iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 29/09/2026

It's been a couple of weeks, but it's time to talk about VCF Midwest, show off some pickups and play some games! Join me tonight at 8 PM CT. youtube.com/live/iofT0s2...

youtube.com

Livestream - VCF Midwest 2026

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

054

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 28/09/2026

Life has been a bit hectic as of late, but I managed to get in some Amiga time last night. Exploring different demos and their awesome music is always a treat.

An amiga 1200 with matching monitor hooked up to an av stack

0773

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 26/09/2026

Like everyone else is saying this is very difficult to narrow down. But looking more at games that had an impact, or ones I played at important points in my life... this is as close as I can get!

030

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 26/09/2026

I'm pretty sure the only thing it lets you do is look at a red bar in the sysinfo benchmark utility. It probably does other things too.

130

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 25/09/2026

Almost 2 years ago I put myself on the wait list for the Dicke Olga Amiga 2000 accelerator. It just arrived after that long wait, and boy is it a beast of a card! Looking forward to boosting that A2000 further than it's ever been!

The dicke olga amiga 2000 accelerator card

4615

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 23/09/2026

Just happened to get lucky on eBay. The other side of the box is in pretty bad shape, so I get why the price was low and maybe it didn't get snapped up immediately as a result.

020

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 23/09/2026

Now that's one I've been waiting for. The box is really beat up, but the price was low as a result. I'll clean it up, and happily have it on the shelf. Hail to the king, baby!

The big box version for pc of the game duke nukem 3d

2121

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 23/09/2026

Seconds, and eventually thirds wiped it all out!

000

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 22/09/2026

Last night I made some old country comfort food. It was good. That is all.

A plate of meatballs, potatoes and hard bread

1140

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 17/09/2026

I tried this at VCF Midwest on a real Atari system thanks to Power of Vintage, which had it ready to try out. Runs remarkably well (on an accelerated system)!

191

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 17/09/2026

Of all the things I saw at VCF Midwest, this immediately caught my eye. Many of you might know this is my grail, my first real computer. Sadly this one wasn't for sale, but it was awesome to even see one in person again. So many memories associated with it. Terrific!

A compaq presario cds all in one 486 computer

4571

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 15/09/2026

It did! I nabbed it... using it as a donor machine to get my Dos Compatible Performa into a nicer state.

140

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 14/09/2026

Another VCF Midwest in the books. It's always the retro highlight of the year. Met a lot of friends, new and old, and got to see a lot of cool stuff. A great time as always, and already looking forward to next year!

Looking out at the setting sun reflecting in the roof of a car

080

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 12/09/2026

Well can't argue with that find. Might be hard to top that for the rest of the event

The big box version of the game Grim Fandago

091

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 12/09/2026

VCF Midwest is massive, even larger than last year. Definitely feels like the calm before the storm, but I've already been able to see some cool stuff, and talk with a lot of people. Tomorrow might be just a tad busy!

081

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 10/09/2026

I'll be leaving to head to VCFM Midwest tomorrow morning. Looking at the table map and the list of exhibitors, I'm overwhelmed. I'm sure it'll be a great time, but the event has grown immensly. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again, and check out some sweet retro gear!

050

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 08/09/2026

A while back I dove headfirst into the world of midi modules for gaming. It obviously escalated quicky and this is the end result. For the stream this week, we're taking a closer look, all run by a 486 for that midi goodness! Starting at 8:00 PM CT youtube.com/live/jLsjBtx...

youtube.com

Livestream - Midi Tower

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

193

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 01/09/2026

Back with a livestream again! With the unfortunate passing of the legend Tim Curry, we're playing a game featuring him and his great performance: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. Starting tonight at 8 PM CT. To space! youtube.com/live/oNZo5qH...

youtube.com

Livestream - Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

0104

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 12/08/2026

Happy 45th birthday to the original one, the IBM PC!

0202

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 10/08/2026

With the addition of Sim Golf the Maxis shelf keeps expanding. The white box situation is unbearable as a collector. Must have them all!

A shelf with pc games in boxes from the publisher Maxis

4222

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 05/08/2026

20 years indeed. In retro terms 20 years before when we got married the NES was just a year old. Happy Anniversary/being really old!

4120

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 24/07/2026

Having the Corneria theme, the takeoff part, hit right as I get on an on ramp heading home from work, as the turbo kicked in. All by chance in my playlist. I'll be riding that high for a while!

static.klipy.com

Star Fox 64 Gameplay

ALT: Star Fox 64 Gameplay

160

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 19/07/2026

Adding some more memory to my utility laptop, and turns out you have to take the whole bottom case off. Lots of clips later but 16gb runs a lot better than 8 in this case!

The exposed motherboard of a lenovo laptop

060

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 19/07/2026

The steam controller replacement arrived and this one actually looks and feels new! Worth the extra wait.

1110

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 18/07/2026

Awesome! Looks amazing, and that contra music slaps on it hah.

060

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 16/07/2026

Paging @sucra.bsky.social, may want to keep your eyes on this!

050

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 15/07/2026

After we fought with some odd display issues on stream last night, with the output flickering in and out even on capture, I did some more testing. Turns out it's my new flat panel I'm using for streaming. Not the computer, not the splitter. Sometimes it's the things you least expect... technology!

140

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 14/07/2026

I have an unused mini PC I want to try and turn into a bare metal emulated Amiga. Tinkering time, and let's see where we get on stream! Starting tonight at 8 PM CT youtube.com/live/zDTOTmw...

youtube.com

Livestream - Powerful Emulated Amiga on a Mini PC

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

052

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 13/07/2026

Whoa whoa... everyone knows you bought a NABU machine with extreme FOMO, then let it sit on a shelf doing nothing. You can't just like... use your retro purchases!

120

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 13/07/2026

Got my order in, in for 2! Happy to support the project and I most definitely have a need for this.

150

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 09/07/2026

My steam controller finally arrived, and while I was excited, it unfortunately had some scrapes and scuffs on it. I can overlook quite a bit, but if I'm spending this much on it, I want to have it as close to new as possible. Valve thankfully is doing a replacement for me. Fingers crossed!

050

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 09/07/2026

This video is still popping up in my head at times. Very deep into DAoC, so it was the right thing, at the right time.

020

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 02/07/2026

Something we discuss at home actually, considering we have PCs and consoles mixed. While we trend toward PC, you cannot argue with the ease of use of the console experience. Buy system, buy your game (and yes likely update), but then you play. That's it. I'd say more appealing to most people vs PC.

170

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 02/07/2026

Aw heck yeah, used copies of Fifa!

010

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 01/07/2026

Exactly right. Between Sony pulling back on PC releases, and then this, they want complete control where the money is spent.

010

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 01/07/2026

I think everyone knew this day would come. As primarily a PC gamer, I've been ok with digital games for years, but consoles feel different somehow. Being able to share games among the kids easily on Switch as one example, is a reason we buy physical. Not great. share.google/rVFWgzcPQBBn...

share.google

Physical disc production ending in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles

In response to shifting trends in consumer preference, new games will be released on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only.

171

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 30/06/2026

Not long ago I picked up a Mac clone, the Umax SuperMac c600, and it's about time we load it up with some games and test it out. Insert your favorite Attack of the Clones joke! Starting tonight at 8 PM CT. youtube.com/live/mOijUj7...

youtube.com

Livestream - Umax SuperMac c600

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

0183

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 24/06/2026

I can only imagine the effort coordinating all these parts, and processes across countries. It'll be worth the wait!

070

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 24/06/2026

When your coworkers know you, and what you like. On my desk this morning was a Gateway 2000 bundled software binder, ca 1996, and some memory. Their cleaned trash is my treasure. Hits like Encarta, Golf, and Julia Child Home Cooking with Master Chefs. I'll happily take these!

A 1996 Microsoft software bundle binder that shipped with a Gateway 2000 computer, and some PC100 memory

1100

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 23/06/2026

With it being the 30th anniversary of Quake (yes really), we pretty much have to play it for the stream. Starting tonight, a bit later, at 8:45 PM CT. Software rendered, Voodoo powered, ports, we'll take a look at a few versions! youtube.com/live/ZhngBzs...

youtube.com

Livestream - Quake

YouTube video by Rik's Random Retro

082

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 21/06/2026

That's awful, people are just terrible. The community will rebuild!

140

Rik's Random Retro @riksrandomretro.com · 21/06/2026

Well I'd say my kids know me and what I like, with a little help from @geekate.bsky.social. Happy father's day to all the geek dads out there!

160