The Upper Memory Block

Welcome to episode 69 where we discuss the 1997 Stainless Games car combat sim, Carmageddon. We chat about all the regular stuff including genre, setting, gameplay, tech focus and dev story. We also focus a bit on the controversy surrounding the game and her a bunch of great listener emails and voicemails. Troels, Akago, Ben Chandler and myself play multiplayer very poorly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEKfv8RGWmI I mess around with the Carmageddon sound folder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8854VJCZ5nE Buy Carmageddon on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/carmageddon_max_pack?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f or Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/282010/ Buy Carmageddon 2: Carpocalypse Now! on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/carmageddon_2_carpocalypse_now?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f or Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/282030/ Buy Carmageddon TDR 2000 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/331650/ Buy Carmageddon Reincarnation on Steam Early Access: http://store.steampowered.com/app/249380/ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, we'll cover the news, after that we'll hit the 1996 Activision FMV adventure, Spycraft. Enjoy!

Welcome to episode 68 where I discuss the 1998 Lucasarts adventure game, Grim Fandango. We go through some emails, then get into the nitty gritty in the land of the dead. If you like Grim Fandago, you might also enjoy a game called The Cheap Detective (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cheap_Detective). For great Grim Fandango and other retro gaming art, clothing and jewellery, check out Maya Pixelskaya (http://shop.mayapixelskaya.com/) Buy Grim Fandango on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/grim_fandango_remastered?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Buy Grim Fandango on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/316790/ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be covering the 1998 Stainless Software game, Carmageddeon. Enjoy!

Time for episode 67 and the news! Here's a rundown of the stories discussed: King’s Quest And Sierra: An Interview With Ken Williams: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/01/02/ken-williams-interview-kings-quest-sierra-game-informer.aspx New Baldur's Gate game in the works using its original engine: http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/8/7518145/new-baldurs-gate-game-infinity-engine Kickstarter: Shadowrun: Hong Kong by Harebrained Schemes LLC: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/webeharebrained/shadowrun-hong-kong X-Wing sequels head up GOG's latest batch of Star Wars classics: http://www.pcgamer.com/x-wing-sequels-head-up-new-batch-of-star-wars-classics-on-gog/ Rogue Squadron 3D and Rebellion added to GOG's Star Wars catalogue: http://www.pcgamer.com/rogue-squadron-3d-and-rebellion-added-to-gogs-star-wars-catalogue/ Tex Murphy eBooks: http://www.aaronconners.net/ Double Fine Has The LucasArts Singapore DOTT Assets: http://mixnmojo.com/news/Double-Fine-Has-The-LucasArts-Singapore-DOTT-Assets Kickstarter: Underworld Ascendant by OtherSide Entertainment: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/othersidegames/underworld-ascendant Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Now On GOG.COM: http://www.gog.com/news/warner_bros_interactive_entertainment_on_gogcom Gary Owens, Announcer of ‘Laugh-In’ Fame, Dies at 80: http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/gary-owens-announcer-of-laugh-in-fame-dies-at-80-1201433731/ ASCII Sector: Text-based Privateer remake: http://www.asciisector.net/ Outtro music: “My Loved ones are Gone” by Psycho Crusher: http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02508 Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the 1998 Lucasarts adventure, Grim Fandango.

Welcome to episode 66 where I'll be discussing the 1993 Origin Systems space trading game, Wing Commander: Privateer. After some listener emails, we discuss all the usual suspects regarding the two games in the Privateer series. Watch me play Privateer on YouTube: http://youtu.be/A6hWqvoP12s Buy Privateer on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/wing_commander_privateer?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Buy Privateer on Origin: https://www.origin.com/en-ca/store/buy/wing-commander-privateer/pc-download/base-game/standard-edition Buy Privateer 2 on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/privateer_2_the_darkening?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the 1998 Lucasarts adventure, Grim Fandango. Enjoy! Stream the show live: [audio src="http://umbcast.com/podcast/066-UMBCast-Privateer.mp3"] Direct download: http://umbcast.com/podcast/066-UMBCast-Privateer.mp3

This week we did something very special. I got together with some of my Patrons and we had an incredibly fun discussion (and quite a few drinks) all about our gaming firsts. Early gaming memories, first CD ROM games, first gaming machines, music, sound cards, pirating and much, much more.  Thanks very much to all the patrons for making this discussion possible and thanks especially to Brian, Troels, Tomer and AmayriotAkago for taking two hours out of their Saturdays to participate. Note: This is a bunch of us hanging around and drinking, so suffice it to say we swear a bit. Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the 1993 space sim/trading game, Wing Commander: Privateer. Enjoy!

Happy new year, it's time for episode 64, where I cover the 1996 Rogue Entertainment FPS/RPG, Strife. First, we read a whole whack of emails catching up on previous shows. We then chat about Strife: Quest for the Sigil. I discuss all the usual suspects, including a listener voicemail. Buy Strife: Veteran Edition on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/317040/ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the 1993 space sim/trading game, Wing Commander: Privateer. Enjoy!

Time for our second news-only show brought to you by patreon.com/umbcast. In the news this month: Ur-Quan Masters HD has entered beta: http://urquanmastershd.com/ Broken Age Act 2 due in early 2015: http://www.doublefine.com/forums/viewthread/15863/ Day of the Tentacle Remastered! http://www.polygon.com/2014/12/8/7354949/tim-schafer-day-of-the-tentacle-remastered-ps4-vita-pc New Carmen Sandiego http://www.hmhco.com/parents-and-kids/the-learning-company/carmen-sandiego Elite: Dangerous released https://www.elitedangerous.com/ Satellite Reign available via Steam early access: http://www.vg247.com/2014/12/17/syndicate-wars-successor-satellite-reign-now-available-on-steam/ Father of video games, Ralph Baer, dies at 92: http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/7/7349715/ralph-baer-father-of-video-games-dies-at-92 Ken and Roberta Williams presented with Industry Icon award at The Game Awards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2NMpK2Rnks Next time, I'll be covering Strife

It's time for episode 62 where I'll be discussing the 1996 Revolution Software adventure series, Broken Sword. Before we get to the main topic, we got two emails. First, a great list of other retro-oriented podcasts: • • Watch Out for Fireballs • • Retro Gaming Roundup • • You Don't know Flack • • Retrobits • • W1S1: World One Stage One • • No Quarter • • IGN RetroCity • • DOS Nostalgia Podcast • • Three Moves Ahead • • TADPOG: Tyler and Dave Play Old Games • • Wired's Gamelife • • The Same Coin • Second, a recommendation for a fun SimCity style game called Constructor We then get into all 5 games in the Broken Sword series in the usual way. Also, we're doing a Broken Sword giveaway! If you want a copy of the first game, send an email to podcast@umbcast.com with the subject line "Broken Sword Giveaway". Buy Broken Sword on GoG: http://www.gog.com/games##search=broken%20sword&sort=bestselling&page=1&pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Buy Broken Sword 1, 2 and 3 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6447/ Buy Broken Sword 4 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/316160/ Buy Broken Sword 5 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/262940/ YouTube play session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5U1P2HpW2Q Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the 1996 RPG/FPS game, Strife from Rogue Entertainment. Enjoy!

Welcome to episode 61 where I'll be discussing the 1985 Microprose sub simulator, Silent Service. As with last time, news is no longer covered on the main shows, you can check episode 60 for the latest retro PC gaming news as of last week. New news show coming in December! In the main portion of the show we discuss all the ins and outs of Sid Meier's great sub sims, Silent Service 1 and 2. The original game was inspired by the novel "Clear the Bridge" by Richard O'Kane: http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Bridge-Patrols-U-S-S-Tang/dp/0891415734/ YouTube play session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Siv6faJ77Q Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be looking at the Broken Sword series from Revolution Software. Enjoy!

It's the first news-only episode thanks to your incredible generosity on Patreon!  News discussed in this episode: 3D Realms bundle released: http://www.pcgamer.com/3d-realms-returns-with-32-game-anthology-bundle/ Lucasarts games now available on GoG: http://www.gog.com/news/new_publisher_disney_interactivelucasfilm Star Citizen FPS module revealed: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-11-03-star-citizen-first-person-shooter-gameplay-unveiled Ken & Roberta Williams get a sneak peak of the new King's Quest: http://blog.theoddgentlemen.com/post/101694832159/meeting-roberta-and-ken-williams Tim Schafer discusses an open-world Grim Fandango sequel: http://kotaku.com/tim-schafer-dreams-of-an-open-world-grim-fandango-seque-1654750107 Thimbleweed Park, a retro adventure from the creators of Maniac Mansion: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thimbleweedpark/thimbleweed-park-a-new-classic-point-and-click-adv Elite: Dangerous drops offline single player gameplay: http://www.pcgamer.com/elite-dangerous-boss-says-online-only-is-the-right-decision/ Hero U has a revised release date of October 15, 2015: http://www.hero-u.net/hero_u_about.html Music: 'In Ten Years' by H.P. Mendoza: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/everything-is-pop/id922961764 'Pirate Shout' by audio fidelity, Derek Meler, Eric Griffin, Marcus Affeldt: http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02179 Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be covering the 1985 Micoprose sub simulation, Silent Service.

It's time for episode 59, covering the 1989 Sierra Adventure series, the Laura Bow Mysteries. Since we hit the 50 dollar/episode Patreon goal, the news has been moved into its own show, so look for the news rollup in the next few weeks! We read some emails where we chat about two gaming related podcasts, Three Moves Ahead and Blue Cup Tools. We then get to the main event, the Laura Bow Mysteries. We discuss both The Colonel's Bequest and The Dagger of Amon Ra. All the usual topics are covered, including some more emails from you! YouTube play session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yxIdmVfQG8 Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, I'll be covering the 1985 Micoprose sub simulation, Silent Service. Enjoy!

Here is episode 58, where I'll be covering the 1986 Binary Systems space exploration game, Starflight. But first, some news: Blizzard added assets from Warcraft 3 to the Blizzard Launcher. Gabriel Knight 20th Anniversary Edition is out and ready for purchase! Check out indie game The Fall Then, we get to the Starflight series. We discuss the two games in the usual manner. YouTube playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2whCuUnKwYDRTF6Na5JfImdAC7KtZB3E Buy Starflight 1 & 2 on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/starflight_1_2?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Support the show via Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/umbcast Next time, we'll be discussing some Sierra adventures with the Laura Bow series. Enjoy!

Welcome to episode 57, where I'll be discussing the 1997 Bullfrog business simulation, Theme Hospital. Firstly, I make a small correction regarding some facts in the last show about Indianapolis 500: The Simulation. But first, a bit of news: Frontpage Sports Football is coming back! Commander Keen has been open sourced! Elite: Dangerous Beta 2 is releasing this month! Blizzard has cancelled their long-running project Titan. This Monkey Island Lego set needs your votes! We then discuss the main topic, Theme Hospital. Gameplay, dev story, tech focus, etc. Buy Theme Hospital on GoG: http://www.gog.com/game/theme_hospital?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f Next time, we'll be discussing the 1986 sci-fi adventure/RPG, Starflight.

In episode 56, we discuss the 1989 Papyrus Design Group racing sim, Indianapolis 500: The Simulation. First though, we go through quite a few emails covering your thoughts on the "Sierra Revival" that I talked about on the last episode, including a link to Brano's blog post where he goes into more detail on his thoughts. We then get into the main topic, Indianapolis 500: The Simulation. We discuss all the usual suspects including gameplay, dev story and tech focus. Sadly, there's nowhere to legally get the game in digital form, but if you're interested in the most current racing game from the developer, check out http://www.iracing.com/. Next time, I'll be heading back to Bullfrog land with another simulation, Theme Hospital.

It's time for episode 55, an "extended memory" episode. In these extended memory shows, I break format to do something a little bit different. In light of the recent news of Activision reviving the Sierra brand, I decided to dedicate and entire show to your thoughts, my thoughts and the history of Sierra in relation to this potentially game-changing news. I also got an email informing me of an "in development" fan remake of King's Quest 4: The Perils of Rosella. You can find more info on it here: http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/ We'll get back on track with the "regularly scheduled" UMBCast on Indianapolis 500: The Simulation next week.