Classic Gaming Today: A Retro Gaming Podcast (Classic Gaming Today)

Before Secret of Monkey Island...before Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis...before Sam & Max...there was Maniac Mansion!  Learn how the game was made, including the origins of the venerable SCUMM engine, which would be used for nearly every LucasArts adventure title to follow.  Discover why Ron Gilbert decided to make Maniac Mansion an adventure game in the first place (hint: it has to do with a certain other company's fiendishly hard adventure titles).  And, finally, learn whether it's worth your time today to return to the Edison Mansion.  Does Maniac Mansion belong in our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  Listen and find out!

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It's time to get strategic as we tackle the real-time strategy classic, Command & Conquer!  Learn how the game was made, discover why a sci-fi novel from the 1960s directly contributed to the eventual creation of the game, and listen in as we determine whether it's still worth your time to micromanage a crew of dedicated soldiers on a futuristic battlefield, even today!

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It's a cartoon world, and we're just living in it...or at least, that's the premise of Toonstruck, a point and click adventure game that combines full motion video sequences with animated cartoon scenes to create a sort of reverse Who Framed Roger Rabbit kind of scenario.  Learn how the game was made, what happened to the long rumored sequel, and whether the game still retains its charm today.  Can Toonstruck stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sierra and LucasArts adventure titles of yore?  There's only one way to find out!

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It's time to bring arcade action into our living rooms, as we discuss Sega's Altered Beast, the game that would end up being the Genesis / Mega Drive pack-in title for a couple years, before Sonic decided to run circles around everyone (literally).  Learn about Sega's arcade roots, how Altered Beast transformed the landscape of home gaming, and discover whether it's still worth your time to shapeshift your way through this arcade experience, even today!

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What do ghouls, ghosts, and an underwear clad knight named Arthur have in common?  Find out in our newest episode, focused on the Super Nintendo title, Super Ghouls 'n' Ghosts!  Learn how the game was made, why it was intentionally tuned to be so darn challenging, and discover whether it's worth your time to play through this one today...and then do it all over again to get the "true" ending.  Does Super Ghouls 'n' Ghosts rank amongst our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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For me, music is one of the core components that contributes to the enjoyment, and engagement, of a video game title, and this episode is our latest deep dive into some of the classic soundtracks from those games.  In today's episode, we'll look at a cross-section of games from across the landscape of the Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game, or MMORPG, genre, as I pick some of my favorite, and most personally significant, tracks from that particular genre of gaming.  

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Join me as we boomer shooter our way through endless hordes of alien beings, as we discuss Serious Sam: The First Encounter.  Learn about the founding of its creator, Croteam, discover what inspired that group of developers to create Serious Sam, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to mow down a ton of bad guys inhabiting ancient Egypt, even today!

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Set sail on yet another voyage, as we discuss Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge!  Learn how the game was made, in what ways it improved upon its predecessor, and whether it's still worth your time to take on Ghost Pirate Captain LeChuck, even today!

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Join me on a trip into an alternate dimension dreamworld, as we explore the Sega Saturn classic, NiGHTS Into Dreams!  Learn how the game was made, why it can trace its lineage to the very first Sonic the Hedgehog title, and discover whether flying through nightmares and dreamscapes is still worth your time, even today.

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Before there was Sonic the Hedgehog, there was Alex Kidd, one of several attempts by Sega to create a mascot to compete with Nintendo's ultra-popular mustachioed plumber, Mario.  Learn how the character of Alex Kidd was conceptualized, discover why the team at Sega believed they had a hit on their hands with the very first Alex Kidd release, and find out whether you should take the time to dust off your Sega Master System and fire up Alex Kidd in Miracle World, even today!

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Join me as we celebrate our two year anniversary of the podcast, with a definitive, at least as of today, ranking of our top 10 Pantheon entries from the past year!  It's been a heck of a year, and I've loved making this podcast - I can't wait to see what the future has in store!

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For me, music is one of the core components that contributes to the enjoyment, and engagement, of a video game title, and this episode is our latest deep dive into some of the classic soundtracks from those games.  In today's episode, we'll look at a cross-section of games from across the landscape of First Person Shooter titles, as I pick some of my favorite, and most personally significant, tracks from that particular genre of gaming.  

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Grab your lightgun of choice and join me as we tackle the arcade classic, Operation Wolf!  Learn about the evolution of lightgun technology, discover why Operation Wolf was made in the first place, and listen in to see if it's still worth your time to embark on an action packed set of military-themed missions, even today!

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Join me in an adventure into the early days of Mac gaming, as we explore the classic arcade platforming title, Dark Castle!  Learn how the game was made, discover what features made it so revolutionary for the time it was released, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to fling stones at a bunch of rats, bats, and gargoyles, even today.

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It's time to use our head...literally...as we discuss the Turbografx-16 platformer, Bonk's Adventure.  Learn how the game was created, why Bonk became a sort of mascot for the Turbbografx system, and whether the prehistoric action still holds up today!

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Dust off your adventuring mouse, limber up your point-and-click finger, and prepare for a swashbuckling experience as we dive into the world of Flight of the Amazon Queen!  Learn why the game was made, discover how LucasArts inspired nearly every aspect of the experience, and find out whether you should join Joe King on an Amazonian adventure, even today!

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It's time to dive into a post-apocalyptic Australian Outback as we tackle the third person point and click adventure title, Beneath a Steel Sky!  Learn how the company behind the game, Revolution Software, got its start, why Beneath a Steel Sky's engine is more advanced than the engines used by competitor companies like Sierra Online and LucasArts, and learn whether it's still worth your time to play the game today.  Will Beneath a Steel Sky make it into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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Join me as we explore one of Blizzard's (yes, that Blizzard) earlier video game efforts, The Lost Vikings!  Released in 1992, The Lost Vikings was a puzzle platformer that had you navigate three Vikings, all with different skills, through a number of devious levels, all in the hopes of defeating the evil Tomator and returning home.  Did we manage to save our Viking companions?  Tune in to find out!

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Grab your flashlight and your Pajama Man mask, and join me on a junior adventure into the world of Pajama Sam!  Learn why Humongous Entertainment was founded, discover how the game was made, and learn whether it's still worth your time to face your fear of the dark, even today! 

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The original Doom has been ported to nearly anything that has a screen and can use electricity (and maybe even some devices that don't), and across those ports, numerous changes have been made to make the game actually runnable.  Doom 64, however, is different, as it represents an entirely original experience, targeted exclusively for the Nintendo 64 console.  Learn how the game was made, how it enhances the Doom experience beyond its original incarnation, and whether the title is still worth your time today.  

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Stay on target and join me as we discuss Star Wars: Rebel Assault, an on-rails shooter released by LucasArts back in 1993.  Learn how the game was made and discover whether Rebel Assault still holds up today, nearly 30 years after its release.  Does Rebel Assault deserve a spot in the Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  Let's find out!

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It's time to get sneaky, as we explore the stealth-action classic, Metal Gear Solid!  Learn how Hideo Kojima's early life experiences and cinematic inspirations led to his overall approach to making games as we look at the evolution of both the Metal Gear series as well as Kojima himself, in order to determine whether Metal Gear Solid is still worth playing today.  Does Metal Gear Solid sneak its way into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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Grab your motorcycle and join me on a cross-country voyage through the world of Full Throttle!  Learn how the game was made, why it's unique amongst its LucasArts adventure game brethren, and determine whether experiencing life as a biker is still worthwhile today.  

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Join me as we discuss our second Gameboy title, Super Mario Land 2!  Learn how the game improved upon its predecessor, why the introduction of Wario into Mario lore was so significant, and whether the game still feels as good to play today as when it was released around 30 years ago!

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Join me as we discuss the Blue Bomber's second outing, Mega Man 2!  Learn about the origins of Mega Man as a character, discover how the first two games in the series were made, and find out whether Mega Man 2 is still worth your time today.

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to play a fighting game that eschews nearly every standard fighting game convention?  Well, if so, listen in as we discuss Rise of the Robots!  Learn how the game was made, discover whether its much touted artificial intelligence is truly groundbreaking, and find out how much pain and suffering I went through to deliver this episode to all of you.  This one is special...you won't want to miss it!

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Take to the skies with me as we discuss the classic console flight simulator, Pilotwings!  Learn about the history of flight simulation in general, discover why Pilotwings was unique in comparison to other flight titles released through the early 1990s, and learn whether it's still worth your time to strap on a rocket belt and crash into nearby landscapes, even today.

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In the mid-90s, Nintendo needed something to help compete in an ever-evolving console market.  With their own next gen system delayed, they turned to developer Rare to figure out how to save the day.  Donkey Kong Country was the end result.

Join me as we look at how the game came into being, followed by a discussion to determine if the game still holds up today.  Is Donkey Kong Country still worth your time?  Tune in to find out!

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Grab your nearest mech suit, install a couple of upgradable weapons, and join me as we discuss one of the best titles on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, Biomotor Unitron!  Learn how the game was made, discover why another pop culture fad from the 90s heavily inspired its creation, and find out whether it's still worth your time to attempt to become the Unitron Master of Masters, even today.

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When Eric Chahi released Out of This World (or Another World), he created a masterpiece that would stand the test of time.  Heart of the Alien was the Sega CD exclusive sequel to that classic.  Learn how the game was made and discover whether lightning struck twice, even though Chahi wasn't involved in the creation of the title.  Is it worth it to once again visit this unique desolate alien world?  You'll have to listen to find out!

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What do you get when you combine the wit of Douglas Adams, the pre-rendered graphics of Myst, and a...text parser interface?!?  You get Starship Titanic, the first person point and click adventure game that has you investigating the titular ship and attempting to help the various robotic inhabitants onboard that vessel.  Learn how the game was made, why its text parser interface was revolutionary for the 1990s, and discover if you should spend hours trying to type to space faring robotic companions, even today.

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Rip and tear through the hordes of hell, as we discuss Doom, one of the most influential computer games ever created!  Learn how the id Software team evolved from their Wolfenstein 3D roots to deliver an experience that had never been seen before.  Is it still worth it to play the Father of the first person shooter genre?  There's only one way to find out!

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What do you get when you take over-the-top Sega arcade action and marry it with true 3D beat'em up gameplay?  Dynamite Cop!  In this Patreon sponsored episode, learn how the game was made, why the film "Die Hard" was influential in its development, and discover whether it's worth your time to beat up some bad guys with a gigantic fish, even today!

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Run, jump, and skateboard your way through our next episode dedicated to the classic NES platforming title, Adventure Island!  Discover how the game was made, learn why it bears more than a striking resemblance to Sega's Wonder Boy, and find out if the game holds up today, 37 years after it was originally released.  Can Master Higgins make his way into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  Tune in to find out!

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For me, music is one of the core components that contributes to the enjoyment, and engagement, of a video game title, and this episode is our second deep dive into some of the classic soundtracks from those games.  In today's episode, we'll look at a cross-section of games from the SNES, Nintendo's 16-bit console, as I pick some of my favorite, and most personally significant, tracks from that particular system.  

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Join me as we discuss one of the most Japanese games to ever be released outside of Japan, the Nintendo 64 platformer, Goemon's Great Adventure (or Mystical Ninja 2 Starring Goemon, depending on where you live).  Learn about the legend of Goemon, discover how that legend was translated into a digital, video game form, and find out whether it's still worth your time to run, jump, and attack your way through various temples, forests, and caverns, even today!

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After Eric Chahi created Another World / Out of This World, cinematic platformers were all the rage, including elsewhere in Delphine Software.  As Chahi basked in the glory of his newly released masterpiece, Paul Cuisset was working on a game of his own, and one that would define his career almost the same way that Out of This Word became Chahi's claim to fame.  Cuisset's game was, of course, Flasback.  Learn how the game was created and whether you should still play it today, despite being over 30 years old!

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Don't forget to fill out your job application, as we discuss the Sierra puzzle-adventure title, The Castle of Dr. Brain!  Learn how the game was made, discover why Sierra decided to enter the edutainment industry in the first place, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to puzzle your way through the eclectic castle of a genius inventor, even today...

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Danger's like Jell-O, there's always room for more...

Join me as we discuss the quintessential full motion video early 90s detective adventure game, Under a Killing Moon!  Learn how the game was made, discover the origins of the Tex Murphy character, and listen in as we discuss whether it's worth your time to put on your trench coat, adjust your fedora, and attempt to prevent an apocalyptic catastrophe, even today...

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Shake it baby!  Join me as we discuss one of the quintessential first person shooters of the mid-90s, Duke Nukem 3D.  Released by 3D Realms in 1996, Duke Nukem is a nuanced story of love, drama, and intrigue, where...nah, actually, you just blow stuff up.  How well does The Duke hold up today?  Tune in and find out!

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Gotta catch'em all!  Grab your favorite Poke-pal and join me as we discuss the very first Pokemon adventure ever made, Pokemon Red / Blue.  Learn what real-life hobby inspired the creation of the game, discover how the game evolved from an idea into a worldwide, pop cultural phenomenon, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to fill out your Pokedex, even today!

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Return to the mansion that started the "survival horror" genre, or at a minimum, popularized it, as we discuss the very first Resident Evil!  Learn how the game was made, where its primary inspiration came from, and whether it's still worth your time to unravel the mysteries of the Spencer clan.  Does Resident Evil make it into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming, or is this one experience that is too horrific to revisit?  There's only one way to find out!

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Press the pedal to the metal as we discuss one of the most influential racing titles of all time, Sega's Virtua Racing!  Learn how the game was made, discover the differences between the various home ports of the title, and find out whether it's still worth your time to experience Virtua Racing's brand of polygonal racing goodness, even today!

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Fore!  Join me as we discuss Neo Turf Masters, an arcade golf game for the Neo Geo arcade and home systems, released in 1996 by the Nazca Corporation.  Can the typically slower sport of golf translate into a fast-paced arcade experience to stand the test of time?  Listen in and find out!

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What do you get when you mix a foul mouthed squirrel who's having a really bad day with one of Nintendo's most well-respected development partners?  You guessed it, you get Conker's Bad Fur Day!  Learn how one of Rare's most mature titles was created, why it was delayed numerous times prior to release, and join me as we determine whether this 3D platforming adventure still holds up today.  

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Join me on an intergalactic adventure transporting...camels, as we dive into the FMV on-rails shooter, Loadstar: The Legend of Tully Bodine!  Learn how the game was made, discover what modern mega billionaire contributed to its development, and listen in as we determine whether it's worth your time to fight the law and blast off into space with a trailer full of contraband camel, even today.

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Join me on an adventure into a desolate, alien world as we explore the 1991 cinematic platform adventure game Another World (or Out of this World in North America).  As is customary, we'll talk about the historical context surrounding the game before we dive deep and figure out if it's still worth your time to play today.  Does Out of this World belong in the Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out...

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Glory to the Empire!  Join me as we discuss one of the most critically acclaimed releases in the entire Star Wars saga. Star Wars: Tie Fighter.  Learn how the game was made, discover why the game was so unique in comparison to other Star Wars titles, and listen in as we discuss whether it still feels good...to be bad...even today.

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Happy Holidays everyone!

In the spirit of the holidays, I thought it might be fun to "gift" everyone with an episode of the podcast that was previously only available to our Patreon members.  I hope you all enjoy!

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Original Patreon show notes below:

In the late 80s, one amateur radio station decided to fund the creation of a show dedicated to the best news and reviews in modern gaming - Pixelated Power was the result of that funding.

From 1987 to 1998, Pixelated Power went on the air one night a month to discuss the latest gaming news, the hardware and gadgets that people were most looking forward to, the best magazines of the time, and various other aspects of video game pop culture.  The recording releasing today previously aired on December 25, 1989.  Listening to it today, we can glean some additional insight into a period of time we now call classic, and as such, it provides an interesting "blast from the past" that I'm hoping everyone enjoys.

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Join me as we discuss one of the most important adventure games ever created, Sierra On-Line's King's Quest!  Learn how the game was made, discover why Roberta Williams decided to get into game design in the first place, and find out whether the very first King's Quest adventure, in its original form, is still worth your time today.

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Dust off your whips, and grab your holy water, as we dive into the classic vampire hunting title, Castlevania!  Learn about the mythology behind vampirism, see how early Hollywood horror films influenced the title, and discover whether it's still worth your time to battle Dracula and his evil minions, even today.

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Do a barrel roll!  Or, maybe not, but do join me as we look at Star Fox, a true 3D-space combat game released on the Super Nintendo back in the early 90s.  Learn how the game was made, what new technology had to be created in order to enable the for-the-time advanced 3D visuals, and whether the title still holds up against our modern gaming expectations.

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Grab your favorite go-kart and join me as we discuss Super Mario Kart, the grandfather of the kart racing genre!  Learn how the Super Nintendo's launch titles paved the way for what would be Nintendo's first Mario crossover title, why Mode 7 graphics are awesome, and whether the experience of playing the game still holds up today.  Does Mario Kart make it to the finish line, or will it slip on a banana peel?  Tune in to find out!

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Sometimes good things come in small packages!  Join me as we discuss Super Mario Land, Mario's first adventure for the Nintendo Gameboy system all the way back in 1989.  Learn how the game was made, why Shigeru Miyamoto was not involved in its creation, and whether Sarasaland is still fun to visit today.  Can a Gameboy screen provide a worthwhile Mario experience?  There's only one way to find out!

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Jordan Mechner is computer and video game royalty...but back in the early 80s, he was simply a Yale student trying to make his mark on the still new computer game industry.  Karateka would be the result of his early efforts.  Join me as we jump back in time to learn how the game was made as we determine whether, nearly 40 years later, the title is still worth your time to play today.

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Two combatants enter the ring...only one can survive!

Join me as we dive into our first "Shareware Showdown" episode, pitting everyone's favorite macho manly man, Duke Nukem, vs. Amazonian warrior, Jill of the Jungle!  Learn about the early history of shareware, how these two games came to be, and whether each deserves your attention today.  There can be only one winner...which one will it be?  There's only one way to find out!

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Join me as we look at one of the most infamous games we've ever covered on this podcast, as we tackle the Philips CD-i "classic" Link: The Faces of Evil!  Learn how the game was made, discover why Nintendo allowed one of its famed mascots to appear on what many consider to be a subpar video game console, and find out whether Link: The Faces of Evil is as bad as most of the internet would lead you to believe.

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Time paradoxes and JRPG gameplay await as we tackle Chrono Trigger!  Learn how a dream team of designers, developers, artists and composers came together to create one of the most beloved titles from the 1990s, after which we ask the question - does Chrono Trigger still hold up today?  Is the game a timeless classic, or simply not worth your time?  Listen in to find out!

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Come with me if you want to live!  Or, rather, listen in, as we discuss the creation of three 16-bit Terminator titles, spanning the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Sega CD consoles.  Learn why it took so long for a licensed Terminator title to be created, how each game was made, and which of the three remains worth your time today.

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Join me as we explore the world of helicopter simulation...sort of, in our discussion on Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf!  Learn about the game's inspirations, why it was created in the first place, and whether this particular 16 bit action title is still worth your time today.  Will Desert Strike make it into the Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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Grab your pistol as we hunt some replicants in the third person point-and-click adventure title, Blade Runner!  Learn how the game was made, why it was similar, but different, to the movie, and whether it's still worth your time to play today.  Is Blade Runner the cyberpunk adventure you've been waiting for?  Listen in to find out!

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Explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland with me as we discuss the classic computer roleplaying game, Fallout!  Learn about how Interplay as a company evolved over time, discover just how tumultuous the development of the game would end up being, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to take some Rad-X and brave the perils of super mutant infested ruins, even today.

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Police Quest is one of those classic Sierra titles that many adventure gamers hold in high regard.  Blue Force, developed by a group of ex-Sierra employees, was Tsunami Media's attempt at capturing that Sierra magic.  Learn how the game came to be, and listen in as we determine whether this point-and-click adventure is worth your time today.  

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Happy Holidays everyone!

In the spirit of the holidays, I thought it might be fun to "gift" everyone with an episode of the podcast that was previously only available to our Patreon members.  I hope you all enjoy!

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Original Patreon show notes below:

Join me as I recover from an alcohol-fueled self-destructive bender, as we discuss the modern RPG classic, Disco Elysium! Discover how the socio-political climate of Eastern Europe influenced the creation of the game, learn why the world of Disco Elysium took almost 20 years to come to life, and listen in as I give my thoughts as to whether this is a true modern classic that deserves your attention. Disco, baby!

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It's time to revisit ID Software's early years, as we delve into the grandfather of first person shooters, Wolfenstein 3D!  Learn how the ID team made the leap from 2D platformers to a pseudo 3D engine, after which we'll talk about whether the game holds up today, or if it's just too elderly to keep up with its descendants.  

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Move over Mario, as we discuss Sonic the Hedgehog!  Learn about the history of the infamous "console wars" of the 80s and 90s, discover why Sega believed Sonic could be their secret weapon in the battle with Nintendo, and finally, listen in as we determine whether the original Sonic the Hedgehog is still a worthwhile experience to play today.

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Who's the raddest 1990s kid around?  Kid Chameleon!  Join me as we discuss how the game was created, why it has a decidedly American flair, and learn whether it's still worth your time to explore Kid Chameleon's virtual reality landscapes today!

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For many people, Diablo was the first true "action" RPG.  For others, though, especially in the early 90s, Shadow Caster was the game many people gravitated to when they wanted an RPG-like experience that didn't require dissecting scores of numbers and stat points in order to maximize their builds.  Join me as we talk about how Shadow Caster was created, where it sits in computer gaming history, and how well it holds up today!

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It's time to hit the links as we discuss the golf resort simulation title, Sid Meier's Sim Golf!  Learn about Sid Meier's career, discover what made him want to design a golf title in the first place, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to dust off your set of irons to shank your way to victory, even today.

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If you ever wanted to play the game Mousetrap, or recreate the beginning of Peewee's Big Adventure, but in video game form, then look no further than The Incredible Machine, a physics puzzle title released in 1992!  Learn how the game was made, discover why it's creators had to put it on the shelf for years before it eventually released on the market, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to attach a pulley to a conveyor belt powered by a monkey riding a bicycle, even today...

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Grab your dragon sword and sharpen your shuriken, as we discuss the original Ninja Gaiden title!  Learn how the game began life as an arcade title that would, eventually, make its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System, and listen as we dive deep into how the development team made the game a reality, including the reasoning behind why Act VI was so...darn...difficult (no, I'm not bitter).  Does Ninja Gaiden still hold up today?  There's only one way to find out!

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Join me on an island-hopping isometric quest, as we discuss Little Big Adventure!  Learn how the title evolved and inherited from early survival horror games, why it is so beloved amongst the broader gaming community, and whether the title still holds up today, despite some very 1990s design decisions.  Will Little Big Adventure make it into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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Join me as we discuss Link's first 3D adventure, and a game that many people consider to be the best game of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time!  Learn how the game was made, why it set the standard for so many features that would become commonplace in future titles, and discover whether Ocarina of Time remains a Legend, even today.

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Join me for a groovy good time as we discuss The Operative: No One Lives Forever!  Learn how game company Monolith came to be, how the LithTech engine evolved from its DirectX heritage, and whether No One Lives Forever, one of the most underrated games in recent memory, still holds up today.

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The man in the hat is back!  Join me as we discuss one of the finest archaeological adventures ever put on disk, as we take a look at Lucas Arts classic point and click adventure title, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis!  Learn how the game was made, why it deviated from traditional Indiana Jones movie scripts, and whether it's still worth your time to don a fine leather jacket today.

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Come join me as we discuss one of the gaming world's favorite Nintendo mascots, and resident puff ball, Kirby!  Learn how the game was made, why it almost didn't release to market, and discover whether it's still worth your time to fire up your Gameboy and traipse through Dream Land today!

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It's time to take back the streets of Metro City, as we dive deep into the arcade classic side-scrolling beat'em up, Final Fight.  As we always do, we'll discuss the history of the game, including its relevance to the arcade scene of the late 80s / early 90s and how it is forever linked to the Street Fighter series.  Then, we'll discuss what it feels like to actually play the game in 2022 to determine, once and for all, whether Final Fight belongs in the Pantheon of Classic Gaming.

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It's time to tackle another fairytale adventure, as we tackle the classic Sierra On-Line point and click title, King's Quest V!  Learn how the game, discover why King's Quest V represented a shift in Sierra's adventure game design process, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to listen to Cedric the Owl drone on about "POOIIISSONOUS Snakes!"...even today.

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OneShortEye's YouTube channel, for all of your adventure game speedrunning needs:  https://www.youtube.com/@OneShortEye

Join me on a fantasy epic adventure roleplaying experience, as we tackle the Bioware classic, Baldur's Gate!  Learn how the game, discover why it was such a big deal for Bioware to have the opportunity to use the Dungeons & Dragons license in a computer roleplaying game, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to stand ready with Minsc and Boo, even today.

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Get ready to FINISH HIM as we discuss this week's game, Mortal Kombat!  Learn about the origins of the one-on-one fighting game genre, find out why Johnny Cage bears more than a passing resemblance to Jean Claude Van Damme, and discover whether the original arcade "Klassic" still holds up today!

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What happens if you take one part Final Fantasy, two parts Secret of Mana, and add a touch of American pop culture?  You end up with Secret of Evermore, an action RPG released back in 1995.  Learn how the game was made, why it is unique in Square's catalog of RPGs, and whether it's worth your time to play it today.  Does Secret of Evermore merit inclusion in the Pantheon of Classic Gaming, or should Evermore's existence remain a secret?  Tune in to find out!

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It's time for another full motion video classic, as we dive into the voyeuristic world of Night Trap!  Learn how the game evolved from a VHS exclusive title into one of the games that would help spearhead the creation of video game content ratings around the world, discover why a unique stage play from the mid-80s inspired the original creation of the title, and find out whether it's worth your time to protect a bunch of slumber party pals, even today!

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What happens when a Parisian vacation goes very, very wrong?  Find out as we explore the Revolution Software point-and-click classic, Broken Sword (or Circle of Blood, depending on where you live)!  Learn how the game was made, the ways it evolved from Revolution Software's earlier work, and whether it's still worth your time to go on a globe-trotting adventure with George and Nico, even today.

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Join me as we discuss our favorite mustachioed plumber's third outing, Super Mario Bros. 3!  Learn all about Mario's origin story, how Super Mario Bros. 3 was made, why it is such a beloved classic, and learn whether the game still hold's up to a playthrough today.  

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Grab your badge, holster your gun, and put on your leather jacket, as we dive into the seedy underbelly of New York City in Remedy Entertainment's third person action title, Max Payne!  Learn how Remedy evolved from humble beginnings into one of the premier game developers in the world, discover why Max Payne was the title that launched them into superstardom, and listen in as we discuss whether it's still worth your time to unleash a slow motion fueled ballet of destruction on your enemies, even today. Join the discussion on Discord!

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Try to get up before the ref counts to ten, as we discuss the NES classic , Mike Tyson's Punch Out!  Learn how a surplus of inventory led Nintendo to develop the title, listen to why the game featured star boxer Mike Tyson as its final boss, and discover whether it's still worth your time to lace up your gloves and step into the ring, even today.

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Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start!

Join me as we discuss Contra, the father of the run-and-gun genre from the late 80s.  Learn how the game was made, why the Konami code even exists, and how well the game holds up today, well over 30 years following its original release.

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It's time for another simian adventure as we tackle the second game in the Donkey Kong Country series, Diddy's Kong Quest!  Discover how the game was made, learn why Rare believed it could make a better game than its predecessor, and find out whether it's still worth your time to jump, roll, and spin your way through the jungle, even today!

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Our fourth and final deep dive into the early works of id Software focuses on Quake, the successor to Doom and probably the game most responsible for rocket jump-related deaths in the mid-90s.  Learn how id once again evolved their first person shooter formula while, at the same time, creating a true 3D engine that would serve as the blueprint for many titles to come.  Does it feel as good to play today as it did back when it was released?  Listen and find out!

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Before Resident Evil introduced the world to the phrase "survival horror", there was Alone in the Dark!  Learn how the game was made, discover why its influences are still felt throughout the industry, and listen in as we discuss whether this particular jaunt through a haunted mansion is still worth your time, even today...

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Join me on a jungle adventure as we explore the Atari 2600 classic, Pitfall!  Learn how the game was made, discover why David Crane achieved what many thought to be impossible, and listen in as we determine whether it's still worth your time to swing on a vine across a crocodile infested pool of water, even today.

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It's time to destroy everything in sight, as we tackle the hard hitting destruction derby classic, Blast Corps!  Learn how the game was made, discover why destroying buildings is simply fun, and find out whether playing around in a sandbox of wanton mayhem is still worth your time, even today!

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Have you ever played an interactive cartoon?  If so, you just might have played Dragon's Lair, an early 80s arcade title that utilized Laserdisc technology to deliver a never-before-seen level of animation and visual spectacle.  Learn how designer Rick Dyer and Don Bluth and his animation team worked their magic in creating a pivotal title in video game history, and discover whether it's worth your time today to visit, or revisit, Singe's domain!

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Take the fight to the Skaarj as we discuss the first person shooter classic, Unreal!  Learn about the Unreal engine, how Tim Sweeney turned a lifelong passion for mechanics into an ultra-successful game development career, and discover whether Na Pali still looks as good today as it did back in 1998.  Does Unreal make it into our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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For me, music is one of the core components that contributes to the enjoyment, and engagement, of a video game title, and this episode is our third deep dive into some of the classic soundtracks from those games.  In today's episode, we'll look at a cross-section of games from across the landscape of Point and Click Adventure titles, as I pick some of my favorite, and most personally significant, tracks from that particular genre of gaming.  

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Make way...for our next podcast episode focused on Prince Ali himself, Aladdin, for the Sega Genesis!  Learn how the game was made, why the graphics and animations looked so darn good and, join me as we discuss and discover whether the game still holds up today, 30 years after it was originally released.  Does Aladdin belong in our Pantheon of Classic Gaming, or should it be buried in the Cave of Wonders?  There's only one way to find out!

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Join me on a geographic adventure as we determine, once and for all, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego!  Learn how the game was made, why its creator nearly disowned its existence, and discover whether it's still worth your time to grab your almanac for some geographic sleuthing today!

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Before Hideo Kojima became one of the most well-known game designers in the world, he was simply a young developer who loved the cinema, and who wanted to apply cinematic techniques to the games he was creating.  One of his earliest titles was Snatcher, a visual novel adventure game set in a dystopian cyberpunk world filled with cybernetic clones determined to take over the human race.  Learn how the game was created, what influenced Kojima's early work, and how well the game holds up today.  Is Snatcher the newest member of our Classic Gaming Pantheon?  There's only one way to find out!

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For me, music is one of the core components that contributes to the enjoyment, and engagement, of a video game title, and this episode is another of our deep dives into some of the classic soundtracks from those games.  In today's episode, we'll look at a selection of games and songs submitted by all of you, along with your own personal comments and memories about these titles!

If you want to learn more about me and my past, both podcast related and otherwise, I highly encourage you to check out Dave Morton's Sunscreen over on Spotify!  I had the honor of being Dave's very first guest, so definitely click the link if you want to listen in on some memories I legitimately hadn't thought about for 25+ years.

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It's time to save the world as we embark on a discussion on the LucasArts classic, The Dig.  Learn how the game was made, how Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were involved, and whether the experience of playing the title is still worthwhile to seek out today.  Does The Dig warrant inclusion in our Pantheon of Classic Gaming?  There's only one way to find out!

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