Peter Willington is your guide on a short series of podcasts exploring video games and their relationship with music, spinning discs for audio nerds. This week, it’s the subject of soundtracks, the tracks that invoke memories and feelings for a game, or perhaps just the odd track that deserves to be heard again. The show contains the following tracks…

Lone Star from Superbrother: Sword & Sworcery EP – Suggested by @lee_bradley

Intro from Castle Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse – Suggested by @FrostieDee

Sion Barzhad’s Theme from The Bouncer – Suggested by @sayemisawesome

Room Of Angel from Silent Hill 4: The Room

Excerpt of Main Theme from Super Mario Bros.

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

Peter Willington is your guide on a short series of podcasts exploring video games and their relationship with music, spinning discs for audio nerds. This week, it’s the subject of covers, specifically chiptune interpretations of pop, rock and dance numbers. The show contains the following tracks, by the following artists.

Leeni covering Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games”

Spectraspectacle covering Keane’s “Spiralling” – Suggested by @foolishuk

ZellTheSick covering REM’s “End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” – Suggested by @kinectronic

TomGrus covering Hadouken’s “House Is Falling”

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

This month, Kris leaps into the first in the Uncharted series, comparing it to a famous stunt show featuring a certain whip-cracking archaeologist. How similar are the two and how is this reflected in the level design of Drake’s Fortune?

Video footage of the Stunt show can be found here.

For the fourth and final episode of the third arc of Pause:Continue, Peter Willington speaks with freelance writer Mark Brown to talk about Broken Sword: Shadow Of The Templars.

Mark talks about early memories of gaming on the Game Boy and PlayStation, and why the first Broken Sword is his favourite game from childhood. Mark and Peter also discuss the finer points of the title, such as the hidden depths of characters and solid puzzle design.

This month’s links…

Mark’s Blog - http://infamousgoat.tumblr.com/

Mark on Twitter - http://twitter.com/britishgaming

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

With the economic landscape looking a little bleak, listening to Freeplay is as important as it ever was. Where else can you hear about the best games you can play for free? – handpicked for your listening pleasure. In this month’s episode the gang do some thinking in The End, some imagining in Rückblende, and discuss the effectiveness of adult issues and eating onions.

 Not suitable for children!

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/03/content/podcasts/freeplay-episode-26-onions-ontology-and-obscenities/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/03/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-what-arkham-did/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/03/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-what-arkham-did/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:33 +0000 Strider http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=2585
“Madness is the emergency exit. You can just step outside, and close the door on all those dreadful things that happened. You can lock them away… forever.” The Joker Batman: The Killing Joke This month Kris enters Arkham Asylum to see how its inmates cast it as a sufferer of dissociative identity disorder, turning to both …]]>

“Madness is the emergency exit. You can just step outside, and close the door on all those dreadful things that happened. You can lock them away… forever.”

The Joker Batman: The Killing Joke

This month Kris enters Arkham Asylum to see how its inmates cast it as a sufferer of dissociative identity disorder, turning to both Rocksteady Games’ Batman Arkham Asylum and Grant Morrison and Dave McKean’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth. What will he find there and will it cost him his sanity?

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

In episode 3 of Peter Willington’s continued search for the games we most fondly remember growing up, he’s joined by Brendan Caldwell to talk demos.

Remarking on just how important these trial versions of full games were to him in his youth, Brendan reveals how they inadvertently got him into writing, why he was initially disappointed by Metal Gear Solid when it was released and how he knows the opening sequence of that title like the back of his hand.

This month’s links…

Brendan’s Blog - http://brendycaldwell.wordpress.com/

Brendan on Twitter - https://twitter.com/brendy_c

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

According to those friendly folks on the ten o’clock news, the world’s economy isn’t what you would call ‘looking good’. So we here at Freeplay decided to pull our socks up and sort out this financial mess the only way we know how, by chatting about games!

But you may ask ‘how will chatting about games fix this crisis’? Well, we have done extensive research in the field of gaming and discovered that video games are expensive. It’s true. But instead of sitting back and allowing people to continue spending money on these games we thought we would draw your attention to the fact that great games can be found for free and we are the ones to tell you about them. Blimey, I can see the proverbial green shoots of economic recovery already!

This month Dan is joined by Kris and Pete as they explore the world of Coil, they create the world of Mightier and they discuss how the way we play a game affects our enjoyment. So download, listen and enjoy Episode 25 of Freeplay.

 Warning! May not be suitable for children.

Inspired by a surprisingly good documentary about video games. This month, Sam talks about what factors may have resulted in the demise of the Arcade and discusses  if there is still any virtue in playing games in the full view of the public, away from out plush and comfy lounges.

Romantic Love. Just why is it so difficult to get right in gaming? Kris, joined by Pete, Sam and Dan attempt to answer this question, finding out what has worked, what hasn’t and why. Go listen!

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/02/content/podcasts/lovescapes-pride-embarrassment/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/02/content/podcasts/pausecontinue-arc-3-episode-2-sonic-the-hedgehog-with-kris-lipscombe/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/02/content/podcasts/pausecontinue-arc-3-episode-2-sonic-the-hedgehog-with-kris-lipscombe/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:01:47 +0000 Xero http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=2350
Continuing the third Arc of Pause:Continue, Peter Willington is joined by Kris Lipscombe from TheSixthAxis to talk Sonic The Hedgehog on the Master System. They discuss the differences between 8-bit Sonic and his bigger brother on the Mega Drive, how the game was seen as a dumbed down port where in reality it was a …]]>

Continuing the third Arc of Pause:Continue, Peter Willington is joined by Kris Lipscombe from TheSixthAxis to talk Sonic The Hedgehog on the Master System.

They discuss the differences between 8-bit Sonic and his bigger brother on the Mega Drive, how the game was seen as a dumbed down port where in reality it was a far tougher, far more cerebral game than the Blast Processor powered offering. Kris also talks about his childhood and how games were “events”, yet highly personal, and how his father introduced him to the medium.

This month’s links…

TheSixthAxis - http://www.thesixthaxis.com/

Kris on Twitter - https://twitter.com/halbpro

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

Food, clothes, housing, electricity and water are a selection of items of everyday living which cost money. Society tells us that we need to buy these so called ‘essentials’ to survive.

The games industry has tapped into this idea and exploited it for their own nefarious schemes and made all gamers believe that if you want to enjoy fun, exciting and innovative games you have to hand over your cold hard cash. But, here at Freeplay we snatch your hand away from the evil retailer and explain that there are games you can play for free.

This month Dan is joined by Kris, Pete and Sam as they tread the theatrical boards with Deirdra Kiai’s The Play. They play Charles Cecil’s seminal sci-fi adventure Beneath a Steel Sky and then they discuss what makes a truly great gaming narrative.

If you want to tread the boards you can try The Play here

If you want to see what is Beneath a Steel Sky click here

It’s the beginning of a brand new year and the excitement surrounding 2011 is still ringing in the ears of many gamers. So was the last twelve months the golden age for the current generation of hardware or is there still more to come from consoles that have pride of place in our homes? That’s what Sam puts through his sights in the latest Through the Reticle…

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/01/content/podcasts/through-the-reticle-what-next/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/01/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-grandmother-what-a-big-path-you-have/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2012/01/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-grandmother-what-a-big-path-you-have/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:20 +0000 Strider http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=2291
Strider kicks off 2012 with a jaunt down Tale of Tales The Path, experiencing something that changes his perception of  videogaming and took him to an uncomfortable place. This podcast contains adult themes and is not suitable for children. You can find The Path here. Its awesome soundtrack here. The Freeplay episode in which we …]]>

Strider kicks off 2012 with a jaunt down Tale of Tales The Path, experiencing something that changes his perception of  videogaming and took him to an uncomfortable place.

This podcast contains adult themes and is not suitable for children.

You can find The Path here.

Its awesome soundtrack here.

The Freeplay episode in which we discussed The Graveyard, another release from Tale of Tales.

The Digital Wanderlust music is ‘Threads’ provided by Andy Kelly

Do the games we played as children affect us as we became older? Are we informed by the classics from our youth or are we held back by them? Do our tastes ever change that dramatically? Do we still love the games we played for hours on end before we grew up into the people we are today? InRetroSpect’s Peter Willington decides to find out in Arc 3 of Pause:Continue.

This month he’s joined by Mike Mason who brings along Bub and Bob for the ride, as they discuss Mike’s favourite childhood game: Bubble Bobble. They talk about both console and home PC gaming, some of his earliest memories of video games, and shares some pro tips on the title.

This month’s links…

Nintendo Life – http://www.nintendolife.com

Mike on Twitter – http://twitter.com/MikeDMason

Cevinius’ rendition of Bubble Bobble – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l6r8yk9cns

Beastman’s Bubble Bobble – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8C38JvZTEA

RazorDave’s Bubble Bobble Theme – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1QDPrzt-RE

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer or artist and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

Happy New Year and please accept all the happy tidings for 2012 from InRetroSpect. Even though the old year is now mostly a haze of punch, party poppers and drunken paralysis, you might still remember this: InRetroSpect Xmas Special In this special the InRetroSpect team were privileged enough to receive games as their Secret Santa presents. Now, twelve nights later, they have met up again to discuss the games Santa gave them and use those very same games to spark debate. So sit back, maybe chow down one last Mince Pie, as InRetroSpect pull down their tinsel for the Twelfth Night Special…Warning! May not be suitable for Children! 

Tis the season to be jolly,

So grab some tinsel and some holly,

As once again it’s that time of year,

To listen to some festive cheer,

The InRetroSpect boys are here to say,

That its time for the Special Christmas Freeplay,

**********

Dan the host is in his seat,

And is joined by three festive treats,

With Sam to the right, Pete to the left,

And with Kris up ahead you won’t feel bereft,

They will choose their best games,

Both the big and the small,

And discuss why they chose those games above all,

**********

If that’s not enough you also will hear,

As well as their choices for game of the year,

A secret Santa of gaming design,

Spending only £5.00 meant the budget was fine,

But purchase they did so listen and find,

How this festive exchange could well blow your mind,

**********

And if still you are not content,

You greedy lot,

We have a festive quiz to complete this plot,

Pete was the champion this time last year,

Will he repeat this feat or fall on his rear,

**********

All this and more is just a mouse click away,

And when you are done go have your say,

iTunes or Zune is the place to go,

To tell people how much you enjoyed our Christmas show,

Or speak to the Gremlin who lives on the net,

But a friendly response you shouldn’t expect,

**********

So listen and laugh for the last time this year,

To the cheapest gaming chat you’re likely to hear,

In 2012 we will return,

Ensuring that you still keep money to burn,

So until then goodbye and don’t shed a tear,

Just have a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Warning! May not be suitable for Children.

RAW is a show from InRetroSpect that aims to choose a Top 5 of a certain video game topic within a certain time limit. Totally un-scripted, un-edited, InRetroSpect RAW is the purest of recorded debates. This time, Sam, Pete, Dan and Kris have twenty minutes to discuss who should make our Top 5 gaming sidekicks.

You may or may not remember that in August of last year, Sam asked fellow podcasters, Paul, Pete, Kris and Dan to share with him their video game music highlights. This was the Plinky Plonky Music Special. After more than a year and to celebrate the 25th show of Through the Reticle, Sam has decided that it was time to do his own Plinky Plonky Special. Inspired by a recent play through of Rayman: Origins, Sam shares those pieces of music that have stayed with him after over two decades of gaming.

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/12/content/podcasts/through-the-reticle-my-plinky-plonky-music-special/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/11/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-foodscapes-may-contain-nuts/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/11/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-foodscapes-may-contain-nuts/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:00:40 +0000 Strider http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=2179
In this episode Kris looks at the relationship between food and gaming calling upon his colleagues at InRetroSpect and Sinan Kubba from Big Red Potion. What do gamers like to eat? How does food effect our playing of games? And why does Portal have cake in it? Find out. Warning, make sure you have eaten …]]>

In this episode Kris looks at the relationship between food and gaming calling upon his colleagues at InRetroSpect and Sinan Kubba from Big Red Potion. What do gamers like to eat? How does food effect our playing of games? And why does Portal have cake in it? Find out.

Warning, make sure you have eaten before listening.

Pete’s Sinner Sushi: 

Sam’s Radioactive Toad in the Hole: 

Dan’s Steak of Rage: 

Sinan’s Rainbow Risotto: 

You can hear more from Sinan at Big Red Potion and Freeplay. If you feel a need for a bit of exercise, why not listen to Sam’s ‘Witness the Fitness’?

Released in August of 2011, Trauma is ostensibly a point and click adventure, albeit one that attempts to present feeling and tone over a complex series of puzzles and conversations. In this month’s Pause:Continue, Peter Willington explores the title and interviews its creator Krystian Majewski. Krystian speaks to InRetroSpect about the evolution of the adventure genre and the process of creating one of the most fascinating releases of the year.

This month’s links…

Trauma - http://www.traumagame.com/

Trauma Soundtrack - http://soundtracks.martinstraka.de/album/trauma-soundtrack

Krystian Majewski’s Blog - http://gamedesignreviews.com/scrapbook/

Monster Hunter Podcast - http://monsterhunterpodcast.tumblr.com/

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of the developer and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

Have you found that lately you’ve been spending more money than you intended? Has your bank balance dropped unexpectedly? Can you not quite put your finger on the reason for your sudden frivolous attitude to money? Well, let me enlighten you. Two months ago Freeplay took some time off to explore the world of Lara Croft and so you haven’t had your monthly dose of gaming on the cheap. But have no fear as Freeplay is back in time for you to salvage you bank balance, just in time for Christmas.

This month we get sociable as Dan is joined by Pete, Sam, Kris and special guest, Creative Director at mobilepie.com Will Luton, as we take on the games you can find for free through Facebook.

For starters we discover if three is the magic number with Bejewelled Blitz and then we play Cityville.

If that’s not enough for you, we finish with a discussion on the impact social media is having on our gaming lives.

Warning! May not be suitable for children!

To blast some gems in Bejewelled Blitz Click Here

To become the Mayor of your own town Click Here

Numbers say alot about the world around us. They define our life stlye, our habits and even the legalityof our actions, but do they have any place in video-game crticism? Could there be a time when reviews no longer have to be accompanied by numbers? Or could there be a moment in the future when reviews are nothing but digits? That’s what Sam puts Through the Reticle this month….

Have you ever been ‘in the zone’ or ‘in the moment’? In this month’s Digital Wanderlust Strider applies Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of ‘flow’ to Flower to look at how it facilitates creativity through relaxation and challenge. Go with the flow.

Featuring an extract from Aleas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjliwSJGDiU

Adventure games are all the same aren’t they? “Of course not!” shouts Peter Willington in this second episode of P:C Arc 2, examining some of the games in the genre that dare to stand out, that try something new within the rigidly traditional format of pointing and clicking. Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is this month’s title, a game which is best when it’s being a sequel, at its worst, when it’s being a game.

This month’s links…

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey’s Official Website - http://www.dreamfall.com/

Funcom’s Official Website - http://www.funcom.com/

Ragnar Tørnquist’s Blog - http://www.ragnartornquist.com/

Next Month’s Game: Trauma - http://www.traumagame.com

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Funcom and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the game. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

RAW is a brand new series here on InRetroSpect. The aim of the show is for members of the InRetroSpect to choose their Top 5 of a certain video game topic, all within a certain time frame. Un-scripted, un-edited and put out just as we recorded it, InRetroSpect RAW aims to provide you with quick snappy debates and hopefully inspire you to have your own. You can join in to the conversation anytime at iTunes, the Zune Marketplace or at InRetroSpectPodcast.com. But for now and for the very first time, this is InRetroSpect RAW.

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/10/content/podcasts/inretrospect-raw-top-5-locations/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/10/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-v-tomb-raider/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/10/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-v-tomb-raider/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:00:59 +0000 Marconi http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=2021
  No one knows better than Lara Croft that every great adventure must find its conclusion. A journey is not complete without the artifact at the end or the discovery of the truth behind the myth. This week, we bring you the final part of our five week InRaiderSpect Series.  All four hosts once again come …]]>

No one knows better than Lara Croft that every great adventure must find its conclusion. A journey is not complete without the artifact at the end or the discovery of the truth behind the myth. This week, we bring you the final part of our five week InRaiderSpect Series.  All four hosts once again come together to look at the franchise and discuss what influence it has had, and where it is going. Don’t forget as well, that if you have missed them, all the previous InRaiderSpect episodes are still available on iTunes, the Zune Marketplace, or here on InRetroSpectPodcast.com. This is InRaiderSpect Part V: Tomb Raider…

Warning! Contains spoilers!

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Square Enix and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the series. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. You can purchase the games and music right here. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce or on the sale of items we link to, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

With the success of any gaming franchise comes the exploration into different mediums. Lara has been privileged enough to grace films, books and graphic novels. But what happens to her when you remove her from the game? In the fourth part of the InRadierSpect series, Sam Turner argues that, as a character, Lara is lost when ever she steps away from the controller.

Warning! Contains spoilers!

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Square Enix and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the series. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. You can purchase the games and music right here. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce or on the sale of items we link to, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-iv-lara-croft-from-screen-to-page/feed/ 1 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-iii-turning-points/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-iii-turning-points/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:00:46 +0000 Strider http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=1978
Inspired by the E3 trailer for next chapter in the series, Strider takes you through the Tomb Raider labyrinth to answer the one question that has permeated throughout the series:  to turn back or carry on? Warning! Contains spoilers!     A text version of this podcast can be found at Stella’s Tomb Raider Blog. …]]>

Inspired by the E3 trailer for next chapter in the series, Strider takes you through the Tomb Raider labyrinth to answer the one question that has permeated throughout the series:  to turn back or carry on?

Warning! Contains spoilers!

A text version of this podcast can be found at Stella’s Tomb Raider Blog.

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Square Enix and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the series. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. You can purchase the games and music right here. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce or on the sale of items we link to, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

What is the true legacy of Lara Croft? Is the tomb raiding heroine of the world famous franchise just a sex symbol of a time gone by, a relic more outdated than the treasures she finds on her adventures? Or could it be that the changes Ms. Croft brought to the games industry – and the medium in general – are now so ingrained and subtle that we’ve forgotten which English explorer we have to thank for them? Peter Willington investigates.

Warning! Contains spoilers!

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Square Enix and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the series. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. You can purchase the games and music right here. At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce or on the sale of items we link to, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

It is with great pleasure that we here at InRetroSpect bring you another month of podcast specials. A while back, we took some time out from the regular schedule to bring you thirty days celebrating the work of Hideo Kojima and Metal Gear Solid. This time around we have turned our attention to the universe of Tomb Raider. Spanning nearly two decades of the gaming landscape, Lara Croft and the series have shaped and defined how, why, and with whom we play games. She is the most famous and well recognised gaming figure you could find and over the next month we’ll be examining as much of the Tomb Raider world as we can. It all starts here, with a special group discussion on the legend, myth and fable that is Lara Croft.

Warning! Contains spoilers!

All music tracks and sound effects featured are the intellectual property of Square Enix and used by us to better convey the tone and feel of the series. If you like what you hear in the short excerpts used you should support the artists that created them by either buying the games, the soundtracks themselves or – better yet – both. You can purchase the games and music right here . At InRetroSpectPodcast.com we don’t make a single penny on the podcasts we produce or on the sale of items we link to, instead we’re passionate about the games we discuss and in ensuring that full credit is given to the fantastically talented people that make them.

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-part-i-origins/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-the-trailer-begins/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/09/content/podcasts/inraiderspect-the-trailer-begins/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:52 +0000 Marconi http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=1918
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If you haven’t already, then it might be a good idea before you bathe your lugs in the latest Through the Reticle, to hear what inspired Marconi to write this month’s episode. Change of Plan . That was then though and this is now and Marconi reports on the indivduality of the gaming press. How come it survives whilst other media struggles to adapt? Marconi investigates….

This month Strider travels to a place that sits between his child and adulthood, between imagination and reality, between a game and a program. Its been nearly 16 years since he last visited the place … what memories did he leave behind in Microsoft 3D Movie Maker? Find out…

See also: Sam’s talk about creativity, 3dmm, 3dmm studio,

A new Arc, a new topic and this time it’s left-of-centre adventure titles. Peter Willington begins his exploration of the unique and the less-discussed adventure games, beginning with talking to fellow InRetroSpect podcaster Sam Turner about their shared playthrough of Nelson Tethers: Puzzle Agent.

This month’s links…

Telltale Games - http://www.telltalegames.com

Official Nelson Tethers: Puzzle Agent Page - http://www.telltalegames.com/puzzleagent

Have you ever tried to buy a game using the lint from the bottom of your pockets? No? Well I have and I can confirm that the folks down at your local gaming store do not appreciate such currency and will often look at you with a certain blend of bewilderment and contempt. However it is at this moment I recommend you put away your lint and say “No more will I pay for games! I am going to Freeplay!” then march out the store with your head held high and your mp3 player in tow as its time for a brand new episode of your favourite free gaming show!

After leaving Freeplay in the capable hands for Mr. Pete Willington last time round, this month sees the Dan shaped hole in Freeplay filled once more and not only that but he has only gone and found some free games from his travels!

This month Sam and Pete join Dan as they help a platypus climb up some tunnels with Chasm and shoot some retro shapes with a retro gun with Retro 4.

Also this month they discuss if sequels are creating new and exciting games or simply the same games but with shinier wrapping paper.

So now you have spent 30 seconds reading this humourous little article you may as well head down below and take a listen to what the guys think, its not like it will cost you anything is it?

To Play Chasm Click here

To Play Retro 4 Click here

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/podcasts/freeplay-episode-20-platypus-puzzles-and-pretty-colours/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/through-the-reticle-change-of-plan/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/through-the-reticle-change-of-plan/#comments Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:01:49 +0000 Marconi http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=1829
  It was all going so smoothly. Marconi had an episode all mapped out and ready to go and then he went on a trip on a boat, came back and everything changed. In an alternative episode to the one planned by the podcaster, Marconi uses a strange reaction to returning home from sea to start …]]>

It was all going so smoothly. Marconi had an episode all mapped out and ready to go and then he went on a trip on a boat, came back and everything changed. In an alternative episode to the one planned by the podcaster, Marconi uses a strange reaction to returning home from sea to start a new episode on a totally different subject.

This month Strider tackles the tricky subject of comedy in gaming –  just why is it so hard to get right? Will InRetroSpect’s very own comedians Xero, Balaenidae and Marconi have the answer? Find out by giving it a listen and playing the slideshow above.

Warning! May not be suitable for children.

]]> http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/podcasts/digital-wanderlust-laughscapes-the-shortest-distance-between-two-gamers/feed/ 0 http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/podcasts/pausecontinue-arc-1-episode-5-release-day/ http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/2011/07/content/podcasts/pausecontinue-arc-1-episode-5-release-day/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:45:50 +0000 Xero http://www.inretrospectpodcast.com/?p=1777
  For the finale of the first Pause:Continue Arc Peter Willington describes the process of grafting together his game “Soldiers Are Dreamers” using the Adventure Maker engine as well as his feelings of having now completed this mammoth task. Plus he speaks with Billy Vincent frontmen David and Bill regarding their incredible track “Feathers” which …]]>

For the finale of the first Pause:Continue Arc Peter Willington describes the process of grafting together his game “Soldiers Are Dreamers” using the Adventure Maker engine as well as his feelings of having now completed this mammoth task. Plus he speaks with Billy Vincent frontmen David and Bill regarding their incredible track “Feathers” which features in the game.

This month’s links…

Soldiers Are Dreamers – Play Now

Billy Vincent - http://www.billyvincent.co.uk/

Adventure Maker - http://www.adventuremaker.com/

It is the time of austerity. People are on strike, countries are folding like the notes they put their faces on and people are becoming so tight that the pressure is becoming palpable. Here at InRetroSpect we don’t say that we have all the answers, but what we do have is Freeplay. Your regular monthly dose of the best gaming you can do for free. This time Pete is joined by Sam and Kris as they weed out the much loved from the moribund.

To really join in the fun, you can experience each of the games before, after or during the show. All the links can be found below.

Loved

The Graveyard

Warning! May not be suitable for children.