Backwards Compatible
Welcome to "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," your new go-to destination for diving deep into the golden era of video games. Formerly known as "Generation 'S'," we've honed our focus to bring you an even richer journey through the nostalgic lanes of gaming history. From the pixelated adventures on the NES to the immersive, high-definition worlds of the PS3 and Xbox 360, we cover it all. Each episode is a deep dive into the games that shaped us, discussing not just the games themselves, but the stories behind them, their impact on culture, and how they've influenced the gaming landscape today. And "Backwards Compatible" isn't just about the games. It's about reliving the pop culture of the '90s and early 2000s through the lens of retro gaming. Remember the excitement of flipping through a gaming magazine, the thrill of finally beating that level you were stuck on for weeks, or the camaraderie of playing with friends? We bring all that back and more. Whether you're a long-time listener from the "Generation 'S'" days or a newcomer eager to explore the history of video games, "Backwards Compatible" promises a blend of nostalgia, insight, and fun. Join us as we revisit the classics, uncover hidden gems, and share our personal stories of gaming glory. "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast" is your all-access pass to the past, celebrating the legacy of video games and their place in our hearts and culture. Let's rewind and play!
Episodes
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This week on Backwards Compatible, we’re cracking open the panels of Comix Zone for the Sega Genesis—a visually striking, brutally difficult beat-’em-up that dropped in July 1995.
Lou and I talk through the game’s unique comic book aesthetic, its place in mid-’90s gaming, and why it still stands out nearly 30 years later. We get into what ...
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This week, Lou and I jump off the top rope and into the wonderfully weird world of WrestleMania: The Arcade Game—Midway’s over-the-top, digitized brawler that mashed Mortal Kombat with the WWF’s New Generation Era.
But that’s not all. This episode is a bit of a wrestling grab bag (hey, I’m still getting over a cold, cut me some slack!):
🕹️...
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No ne content this week because I’m out sick (boo!), but instead of leaving your podcast feed empty, we’re opening up the Backwards Compatible Vault and bringing you a segment from a past episode where Lou and I dug deep into Batman Forever—both the movie and the video game.
This one’s got it all:
🦇 Over-the-top Jim Carrey energy
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on the Switch 2, and Lou and I are diving deep into all the details. From preorder requirements (Nintendo is really making sure you’re a real fan this time) to hardware specs, launch titles, and some eyebrow-raising first-party game prices, there’s a lot to unpack.
We break down the best and worst pa...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Episode 44 - The Best (and Worst) Retro Game Collections
Lou and I are diving into the world of game compilations, remasters, and collections! Some are incredible value-packed bundles, while others feel like quick cash grabs. But before we go any further, let's get something out of the way—Lou absolutely hates the original Tomb Raider...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Lou and I are taking a trip back 16 years to one of the most anticipated sequels of all time—Street Fighter IV! After years of experimentation, Capcom brought the series back to its roots, combining the best of Street Fighter II and III into what many consider the greatest Street Fighter game ever made.
We break down what made SFIV such a ...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Lou is off this week, but my buddy Derek makes his triumphant return! Back in episode 8, we tackled Sonic the Hedgehog 1, and, well... I didn’t hold back my criticisms. But this time, we’re talking Sonic 2, and I’m happy to report there’s a lot more good than bad here. We break down what makes Sonic 2 a massive improvement—better level de...
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Cowabunga! In episode 41, Lou and I are diving shell-first into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time on the SNES. This game is often considered one of the greatest beat ‘em ups of all time, but how does it compare to its arcade counterpart? We break down the differences, from smoother gameplay and tighter controls on the SNES to ...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Episode 40 is here, and Lou and I are talking about one of my all-time favorite games—Dead Rising on the Xbox 360! Hot take: this is the best zombie franchise Capcom has ever made. Yeah, I said it. Resident Evil may have the horror, but Dead Rising has the chaos, creativity, and pure absurdity of being trapped in a shopping mall during th...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
Episode 39 is here, and Lou and I are spinning our way into Crash Bandicoot on the PS1! While it’s a fantastic game, it definitely has its flaws—mainly, the brutal difficulty. Precision platforming in a Z-axis environment can be frustrating, and we debate whether Crash should even be considered a true 3D platformer since you’re always lim...
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After a brief hiatus thanks to flu season running wild, Lou and I are back—and this time, we’re getting EXTREME for episode 38! This week, we’re talking ECW Hardcore Revolution on PS1, N64, and Dreamcast, which dropped 25 years ago this month (feeling old yet?).
At its core, this game is basically a reskinned version of WWF Attitude, but t...
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In this week’s episode of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I start by chatting about the looming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and what it could mean for gaming in 2025. Then, we dive headfirst into some fun and speculative “What If” questions about Nintendo’s history and potential future.
We explore topics like:
- What if Nintendo had pa...
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This week on Backwards Compatible, we’re switching things up and stepping outside the pure gaming realm to dive deep into late 90s pop culture with a truly fascinating guest—award-winning author and cultural commentator Ross Benes.
Link to Ross’s latest book can be found here: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638574/
Ross is an e...
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In episode 35 of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I take a step back for a laid-back recap of our gaming highs and lows from 2024, covering both retro and modern titles. It’s a more relaxed conversation where we reflect on the year that was—everything from the thrill of discovering hidden gems to the heartbreak of major disappointments.
We di...
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In episode 34 of Backwards Compatible, we kick off 2025 with a slapshot into the world of NHL Hitz 2003! Admittedly, I got my wires crossed at the start and thought we were covering Hitz 2002 instead—leading to a scramble to redo my notes mid-show—but everything came together in the end for an epic discussion.
Lou and I dive into what made...
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In episode 33 of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I dive deep into Star Wars: Republic Commando for the original Xbox. Released in 2005, this game bridged the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, serving as a perfect tie-in to the Star Wars saga during a time when fans were eagerly anticipating the final chapter of the p...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
In episode 32 of "Backwards Compatible," we're thrilled to welcome back Odian Levy as we dive into the vibrant and inventive world of "Super Mario Bros. 3." After a short hiatus, we’re eager to explore this cornerstone of the Mario franchise, discussing everything from its innovative power-ups to the diverse array...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
In episode 31 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I return after a short break, ready to dive into a titan of wrestling video games: "WWF No Mercy" for the Nintendo 64. As part of our schedule update, we're now releasing episodes on Fridays, perfect for kicking off your weekend with a blast from the past!
"WWF ...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
In episode 30 of "Backwards Compatible," my good buddy Odian Levy fills in for Lou to discuss a classic from our childhood, "Maximum Carnage" on both the Genesis and SNES. Odian, a dedicated Spider-Man fan (make sure you check out one of our older episodes where he and I discuss the Tobey Maguire Trilogy: https://gener...
Want a shout out on the show? Shoot us a text and share your thoughts, game suggestions, etc.!
In episode 29 of "Backwards Compatible," we’re gearing up for the spooky season with a deep dive into the notorious "Friday the 13th" on NES. This game has often been maligned in the gaming community, a sentiment that was amplified by the Angry Video Game Nerd's scathing review nearly two decades ago. However, I h...
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