Ultrasteve
@ultrasteve.bsky.social
Graphic designer, retrogamer, music and film fan. All-round nerd, really.
As well as writing some of my favourite books of all time, @ronanhession.bsky.social recommended Christ on a Bike by @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social - it was a belter of a recommendation. Proper old-school playground scrap between that and Ghost Mountain for my favourite read of the year.
November 13, 2025 at 9:05 PM
As well as writing some of my favourite books of all time, @ronanhession.bsky.social recommended Christ on a Bike by @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social - it was a belter of a recommendation. Proper old-school playground scrap between that and Ghost Mountain for my favourite read of the year.
@psbhq.bsky.social is there a rough runtime for the matinee at The Barbican, perchance? Making exciting plans to see you with the unexciting realisation that punitive and complex rail fares mean I have to plan in a little more detail! Thanks!
October 23, 2025 at 12:42 PM
@psbhq.bsky.social is there a rough runtime for the matinee at The Barbican, perchance? Making exciting plans to see you with the unexciting realisation that punitive and complex rail fares mean I have to plan in a little more detail! Thanks!
@marcmorris.bsky.social Will you be doing a castles tour of Wales to mark the occasion of my 50th birthday in 2027?
September 20, 2025 at 1:18 PM
@marcmorris.bsky.social Will you be doing a castles tour of Wales to mark the occasion of my 50th birthday in 2027?
A more unusual game from times past. If you like your whodunnits have a watch and see if it’s one you’d like to try!
NEW VIDEO!
Artech's Killed Until Dead does something unheard of for a murder mystery: trying to be a stop-the-who'll-do-it, instead of a whodunnit.
This look is mostly focused on the #C64 original, with a little compare to the #AppleII and #ZXSpectrum conversions.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-sq...
Artech's Killed Until Dead does something unheard of for a murder mystery: trying to be a stop-the-who'll-do-it, instead of a whodunnit.
This look is mostly focused on the #C64 original, with a little compare to the #AppleII and #ZXSpectrum conversions.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-sq...
Killed Until Dead (Commodore 64): Stopping Murders By Midnight - Beyond The Scanlines #125
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
August 15, 2025 at 9:07 AM
A more unusual game from times past. If you like your whodunnits have a watch and see if it’s one you’d like to try!
@ronanhession.bsky.social spending my money for me again.
August 14, 2025 at 11:22 AM
@ronanhession.bsky.social spending my money for me again.
I just finished Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social - another triumph. I read it on holiday. Which is different to saying it’s holiday reading. It’s a thoughtful, beautiful book, and will stay with me a long, long time. Thank you, Rónán, and thank you @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social
July 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I just finished Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social - another triumph. I read it on holiday. Which is different to saying it’s holiday reading. It’s a thoughtful, beautiful book, and will stay with me a long, long time. Thank you, Rónán, and thank you @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social! I had a bit of a soft spot for Ninja Master as a kid (see Jaz’s CcrapBack!) so honouring it with this picture!
June 21, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social! I had a bit of a soft spot for Ninja Master as a kid (see Jaz’s CcrapBack!) so honouring it with this picture!
Having waited patiently for the paperback from @ronanhession.bsky.social I started last night, and I’m going in again! Also, after months (nay years) of telling my other half she should read Leonard and Hungry Paul, someone else in her book club chose it. They all unanimously loved it (obviously)
June 20, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Having waited patiently for the paperback from @ronanhession.bsky.social I started last night, and I’m going in again! Also, after months (nay years) of telling my other half she should read Leonard and Hungry Paul, someone else in her book club chose it. They all unanimously loved it (obviously)
Reposted by Ultrasteve
NEW VIDEO TIME!
You might think that subgames in 8-bit games are a lazy excuse to avoid depth (see Ocean's output), but @stinkyox.bsky.social's Batalyx shows they can make for some intriguing ways to get zapping!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbU...
#retrogaming #c64 #commodore64
You might think that subgames in 8-bit games are a lazy excuse to avoid depth (see Ocean's output), but @stinkyox.bsky.social's Batalyx shows they can make for some intriguing ways to get zapping!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbU...
#retrogaming #c64 #commodore64
Batalyx (Commodore 64): Six Ways of Manic Minter Mayhem! Beyond The Scanlines #121
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
May 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
NEW VIDEO TIME!
You might think that subgames in 8-bit games are a lazy excuse to avoid depth (see Ocean's output), but @stinkyox.bsky.social's Batalyx shows they can make for some intriguing ways to get zapping!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbU...
#retrogaming #c64 #commodore64
You might think that subgames in 8-bit games are a lazy excuse to avoid depth (see Ocean's output), but @stinkyox.bsky.social's Batalyx shows they can make for some intriguing ways to get zapping!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbU...
#retrogaming #c64 #commodore64
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social - and for featuring my mini-review!
May 12, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social - and for featuring my mini-review!
Tried to order the paperback of Ghost Mountain by the wonderful @ronanhession.bsky.social at my local indie bookshop today. Temporarily unavailable. This must mean he and @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social have sold a ton already. Which is obviously fantastic news!
May 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Tried to order the paperback of Ghost Mountain by the wonderful @ronanhession.bsky.social at my local indie bookshop today. Temporarily unavailable. This must mean he and @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social have sold a ton already. Which is obviously fantastic news!
Reposted by Ultrasteve
oh no, who let me be in charge again?
That's right, from one smol comment we get an episode contemplating the rose coloured glasses, and I get to lead in on just how the old days weren't the good old days people think they might be.
That's right, from one smol comment we get an episode contemplating the rose coloured glasses, and I get to lead in on just how the old days weren't the good old days people think they might be.
It's Pixelcast time folks and Episode 156 sees @pretendbeard.bsky.social, @scree.bsky.social and @robcap.bsky.social contemplating the rose-coloured glasses we all wear when looking back at our favourite games.
www.player2.net.au/podcast/the-...
www.player2.net.au/podcast/the-...
The Player 2 PixelCast 156 | Player2.net.au
The Player 2 PixelCast 156 Ah! Those were the days! Nothing sucked then: games worked out of the box, everybody got along and shovelware wasn't a thing. Or... maybe not? Surprisingly, resident retro-h...
www.player2.net.au
March 27, 2025 at 5:17 AM
oh no, who let me be in charge again?
That's right, from one smol comment we get an episode contemplating the rose coloured glasses, and I get to lead in on just how the old days weren't the good old days people think they might be.
That's right, from one smol comment we get an episode contemplating the rose coloured glasses, and I get to lead in on just how the old days weren't the good old days people think they might be.
Reposted by Ultrasteve
Hot off the presses is the latest Scanlines up early for supporters on Patreon!
Pastfinder might look like a blaster, but it carries that 8-bit thing of having more depth than you might have first thought. Here it is on both the Atari 8-bits & C64!
www.patreon.com/posts/early-...
Pastfinder might look like a blaster, but it carries that 8-bit thing of having more depth than you might have first thought. Here it is on both the Atari 8-bits & C64!
www.patreon.com/posts/early-...
Early Access: Pastfinder (Atari 8-Bit & C64) | Rob Caporetto
Get more from Rob Caporetto on Patreon
www.patreon.com
March 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Hot off the presses is the latest Scanlines up early for supporters on Patreon!
Pastfinder might look like a blaster, but it carries that 8-bit thing of having more depth than you might have first thought. Here it is on both the Atari 8-bits & C64!
www.patreon.com/posts/early-...
Pastfinder might look like a blaster, but it carries that 8-bit thing of having more depth than you might have first thought. Here it is on both the Atari 8-bits & C64!
www.patreon.com/posts/early-...
No, *YOU* are going to drive 300 miles to see @psbhq.bsky.social and then 250 miles to 'stop off on the way back' and see them again two days later.
February 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
No, *YOU* are going to drive 300 miles to see @psbhq.bsky.social and then 250 miles to 'stop off on the way back' and see them again two days later.
I flippin’ loved this series of videos. They all need a rewatch!
One more from the video archives - and it's the first in a small series I did looking at Commodore 64 driving games.
The first part was showcasing a bunch of 3D/pseudo-3D ones which I felt showed the old breadbin *could* do them.
Despite what others may say.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Z1...
The first part was showcasing a bunch of 3D/pseudo-3D ones which I felt showed the old breadbin *could* do them.
Despite what others may say.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Z1...
Beyond The Scanlines #030: 12 Incredible 3D Driving Games for the Commodore 64
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
February 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I flippin’ loved this series of videos. They all need a rewatch!
Reposted by Ultrasteve
One more push on last week's vid, not an episode which is a biggie, but it's a game I enjoyed a lot, and in times like this, I can't help but feel it's so important to share the things which bring joy.
🖤
🖤
New Video Time!
It's one thing to get new games for classic systems, but another when they have talent from back in the day involved!
But does Changeable Guardian Estique for the NES/Famicom use that to its advantage? You bet it does!
#retrogaming #nes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZF...
It's one thing to get new games for classic systems, but another when they have talent from back in the day involved!
But does Changeable Guardian Estique for the NES/Famicom use that to its advantage? You bet it does!
#retrogaming #nes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZF...
Changeable Guardian Estique (NES): Changing Forms to Save the Earth - Beyond The Scanlines #118
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
One more push on last week's vid, not an episode which is a biggie, but it's a game I enjoyed a lot, and in times like this, I can't help but feel it's so important to share the things which bring joy.
🖤
🖤
Mecha games are something I appreciate more to watch than to play, so I’m glad Rob provided this!
NEW VIDEO TIME!
So like giant robot games, right? SoI couldn't help but take a little journey and ponder what makes a good one with some of the games in my collection!
Featuring some gems across PS1, PS2, SNES, Mega Drive/Genesis and Saturn!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9nO...
So like giant robot games, right? SoI couldn't help but take a little journey and ponder what makes a good one with some of the games in my collection!
Featuring some gems across PS1, PS2, SNES, Mega Drive/Genesis and Saturn!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9nO...
5-(ish) Cool Mecha Games - Beyond The Scanlines #117
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
January 31, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Mecha games are something I appreciate more to watch than to play, so I’m glad Rob provided this!
Less than an hour after receiving the @psbhq.bsky.social newsletter and I’m glad to say I’ll be resplendent in a ‘GO’ t-shirt at the Truro gig. And my BIL will be delighted with his Know Your Rockets tea towel. Hurray for such excellent merch.
January 31, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Less than an hour after receiving the @psbhq.bsky.social newsletter and I’m glad to say I’ll be resplendent in a ‘GO’ t-shirt at the Truro gig. And my BIL will be delighted with his Know Your Rockets tea towel. Hurray for such excellent merch.
Narrative (or perhaps creative) non-fiction is my favourite way to read non-fiction these days. I just finished The Wager by @davidgrann.bsky.social and I loved every page of it.
January 13, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Narrative (or perhaps creative) non-fiction is my favourite way to read non-fiction these days. I just finished The Wager by @davidgrann.bsky.social and I loved every page of it.
@psbhq.bsky.social Just finishing my I-don’t-know-how-many-that-is listen through The Last Flight. A genuine cap-doff of appreciation for the sheer effort you put in to make incredible music for us. Howland is excruciatingly and beautifully melancholic, and the recording tops it off. Thank you.
December 3, 2024 at 10:39 AM
@psbhq.bsky.social Just finishing my I-don’t-know-how-many-that-is listen through The Last Flight. A genuine cap-doff of appreciation for the sheer effort you put in to make incredible music for us. Howland is excruciatingly and beautifully melancholic, and the recording tops it off. Thank you.
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social - always a joy to get this through the post.
November 26, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Thanks for the new issue, @freeze64.bsky.social - always a joy to get this through the post.
Reposted by Ultrasteve
New Video Time! The #gameboy is damn popular for modern devs - and when I came across this pair of (relatively) recent shmups, I knew I had to go give them a spin.
So here's my dive into Dangan GB2 & Lunar Lancer!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQD...
#retrogaming
So here's my dive into Dangan GB2 & Lunar Lancer!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQD...
#retrogaming
Dangan GB2 & Lunar Lancer: Modern Shmup Bliss on the Go - Beyond The Scanlines #115
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2024 at 7:50 PM
New Video Time! The #gameboy is damn popular for modern devs - and when I came across this pair of (relatively) recent shmups, I knew I had to go give them a spin.
So here's my dive into Dangan GB2 & Lunar Lancer!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQD...
#retrogaming
So here's my dive into Dangan GB2 & Lunar Lancer!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQD...
#retrogaming
@mrcolinmurray.bsky.social Hello! Glad to see you over here. Still working my way through the backlog of great podcast interviews.
November 18, 2024 at 11:04 PM
@mrcolinmurray.bsky.social Hello! Glad to see you over here. Still working my way through the backlog of great podcast interviews.
I properly love your driving game videos. I’ll be rewatching this!
For no particular reason, it's another one of my older videos - in fact the LONGEST one I've ever put together.
Why not dive into a look at (most of) the racing games for the Mega Drive/Genesis!
(Hey, an hour long vid might be a good distraction… 😉)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcBR...
Why not dive into a look at (most of) the racing games for the Mega Drive/Genesis!
(Hey, an hour long vid might be a good distraction… 😉)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcBR...
Beyond The Scanlines #050: Interesting Racing & Driving Games for the Mega Drive & Genesis
YouTube video by Beyond The Scanlines
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2024 at 8:54 AM
I properly love your driving game videos. I’ll be rewatching this!