Ep.235 – Episode 235: On the Frontlines - Command and Conquer Goes First Person

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

#Video Games #Lifestyle #David Kassin and Robert Kassin #David Kassin #Robert Kassin

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

about a year ago 56:02

MP3•Episode home

Today, we’re diving into Command & Conquer: Renegade, the 2002 spinoff that took the beloved real-time strategy franchise into the first-person shooter genre. We start by exploring the origins of Command & Conquer at Westwood Studios and how the team sought to expand the universe beyond its RTS roots. Then, we’ll examine how Renegade blended fast-paced combat with strategic elements, bringing the Tiberium War to life from a soldier’s perspective. Finally, we’ll reflect on the game’s legacy, from its cult following to the fan-made Renegade X project that keeps the experience alive today. So, grab your weapons and join us on the battlefield for today’s trip down Memory Card Lane!

Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co

247 episodes

Ep.235 – Episode 235: On the Frontlines - Command and Conquer Goes First Person

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co

247 episodes

#Video Games #Lifestyle #David Kassin and Robert Kassin #David Kassin #Robert Kassin

All episodes

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

1
Ep.247 – Joanna's Dark Mission - The Story of Perfect Dark 57:49

6 days ago57:49

57:49

Today, we’re infiltrating dataDyne and stepping into the world of Perfect Dark , Rare’s ambitious 2000 sci-fi shooter that aimed to build upon the success of GoldenEye 007 . We begin by exploring the origins of Rare and the technical innovations that defined Perfect Dark , from its enhanced N64 engine and real-time lighting to its pioneering use of AI and multiplayer bots. Then, we’ll dive into the game’s stealth-based gameplay, rich sci-fi narrative, and the design of protagonist Joanna Dark, inspired by pop culture icons like Dana Scully. Finally, we reflect on the franchise’s legacy—from canceled sequels and launch titles to a modern reboot still in development. So, grab your laptop gun and night vision goggles as we go covert on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.246 – E3 Unplugged - A Look Back at Gaming's Premiere Event 56:53

13 days ago56:53

56:53

Today, we’re taking center stage to explore the rise and fall of E3—the Electronic Entertainment Expo—which debuted in 1995 and quickly became the most important annual event in the video game industry. We begin by uncovering its origins, tracing back to congressional hearings on video game violence, the formation of the ESRB, and the industry’s desire to break free from CES. Then, we’ll dive into E3’s golden years, from surprise console launches and legendary game reveals to packed convention floors and media spectacle. Finally, we’ll reflect on its decline in the digital age and the shifting landscape that ultimately led to its demise. So, grab your press badge and join us on the show floor for today’s trip down Memory Card Lane!…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.245 – A Galaxy Far Far Away - Early Star Wars Video Games 58:15

20 days ago58:15

58:15

Today, we’re heading to a galaxy far, far away to explore the origins of Star Wars and its earliest ventures into video games, starting with the iconic Star Wars Arcade game from 1983. We begin by tracing George Lucas’s long road to bringing his space opera to life, from rejected drafts and studio rejections to the scrappy production that nearly didn’t make it to theaters. Then, we dive into the history of the first Star Wars games, including Parker Brothers’ early Atari 2600 titles and the legendary arcade cabinet that let fans relive the Death Star trench run. Finally, we reflect on how these games captured imaginations and laid the foundation for four decades of Star Wars gaming. So, buckle in and fire up your X-Wing as we blast off on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.244 – The Scrolls Unfold - Exploring the Legacy of Morrowind 58:40

27 days ago58:40

58:40

Today, we’re venturing into the alien landscapes of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind , Bethesda’s groundbreaking 2002 RPG that redefined the open-world genre. We start by exploring the game's origins, tracing how a canceled tournament fighter evolved into a fully immersive fantasy epic—and how Bethesda’s ambitions were scaled down from Daggerfall’s massive scope to focus on a handcrafted world. Then, we dive into Morrowind’s development, from engine changes and a six-person team to the creation of the Elder Scrolls Construction Set, which empowered both developers and modders alike. Finally, we reflect on Morrowind’s legacy, its expansions, and its enduring influence on action RPGs and the Elder Scrolls franchise. So, grab your Silt Strider pass and join us as we travel to Vvardenfell on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.243 – Where in the World - Carmen Sandiego's Enduring Legacy 57:43

5 weeks ago57:43

57:43

Today, we’re chasing clues across the globe as we dive into Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? , the 1985 edutainment classic that turned geography into a globe-trotting adventure. We begin by exploring the origins of Brøderbund Software and how two Harvard-educated brothers—one a lawyer, the other a Swedish basketball coach—built one of the most iconic software companies of the 1980s. Then, we’ll trace the surprising development of Carmen Sandiego , from a Colossal Cave-inspired text adventure to a slick, menu-based detective game that sparked a multimedia empire. Finally, we’ll reflect on the franchise’s 40-year legacy, from classrooms to TV shows to modern mobile games. So, grab your almanac and trench coat as we hunt down Carmen Sandiego on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.242 – Painted Legends - The Mythical World of Okami 58:00

6 weeks ago58:00

58:00

Today, we’re painting a picture of Ōkami , the 2006 action-adventure game that transformed Japanese mythology into a living watercolor masterpiece. We begin by exploring how Hideki Kamiya, fresh off titles like Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe , sought to create something more peaceful and healing—an idea that evolved into a game about the sun goddess Amaterasu, reborn as a white wolf. Then, we’ll trace the game’s journey from technical struggles and uncertain direction to the moment of inspiration that led to its unique art style and the creation of the Celestial Brush mechanic. Finally, we’ll reflect on Ōkami’s legacy, from its initial commercial struggles to its critical acclaim, cult following, and long-awaited sequel now in development. So, grab your brush and join us as we restore color to the world on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.241 – The Horror of Silence - The Mysteries of D 55:54

7 weeks ago55:54

55:54

Today, we’re diving into the eerie and unconventional world of D , the 1995 psychological horror game that blurred the lines between cinema and interactivity. We begin by exploring the life and legacy of its creator, Kenji Eno, a bold and unpredictable developer whose rebellious spirit defined his work and studio, Warp. Then, we unpack the fascinating development of D , from its origins as a simple adventure title to the last-minute addition of graphic violence and cannibalism—smuggled into the final release via a secret disc swap to avoid censorship. We’ll also examine how D ’s surprise success on the 3DO and infamous release on PlayStation shaped Eno’s dramatic fallout with Sony. Finally, we reflect on the cult legacy of D , its place in horror game history, and how Warp’s experimental spirit left an unexpected mark on the gaming world. So grab your flashlight and prepare for a haunting journey into one of gaming’s strangest success stories on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane. Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.240 – Hip Hop Smackdown - Def Jam Takes the Ring 54:53

8 weeks ago54:53

54:53

Today, we’re stepping into the ring with Def Jam Vendetta , the 2003 cult classic that fused hip-hop culture with over-the-top wrestling action. We begin by tracing the game’s unexpected origins, from a canceled WCW wrestling title to a brainstorming session that accidentally sparked a genre-defying idea. Then, we explore how developer AKI Corporation and a team of EA veterans collaborated with iconic rap artists to create a gritty, immersive experience full of attitude and style. Finally, we reflect on Def Jam Vendetta’s legacy, its two sequels, and its place in gaming history as one of the boldest crossovers ever made. So, cue the beat and get ready to throw down on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.239 – Disney Meets Final Fantasy - The History of Kingdom Hearts 1:01:08

9 weeks ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Today, we’re unlocking the magic behind Kingdom Hearts , the beloved action RPG that brought together Disney’s charm and Final Fantasy’s epic storytelling when it debuted in 2002. We’ll start by exploring the unlikely origins of the series, from a chance elevator pitch to Tetsuya Nomura’s bold vision for a game inspired by Super Mario 64 . Then, we’ll dive into the game’s development, the challenges of merging Disney worlds with Square’s RPG mechanics, and how Kingdom Hearts redefined the action RPG genre. Finally, we’ll reflect on its lasting legacy, from its massive fanbase to its ever-growing list of interconnected titles. So, grab your Keyblade and join us on an unforgettable journey through light and darkness on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.238 – Picture Perfect - Exploring the World of Pokemon Snap 1:01:04

10 weeks ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Today, we’re taking a nostalgic ride through Pokémon Snap , the beloved photography-based spinoff released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. We start by exploring its unexpected origins as Jack and the Beanstalk , a game designed for the ill-fated 64DD before Pokémon was introduced to give it focus. Then, we’ll examine its unique gameplay, from its on-rails exploration to its rewarding photography mechanics that encouraged players to capture Pokémon in their natural habitats. Finally, we’ll reflect on Pokémon Snap’s legacy, from its status as a cult classic to its long-awaited sequel over two decades later. So, grab your camera and join us as we snap our way through history on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.237 – Springfield in Pixels - The Simpsons in Gaming 56:34

11 weeks ago56:34

56:34

Today, we’re heading to Springfield to explore the early days of The Simpsons in video games, starting with the iconic Simpsons Arcade Game released in 1991. We begin by uncovering Matt Groening’s journey from underground cartoonist to television icon, leading to The Simpsons becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Then, we’ll dive into the wave of Simpsons games throughout the '90s, from arcade hits to home console classics like Bart vs. the Space Mutants and Virtual Springfield . Finally, we’ll reflect on the legacy of The Simpsons in gaming and how the franchise evolved over the decades. So, grab your arcade tokens and join us for some Springfield mayhem on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.236 – The Wonders of the Swan - Bandai's Handheld Journey 52:55

12 weeks ago52:55

52:55

Today, we’re exploring the Bandai WonderSwan , an innovative handheld console released in 1999 and designed by the legendary Gunpei Yokoi. We’ll start by uncovering how Bandai entered the gaming market and Yokoi’s design philosophy of “lateral thinking with withered technology.” Then, we’ll examine the WonderSwan’s unique features, including its long battery life, dual-orientation gameplay, and exclusive library of Japanese titles. Finally, we’ll reflect on its legacy, its battle against Nintendo’s Game Boy, and its status as Yokoi’s final gaming creation. So, grab a single AA battery and join us as we power up the WonderSwan on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

1
Ep.235 – Episode 235: On the Frontlines - Command and Conquer Goes First Person 56:02

13 weeks ago56:02

56:02

Today, we’re diving into Command & Conquer: Renegade , the 2002 spinoff that took the beloved real-time strategy franchise into the first-person shooter genre. We start by exploring the origins of Command & Conquer at Westwood Studios and how the team sought to expand the universe beyond its RTS roots. Then, we’ll examine how Renegade blended fast-paced combat with strategic elements, bringing the Tiberium War to life from a soldier’s perspective. Finally, we’ll reflect on the game’s legacy, from its cult following to the fan-made Renegade X project that keeps the experience alive today. So, grab your weapons and join us on the battlefield for today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

1
Ep.234 – Choices in the Storm - David Cage and the Art of Interactive Drama 58:22

14 weeks ago58:22

58:22

Today, we’re diving into Heavy Rain , the 2010 interactive drama that redefined storytelling in video games. We start by exploring the career of David Cage, from his early days as a musician to founding Quantic Dream and pioneering narrative-driven gameplay. Then, we’ll examine Heavy Rain’s groundbreaking mechanics, including its choice-driven story, cinematic presentation, and motion-captured performances that brought its emotional mystery to life. Finally, we’ll reflect on its legacy, from its critical acclaim to its influence on interactive storytelling. So, grab your umbrella and join us as we uncover the secrets of Heavy Rain on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane! Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co…

A Trip Down Memory Card Lane

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Ep.233 – Get in, Sit Down, and Hang On - The Wild Ride of Crazy Taxi 53:42

15 weeks ago53:42