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Maximum Power Up

A video gaming podcast that covers both retro gaming as well as modern systems. The show features discussion on various topics, reviews and more.
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Maximum Power Up
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 29, 2016

In this latest episode Paul, Phil and Tom sit down to discuss some of their favourite games from 2002. With the Playstation 2, GameCube and X Box, gamers were spoilt for choice with classics such as GTA Vice City, Metroid Prime and many more. Hopefully we can inspire you to give games a second look that you may have missed buying first time round..

Some fantastic titles from the year have previously been discussed on other episodes such as Eternal Darkness on our GameCube episode, so make sure you check out our growing back catalogue at www.maximumpowerup.com.

Also let us know your favourite games from 2002 on Twitter @MaximumPowerUp or our Maximum Power Up Facebook page.

Also please leave us an Itunes review if possible as everyone helps the show grow.

Dec 10, 2016

In this latest episode Paul sits down with Nathan McCree, composer of the iconic Tomb Raider games for the Sony PlayStation.

We look back on his career in the games industry starting at CORE Design in the early 90's working on Chuck Rock 2 and other titles before Tomb Raider. Nathan discusses the style of music he had in mind for the game and how these ideas progressed over the original trilogy for PS1. As well as this we chat about game music soundtracks and their growing popularity.

Since working in the score for Tomb Raider, Nathan has always dreamed seeing the soundtrack played by a live orchestra. On December 18th 2016 he gets his wish in London. If the show is a success then the show will be taken to other major cities around the world.

It was a pleasure talking to Nathan and really hope that as many people as possible get to check out his upcoming show.

Please find all the links here for tickets are more:

FOR TICKETS TO THE SHOW:

http://www.eventimapollo.com/events/detail/tomb-raider-live-in-concert


SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nathanmccreeofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nrpmccree

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanmccree/

Also remember to check out all our shows on www.maximumpowerup.com

Nov 20, 2016

Welcome to the latest episode of the show. This time Paul is joined by new team member Julian Hill of Boxed Pixels fame. They sit down to discuss the extremely popular Amiga - the fantastic home computer that was in so many homes with an amazing line up of games.

Covering so many genres the Amiga covered it all from platformers such as Robocod, Superfrog to sim games such as Theme Park, Populous and loads more. If this wasn't enough it had an amazing demo scene showing off loads of great music and videos.

So join us as we discuss a few favourite games and memories from the Commodore Amiga.

Music tracks featured are:
SWIV - Intro
Shadow of the Beast 3 - Level 1
The Chaos Engine - Intro

Remember to check www.retrocollect.com for the latest retrogaming news as well as our shows. Also find us www.maximumpowerup.com

Also check out www.boxedpixels.co.uk for Julian's work, www.hyperplayrpg.com for the excellent fanzine by friend of the show Kincl and finally www.bitmapbooks.co.uk  for some amazing books including ones covering Amiga titles such as the Gremlin book we covered in episode 20.

Nov 6, 2016

On rail shooters is a gaming genre that seems to divide opinion. Some love them for the simplistic hi octane arcade style action, while others see them as nothing more than monotonous gallery shooters.

No game in the genre exemplifies this point more than Rez. On initial release it was met with a very mixed response. The title has since retained a cult status among fans an has stood the test of time to the point that it has now become a killer app for the new Playstation VR Headset.

In this latest episode Phil and Chris discuss some of their personal favourites in the Rail Shooter genres from arcade hits such as After Burner & Space Harrier to home console releases such as the classic Panzer Dragoon series and the aforementioned synesthetic odyssey Rez. Proving that there is more to the Rail Shooter genre than meets the eye.

As well as this Phil and Chris also discuss the announcement of the Nintendo Switch and what the latest generation of consoles could mean for the evolution of the industry.

Music tracks featured are:
After Burner Climax - After Burner (Climax remix)
REZ - End Credits

We hope you enjoy the show and if possible please leave us an iTunes review or rating.

All our shows can be found at www.maximumpowerup.com

Oct 9, 2016

Welcome to the latest episode of Maximum Power Up podcast. In this episode Paul and Phil sit down to discuss some of their favourite arcade games growing up.

The arcade was always seen as a gaming paradise for gamers in the 80's & 90's full of gamesyou wanted to play at home. Although many arcade favourites got home ports they were often nowhere near as good as the arcade version.

So, we hope you enjoy or agree with our choices and even if you don't please tell us why. 

Also if you want to experience a great venue full of arcade and pinball machines check out Arcade Club in Bury www.arcadeclub.co.uk 

Finally if you enjoy the show please leave us an ITunes review.

Sep 22, 2016

In this latest episode of Maximum Power Up, hosts Phil, Jake and Amy get together to show the Nintendo Wii U, a criminally undervalued system, some much needed love & try and convince those who may have dismissed the system a second look before the NX arrives.

Many have been put off by the Gamepad, which initially confused consumers on what it actually was. Many thought that it was a new controller for the Wii instead of actually being a brand new system. However for many games that have used the Gamepad, it is one of the best peripherals that have been released for any system, opening up so many avenues for creative ways to interact with many of the games aiding to give the titles a much more immersive experience.

Arguably the Wii U has the very best of exclusive titles available on any system today. We discuss some of these fantastic games available that make this console a must own for anyone who appreciates well creative and well crafted gaming experiences.

Also a massive thanks as always to Retro Collect, check out their website www.retrocollect.com for all the latest retrogaming news

Sep 11, 2016

This episode is rammed with Nintendo chat as we discuss the much loved Super Play magazine for the Super Nintendo that ran for 47 issues as well as a one off special Super Play Gold. 

Paul is joined by Chris as well as two special guests - ex Super Play artist Wil Overton and Damien McFerran from the excellent Nintendolife website. The panel discuss the magazine and what made it so special and much loved even 20 years since it ended. As well as this there is general Super Nintendo chat, favourite games etc and more. The Super Play Top 100 is discussed and can be found here http://www.rvgfanatic.com/7464/1450199.html 

As well as this Paul was very lucky to be joined by FIVE other ex Super Play staff discussing their time on the magazine. 

We hope you enjoy the episode and please feel free to follow Wil on Twitter @Kosmikat for his latest updates and check out @dinkybox he runs. Also follow Damien @DamienMcFerran & @nintendolife and www.nintendolife.com for all the latest Nintendo news.

Also a massive thanks as always to Retro Collect, check out their website www.retrocollect.com for all the latest retrogaming news

Aug 24, 2016

Valve is one of the most well-known and respected developers around today, and their first game, Half-Life spawned one of gaming’s biggest franchises. When it hit the PC in 1998, Half-Life wowed critics and went on to become one of the most popular first person shooters ever released for both PC and console. A seamless mix of first person shooting action and science fiction storytelling, the adventure catapulted Gordon Freeman into the limelight and cemented Valve as a force to be reckoned with. The success of Half-Life lead to a sequel and spin offs on both PC and console, as well as the development of brain teasing, dystopian puzzlers Portal and Portal 2 – a series which has also been blessed with a whole lexicon of lore and internet memes.

In this latest episode of Maximum Power Up, hosts Phil and Tom get together to discuss their first encounters with Gordon Freeman’s HEV suit, the famous crowbar, Black Mesa, the Combine, the G-Man, the portal gun and whether the cake really is a lie. It’s time to suit up, and blast through the infested sewers of City 17 and the mind-bending Aperture Science Labs as Maximum Power Up looks at the awesome Half-Life and Portal series.

Music tracks featured are:
Half-Life 2 - Sector Sweep
Portal - Stop What You Are Doing
Portal - Still Alive

We hope you enjoy the show and if possible please leave us an iTunes review or rating.

All our shows can be found at www.maximumpowerup.com

Also a massive thank you as usual to Retro Collect who we're associated with. Check out their site for all the latest retro gaming news as well as our podcast episodes and their Retro Collect FM episodes which Chris and Tom were part of www.retrocollect.com

Aug 6, 2016

In our latest episode Paul and Chris are joined by Kincl from Hyperplay RPG fanzine and Julian Hill who runs the Boxed Pixels website. 

All four of them are big fans of the RPG (Role Playing Game) genre. They sit down to discuss the genre in some detail including a few of their favourite games, what makes a great RPG, early memories of getting into the genre and more.

Some classic games such as Final Fantasy 6, Dungeon Master, Chrono Trigger are mentioned as well as more recent titles such as Mass Effect 2, Fallout 4 and more.

Even though RPGs aren't everyone's cup of tea we hope you find something you like as the whole RPG genre has quite a few types of games.

You can check out the amazing fanzine Hyperplay RPG by Kincl and his team here: www.hyperplayrpg.com and on Twitter @HyperPlayRPG 

Also check out Julian's website Boxed Pixels here for loads of his views and reviews: www.boxedpixels.co.uk and on Twitter @JulianHillUK

Music tracks featured are:
Shadow Run - Grundge Joint
Mass Effect 2 - The Illusive Man
Chrono Trigger - Memories of Green

Please feel free to leave us an iTunes rating or review if you can spare a moment.

All our episodes can be found on www.maximumpowerup.com 

Also check out www.retrocollect.com and @RetroCollect for all the latest retrogaming news as well as our shows and the classic Retro Collect FM

Jul 26, 2016

The controversy surrounding the launch of the SEGA Saturn not only took the media by surprise but also alienated a large amount of retailers. In short the launch was a disaster

However even with the consoles glaring short comings, the SEGA Saturn it has gone on to be a much loved system of the retro gaming community.

In this latest episode Phil & Chris have a look at the what makes the SEGA Saturn a must own for many gamers.

Music tracks featured are:
Panzer Dragoon - Flight
Burning Rangers - Theme (Japanese Version)

We hope you enjoy the show and if possible please leave us an iTunes review or rating.

All our shows can be found at www.maximumpowerup.com

Also a massive thank you as usual to Retro Collect who we're associated with. Check out their site for all the latest retro gaming news as well as our podcast episodes and their Retro Collect FM episodes which Chris and Tom were part of www.retrocollect.com

 

Jul 7, 2016

Every console has stand out, must own, games but some great titles unfortunately slipped under the radar. In this episode Paul, Phil and Chris sit down to discuss some of their favourite games that in their opinion are hidden gems. Hopefully some of the games mentioned here will inspire you to go back and check out some of the great titles that, for whatever reason, never stuck a cord with fans the first time around.

As well as this we discuss what we've been playing and buying as well as giving our thoughts on a few recent releases. We hope you enjoy the show and if possible please leave us an iTunes review or rating. All our shows can be found at www.maximumpowerup.com

Also a massive thank you as usual to Retro Collect who we're associated with. Check out their site for all the latest retro gaming news as well as our podcast episodes and their Retro Collect FM episodes which Chris and Tom were part of www.retrocollect.com

Jun 20, 2016

In this episode Paul & Tom interview retrogaming magazine legend Steve Jarratt. Steve worked on many well known magazines in the 80's and 90's including Zzap64, Edge, Total, Commodore Format and more including launching the Official Playstation Magazine. 

Steve discusses his career, as well as working with Sam Dyer and Bitmap Books. He also gives his honest opinions on the current gaming industry and also takes part in the first (and maybe last!) Maximum Power Up magazine quiz.

Check out the NES Kickstarter from Bitmap books here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2146199819/nintendo-entertainment-system-famicom-a-visual-com and find all the other books from Bitmap Books www.bitmapbooks.co.uk

Also any fans of Commodore Format should check out the excellent Facebook page which is always adding full scans of issues and run by CF fans: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CommodoreFormat/?fref=ts

We hope you enjoy the show and if possible please leave us an iTunes review as everyone helps us grow.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Jun 7, 2016

This episode the team discuss the Nintendo GameCube. Although not as popular as the Playstation 2, the GameCube had a wealth of great games for it. As well as the usual Nintendo series you would expect such as Zelda, Mario, Metroid etc there were many other games that were worth checking out such as Pikmin, Eternal Darkness and many more. 

Paul, Phil, Jake and new host Amy discuss their favourite games for the system as well as add-ons, GameCube memories and more.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

May 23, 2016

When it finally reached Japanese stores in 1996, The Nintendo 64 represented one of the most hotly anticipated hardware releases in gaming history. The powerful system caused a stir with its revolutionary controller, iconic console design and reliance on cartridge technology; and initial software reviews were almost universally positive. But what of the rest of the Nintendo 64’s legacy and library?

Maximum Power Up hosts Phil, Chris and Tom convene to discuss their first impressions of the system, how they became acquainted with their first N64, discuss the various peripherals and add-ons and finally, their five favourite Nintendo 64 games. Maximum Power Up episode 26 will take you on a 64-bit trip through time to the era where Nintendo boasted ‘the fastest, most powerful games console on Earth’!

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

If you'd like to discuss any of the topics we talk about or just want to get in contact with us, please log on to our Social Media pages below.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe to our channel on YouTube

 

May 7, 2016

In this episode we interview Kev Bayliss who worked for Rare between 1987 and 2005 as a graphic artist. Kev worked on many well known games for the SNES and N64 including Killer Instinct, Diddy Kong Racing and many more. From the early days of Rare working for the Stampers, Kev also discusses Nintendo working with Rare as well as Microsoft buying the company.

After a break from the industry Kev has now joined Playtonic with other ex Rare employees and is working on the excellent Yooka-Laylee.

We hope you enjoy the interview and for the latest Yooka-Laylee news follow Kev on Twitter @Kb_playtonic or follow Playtonic @PlaytonicGames or

www.playtonicgames.com 

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Apr 21, 2016

Platform games have always been one of the most popular genres. From the 8 and 16bit height of popularity there have been many great gaming icons such as Mario, Sonic, Monty Mole and more. Following on from those, Crash, Spyro, Rayman, Ratchet & Clank helped move the genre forward.

In this episode Paul and Chris discuss the genre and discover the a platform game may not be that cut and dry to describe as games such as Metroid, Castlevania and others are discussed whether or not they can be seen as platforming games.

Obviously there are games that aren't discussed but we want you the listeners to get involved in the debate.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Apr 5, 2016

Whether you preferred Sega or Nintendo back in the day, nobody can deny that the Mega Drive was a phenomenal system with some truly iconic games.

In this second visit to the system that brought us 'Blast Processing', we take a close look at a further 15 titles that made the system a must own for many gamers.

As well as the 15 must play games chosen by our hosts we also look at some of the great titles that hold a special place in the hearts of the retro gaming community.

So get ready for another dose of retro gaming chat and remember…….

Genesis does, what Nintendon't!

If you'd like to discuss any of the topics we talk about or just want to get in contact with us, please log on to our Social Media pages below.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe to our channel on YouTube

Mar 22, 2016

This episode we enter squared circle to discuss some of our favourite wrestling games. Joining the rumble of discussion is Paul, Phil, Chris and special guest Maffew Gregg from popular wrestling YouTube show Botchamania.

Listen as we slam through some of the best, and worst wrestling games for the Amiga, Super Nintendo, N64, PS1 and much more taking us up to the latest releases in the the genre.

So If it's bodyslams, side suplexes, clotheslines, dropkicks and powerslams that you're after look no further than the Maximum Power Up wrestling game special.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

Please follow Maffew on Twitter: @Maffewgregg

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Mar 9, 2016

The PS2 is one of the most popular consoles of all time and has a vast library of thousands memorable titles. Paul, Phil and Tom sit down to discuss some of their favourite PlayStation 2 games that made this system a must own for many gamers.

As well as this we were also sent community favourites by Twitter and Facebook to help vote for your top 5 PS2 games.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed in the chart.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Feb 17, 2016

In this new episode Paul is joined by Sam Dyer from Bitmap Books and Mark Hardisty, author of upcoming book A Gremlin In The Works.

This episode is all about one of the most well loved companies of UK gaming, Gremlin Graphics. We discuss Mark's upcoming book, memories of Gremlin, our own personal top 5 games by them as well as the results of the community top 5 from asking all our listeners on Twitter and Facebook for their favourite games. Also listen out for a chance to win a signed copy of A Gremlin In The Works by founder Ian Stewart.

If this wasn't enough Paul then sits down with musician Barry Leitch to discuss his career who worked on many memorable soundtracks for Gremlin, as well as Ocean, Atari and more.

Please take a moment to checkout the following links:

To preorder the A Gremlin In The Works book: www.bitmapbooks.co.uk

To follow Sam on Twitter: @MrSidC64 / @bitmap_books

To follow Mark on Twitter: @hardistymark

Finally for Barry check out his website: www.barryleitch.com to find all his latest work etc and follow on Twitter: @BarryLeitch

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Feb 3, 2016

In this episode of Maximum Power Up, self-confessed id Software junkies Phil and Tom take a look at the post-Wolfenstein shooters from id; and take a trip into the Lovecraftian dankness of Quake, before moving on to the post-apocalyptic nightmare landscape of Rage and finally the iconic demonic world of Doom.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed.

Links for us are:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Jan 27, 2016

In this short bonus episode Paul speaks with Adam Buchanan from RetroCollect. With upcoming event Video Games Market 3 not far off they discuss some of the traders that are there as well a what each of them is hoping to add to their own collections at the event.

For more information about the Video Games Market: www.events.retrocollect.com

As said on the show, thank you to all our listeners that helped make January our best month for downloads. We'll make sure we keep providing great episodes.

 

Follow us:

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

Facebook: www.facbook.com/maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Jan 16, 2016

In this episode Paul, Chris and Jake sit down to discuss Nintendo's popular handheld the Game Boy Advance - the last machine to feature the Game Boy brand.

Loads of games are mentioned from the team's personal top fives, community top five as well as hidden gems that are worth a look. As well as this the different models of the Game Boy Advance are discussed and the many add-ons for the machine.

Hope you enjoy the show and if you can spare a moment please leave us an iTunes rating or review as everyone helps get us noticed.

Links for us are: Facebook: www,facebook.com/maximumpowerup

Twitter: @maximumpowerup

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

Jan 3, 2016

Welcome to our 1st episode of 2016. In this episode Paul and Phil wanted to start the year with some of their favourite pieces of videogame music as well as featuring some fantastic community choices.

From the C64 to the PS3 there are loads of great tracks featured and a brief discussion to why we like them. So sit back and enjoy. As well as this we discuss what we've been playing as well as discussing some of the retrogaming events upcoming this year.

More details can be found with the links:
Super Retro Games Fair: www.retroevents.co.uk
Bolton Comic Con : www.northwestcomiccons.co.uk
RetroCollect Video Games Market : www.events.retrocollect.com
Play Blackpool : www.playblackpool.com
NERG: www.northeastretrogaming.com
Arcade Club: www.arcadeclub.co.uk
Retro Nights At The Batcave: www.facebook.com/Retro-Games-Nights-at-The-Batcave-1408934609370505/

Links for Maximum Power Up are:
Twitter: @maximumpowerup
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MaximumPowerUp
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvUX61wemDeRZXOyFDScaw

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