DF Retro (2016)
DF Retro explores the technology, innovation and history of video games from the past, giving them a modern re-evaluation while exploring just how even the most simple video games helped pave the way for the most advanced current generation blockbuster. Hosted and produced by Digital Foundry's John Linneman.
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Episode 1 - Halo: The First Person Shooter Evolved
Release Date: 2017-01-22John delves into Bungie's seminal Halo: Combat Evolved. Starting with a look back at the history of Bungie, John takes a close look at Halo itself including the technology powering it and the smart design choices made during its production. We also take a look at real performance numbers in each of its single player and multiplayer modes. Then it's off to compare the original Xbox game against other released ports including those on PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
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Episode 2 - NES Classic Mini: The Enthusiast's Review!
Release Date: 2017-02-05And now for something completely different. DF Retro tests out the hugely popular NES Classic Mini. Does the quality of the emulation and the choice of games hold up for the most hardcore NES enthusiast? John has all the answers.
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Episode 3 - The Need for Speed Revisited on 3DO/PC/PS1/Saturn!
Release Date: 2017-02-19Rewind to 1994 and join John Linneman for an in-depth retrospective on the original Need for Speed, from its beginnings on 3DO all the way through to the PC, Saturn and PlayStation ports and special editions.
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Episode 4 - Analogue Nt Mini: The 21st Century NES
Release Date: 2017-03-05John takes a closer look at the Analogue Nt Mini - the premium console designed to play NES games and more.
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Episode 5 - Blaster Master: An NES Classic Lives On! Plus Genesis, Game Boy and more.
Release Date: 2017-03-19With the arrival of Blaster Master on Nintendo Switch, John looks back at the original game, how it worked, what made it special, and how its sequels stacked up. Also - Switch vs NES? Let's do it.
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Episode 6 - Saturn vs PlayStation: Live at EGX Rezzed 2017!
Release Date: 2017-04-09Catch up with John and Rich's discussion panel at EGX Rezzed 2017, where the duo tackle the great Saturn vs PlayStation battle of the mid-90s. Come meet us at the full-fat EGX event this September where we'll be hosting more of these events.
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Episode 7 - Metal Gear Solid 2: A Kojima Masterpiece
Release Date: 2017-04-23John is back with the longest, most detailed Digital Foundry Retro yet - a deep dive analysis into one of Hideo Kojima's most accomplished, yet controversial titles.
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Episode 8 - Quake 2: The Legacy And The Ports!
Release Date: 2017-05-14John dives into id Software's 1997 classic Quake II. With its cutting edge technology, Quake II furthered id's domination of the PC. Against expectations, a pair of talented development studios managed to bring Quake II to console owners of that era. We're looking at each official port of Quake II while breaking down what makes each one so impressive.
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Episode 9 - Soul Calibur: Beyond Arcade Perfect
Release Date: 2017-05-28John takes a look at the seminal Dreamcast classic - Soul Calibur. With its roots in the arcade, Soul Calibur stands as one of the very first games to greatly exceed the original release. After all, back then, console makers were all about touting "Arcade Perfect" when it came to home ports but it was difficult to achieve unless you were SNK. Soul Calibur for Dreamcast completely blew the doors off expectations and this video places the two side by side for a proper comparison. In addition, we finish up with a look at Soul Calibur on Xbox 360 and iOS while also checking out some emulation options.
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Episode 10 - SNES Mini Preview: A 16-Bit Tech Showcase!
Release Date: 2017-07-02The SNES Mini reveal has John excited. Here's his breakdown of the key titles in the line-up, how they expanded on the SNES's core technology - plus thoughts on key titles that should have made the line-up.
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Episode 11 - Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver: A Classic Revisited on PS1/PC/Dreamcast
Release Date: 2017-07-16One of the greatest titles available on the original PlayStation, Soul Reaver's 3D 'Metroidvania' gameplay pushed the system to its limits. John presents the history behind the game, examines the core technology, analyses performance and checks out the PC and Dreamcast ports.
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Episode 12 - Failed Consoles: Sega 32X: Part 1
Release Date: 2017-07-30Part one of a two-part DF Retro special. John plays every single game available for Sega's mushroom-shaped disaster - the Sega 32X, or Mega Drive 32X. And not only that, but each title has platform comparisons where available, plus a full breakdown of which components run on the Mega Drive/Genesis and which parts are handled by the add-on. You won't want to miss this.
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Episode 13 - Failed Consoles: Sega 32X: Part 2
Release Date: 2017-08-13John plays every single game available for Sega's mushroom-shaped disaster - the Sega 32X, or Mega Drive 32X. And not only that, but each title has platform comparisons where available, plus a full breakdown of which components run on the Mega Drive/Genesis and which parts are handled by the add-on. You won't want to miss this.
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Episode 14 - Doom: Every Console Port Tested and Analysed!
Release Date: 2017-09-17id software's Doom played a key part in gaming's transition from two to three dimensions, and its legacy of technical innovation continues to this day. John explores its origins on the PC before comparing and contrasting this against every official console conversion. There's a lot of ground to cover so buckle up for the longest episode of DF Retro yet.
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Episode 15 - The Super NES Classic Mini Review! Can It Match Original Hardware?
Release Date: 2017-10-01A brilliant 21-game package, but just how close does the SNES mini match original hardware? John Linneman presents the definitive breakdown of the Supes NES Classic mini.
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Episode 16 - Donkey Kong Country + Killer Instinct: A 16-Bit CG Revolution!
Release Date: 2017-12-16DF Retro levels up with a full analysis of Donkey Kong Country and Killer Instinct, along with behind-the-scenes stories on the making of these key games from the developers that worked on them.