Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E13

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are flexing their mental muscles with the ultimate arcade block-dropper: Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo!
Capcom's genius 1996 spin-off took legendary fighters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Morrigan, shrunk them down into adorable chibi sprites, and threw them into a viciously competitive puzzle matrix. 
We break down the absolute chaos of the counter-gem system, the tactical stress of building giant power gems, and debate our favourite character attack patterns.
To match the bright, high-energy arcade aesthetics, we’ve mixed up two vibrant, punchy cocktails to keep us sharp during our matches.
Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/3622/
Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/21145/
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated): 
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Antstream.com
retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
AmigaLive.com
 
#superpuzzlefighter #capcom #retroarcade #retrogaming #90sgaming #streetfighter #darkstalkers #puzzlefighter #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #arcadeclassics
 

NBA 2K - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E12

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are hitting the virtual hardwood to look back at the 1999 Sega Dreamcast masterpiece: NBA 2K!
We are diving deep into the visual marvel that launched a legacy, celebrating the game that blew everyone away with its photorealistic graphics, smooth animations, and Allen Iverson crossing up defenders on the cover. We discuss how Visual Concepts completely changed the sports gaming landscape overnight.
To keep our energy up for four quarters of pure nostalgia, we’ve mixed up a premium pair of court-ready cocktails.
 
Andy’s Cocktail: https://youtu.be/H34mJGsDyxI
Dave’s Cocktail: https://fr.hennessy.com/en-int/cocktails/alley-oop-cocktail
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated):
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Antstream.com
retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
AmigaLive.com
 
#nba2k #segadreamcast #retrogaming #90sgaming #sportsgaming #visualconcepts #segasports #alleniverson #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #hoopshistory

Stunt Car Racer - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E11

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are revving their engines and bracing for the G-force as they revisit Geoff Crammond’s 1989 gravity-defying masterpiece: Stunt Car Racer!
We’re heading back to the high-altitude tracks to look at the game that turned 3D wireframe graphics into a nail-biting survival experience. We break down the sheer terror of hearing that "crack" in the chassis after a heavy landing, the precision required to keep your hot rod on the rails, and how those stomach-churning drops proved that you didn't need millions of colours to create a sense of speed. 
As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to help steady the nerves after a few sessions on the Stepping Stones.
We journey through the literal highs and lows of the arcade-sim hybrid, complete with Andy reminiscing about the glorious Amiga version, and Dave finally admitting that he still hasn't mastered the art of hitting the nitro without flying off into the void!
Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/39844/genuine-risk
Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/669/downhill-racer
 
Links:
Stunt Car Racer Remake: https://github.com/omenoidlab/stuntcarremake
Stunt Car Racer at Torinak: https://torinak.com/qaop/play/stuntcar
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated): 
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Antstream.com
retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
Amigalive.com
 
#stuntcarracer #stunttrackracer #geoffcrammond #amiga #atarist #commodore64 #zxspectrum #retrogaming #80sgaming #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #3dgaming #microsell
 

Ninja Gaiden - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E10

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave journey through the streets of America through a 1980s Japanese lens as they revisit the 1988 coin-op original: Shadow Warriors (AKA Ninja Gaiden)!
We’re heading back to the smoky arcades to look at the side-scrolling beat 'em up that feels worlds apart from its famous NES cousin. We break down the visceral joy of the "neck-flip" throw, the punishing difficulty of those hockey-mask-wearing goons, and the legendary (and terrifying) "circular saw" continue screen that haunted many a childhood. As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to celebrate the grit and grime of this arcade powerhouse.
 
Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/3965/
Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5ToSWJr94k/
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated): 
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Antstream.com
retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
amigalive.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamingMixologist
https://tcrf.net/The_Cutting_Room_Floor
 
#shadowwarriors #ninjagaiden #tecmo #arcade #retrogaming #beatemup #80sgaming #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #ryuhayabusa #ninja #coinop
 

Star Fox - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E09

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are checking their G-diffusers and heading for Corneria to revisit the 1993 Super FX powerhouse: Star Wi... I mean Fox!We’re blasting off with Fox McCloud and his crew to look back at the polygon revolution that changed the SNES forever. We break down the chaotic joy of trying to keep Slippy Toad alive and why those flat-shaded shapes still hold more charm than a modern 4K render. 
As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to sip on while we do a barrel roll through gaming history.Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/40081Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/18098
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated): DiffordsGuide.co.ukConsoleMAD.co.ukAntstream.comretrocomputermuseum.co.ukhttps://www.amigalive.com/
#starfox #nintendo #snes #retrogaming #superfx #90sgaming #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #foxmccloud #16bit #scifigaming

Metal Slug 30th Anniversary - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E08

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the game with the most beautifully animated carnage in arcade history: Metal Slug!
We’re diving into the legendary SNK pixel art that turned the run-and-gun genre into a hand-drawn masterpiece. We break down the frantic joy of the "HEAVY MACHINE GUN!", the slapstick charm of the bulging-eyed enemies, and how this Neo Geo crown jewel proved that a jumping tank is the ultimate gaming vehicle. As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to go alongside the high-octane chaos of this 1996 classic.
Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/3630/
Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/2131/
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated): 
DiffordsGuide.co.uk 
ConsoleMAD.co.uk 
Antstream.com 
retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
#metalslug #retrogaming #snk #neogeo #arcadegaming #90sgaming #cocktailmode #videogamecocktails #nostalgiapodcast #gaminghistory #runandgun #pixelart
 

Interview with Steve Cottam CEO of Antstream Arcade - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E07

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave leave the shakers at home to  travel back through the decades to unlock the ultimate retro gaming library with the CEO and founder of Antstream Arcade, Steve Cottam!
This free-wheeling chat covers cloud gaming, latency, AI, Spectrum vs Amstrad vs MSX, IP frustrations, and exploring how Antstream is bringing thousands of classic titles - from the 2600 to the PlayStation - directly to modern screens.
Why Streaming? Why not Steam? What’s next for Antstream? Is AI going to take over the world? Is the MSX better than the ZX Spectrum? Listen in for a fascinating discussion on game preservation, cloud technology, the future of retro gaming and a whole lot of random stuff besides.
 
Friends of the show (Not sponsored or affiliated):
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Anstream.com
https://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/
 
#AntstreamArcade #RetroGaming #CloudGaming #GamePreservation #SteveCottam #CocktailMode #VideoGameCocktails #NostalgiaPodcast #GamingHistory #ArcadeClassics #TechIndustry #ZXSpectrum
 

Micro Machines - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E06

 
This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are shrinking down to tabletop size to revisit the absolute mayhem of 1991 with the Codemasters classic: Micro Machines!
We’re taking a pint sized roadtrip through the series that turned breakfast tables, bathtubs, and pool tables into high-stakes racetracks. We break down the frantic joy of the "screen-elimination" mechanic, and how this charming franchise proved that big fun really does come in small packages. As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to go alongside the miniature chaos of this gaming masterpiece.
We journey through the ultimate sofa-multiplayer experience, complete with Andy actually saying something nice about the N64!
Andy’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/32632/
Dave’s Cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/18790/
 
Friends of the show (Not affiliated):
DiffordsGuide.co.uk
ConsoleMAD.co.uk
Anstream.com
https://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/
 
#MicroMachines #RetroGaming #Codemasters #NES #SegaGenesis #90sGaming #CocktailMode #VideoGameCocktails #NostalgiaPodcast #GamingHistory #TabletopRacing #MultiplayerGaming
 

Pilotwings - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E05

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are taking to the skies to earn their flight licenses in the 1990 SNES classic: Pilotwings!
We’re diving into the game that served as the ultimate showcase for Nintendo’s Mode 7 technology, transforming flat 2D maps into a pseudo-3D playground that blew minds at the SNES launch. We discuss the Zen-like calm of the hang glider, the high-altitude tension of the skydiving targets, and why the rocket belt (jetpack) remains one of the most satisfying mechanics in 16-bit history. We also pay tribute to the iconic instructors like Big Al and Shirley and the smooth, jazz-fusion soundtrack that makes every crash-landing feel a little more sophisticated.
Obviously there’ll also be two "high-altitude" cocktails to help you clear the landing strip!
Andy’s Cocktail
Dave’s Cocktail
 
Friends of the show (not affiliated):
www.diffordsguide.com
www.consoleMAD.co.uk
https://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/
#Pilotwings #SNES #Nintendo #Mode7 #RetroGaming #GamingHistory #90sGaming #CocktailMode #VideoGameCocktails #NostalgiaPodcast #FlightSim #SoyoOka #16Bit
 

Daytona USA - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S03E04

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are heading to the "World Center of Racing" to talk about the legendary Daytona USA in celebration of its real-world inspiration, the Daytona 500!
We’re revving up the engines on Sega’s arcade titan, discussing everything from the accuracy of the track layout to how and why the high-pitched "DAYTONAAAAA!" vocals of Takenobu Mitsuyoshi still live rent-free in our heads. 
Tune in for a love letter to Daytona’s 60fps arcade perfection, some classic Sega Saturn port-chat, and two high-performance cocktails selected to keep you on the lead lap!
Andy’s Cocktail
Dave’s Cocktail
 
Friends of the show (not affiliated):
www.diffordsguide.com
www.ConsoleMAD.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/thenarrowsbaralaska
 
#DaytonaUSA #Sega #ArcadeRacing #Daytona500 #NASCAR #RetroGaming #SegaModel2 #CocktailMode #VideoGameCocktails #RacingHistory #BlueBlueSkies #GamingPodcast