Claim Ownership
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane
A Trip Down Memory Card LaneSubscribed: 3Played: 191
Subscribe
© Copyright 2025
Description
Would you like to learn new things about your favorite video games, and the people who create them?
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane is a weekly video game history podcast that uses the current week in gaming history as a guide to tell you interesting stories about the history of video games, gaming consoles, game designers, the gaming studios they've founded, and more.
Join hosts David Kassin and Robert Kassin as they take an often-chronological look at the people, companies, technologies, and developmental processes that have helped bring your favorite video games to life on each week's trip down Memory Card Lane.
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane is a weekly video game history podcast that uses the current week in gaming history as a guide to tell you interesting stories about the history of video games, gaming consoles, game designers, the gaming studios they've founded, and more.
Join hosts David Kassin and Robert Kassin as they take an often-chronological look at the people, companies, technologies, and developmental processes that have helped bring your favorite video games to life on each week's trip down Memory Card Lane.
274 Episodes
Reverse
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, and notoriously difficult to develop for. We trace the Jaguar’s tangled architecture, marketing push to “Do the Math,” and the hardware quirks that doomed it from the start. Our conversation also dives into the console’s standout games, failed add-ons like the Jaguar CD and VR, and its strange second life as an open platform for homebrewers. Join us as we plug in and power up the story of the Atari Jaguar on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 influential stealth franchises in history. We follow the evolution from Codename 47’s experimental beginnings to Silent Assassin’s refinement and Contracts’ atmospheric retelling, exploring how each installment shaped IO’s design philosophy. Our conversation also touches on IO’s roots, ragdoll physics innovation, and the World of Assassination era that followed. Join us as we slip into the shadows and revisit Hitman’s origin story on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 innovations that made the Intellivision stand out, its 16-bit processor, unique keypad controllers, and focus on realism, and the missteps that led to its fall amid the 1983 crash. Our conversation dives into its visionary add-ons, the Blue Sky Rangers, and the legacy that still shapes console design today. Join us as we plug in and power on the story of Mattel’s Intellivision on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 birth of the Lancer, the evolution of cover-based combat, and how Epic’s technical mastery of Unreal Engine 3 changed console gaming forever. Our conversation covers Gears’ critical and commercial success, its influence on modern shooters, and how it became a defining moment for the Xbox 360. Join us as we reload, rev up, and fight through the Locust Horde on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 pitch meetings and prototype covers to its bold editorial vision that treated games as art rather than toys. We discuss the rise and fall of the magazine through the video game crash, its 1990s revival, and how its writers shaped the language, ethics, and spirit of game journalism that persist today. Join us as we flip through the pages of history and celebrate the magazine that started it all on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 Mushroom Kingdom’s final curtain call, covering the team’s innovations in overworld maps, new power-ups like the Super Leaf and Tanooki Suit, and the MMC3 chip that made it all possible. We discuss the game’s debut through The Wizard, its massive cultural impact, and how it became one of the best-selling and most beloved platformers of all time. Join us as we take flight one last time on the NES and relive the magic of Super Mario Bros. 3 on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 “Dawn of Man,” the challenges of pathfinding and dial-up multiplayer, and Microsoft’s gamble on a game that mixed Warcraft’s immediacy with Civilization’s scope. Our conversation explores critic reviews praising its balance of history and playability, as well as fan memories of chopping wood, raising wonders, and fighting to the population cap. We also cover Rise of Rome, sequels, Definitive Editions, and Age of Empires IV. Join us as we build, march, and conquer through Age of Empires on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 Serkis shaping Monkey, Alex Garland embedding with the team as co-designer, and Nitin Sawhney composing its score. Our conversation explores its lush environments, groundbreaking performance capture, and the dynamic between Monkey and Trip that critics compared to ICO and Prince of Persia. While sales fell short of expectations, expansions like Pigsy’s Perfect 10 and cult acclaim cemented its legacy. Join us as we climb, fight, and journey west through Enslaved on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 its Zelda-inspired dungeons, roguelike randomization, and item transformations that turned every run into a new tale of survival. Our conversation explores critic and fan reactions, Nintendo’s rejection over “blasphemous” content, and how expansions, remakes, and community mods expanded it into Rebirth, Afterbirth, and Repentance. From small experiment to genre-defining giant, we explore how Isaac sparked the roguelike revival. Join us as we dodge, cry, and descend into Isaac’s basement on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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, pitched Squadron, and assembled a small team to bring branching campaigns, cockpit chatter, and dynamic music to life. Our conversation highlights critic and fan praise for its spectacle, the rush of expansions and sequels, and its leap into full-motion video with Mark Hamill in Wing Commander III. We also follow Roberts beyond Origin, from Freelancer to Star Citizen. Join us as we dogfight, dive, and dream big through Wing Commander on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 finally backing the project, the Refractor engine’s technical leap, and the launch maps that turned every match into a story generator. Critics praised its scale and innovation, though single-player bot matches left some underwhelmed. Our conversation explores emergent stunts, early fan culture, influential mods like Desert Combat, and Battlefield’s long legacy in shaping online play. Join us as we storm, soar, and shell our way through Battlefield 1942 on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 255 screens on the fly. We highlight how Raiders of the Lost Ark, Saturday cartoons, and clever coding shaped Pitfall Harry’s swings on vines, leaps across crocodiles, and treasure hunts. We also revisit its commercial success, Jack Black’s cameo in a TV ad, and the technical marvel of Pitfall II: Lost Caverns. Though later revivals varied, the original proved consoles could deliver real adventures. Join us as we revisit the leap that defined platforming on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 technical limitations into creative breakthroughs, building one of the most iconic racing games of its era. Our conversation covers its development struggles, Genesis showcase debut, sequels, and lasting influence on titles like Burnout and Road Redemption. Join us as we punch, kick, and speed through the chaos of Road Rash on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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-disc release, examining the technical innovations and production challenges that brought its haunted mansion to life. Our conversation also dives into its controversy over graphic violence and adult themes, its record-breaking sales, and the rise and fall of the FMV era it helped define. Join us as we uncover the chilling legacy of Phantasmagoria on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 Clancy’s novel, which were created in tandem to define a new standard for realism and storytelling. Our conversation covers the game’s planning mechanics, its one-shot lethality, and how it inspired an entire genre of tactical shooters that followed. Join us as we plan, breach, and execute the mission of Rainbow Six on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 aesthetic became a gameplay mechanic, its humor charmed players of all ages, and its design bridged the gap between accessibility and depth. Our conversation also covers its evolution into a beloved series that continues to redefine what a Mario RPG can be. Join us as we flip, fold, and fight our way through Paper Mario on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 development challenges that shaped the final product, and how the game’s iconic ring menu system transformed RPG design. Our conversation also covers its critical success, long-lasting influence, and the ups and downs of the Mana series that followed. Join us as we draw the Mana Sword and revisit Secret of Mana on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 a full-fledged simulation backed by Sega—and discuss how voice recognition, real-time evolution, and Leonard Nimoy’s narration helped shape its unsettling charm. Our conversation dives into its quirky localization, cult success, and the creative risks that made it unforgettable. Join us as we feed, talk to, and get roasted by Seaman on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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 Electronic Circus debut, and its cross-country bus tour that turned gamers into early esports pioneers. Our conversation also follows how the team evolved into a structured organization, contributed to Guinness World Records, and helped launch Electronic Gaming Monthly. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of the U.S. National Video Game Team on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
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-inspired combat and branching morality system to its unforgettable twist and award-winning storytelling. Our conversation also follows its legacy through sequels, comics, and The Old Republic MMO that expanded the era into a full-fledged universe. Join us as we ignite our lightsabers and revisit Knights of the Old Republic on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States