Backwards Compatible
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!
Let's rewind and play!
Episodes
119 episodes
Backwards Compatible #36 - 1999: An Interview With Author Ross Benes
This week on Backwards Compatible, we’re switching things up and stepping outside the pure gaming realm to dive deep into late 90s pop culture with a truly fascinating guest—award-winning author and cultural commentator Ross Benes....
•
58:09
Backwards Compatible #35 - Looking back on Gaming Highs and Lows in 2024
In episode 35 of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I take a step back for a laid-back recap of our gaming highs and lows from 2024, covering both retro and modern titles. It’s a more relaxed conversation where we reflect on the year that w...
•
50:58
Backwards Compatible #34 - NHL Hitz 2003 [Gamecube, PS2, Xbox]
In episode 34 of Backwards Compatible, we kick off 2025 with a slapshot into the world of NHL Hitz 2003! Admittedly, I got my wires crossed at the start and thought we were covering Hitz 2002 instead—leading to a scra...
•
Episode 34
•
59:47
Backwards Compatible #33 - Star Wars - Republic Commando [Xbox]
In episode 33 of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I dive deep into Star Wars: Republic Commando for the original Xbox. Released in 2005, this game bridged the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith,...
•
Episode 33
•
52:32
Backwards Compatible #32 - Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
In episode 32 of "Backwards Compatible," we're thrilled to welcome back Odian Levy as we dive into the vibrant and inventive world of "Super Mario Bros. 3." After a short hiatus, we’re eager to explore this cornerstone of the Mario franchise, d...
•
Episode 32
•
1:16:25
Backwards Compatible #31 - WWF No Mercy [Nintendo 64]
In episode 31 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I return after a short break, ready to dive into a titan of wrestling video games: "WWF No Mercy" for the Nintendo 64. As part of our schedule update, we're now releasing episodes on Fridays, per...
•
Episode 31
•
1:18:37
Backwards Compatible #30 - Maxmim Carnage [SNES/Genesis]
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 ol...
•
Episode 30
•
1:20:21
Backwards Compatible #29 - Friday the 13th [NES]
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...
•
Episode 29
•
51:47
Backwards Compatible #28 - Gears of War 2 [Xbox 360]
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 grit...
•
1:03:25
Backwards Compatible #27 - Desert Island Games (NES and Xbox 360)
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'r...
•
Episode 27
•
44:51
Backwards Compatible #26 - Goldeneye 007 [Nintendo 64]
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 ta...
•
Episode 26
•
1:18:17
Backwards Compatible #25 - Batman Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
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...
•
Episode 25
•
1:34:59
Backwards Compatible #24 - The Simpsons Arcade Game
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-the...
•
57:02
Backwards Compatible #23 - NFL Blitz 2000 (Sega Dreamcast)
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"—...
•
Episode 23
•
53:17
Backwards Compatible #22 - Mario Kart 64 [Nintendo 64]
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...
•
Episode 22
•
1:12:26
Backwards Compatible #21 - Mortal Kombat [Sega, SNES, Arcade]
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...
•
Episode 21
•
1:01:08
Backwards Compatible #20 - Wii Sports [Nintendo Wii]
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 mome...
•
Episode 20
•
1:03:18
Backwards Compatible #19 - X-Men vs Street Fighter (Arcade, Sega Saturn)
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...
•
Episode 19
•
1:09:07
Backwards Compatible #18 - Tekken 3 (Arcade, PlayStation)
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 so...
•
Episode 18
•
1:02:24
Backwards Compatible #17 - My Top 10 NES Games on the Nintendo Switch
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. Unfor...
•
Episode 17
•
20:52
Backwards Compatible #16 - Power Rangers: The Movie: The Game (Sega Genesis/Megadrive)
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, larg...
•
Episode 16
•
58:33
Backwards Compatible #15 - Donkey Kong Country (Super Nintendo)
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 ...
•
Episode 15
•
1:12:58
Backwards Compatible #14 - Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation)
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 t...
•
Episode 14
•
1:04:49
Backwards Compatible #13 - Luigi's Mansion (Gamecube)
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 ...
•
Episode 13
•
1:01:48
Backwards Compatible #12 - Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!
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 ...
•
Episode 12
•
1:08:22