Explore every episode of the podcast Retro Asylum - The UK's No.1 Retro Gaming Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 360: Interview with Darran Jones | 02 Nov 2025 | 02:07:31 | |
Dean Swain & Jim Middleton are joined by the editor of Retro Gamer Magazine Darran Jones for an exclusive interview. Find out how Darran first got into writing, how he started his career in the magazine business and even what his favourite meal from his local fish & chip shop is. As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Aaron Maupin Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 359: Kong Off UK | 19 Oct 2025 | 01:14:19 | |
Jim and Chris hold a vigil for Dean's Vectrex before talking to Russ and Oli AKA RetroRuss and 8BitBoyUK about the recently announced UK KongOff - Hot Sauce is optional! Link's for the topics covered in this episode: Donkey Kong Off UK - http://ukkongoff.fun Arcade Club Arcade Club - https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/ Retro Russ - http://www.youtube.com/@Retro_Russ_ 8bit Boy UK - https://www.youtube.com/@8BitBoyUK
As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Guy Simms Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 350: TerrorBytes The Evolution of Horror Gaming | 07 Apr 2025 | 01:18:26 | |
In this episode Chris and Jim chat to Richard Moss and Connor O'Keane about their upcoming five part documentary 'Terrorbytes' celebrating all things Horror in video games. Order your copy of TerrorBytes at https://terrorbytesdoc.com/ As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Guy Simms Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 261: PS2 Hidden Gems - Roushi's Pick's | 24 Sep 2021 | 00:53:51 | |
Chris and Mads reveal the shortlist for October's game club game from a longlist compiled by our listener, Roushi. Roushi is known for his vast knowledge of gaming from all ages so take a listen to see what hidden gems he has found for us. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Hans Crombeen Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 260: Now That's What We Call The 80's PT3 | 19 Sep 2021 | 02:59:30 | |
Steve and Dean are back for the final part of our special journey through the 1980's. Join them as they look back at some of the major events of 80's Britain. The guys also pay their respects to Sir Clive Sinclair. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Hans Crombeen Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 259: Now That's What We Call The 80's PT2 | 28 Aug 2021 | 01:48:42 | |
In the second part of our nostalgic special, Dean & Steve jump into their diecast Delorian and talk 1980's music and also take a look back at some of the most memorable TV adverts of the decade. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Hans Crombeen Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 258: Now That's What We Call The 80's PT1 | 17 Aug 2021 | 02:11:05 | |
In part one of our nostalgic special, Steve & Dean travel back to the decade that gave us New Wave, sticky neon carpet & mullet hair styles to discuss their favorite toys, TV shows & films of the 1980's. Also discussed: The A500, Steam Deck & the MiSTer FPGA project. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Hans Crombeen Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 257: Half Life | 03 Aug 2021 | 02:32:22 | |
The artist formerly known as young Chris and Mads don their HEV suits and grab their trusty crowbars as they fight their way through Half-Life and its expansions in this month's game club episode. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Hans Crombeen Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 256: We talk to Mike Rouse of Antstream Arcade | 19 Jul 2021 | 01:04:57 | |
In this episode, Matt Wilsher climbs into his shed to grill the newly appointed Head Of Production at Antstream Arcade, Mike Rouse about the streaming services future plans, competitions and rom hacking. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. D_R_Williams Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 255: Mayhem in Monsterland | 01 Jul 2021 | 02:01:16 | |
Dean, Chris and Mads speed burst through Apex Computer Productions' C64 swan song, Mayhem in Monsterland. There is also MISTer and arcade cab chat aplenty along with a run down of some of the latest retro news. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Atwill Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 254: July - Listeners' Choice | 23 Jun 2021 | 01:01:37 | |
Mads and Chris reveal the shortlist for the listeners' choice July game club game by whittling down the long list to a final four. Did your choice make the cut? Tune in to find out. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Atwill Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 253: Schildmaid MX with HitP Studio | 22 Jun 2021 | 01:21:55 | |
In our latest episode Mads and Chris sit down for a chat with Michiel Kroder and Johannes Nichell of HitP Studio to talk about their forthcoming, retro-inspired shooter, Schildmaid MX. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Atwill Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 252: Theme Hospital | 27 May 2021 | 02:13:18 | |
In this episode Chris and Mads scrub in and take a deep dive look at Bullfrog's Theme Hospital. Will Chris convince Mads that it really is a classic or is it just a radiator too far? We also announce something very special for June. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Atwill Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 349: Steel Battalion | 23 Mar 2025 | 01:56:26 | |
Steel Battalion, the game with arguably the largest controller ever made for a home console gets the RA treatment. Join Chris O'Regan and Mark Byland as they strap themselves in their VTs and try not to fall over! As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Guy Simms Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 251: June 21 Game Club Theme | 18 May 2021 | 00:54:45 | |
In this episode Mads and Chris reveal our Discord members' choices for June's game club theme and whittle down the list to just four for the public vote. The categories are games by id Software, C64 games released in the last 10 years, Shinobi games and games released commercially in the final years of a system's life. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. PM
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 250: Zoo Keeper | 01 May 2021 | 02:15:35 | |
Mads, Chris, Steve & Dean team up to tackle Taito's overlooked arcade game Zoo Keeper. Will a game that was designed to be played in short bursts in an arcade, drive them & our participating listeners mad as they play it for hours over a full month? Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. PM
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 249: Get Your Vote In For May | 21 Apr 2021 | 00:51:08 | |
Mads and Chris shake things up a little by putting up for the vote four themes for the May game club. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. PM
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 248: Segments 2 | 19 Apr 2021 | 02:35:01 | |
In this segments episode, Steve chats to the guys behind Zapped To The Past podcast, we take a flick through issue 28 of Zzap!64 magazine plus Mads & Chris ask two of our listeners what is their favourite game? Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. PM
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 247: Wing Commander III | 05 Apr 2021 | 01:56:32 | |
Mads and Chris jump into the cockpit and take flight for a detailed look at the world of Wing Commander 3: Heart of the Tiger Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Shane Dowling
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 246: Game Club Voting For April 21 - Taito Arcade Games | 23 Mar 2021 | 01:07:52 | |
Mads, Dean and Chris look ahead to April's Taito game club theme by cutting an eight game long list down to four. Join us to find out which games you will be voting on. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Shane Dowling
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 245: Tex Murphy Under A Killing Moon | 01 Mar 2021 | 02:36:43 | |
This month we don our fedoras and save mankind in Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon. Does this FMV adventure still hold up in 2021? Find out in this episode. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Silva
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 244: Ten Pence Arcade | 22 Feb 2021 | 02:48:14 | |
Dean and Steve link up with Vic and Shaun of The Ten Pence arcade to discuss classic computer games that would've been great in the arcade. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Silva
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 243: What 3DO Games To Play For March? | 22 Feb 2021 | 01:00:05 | |
In our latest Games Club episode, Chris and Mads select a shortlist of four 3DO games to take forward to the vote for the game club game for March. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Silva | |||
| Episode 242: Dark Forces 2 - Jedi Knight | 31 Jan 2021 | 02:30:24 | |
In our latest game club episode, Chris and Mads ready their blasters once more as they take a detailed look at Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight. They also reveal the result of the February poll and announce the theme for March. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Hull | |||
| Episode 348: Evercade Interplay Collection 1 | 13 Mar 2025 | 01:24:43 | |
In this episode, Chris and Mads are joined by special guest Martin (of evercade.info fame) to take a look at the games included on the fourth Evercade cartridge. As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Guy Simms Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 241: February 2021 Vote | 18 Jan 2021 | 01:04:28 | |
Chris and Mads present the games that are up for vote in February's game club. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Chris Hull | |||
| Episode 240: Exile | 03 Jan 2021 | 02:04:36 | |
In this, the very first show of 2021, Dean, Chris and Mads talk about their experiences playing December's game club game Exile on the BBC Micro. Thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. William E Rimmer
Q and A with Peter Irvin. Q: Where did the concept of the game come from? Was it influenced by earlier videogames? A: The concept for Exile started as just the idea of a man with a jetpack exploring an underground cavern system, having to solve problems to progress, fighting off hostiles. It wasn't influenced by other games, more from TV/film - like Star Trek, Blakes 7, Forbidden Planet. Q: Was the game built around the plot or did the mechanics of the game come first? A: The mechanics came first and we kept adding stuff to the game engine until we knew what the limits were and how far we could go with the resources available. The plot crystallised over time, after we worked out what could be achieved, then we had to populate the map to match and make a playable game. Major way points were decided, like the Rune Door and Triax's lab, and the scattering of other puzzles, equipment and encounters designed to get the player equipped to pass through these way points. However we sometimes had "we could add this cool thing" moments and had to include that - like the digital speech on the large RAM BBC micro version. Q: Nowadays, there is infinite memory to craft a story and provide lots of context for the game. That was not possible for you. How early did you develop the idea of a novella? A: To include a novella was decided quite late in the day. Yes, it was a way to help explain the game back story better but it was also a way to add perceived value to the game, and reduce piracy - the thinking being that people would pay more and pirates would think they were missing out on important stuff if they did't have the full package, though I'm not convinced by that. Q: How much of what you and Jeremy learned from Thrust did you carry forward into Exile? A: With Thrust, Jeremy showed that implementing physics well - gravity, thrusting, multi-body mechanics - was actually rewarding for the player; it was pleasing just to fly around. We were both interested in physics so that had to be a big part of Exile, and a lot of time was spent getting the physics engine right - all the acceleration rates, gravity, impacts, wind forces, floating, etc work in balance and to feel ok but coded with very little memory. Q: Were there any interesting alien life forms that you prototyped but had to cut? A: There were a few but the details are lost to me by the passing of time. Most memorable now was a dog - which was to be the player's faithful companion, helping out as best he could. He was included from the beginning as it came over from an unfinished game I was doing before Exile called "Wizard's Walk" - a wizard travelling down a long pretty cave populated by hazards. The dog used too much RAM for its graphics in Exile - it needed extra frames due to walking up diagonals. It also had to be indestructible, and manage to get around the map as well as the player or the game wouldn't work, so it ended up being removed and we put in Fluffy which was small alien bundle of pixels and trivial code to control. Q: Some game reviews show screenshots that are clearly from a different game map. Were review copies sent out that were radically different or were these more likely pictures from earlier prototype builds? A: I don't recall any wrong maps being reviewed. Perhaps on the Amiga version? The BBC Micro Exile game map was generated by a tiny algorithm to produce the straight tunnels, a scattering of caverns, some individual tiles and areas that could be hand-defined (like for the top ship, the top underground base, Triax's lab, various doors, etc. The map code was fixed in stone at a very early stage because changing it would have meant repopulating the entire game. Q: The manual quite bluntly tells players that it's a game which requires thought. Where you worried that people wouldn't "get it"? A: Exile was hard to play in parts and required people to use their brains in some places to solve the natural puzzles. That wasn't the way games were back then - most were short duration entertainment requiring little thought. We designed Exile as the sort of game we wanted to play, hoped others would accept it, but knew if they got stuck they could ask their friends or get advice from one of the games magazines. It isn't a "levels game" where you just shoot your way through and collect stars, it was more like a movie - one big adventure. It was also more difficult than it should have been partly due to the limitations and efficiencies of the physics engine and shared general purpose code between many creatures. Many people didn't complete Exile, or even get as far as the excitement of destroying the maggot machine, the earthquake and the flooding caverns, but I like to think they still got value for money. It's hard to balance a game for all abilities when the resources are so tight and trying not to allow dead ends in progress were the player to have inadvertently wasted all the required resources to overcome upcoming obstacles, but in retrospect perhaps some things should have been easier. Q: The purple, vertical blast door near the start has a gap at the top which can be flown through, with enough time and patience. Did you know about it when the game shipped, but decided it wasn't a big enough game-breaker to fix? A: There were many such collision "features" - a side effect of a general purpose physics engine with limited resources to prevent special cases. Anyway, quantum tunnelling happens in physics, so surely that's fine! Q: Are there any (other) bugs in the game which you look back on now and think "ah, if only we could patch it!"? A: There were many of what I call "features" rather than bugs in Exile and I think we knew about most of the ways things could go wrong but had no spare RAM to fix. My favourite one was, with your back to a vertical door, holding something, suddenly turning around while thrusting forward and do a throw - the thrown object can usually be made to appear on the other side of the door to you. Sometimes you could use a similar system to get yourself through! There were so many things to balance - like the relationship between the speed of a firer, the speed and dimensions of bullets and the thickness of doors, otherwise they could tunnel through the door or bullets hit the firer. Q: Did it bother you that the published solutions made use of physics/engine glitches to get the coronium rocks out of the eastern area, instead of the 'correct' solution which involves creating additional coronium by luring slimes through a piece of solid rock, converting them to yellow balls, then passing them through the underwater structure containing red blobs to the west of the windy shaft? A: No, I'm not really bothered about players making use of things they found. Exile is about exploration and experiment, so finding shortcuts, even if relying on "features" is still in that spirit. We wanted several ways to do many of the puzzles anyway, and the eastern tunnels were meant to be a natural area uncorrupted yet by Triax, where the player could experiment to discover the tools they would need in the western caves. This probably didn't come across to the player. Also some of the puzzles were a bit contrived I suppose - nevertheless rewarding if you solved them. Q: Which version of the game do you consider definitive? A: The BBC micro version was the most definitive. It was the first and a genuine struggle to make happen at all, and I believe took that platform to its limits. I hated the Electron version - there was no way to avoid having a border of white noise (ie code) around the game view - buyers must have been so forgiving. Q: We are aware of the tragic circumstances around Jeremy's death. Was a sequel planned before he died? A: From fading memory, I think we were still working on bits and pieces with the original game - like an Amiga CD 32 console game, and we had tried to get publishers interested in a Sega Mega Drive version but the console market was very controlled, with publishers taking few risks on unconventional product due to the costs of making the expensive ROM cartridges. You almost had to have a working game already on the platform to be considered seriously and with development systems hard to come we didn't have the funds to make that happen ourselves. There were some explorations into making use of the code for a new game but nothing solid. Q: You had a version of the game planned for iOS and Android back in 2010. Are we correct to assume that that project has been discontinued? A: No, it is my intention that this should still happen. It's difficult to know how non-retro it would need to be to have any measure of success against todays effects-driven offerings, though computer gaming is a broad church. Q: If the mobile project had gone ahead, would there have been any fundamental changes to the game? A: The first release would be very familiar, but enhanced in details, the plot cleaned up - more obvious - and easier to play. The control system on a touch screen can't depend on the zillion keys that Exile required either! I don't think it should stray too far from the original fundamentally as the audience would include fans of the originals; but sequels could go much further.
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| Episode 239: Merry Christmas! | 24 Dec 2020 | 05:45:11 | |
The lads have nicked Santa's Sleigh and are off to visit all their podcast mates. More importantly will the sleigh get returned in time for Santa to deliver all the kids presents or will the lads have ruined Christmas? A Special thank you to Scott Pearson aka Scopie for our wonderful cover art for this episode! Thanks again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. William E Rimmer | |||
| Episode 238: What Games To Play For January? | 23 Dec 2020 | 01:05:14 | |
Mads and Chris indulge themselves and choose the game club game for January from the sequels to games already covered in the game club. Tune in to hear which games have been cast aside and which will be the chosen one for January. Lookout for our bumper Christmas episode which will be released on Christmas Eve! Special thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. William E Rimmer | |||
| Bonus Episode: Here Comes A New Challenger | 22 Dec 2020 | 00:34:23 | |
In this special bonus episode, Dean Swain talks to Oliver Harper about the upcoming Street Fighter 2 documentary 'Here Comes A New Challenger' and discusses how Oliver become a successful YouTuber and director. Checkout the Kickstarter campaign for more information. Checkout Olivers YouTube channel to see more of his amazing work. Special thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. William E Rimmer | |||
| Playthrough: Episode 0 | 30 Nov 2020 | 01:11:01 | |
The launch episode of Playthrough. From the team that brings you Retro Asylum, a brand new community play along podcast featuring modern and middle aged games. | |||
| Episode 237: Truxton | 30 Nov 2020 | 02:05:03 | |
Chris and Mads don their helmets and jump into the Super Fighter to take on Dogurava and the Gidans in the classic shmup Truxton on the Mega Drive. Did Chris really get a higher score than Mads? Why is Mads crying? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode. Special thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. William E Rimmer | |||
| Episode 236: On A Budget | 29 Nov 2020 | 01:45:56 | |
In this episode Dean, Steve & Matt travel back to a time when games could be bought for a couple of quid at the local newsagents.
1bBxq04BLLvlcGLWGGIM William E Rimmer | |||
| Episode 235: What BBC Micro Games Will Make The December Poll? | 22 Nov 2020 | 01:04:02 | |
In our latest Game Club episode, Mads, Chris and game club guest Dean choose a shortlist of three BBC Micro games to go forward to our poll for December's game club game. Thanks again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. ninjixel | |||
| Episode 234: Silent Hill | 01 Nov 2020 | 02:42:53 | |
Our resident game clubbers Chris and Mads are scared s***less as they play through this survival horror classic on the original PlayStation. Thanks again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. TJ
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| Episode 347: Game Preservation with Good Old Games | 09 Mar 2025 | 01:10:24 | |
James Middleton and Chris O'Regan are joined by Marcin Paczyński and Adam Ziółkowski of Good Old Games (AKA GOG) to discuss the importance of video game preservation. As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations!
Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 233: Ys 1 & 2 | 30 Sep 2020 | 02:33:32 | |
Chris and Mads spend two months bumping into stuff in Ys I and II on the PC Engine. We also reveal which spooky game we will be playing in October. Thanks again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Andy Hudson | |||
| Episode 232: Get Creative With The ZX Spectrum Next | 26 Sep 2020 | 02:01:52 | |
Dean and Chris get together for the first in a new series of Spectrum Next themed episodes. In this episode, they look back at the two Kickstarters and talk Spectrum Next programming with Sunteam's Paul Weller. Thank you again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Andy Hudson | |||
| Episode 231: Star Wars Arcade | 08 Sep 2020 | 02:05:50 | |
In this episode Dean and Steve talk to Daz and Taggster from The Arcade Perfect podcast and debate which home micro version of the Star Wars arcade was the best plus Nintendo's recent Super Mario Bros Game & Watch is discussed! Thank you yet again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible.
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| Episode 230: Segments | 16 Aug 2020 | 02:06:02 | |
There's a slice of retro for everyone as Dean and Steve talk about the Evercade handheld console by Blaze, Matt looks back at the demoscene, plus Chris and Mads talk to two of our Patreon's about their favourite games. Thank you yet again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible.
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| Episode 229: Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 | 01 Aug 2020 | 02:57:21 | |
Mads & Chris grind some rails, flip some boards, and perform the leap of faith in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 in July's game club episode. We also reveal which RPG we will be playing in August and September. | |||
| Episode 228: Ikari Warriors on the Amstrad CPC | 02 Jul 2020 | 02:21:50 | |
In our latest game club episode, Mads and Chris take a look at the Amstrad CPC port of SNK classic, Ikari Warriors. They also reveal the winner of July's poll and look ahead to the summer RPG! Thank you yet again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Stay Safe. Paul Davies ( Hermski ) Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 227: Point n Click with Grundislav Games | 14 Jun 2020 | 01:47:43 | |
Chris sits down with Francisco Gonzalez to talk all things point 'n' click including what classic games inspire him, the state of narrative in games and a preview of the forthcoming Rosewater. Thank you yet again to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Stay Safe! Aaron Maupin Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 226: Strider | 07 Jun 2020 | 02:59:47 | |
In this month's game club episode, we don our purple ninja suits and strap on our falchion tonfa swords in order to save the world in Strider, the wonderful 1989 arcade classic. As always, a special thank you to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Stay Safe! Aaron Maupin Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 225: The One Amiga Oct 92 | 21 May 2020 | 02:03:32 | |
Join Mads, Chris, Steve & Dean as the flick through the pages of the October 1992 issue of The One Amiga magazine. The guys play 4 of the games reviewed in this issue and see how those games measure up today. Yet again, a special thank you to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Stay Safe! Aaron Maupin Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 224 Advance Wars | 01 May 2020 | 02:45:15 | |
In this episode Tactical advisor Mads Kristensen, sends commanding officer Chris Worthington - a decorated veteran who fought in the Willy Wars - into the fray once more as we battle our way through Advance Wars on the Gameboy Advance. Special thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Stay Safe! Aaron Maupin Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 346: Arcade & Vectrex Chat With Dean & Paul | 25 Feb 2025 | 01:17:25 | |
Dean Swain is joined by Paul Higgins, an arcade collector to discuss arcade gaming and arcade collecting. They also discuss what they have been playing on the MB Vectrex recently. As always, thanks to all of our Patreon's who made this episode possible, we really appreciate your kind donations! Richard Hyde Looking for some MiSTer FPGA accessories? Give https://misterfpga.co.uk/ a visit and use the code retroasylum to gain a 6% discount. Want to find out about Steve's band, The Last Arcade? Check them out at https://thelastarcade.net/ Looking for some new games for your favourite retro system? Then checkout https://www.bitmapsoft.co.uk/ Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretroasylum.bsky.social Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_retro_asylum/ Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum Retro Asylum Merchandise: https://retroasylumstore.myspreadshop.co.uk/ | |||
| Episode 223: Mario's 8 Bit Adventures | 13 Apr 2020 | 02:09:09 | |
Chris, Steve and Mads dive headlong into Mario's 8 bit adventures in the first of our community playthrough companions. Special thanks to all our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Aaron Maupin
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 222: Ikaruga | 06 Apr 2020 | 02:30:41 | |
Mads and Chris dodge bullets and popular opinion when they take on the seminal shooter, Ikaruga. The guys also discuss life in lockdown and look forward to some arcade action in May. A massive thank you to Rosko Lewis for allowing us to use his great music track 1UP which is featured at the end of this episode. Visit https://open.spotify.com/album/3zW6L2snOEchpoNt28vofm?si=MTSgt-1XTMqk_icTfb7SPw to play the track. Special thanks to all our Patreon's who made this episode possible, especially in these trying times. Aaron Maupin
Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||
| Episode 221: Revival 2020 & Dreamcast Year One | 15 Mar 2020 | 02:10:34 | |
In this episode Chris Worthington is on sole hosting duties as the team report on location at Revival 2020 Part 1 and we hear from Andrew Dickinson, author of Dreamcast: Year One. Thanks to all our Patreon's who made this episode possible. Aaron Maupin Help support the Retro Asylum by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/retroasylum Retro Asylum Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/CjzWjKH Retro Asylum on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retroasylum/ Retro Asylum YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCC9rIvCKoW3mdbuCsB7Ag Retro Asylum on Twitch:https://www.twitch.tv/theretroasylum Twitter: @theretroasylum | |||