A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

In 2001, Rockstar Games changed gaming forever with Grand Theft Auto III, the title that transformed open worlds from concept to phenomenon. In this episode, we explore how DMA Design—newly rebranded as Rockstar North—brought Liberty City to life with cinematic storytelling, voice acting, and the freedom to play your own way. We discuss the technical hurdles of building a living 3D city, the cultural impact of its mature themes, and how the game’s release so soon after 9/11 led to major last-minute changes. Our conversation dives into its development, controversy, and legacy as the blueprint for modern open-world design. Join us as we drive, fight, and explore the streets of Grand Theft Auto III on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 2008, Electronic Arts delivered a new kind of terror with Dead Space, a sci-fi horror masterpiece from Glen Schofield and the team at EA Redwood Shores. In this episode, we explore how a studio known for licensed games broke free from the mold to create an original IP that blended the tension of Resident Evil with the isolation of Alien. We discuss the development challenges, the invention of strategic dismemberment, and the cinematic influences that shaped the haunting world of the USG Ishimura. Our conversation also covers the legacy of Visceral Games, its impact on survival horror, and how Dead Space’s DNA continues to influence modern titles. Join us as we cut, stomp, and survive our way through Dead Space on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1990, Lucasfilm Games set sail for adventure with The Secret of Monkey Island, a witty point-and-click classic that changed the course of adventure gaming. In this episode, we follow Ron Gilbert’s journey from Maniac Mansion to Monkey Island, exploring how his love of storytelling, humor, and theme park rides inspired the world of Guybrush Threepwood. We talk about the collaboration with Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman, the creation of insult sword fighting, and the SCUMM engine improvements that made it all possible. Our conversation dives into how Monkey Island’s charm, dialogue, and design shaped generations of games. Join us as we hoist the sails, trade insults, and hunt for the secret of Monkey Island on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1993, Trip Hawkins set out to revolutionize gaming with the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, a console built on cutting-edge CD technology and an open hardware model. In this episode, we explore how the founder of Electronic Arts tried to change the industry by creating a shared standard for console manufacturing. We talk about Panasonic’s ambitious $700 launch, GoldStar’s cheaper alternative, and the complicated business model that doomed the platform. Our discussion covers the 3DO’s early multimedia hype, its strong but limited library, and how its bold ideas ultimately paved the way for future systems. Join us as we load up, power on, and examine the rise and fall of the 3DO on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1986, Konami released Castlevania, a gothic action-adventure that set a new standard for horror-inspired gaming. In this episode, we explore how director Hitoshi Akamatsu’s cinematic vision turned a simple platformer into an atmospheric masterpiece. We discuss the game’s movie influences, its balance of challenge and precision, and the creative decisions that shaped Simon Belmont’s whip-cracking legacy. Our conversation also covers the development of its companion title Vampire Killer, the experimentation of Simon’s Quest, and how Castlevania evolved into one of gaming’s most enduring franchises. Join us as we grab our whips, light our candles, and face the darkness of Castlevania on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1996, Atlus released Revelations: Persona, a spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei series that brought high school drama and Jungian psychology into the RPG spotlight. In this episode, we explore how Atlus evolved from post-apocalyptic demon summoning to exploring the battles within ourselves. We trace how Shin Megami Tensei If… inspired the setting, how Personas emerged as reflections of inner identity, and how this release helped Atlus break into Western markets. Our discussion covers the game’s localization challenges, its surprising sales success, and how it laid the foundation for one of the most beloved JRPG franchises ever made. Join us as we summon, reflect, and confront our Shadows through Revelations: Persona on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1996, Crash Bandicoot spun onto the PlayStation and turned a scrappy new studio called Naughty Dog into one of gaming’s biggest names. In this episode, we trace how Jason Rubin and Andy Gavin went from broke developers to creating Sony’s first true mascot. We explore how a failed 3DO fighting game led to the birth of Crash, how the infamous “Sonic’s Ass Game” evolved into a vibrant 3D platformer, and the creative partnership with Universal and Sony that brought it all together. Our conversation dives into E3 drama, marketing stunts, Japanese redesigns, and the series’ legacy as a PlayStation icon. Join us as we spin, jump, and smash our way through Crash Bandicoot on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1977, Atari released the Atari 2600, the console that brought arcade gaming into living rooms and forever changed entertainment. In this episode, we trace Nolan Bushnell’s path from engineering student and arcade tinkerer to founding Atari, exploring how his team turned a simple idea into the most influential home console of its time. We discuss how Project Stella came to life through microprocessor innovation, Warner’s risky investment, and the launch that made cartridge-based gaming a household staple. Our conversation covers Atari’s explosive rise, the arrival of Space Invaders and Pac-Man, and the lessons that shaped the entire industry. Join us as we plug in, power up, and relive the golden age of the Atari 2600 on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 1980, Nintendo released Game & Watch, a handheld series that transformed how people passed the time and set the stage for portable gaming. In this episode, we trace Gunpei Yokoi’s unlikely path from factory engineer to one of Nintendo’s most influential inventors. We explore how a bored businessman on a bullet train sparked an idea, how a collaboration with Sharp made it possible, and how these simple LCD devices laid the groundwork for the Game Boy and beyond. Our discussion covers the evolution from Ball to Donkey Kong, the invention of the D-Pad, and the worldwide success that put Nintendo in millions of hands. Join us as we wind back the clock and juggle through the legacy of Game & Watch on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript

In 2001, Devil May Cry brought gothic flair and stylish combat to the PlayStation 2, redefining the action genre. Today, we follow Hideki Kamiya’s journey from his early days at Capcom and work on Resident Evil 2 to the creative leap that birthed Dante’s demon-slaying legacy. We explore how a scrapped Resident Evil project evolved into a new kind of action game—one that blended cinematic attitude, fluid gameplay, and mythological inspiration. From Divine Comedy references to decades of sequels, spin-offs, and anime adaptations, we trace how Devil May Cry became a cultural icon. Join us as we slice, shoot, and style through Devil May Cry on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.Read transcript