Episodes

  • Ep.220 – Microsoft Enters the War

    Ep.220 – Microsoft Enters the War
    Nov 14 2024

    Today, we’re taking a look back at Microsoft’s game-changing entry into the console market with the original Xbox, launched on November 15, 2001. We start by exploring how Microsoft, traditionally a software giant, was driven to create a gaming console in response to Sony's PlayStation 2, and how a team of engineers used Microsoft’s DirectX technology to build a console that could compete. Then, we’ll look at the Xbox’s groundbreaking features, from its built-in hard drive to the introduction of online gaming with Xbox Live. Finally, we’ll reflect on the Xbox’s legacy, its impact on console design, and its influence on the gaming industry. So, grab your Duke controller and join us as we power up the green machine on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.

    Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co
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    1 hr
  • Ep.219 – Middle Management Gaming

    Ep.219 – Middle Management Gaming
    Nov 7 2024
    Today, we’re traveling back to 1999 to explore Shenmue, Yu Suzuki’s groundbreaking open-world adventure for the Sega Dreamcast. We’ll start by uncovering Suzuki’s journey from arcade classics to his vision of Shenmue as a fully immersive experience, filled with real-time weather, bustling NPCs, and a faithfully recreated Japanese town. Then, we’ll look at the innovative features that set Shenmue apart, as well as the challenges of developing such an ambitious title, from budget-breaking costs to memorable programming quirks. Finally, we’ll reflect on Shenmue’s enduring legacy in gaming, from its influence on open-world design to its beloved status among fans. So, take a seat in the dojo and join us as we delve into the world of Shenmue on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
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    53 mins
  • Ep.218 – Turbo PCs

    Ep.218 – Turbo PCs
    Oct 31 2024
    Today, we’re heading back to the late 80s to explore the NEC PC Engine, better known in North America as the TurboGrafx-16. We start by uncovering the partnership between NEC and Hudson Soft, whose collaboration resulted in one of the smallest yet most powerful consoles of its time. Then, we’ll look at the PC Engine’s innovative features, including its compact HuCard media and groundbreaking CD-ROM add-on, which helped set it apart from competitors. We’ll also explore the console’s journey across the Pacific, its rebranding as the TurboGrafx-16, and its challenges in the U.S. market against the Sega Genesis. Finally, we’ll reflect on the PC Engine’s legacy, from its celebrated library to its impact on gaming technology. So, grab your controllers and join us as we power up the PC Engine on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
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    54 mins
  • Ep.217 – GTA 3D

    Ep.217 – GTA 3D
    Oct 24 2024

    Today. we dive into the chaotic streets of Grand Theft Auto III, first released on October 22, 2001. We begin by exploring the game’s development, from its early prototype on the Sega Dreamcast to the pivotal decision to move it to the PlayStation 2, a change that would revolutionize open-world gaming. Along the way, we highlight the game's groundbreaking design, which transformed Liberty City into a living, breathing 3D world, giving players unprecedented freedom to explore and cause mayhem. We'll also look at the game's lasting impact, from its controversial themes to its influence on modern sandbox games. Finally, we reflect on GTA III's legacy as one of the most important titles in video game history, and why it remains a landmark in the gaming industry. So, buckle up and join us for this wild ride through Liberty City on today's trip down Memory Card Lane.

    Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co
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    54 mins
  • Ep.216 – Eww...Necromorphs

    Ep.216 – Eww...Necromorphs
    Oct 17 2024

    Today, we're plunging into the terrifying corridors of space to explore Dead Space, the survival horror classic that first debuted in October 2008. We begin by diving into the history of the game's development, including its unexpected origins as a potential System Shock 3 project, and the pivotal influences that shaped its shift into the sci-fi horror masterpiece we know today. Next, we'll explore its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, with a particular focus on the innovative "strategic dismemberment" system that set it apart from other shooters of its time. We’ll also delve into its chilling atmosphere, immersive design, and the influence of horror films like Event Horizon that helped make Dead Space a standout in the genre. Finally, we’ll reflect on Dead Space's lasting legacy in survival horror and its impact on future sci-fi horror titles. So, grab your plasma cutter and get ready to face the Necromorphs as we embark on another trip down Memory Card Lane.

    Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co
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    58 mins
  • Ep.215 – Did You Hear The Secret?

    Ep.215 – Did You Hear The Secret?
    Oct 10 2024

    Today, we’re sailing to the Caribbean to explore the beloved classic, The Secret of Monkey Island, which first debuted in October 1990. We start by diving into the history of the game's development, including its inspirations and the brilliant minds behind it. Then, we'll explore its gameplay mechanics, with a particular focus on the innovative insult sword-fighting that became an iconic feature of the series. We'll also look at its humor and unique style that charmed audiences for decades. Finally, we’ll reflect on The Secret of Monkey Island’s lasting legacy in the adventure game genre and its influence on future titles. So, grab your grog and get ready to set sail on another trip down Memory Card Lane.

    Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co
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    54 mins
  • Ep.214 – Trip Hawkins' Specifies

    Ep.214 – Trip Hawkins' Specifies
    Oct 3 2024
    Today, we’re taking a closer look at the ambitious yet ill-fated 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console, launched by Panasonic on October 4th, 1993. We’ll start by diving into the history of the 3DO’s development, discussing its revolutionary vision of creating a unified platform across multiple manufacturers, and how that concept unfolded. Then, we’ll explore its impact on gaming, from its impressive specifications to its struggles with pricing and market competition. Finally, we’ll reflect on the legacy of the 3DO and why it remains a fascinating, albeit niche, piece of gaming history. Plug in your controllers and join us as we travel back to the mid-90s on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
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    57 mins
  • Ep.213 – Legendary Vampire Hunters

    Ep.213 – Legendary Vampire Hunters
    Sep 26 2024

    Today, we explore the origins of the Castlevania series by looking back at Castlevania, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. These game established the beginning of an action-adventure video game series that influenced an entire gaming industry. As part of its story, we'll take a quick look back at the origins of its publisher, Konami. We'll also talk about the career of its creator, Hitoshi Akamatsu. Join us as we explore all the gothic castles on today's trip down Memory Card Lane.

    Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co
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    56 mins