Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter
Two old friends reminisce about a different retro game each episode and attempt to pair it with a cocktail of their choice
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Cocktail Mode
At Cocktail Mode we've been gaming since the 80's and drinking since the 90's
In the same way an expert sommelier might pair rich Argentinian Malbec with a slab of sirloin steak, we look at classic video games and pair them with a cocktail - or other boozy beverage - that will create the perfect synergetic vibe for playing and sipping
Gaming, like alcohol, is in our blood
Episodes
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Have you ever dreamed of leading your favourite football club to glory? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tactical mastermind James to delve deep into the addictive world of Championship Manager! They'll be charting the evolution of this iconic series, reminiscing about late nights scouting wonderkids and agonizing over transfer decisions. Plus, they'll be exploring the wider landscape of management simulation games that have kept us glued to our screens for hours. To top it all off, they've each selected a cocktail as carefully considered and potentially volatile as a last-minute transfer bid. Get ready for spreadsheets, strategies, and a taste of managerial magic!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
James' Cocktail
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Leap into the bizarre world of the Nth Dimension with Andy and Dave as they revisit the iconic Amiga platformer, Zool. This week, Andy and Dave are taking a deep dive into the legacy of this unique Amiga platformer, from its lightning-fast gameplay to its ingenious level design. They'll also be venturing into the world of Zool 2 along with other games that tried to push random products into our addled young gamer minds. And what's a trip down memory lane without a themed beverage? They've unearthed a couple of cocktails that may be as colorful and chaotic as the game itself… or may just be another terrible pun! Join us for a sugar-fueled discussion and a taste of nostalgia!
Dave's Cockail
Andy's Cocktail
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Are you ready to bodyslam into nostalgia? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tag team champion himself, Chris from the 'Once Upon a Turnstile' podcast, for a deep dive into the pixelated power of WrestleFest! They'll be reminiscing about their favourite arcade moments, discussing other classic wrestling games that graced our screens, and trading stories about the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling through the years. And what's a wrestling extravaganza without a signature drink? They've brewed up a cocktail that packs a punch as powerful as a 5 knuckle shuffle. Get ready for suplexes, suds, and superstar memories!
Chris' Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Andy's Cocktail
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Get ready to question everything! This episode, Andy and Dave dive headfirst into the chaotic world of April Fools' Day pranks in the realm of retro video games. But the fun doesn't stop there! We're also shaking up some delightfully deceptive cocktails, concocted with a mischievous twist to celebrate the spirit of April Fools'. Prepare for a blend of pixelated pandemonium and boozy bamboozlement – it's a retro gaming and cocktail combo you won't want to miss!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Dive into the pixelated mayhem of classic 'Worms' with Andy and Dave! They'll be revisiting their favourite moments from this artillery strategy gem, reminiscing about holy hand grenades and errant sheep. But that's not all! They'll also be on a quest to find the perfect cocktail pairing for the chaotic, hilarious gameplay. Tune in to for gaming nostalgia, cocktail concoctions, and plenty of friendly fire.
Dave's Cocktail
Andy's Cocktail
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Did it kill gaming as we knew it? Is it hugely over-rated? Do spoilers have an expiry date? Find out all this and more as we take Snake on his seminal PS1 journey.
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
You may know it as Hot Shots Golf - but whatever the name it's one of the few games to ever make golf fun! We talk about the whole series, some contemporaries, and Dave even takes the time to explain that whole Tiger Woods, PGA Tour, Masters, EA Sports naming convention mess.
We also do a bit of a round up on some games and drinks mentioned in previous episodes and finally choose these two lovely cocktails for your responsible drinking pleasure:
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
To celebrate the launch into Early Access of Tokyo Extreme Racer, Dave and Andy look back at where this series started and play entries all the way from the SNES to the Xbox 360.
Obviously you mustn't drink and drive but we did (eventually) find a couple of great cocktails to go along with game for you to try out once you're home safe!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
*Apologies for some occasional and very slight crackle on the audio this episode*
We take to the streets of Tokyo-to with Beat, Gum, and the rest of the GGs with the iconic granddaddy of cel-shaded games: Jet Set Radiooooooo!!!
Also up for discussion is the sequel Jet Set Radio Future, along with several of the newer games released that pay homage to it... such as Bum Rash Cider Punk.
Drinks are obviously on the menu too with both Dave and Andy picking cocktails almost as bright, cheery, and excellent as the game itself!
Andy's Cocktail
Dave's Cocktail
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Welcome to Season 2 of Cocktail mode where 2 old mates continue to struggle to stay on topic aout an old videogame and then try to chose a cocktail that compliments it.
This episode is about the the CaRPG that started it all, with mild diversions into Ridge Racer, MSR, Motor Toon GP, and of course Dark Souls... Wait. What?
Also, hi to https://martinishot.blog/, who get a mention late in the episode.