Cocktail Mode: Retro Games, Cocktails and Banter

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...

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 playab...

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 t...

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 l...

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 shee...

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...

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, ...

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 frui...

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...

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 polygona...

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 lis...

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 cockt...

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 PaR...

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 h...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Co...