Feature

Watch Us Play Classic Games Weekly on the Retronauts Lunch Break

Check this space every Friday at 12:00pm PST (3:00pm EST) for a dose of retro gaming action!

By: 1UP Staff END DAY, 20XX

Join us every Friday at 12:00pm PST for an hour-long livestream of classic games on the Retronauts Lunch Break! Each week, we'll take a look at a retro game that's near and dear to our aging hearts, all the while fielding questions from our listeners live via the Retronauts Twitter account. And if you can't watch live, come back to this page or 1UP's YouTube account to see what you missed; we'll be archiving each of our play sessions for posterity. And don't forget to catch up on the latest news in old video games with the Retronauts podcast!

Comments (48)

you have merely adopted the neckbeardness, whereas I, I was born in it!!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by gr3nd3l

In keeping with the Genesis vs SNES version comparison from Rocket Knight and Aladdin, have you guys considered doing an Adventures of Batman and Robin for SNES and Genesis comparison?
If you have already received this suggestion, I do so apologize for my derivativeness, truly the gravest crime in a comment thread.

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TMNT
Posted: userComment.createdDate by justinterpret

Just watching the TMNT playthrough; does anyone else notice that the enemy sprites look like back-chill inspiring abominations that resemble nothing from the Turtles universe? Amorphic flying creatures, walking people on fire, and strange, flesh-colored, contorted humanoid forms? I think this game inspired Silent Hill more than Jacob's Ladder.

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Super Metroid episode
Posted: userComment.createdDate by MindCandy999

Just wanted to clarify something. When I was talking about the music in Metroid II on the Super Metroid episode, I was referencing this piece:

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not a short title
Posted: userComment.createdDate by keeperxiii

Yep, you guys should try to get the videos up faster so people that missed it or that are in different time zones can watch it as well.
EDIT: Btw, just realized. I'm not trying to be rude with the above comment :)
Also, you guys need to do Shemmue 2, but I guess you already have a list with the lunchbreak games somewhere.

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Still nothing
Posted: userComment.createdDate by nny1980

What still no Joe and last fridays episode. You guys really need to get these things up faster or it will die out again...

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a little faster guys
Posted: userComment.createdDate by pixeldojo

could yo guys put up the lunch breaks a little faster after they have finished. its bin a week and still no viewtiful jo?

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Thanks!!!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Oldschoolgame99

Todays lunch break was fun! Thanks for coming back with a new format guys!

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Can't get the Livestream Finale to Play
Posted: userComment.createdDate by amightysquall958

Clicking on the link prompts me to put in an access code. Halp?

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- Should work now!
  Posted: 07/05/2012 by bobservo
  
  For reals.
  
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- You Da Man!
  Posted: 07/18/2012 by amightysquall958
  
  as well as whoever helped and such.
  
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Broke 200
Posted: userComment.createdDate by James_McClellan

At least Lunch Break broke 200 simultaneous viewers on its final day.

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Don't forget the lvl 4 sword!!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Bandersnatch786

Seriously, I've seen so many people miss that final upgrade.

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LET'S DO THIS!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DannyLAFS

I predict 4 hours!

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Not TOO upset about this ending...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by ikr

Although truthfully I would like to see the Lunch Break come back in another format.
My thoughts about this have been mixed. I love the live commenting system and it's really cool to have my comments read aloud on air. Part of my frustration in listening to Retronauts is that I can't actually be on the show and talking with you guys, and being able to comment on Lunch Break was about as close as I'm going to get, so that was nice.
To be really honest though, I really dislike the format of Lunch Break. While I enjoy watching the games, the selection that's been offered so far has been, for lack of a better word, really shallow. Frankly, these games are godawful boring to watch. Everybody has played Mega Man and Zelda to death, and I feel like the response would have been much greater if some more obscure or interesting games had been featured. My favorite part of Retronauts is the talk about games that I have never heard of or have heard of and never bothered playing and having my interest piqued by discussion of their unique gameplay mechanics. It makes me want to go look these games up and see how they work and try to trace the influences they may have had on later games. It would have been awesome to see games that the majority of people haven't played, quirky RPGs like Earthbound, late-gen adventure games like Kirby's Dream Land 3, off-the-wall sports games like Kirby's Dream Course or Mutant League Football, obscure action games like Run Saber or El Viento, Japan-only titles like Monster World IV, awesome shmups like Axelay or Pop'n Twinbee, gaiden titles to major series like Castlevania Bloodlines... And these are all just the 16 bit era. This idea has a lot of potential, but you guys are playing it way too 'safe' with your selection. Honestly, for as much as I love Mega Man or LttP, it's beyond done to death.
Also, 20 minutes just isn't enough time to absorb the game. I get that it's supposed to be a bite-sized video and I'm well aware that you guys are actually taking time out of your day jobs to do this, but if it has to be cut so short I'd much rather see this done in a once-a-week longform style where we could see some substantive gameplay. It's a little jarring when you guys are forced by your time limit to count down to the minute to keep things compact and have to focus on rushing to an arbitrary goal rather than showcasing the game itself. Again, not blaming you guys, this is just how it comes across to me as a watcher. Even if it were just for an hour a week or whatever, I'd love to participate in something like that without feeling like it's just going to be over in a few minutes. I wouldn't expect this longform format to fly, but it would be a nice change of pace.
All said, it's disappointing, but if it's too much trouble to be worth it I'd rather you guys focus on improving other things.

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Personal Return to 1up
Posted: userComment.createdDate by 2dskillz

This video series has brought myself and several other friends back to the 1up site more than anything over the past year or more. This is not an insult to an other material, only that the simplicity of these videos was charming. I will certainly miss the nostalgic fix the lunch breaks were providing.

Thanks for at least giving it a try.

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Cancelnauts
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Zuuhl

Honestly, why does it have to be canceled? So a few people don't like a particular game, you move on. So people don't watch it live, they still watch it.
This is just supposed to be a light and fun thing so I don't know why you guys feel so much pressure, or that it's all or nothing. It's the internet. You're going to get negativity.
I'd like to see something from retronauts not get canceled. There are no classic video game video podcasts out there, and you've got my hopes up twice now :(

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Just like The 1up Show...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DannyLAFS

This hurts.... Maybe we'll see the Lunch Break again in the future...

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More Zelda?
Posted: userComment.createdDate by RoomTemperature

Really? Maybe if you alternated weeks but I kinda want to see something different. Like Twisted Metal or Mario games or something. Looks like I won't watch this week

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Ep 7?
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Zuuhl

I just want to know why they're being uploaded out of order. 5 was uploaded before 4. Now 8 is on youtube, but 7 isn't. I love what you're trying to do but I hate that everything Retronauts lately is half efforted.

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Zelda 7&8
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Jasua

Not to complain... I love the lunchbreaks. But I'm a bit behind and would love to see part 7 and part 8 before part 9 starts. Will it be up before 9?

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FruitLoops
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DannyLAFS

Why does Episode 4 loop back?

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Man...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by TheGreatMoltar

I forgive you because you probably haven't played this game for years, but the lady in the potion shop gives you a free potion sample if you talk to her(him?).
However it's really fun watching The Mack and J-Pear play with you're hilarious commentary.

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I see no updates...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Oldschoolgame99

Please don't kill Lunch Break! Noooooooooooouuuuuuuu!!!!!11111.....

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- Patience, friend.
  Posted: 02/07/2012 by bobservo
  
  We are working on getting part 4 of the playthrough uploaded to YouTube.
  
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Part 4???
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DannyLAFS

I'm sure it's a typo.

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- Not uploaded
  Posted: 02/06/2012 by Zuuhl
  
  It's not a typo, just never uploaded to YouTube. All they do is make it to the front door of the dungeon before time is up.
  Also:
  - Flippers are 500. The internet is right.
  - Links uncle is not dead.
  - Saw - hass - rawl - uh
  
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Link to the Past part 4
Posted: userComment.createdDate by zappnickel

I can't find this video on youtube.........

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- wtf
  Posted: 02/06/2012 by Infamousgm1
  
  I cant either on 1up or youtube. did they not have a part four?
  
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Great games!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Oldschoolgame99

Just finished watching Legend of Zelda Playthrough 3 and I relived that cringing feeling I had when I used to play the game and only had 1 heart left against the boss... Thanks for the memories guys! keep it up!
P.S. Also sad I missed the RE 1 GC playthough as that is my favorite RE of all time.

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Finally
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Erdricks_Boxers

Haven't been very interested in the last 2 weeks, but I definately want to watch RE 1, 2 and 4. May skip 3...

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suggestions
Posted: userComment.createdDate by pervysage

I see how you are doing a common theme each week. How about these suggestions:
Disney- You can have Tailspin, Quakshot, Rescue Rangers, Castle of Illusion, etc.
Metroid- nuff said. See if you can hook up the Game boy game up.
Horror- RE1, Eternal Darkness, I have no mouth...,
TMNT- Starting with the NES
Simpsons them- incluing the horrible wrestling game

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BEST. WEEK. EVER!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by sokpupet

Depending on how well they know the games, a lot can happen or not very much. Either way, it'll be nice to see the old Lucasarts games again. I have no idea where my copies have gone.

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Alex Kidd in Miracle World...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by orient

...was built in to later SMS systems (mostly Master System 2). It's a shame you guys couldn't get further than the first rock/paper/scissors match because there's a lot you miss out on (the helicopter, boat etc). From a child's perspective, Alex Kidd looked way cooler than Mario -- it was more vibrant, cartoony and you had neat vehicles to ride. Time has obviously revealed the rightful winner of that mascot feud, but I still think Miracle World is a great 8-bit game, better than some beloved NES platformers *cough* Kid Icarus *cough*
I don't know where/if you guys are taking SMS requests, but Sonic 1 & 2 should not be missed, nor should Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap, which is excellent. I'm sure Phantasy Star is already on your list (if you're doing RPGs that is, considered their long-form nature). If you want to see some insane 8-bit graphics trapped inside a completely mediocre platformer, track down Chuck Rock 2: Son of Chuck!

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Weird
Posted: userComment.createdDate by 6StringSamurai

Watching a video of someone playing an old classic game is a bit weird. It's really meant for the commentary right?

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ATTENTION!!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by fire897

If you care about the internet, please sign up for the e3 boycott. With SOPA, this website would be illegal

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you can always try
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Lulzaroonie

dimak.tv, it streams pretty much 24/7, different consoles, different eras. Always a good game on.

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HELL YEAH!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by SanFranPsycho

The Master System was my favorite system growing up. So many childhood memories. Can't wait for some Alex Kidd tomorrow!

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Hopefully
Posted: userComment.createdDate by sepewrath

today goes better than MM4 yesterday, that was the worst play I've ever seen.

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Megaman Cancel?
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Cope85

Megaman is a brilliant game that will continue forever... or will it? What's your thoughts on Capcom canceling several Megaman games?

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Just What I Need
Posted: userComment.createdDate by James_McClellan

I can definitely use this today. Been feeling down that another year has gone by and I am still job hunting. Thanks 1UP for the mid day boost.

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Are
Posted: userComment.createdDate by sepewrath

the streams available live on your youtube channel like IGN's?

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- No :(
  Posted: 01/12/2012 by jsauce
  
  No they'll just be live here, and then we'll link the archives for you!
  
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TopMan hint!
Posted: userComment.createdDate by some_nerd

Use HARD KNUCKLE or NEEDLE to totally lay waste to him.

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hooray
Posted: userComment.createdDate by jdeezy

SMB3 aside, this is my favorite NES game.

whoever's playing, WHY ON EARTH did you not start at Top Man? :D

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Megaman 2
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Erdricks_Boxers

Megaman 2 still isn't showing up. Did you guys not do this yesterday? Waiting for Jeremey's thumb to heal so he won't be as embarassingly bad at 2 as he was with 1? 2's easier anyway...

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???
Posted: userComment.createdDate by JPhill9990

Whats your actual name on twitch so I can follow?

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- Good question
  Posted: 01/11/2012 by jparish
  
  Our channel on Twitch is 1UPLive.
  
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