A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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

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 through four iterations, its use of the Doom 3 engine, and its unique fusion of Cherokee spirituality and alien horror. Our conversation also follows the franchise’s turbulent history—from canceled sequels to Arkane’s 2017 reboot and Microsoft’s current ownership. Join us as we walk on walls, step through portals, and rediscover Prey on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript