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In this week’s episode of Backwards Compatible, Lou and I start by chatting about the looming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and what it could mean for gaming in 2025. Then, we dive headfirst into some fun and speculative “What If” questions about Nintendo’s history and potential future.

We explore topics like:

• What if Nintendo had partnered with Sony instead of splitting off, making the PlayStation a Nintendo console?
• What if Nintendo created a mature-rated game for one of their beloved franchises—how would it work, and which franchise would you pick?
• What if Nintendo fully embraced VR—what games or franchises would benefit the most?

It’s a laid-back, thought-provoking discussion filled with creative ideas and plenty of laughs. Join us for this deep dive into Nintendo’s endless “What Ifs,” and let us know how you’d answer these questions!

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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.

Link to Ross’s latest book can be found here: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638574/

Ross is an expert at uncovering the hidden threads that connect our cultural obsessions to the bigger picture. You might recognize his name from his books The Sex Effect and Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold, or his thought-provoking articles in Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. He’s also been a go-to expert on platforms like Marketplace, Bloomberg TV, and the LA Times for his sharp takes on entertainment and society.

This week, Ross joins us to talk about his latest book, which explores the pop culture of 1999—a year that didn’t just close out the millennium but also shaped the trajectory of entertainment and culture for decades to come. From the kayfabe brilliance of WWE to the Beanie Baby craze that foreshadowed modern obsessions like NFTs, Ross sheds light on why 1999 was more than just a year—it was a cultural pivot point.

We dig into how violent video games like Doom stirred public debate, how fads captured our collective imagination, and how the pop culture of 1999 mirrors the complex cultural and political landscapes we navigate today. Ross argues that these moments are as telling about the human condition as Shakespeare or Beethoven—just with a few more body slams and Tamagotchis.

So, grab your favorite retro snack and join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the nostalgia, symbolism, and relevance of the final year of the 20th century. Welcome to the show, Ross Benes!

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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 was—everything from the thrill of discovering hidden gems to the heartbreak of major disappointments.

We dive into some of the retro purchases that made our collections shine brighter and a few that left us scratching our heads. On the modern side, we share our thoughts on games that exceeded expectations and others that fell flat. It’s a mix of nostalgia, candid reviews, and even a little buyer’s remorse.

Join us as we wrap up 2024 in style and look ahead to another year of gaming adventures. Whether you're here for the retro love, the modern hits, or just the banter, this episode has something for everyone!

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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 scramble to redo my notes mid-show—but everything came together in the end for an epic discussion.

Lou and I dive into what made NHL Hitz 2003 a standout arcade sports title, from its over-the-top action to its perfect balance of chaos and hockey fundamentals. We also take a broader look at the state of the NHL in the early 2000s, with a generation of legendary players like Brian Leetch and Mark Messier nearing the end of their careers, but still making their presence felt in this game.

The episode wouldn't be complete without revisiting our favorite ongoing debate: arcade sports games vs. simulation games. While Lou appreciates the depth of sims, I remain firmly on Team Arcade, and NHL Hitz 2003 is the perfect example of why. It’s fast, fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—exactly how I like my sports games.

So grab your controller, lace up your skates, and join us as we break down one of the most exciting hockey games ever made!

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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, serving as a perfect tie-in to the Star Wars saga during a time when fans were eagerly anticipating the final chapter of the prequel trilogy. It also came on the heels of the Clone Wars animated series, making it an exciting addition to the Star Wars canon.

We break down what makes Republic Commando a standout title—especially on the original Xbox. Often hailed as a hidden gem (or simply a masterpiece if you’re a Star Wars fan), this game blends tight controls with an immersive atmosphere that feels quintessentially Star Wars. The squad mechanics were ahead of their time, and the witty banter from your clone trooper squadmates added both personality and levity to the intense missions.

From its immersive environments to its perfectly balanced mix of action and strategy, Republic Commando nails what it means to be part of the Star Wars universe. So grab your blaster, prep your squad, and buckle up for a deep dive into one of the best Star Wars games ever made!

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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, discussing everything from its innovative power-ups to the diverse array of worlds and the memorable Koopalings.

"Super Mario Bros. 3" wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon, heavily promoted through TV commercials and famously featured in the movie "The Wizard," which showcased its gameplay and teased its secrets well before many had the chance to play it. This extensive promotion helped cement its place in gaming history before most fans even held a controller.

During the episode, we marvel at the rapid evolution in gaming technology and design that took place between the release of the original "Super Mario Bros." and "Super Mario Bros. 3." It's astonishing to think about how, in just a few short years, Nintendo not only improved upon the original but revolutionized it with superior gameplay, graphics, sound, and creativity.

Join Odian and me as we delve into why "Super Mario Bros. 3" is often hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time, offering an unmatched blend of challenge, innovation, and fun that continues to influence the platforming genre decades later.

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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, perfect for kicking off your weekend with a blast from the past!

"WWF No Mercy" stands out as one of the greatest wrestling games ever, celebrated for its robust customization options, smooth gameplay mechanics, and an extensive roster that vividly encapsulates the spirit of the WWF Attitude Era between 1999 and 2000. This game doesn’t just bring back the raw excitement of that era; it also serves as a detailed archive of the wrestlers and the match types that defined that time.

During this episode, we also discuss the broader context of professional wrestling during the game's release, including the looming closures of ECW and WCW, which marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape. These events added a layer of historical significance to "WWF No Mercy," capturing a pivotal moment in wrestling history.

While "WWF No Mercy" did face some technical hurdles early on, such as a save glitch in initial cartridges, its significance goes beyond these flaws. The game has also become a favorite in the modding community, where enthusiasts continue to update and expand its features, ensuring it remains relevant and engaging.

Join Lou and me as we discuss the enduring legacy of "WWF No Mercy," its impact on fans and the modding community, and its reflection of the state of professional wrestling at the time. Tune in this Friday for a deep dive into wrestling history and video game legacy on "Backwards Compatible."

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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 older episodes where he and I discuss the Tobey Maguire Trilogy: https://generations.buzzsprout.com/2024899/episodes/14282630-tobey-maguire-s-spider-man-part1-with-great-power), was eager to dive into the deep cuts of the "Maximum Carnage" storyline, exploring how the game translated the intense narrative and character dynamics of the comics into a thrilling beat 'em up experience.

During our discussion, we highlight a particular aspect that both fascinated and frustrated gamers: the game’s notorious difficulty. "Maximum Carnage" is known for its punishing challenges, and despite numerous attempts, neither Odian nor I have ever managed to beat the game. This difficulty level adds a layer of infamous prestige to our memories and experiences with the game.

We also discuss how both the Genesis and SNES versions provided a nearly identical gameplay experience—a rarity for titles released across these two platforms at the time. This consistency allowed players on both systems to equally enjoy the rich, comic book-inspired graphics and the dynamic, action-packed gameplay.

As we wrap up the episode, Odian shares insights into the game’s adherence to the comic series and takes a playful guess at who the WWF Champion was in September 1994, when "Maximum Carnage" was released. Join us for this special episode as we revisit one of the most challenging and iconic Spider-Man games of the 90s.

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