Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter

Cocktail Mode - Trailer

Smash TV & The Running Man - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E23

Welcome back to the Cocktail Mode podcast, where we're pairing the ultimate dystopian action experience with a dangerous drink!
This week, we’re loading up on VCRs and Toasters to cover the bloody crossover between the legendary 1990 Arcade Classic, Smash TV, and the definitive Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, The Running Man (1987) - Just in time to set you up for Edgar Wright and Glenn Powell's new version of Steven Kings pre-emptive dystopian reality TV novel.
Join us as we dive into the frantic Twin-Stick Shooter action and the hyper-consumerist nightmare that made Smash TV a technological marvel. .
We’ll discuss how these two pieces of entertainment defined the 90s action genre and, of course, we'll each select a powerful, high-proof cocktail that mirrors the chaotic energy and ruthless efficiency of the Smash TV arena. Good luck, you'll need it—tune in now!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
 

Alien vs Predator - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E22

Clear the sector and grab your coins! This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we’re dropping into the definitive 90s beat 'em up experience: Capcom’s Alien vs. Predator Arcade from 1994!
We break down everything that made this Capcom AVP game a legendary, fan-favourite Retro Gaming experience. Discover how it perfected the Final Fight style formula with gorgeous, massive sprites and intense co-op action.
We’re discussing the playable characters—the ferocious Predator Warrior and the fan-favourite human cyborg, Major Linn Kurosawa—and why fans often call this the best Alien vs. Predator game ever made. We dive into the game’s immaculate design and whether this Arcade Classic still holds up as one of the best licensed 90s games.
If you love classic Capcom beat 'em ups and strategic arcade action, hit subscribe now!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail

Alien Breed (ft Rico Holmes) - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E21

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we're locking down the bulkheads and checking our motion trackers because we're (ostensibly) featuring the iconic sci-fi shooter: Alien Breed!
We say 'ostensibly' because Andy and Dave are joined by special guest Rico Holmes, the man behind the concept and art of Alien Breed and who has worked across multiple franchises for Team17. Rico provides an exclusive, inside look at what it was like to work at Team17 in the early days - and to be honest - we had so much fun we almost forgot to talk about Alien Breed at all!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Rico's Cocktail
 

Desert Strike (ft Mike Posehn) - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E20

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are taking to the skies to revisit Desert Strike and the entire Strike Series! They’ll be diving into the explosive top-down military action of Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, and Urban Strike, discussing why these console classics became essential Sega Genesis/Mega Drive titles and defined a generation of action gaming.But that's not all - they have a special operative on the line! This episode features an exclusive interview with the one and only Mike Posehn, who shares his unique insights and untold stories from his time directing the series, offering a rare look behind the controls.To cap off this high-octane special, they'll choose a potent cocktail that mirrors the covert operation vibe.Tune in for an episode that's guaranteed to hit the target!
 
Scan's from Mike's Notebook
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail 1
Dave's Cocktail 2

Dizzy - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E19

Crack into the ultimate puzzle-platforming adventure! This week on the podcast, Andy and Dave are diving deep into the legendary Dizzy series. They’ll take you on a nostalgic journey, from his humble 8-bit beginnings on the ZX Spectrum to his attempts to crack Japan and the US on the NES.
Join them as they uncover what made these games so charmingly unique - from their bizarre item-based puzzles and signature soundtrack to the sheer challenge of keeping a the eggy hero alive. And, of course, they’ll choose a special cocktail to pair with Dizzy's peculiar world. Get ready to scramble up some nostalgia and find out why this retro gaming icon is still so beloved!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail

Amiga 40th Anniversary Special - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E18

Happy 40th Anniversary to one of the most beloved and groundbreaking machines in computing history! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave are raising a virtual glass to the Amiga in a very special episode. They'll be celebrating four decades of the Commodore colossus, a machine that revolutionized multimedia, computer gaming, and changed the landscape of geek culture forever.
Join them as they dive deep into the Amiga's legacy, reminiscing about its legendary hardware, stunning graphics and sound, and the iconic games that defined a generation. And, of course, they'll choose an appropriate cocktail to pair with the Amiga's enduring spirit. Tune in for a nostalgic trip and a proper celebration of the machine that was truly ahead of its time!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Amiga Live
Lemon Amiga

Ikaruga - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E17

Prepare to test your reflexes and your strategy! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave dive into a true shmup masterpiece, the legendary bullet-hell shooter, Ikaruga. They'll deconstruct the game's iconic and challenging polarity-switching mechanic, discussing why this 2D classic from developer Treasure is so revered in gaming history.
From its arcade origins to its releases on the Dreamcast, GameCube, and Switch, the guys break down the pure, fast-paced puzzle of this high-score chasing gem. And in true Cocktail Mode fashion, they'll attempt to pair a cocktail that perfectly embodies the game's famous black and white duality. Tune in for a deep dive into geek culture, gaming discussion, and a perfect drink to sip while you try not to get annihilated by the chaos on screen!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Ikaruga lore guide on GameFAQs

California Games - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E16

This week, Andy and Dave are taking a trip back to 1987, the golden age of radness, with a look at the pixelated paradise of California Games. They'll reminisce about the highs and the lows all the totally tubular events that made this game a classic. But the real challenge begins after the playthrough: can they find the perfect cocktail to capture the spirit of sun, surf, and digitized sports? Will it be something vibrant and fruity, a boozy beach sipper, or something completely unexpected? Tune in to find out if their cocktail selection is a perfect ten or a total wipeout!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Retro Computer Museum
The Retro Directory
 

Virtua Tennis - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E15

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are serving up some ace discussions as they step onto the court with the legendary Virtua Tennis! They'll be reminiscing about its ground-breaking arcade gameplay, incredibly fluid controls, and how it dominated the tennis game genre, bringing accessible fun to courts everywhere.
From power shots to drop shots, they'll cover what made Virtua Tennis a true champion. And because no Grand Slam event is complete without a refreshing drink, the guys will be attempting to select the perfect cocktail to pair with the fast-paced action and sunny court vibes. Fault not, and tune in for a smashing good time!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail