had played before - Konamis 'hidden gem': Rocket Knight Adventures!

Cocktails this episode:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

#Retrogaming #Cocktail #Podcast

Slap shot into nostalgia! This week, Andy and Dave are inspired by the king of 16-bit hockey, NHL '94! They'll be reliving the glory days of one-timers, goalie fights, and that iconic organ music, while also exploring the evolution of ice hockey video games through the years. From early pixelated puck battles to modern-day simulations, they're covering all the major league hits and cult classics. They've also dug up a pair of cocktails as cool and crisp as a fresh sheet of ice. Get ready for some high-sticking fun, retro gaming glory, and perhaps a few questionable calls!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Kick, punch, it's all in the mind! This week, Andy and Dave are dropping the beat and getting groovy with the one and only PaRappa the Rapper! They'll be exploring the game's unique style, unforgettable tunes, and lasting legacy, while also charting the evolution of the entire rhythm action genre through the years. And what's a rhythm session without a refreshing drink? They've mixed up a cocktail that's as vibrant and funky as PaRappa's rhymes. Get ready to jam out, reminisce, and perhaps even learn to believe!"

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

*Apologies for some occasional and very slight crackle on the audio this episode*

We take to the streets of Tokyo-to with Beat, Gum, and the rest of the GGs with the iconic granddaddy of cel-shaded games: Jet Set Radiooooooo!!!

Also up for discussion is the sequel Jet Set Radio Future, along with several of the newer games released that pay homage to it... such as Bum Rash Cider Punk.

Drinks are obviously on the menu too with both Dave and Andy picking cocktails almost as bright, cheery, and excellent as the game itself!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Welcome to Season 2 of Cocktail mode where 2 old mates continue to struggle to stay on topic aout an old videogame and then try to chose a cocktail that compliments it.

This episode is about the the CaRPG that started it all, with mild diversions into Ridge Racer, MSR, Motor Toon GP, and of course Dark Souls... Wait. What?

Also, hi to https://martinishot.blog/, who get a mention late in the episode.

Join us for our very agnostic break from the usual format as we discuss the games of Christmas Past and the drinks of Christmas Present.

Thanks to ZapSplat for an extra little festive flair this episode

Extra special thank you to Smooth-Foot-4688, 'Neil', and the boys of Pig Unit for providing our special Xmas outro: A wonderful gift for you; our lucky listener!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

How much fun is 'so much fun'? How attached can you get to a 12 pixel face? How did they squeeze this masterpiece onto the Game Boy Color?

We may or may not actually answer these questions, but we have a damn good time while we talk about Cannon Fodder and try and pair it with a cocktail!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

THAT Intro song

The first person shooter that predates the name 'first person shooter' - Listen to Dave and Andy discus the history, the sequels, the legacy, and of course the fridges.

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

The best song you'll hear today

A double header of blade clashing action courtesy of the first two games in Namco's epic tale of souls and swords, eternally retold!

What's our favourite in the series? What's our favourite character? What cocktails will we choose? What... I mean - WHAT - actually is Voldo!?

All this and more in this weeks Cocktail Mode!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

THAT intro cinematic

Have you ever dreamed of leading your favourite football club to glory? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tactical mastermind James to delve deep into the addictive world of Championship Manager! They'll be charting the evolution of this iconic series, reminiscing about late nights scouting wonderkids and agonizing over transfer decisions. Plus, they'll be exploring the wider landscape of management simulation games that have kept us glued to our screens for hours. To top it all off, they've each selected a cocktail as carefully considered and potentially volatile as a last-minute transfer bid. Get ready for spreadsheets, strategies, and a taste of managerial magic!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

James' Cocktail

Leap into the bizarre world of the Nth Dimension with Andy and Dave as they revisit the iconic Amiga platformer, Zool. This week, Andy and Dave are taking a deep dive into the legacy of this unique Amiga platformer, from its lightning-fast gameplay to its ingenious level design. They'll also be venturing into the world of Zool 2 along with other games that tried to push random products into our addled young gamer minds. And what's a trip down memory lane without a themed beverage? They've unearthed a couple of cocktails that may be as colorful and chaotic as the game itself… or may just be another terrible pun! Join us for a sugar-fueled discussion and a taste of nostalgia!

Dave's Cockail

Andy's Cocktail

Are you ready to bodyslam into nostalgia? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tag team champion himself, Chris from the 'Once Upon a Turnstile' podcast, for a deep dive into the pixelated power of WrestleFest! They'll be reminiscing about their favourite arcade moments, discussing other classic wrestling games that graced our screens, and trading stories about the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling through the years. And what's a wrestling extravaganza without a signature drink? They've brewed up a cocktail that packs a punch as powerful as a 5 knuckle shuffle. Get ready for suplexes, suds, and superstar memories!

Chris' Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Andy's Cocktail

Get ready to question everything! This episode, Andy and Dave dive headfirst into the chaotic world of April Fools' Day pranks in the realm of retro video games. But the fun doesn't stop there! We're also shaking up some delightfully deceptive cocktails, concocted with a mischievous twist to celebrate the spirit of April Fools'. Prepare for a blend of pixelated pandemonium and boozy bamboozlement – it's a retro gaming and cocktail combo you won't want to miss!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Dive into the pixelated mayhem of classic 'Worms' with Andy and Dave! They'll be revisiting their favourite moments from this artillery strategy gem, reminiscing about holy hand grenades and errant sheep. But that's not all! They'll also be on a quest to find the perfect cocktail pairing for the chaotic, hilarious gameplay. Tune in to for gaming nostalgia, cocktail concoctions, and plenty of friendly fire.

Dave's Cocktail

Andy's Cocktail

Did it kill gaming as we knew it? Is it hugely over-rated? Do spoilers have an expiry date? Find out all this and more as we take Snake on his seminal PS1 journey.

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

You may know it as Hot Shots Golf - but whatever the name it's one of the few games to ever make golf fun! We talk about the whole series, some contemporaries, and Dave even takes the time to explain that whole Tiger Woods, PGA Tour, Masters, EA Sports naming convention mess.

We also do a bit of a round up on some games and drinks mentioned in previous episodes and finally choose these two lovely cocktails for your responsible drinking pleasure:

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

To celebrate the launch into Early Access of Tokyo Extreme Racer, Dave and Andy look back at where this series started and play entries all the way from the SNES to the Xbox 360.

Obviously you mustn't drink and drive but we did (eventually) find a couple of great cocktails to go along with game for you to try out once you're home safe!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Crack into the ultimate puzzle-platforming adventure! This week on the podcast, Andy and Dave are diving deep into the legendary Dizzy series. They’ll take you on a nostalgic journey, from his humble 8-bit beginnings on the ZX Spectrum to his attempts to crack Japan and the US on the NES.

Join them as they uncover what made these games so charmingly unique - from their bizarre item-based puzzles and signature soundtrack to the sheer challenge of keeping a the eggy hero alive. And, of course, they’ll choose a special cocktail to pair with Dizzy's peculiar world. Get ready to scramble up some nostalgia and find out why this retro gaming icon is still so beloved!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Happy 40th Anniversary to one of the most beloved and groundbreaking machines in computing history! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave are raising a virtual glass to the Amiga in a very special episode. They'll be celebrating four decades of the Commodore colossus, a machine that revolutionized multimedia, computer gaming, and changed the landscape of geek culture forever.

Join them as they dive deep into the Amiga's legacy, reminiscing about its legendary hardware, stunning graphics and sound, and the iconic games that defined a generation. And, of course, they'll choose an appropriate cocktail to pair with the Amiga's enduring spirit. Tune in for a nostalgic trip and a proper celebration of the machine that was truly ahead of its time!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Amiga Live

Lemon Amiga

Prepare to test your reflexes and your strategy! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave dive into a true shmup masterpiece, the legendary bullet-hell shooter, Ikaruga. They'll deconstruct the game's iconic and challenging polarity-switching mechanic, discussing why this 2D classic from developer Treasure is so revered in gaming history.

From its arcade origins to its releases on the Dreamcast, GameCube, and Switch, the guys break down the pure, fast-paced puzzle of this high-score chasing gem. And in true Cocktail Mode fashion, they'll attempt to pair a cocktail that perfectly embodies the game's famous black and white duality. Tune in for a deep dive into geek culture, gaming discussion, and a perfect drink to sip while you try not to get annihilated by the chaos on screen!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Ikaruga lore guide on GameFAQs

This week, Andy and Dave are taking a trip back to 1987, the golden age of radness, with a look at the pixelated paradise of California Games. They'll reminisce about the highs and the lows all the totally tubular events that made this game a classic. But the real challenge begins after the playthrough: can they find the perfect cocktail to capture the spirit of sun, surf, and digitized sports? Will it be something vibrant and fruity, a boozy beach sipper, or something completely unexpected? Tune in to find out if their cocktail selection is a perfect ten or a total wipeout!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Retro Computer Museum

The Retro Directory

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are serving up some ace discussions as they step onto the court with the legendary Virtua Tennis! They'll be reminiscing about its ground-breaking arcade gameplay, incredibly fluid controls, and how it dominated the tennis game genre, bringing accessible fun to courts everywhere.

From power shots to drop shots, they'll cover what made Virtua Tennis a true champion. And because no Grand Slam event is complete without a refreshing drink, the guys will be attempting to select the perfect cocktail to pair with the fast-paced action and sunny court vibes. Fault not, and tune in for a smashing good time!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are putting on their racing helmets for a special F1-themed episode. They're hitting the accelerator on Sega's groundbreaking classic, Virtua Racing, diving deep into its revolutionary graphics, iconic arcade experience, and how it laid the groundwork for countless racing games that followed.

Get ready for a full-throttle discussion about the thrill of the track and the pure joy of polygonal speed. And of course, no F1 special is complete without a pit stop for refreshments! Andy and Dave will each be selecting a cocktail designed to capture the high-octane excitement and sleek precision of Formula 1. Will it be a 'Chequered Flag Fizz' or a 'Pole Position Punch'? Tune in and find out – it's going to be a speedy ride!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Access Granted. Prepare for a mind-bending journey! This episode on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are joined by special guest Rich to hack into the darkly atmospheric world of System Shock. From the groundbreaking original that redefined immersive sims to the terrifying psychological horror of System Shock 2, they'll discuss every iteration, bug, and brilliant design choice that makes these games legendary.

But beware, SHODAN is listening! As they navigate the horrors of Citadel Station and the Von Braun, the trio will also attempt to select the perfect cocktail to complement the games' chilling cyberpunk aesthetic and unsettling atmosphere. Tune in, if you dare, and discover why these games continue to shock and inspire decades later. Remember, patience is a virtue, but not one you possess!"

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Rich's Cocktail

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are taking to the skies to revisit Desert Strike and the entire Strike Series! They’ll be diving into the explosive top-down military action of Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, and Urban Strike, discussing why these console classics became essential Sega Genesis/Mega Drive titles and defined a generation of action gaming. But that's not all - they have a special operative on the line! This episode features an exclusive interview with the one and only Mike Posehn, who shares his unique insights and untold stories from his time directing the series, offering a rare look behind the controls. To cap off this high-octane special, they'll choose a potent cocktail that mirrors the covert operation vibe.Tune in for an episode that's guaranteed to hit the target!

Merry Christmas! The season of giving is here, but which games deserve a spot under your Christmas Tree?

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are getting festive for the annual Holiday Special! They’ll be counting down their highly debatable list of the 12 Games of Christmas: the perfect Retro Video Games to play with family and friends, and maybe get them to finally understand your obsession with games from the 20th Century!

And in true Cocktail Mode fashion, they’ll attempt to pair a festive cocktail that perfectly complements a night of Holiday Gaming Marathon chaos.

Grab your eggnog (spiked, of course!), settle in, and tune in for a smashing good time! 

Andy's Christmas Cocktail

Dave's Christmas Cocktail

Links and friends of the show (Not affiliated)

Torinak (Online Spectrum Emulator)

https://www.consolemad.co.uk/

https://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/

https://www.amigalive.com/

Bill Bailey 'Argos' (Youtube)

https://evercade.co.uk/

Bomber Man Trade-up Story (imgur)

https://www.thebowlinggreen.uk/

So it's come to this: A Cocktail Mode list episode!

Andy and Dave are ready to unleash their most ambitious, potentially most divisive, and almost certainly most overlong episode yet: Our Top 50 Retro Games!*

Did your favourite make it? Did we choose the same 25 games each? Did ANY Nintendo games make the cut? What is the meaning of that asterisk?

Listen in and find out!

Of course we have to shoe-horn in the usual Cocktail or two, but considering how much we struggle with finding drinks for a single game, how on earth are we going to manage for FIFTY!?

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail

Friends of the show: (Not affiliated)

https://www.consolemad.co.uk/

https://www.amigalive.com/

https://www.diffordsguide.com/

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we're bowing to one of the most unique and respected fighting games ever made: Bushido Blade on the original PS1!

Andy and Dave explore why this One-Hit Kill Samurai simulator remains a definitive Cult Classic. We break down the revolutionary mechanics that set this Squaresoft title apart from every other fighting game - no health bars, no time limits, just pure, sudden-death duel tension. We're talking body-part damage, the honour system, and why it's considered by many to be the best PS1 fighting game.

And finally, we tackle the all-important question: How do you pick a cocktail to match the honour, precision, and sudden violence of a samurai duellist? 

Andy’s Cocktail

Dave’s Cocktail

Friends of the show (not affiliated):

Torinak

Amiga Live

https://www.consolemad.co.uk/

Welcome back to the Cocktail Mode podcast, where we're pairing the ultimate dystopian action experience with a dangerous drink!

This week, we’re loading up on VCRs and Toasters to cover the bloody crossover between the legendary 1990 Arcade Classic, Smash TV, and the definitive Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, The Running Man (1987) - Just in time to set you up for Edgar Wright and Glenn Powell's new version of Steven Kings pre-emptive dystopian reality TV novel.

Join us as we dive into the frantic Twin-Stick Shooter action and the hyper-consumerist nightmare that made Smash TV a technological marvel. .

We’ll discuss how these two pieces of entertainment defined the 90s action genre and, of course, we'll each select a powerful, high-proof cocktail that mirrors the chaotic energy and ruthless efficiency of the Smash TV arena. Good luck, you'll need it—tune in now!

Andy's Cocktail

Dave's Cocktail