James Woodcock's Podcast

I am joined by Mike from vswitchzero, who has a fascinating YouTube channel dedicated to 90s retro PC hardware and gaming. In this podcast, we explore the fascinating history of this exciting era of 3D acceleration advancement with classic graphics cards including the 3Dfx Voodoo while delving into the repairs, nostalgia and the pitfalls of revisiting retro PC computing. Topics include: Commander Keen, Doom, Quake and the evolution of PC gaming hardware during the 90s Introduction of 3DFX and Voodoo graphics cards, including personal experiences and significant technological leaps Voodoo 2 SLI configurations and their impact on 3D gaming Comparisons between 3DFX, PowerVR and other competing technologies of the time Popular sound cards like the Creative Sound Blaster series and Yamaha DB50XG/SW60XG General MIDI and enhanced gaming experiences through better audio fidelity Mike’s Train Wreck Voodoo 2 repair Issues with capacitor failures and maintaining vintage hardware Benefits of modern retro PC projects and new hardware options mimicking retro systems Insights into building and maintaining retro PCs versus using modern emulation tools like DOSBox The joy of hardware repair and the satisfaction of reviving old systems Early PC setups, the transition to multimedia PCs and the rise of CD-ROM drives Reflections on the transformative era of PC gaming in the 90s Ongoing retro hardware projects and the increasing value of vintage components SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project Original post link: 90s Retro PCs with vswitchzero Interview – Game & Gadget Podcast #39, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern. Original post link: 90s Retro PCs with vswitchzero Interview – Game & Gadget Podcast #39, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: Tony wants to play Elite on his BBC Micro, but the smoking capacitors have other ideas James’ original Xbox had a hidden surprise, a leaking clock capacitor that nearly destroyed the console Restoring James’ Commodore 64 – real dead bugs The C64 Tapecart SD for fast loading cassette games in just a few seconds The amazing Commodore 64 loading graphics and music Importance of preserving the stories from those who experienced such big tech and software advances The Sony PlayStation Vita with its stunning OLED display where sales flopped The cleverness of the dual screen display of the Nintendo DS Drooling over modern crystal replacement cases for retro consoles SEGA Dreamcast modding with the GDemu and DreamPSU The original power supply on the C64 is another danger! The video tour of Tony’s collection of retro gear ‘The Spectrum‘ hardware announced for emulating classic Spectrum titles What is a ‘sensible’ retro collection purchase? James’ lovely yet battered Amiga 500 purchased for £30 SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project Original post link: Game & Gadget Podcast #38 – Original Xbox Ticking Disaster, PS Vita Beauty & More…, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern. Original post link: Game & Gadget Podcast #38 – Original Xbox Ticking Disaster, PS Vita Beauty & More…, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern.

I am joined by Alex Brown, programmer of an upcoming brand new beat-em-up 2-player game for the Commodore Amiga – Metro Siege. With the target platform the Amiga A500, originally released way back in 1987! Alex takes us through the journey of pushing the limits of the Amiga A500, the experience of programming with the Amiga custom chips and how this wonderful passion project will become a final release. Topics include: How Alex ended became a programmer Alex’s favourite game influences Why create a new game for the Amiga? Pushing the limits of the Amiga A500 Taking the Amiga online with cross system online multiplayer The art of releasing a beta or technical preview and gathering feedback Keeping the gameplay smooth with 2 players, enemies and lush surroundings Parallax scrolling, moving trains and what’s needed to achieve the results Using modular character animation on the Amiga Given extra life to a retro computing platform The reason for the expansion memory of 512kb memory requirement The programming resources available for the Amiga The tricks of the trade for programming the Amiga The software and tools for creating Amiga games Emulation versus real hardware for testing The size of the team and the understanding of the capabilities of the Amiga The biggest challenge of getting the game to work Why AGA has not been targeted… yet? Ensuring there is an end goal to any “passion project” If you watch the video version of the podcast, I have captured Metro Siege running from my own Amiga A500 (which mine does have Pistorm installed, but I have been assured it will still run great without one). You can find out more by visiting the Metro Siege website. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project Original post link: New Metro Siege Game for Amiga Interview – Programmer Alex Brown – Game & Gadget Podcast #37, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern. Original post link: New Metro Siege Game for Amiga Interview – Programmer Alex Brown – Game & Gadget Podcast #37, created by James Woodcock. For even more content, visit Pixel Refresh - Gaming & Tech | Retro & Modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software and Aaron Fothergill previously from Argonaut Games and now with Shifty Eye Games as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: James’ visit to Tony’s retro computer and console collection Tony spending money to get his retro collection connected to a modern display – OSSC, RGB cables, power cables etc Mister FPGA costs versus retro hardware collections Aaron positive thoughts (and excellent excuses) on the cost of collecting retro hardware The Atari Falcon, the development kit for the Atari Jaguar Aaron’s first computer, which he still owns! Modifying old computers ROM chips and copyright risk My brand new retro hardware portable device for less than £1 RGB cables everywhere! The Apple G4 Cube USB flaw Skiving to get into computer games The inspiration of the ZX81 and micro computers My fondness of the Atari 65XE 8-bit computer Bye bye ICQ Tony and Aaron invent Code Jenga Development is hard Manually typing code from old books and magazines – oh the typos! Code in books, to disks on magazines to digital DLC What happens to digital licensed content when you die? The importance of archiving DLC and game patches Licensing music for games The cost of patching a console game The beauty of Xbox Live Arcade and developing the first games Playing Xbox Live Arcade version of Golden Eye on an Xbox 360 debug unit Featured Atari Falcon image By F-Andrey, CC BY 2.0, Link SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: James hunting for a SEGA Genesis in the USA Broken Sword Reforged Kickstarter blasts through £50,000 target to over half a million! Broken Sword 2 remastered? Did Tony from Revolution Software realise Broken Sword on its original release would be so popular? The design differences between Lure of the Temptress, Beneath a Steel Sky & Broken Sword Balancing PC minimum spec and recommended levels in development of games Sony PlayStation 5 Pro details leaked splitting the PS5 target specs Triple AAA titles and layoffs in the industry Netflix, Disney Plus etc and how we are cancelling subscriptions due to raising prices The needless pain of grinding in a game to progress Match 3 games and the lightning energy nonsense Apple EU App Stores Tony’s first article on Pixel Refresh, Beneath A Steel Sky Sets as Broken Sword Dawns – Revolution Book Preview James’ article on Pixel Refresh, CRT TV for Retro Gaming – The Beauty, Buying, Repair & Despair Acorn Pocket Book preview YouTube Premium, if only they would separate YouTube Music Apple Music for lossless, even on Android Where is Spotify HiFi lossless audio??? Literally years since the original announcement WearOS versus Tizen on smartwatches Tony’s Apple Watch experience NOTE: Tony or I lost connection at the very end, so the conversation goes a little odd as we wonder where the other person went :) Luckily the software locally records so Tony continued recording! SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Aaron Fothergill previously from Argonaut Games and now with Shifty Eye Games, Martin Mulrooney of Alternative Magazine Online and Karl from Retro32 as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: What is BBS and how was it used? BBS today on the Amiga The joys and sounds of dial up internet and blocking for Grandmothers Piracy software and the effects on development and livelihoods Funny copy protection at level 10 Jetstrike release version not the final and included a serious bug Jetstrike game featured Aliens “one in a million” chance though of seeing them! How did we all use our first connections to the Internet? The success of iTunes and iTunes Match against mp3 piracy Broken Sword Reforged and AI as a tool Our fondness of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered and its intentional limitations How what is acceptable has changed over the years Early gameplay mechanics SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software and Karl from Retro32 as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: James’ experiences with emulator Gotek floppy drives for retro computers and the Atari 520 STFM Anbernic portable handheld devices Challenges faced when updating the Anbernic device Using original gaming hardware versus FPGA Discussion on the financial aspects of retro gaming, accessories and their cost Resurgence in the Amiga community Modifications and enhancements to various game consoles Speculations and expectations about the future directions and technology in gaming Tony’s new game demo coming soon… SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: James & Tony meeting in person for the very first time! Crash Live 2023 Sinclair Spectrum event experiences ZX Spectrum Vs C64 banter ZX Spectrum Next explored How to program the Z80 book Tony is using Windows 11… We checked! (the dedicated macOS enthusiast) Tony and Charles Cecil presenting at Crash Live 2023 regarding Artic Games / Revolution Software Porting games in the 8-bit / 16-bit era Mister FPGA Vs real hardware The RG35XX and RG35XX Plus portable handheld consoles experiences It’s difficult to send a Steam Deck to Kiev What Tony is going to do with his ZX Spectrum Next for programming Tony’s new game Wormhole Dungeon What platforms could be targeted? Remembering the SEGA Dreamcast Broken Sword Reforged Kickstarter open for registration SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software and Aaron Fothergill previously from Argonaut Games and now with Shifty Eye Games as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: The engineering conundrum of granny squares You don’t have to be an expert in the field to write a game about a particular topic Tony appears on more panels Retro computers & consoles and inspiring the young Unity Engine going downhill The craziness of gaming marketing and advertising The beauty of Apple skeuomorphism before iOS 7 Every operating system goes partially transparent MacBook Pro 2015 craziness of design – goodbye ports, hello dongles Collecting old phones and the battery bulging dangers James gets himself another Commodore 64 The similarity of technology used on older retro computers Disks surviving, discs rotting Tony’s Amstrad CPC fixed and working The loudness of 52x CD-ROM drives – spin spin spin! SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Pocket Casts | RSS | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate to the Game & Gadget Podcast & Pixel Refresh SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW: Submit a question for the Game & Gadget Podcast FIND OUT MORE: What is the Game & Gadget Podcast WEBSITE: Pixel Refresh – Gaming, Gadgets & Tech both Retro & Modern EMAIL SUBSCRIBE: Latest Articles / Reviews via Email PIXEL REFRESH YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Pixel Refresh on YouTube FREE GAME SOUNDTRACKS: ScummVM Music Enhancement Project

I am joined by Tony Warriner who is one of the founders of Revolution Software as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include:  Tony has been on an event panel and another to follow with Charles Cecil of Revolution Software  The Acorn Electron bargain £20 spend  So many 8-bit computers that didn’t make it!  Storing computers is harder than consoles!  Tony’s 8-bit computer collection  Collecting original retro computer boxes and using modern replicas   The Enterprise computer that failed  Real Amiga with PiStorm and a Raspberry Pi makes your CPU stupid fast!  All the versions of the Atari ST  The true joy of programming for the Motorola 68000  Tony wanting to write an Amiga game in the future  Programming between the different 16-bit computers  Broken Sword Reforged using AI and ‘real’ artists to increase the visual detail

I am joined by Aaron Fothergill previously from Argonaut Games and now with Shifty Eye Games, Steve Ince who is an artist, game designer and writer working on games from Revolution Software such as Broken Sword and also a new guest to our podcast Rees from YouTube channel ctrl-alt-rees as we discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern. Topics include: Steve Ince discusses his retirement from gaming work What games Steve has been playing now he has a little more time Steve releasing yet more books! The pain of the developer crunch time Life as ctrl-alt-rees and his fascination with Atari Atari ST and the MIDI capabilities Computers for homework *cough* games! Homework on an Acorn Archimedes A3010 and dot matrix printers Atari ST and 32 person strong multiplayer games with MIDI connections The horror when you realise what you have thrown away, and then it becomes valuable Steve’s computer journey Taking a high quality scan, reducing to 128 colours for PC, reducing to 32 colours for Amiga A changing colour pixel for a convincing ‘blink’ Broken Sword on the Nintendo Wii Rise of the Triads and the music of Lee Jackson The ever growing retro community Robin Williams suing Disney and the risk of the colour blue Video recordings of the shows are also featured on the Game & Gadget Podcast YouTube channel… SUBSCRIBE

I am joined by Tony Warriner and Aaron Fothergill in our 28th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner in our 27th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner in our 27th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner and Steve Ince in our 26th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner and Steve Ince in our 26th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by special guest Jan Hofmeister, who restores and creates stunning high print quality retro game posters in this fascinating visual demonstration of his processes.

I am joined by special guest Jan Hofmeister, who restores and creates stunning high print quality retro game posters in this fascinating visual demonstration of his processes.

I am joined by Tony Warriner in our 24th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.

I am joined by Tony Warriner in our 24th podcast episode to discuss more gaming, gadgets and technology both retro and modern.