TCW Podcast Episode 208 - Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis   In this episode, we delve into the expansive universe of Dune, a rich tapestry woven with themes, warnings, and boundless inspiration. Its profound impact extends beyond literature, influencing science fiction and serving as a wellspring of creativity for writers, artists, and futurists alike. Our focus shifts to the realm of gaming as we explore the intricate landscape of adaptations, particularly the simultaneous development of two landmark Dune games by Virgin Games. Cryo Interactive's adventure strategy game "Dune" and West ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 153 - Nintendo Playing With Cards   We start off our look at the complete history of Nintendo.  The company started as a side project of a cement company trying to get cement into Kyoto.  From the humble start of being in a small house with six employees, Nintendo started to grow into an unrivaled producer of cards not just in Japan, but in the Japanese empire.  We end with Hiroshi Yamauchi being the first male ere to the Yamauchi line.   Hanafuda Cards and KoiKoi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WxYDIsXHOQ Hyakunin Isshu: https://www.jlit.net/prem ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 207 - SEGA Saturn Part 2   In the second part of our examination of the SEGA Saturn, we delve into its influences, challenges, and lasting impact. Beginning with a detailed analysis of its pricing strategy, we scrutinize the psychological effect of pricing items at $99, creating an illusion of affordability. We then explore the cultural context in Japan, highlighting the tradition of Otoshidama and its influence on the perception of video games compared to the United States. Additionally, we investigate the collaborative efforts between SEGA of Japan and SEGA of Americ ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 206 - SEGA Saturn Part 1   In this in-depth exploration of the SEGA Saturn, our focus delves into the intricate technology that underpins the console. We delve into the challenges associated with 3D modeling, collision detection, and object occlusion, scrutinizing how the Saturn, primarily a sprite-based system, manages to incorporate 3D elements. The pivotal moment arrives with the announcement of the Sony PlayStation, prompting SEGA's aspirations for enhanced 3D capabilities. SEGA sought Hitachi's involvement to augment the machine's speed for handling 3D demands. Fo ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 205 - Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3   In our examination of the second and third installments of the Mass Effect trilogy, we delve into the development of each game and the transformative impact of BioWare's acquisition by EA. Mass Effect 2 marked a notable departure, shifting away from RPG elements towards a more structured shooter, with a renewed emphasis on narrative, albeit sidelining the original game's crew and downplaying choices made in its predecessor. Regrettably, Mass Effect 3 faced challenges, including the departure of its head writer and a departure fr ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 204 - Exploring the Mass Effect   In part one of a two-part exploration of the original Mass Effect trilogy, the game emerges as a synthesis of diverse influences from literary books, video games, art styles, TV shows, and movies. Drawing heavily from Bablyon 5 and the TV series 24, the main framework of Mass Effect reflects a blend of narrative inspirations. The art style, inspired by luminaries such as architect Santiago Calatrava, futurist Syd Mead, and John Harris, contributes to the game's visually captivating universe. The initial year of development was dedicate ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 203 - Alone In The Dark   Despite appearing outdated by today's standards, Alone in the Dark remains a highly influential game in the survival horror genre. Numerous franchises, including Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Eternal Darkness, either cite or incorporate tropes popularized by Alone in the Dark. Spearheaded by Frédérick Raynal, the game drew inspiration from Giallo films and Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful works. It pioneered the use of 3D models in a pre-rendered environment with fixed camera angles, a technique later adopted as a staple on the first Sony Play ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2   Following the release of Breakout by Atari, its influence spread to Japan, sparking a surge in demand that prompted numerous Japanese companies to enter the video game industry by creating clones of the popular game. Seeking innovation, Exidy developed Circus, introducing new elements to the Breakout formula. The widespread appeal of Breakout extended to the home gaming market with Atari and Nintendo releasing ball and paddle games. A standout in this genre was the uniquely designed Warlords, which evolved in parallel as an arc ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 201 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1   In this two-part exploration of advancements in ball and paddle games beyond Pong, we delve into the human fascination with balls and trace the evolution of coin-operated games leading to Pong's creation. Ramtek's contributions, especially with Wipe Out and Clean Sweep, spurred Atari to experiment with new ideas, resulting in Pin Pong. Other companies like Midway and Exidy also entered the scene with TV Flipper and TV Pinball, respectively. The narrative culminates with a detailed examination of the Breakout story, shedding lig ..read more

TCW Podcast Episode 200 - The History of Handheld Games Part 3   In our concluding episode exploring the evolution of handheld games, we kick off with the Amiga and the allure of bouncing balls before delving into the Atari Lynx, an early and captivating handheld console. Despite its appeal, the Lynx struggled against challenges like its high price, the limited library of engaging games, and subpar battery life, ultimately being overshadowed by the Nintendo Game Boy—a device well-suited for puzzle games. Sega's Game Gear, whose origin may have stolen its design from Nintendo or Epyx- It's ..read more