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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 hit, including the return classic 2D gameplay, PLUS the introduction of new mechanics like Focus Attacks and Ultra Combos. And we talk about the roster— thankfully SFIV brought back almost ALL of the fan favorites from SFII, but not only that -- Capcom also spiced things up with characters from its own gaming past, like Abel, Rufus, Cody and Poison.
Was Street Fighter IV the ultimate revival, or did it still leave something to be desired? Kick back and enjoy the episode as we share our thoughts!
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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 design, the introduction of the spin dash, and, of course, the debut of Tails. But it’s not all smooth loops and blast processing—there are still some frustrating moments (looking at you, Metropolis Zone).
Join us as we revisit one of the Sega Genesis’s finest games and decide whether Sonic 2 truly lives up to the hype!
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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 the arcade’s flashy four-player mayhem. We also take a detour to discuss The Hyperstone Heist, the Sega Genesis-exclusive TMNT game that often gets overshadowed by Turtles in Time.
Along the way, we talk about what makes a great beat ‘em up, our favorite levels and boss fights, and why this game still holds up decades later. So grab a slice of pizza, fire up your SNES, and join us for a trip through time with the heroes in a half shell!
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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 the apocalypse.
We break down everything that makes this game special—from smacking zombies with a giant teddy bear to discovering all the wild easter eggs pulled straight from classic horror movies. It’s got B-movie charm, ridiculous weapons, and a dose of social satire that makes you question if the zombies or the mall-goers were worse.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The timed missions will stress you out, and the save system feels like a relic from the Stone Age. But even with those flaws, Dead Rising is a masterpiece of mayhem. So grab a lawnmower, throw on a Servbot mask, and join us for this episode!
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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 limited to just two directions at a time.
We also take a dive into the history behind the game, Sony’s quest for a mascot, and how Crash became a PlayStation icon. Then, because we can’t help ourselves, we go off on a tangent about the wild world of collecting retro games new in box just to never open them—because honestly, what’s the point?
So, grab your Aku Aku mask and join us for this jam-packed episode!
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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 the raw, chaotic energy of ECW gives it a unique charm that makes it more than just a clone. Lou, a huge ECW fan, shares his early memories of playing this game and how hyped he was to finally get a wrestling game based on his favorite promotion.
From the over-the-top violence to the brutal difficulty, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether this game still holds up today. Grab a steel chair and join us for this trip down extreme memory lane!
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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 partnered with Sony instead of splitting off, making the PlayStation a Nintendo console?What if Nintendo created a mature-rated game for one of their beloved franchises—how would it work, and which franchise would you pick?What if Nintendo fully embraced VR—what games or franchises would benefit the most?It’s a laid-back, thought-provoking discussion filled with creative ideas and plenty of laughs. Join us for this deep dive into Nintendo’s endless “What Ifs,” and let us know how you’d answer these questions!
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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 expert at uncovering the hidden threads that connect our cultural obsessions to the bigger picture. You might recognize his name from his books The Sex Effect and Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold, or his thought-provoking articles in Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. He’s also been a go-to expert on platforms like Marketplace, Bloomberg TV, and the LA Times for his sharp takes on entertainment and society.
This week, Ross joins us to talk about his latest book, which explores the pop culture of 1999—a year that didn’t just close out the millennium but also shaped the trajectory of entertainment and culture for decades to come. From the kayfabe brilliance of WWE to the Beanie Baby craze that foreshadowed modern obsessions like NFTs, Ross sheds light on why 1999 was more than just a year—it was a cultural pivot point.
We dig into how violent video games like Doom stirred public debate, how fads captured our collective imagination, and how the pop culture of 1999 mirrors the complex cultural and political landscapes we navigate today. Ross argues that these moments are as telling about the human condition as Shakespeare or Beethoven—just with a few more body slams and Tamagotchis.
So, grab your favorite retro snack and join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the nostalgia, symbolism, and relevance of the final year of the 20th century. Welcome to the show, Ross Benes!
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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 dive into some of the retro purchases that made our collections shine brighter and a few that left us scratching our heads. On the modern side, we share our thoughts on games that exceeded expectations and others that fell flat. It’s a mix of nostalgia, candid reviews, and even a little buyer’s remorse.
Join us as we wrap up 2024 in style and look ahead to another year of gaming adventures. Whether you're here for the retro love, the modern hits, or just the banter, this episode has something for everyone!
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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 NHL Hitz 2003 a standout arcade sports title, from its over-the-top action to its perfect balance of chaos and hockey fundamentals. We also take a broader look at the state of the NHL in the early 2000s, with a generation of legendary players like Brian Leetch and Mark Messier nearing the end of their careers, but still making their presence felt in this game.
The episode wouldn't be complete without revisiting our favorite ongoing debate: arcade sports games vs. simulation games. While Lou appreciates the depth of sims, I remain firmly on Team Arcade, and NHL Hitz 2003 is the perfect example of why. It’s fast, fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—exactly how I like my sports games.
So grab your controller, lace up your skates, and join us as we break down one of the most exciting hockey games ever 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 prequel trilogy. It also came on the heels of the Clone Wars animated series, making it an exciting addition to the Star Wars canon.
We break down what makes Republic Commando a standout title—especially on the original Xbox. Often hailed as a hidden gem (or simply a masterpiece if you’re a Star Wars fan), this game blends tight controls with an immersive atmosphere that feels quintessentially Star Wars. The squad mechanics were ahead of their time, and the witty banter from your clone trooper squadmates added both personality and levity to the intense missions.
From its immersive environments to its perfectly balanced mix of action and strategy, Republic Commando nails what it means to be part of the Star Wars universe. So grab your blaster, prep your squad, and buckle up for a deep dive into one of the best Star Wars games ever made!
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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 of worlds and the memorable Koopalings.
"Super Mario Bros. 3" wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon, heavily promoted through TV commercials and famously featured in the movie "The Wizard," which showcased its gameplay and teased its secrets well before many had the chance to play it. This extensive promotion helped cement its place in gaming history before most fans even held a controller.
During the episode, we marvel at the rapid evolution in gaming technology and design that took place between the release of the original "Super Mario Bros." and "Super Mario Bros. 3." It's astonishing to think about how, in just a few short years, Nintendo not only improved upon the original but revolutionized it with superior gameplay, graphics, sound, and creativity.
Join Odian and me as we delve into why "Super Mario Bros. 3" is often hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time, offering an unmatched blend of challenge, innovation, and fun that continues to influence the platforming genre decades later.
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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 No Mercy" stands out as one of the greatest wrestling games ever, celebrated for its robust customization options, smooth gameplay mechanics, and an extensive roster that vividly encapsulates the spirit of the WWF Attitude Era between 1999 and 2000. This game doesn’t just bring back the raw excitement of that era; it also serves as a detailed archive of the wrestlers and the match types that defined that time.
During this episode, we also discuss the broader context of professional wrestling during the game's release, including the looming closures of ECW and WCW, which marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape. These events added a layer of historical significance to "WWF No Mercy," capturing a pivotal moment in wrestling history.
While "WWF No Mercy" did face some technical hurdles early on, such as a save glitch in initial cartridges, its significance goes beyond these flaws. The game has also become a favorite in the modding community, where enthusiasts continue to update and expand its features, ensuring it remains relevant and engaging.
Join Lou and me as we discuss the enduring legacy of "WWF No Mercy," its impact on fans and the modding community, and its reflection of the state of professional wrestling at the time. Tune in this Friday for a deep dive into wrestling history and video game legacy on "Backwards Compatible."
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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://generations.buzzsprout.com/2024899/episodes/14282630-tobey-maguire-s-spider-man-part1-with-great-power), was eager to dive into the deep cuts of the "Maximum Carnage" storyline, exploring how the game translated the intense narrative and character dynamics of the comics into a thrilling beat 'em up experience.
During our discussion, we highlight a particular aspect that both fascinated and frustrated gamers: the game’s notorious difficulty. "Maximum Carnage" is known for its punishing challenges, and despite numerous attempts, neither Odian nor I have ever managed to beat the game. This difficulty level adds a layer of infamous prestige to our memories and experiences with the game.
We also discuss how both the Genesis and SNES versions provided a nearly identical gameplay experience—a rarity for titles released across these two platforms at the time. This consistency allowed players on both systems to equally enjoy the rich, comic book-inspired graphics and the dynamic, action-packed gameplay.
As we wrap up the episode, Odian shares insights into the game’s adherence to the comic series and takes a playful guess at who the WWF Champion was in September 1994, when "Maximum Carnage" was released. Join us for this special episode as we revisit one of the most challenging and iconic Spider-Man games of the 90s.
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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 have a personal history with this game—it's one of my favorite NES titles, and I'm excited to share a different perspective on it.
Throughout this episode, Lou and I explore the unique aspects of "Friday the 13th," from its ambitious attempt to translate a horror movie franchise into an 8-bit video game to its notoriously challenging gameplay. We discuss why this game has been both criticized and misunderstood, and I aim to set the record straight on some of its more controversial elements.
As we dissect the game's mechanics and its eerie atmosphere, I’ll share why "Friday the 13th" holds a special place in my gaming collection despite its infamous reputation. And for those brave enough to tackle Camp Crystal Lake themselves, stick around until the end of the episode. I’ll be sharing 13 essential tips on how to beat this game—yes, contrary to popular belief, it is indeed beatable. Join us for this Halloween-themed episode as we attempt to do justice to one of the most polarizing games on the NES.
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In episode 28 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I revisit "Gears of War 2" on the Xbox 360, a game that not only defined our college gaming sessions but also helped cement lifelong friendships over 15 years ago.
Before we tackle the gritty depths of Sera, Lou kicks off the episode with tales from this year's New York City Comic Con. He shares highlights from the event, covering everything from standout panels to the incredible cosplay, providing a colorful prelude to our main discussion.
As we delve into "Gears of War 2," we focus heavily on one of our favorite features: Horde Mode. This game mode was a game-changer for us, offering endless hours of strategic play and cooperative teamwork that deepened our appreciation for the game and strengthened our bonds as friends. We discuss how the innovative design and escalating challenges of Horde Mode set a new standard for multiplayer experiences in shooter games.
We also reflect on the game’s immersive narrative, robust gameplay mechanics, and significant improvements over its predecessor. As the episode wraps up, Lou and I rate "Gears of War 2" out of 100, evaluating it across several categories, including gameplay, graphics, story, and its lasting impact on us.
Join us for this nostalgic episode as we explore why "Gears of War 2" is more than just a game in our library—it’s a key piece of our shared gaming history, and a title that we absolutely loved, especially for its groundbreaking Horde Mode.
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In this special episode of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I are taking you with us on a virtual getaway after a brief break, courtesy of my unfortunate throat infection. We've escaped to a remote, desert island, and in true gamer fashion, we're not just soaking up the sun; we're debating the essentials—our 'Desert Island Games.'
This week, each of us has picked five must-have games that we'd bring along to a desert island, with Lou focusing on the Xbox 360 and me diving into the nostalgia of the NES. We delve into each game, sharing why these titles would be our companions in isolation. From blockbuster hits to personal favorites that have a special place in our hearts, each game has a story and a reason for its selection.
Amidst the sound of waves and the occasional input from José, our pilot, this episode is all about kicking back and enjoying the simpler pleasures of gaming. It’s a lighthearted and fun pause from our usual format, filled with reminiscences and laughs about what makes each game so indispensable.
So grab your favorite beach beverage, settle into your hammock, and join us as we explore each other’s top picks for gaming on a deserted island. We'll be back next week with our regularly scheduled programming, but until then, enjoy this relaxed and fun episode of "Backwards Compatible."
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In episode 26 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I delve into the iconic "GoldenEye 007" for the Nintendo 64. We kick off the episode with a brief tangent on "Mortal Kombat," discussing our perspectives on violence in video games and how our tastes have matured over the years.
Focusing on "GoldenEye 007," we highlight its pivotal role in popularizing the first-person shooter (FPS) genre on home consoles. The game captured the essence of the James Bond films with its intricate missions and stealth gameplay, offering an immersive experience that was revolutionary at the time.
A significant part of our discussion centers on the multiplayer mode of "GoldenEye," which, despite being added by Rare as a last-minute feature, became one of the most beloved aspects of the game. This mode brought players together for competitive and fun gameplay sessions that many remember fondly as a defining part of their gaming history.
At the episode’s conclusion, Lou and I score "GoldenEye 007" in various categories, culminating in a final score out of 100. This score helps us quantify the game's impact on the industry, its gameplay quality, and its enduring legacy in the world of gaming. Join us as we explore why "GoldenEye 007" remains a landmark title in the FPS genre.
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In episode 25 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I dive deep into "Batman: Arkham Asylum," a game we rank as one of our all-time favorites. We explore its significant impact on the genre of superhero video games, highlighting how it refined the elements of stealth, combat, and atmospheric storytelling within the context of a complex Batman narrative.
"Batman: Arkham Asylum" is renowned for its engaging gameplay that fully immerses players in the role of the Dark Knight. We discuss the game's groundbreaking combat system, the strategic use of gadgets and the environment, and the psychological depth added to characters, especially the villains who are as twisted as they are intriguing.
In this episode, we also introduce our new scoring system (still workshopping an official name for it), rating the game across five categories: gameplay, graphics, music/sound, story, and replayability. Each category is carefully evaluated to give listeners a thorough understanding of why "Arkham Asylum" is so highly regarded. We sum up the scores to give it a final rating out of 100 possible points. Listen to the end of the episode to discover how "Batman: Arkham Asylum" scores and why it remains a benchmark for superhero games.
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In episode 24 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I jump into the vibrant and uproarious world of "The Simpsons Arcade Game." This game not only stands as a cherished classic from the arcade heydays but also ranks as one of the best Simpsons-themed games ever, with only "The Simpsons: Hit & Run" giving it a run for its money. Released in the early '90s, this game hit arcades just as "The Simpsons" TV show was exploding in popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon that would define comedy and satire for decades.
While "The Simpsons Arcade Game" might be considered basic in terms of beat 'em up mechanics, its execution is anything but. We discuss how its straightforward gameplay, infused with the show's trademark humor and iconic characters, offered fans a uniquely Simpsons-esque experience. The game allowed players to dive into the animated world, fighting as Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa, each armed with their own quirky weapons and moves, perfectly capturing the show's spirit during a time when "The Simpsons" were becoming a staple of American entertainment.
Join us as we explore the impact and legacy of "The Simpsons Arcade Game" in the context of the show's rising influence throughout the '90s and early 2000s. From its humor to its engaging cooperative play, this game not only entertained but also brought the distinct flavor of Springfield to the interactive world, making it a pivotal piece in the history of video games and television crossover successes. Whether you're revisiting this game for a dose of nostalgia or discovering its charms for the first time, this episode offers a deep dive into how a simple arcade game could capture the essence of one of the most influential TV shows ever.
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