Retro Hour Podcast catchs up with ‘Metal Jesus Rocks’ – a YouTube sensation and former Sierra On-Line employee. We hear about his recent reunion with the legendary Sierra team, reminiscing about the glory days of one of the most iconic companies in PC gaming history. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Sierra, from wild office parties to the transition from accounting to game testing, and his passion for big-box PC games. Plus, we get the inside scoop on his memorable retro road trips, favourite game room treasures, and what’s next for his channel as it nears a million subscribers!
Tag Archives: Interview
Ken and Roberta Williams Interview w/ Matt Barton (New for 2024)
Ken and Roberta Williams are the founders of Sierra On-Line, one of the most influential computer game developers and publishers of all time. Recently, the couple returned to their gaming roots with a 3D, AR-enabled version of the classic text adventure Colossal Cave.
Sierra On-Line was a powerhouse in the gaming industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for producing some of the most iconic and influential adventure games of the era. One of their standout titles from the 1980s was “King’s Quest” (1984), a groundbreaking adventure game that introduced players to the fantastical world of Daventry and the daring adventures of King Graham. With its innovative use of graphics and text-based commands, “King’s Quest” offered players unprecedented freedom to explore its richly detailed environments and solve puzzles, setting a new standard for the adventure game genre. Its success spawned numerous sequels, each building upon the legacy of the original and further cementing Sierra’s reputation as a leader in interactive storytelling.
In the 1990s, Sierra continued to push the boundaries of gaming with titles like “Space Quest” (1986) and “Quest for Glory” (1989). “Space Quest” combined humor, science fiction, and adventure in a series of games following the hapless space janitor Roger Wilco as he stumbled his way through various interstellar misadventures. The series was known for its witty writing, colorful characters, and imaginative settings, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. “Quest for Glory,” on the other hand, blended elements of traditional adventure games with role-playing mechanics, allowing players to create and develop their own character as they embarked on epic quests in the fantasy world of Gloriana. With its innovative approach to gameplay and rich narrative, “Quest for Glory” left a lasting impression on the gaming landscape and remains beloved by fans to this day. Overall, Sierra On-Line’s catalog of games from the 1980s and 1990s showcased the company’s pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the history of gaming.
Ken & Roberta Williams Sends a Message to Adventure Game Fans
Ken and Roberta Williams will be one of the guests that you will get to visit with at the Adventure Game Fan Fair.
https://adventuregamehotspot.com/
The Adventure Game Fan Fair will be the first annual convention to bring together adventure developers, artists, creators and fans in the United States. We’ll be honoring the people who have shaped the genre’s past and present with the first official Adventure Game Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. This specialty event will feature exciting panels, interactive exhibits, exclusive prizes and, most importantly, the opportunity to meet face-to-face with gaming legends!
The inaugural Fan Fair will be held the weekend of July 27th and 28th at the University of Washington in Tacoma, WA. Space is limited! The Kickstarter is already underway, so be sure to support if you want to secure your passes. VIP tickets are available exclusively to backers, as well as many other exciting perks. And with your help, should we exceed our initial funding goal, we have many more plans in store, including a third day! We look forward to seeing you there!
Sierra On-Line, founded in 1979 by husband and wife team Ken and Roberta Williams, played a pivotal role in shaping the early landscape of computer gaming. Initially focusing on graphical adventure games, Sierra On-Line quickly gained renown for titles like “King’s Quest,” which introduced players to immersive storytelling and groundbreaking visuals. The company’s commitment to innovation extended beyond gameplay mechanics; Sierra also pioneered the use of voice acting in games, enhancing the narrative experience for players.
As Sierra On-Line grew, it expanded its portfolio to include a diverse range of genres, from simulation and strategy games to role-playing adventures. With hits like “Space Quest,” “Police Quest,” and “Leisure Suit Larry,” Sierra solidified its status as a leading developer and publisher in the gaming industry. Despite facing challenges in the late 1990s and eventually being acquired by various companies, Sierra’s legacy endures through its groundbreaking contributions to gaming culture and its lasting impact on the evolution of interactive entertainment.
RetroGameCon Was Unserious (YouTube: @purpledough)
Welcome to Retro Game Con! Located in Syracuse, New York! Here I’ll be interviewing some special guests, and con members, having people answer trivia, and more! Oct 7-8, 2023 ———————————————————————————- Connect with me! IG/TWT: @prpledough Twitch.tv/purpledough
Nasty Labs Podcast #56: Waffle Stompin’ with Metal Jesus Rocks
This week the Nasty Labs crew is joined by our friend @MetalJesusRocks! Kinsey and Mark talk the most garbage ever! We talk about Shin Megami Tensai 5, Baldurs Gate 3, and Prison City. PLUS we talk news!
Chuhai, a popular alcoholic beverage in Japan, holds a unique appeal for both locals and visitors alike. Its versatile nature allows for a wide range of flavors, from traditional lemon and lime to exotic options like yuzu and shiso, catering to diverse palates. The low alcohol content and refreshing taste make it an ideal choice for casual social settings, providing a lighter alternative to traditional cocktails or beer. Additionally, the convenience of canned chuhai makes it a portable option for picnics, festivals, or enjoying a drink while strolling through Japan’s vibrant streets. Its availability in vending machines and convenience stores further adds to its accessibility and popularity. Overall, chuhai’s delightful mix of flavors, low alcohol content, and convenience make it a beloved choice for those seeking a refreshing and easy-to-enjoy alcoholic beverage in Japan’s social and cultural scene.
Derek Buck talks about Classic Game Room being disbanded & more | Select Screen
For many years, CGR Undertow was the secondary channel that was apart of the Classic Game Room empire. We sit with Derek Buck to talk about what led to Classic Game Room & it’s crew no longer producing content, his love for everything Predator & Aliens, and even talks about what he hates most about the latest Jurassic World movie. Select Screen
Drunken Master Paul Interview & Behind the scenes of making Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh
Paul Stetler who played Curtis Craig from Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh from Sierra On-Line now has a YouTube channel and in this video he’s reviewing my good buddy Drunken Master Paul. Lots of good stories about being on the set of making the game, how he originally got his job at Sierra and much more!
Chatting with Tubers – Get To Know Radical Reggie!
https://youtu.be/7fkBgLQJFVY
This is Chatting With Tubers, a brand new playlist in which we talk to some of the biggest and best YouTubers on the Retro Gaming scene! Gaming is a big part of Radical Reggie and Retro Gaming is something close to his heart, he talks to us about the games he loves, gives advice on YouTube and doing YouTube full time, the value of his games collection, some of the biggest and best consoles and games he owns, regrets from his journey, why he went Patreon, the big console release he is looking forward to and so much more! Essex Retro Gamer
Interview: Xbox’s Major Nelson, Larry Hyrb !
Lon.TV – This week I had the privilege of interviewing fellow Connecticut native Larry Hyrb AKA Major Nelson! We talk about his work at Microsoft and how he found his way into the Xbox division
DF Developer Interview: MVG on Shantae, Carbon Engine and Samantha Fox
Digital Foundry – John and Audi sit down with Modern Vintage Gamer, famous YouTuber and emulation coder, who recently worked on the re-release of the famous Shantae for Game Boy Color, making use of his Carbon Engine – an all-new multisystem emulator tailored for the modern consoles.