Play Retro Show

From Lucasfilm Games: the iconic Fate of Atlantis, in both its Graphic Adventure and lesser known Action Game forms, and the earlier Last Crusade adaptations. These games brought Indy’s globe-trotting exploits to 8-bit, 16-bit, and DOS screens through a mix of cinematic storytelling and witty puzzles.Less so in the Action Games. But still.

This week we are exploring the early MechWarrior games on PC. Starting with the 1989 original and continuing with MechWarrior 2, these titles brought the mechanics and world of BattleTech to life through cockpit simulation, mech customization, and faction-driven campaigns. We’ll also touch on Mercenaries, Ghost Bear’s Legacy, and a few of the console adaptations.

Namco’s Ridge Racer series. Beginning with its 1993 arcade debut and stretching through its early PlayStation-era dominance, the series was defined by speed, style, and corner-sliding gameplay that favored flair over realism.

Doom (1993) and Doom II (1994). Developed by id Software, these games introduced the fast-paced, visceral FPS gameplay that would shape the industry for decades. With tight level design, explosive weapons, and iconic monsters, Doom wasn’t just a game—it was a movement. And while we’re at it, we’ll mention Doom 64, the 1997 N64 follow-up that carved out its own identity in the shadows of its PC predecessors.

Driver and Driver 2, the PlayStation titles that turned 1970s car chases into fully playable, open-world missions—well before “open world” was a buzzword. Developed by Reflections Interactive, these games combined tight driving physics, cinematic storytelling, and a now-legendary difficulty curve. Driver put you in the seat as an undercover cop posing as a getaway driver, while Driver 2 expanded the formula with new cities, the ability to exit your vehicle, and a heavier dose of crime drama.

The Illusion platformers developed by Sega in the early to mid-1990s, built around original stories starring Mickey Mouse. While each game differs by platform and style, they share common traits: smooth controls, layered level design, strong animation, and soundtracks tailored to the hardware. The series covers both 16-bit showpieces and surprisingly deep 8-bit platformers, with a nod to the often-overlooked Legend of Illusion and the co-op-focused World of Illusion. Play Retro goes deep!

Let’s talk about ‘Drill Dozer’, the 2006 Game Boy Advance title from Game Freak that stars Jill and her drill-powered mech in a punchy, gear-driven platformer complete with some unique game mechanics and features, including a built in rumble pack for the cart. This game still drills! Or something like that.

Thief: The Dark Project and Thief II: The Metal Age, two of the most influential stealth games ever made. Developed by Looking Glass Studios, these immersive sims dropped players into a dark, steampunk-inspired world where silence and shadows were more powerful than any sword. With open-ended level design, sound-based detection, and a story full of mystery and betrayal, the Thief series set the standard for the stealth genre.

Hydro Thunder, Offroad Thunder, and Arctic Thunder—a trio of fast, loud, and wild arcade racers from Midway. At the arcade and at home. We are Racing Rocket boats, 4 Wheel Off-road vehicles in arenas, and snowblasting through frozen highways with missile-equipped snowmobiles. From arcades to Dreamcast and more!