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In episode 14 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," my good friend Derek Taylor joins me as Lou takes the night off. Together, we delve into the stealthy world of "Metal Gear Solid," released in September 1998. A groundbreaking title on the PlayStation, "Metal Gear Solid" wasn't just a game; it was a cinematic journey, marking my first experience with a two-disc game. I remember my initial approach was all wrong—I tried to beat up all the enemies, only to realize hand-to-hand combat wasn't going to cut it. This challenge was what sparked my love for stealth games.

We discuss the emotional and cinematic impact of the game, reminiscing about the innovative fourth wall breaks, like having to switch controller ports to defeat Psycho Mantis and his eerie ability to "read" your memory card. Set in the desolate backdrop of Alaska, the game's atmosphere was thick with tension, complemented by humorous touches like Snake’s almost pointless cigarette smoking. We also talk about the voice acting, particularly Cam Clarke's memorable performance as Liquid Snake, as well as the different endings, influenced by player choices during Ocelot's torture scene, added depth and replayability, affecting whether Meryl lived or died—and consequently, whether you received infinite ammo or stealth camouflage for your next playthrough.

And as always, we wrap up with a few pop culture facts from September 1998, providing a glimpse into the world when "Metal Gear Solid" stealthily revolutionized the gaming landscape. Join Derek and me as we revisit this iconic game that blends stealth, action, and story in ways that still influence gaming today.

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In episode 13 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou and I dive into the ghostly charm of "Luigi's Mansion" on the GameCube. We open with a look at the GameCube itself, discussing its distinctive tiny discs and unconventional choice to launch with Luigi as the star rather than Mario—a bold move by Nintendo. We delve into how the GameCube, often seen as an underappreciated console during its time, brought us unique and memorable gaming experiences, and express hope that Nintendo will continue to explore and revitalize these classic games for new audiences.

Additionally, we share our excitement about the upcoming re-release of "Luigi's Mansion 2" on the Nintendo Switch, anticipating how this beloved sequel will adapt to the modern console. As always, we wrap up with some pop culture reflections from September 1991, setting the cultural backdrop to the era when Nintendo was preparing to launch what would become one of its most iconic systems. Join us as we celebrate "Luigi's Mansion" and the quirky, innovative GameCube that introduced so many players to the quieter, more reluctant hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.

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In episode 12 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou and I step into the ring with one of the NES classics, "Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!" and its 1990 re-release featuring Mr. Dream. As one of my all-time favorite games, you may notice that I'm a LITTLE overzealous and excited this time around, and our discussion kinda pivots to in-depth strategies for tackling some of the game’s most notorious opponents, sharing tips and tactics that have helped us dodge, weave, and uppercut our way to victory over the years.

We also reminisce about our earliest memories of playing "Punch-Out!!" back in the early '90s, reliving the thrill of climbing the ranks in the boxing world of the game. This week's 'Scratch the Itch' segment features "Thunder Ray," a modern game that revitalizes the classic "Punch-Out!!" gameplay with a fresh twist, perfect for fans looking to recapture that same boxing challenge. As always, we wrap up the episode with a nod to the pop culture landscape of October 1987, the era when players first faced off against Mike Tyson in the virtual ring, setting the stage for the enduring legacy of this knockout classic. Join Lou and me as we celebrate the game that has been a contender in the hearts of gamers for decades.

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In episode 11 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I dive into the chaotic world of "Twisted Metal 2," originally released on October 31, 1996. Kicking off the episode, we share our excitement about the latest trailers for the upcoming Power Rangers beat 'em up game and the new "Gears of War" prequel, setting the stage for our discussion on high-energy gaming.

As we shift gears to "Twisted Metal 2," we explore the game's memorable cast of characters and its creatively destructive environments, which have helped it stand as a definitive title in vehicular combat gaming. Lou, a longtime fan of the series, offers his pro-tips on how to master the game, from choosing the right vehicle to exploiting level-specific tactics. We also discuss modern games that capture a similar thrill to "Twisted Metal 2," in our "Scratch the Itch" segment, for those looking to recreate the mayhem in today’s gaming landscape. As is tradition, we wrap up the episode with a nod to the pop culture highlights from March 1994, providing a backdrop to the era when vehicular combat games were beginning to rev their engines in the gaming world. Join us for a high-octane trip down memory lane with one of the most explosively entertaining games of the '90s.

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We hit Episode 10! In this episode of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou and I heat up the arcade sports scene with "NBA Jam" and its successor, "NBA Jam - Tournament Edition," primarily focusing on the Sega Genesis versions while touching on differences across other consoles. We dive into the pivotal updates and key differences introduced in the Tournament Edition, such as additional players and enhanced gameplay features, which solidified its status as an arcade legend.

"NBA Jam" broke ground by bridging the gap between casual sports fans who were hardcore gamers and casual gamers who were hardcore sports fans, particularly during an era when NBA popularity was soaring with the Chicago Bulls' dominance. Despite its massive success, the absence of prominent players like Michael Jordan and Shaq due to licensing restrictions remains a notable aspect of its history. We share listener memories that highlight the game’s impact, discuss other Midway sports titles with a similar vibe, and suggest modern games that recapture the "NBA Jam" spirit. As always, we wrap up with a nod to the pop culture landscape of March 1994, setting the stage for when "NBA Jam" was setting arcades and consoles on fire. Join us as we celebrate the 10th episode with one of the most exhilarating sports games of all time.

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In episode 9 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou makes his triumphant return as we jump into the world of "Street Fighter II," focusing on "Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers" for the SNES—the definitive way to experience this iconic fighter on home consoles. We explore the various iterations of the game, discussing how each version contributed to its legacy, but we give special attention to "Super Street Fighter II" for its refined mechanics and expanded roster of fighters.

As we dissect what made "Street Fighter II" a cornerstone of the 2D fighting genre in the early '90s, we share our favorite characters, stages, and notably, the unforgettable stage music that remains unmatched in its energy and ability to set the tone for battle. We also delve into why subsequent entries like "Street Fighter III" and the "Alpha" series didn't capture the same widespread allure, despite their technical advancements and deeper mechanics. As always, we sprinkle in some pop culture notes from July 1993 to paint a full picture of the era when "Street Fighter II" was king of the arcade and home console scene. Join Lou and me as we celebrate the game that truly defined a genre and continues to influence the world of fighting games today.

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In episode 8 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," my good buddy Derek steps in last minute as Lou is unfortunately out sick again. Together, we race through the pixelated landscapes of the original "Sonic the Hedgehog" for the Sega Genesis, originally released in June 1991. This game, while groundbreaking in its day, presents a mixed bag for us as it hasn't aged as gracefully compared to its successors like "Sonic 2," "Sonic 3," "Sonic & Knuckles," and the more recent "Sonic Mania." We discuss how "Sonic 1" laid the foundational speed and gameplay that allowed the later titles to truly soar.

We also introduce a brand-new segment called 'Scratching the Itch,' where we pick a more modern game that captures the spirit of the classic we're discussing. The game we've chosen for this episode promises to rekindle that fast-paced Sonic thrill, but you'll have to tune in to find out what it is! As always, we wrap up with a nod to the pop culture scene from June 1991, giving context to the era when Sonic first zoomed into the gaming world. Join Derek and me for a nostalgic look back at where the speed obsession with gaming's favorite hedgehog began.

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Support the Show.

We've got merch!

Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)