The Console Wars of the 90s weren’t just about games—they were about identity. In this Retro Respawn showdown, Billy takes up the mantle of the Sega Mega Drive, the sleek 16-bit powerhouse that brought us Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and a marketing campaign that proudly declared: “Genesis does what Nintendon’t.” With its edgy attitude, blistering speed, and arcade-style flair, the Mega Drive was Sega’s bold strike against Nintendo’s dominance.

On the other side, Callum defends the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the console that defined polish and depth. With Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, the SNES wasn’t just about fun—it was about crafting timeless experiences with Mode 7 graphics, unforgettable soundtracks, and genre-defining gameplay. Where Sega leaned into attitude, Nintendo doubled down on artistry.

Was the Mega Drive’s raw energy enough to topple the SNES’s legendary library? Or did Nintendo’s polish prove unbeatable? In this episode, Retro Respawn dives into the games, the culture, and the legacy of the Console Wars that shaped a generation.

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Donkey Kong Country: Bananas, Kremlings, and Jungle Beats

In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we swing through the treetops to revisit Donkey Kong Country, the 1994 SNES blockbuster that redefined platforming with its groundbreaking visuals and jungle swagger. Developed by Rare and published by Nintendo, this side-scrolling adventure stars Donkey Kong and his nephew Diddy as they battle King K. Rool and his Kremling army to reclaim their stolen banana hoard.

With over 40 levels packed with minecart madness, animal buddies, and hidden bonus rooms, Donkey Kong Country turned the humble cartridge into a technical marvel. David Wise’s legendary soundtrack—equal parts atmospheric and unforgettable—transformed pixelated jungles into living worlds, from the chill of Aquatic Ambience to the pulse of DK Island Swing.

Whether you’re bouncing off armadillos, racing through snowstorms, or riding Rambi into battle, this game proved the SNES could still deliver jaw-dropping experiences in the face of the 32-bit future.

Join us as we dive into the graphics, the gameplay, and the legacy of one of the most iconic platformers of the 16-bit era.

During our discussion, we looked at the BAFTA Top 10 Most Influential Games list, which celebrates titles that changed the way we play, design, and think about video games.

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Zombies Ate My Neighbors: Suburbia vs. the Undead

In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we grab our squirt guns and soda grenades to revisit Zombies Ate My Neighbors, the 1993 cult classic that turned every horror trope into pixelated chaos. Developed by LucasArts and published by Konami, this top-down shooter stars Zeke and Julie—two teens battling zombies, werewolves, aliens, and giant babies to save their neighborhood from total monster meltdown.

With over 50 levels, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a soundtrack that’s equal parts spooky and silly, ZAMN is a love letter to B-movie horror and arcade mayhem. Whether you’re dodging chainsaw maniacs or rescuing cheerleaders from Martians, this game proves that saving the suburbs is anything but boring.

Join us as we dive into the weapons, the weirdness, and the legacy of one of the most beloved co-op games of the 16-bit era.

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💥 Metal Slug X: Explosions, Aliens, and Arcade Perfection In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we lock and load with Metal Slug X, the remixed masterpiece that took Metal Slug and cranked the chaos to eleven. Released in 1999, this Neo Geo classic fixed the slowdown, added new enemy placements, and gave us more explosions, more aliens, and more absurdity than ever before.

We dive into the pixel-perfect mayhem, from desert ambushes and mummy-infested ruins to high-speed train chases and UFO shootouts. With its hand-drawn sprites, legendary soundtrack, and slapstick violence, Metal Slug X isn’t just a run-and-gun—it’s a playable cartoon with a rocket launcher.

🎮 Tune in as we break down the missions, uncover hidden paths, and ask: is this the definitive Metal Slug experience?

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Super Mario 64: The Leap That Changed Everything In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we dive into the game that didn’t just redefine Mario—it redefined gaming itself. Super Mario 64 launched alongside the Nintendo 64 in 1996 and catapulted players into a fully 3D world for the first time, setting the gold standard for platformers and camera control for decades to come.

We explore Peach’s castle, chase Power Stars, and break down how this revolutionary title turned analog sticks into magic wands. From the haunting halls of Big Boo’s Mansion to the soaring heights of Wing Cap flights, Super Mario 64 was more than a technical marvel—it was pure joy in polygonal form.

🎮 Join us as we revisit the legacy, the levels, and the lasting impact of one of the most important games ever made.

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Sonic R: Running in the Right Direction or Just Spinning in Circles? In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we lace up our red sneakers and hit the track with Sonic R, Sega’s bold attempt to bring the Blue Blur into the 3D racing scene. Released on the Sega Saturn in 1997, Sonic R ditched the karts and let characters race on foot—because when you're Sonic, wheels are optional.

We dive into the game's quirky controls, vibrant polygonal landscapes, and the unforgettable (and divisive) vocal soundtrack that still echoes in gaming history. From unlocking robot clones to chasing Chaos Emeralds mid-race, Sonic R was ambitious, weird, and undeniably memorable.

Was it a misunderstood gem or a slippery slope in Sonic’s 3D evolution? Tune in as we break down the speed, the style, and the strange legacy of Sonic R.

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Shrek 2 Review: Fairy Tales, Fame, and Flatulence In this episode, we journey back to the Kingdom of Far Far Away to unpack the sequel that turned a swamp-dwelling ogre into a box office king. Shrek 2 took everything we loved about the original—irreverent humor, pop culture jabs, and heart—and cranked it up with royal drama, magical mayhem, and one very persuasive Fairy Godmother.

We break down the film’s satirical edge, the introduction of fan-favorite Puss in Boots, and why this sequel still holds up as one of DreamWorks’ finest. From awkward in-law dinners to enchanted transformations, Shrek 2 isn’t just a fairy tale—it’s a commentary on beauty, acceptance, and the chaos of happily ever after.

Tune in as we peel back the layers (like an onion) and ask: is Shrek 2 the rare sequel that out-ogres the original?

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Streets of Rage: The Beat-'Em-Up That Defined a Generation In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we throw down in the neon-soaked streets of 1991 and revisit the side-scrolling brawler that started it all—Streets of Rage. With its iconic soundtrack, slick pixel art, and unforgettable trio of vigilante heroes, this Sega Genesis classic didn’t just raise the bar for beat-'em-ups—it set it.

We break down the gameplay mechanics, enemy design, and why Yuzo Koshiro’s legendary music still slaps harder than a pipe-wielding Axel. Whether you played it solo or tag-teamed with a mate on the couch, Streets of Rage was more than a game—it was a vibe.

Tune in as we punch through nostalgia, stage by stage, and ask: does the original still pack a punch in today’s gaming world?

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Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure – The Gross-Out Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed In this episode of The Retro Respawn, we plunge headfirst into the slimy, snot-slinging world of Boogerman, the 1994 cult classic that dared to ask: what if flatulence could save the world? Developed by Interplay and released on the Sega Genesis, this game was a bizarre blend of toilet humor, surprisingly solid platforming, and a hero who weaponized bodily functions like a champ.

We explore the origins of Boogerman’s alter ego, Snotty Ragsdale, the game’s ooze-filled levels, and why its unapologetically crude style somehow worked. From flicking boogers to burping enemies into oblivion, this game was as much a rebellion against polished mascots as it was a love letter to juvenile chaos.

Join us as we dig through the mucus-covered memories and ask: was Boogerman just a gross-out gimmick, or a misunderstood gem of the 16-bit era?

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Super Mario 3D Land Review: A Leap Forward in Handheld Platforming In this review, we dive into the game that redefined portable platforming—Super Mario 3D Land. Released for the Nintendo 3DS, this title bridges the gap between classic side-scrolling Mario and modern 3D exploration, delivering a fresh yet familiar experience that’s both innovative and nostalgic.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this review will help you decide if 3D Land deserves a spot in your collection.

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