Clear the sector and grab your coins! This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we’re dropping into the definitive 90s beat 'em up experience: Capcom’s Alien vs. Predator Arcade from 1994! We break down everything that made this Capcom AVP game a legendary, fan-favourite Retro Gaming experience. Discover how it perfected the Final Fight style formula with gorgeous, massive sprites and intense co-op action. We’re discussing the playable characters—the ferocious Predator Warrior and the fan-favourite human cyborg, Major Linn Kurosawa—and why fans often call this the best Alien vs. Predator game ever made. We dive into the game’s immaculate design and whether this Arcade Classic still holds up as one of the best licensed 90s games. If you love classic Capcom beat 'em ups and strategic arcade action, hit subscribe now! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, we're locking down the bulkheads and checking our motion trackers because we're (ostensibly) featuring the iconic sci-fi shooter: Alien Breed! We say 'ostensibly' because Andy and Dave are joined by special guest Rico Holmes, the man behind the concept and art of Alien Breed and who has worked across multiple franchises for Team17. Rico provides an exclusive, inside look at what it was like to work at Team17 in the early days - and to be honest - we had so much fun we almost forgot to talk about Alien Breed at all! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Rico's Cocktail  

This week on the Cocktail Mode podcast, Andy and Dave are taking to the skies to revisit Desert Strike and the entire Strike Series! They’ll be diving into the explosive top-down military action of Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, and Urban Strike, discussing why these console classics became essential Sega Genesis/Mega Drive titles and defined a generation of action gaming.But that's not all - they have a special operative on the line! This episode features an exclusive interview with the one and only Mike Posehn, who shares his unique insights and untold stories from his time directing the series, offering a rare look behind the controls.To cap off this high-octane special, they'll choose a potent cocktail that mirrors the covert operation vibe.Tune in for an episode that's guaranteed to hit the target!   Scan's from Mike's Notebook Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail 1 Dave's Cocktail 2

Crack into the ultimate puzzle-platforming adventure! This week on the podcast, Andy and Dave are diving deep into the legendary Dizzy series. They’ll take you on a nostalgic journey, from his humble 8-bit beginnings on the ZX Spectrum to his attempts to crack Japan and the US on the NES. Join them as they uncover what made these games so charmingly unique - from their bizarre item-based puzzles and signature soundtrack to the sheer challenge of keeping a the eggy hero alive. And, of course, they’ll choose a special cocktail to pair with Dizzy's peculiar world. Get ready to scramble up some nostalgia and find out why this retro gaming icon is still so beloved! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

Happy 40th Anniversary to one of the most beloved and groundbreaking machines in computing history! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave are raising a virtual glass to the Amiga in a very special episode. They'll be celebrating four decades of the Commodore colossus, a machine that revolutionized multimedia, computer gaming, and changed the landscape of geek culture forever. Join them as they dive deep into the Amiga's legacy, reminiscing about its legendary hardware, stunning graphics and sound, and the iconic games that defined a generation. And, of course, they'll choose an appropriate cocktail to pair with the Amiga's enduring spirit. Tune in for a nostalgic trip and a proper celebration of the machine that was truly ahead of its time! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Amiga Live Lemon Amiga

Prepare to test your reflexes and your strategy! This week on the Cocktail Mode retro gaming podcast, Andy and Dave dive into a true shmup masterpiece, the legendary bullet-hell shooter, Ikaruga. They'll deconstruct the game's iconic and challenging polarity-switching mechanic, discussing why this 2D classic from developer Treasure is so revered in gaming history. From its arcade origins to its releases on the Dreamcast, GameCube, and Switch, the guys break down the pure, fast-paced puzzle of this high-score chasing gem. And in true Cocktail Mode fashion, they'll attempt to pair a cocktail that perfectly embodies the game's famous black and white duality. Tune in for a deep dive into geek culture, gaming discussion, and a perfect drink to sip while you try not to get annihilated by the chaos on screen! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Ikaruga lore guide on GameFAQs

This week, Andy and Dave are taking a trip back to 1987, the golden age of radness, with a look at the pixelated paradise of California Games. They'll reminisce about the highs and the lows all the totally tubular events that made this game a classic. But the real challenge begins after the playthrough: can they find the perfect cocktail to capture the spirit of sun, surf, and digitized sports? Will it be something vibrant and fruity, a boozy beach sipper, or something completely unexpected? Tune in to find out if their cocktail selection is a perfect ten or a total wipeout! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Retro Computer Museum The Retro Directory  

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are serving up some ace discussions as they step onto the court with the legendary Virtua Tennis! They'll be reminiscing about its ground-breaking arcade gameplay, incredibly fluid controls, and how it dominated the tennis game genre, bringing accessible fun to courts everywhere. From power shots to drop shots, they'll cover what made Virtua Tennis a true champion. And because no Grand Slam event is complete without a refreshing drink, the guys will be attempting to select the perfect cocktail to pair with the fast-paced action and sunny court vibes. Fault not, and tune in for a smashing good time! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

This week on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are putting on their racing helmets for a special F1-themed episode. They're hitting the accelerator on Sega's groundbreaking classic, Virtua Racing, diving deep into its revolutionary graphics, iconic arcade experience, and how it laid the groundwork for countless racing games that followed. Get ready for a full-throttle discussion about the thrill of the track and the pure joy of polygonal speed. And of course, no F1 special is complete without a pit stop for refreshments! Andy and Dave will each be selecting a cocktail designed to capture the high-octane excitement and sleek precision of Formula 1. Will it be a 'Chequered Flag Fizz' or a 'Pole Position Punch'? Tune in and find out – it's going to be a speedy ride! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

Access Granted. Prepare for a mind-bending journey! This episode on Cocktail Mode, Andy and Dave are joined by special guest Rich to hack into the darkly atmospheric world of System Shock. From the groundbreaking original that redefined immersive sims to the terrifying psychological horror of System Shock 2, they'll discuss every iteration, bug, and brilliant design choice that makes these games legendary. But beware, SHODAN is listening! As they navigate the horrors of Citadel Station and the Von Braun, the trio will also attempt to select the perfect cocktail to complement the games' chilling cyberpunk aesthetic and unsettling atmosphere. Tune in, if you dare, and discover why these games continue to shock and inspire decades later. Remember, patience is a virtue, but not one you possess!" Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Rich's Cocktail

Slap shot into nostalgia! This week, Andy and Dave are inspired by the king of 16-bit hockey, NHL '94! They'll be reliving the glory days of one-timers, goalie fights, and that iconic organ music, while also exploring the evolution of ice hockey video games through the years. From early pixelated puck battles to modern-day simulations, they're covering all the major league hits and cult classics. They've also dug up a pair of cocktails as cool and crisp as a fresh sheet of ice. Get ready for some high-sticking fun, retro gaming glory, and perhaps a few questionable calls! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

Kick, punch, it's all in the mind! This week, Andy and Dave are dropping the beat and getting groovy with the one and only PaRappa the Rapper! They'll be exploring the game's unique style, unforgettable tunes, and lasting legacy, while also charting the evolution of the entire rhythm action genre through the years. And what's a rhythm session without a refreshing drink? They've mixed up a cocktail that's as vibrant and funky as PaRappa's rhymes. Get ready to jam out, reminisce, and perhaps even learn to believe!" Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

Have you ever dreamed of leading your favourite football club to glory? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tactical mastermind James to delve deep into the addictive world of Championship Manager! They'll be charting the evolution of this iconic series, reminiscing about late nights scouting wonderkids and agonizing over transfer decisions. Plus, they'll be exploring the wider landscape of management simulation games that have kept us glued to our screens for hours. To top it all off, they've each selected a cocktail as carefully considered and potentially volatile as a last-minute transfer bid. Get ready for spreadsheets, strategies, and a taste of managerial magic! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail James' Cocktail

Leap into the bizarre world of the Nth Dimension with Andy and Dave as they revisit the iconic Amiga platformer, Zool. This week, Andy and Dave are taking a deep dive into the legacy of this unique Amiga platformer, from its lightning-fast gameplay to its ingenious level design. They'll also be venturing into the world of Zool 2 along with other games that tried to push random products into our addled young gamer minds. And what's a trip down memory lane without a themed beverage? They've unearthed a couple of cocktails that may be as colorful and chaotic as the game itself… or may just be another terrible pun! Join us for a sugar-fueled discussion and a taste of nostalgia! Dave's Cockail Andy's Cocktail  

Are you ready to bodyslam into nostalgia? This week, Andy and Dave are joined by the tag team champion himself, Chris from the 'Once Upon a Turnstile' podcast, for a deep dive into the pixelated power of WrestleFest! They'll be reminiscing about their favourite arcade moments, discussing other classic wrestling games that graced our screens, and trading stories about the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling through the years. And what's a wrestling extravaganza without a signature drink? They've brewed up a cocktail that packs a punch as powerful as a 5 knuckle shuffle. Get ready for suplexes, suds, and superstar memories! Chris' Cocktail Dave's Cocktail Andy's Cocktail

Get ready to question everything! This episode, Andy and Dave dive headfirst into the chaotic world of April Fools' Day pranks in the realm of retro video games. But the fun doesn't stop there! We're also shaking up some delightfully deceptive cocktails, concocted with a mischievous twist to celebrate the spirit of April Fools'. Prepare for a blend of pixelated pandemonium and boozy bamboozlement – it's a retro gaming and cocktail combo you won't want to miss! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

Dive into the pixelated mayhem of classic 'Worms' with Andy and Dave! They'll be revisiting their favourite moments from this artillery strategy gem, reminiscing about holy hand grenades and errant sheep. But that's not all! They'll also be on a quest to find the perfect cocktail pairing for the chaotic, hilarious gameplay. Tune in to for gaming nostalgia, cocktail concoctions, and plenty of friendly fire.

Did it kill gaming as we knew it? Is it hugely over-rated? Do spoilers have an expiry date? Find out all this and more as we take Snake on his seminal PS1 journey. Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

You may know it as Hot Shots Golf - but whatever the name it's one of the few games to ever make golf fun! We talk about the whole series, some contemporaries, and Dave even takes the time to explain that whole Tiger Woods, PGA Tour, Masters, EA Sports naming convention mess. We also do a bit of a round up on some games and drinks mentioned in previous episodes and finally choose these two lovely cocktails for your responsible drinking pleasure: Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail

To celebrate the launch into Early Access of Tokyo Extreme Racer, Dave and Andy look back at where this series started and play entries all the way from the SNES to the Xbox 360. Obviously you mustn't drink and drive but we did (eventually) find a couple of great cocktails to go along with game for you to try out once you're home safe! Andy's Cocktail Dave's Cocktail