Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are revisiting the true granddaddy of open-world driving: Durell Software's 1986 classic, Turbo Esprit!

Joined by special guest David ‘Sprex’ Spreckley, we reminisce about an 8-bit technical marvel that pioneered free-roaming city driving long before Grand Theft Auto made it a global phenomenon. Mike Richardson’s masterpiece gave gamers fully navigable city maps complete with working traffic signals, pedestrians, fuel management, and high-stakes car chases.

Plus, Sprex fills us in on Turbo Spirit: Cruise Anywhere - his upcoming love letter to Turbo Esprit that lets you drive...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are strapping into the anti-gravity rig to revisit the game that 90s post-pub gaming: Psygnosis’s 1996 masterpiece, WipEout 2097 (aka WipEout XL)!

We’re taking a break-neck lap through the title that brought full-on club culture to the original PlayStation. We break down the game's brutal airbrake mechanics, The Designers Republic’s iconic visual style, and a soundtrack stacked with The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, and Underworld. As usual, we’ve shaken up a pair of cocktails to keep our hands steady through every plasma bolt and track wall.

An...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast Andy and Dave are putting on their trench coats as they dive into Bullfrog’s 1996 cyberpunk tactical classic: Syndicate Wars!

We break down the grim fight between the EuroCorp Syndicate and the Church of the New Epoch. We reminisce about modifying cyborg agents with heavy ordnance driving tanks through rain-slick neon streets and the sheer chaotic satisfaction of firing off a Persuadertron into a crowded plaza - then contrast it with the 1993 original and see how its bleak vision of the future holds up today.

To match the co...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy & Dave are braving the Sultan's dungeons and racing against the clock in the 1989 cinematic platforming classic: Prince of Persia!

We’re diving into the game that revolutionized video game animation through Jordan Mechner’s groundbreaking rotoscoping technique, bringing unprecedented fluidity and life to every leap, ledge-grab, and sword clash. We discuss the sheer panic of the ticking 60-minute time limit, the brutal precision of the spikes and chomper traps, and why landing a successful counter-attack in a duel feels so intensely rewarding. We also celebrate the game's atmospheric minimalism, cine...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are putting the top down, tuning the radio, and hitting the gas to tackle the 1986 arcade classic: OutRun!

We break down the game's ground-breaking use of Super Scaler technology, creating a high-speed sense of scale and motion unlike anything else on the block. We dive into the breezy, sun-drenched coastal atmosphere following your driver and passenger in the iconic red Ferrari, the branching highway routes, and the legendary soundtrack that defined an entire era of Sega blue-sky gaming. To match the effortless, summer-ready beach vibe, we’ve sh...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are turning down the lights, loading their dual pistols, and stepping into a dark, dystopian cyberpunk underworld to tackle the 2000 PlayStation classic: Fear Effect!

We break down the game's groundbreaking use of cel-shaded anime graphics layered over streaming full-motion video backgrounds, creating a visual style unlike anything else on the block. We dive into the dark, supernatural storyline following mercenaries Hana, Glas, and Deke, the tense puzzle-solving, and the unique "Fear" meter that replaced traditional health bars with heart-pounding stress mechanics. To match the sleek, high-stakes Hong...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are locking onto their targets, blasting into deep space, and celebrating a massive milestone; the 30th anniversary of Taito's legendary 1996 polygon shmup masterwork: RayStorm!

We take on the spectacular vertical shooter that brought the iconic "Ray" trilogy into the third dimension. We’ll also break down the other games in the series RayForce (1994) and RayCrisis (1998). We reminisce about piloting the R-Gray ships, the sweeping cinematic camera angles and the massive fleet battles.

To celebrate three decades of arcade excellence, we’ve shaken up a pair of c...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are cranking up the engines and taking a scenic, high-speed trip through racing history with Kaneko’s 1994 arcade classic: Mille Miglia: The Great 1000 Miles Rally!

We look back at this beautifully crafted isometric racer that pays homage to Italy's legendary open-road endurance race. We’ll celebrate the absolute joy of drifting vintage sports cars - from classic Alfa Romeos to iconic Ferraris - through tight Italian villages and winding mountain passes. We celebrate the game's gorgeous sprite artwork, the frantic checkpoint-chasing gameplay, and to match the sophisticated, vint...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are hitting the pitch and stepping back into the mid-90s to celebrate the dawn of a football gaming revolution: the International Superstar Soccer (ISS) games!

We are diving into Konami's legendary Super Nintendo and Mega Drive era, looking back at the original 1994 masterpiece and the iconic ISS Deluxe and then through the series' hay-day on the original PlayStation.

We reminisce about the glorious, fast-paced arcade gameplay, the unforgettable legends like Babangida, and the horrendous commentary that still echoes in our heads. To keep our...

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 kee...

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.

A...

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 sens...

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 cock...

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 barre...

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 chao...

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 bet...

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 journ...

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 inst...

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...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are blasting off into the Sega-blue skies of 1985 to revisit a true arcade behemoth: Space Harrier!

We’re taking a deep dive into Yu Suzuki’s psychedelic masterpiece, discussing the thrill of the hydraulic motion cabinet, remembering the iconic music and sound design, and chatting about why this game remains one of THE all time great arcade experiences.

Tune in for nostalgia, development stories, general banter, and the perfect drinks to accompany your trip to the Fantasy Zone!

Andy’s Cocktail

Dave’s...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are warping back to the golden age of 8-bit vector graphics to sit down with a true legend: Ian Oliver, the coding mastermind behind iconic games from the era including 3D Starstrike and Carrier Command!

We chat about how Ian and the Realtime Games team managed to squeeze lightning-fast, wireframe 3D out of the ZX Spectrum, effectively bringing the Star Wars arcade experience into our living rooms. There’s insight into the high-stakes pressure of 1980s software development, and the legacy of a game catalogue that proved th...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are hitting the high-gloss streets of the year 2000 to revisit the Dreamcast’s definitive urban racer: Metropolis Street Racer (MSR)!

We’re diving deep into the game that famously prioritized "style over speed" and paved the way for the Project Gotham Racing series. We break down the revolutionary (and occasionally brutal) Kudos system, the technical feat of recreating London, Tokyo, and San Francisco with pinpoint accuracy.

And as usual we attempt to pair a sophisticated, city-inspired drink that perfectly captures the vibe of this fantastic game...

Merry Christmas! The season of giving is here, but which games deserve a spot under your Christmas Tree?

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are getting festive for the annual Holiday Special! They’ll be counting down their highly debatable list of the 12 Games of Christmas: the perfect Retro Video Games to play with family and friends, and maybe get them to finally understand your obsession with games from the 20th Century!

And in true Cocktail Mode fashion, they’ll attempt to pair a festive cocktail that perfectly complements a night of Holiday Gami...

So it's come to this: A Cocktail Mode list episode!

Andy and Dave are ready to unleash their most ambitious, potentially most divisive, and almost certainly most overlong episode yet: Our Top 50 Retro Games!*

Did your favourite make it? Did we choose the same 25 games each? Did ANY Nintendo games make the cut? What is the meaning of that asterisk?

Listen in and find out!

Of course we have to shoe-horn in the usual Cocktail or two, but considering how much we struggle with finding drinks for a single game, how...

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we're bowing to one of the most unique and respected fighting games ever made: Bushido Blade on the original PS1!

Andy and Dave explore why this One-Hit Kill Samurai simulator remains a definitive Cult Classic. We break down the revolutionary mechanics that set this Squaresoft title apart from every other fighting game - no health bars, no time limits, just pure, sudden-death duel tension. We're talking body-part damage, the honour system, and why it's considered by many to be the best PS1 fighting game.

And finally, we tackle...

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 ma...

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...

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...

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 ti...

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 worl...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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!

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

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...