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Backwards Compatible

Author: Dan Kemp

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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!
113 Episodes
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Text us and say hello!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 Ca...
Text us and say hello!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 an...
Text us and say hello!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...
Text us and say hello!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 ...
Text us and say hello!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 intri...
Text us and say hello!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. W...
Text us and say hello!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 tha...
Text us and say hello!In episode 23 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I dive into the high-energy, hard-hitting world of "NFL Blitz 2000" on the Sega Dreamcast. This title, developed by Midway—the same studio famous for the bone-crunching action of "Mortal Kombat"—brings a similar intensity to the arcade-style sports gaming arena. It's no wonder the tackles feel like fatalities, and the gameplay is as over-the-top as Johnny Cage uppercutting off his opponent's head.We explore how "NFL Blitz ...
Text us and say hello!In episode 22 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I take a nostalgic drive down memory lane with "Mario Kart 64," a game that’s more than just a classic—it’s practically a summertime ritual. We reminisce about those carefree days mixing pool fun with intense kart racing sessions, where friendships were tested on the treacherous turns of DK's Jungle Parkway.As we rank each of the courses and discuss our favorite drivers, we delve into why "Mario Kart 64" still holds the cr...
Text us and say hello!In episode 21 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I dive into the brutal world of "Mortal Kombat," focusing on the Sega Genesis version, which many fans consider superior to its counterparts. This game not only sparked controversy with its hyper-violent content but also set a new standard for realism in fighting games with its digitized graphics that captured lifelike movements.We compare the Sega Genesis version of "Mortal Kombat" with the SNES and arcade versions, notin...
Text us and say hello!In episode 20 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I take a swing at "Wii Sports," the game that came bundled with the Nintendo Wii and became a cultural phenomenon. Released in November 2006, "Wii Sports" was not just a game but a pivotal moment for Nintendo, potentially even rescuing the company from the brink after the less successful GameCube era. This title introduced motion-controlled gaming to the masses, making video games accessible and appealing to an unprecedent...
Text us and say hello!Note: In this episode, we do a bit of a spoiler-filled review of Deadpool 3. To AVOID spoilers, please go to 24:10 in the episode. In episode 19 of "Backwards Compatible," we're finally back on track, and it's a big one! Lou and I delve into the frenetic world of "X-Men vs. Street Fighter," a game that brought together two powerhouse universes in an arcade classic. Released in arcades in September 1996, we argue that this version remains the defini...
Text us and say hello!In episode 18 of "Backwards Compatible" (I say 19 in the recording, because I was planning on putting this one out next week), scheduling twists continue as we pivot once again from our planned discussion on "X-Men vs. Street Fighter" due to some last-minute conflicts. Instead, an old friend, Wil, joins me to revisit a cornerstone of my gaming history—Tekken 3. Released for the PlayStation 1 and in arcades, Tekken 3 wasn't just another entry in the fighting game genre; i...
Text us and say hello!In this week’s episode of "Backwards Compatible," we’ve encountered a bit of an unexpected hiccup. Lou and I were all set to dive into the arcade classic "X-Men vs. Street Fighter," covering its iterations on Arcade, Sega Saturn, and PS1. Unfortunately, we ran into a major technical snag—the audio files from our recording session were corrupted. We didn't have the opportunity to re-record this week, so we've decided to push this discussion to next week’s episode. Hopeful...
Text us and say hello!In episode 16 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I tackle "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie - The Game" for the Sega Genesis. This Genesis version stands out as the superior iteration compared to its Game Gear and SNES counterparts, largely because of its enhanced co-op battles, more content directly tied to the movie, and a tighter storyline that aligns closely with the MMPR TV show.We dive deep into why this Genesis version excels, from its gameplay mechanics to...
Text us and say hello!In episode 15 of "Backwards Compatible", Lou is back in the studio with me, as we swing into the jungles of "Donkey Kong Country" on the SNES, released in November of 1994. I first encountered this game as a rental at a friend’s house—the same friend whose "Super Mario World" save file I unfortunately erased (sorry, Dane!). Revisiting it now, the game stands out for its exceptional level design, arguably among the best for side-scrolling platformers. Its gameplay m...
Text us and say hello!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 ...
Text us and say hello!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 e...
Text us and say hello!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,...
Text us and say hello!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 destr...
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