A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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 its 8-way movement system and polygonal characters pushed the genre forward, influencing future series like Tekken and Soul Calibur. Our conversation also dives into its rapid sequels, spin-offs, and how it became one of the few games published by Sony, Sega, and Nintendo all at once. Join us as we slash, dodge, and duel through Battle Arena Toshinden on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

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 also revisited legendary franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Crash Bandicoot, and Super Mario 64, while exploring unique and quirky titles like Dark Seed and Amnesia. As we look back, we’re reminded of the rich tapestry of gaming’s past and eagerly look forward to uncovering more stories in the coming year. So, join us as we celebrate the year gone by and get ready for what’s next on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane..Read transcript

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 Isle Studios, the creation of the Infinity Engine, and how the team balanced deep tactical combat with rich storytelling. Our conversation also covers the game’s breakout success, its impact on the Western RPG revival, and the legacy that continues through Baldur’s Gate 3. Join us as we roll for initiative and relive Baldur’s Gate on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 2002, Sony’s Team Soho brought cinematic crime drama to gaming with The Getaway, a gritty action-adventure set in the streets of London. In this episode, we explore how studio director Brendan McNamara’s vision evolved from racing prototypes to a full-blown gangster epic inspired by films like Get Carter and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. We discuss the game’s ambitious goal to recreate London block by block, its troubled development, and the immense hype that surrounded its release. Our conversation also covers the series’ sequels, spin-offs, and its surprising afterlife as a hit television show. Join us as we hit the gas and revisit The Getaway on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1998, Thief: The Dark Project crept onto PCs and forever changed the way players approached stealth. In this episode, we explore how Looking Glass Studios transformed a failed fantasy concept called Dark Camelot into a groundbreaking first-person stealth experience. We discuss how Ken Levine, Doug Church, and Tom Leonard helped shape its immersive design—introducing mechanics like dynamic lighting, realistic sound, and AI suspicion states that influenced everything from Splinter Cell to Assassin’s Creed. Our conversation covers the game’s turbulent development, its critical success, and the eventual legacy of the Thief series. Join us as we sneak through shadows and rediscover Thief: The Dark Project on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1986, twin teenage developers Andrew and Philip Oliver brought folklore to the home computer with Super Robin Hood, their very first hit for Codemasters. In this episode, we explore how the brothers coded the game in their bedroom—working in shifts, swapping the keyboard, and cooling the computer between marathon sessions. We also discuss how Robin Hood’s legend has evolved in gaming, from early 8-bit adventures like Robin of the Wood to later titles such as Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood and Hood: Outlaws & Legends. Our conversation covers how developers across generations reimagined the outlaw of Sherwood Forest for their times. Join us as we draw our bows and explore Robin Hood’s gaming legacy on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 2004, Blizzard Entertainment changed online gaming forever with World of Warcraft, a massively multiplayer experience that brought millions of players together in the world of Azeroth. In this episode, we explore how a canceled project called Nomad gave rise to one of the most influential games ever made. We discuss how Blizzard blended accessibility with depth, transforming the MMORPG genre into a worldwide phenomenon. Our conversation covers its development challenges, the company’s financial risks, its explosive launch success, and how WoW’s ongoing expansions have kept it alive for two decades. Join us as we quest, raid, and relive the legacy of World of Warcraft on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 2001, Microsoft entered the console wars with the launch of the Xbox, a bold move that reshaped the gaming landscape. In this episode, we explore how a group of engineers from the DirectX team convinced Bill Gates to take on Sony, turning a risky idea into one of gaming’s biggest success stories. We discuss the internal battles that nearly killed the project, the fateful Valentine’s Day meeting that saved it, and how Halo: Combat Evolved transformed the Xbox into a must-have console. Our conversation also dives into its costly launch, technical innovations, and how it paved the way for Xbox Live and modern online gaming. Join us as we power up the green machine and revisit the story of the original Xbox on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1999, Sega and Yu Suzuki redefined ambition with Shenmue, a game that turned everyday life into an epic story. In this episode, we trace Suzuki’s journey from arcade hits like OutRun and Virtua Fighter to his dream of creating a cinematic open-world adventure. We explore how AM2 built a living, breathing Yokosuka—complete with weather systems, NPC schedules, and martial arts combat—while pushing the Dreamcast to its limits. Our discussion dives into its staggering $70 million budget, the challenges of localization, and how Shenmue’s influence can still be felt in open-world design today. Join us as we train, explore, and uncover the lasting legacy of Shenmue on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1987, NEC and Hudson Soft teamed up to release the PC Engine, a console that pushed technology forward while staying small enough to fit in your hand. In this episode, we explore how an electronics giant and a software studio joined forces to challenge Nintendo and Sega at the height of the console wars. We discuss the console’s compact design, its unique HuCard media, and how it became the first system to introduce CD-based gaming. Our conversation also dives into why the PC Engine thrived in Japan but struggled as the TurboGrafx-16 in North America, and how NEC’s tech quietly powered the next generation of consoles. Join us as we plug in our HuCards and revisit the story of the PC Engine on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript