Retro Titans - the giants of retro and indie gaming in conversation

Hosted by Phil Szomszor

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Aug 2026

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Retro Titans: the podcast dedicated to the epic world of retro and indie gaming. Interviews with the people who brought us the games, computers and consoles we love - and those who are bringing it all back.

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57 recent

August 9, 2026Episode 61 hr 4 min

From Arcades to Evercade: A Lifelong Love of Gaming with YouTuber Andrew Bender

In this episode of Retro Titans, we head across the Atlantic to talk retro gaming, arcades, Evercade and the journey from lifelong gamer to YouTube creator. Phil is joined by Andrew Bender, one half of the Ronnie and Andrew YouTube channel, which has built up a huge library of videos covering retro and modern gaming. Andrew talks about how the channel developed, what he has learned along the way, and why sharing his passion for games has become such an important part of the hobby. Andrew's gaming story goes much further back. We explore his love of Falcom games, his experiences with the American arcade scene, collecting arcade hardware, and why the social experience of playing games in an arcade still has a magic that is difficult to recreate at home. There's plenty of Evercade discussion too, including Andrew's approach to reviewing cartridges and discovering games he might otherwise never have played. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ From gamer to YouTuber How Andrew and his wife started creating gaming content, and the learning curve involved in building a channel with more than 600 videos. 2️⃣ Growing up with games and discovering the arcade Andrew shares his gaming history and why arcades became such an important part of his passion for the hobby. 3️⃣ The magic of arcade hardware From cabinets and fighting games to Neo Geo and pinball, we discuss what makes playing on original or dedicated hardware such a different experience. 4️⃣ Evercade, collecting and discovering old games Why physical cartridges and curated collections appeal to Andrew, and how reviewing Evercade releases has introduced him to games from across gaming history. 5️⃣ Why retro gaming still matters Andrew and Phil discuss nostalgia, collecting and the communities that continue to celebrate classic games and hardware. 🔗 Links Roni and Andrew on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GameOverRandA Andrew's arcade tour (mentioned in the interview) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naT_bFW2a_0 🎙️ Credits Sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing Produced by Rocket Media Voiceover by Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna

July 26, 2026Episode 953 min

Rebroadcast - E1 Crazy Burger's introduction to Evercade

Today's episode is a replay of Season 1, Episode 1 with YouTuber Crazy Burger - recorded back in February 2024. So much has changed since we started Retro Titans. From resurgence of retro gaming and the evolution of Evercade to my own rediscovery of the games I loved. Looking back, I recorded this episode only four weeks into my Evercade journey. I'm slighly suprised by my bold brass to think I could make a podcast about something I knew barely anywayhing about. Hey ho, thankfully Crazy Burger made it easy for me. Since then, I've discovered so much more in retro and indie gaming, recorded over 50 episodes of Retro Titans, and made a load of friends in the process. So, while we wait for the fresh new episodes, thanks to everyone who's listened and supported Retro Titans so far. Are you ready to play...? Thanks Phil July 2026

July 12, 2026Episode 852 min

Turrican, Neo Geo, Home Computer Handhelds & the Future of Retro Gaming | Blaze Entertainment's Andrew Byatt & Sean Cleaver

To reflect on Evercade's first half of 2026, we welcome back two familiar faces from Blaze Entertainment: CEO Andrew Byatt and Head of Communications Sean Cleaver. From the headline-grabbing Evercade Nexus announcements to the arrival of Turrican, Doom teasers, and the exciting new Home Computer Handheld range, we explore how Blaze continues to grow the Evercade ecosystem while balancing nostalgia, innovation and community feedback. We also discuss the challenges of licensing classic games, the future of retro gaming, the importance of preserving gaming history, and why physical media still matters in an increasingly digital world. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ Evercade's biggest year yet Andrew and Sean reflect on six years of Blaze Entertainment and the announcements that are shaping the future of Evercade. 2️⃣ The stories behind the latest releases From Turrican to NeoGeo, Rare, Doom and beyond, we talk about some of the standout games, cartridges and partnerships. 3️⃣ The Home Computer Handhelds Why Blaze decided to bring the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 back in handheld form, and what players can expect. 4️⃣ Licensing, preservation and community How Blaze works with rights holders, listens to fan feedback and balances classic favourites with new discoveries. 5️⃣ Looking ahead What excites Andrew and Sean most about the future of Evercade, retro gaming and the growing community around the platform. Whether you're an Evercade collector, a lifelong retro gamer, or simply curious about where classic gaming is heading next, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most passionate companies. 🔗 Guest links Blaze Entertainment: https://blaze-entertainment.com Evercade: https://evercade.co.uk 🎙️ Credits This episode is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing. Produced by Rocket Media. Voiceover by Mark Silk. Theme music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna.

June 29, 2026Episode 745 min

Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 | James Deighan on Evercade & Modern Retro Gaming

In this episode of Retro Titans, we're joined once again by James Deighan, co-founder of indie game studio Mega Cat Studios. He returns to discuss the launch of Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 on Evercade and how the studio continues to create brand-new games for classic hardware. From its roots in the homebrew community to becoming one of modern retro gaming's most respected publishers, Mega Cat Studios has spent more than a decade creating fresh experiences for the consoles and computers many of us grew up with. James shares the company's journey, the passion behind its success, and why physical retro gaming continues to thrive. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ The story behind Mega Cat Studios How a group of collectors, homebrew developers and ROM hackers built one of retro gaming's most influential publishers. 2️⃣ Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 James takes us behind the scenes of the latest Evercade collection and the games that made the cut. 3️⃣ Why modern retro keeps growing From physical cartridges to community events and homebrew development, we explore why retro gaming is stronger than ever. 4️⃣ From passion project to publishing powerhouse James reflects on balancing creativity with business growth while supporting independent developers around the world. 5️⃣ The future of retro gaming We discuss what's next for Mega Cat Studios, the evolving indie landscape, and why classic platforms continue to inspire today's developers. Whether you're an Evercade fan, a homebrew enthusiast or simply fascinated by modern retro gaming, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into one of the studios helping shape its future. 🔗 Guest links • Mega Cat Studios: https://megacatstudios.com 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing. Produced by Rocket Media. Voiceover by Mark Silk. Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna.

June 14, 2026Episode 61 hr 12 min

From Llamas to Light Synths: Jeff Minter and Heart of Neon with Paul Docherty

In this episode of Retro Titans, we dive into the colourful world of one of gaming's most original creators: Jeff Minter. Joining us is filmmaker and C64 pixel artist Paul Docherty, whose new documentary Heart of Neon chronicles Minter's remarkable four-decade journey from the VIC-20 era to becoming one of the industry's most fiercely independent creative voices. Paul's own story is deeply intertwined with gaming history. Known to many as "Doc" from the Commodore 64 scene, he created iconic loading screens for classics such as The Last Ninja, Druid II and Flying Shark before embarking on a successful career in documentary filmmaking. Now, he's brought those two passions together in a labour of love that celebrates the games, artistry and philosophy of Llamasoft founder Jeff Minter. Together, we explore the making of Heart of Neon, the challenges of documenting a gaming icon, and why Minter's unique blend of arcade action, psychedelia and artistic expression continues to resonate with players today. In this episode, we cover: 1️⃣ The making of Heart of Neon How Paul Docherty went from Commodore 64 pixel artist to documentary filmmaker, and why Jeff Minter became the subject of his most ambitious project. 2️⃣ Jeff Minter's extraordinary legacy From Gridrunner and Llamatron to Space Giraffe and beyond, we discuss the games, ideas and innovations that shaped a four-decade career. 3️⃣ Video games as art Why Minter's work challenges conventional ideas about game design and continues to inspire developers, artists and creators. 4️⃣ The golden age of home computing Paul reflects on the Commodore 64 era, the UK games industry of the 1980s, and the creative opportunities that helped launch his career. 5️⃣ Preserving gaming history The role documentaries play in capturing the stories behind the games, people and movements that shaped retro gaming culture. Whether you're a lifelong Llamasoft fan, a lover of retro gaming history, or simply curious about one of the medium's most distinctive creative minds, this is a fascinating conversation about imagination, technology and the enduring power of independent game development. 🔗 Guest links Heart of Neon documentary Paul Docherty Llamasoft 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under licence from shockwave-sound.com

May 31, 2026Episode 557 min

The Art of Porting Classic Games: From Metal Gear to Turrican with Ian "Hoffman" Ford

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil sits down with coder, musician and game porter Ian "Hoffman" Ford — a veteran of the Amiga demoscene whose work has helped bring classic games to new audiences across modern retro platforms. From creating tracker music as a teenager during the UK home computer boom to porting iconic titles like Metal Gear, Shinobi, Golden Axe and Turrican, Ian has spent decades combining technical expertise with a passion for retro gaming. Equally at home composing soundtracks, designing sound effects and writing low-level code, he occupies a unique place in the modern retro scene. Together, Phil and Ian explore the worlds of game porting and retro game music, discussing what it takes to faithfully bring classic games to new hardware, how vintage systems shape the creative process, and why preserving the look, feel and sound of these games remains so important today. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ The art of porting classic games What really happens when a game moves from one platform to another — and why understanding both the original hardware and the destination system is only the beginning. 2️⃣ From the Amiga demoscene to modern retro development How a teenage passion for music, coding and creativity evolved into a career spanning decades of retro gaming projects. 3️⃣ Music, sound and atmosphere in retro games From tracker music and game soundtracks to sound design and audio production, Ian explains how he creates music that enhances the retro gaming experience. 4️⃣ Head Over Heels: Return to Blacktooth A behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated modern retro releases, and the work involved in bringing the Atari ST project to the Amiga. 5️⃣ Preserving gaming history for new generations From Metal Gear on the MSX to modern Neo Geo projects, Ian discusses why classic games still matter and how they continue to inspire today's developers and players. Ian also shares stories from the Amiga demo scene, explains how a chance discovery of the Metal Gear source code sparked his first major porting project, discusses his work on Seekanoid and Roguecraft DX, and reveals the games that shaped his life — from Tetris and Journey to the Neo Geo classic Neo Turf Masters. 🔗 Guest links GitHub: https://github.com/h0ffman Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/h0ffman Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/h0ffman.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@h0ffman 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under licence from shockwave-sound.com

May 17, 2026Episode 446 min

Inside Bitmap Books: Preserving Retro Gaming History with Sam Dyer

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil sits down with Sam Dyer, founder of Bitmap Books — the publisher behind some of the most beautifully crafted retro gaming books ever produced. From the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum to the NeoGeo and N64, Bitmap Books has become synonymous with premium retro gaming preservation, celebrating the art, culture and history of the games we grew up with. But Sam's journey started much like many of ours — with a beige computer under the TV and a lifelong fascination with games. Together, Phil and Sam explore how nostalgia, graphic design and a love of gaming history combined to create one of the most respected retro gaming publishers in the world today. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ The origins of Bitmap Books How a passion project inspired by the Commodore 64 grew into a globally recognised retro gaming publisher. 2️⃣ Designing books for retro fans Why presentation, print quality and visual storytelling matter just as much as the words on the page. 3️⃣ Preserving gaming history From arcade classics and point-and-click adventures to SNK and Neo Geo, Sam explains why these games deserve to be documented and celebrated. 4️⃣ Nostalgia, community and modern retro culture Why retro gaming continues to resonate with new generations, and how the meaning of "retro" keeps evolving. Sam also shares stories about launching books through Kickstarter, working with legendary developers and publishers, creating collector's editions with built-in sound effects, and why games like Sensible Soccer, Monkey Island and Metal Slug still matter today. 🔗 Guest links – Sam Dyer / Bitmap Books Bitmap Books Website https://www.bitmapbooks.com/ Bitmap Books on X/Twitter https://x.com/bitmap_books Bitmap Books on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bitmapbooks 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under license from shockwave-sound.com

May 3, 2026Episode 351 min

Modern C64 Game Development & Retro Revival with Carleton Handley

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil sits down with veteran game developer Carleton Handley to explore a career that spans the golden age of gaming right through to today's retro revival. Carleton started out as a self-taught bedroom coder on the C64, before going on to work across multiple generations of games — from 8-bit classics to console and mobile titles. But in recent years, he's returned to where it all began, creating brand new games for the C64, including the brilliant puzzle game Millie and Molly. Together, they explore what draws developers back to retro platforms, how constraints can fuel creativity, and why the C64 scene is still very much alive today. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ From bedroom coder to professional developer Carleton's journey from learning to code as a teenager to working across Game Gear, PlayStation and early mobile games. 2️⃣ Why return to the C64? What brought him back to 8-bit development after years away from making games. 3️⃣ Designing Millie and Molly How thoughtful puzzle design and simple mechanics create a deeply rewarding experience. 4️⃣ The modern retro scene Why communities, tools and platforms are making it easier than ever to create for classic systems. Carleton also shares stories from his early career, his experiences working across different eras of the games industry, and how his passion for making games never really went away. 🔗 Guest links – Carleton Handley https://carletonhandley.itch.io/ 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing 🌐 www.thalamusdigital.co.uk Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk 🌐 www.marcsilk.com Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under license from shockwave-sound.com

April 19, 2026Episode 248 min

Evercade Nexus Breakdown with Crazy Burger | Specs, Games and Expert Opinion

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil is joined once again by returning guest and Evercade expert Crazy Burger for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about retro gaming announcements of the year: the Evercade Nexus. Positioned as a premium handheld upgrade, the Nexus introduces a larger screen, dual analog sticks, and new features like local wireless multiplayer. But does it deliver what fans have been asking for, or is it playing things a little too safe? Together, Phil and Crazy Burger break down everything we know so far, from hardware design and performance to pricing, game compatibility, and what this means for the future of the Evercade ecosystem. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ What the Evercade Nexus actually is A new premium handheld with a larger display, dual analog controls, and full cartridge compatibility. 2️⃣ Safe upgrade or missed opportunity? Why the Nexus delivers many requested features, but may fall short of bigger expectations. 3️⃣ Hardware deep dive Screen size, resolution, weight, ergonomics, and how it compares to previous Evercade devices. 4️⃣ New features and functionality From Tate mode to EverSync local multiplayer, and what these additions mean in practice. 5️⃣ Banjo-Kazooie and the future of Evercade Why this release is a major moment for the platform, and what it could signal for upcoming games. Crazy Burger also shares insights from the Evercade community, reflects on Blaze's strategy, and gives an honest verdict on whether the Nexus is worth the investment. 🔗 Guest links – Crazy Burger YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrazyBurger 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing 🌐 www.thalamusdigital.co.uk Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk 🌐 www.marcsilk.com Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under license from shockwave-sound.com

April 5, 2026Episode 149 min

Inside Pico-8: Krystian Majewski - aka Krystman - on Game Development, Creativity and Getting Started

In this episode of Retro Titans, Phil kicks off Season 3 with a return to the world of Pico-8. It's a fantasy console with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting spaces in modern retro development. Joining the show is indie developer and educator Krystian Majewski, also known as Krystman. He is the creator of the popular Lazy Devs Academy YouTube channel and has helped thousands of aspiring developers take their first steps into game creation using Pico-8. Together, they explore what makes Pico-8 so compelling, from its creative constraints to its supportive community. Krystian also shares practical advice for anyone looking to get started with game development. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ What Pico-8 actually is and why it matters A "fantasy console" focused on creativity, accessibility and design discipline. 2️⃣ Why limitations make better games How strict constraints on resolution, colour and size help developers focus on what matters. 3️⃣ Teaching game development through Pico-8 Inside Lazy Devs Academy, and how structured learning and community support help beginners succeed. 4️⃣ Getting started as a developer Practical advice for newcomers, from first ideas through to a finished game. Krystian also shares insights into his own games, the evolution of the Pico-8 scene, and why there has never been a better time to start making games yourself. 🔗 Guest links – Krystian Majewski YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LazyDevs Itch.io: https://krystman.itch.io/ Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@krystman 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing 🌐 www.thalamusdigital.co.uk Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk 🌐 www.marcsilk.com Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under license from shockwave-sound.com