Best David Kassin and Robert Kassin Podcasts (2025)

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

6d ago57:43

57:43

Today, we’re chasing clues across the globe as we dive into Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, the 1985 edutainment classic that turned geography into a globe-trotting adventure. We begin by exploring the origins of Brøderbund Software and how two Harvard-educated brothers—one a lawyer, the other a Swedish basketball coach—built one of the mos…

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Ep.242 – Painted Legends - The Mythical World of Okami 58:00

13d ago58:00

58:00

Today, we’re painting a picture of Ōkami, the 2006 action-adventure game that transformed Japanese mythology into a living watercolor masterpiece. We begin by exploring how Hideki Kamiya, fresh off titles like Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe, sought to create something more peaceful and healing—an idea that evolved into a game about the sun goddess…

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Ep.241 – The Horror of Silence - The Mysteries of D 55:54

20d ago55:54

55:54

Today, we’re diving into the eerie and unconventional world of D, the 1995 psychological horror game that blurred the lines between cinema and interactivity. We begin by exploring the life and legacy of its creator, Kenji Eno, a bold and unpredictable developer whose rebellious spirit defined his work and studio, Warp. Then, we unpack the fascinati…

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

27d ago54:53

54:53

Today, we’re stepping into the ring with Def Jam Vendetta, the 2003 cult classic that fused hip-hop culture with over-the-top wrestling action. We begin by tracing the game’s unexpected origins, from a canceled WCW wrestling title to a brainstorming session that accidentally sparked a genre-defying idea. Then, we explore how developer AKI Corporati…

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Ep.239 – Disney Meets Final Fantasy - The History of Kingdom Hearts 1:01:08

1M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

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

1M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Today, we’re taking a nostalgic ride through Pokémon Snap, the beloved photography-based spinoff released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. We start by exploring its unexpected origins as Jack and the Beanstalk, a game designed for the ill-fated 64DD before Pokémon was introduced to give it focus. Then, we’ll examine its unique gameplay, from its on-rai…

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

2M ago56:34

56:34

Today, we’re heading to Springfield to explore the early days of The Simpsons in video games, starting with the iconic Simpsons Arcade Game released in 1991. We begin by uncovering Matt Groening’s journey from underground cartoonist to television icon, leading to The Simpsons becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Then, we’ll dive into the wave of Simp…

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

2M ago52:55

52:55

Today, we’re exploring the Bandai WonderSwan, an innovative handheld console released in 1999 and designed by the legendary Gunpei Yokoi. We’ll start by uncovering how Bandai entered the gaming market and Yokoi’s design philosophy of “lateral thinking with withered technology.” Then, we’ll examine the WonderSwan’s unique features, including its lon…

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Ep.235 – Episode 235: On the Frontlines - Command and Conquer Goes First Person 56:02

2M ago56:02

56:02

Today, we’re diving into Command & Conquer: Renegade, the 2002 spinoff that took the beloved real-time strategy franchise into the first-person shooter genre. We start by exploring the origins of Command & Conquer at Westwood Studios and how the team sought to expand the universe beyond its RTS roots. Then, we’ll examine how Renegade blended fast-p…

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Ep.234 – Choices in the Storm - David Cage and the Art of Interactive Drama 58:22

2M ago58:22

58:22

Today, we’re diving into Heavy Rain, the 2010 interactive drama that redefined storytelling in video games. We start by exploring the career of David Cage, from his early days as a musician to founding Quantic Dream and pioneering narrative-driven gameplay. Then, we’ll examine Heavy Rain’s groundbreaking mechanics, including its choice-driven story…

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Ep.233 – Get in, Sit Down, and Hang On - The Wild Ride of Crazy Taxi 53:42

3M ago53:42

53:42

Today, we’re taking a high-speed ride through the chaotic world of Crazy Taxi, Sega’s arcade classic first released in 1999. We start by exploring its origins at Sega AM3, where developers set out to break arcade conventions by rewarding skillful players with more game time. Then, we’ll dive into its fast-paced gameplay, iconic punk-rock soundtrack…

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Ep.232 – The Birth of Souls - The Legacy of Demon's Souls 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Today, we’re venturing into the dark and punishing world of Demon’s Souls, the game that laid the foundation for the Souls-like genre. We start by exploring its troubled development, from its rocky start at FromSoftware to how Hidetaka Miyazaki rescued the project and reshaped it into a unique, challenging experience. Then, we’ll dive into its inno…

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

3M ago54:55

54:55

Today, we’re journeying back to the origins of one of the most influential RPG franchises of all time as we explore the Dragon Warrior trilogy in celebration of the anniversary of Dragon Warrior II. We’ll start by uncovering how Dragon Warrior (known as Dragon Quest in North America) emerged from a programming contest and a vision to bring Western-…

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

3M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Today, we’re tracing the rich history of pinball, a timeless game that began as a tabletop amusement in 18th-century France and evolved into a cultural phenomenon. We’ll explore its transformation from early bagatelle tables to electrified arcade staples, touching on pivotal innovations like flippers, tilt mechanisms, and multi-level playfields. Al…

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

3M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Today, we’re diving into the creation of Resident Evil 4, a title that redefined both its franchise and the survival horror genre upon its release on January 11, 2005. We begin by tracing its long development, from multiple abandoned concepts like the fog and Hookman versions to its eventual breakthrough with an over-the-shoulder camera and action-…

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Ep.228 – Apocalyptic Artistry - The Creation of Darksiders 53:10

4M ago53:10

53:10

Today, we’re exploring the story behind Darksiders, an action-adventure game released in 2010 that blends mythology, exploration, and intense combat. We’ll uncover the tale of Vigil Games, the passionate studio that began with a vision of bringing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to life, despite challenges and early failures. Then, we’ll delve …

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

4M ago49:34

49:34

Today, we’re stepping back to 1995 to explore Battle Arena Toshinden, a trailblazing 3D fighting game that debuted as a launch title for the Sony PlayStation. We start by uncovering its origins as a collaboration between Takara and Tamsoft, and its role in showcasing the potential of early 3D gaming with weapon-based combat and groundbreaking sides…

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Ep.226 – 2024 - Year in Review 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

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 57:29

4M ago57:29

57:29

Today, we’re stepping into the Forgotten Realms to explore Baldur’s Gate, the iconic role-playing game first released on December 21, 1998. We’ll start by uncovering the origins of BioWare, from their humble beginnings as a small team of D&D enthusiasts to their ambitious vision for a groundbreaking RPG. Then, we’ll delve into the game’s developmen…

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Ep.224 – British Gangster Gaming 56:28

5M ago56:28

56:28

Today, we’re diving into The Getaway, an ambitious action-adventure game released for the PlayStation 2 on December 11, 2002. We’ll begin by exploring its origins at Team Soho, Sony’s London-based studio, and their mission to create a cinematic, open-world experience that faithfully recreated 10 square miles of London. Then, we’ll look at how The G…

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Ep.223 – First Person Sneaker 54:29

5M ago54:29

54:29

Today, we’re delving into the shadows to explore Thief: The Dark Project, a groundbreaking stealth game first released on December 1, 1998. We’ll start by uncovering the game’s origins at Looking Glass Studios, tracing its evolution from Cold War zombie concepts to Arthurian legends before settling into its unique identity as a stealth-based master…

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Ep.222 – Robin Hood Strikes Again 52:37

5M ago52:37

52:37

Today, we’re journeying to the heart of Sherwood Forest to explore the legendary figure of Robin Hood and his fascinating appearances throughout video game history. We start by uncovering the origins of Robin Hood as a mythical figure born out of England’s turbulent medieval times, delving into his transformation into a symbol of rebellion against …

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Ep.221 – Where'd My Time Go? 1:00:33

5M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Today, we’re journeying to Azeroth to explore World of Warcraft, Blizzard’s groundbreaking MMORPG that launched on November 23, 2004. We start by delving into Blizzard’s history, from their early success with the Warcraft franchise to the development challenges that led to the creation of WoW. Then, we’ll discuss how WoW revolutionized the genre wi…

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Ep.220 – Microsoft Enters the War 59:47

6M ago59:47

59:47

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 technol…

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Ep.219 – Middle Management Gaming 52:59

6M ago52:59

52:59

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 …

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Ep.218 – Turbo PCs 54:28

6M ago54:28

54:28

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…

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Ep.217 – GTA 3D 53:34

6M ago53:34

53:34

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 groundb…

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Ep.216 – Eww...Necromorphs 57:37

7M ago57:37

57:37

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 ho…

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Ep.215 – Did You Hear The Secret? 53:57

7M ago53:57

53:57

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 ins…

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Ep.214 – Trip Hawkins' Specifies 57:05

7M ago57:05

57:05

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’l…

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Ep.213 – Legendary Vampire Hunters 55:34

7M ago55:34

55:34

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…

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Ep.212 – Supernatural High School 56:57

7M ago56:57

56:57

Today, we're looking at the creation of the Persona series by looking at the development of Revelation: Persona, originally released for the Sony PlayStation in 1996. As part of its story, we'll revisit the creation of the Megami Tensei series itself, and talk about how the games evolved as the series carried on, leading to the creation of Persona.…

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Ep.211 – What's A Bandicoot? 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

Today, we're looking back at the origins of the Crash Bandicoot series, which started with Crash Bandicoot, originally released in 1996. We'll return to the creation of Naughty Dog, and look at the circumstances that brought them to create Crash Bandicoot. After looking at the development of Crash Bandicoot itself, we'll talk about the marketing ca…

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Ep.210 – Atari Wins 1:04:23

8M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Today, we head back to 1970s to look at the birth of Atari, and the development of the iconic console, the Atari 2600. We'll return to the creation of Atari to understand the context in which the 2600 was created. Then, we'll look at the development of the 2600 itself, and everything that came together to make it happen. Finally, we'll talk at leng…

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Ep.209 – How To Kill Time 59:43

8M ago59:43

59:43

Today, we'll look back at the Nintendo's first handheld line, the Game and Watch series. Our tale begins by looking again at the early career of its creator, Gunpei Yokoi, and discussing the events that led to the creation of the very first Game and Watch. We'll then talk about various Game and Watch models, taking a moment to discuss why the Game …

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Ep.208 – Our Divine Comedy 1:05:08

8M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

We look back fondly at the action-adventure game, Devil May Cry. Its story begins with the early career of its creator, Hideki Kamiya, and we look at how his contributions to the Resident Evil series led him to create Devil May Cry. We'll look at the creation of this game in detail before we talk about our own experiences with the game. Finally, we…

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Ep.207 – Sho' Enough 56:53

9M ago56:53

56:53

We're looking back at the System Shock series, an incredibly influential series in gaming history. While learning about the games, we'll also look at the history of the studio that conceived the series, Looking Glass Studios. We'll also learn about the creation of the studio that co-developed, System Shock 2, Irrational Games. Finally, we'll talk a…

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Ep.206 – Midnight Pizza Train 54:43

9M ago54:43

54:43

Today, we're celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Five Nights At Freddy's by going back to the beginning, and look back at how the game was conceived. As part of its story, we'll start by looking at the early career of its creator, Scott Cawthon. We'll then explore how a simple game quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon. And finally, we'll explo…

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Ep.205 – The Olympic Games 59:20

9M ago59:20

59:20

Today, we're going to be celebrating the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by learning all about the Olympics and Olympic-themed video games. We'll first touch on the history of the Olympic Games itself, looking at its humble beginnings as a Greek religious festival. We'll then learn how it evolved into an international athletic competition. After that…

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Ep.204 – Sega's Blockbuster 54:02

9M ago54:02

54:02

We're heading back to the late-80s to look at creation of SEGA's After Burner, originally released in arcades in 1987. As part of its history, we'll also look at the childhood, and early career of its creator, Yu Suzuki. His story is very much the history of motion simulator cabinets in arcades, which has us also looking at games such as Hang-on, S…

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Ep.203 – Nintendo Saves The World 1:03:01

10M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

We're heading back to the mid-80s to look at a pivotal moment in gaming history. Our story today looks at the creation of the Nintendo Famicom (1983) and the Nintendo Entertainment System (1985). As part of its story, we'll look at back at the early history of its designer, Masayuki Uemura. We'll also talk about the influence that the Famicom has h…

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Ep.202 – The Great Destruction 50:29

10M ago50:29

50:29

Today, we look back at the creation of the Armored Core series, which began with Armored Core, released for the Sony PlayStation in July 1997. As part of its story, we'll also learn about the early history of its development studio, FromSoftware. We'll look at how a business software company turned into one of the premiere developers for mech-based…

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Ep.201 – Let's Get Lucky 1:05:04

10M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Today, we go back to the beginning of the Leisure Suit Larry series by looking at the development of Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards. As part of its story, we look at the career of its creator, Al Lowe. We also revisit some of the early catalog of Sierra Entertainment, including the text adventure game that inspired Leisure Sui…

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Ep.200 – 64-Bit Stars with Ryan Shepherd 1:17:18

10M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

We celebrate 200 episodes by looking at one of the most iconic games of all time, Super Mario 64. We'll talk about the development of the game, looking back at some old interviews to understand the process. Our conversation will continue as we talk about the legacy of this game alongside our own personal experiences with it. Finally, we take some t…

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Ep.199 – What It Means To Be Human 54:08

10M ago54:08

54:08

Today, we're going to learn all about the RoboCop franchise, staring with the conception of the original Robocop movie in 1987. As part of its story, we'll learn all about how the first Robocop movie was adapted into a video game. After that, we'll look through the movie sequels and the video game adaptions of each movie. Finally, we'll continue by…

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Ep.198 – Life Goes On 1:01:31

11M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Today, we'll learn the story of The Last of Us, released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013. As part of its story, we'll learn all about its creator, Neil Druckmann, and briefly run through the early history of its development studio, Naughty Dog. Our discussion focuses on how the narrative of the game came together, and we talk at length about what all…

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Ep.197 – The Golden Age 57:51

11M ago57:51

57:51

Today, we're celebrating the history of Space Invaders, which was released in arcades in the Summer of 1978. As we learn about the game, we'll also talk about the career of its creator, Tomohiro Nishikado. While looking at his early career, we'll look at many firsts in the video game industry, including the first human on human combat title. Help u…

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Ep.196 – Dark Seed 58:14

11M ago58:14

58:14

Today, we're looking at Dark Seed, a 1992 adventure game inspired by the artwork of H.R. Giger. As part of its story, we'll learn all about the career of the Swiss artist, and explore his contributes to video games and cinema. We'll also learn about Cyberdreams, the game's development studio, and explore their limited library. Prepare to have a hor…

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Ep.195 – SegaSonic The Hedgehog 59:28

11M ago59:28

59:28

Today, we're look back at SegaSonic the Hedgehog, an arcade cabinet released by Sega in May of 1993. As part of its story, we'll look at where the SegaSonic name came from. We'll also talk about the 1st game in which Sonic was voiced, a popcorn vending machine starring Sonic and Tails, and a Sonic game in which you run on a treadmill. There is much…

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Ep.194 – Cycle of Violence 1:04:59

12M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Today, we look back at the development history of Red Dead Redemption, originally released by Rockstar Studios in May 2010. As part of its story, we'll revisit the history of its development studio Rockstar San Diego. We'll also talk about how the studio gave life to the Western Frontier. After that, we'll talk about the Rockstar Wives debacle and …

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David Kassin And Robert Kassin Podcasts

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