RetroActive Podcast
A podcast examining the culture of retro video games. Each episode provides an in depth analysis on a specific title, developer, series, or topic and examines the influences on the history of gaming. As a variety show, additional mini sections are dedicated to topics like hardware, modifications, or other interesting factors of contemporary retro gaming. Hosted by Fred Rojas of gaminghistory101.com and featuring guest co-hosts, it's a new look at an old topic.
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Episodes
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025
1hr 3 min
This week is a bit more personal as Fred discusses health, Switch 2 pre-order, gaming news, and a special "One More Thing..."
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
1hr 37 min
This week Fred talks about game difficulty, Ninja Gaiden II Black, the Saroo flash cart for Saturn, and more.Link to store I purchased from (not endorsed, just FYI): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806591890951.html
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
2hr 24 min
This week's episode is much longer than normal as Fred delves into the history of video game coverage and media. Games include The Last of Us and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon as well.For those that want to skip ahead out of the games media discussion, it ends at 1:41:10.MGC Panel GH101 Episode is Ep 18 at this link: https://archive.org/details/gh101-2015Video game TV show episode of GH101 (with Trees!) is episode 3 at this link: https://archive.org/details/gh101-2013Video Game History Foundation Library: https://library.gamehistory.org/Game Informer Collection: http://retromags.com
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025
1hr 3 min
This week is the official game club for Ys IV, which had two versions on different consoles: Ys IV: Dawn of Ys (PC-Engine CD) and Ys IV: Mask of the Sun (Super Famicom). In this episode we tackle the cultural significance, franchise origins, and a critical analysis at both games, which had different developers.Link to ChronCD episode for Ys Book I and II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX86xBQdnZA
Apr 30, 2025
Apr 30, 2025
1hr 42 min
This week we delay the Ys IV game club to talk about console launches, Oblivion Remastered, Marvel's Thunderbolts (spoiler-free) and more!
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
1hr 26 min
This week Fred discusses the CoMo retro game convention, John Romero's Sigil II mod for Doom, and more.
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
1hr 34 min
This week's topic is the Dreamcast (hardware, prices, and library), a review of South of Midnight, and the RetroTink 4K CE scaler, plus more.
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
1hr 8 min
This week Fred chats about retro gaming legalities, The Last of Us, news, and more.Closing Song: "The Retro Rage" created on Suno and used for non-commercial purposes.
Apr 4, 2025
Apr 4, 2025
52 min
A quick bonus episode discussing the details of the Switch 2 not covered in the direct. Topics include prices, visual compatibility, and the new game key carts.
Apr 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025
1hr 34 min
This week Fred talks about unrealistic expectations, Avowed, Shadows of the Damned, Racing the Beam, and more.Closing Song: Palace Theme - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link