This was a tight week, and not for the usual “day job” reasons. Because I just turned 50, I had to undergo one of the most horrendous “old people” things ever: a colonoscopy. Okay, so it wasn’t so bad. It was a quick procedure and I’m in the clear. But the prep is a nightmare that leads to the most unpleasant of bathroom experiences. One star out of five. Do not recommend for the experience. Five out of five stars for the piece of mind afterwards, though.
Here’s the March playlist!
Weekly Finds
I pull a lot of the items about gaming and movie news here from a number of sources: The Atari Age forums, Retro Indie News, Time Extension, IGN, Retro Hour podcast, Itch.io, Facebook, Twitter, etc. What shows up here will change weekly depending on what I happen to find in the wild. I try to include the original sources in the links.
Galastrad – Galaga-like SHMUP for Amstrad CPC and GX4000 (Indie Retro News)
Galastrad is a Galaga-like SHMUP for the Amstrad CPC and GX4000.
Indie Retro News: Galastrad – GALAGA-Like SHMUP Game for the Amstrad CPC and GX4000!
The Sword Stone is a narrative adventure for the Sega Game Gear (Time Extension)
The Sword of Stone is a narrative adventure for the Sega Game Gear. It is a homebrew game from cireza.
The Sword Of Stone Is A New Narrative Adventure For Your Sega Game Gear | Time Extension
Daily Drop Roundup
You can get daily drops in your socials wherever you live. First Facebook link is the the Nostalgia Drop page, and the second is to the group. The group is more fun.
May 12th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Out of the Dark (1988)
Out of the Dark is a horror film released in 1988, directed by Michael Schroeder. The story follows a young woman named Deborah Ballin, who works as a telephone operator for a crisis hotline. Deborah becomes the target of a disturbed stalker named George, who is obsessed with her and begins terrorizing her. As George’s threats escalate, Deborah’s life is thrown into chaos, and she must fight to protect herself from his relentless pursuit. With tension mounting and danger lurking around every corner, Deborah must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to outsmart her deranged stalker before it’s too late.
M – “Pop Muzik”
Max Headroom
Ooga Booga (2001)
The Mask (1994)
May 13th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Wheels of Fire (1985)
Wheels of Fire is a post-apocalyptic action film released in 1985, directed by Cirio H. Santiago. The movie is set in a dystopian future where society has collapsed, and the world is plagued by violence and chaos. The story follows a group of survivors led by a skilled warrior named Trace, who traverse the barren wasteland in heavily armed vehicles known as “death machines.” Along their journey, they encounter rival gangs, ruthless bandits, and other dangers as they search for a rumored paradise called “The Garden of Eden.” As they battle against formidable foes and navigate treacherous terrain, Trace and his comrades must rely on their wits, combat skills, and sheer determination to survive in this unforgiving world.
M|A|R|R|S – “Pump up the Volume”
Kaybee Toys
Cannon Spike (2000)
The Shining (1980)
May 14th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Slave of the Cannibal God (1978)
Slave of the Cannibal God, also known as Mountain of the Cannibal God, is an Italian exploitation film released in 1978, directed by Sergio Martino. The story follows Susan Stevenson, portrayed by Ursula Andress, who embarks on a perilous journey into the jungles of New Guinea to search for her missing husband, Henry, along with her brother Arthur and a guide named Manolo. As they venture deeper into the uncharted wilderness, they encounter hostile tribes, treacherous terrain, and deadly predators. Eventually, they stumble upon a remote tribe of cannibals who guard a sacred mountain shrouded in mystery. Susan and her companions must navigate the dangers of the jungle and confront the brutal rituals of the cannibal tribe in their desperate quest to find Henry and escape with their lives.
Pebbles – “Mercedes Boy”
Clogs
Clogs were a fashion statement of the 70s, and boy were they a statement.
Adventure Construction Set (1984)
Adventure Construction Set from 1984 was a role-playing game development kit published by Electronic Arts. It was RPG Maker before there was RPG Maker. Though limited in scope, it inspired a number of gamers to move from gaming to game development because it showed that it was an actual thing they could do.
Léon: The Professional (1994)
Léon: The Professional from 1994 was Natalie Portman’s introduction to the world of feature film. As a 12-year-old taken in by an assassin, Mathilda begins learning the trade. Controversial is its time and today, it was a profoundly stunning performance for the young actress as well as extremely solid performances by Jean Reno and Gary Oldman.
Currently streaming on Netflix in the US.
May 15th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
The Sensuous Nurse (1975)
The Sensuous Nurse (Italian: L’infermiera) is a comedy film directed by Nello Rossati, released in 1975. The film follows the story of a wealthy, elderly man named Dr. Tersilli who is confined to a wheelchair. Dr. Tersilli becomes infatuated with his new nurse, Angela, who is known for her seductive charm and beauty. Despite being married, Dr. Tersilli pursues Angela relentlessly, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.
Nu Shooz – “Point of No Return”
Aviator glasses
When you absolutely, positively want to look like an 80s magazine model… you need Aviator Glasses. And the style really took off when Top Gun was released. Suddenly, everyone had to have a pair.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994)
The Elder Scrolls: Arena is the first game in the series that includes massive hits Daggerfall, Morrowind, and Skyrim. It is an open-world first-person RPG with procedurally generated dungeons.
May 16th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Silent Madness (1984)
Silent Madness is a horror film released in 1984, directed by Simon Nuchtern. The story revolves around a psychiatric hospital where an experimental program goes awry, resulting in the release of a dangerous patient named Howard Johns. Howard, who possesses telekinetic abilities, embarks on a killing spree targeting the staff and patients of the hospital. As the body count rises, a group of survivors must band together to stop Howard and uncover the truth behind the hospital’s sinister experiments.
Regina – “Baby Love”
Tie Front Crop Tops
In the 1970s, sundresses were out and front-tie crop tops were in. Okay, I lied. Sundresses are rarely ever out, and front-tie crop tops keep making a comeback because they are light, airy, and alluring.
Sword of Sodan (1988)
Sword of Sodan was an absolutely gorgeous platformer for the Amiga. It was scaled back for the Sega Genesis, but was still a ton of fun to play.
Things to Do In Denver When You’re Dead (1995)
It’s not only Tom Waits who inspires screenwriters to write movies. Things to Do In Denver When You’re Dead is a 1995 film inspired by the Warren Zevon song of the same name. Gangster Jimmy “The Saint” Tosnia, played by Andy Garcia, wants to get out of the game. He runs a business where people send VHS messages to their surviving family members and friends after they pass. A big boss gangster has a son who is a pedophile, and wants his girl to get back with him to “cure him.” So Jimmy and friends are hired to do just that…and things go terribly, terribly wrong. As always, Andy Garcia is stunning to watch in this.
May 17th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Naked Vengeance (1985)
Naked Vengeance is a vigilante action film released in 1985, directed by Cirio H. Santiago. The story follows a woman named Carla Harris, who seeks revenge after she is brutally assaulted and her family murdered by a gang of thugs. Left for dead, Carla survives and undergoes intense physical and psychological training to prepare herself for her quest for vengeance. As she tracks down each member of the gang, Carla dispenses brutal justice, confronting corruption and violence in a relentless pursuit of retribution.
Andy Taylor – “Take It Easy”
Lifesavers Holes
First there were donut holes, and then there were Lifesaver’s Holes.
M.C. Kids (1992)
M.C. Kids was a 1992 platformer contracted by McDonalds. The Hamburglar has stolen Ronald McDonald’s magic bag, and the kids have to help get it back.
The Worst Witch (1986)
You probably know Fairuza Balk from The Craft or Return to Oz, but she starred in this children’s flick with the absolutely amazing Tim Curry and always astounding Diana Rigg in The Worst Witch from 1986. Mildren Hubble can do no right when it comes to learning to become a witch at Miss Cackles Academy of Witches. She quite literally does everything wrong, but as luck would have it, she is also the only one who can save the academy from Miss Cackle’s evil twin sister Agatha. If you haven’t read the book by Jill Murphy, I strongly recommend picking it up!
May 18th, 2024
Midnight Movie Mayhem!
Mama’s Dirty Girls (1974)
Mama’s Dirty Girls is a exploitation film released in 1974, directed by John Hayes. The movie follows the story of three sisters, Prudence, Virginia, and Vera, who inherit their deceased mother’s mansion and run-down brothel. Determined to turn their fortunes around, the sisters decide to revamp the brothel and transform it into a successful business. However, their plans are complicated when a group of corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials attempt to shut down the brothel and seize control of their property. As tensions rise and conflicts escalate, the sisters must fight to protect their livelihood and maintain control of their business against the forces working against them.
Femme Fatale – “Waiting for the Big One”
English Leather Aftershave
Weaponlord (1995)
Weekly Tears
Bernard Hill (1944-2024)
Bernard Hill was an English actor known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Titanic.
He passed away on May 5th, 2024.