Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter

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

Virtua Racing - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E14

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are putting on their racing helmets for a special F1-themed episode. They're hitting the accelerator on Sega's groundbreaking classic, Virtua Racing, diving deep into its revolutionary graphics, iconic arcade experience, and how it laid the groundwork for countless racing games that followed.
Get ready for a full-throttle discussion about the thrill of the track and the pure joy of polygonal speed. And of course, no F1 special is complete without a pit stop for refreshments! Andy and Dave will each be selecting a cocktail designed to capture the high-octane excitement and sleek precision of Formula 1. Will it be a 'Chequered Flag Fizz' or a 'Pole Position Punch'? Tune in and find out – it's going to be a speedy ride!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail

System Shock - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E13

Access Granted. Prepare for a mind-bending journey! This episode on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are joined by special guest Rich to hack into the darkly atmospheric world of System Shock. From the groundbreaking original that redefined immersive sims to the terrifying psychological horror of System Shock 2, they'll discuss every iteration, bug, and brilliant design choice that makes these games legendary.
But beware, SHODAN is listening! As they navigate the horrors of Citadel Station and the Von Braun, the trio will also attempt to select the perfect cocktail to complement the games' chilling cyberpunk aesthetic and unsettling atmosphere. Tune in, if you dare, and discover why these games continue to shock and inspire decades later. Remember, patience is a virtue, but not one you possess!"
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Rich's Cocktail

NHL '94 - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E12

Slap shot into nostalgia! This week, Andy and Dave are inspired by the king of 16-bit hockey, NHL '94! They'll be reliving the glory days of one-timers, goalie fights, and that iconic organ music, while also exploring the evolution of ice hockey video games through the years. From early pixelated puck battles to modern-day simulations, they're covering all the major league hits and cult classics. They've also dug up a pair of cocktails as cool and crisp as a fresh sheet of ice. Get ready for some high-sticking fun, retro gaming glory, and perhaps a few questionable calls!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail

PaRappa the Rapper - Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter - S02E11

Kick, punch, it's all in the mind! This week, Andy and Dave are dropping the beat and getting groovy with the one and only PaRappa the Rapper! They'll be exploring the game's unique style, unforgettable tunes, and lasting legacy, while also charting the evolution of the entire rhythm action genre through the years. And what's a rhythm session without a refreshing drink? They've mixed up a cocktail that's as vibrant and funky as PaRappa's rhymes. Get ready to jam out, reminisce, and perhaps even learn to believe!"
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail