Best David Kassin and Robert Kassin Podcasts (2025)

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Ep.274 – 64-Bits of Trouble: The Rise and Fall of the Atari Jaguar 1:01:37

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1d ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In 1993, Atari launched the Jaguar, a console that promised 64-bit power and a bold return to gaming glory—but the reality was far more complicated. In this episode, we explore how Atari partnered with Flare Technology, canceled its 16-bit Panther system, and aimed to leapfrog the competition with a futuristic design that was ambitious, confusing, …

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Ep.273 – Silent Assassin: Exploring the Origins and Legacy of Hitman: Codename 47 57:03

8d ago57:03

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In 2000, \Hitman: Codename 47\ introduced players to Agent 47 and a new breed of stealth gaming built on improvisation, experimentation, and precision. In this episode, we trace how a small team of Danish demoscene veterans formed IO Interactive, built the Glacier Engine from scratch, and turned a 'simple shooter' concept into one of the most influ…

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Ep.272 – Mattel’s Vision: The Rise and Fall of Mattel and its Intellivision 59:00

15d ago59:00

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In 1979, Mattel entered the console wars with the \Intellivision\, a machine that promised to outthink Atari with its 'intelligent television' design. This week, we explore how a toy company known for Barbie and Hot Wheels transformed into a technological powerhouse, creating one of the first true competitors to Atari’s 2600. We discuss the innovat…

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Ep.271 – Chainsaws and Cover: How Epic Games Redefined the Modern Shooter with Gears of War 1:06:32

22d ago1:06:32

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In 2006, Epic Games released Gears of War, a brutal and cinematic reinvention of the third-person shooter. In this episode, we trace Cliff Bleszinski’s journey from teenage shareware designer to creative director at Epic, and how his vision helped transform a scrapped Unreal prototype into one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. We explore the birt…

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Ep.270 – The Magazine That Started It All: Electronic Games' Legacy 1:08:46

29d ago1:08:46

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In 1981, a trio of writers—Arnie Katz, Bill Kunkel, and Joyce Worley—released Electronic Games, the first magazine dedicated entirely to video games. In this episode, we trace how their early ‘Arcade Alley’ column evolved into a full publication that gave the gaming world its first real voice. Our conversation explores the magazine’s creation, from…

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Ep.269 – Tanooki Takeover: The Story of Super Mario Bros. 3 1:11:22

1M ago1:11:22

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In 1990, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. 3, the NES encore that pushed 8-bit gaming to its absolute limit. In this episode, we explore how Shigeru Miyamoto and his team built a theatrical masterpiece from the ground up, transforming technical constraints into creative brilliance. Our conversation traces the journey from Donkey Kong to the Mushr…

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Ep.268 – Click, Chop, Conquer: How Ensemble Studios Made Age of Empires 53:34

1M ago53:34

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In 1997, Ensemble Studios released Age of Empires, a real-time strategy game that transformed history into spectacle. We trace Tony Goodman’s journey from running a Dallas software company to founding Ensemble, and how veteran designer Bruce Shelley brought board game and Civilization experience to the team. The episode highlights the creation of “…

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Ep.267 – Monkey Business: The Struggle to Develop Enslaved: Odyssey to the West 53:28

2M ago53:28

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In 2010, Ninja Theory released Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, a post-apocalyptic reimagining of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. We trace Tameem Antoniades’ turbulent path from Kung Fu Chaos and Heavenly Sword to founding Ninja Theory and building Enslaved on a shoestring budget. The episode highlights the extraordinary creative lineup—Andy Se…

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Ep.266 – Basement Blues: Faith and Trauma in The Binding of Issac's Design 55:36

2M ago55:36

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In 2011, Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl released The Binding of Isaac, a crude Flash project that grew into one of the most influential indie games of its era. We trace McMillen’s path from comics to Super Meat Boy, his partnership with Himsl, and the deeply personal religious themes that shaped Isaac’s grotesque story. The episode highlights it…

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Ep.265 – Heroes in the Cockpit: Chris Roberts and the Making of Wing Commander (1990) 56:09

2M ago56:09

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In 1990, Origin Systems released Wing Commander, Chris Roberts’ groundbreaking space combat simulator that aimed to feel like a movie you could play. We trace Roberts’ path from teenage programmer on the BBC Micro to his time at Origin, where Times of Lore shaped his cinematic ambitions. The episode explores how Roberts taught himself 3D tricks, pi…

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Ep.264 – Storming the Beaches (and the Servers): How Battlefield 1942 Redefined Multiplayer Warfare 56:23

2M ago56:23

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In 2002, Battlefield 1942 redefined multiplayer shooters by combining infantry, tanks, ships, and planes on massive, team-based maps. We rewind to the roots of DICE and Refraction Games, from digital pinball tables to the ambitious Codename Eagle, and how their merger set the stage for Battlefield’s debut. The episode highlights EA’s role in finall…

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Ep.263 – Swinging Through History: How Pitfall! Became the First Great Platformer 53:05

3M ago53:05

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In 1982, David Crane pushed the Atari 2600 to its limits with only four kilobytes of memory, creating Pitfall!, a jungle adventure that became one of the system’s best-sellers. Our conversation traces Crane’s journey from Atari to co-founding Activision, his experiments that led to the iconic “running man” sprite, and the algorithm that generated 2…

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Ep.262 – Motorcycles and Mayhem: Road Rash’s Wild Ride 57:33

3M ago57:33

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In 1991, Electronic Arts roared onto the Sega Genesis with Road Rash, a wild mix of high-speed racing, violent brawls, and rebellious attitude. In this episode, we explore how a failed Mario Andretti racing sim evolved into a motorcycle brawler that defined EA’s early console success. We trace how Randy Breen, Carl Mey, and Dan Geisler transformed …

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Ep.261 – Horror in Full Motion: Exploring the Nightmare World of Phantasmagoria 59:42

3M ago59:42

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In 1995, Phantasmagoria shocked the gaming world with its blend of live-action horror, mature storytelling, and cinematic ambition. In this episode, we explore how Roberta Williams and Sierra On-Line broke new ground by merging Hollywood filmmaking with interactive adventure design. We trace the game’s development from concept to its massive seven-…

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Ep.260 – Tactical Revolution: Rainbow Six and the Birth of Tactical Shooters 56:32

3M ago56:32

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In 1998, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six changed the first-person shooter forever, replacing run-and-gun chaos with precision, teamwork, and planning. In this episode, we explore how Red Storm Entertainment—founded by Tom Clancy himself—transformed a simple idea about hostage rescue into a tactical revolution. We trace the development of both the game and…

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Ep.259 – Flat Out Fun: Reading Through the Story of Paper Mario 54:07

4M ago54:07

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In 2000, Paper Mario unfolded onto the Nintendo 64, turning the Mushroom Kingdom into a whimsical world of storybook adventure. In this episode, we explore how Nintendo and Intelligent Systems built upon the legacy of Super Mario RPG to create something new—transforming technical limitations into a paper-crafted masterpiece. We trace how its flat a…

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Ep.258 – The Mana Legacy: Exploring the History of Secret of Mana 57:53

4M ago57:53

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In 1993, Secret of Mana brought magic, emotion, and innovation to the Super Nintendo, redefining what an RPG could be. In this episode, we explore how Square turned a canceled CD-ROM project into a masterpiece that blended real-time combat, cooperative multiplayer, and heartfelt storytelling. We trace Koichi Ishii’s vision for a living world, the d…

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Ep.257 – Talking Fish: Seaman's Quirky Evolution 54:33

4M ago54:33

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In 1999, Sega’s Dreamcast played host to one of the strangest games ever made: Seaman, a talking, human-faced fish with a personality all its own. In this episode, we explore how eccentric developer Yoot Saito went from designing SimTower to creating a surreal experiment in artificial life. We trace Seaman’s bizarre origins—from a lunchroom joke to…

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Ep.256 – Twin Galaxies and Teamwork: How the U.S. National Video Game Team Made History 1:12:56

4M ago1:12:56

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In the early 1980s, competitive gaming was born—and at its heart stood the U.S. National Video Game Team. In this episode, we explore how Walter Day and Twin Galaxies transformed arcade high scores into organized competition, bringing together the best players from across the country. We trace the team’s origins in Ottumwa, Iowa, its chaotic Electr…

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Ep.255 – The Force of Storytelling: Knights of the Old Republic’s Legacy 1:02:30

4M ago1:02:30

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In 2003, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic took RPGs to a galaxy far, far away, forever changing how stories were told in games. In this episode, we explore how BioWare—best known for Baldur’s Gate—teamed up with LucasArts to craft an original Star Wars tale set 4,000 years before the films. We trace the game’s development, from its D&D-inspir…

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Ep.254 – Portal to the Unknown: How Prey Finally Found Its Form 55:44

5M ago55:44

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In 2006, Prey finally emerged after more than a decade in development hell, blending groundbreaking technology with a deeply personal sci-fi story. In this episode, we explore how Human Head Studios revived 3D Realms’ long-lost vision, turning a once-canceled project into a gravity-defying experience unlike anything else. We trace Prey’s evolution …

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Ep.253 – A Bear, A Bird, and a Classic: Exploring the Origins and Legacy of Banjo-Kazooie 58:57

5M ago58:57

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In 1998, Banjo-Kazooie took flight on the Nintendo 64, redefining the 3D platformer with its humor, creativity, and boundless charm. In this episode, we explore how Rare transformed a canceled RPG called Project Dream into one of the most beloved adventures of the era. We trace the evolution from Edson’s fairy-tale world to Banjo and Kazooie’s witt…

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Ep.252 – Sanity Slips Away: The Psychological Horror of Eternal Darkness 1:04:08

5M ago1:04:08

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In 2002, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem brought psychological horror to the GameCube in a way no one had ever seen before. In this episode, we explore how Canadian studio Silicon Knights, under Denis Dyack, blended Lovecraftian terror, historical fiction, and psychological manipulation to create a game that literally toyed with its players. We …

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Ep.251 – Scalpel, Please: How Trauma Center Turned the Nintendo DS into an Operating Room 59:47

5M ago59:47

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In 2005, Atlus put players on the operating table with Trauma Center: Under the Knife, a tense surgical simulation that turned the Nintendo DS touchscreen into a tool for saving lives. In this episode, we explore how Katsura Hashino and his team of Shin Megami Tensei veterans swapped demons for diagnoses, creating a game that mixed medical precisio…

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Ep.250 – Hail to the Wait: The Long Road to Duke Nukem Forever 1:00:49

6M ago1:00:49

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In 2011, after more than a decade of delays, Duke Nukem Forever finally arrived—and instantly became one of gaming’s most infamous legends. In this episode, we trace the long, chaotic journey that began in 1997 as a sequel to the smash hit Duke Nukem 3D. We explore how shifting technologies, engine swaps, and creative restarts stretched a few month…

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Ep.249 – Ribbit and Rage: When Difficulty, Humor, and Style Collided in Battletoads 53:50

6M ago53:50

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In 1991, Rare unleashed Battletoads, a wild, over-the-top beat-’em-up that mixed humor, style, and some of the most punishing difficulty ever seen on the NES. In this episode, we explore how Chris and Tim Stamper created the amphibian heroes—Zitz, Rash, and Pimple—as a bold response to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze. We discuss Rare’s desig…

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Ep.248 – Warfare on the Map: Dota and the Origins of MOBAs 52:35

6M ago52:35

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In the early 2000s, a simple fan-made map called Defense of the Ancients, or DOTA, reshaped gaming forever. In this episode, we trace how a Warcraft III mod evolved into the foundation of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena genre. We explore how hobbyist creators like Eul, Guinsoo, and IceFrog built on each other’s ideas to turn a small community p…

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Ep.247 – Joanna's Dark Mission: The Story of Perfect Dark 57:49

6M ago57:49

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In 2000, Rare released Perfect Dark, a futuristic first-person shooter that pushed the Nintendo 64 to its limits and redefined what stealth-action gaming could be. In this episode, we explore how the team behind GoldenEye 007 evolved their formula into something bigger, bolder, and more ambitious. We discuss how Joanna Dark became one of gaming’s f…

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Ep.246 – E3 Unplugged: A Look Back at Gaming's Premiere Event 56:53

7M ago56:53

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Since 1995, E3 has been gaming’s biggest stage—where console wars were fought, legends were revealed, and the industry came together to celebrate its future. In this episode, we explore how the Electronic Entertainment Expo was born out of frustration with CES, sparked by a few angry executives, and fueled by the growing power of the gaming industr…

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Ep.245 – A Galaxy Far Far Away: When Star Wars Found Its First Home in Video Games 58:15

7M ago58:15

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In 1983, Atari released Star Wars: The Arcade Game, letting players relive the Death Star trench run in one of the most iconic arcade experiences ever made. In this episode, we explore how the rise of Star Wars collided with the golden age of gaming, creating a legacy that spanned consoles and arcades alike. We trace the early history of Star Wars …

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Ep.244 – The Scrolls Unfold: Exploring the Legacy of Morrowind 58:40

7M ago58:40

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In 2002, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind redefined what open-world RPGs could be, offering players unmatched freedom in the alien land of Vvardenfell. In this episode, we explore how Bethesda evolved from small beginnings into a powerhouse developer, and how a team of just six people rebuilt both their tools and their vision to create one of gamin…

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Ep.243 – Where in the World: Carmen Sandiego's Enduring Legacy 57:43

7M ago57:43

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In 1985, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? turned geography into an unforgettable game of mystery, teaching players while they chased an elusive criminal mastermind across the globe. In this episode, we explore how Harvard-educated brothers Doug and Gary Carlston founded Broderbund and transformed a simple adventure prototype into a global lea…

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Ep.242 – Painted Legends: Okami's Mythical World 58:00

8M ago58:00

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In 2006, Okami redefined artistic expression in gaming with its watercolor world, mythic storytelling, and innovative Celestial Brush mechanic. In this episode, we explore how Hideki Kamiya and Clover Studio transformed a struggling photo-realistic prototype into a breathtaking experience inspired by Japanese mythology. We trace the game’s creative…

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Ep.241 – From Techno Dreams to Nightmares: The Story of D 55:54

8M ago55:54

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In 1995, D pushed the boundaries of horror and storytelling, creating an eerie, cinematic experience unlike anything before it. In this episode, we explore the twisted genius of Kenji Eno and how his studio, Warp, crafted a haunting real-time adventure that blended atmosphere, innovation, and rebellion. We trace Eno’s journey from dropout to develo…

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Ep.240 – Hip Hop Smackdown: Def Jam Vendetta Takes the Ring 54:53

8M ago54:53

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In 2003, Def Jam Vendetta hit the scene with a knockout punch—mixing hip-hop swagger with over-the-top wrestling action. In this episode, we explore how a cancelled WCW game, a weekend brainstorm, and a bold idea from EA’s NBA Street team turned into one of the most unique crossovers in gaming. We trace how developers collaborated with Def Jam arti…

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Ep.239 – Disney Meets Final Fantasy: Exploring the Magical History of Kingdom Hearts 1:01:08

8M ago1:01:08

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Today, we’re unlocking the magic behind Kingdom Hearts, the beloved action RPG that brought together Disney’s charm and Final Fantasy’s epic storytelling when it debuted in 2002. We’ll start by exploring the unlikely origins of the series, from a chance elevator pitch to Tetsuya Nomura’s bold vision for a game inspired by Super Mario 64. Then, we’l…

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Ep.238 – Picture Perfect: Exploring the World of Pokemon Snap 1:01:04

8M ago1:01:04

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In 1999, Pokémon Snap invited players to catch ’em all in a whole new way—not with Poké Balls, but with a camera. In this episode, we explore how HAL Laboratory turned an abandoned Nintendo 64DD project into one of the most creative spin-offs in the Pokémon franchise. We discuss how Pokémon Snap began as Jack and the Beanstalk, how Satoru Iwata and…

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Ep.237 – Springfield in Pixels: The Simpsons in Gaming 56:34

9M ago56:34

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In 1991, The Simpsons Arcade Game brought Springfield’s chaos to life, letting fans punch, kick, and laugh their way through one of the most beloved beat-’em-ups of its era. In this episode, we explore how Konami captured the show’s sharp humor and distinctive art style, turning America’s favorite animated family into arcade icons. We trace the ear…

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Ep.236 – The Wonders of the Swan: Bandai's Handheld Journey 52:55

9M ago52:55

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In 1999, Bandai entered the handheld arena with the WonderSwan, a sleek and affordable console designed by legendary Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi. In this episode, we explore how Yokoi’s philosophy of “lateral thinking with withered technology” shaped the WonderSwan’s efficient design, long battery life, and unique vertical-and-horizontal gameplay…

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Ep.235 – Episode 235: On the Frontlines: Command & Conquer Goes Renegade 56:02

9M ago56:02

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In 2002, Westwood Studios stepped out of its strategy comfort zone with Command & Conquer: Renegade, a bold attempt to bring the C&C universe into first-person action. In this episode, we explore how the studio behind one of the most influential RTS franchises experimented with blending real-time strategy and FPS gameplay. We trace its origins from…

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Ep.234 – Choices in the Storm: David Cage and the Art of Heavy Rain 58:22

9M ago58:22

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In 2010, Heavy Rain redefined interactive storytelling, blending film and gameplay into an emotional, choice-driven experience. In this episode, we explore how musician-turned-director David Cage built Quantic Dream from scratch and transformed his creative vision into one of gaming’s most cinematic adventures. We trace his journey from composing f…

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Ep.233 – Get in, Sit Down, and Hang On: Riding Wild in Crazy Taxi 53:42

10M ago53:42

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In 1999, Sega unleashed Crazy Taxi, an arcade sensation that captured the chaos and energy of city driving like never before. In this episode, we explore how director Kenji Kanno and Sega’s AM3 division turned the daily grind of taxi driving into pure adrenaline-fueled fun. We trace the game’s origins from Top Skater to its evolution on the powerfu…

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Ep.232 – The Birth of Demon's Souls: Origins of the Soulslike Genre 1:00:48

10M ago1:00:48

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In 2009, Demon’s Souls defied convention, reviving challenge and mystery in an era of hand-holding games. In this episode, we explore how Hidetaka Miyazaki transformed a failing project at FromSoftware into the foundation of the Soulslike genre. We trace Miyazaki’s unlikely path from office worker to visionary director, the game’s troubled developm…

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Ep.231 – Expanding the Quest: The Legacy of the Dragon Warrior Trilogy 54:55

10M ago54:55

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In 1987, Dragon Warrior II expanded on its groundbreaking predecessor, paving the way for the evolution of console RPGs. In this episode, we revisit the origins of the Dragon Warrior trilogy, tracing how Yuji Horii, Koichi Nakamura, and Akira Toriyama built a franchise that transformed the role-playing genre. We explore how Dragon Warrior II introd…

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Ep.230 – Tilted Through Time: Bouncing Around The History of Pinball 1:01:22

10M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Long before video games, there was pinball, a game of flashing lights, steel balls, and timeless skill. In this episode, we trace its fascinating journey from 18th-century French parlors to modern arcades, exploring how simple tabletop amusements evolved into electrified icons of entertainment. We discuss the innovations that shaped the game—from c…

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Ep.229 – Reinventing Fear: The Evolution of Resident Evil 4 1:00:05

11M ago1:00:05

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In 2005, Resident Evil 4 redefined survival horror and changed gaming forever. In this episode, we explore how Capcom’s long and complicated development process produced a masterpiece that balanced action, tension, and cinematic storytelling. We trace the many versions of the game—from the canceled Fog and Hook Man builds to Shinji Mikami’s final v…

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Ep.228 – Apocalyptic Artistry: When Myth, Art, and Action Forged Darksiders 53:10

11M ago53:10

53:10

In 2010, Darksiders brought players to the brink of the apocalypse, combining mythic storytelling, brutal combat, and striking comic book artistry. In this episode, we explore how Joe Madureira, David Adams, and a small team at Vigil Games built their dream project from scratch—starting with four developers, a cracked monitor, and a pitch at E3. We…

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Ep.227 – Fighters of the Polygonal Arena: Battle Arena Toshinden's 3D Revolution 49:34

11M ago49:34

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In 1995, Battle Arena Toshinden stepped into the ring as one of the first fully 3D fighting games, showing the world what the next generation of combat could look like. In this episode, we explore how developer Tamsoft and publisher Takara moved from porting SNK titles to pioneering their own weapon-based fighter for the PlayStation. We discuss how…

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Ep.226 – 2024: Year in Review 29:46

11M ago29:46

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Today, we’re wrapping up an incredible year by reflecting on some of the most iconic moments in gaming history that we explored in 2024. From celebrating the anniversaries of beloved titles like Minecraft and World of Warcraft to diving into foundational classics like Zork and the Atari 2600, it’s been a year filled with memorable milestones. We al…

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Ep.225 – The Forgotten Realm: Baldur’s Gate and the Rise of BioWare 57:29

11M ago57:29

57:29

In 1998, Baldur’s Gate brought the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life like never before, setting a new gold standard for computer RPGs. In this episode, we explore how a group of Canadian doctors and friends at BioWare transformed a scrappy tech demo into an epic journey through the Forgotten Realms. We discuss the influence of Interplay and Black…

David Kassin And Robert Kassin Podcasts