They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 213 - The Exidy of the 80's and 90's

 

In our second part, we look at Exidy as we wrap up the 70s and explore their products of the 80s and 90s. They continued developing microprocessor games with a variation on Pac-Man with Mouse Trap. The game was moderately successful during the downturn in the mid-80s. Exidy tried to leverage the power of an Atari 400 computer to create arcade machines with their Max-A-Flex system. Unfortunately, only four games were produced for the system. Their new light gun hardware enabled the creation of some very interesting shooting games, including Crossbow, Cheyenne, and Combat. When Exidy entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it was hoped that Chiller would make Exidy popular again in the same way Death Race did in the 70s. Exidy managed to exit bankruptcy and continued to refocus itself on redemption games. However, the company met its end in the early 90s when embezzlement by an employee forced the company to close. The rights to the properties were sold off, allowing Pete Kauffman to retire in comfort.

 

Starfire Case and Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZNj3JdtJ5c

Starfire Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5r_SM-ugOU

Rip Cord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww5VNeAYIec

Crash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUAC_2sRx0g

Bandido: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_mMOSUvbLg

Fire One (Cabinet and Pictures): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/fire-one

Fire One (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOl0NR5in5o

Tail Gunner 2 (Cabinet Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdQhexOUzFQ

Tail Gunner 2 (Old Cabinet walk around): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtqlduONDx8

TARG (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pZk2xQcSUs

TARG (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaz-xh8igtE

Venture (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CInXyYrp9zI

Venture (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/venture

Pepper II (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/pepper-ii

Pepper II (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOy4eeCrEXQ

Mousetrap (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ5y3JvOMDo

Mousetrap (Gameplay on Hardware): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKB09AiQC1w

Mousetrap (Cabinet and Repair): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd8fIf_BhMw

Mousetrap (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/mouse-trap

Victory (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/victory--exidy

Victory (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_0LKMV2wT0

Hard Hat (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/hard-hat

Hard Hat (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yow567S3XRs

Whirly Bucket (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Arcade/whirly-bucket

Whirly Bucket (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur2FLE5jSIg

Fax (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/fax

Fax (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEQo3YPxgqQ

Max-A-Flex System (Overview): https://www.classicarcademuseum.org/exidy-max-a-flex-system

Astro Chase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqEst239p_A

Flip & Flop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9qPSXWmVxs

Boulder Dash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHH0Oayw6CY

TCW 075 - Gunning for Light: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/gunning-for-light/

Crossbow (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/crossbow

Crossbow (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXEOyfPRA0A

Cheyenne (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/cheyenne

Cheyenne (Cabinet & Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcCgqe9BAOE

Combat (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/combat--exidy

Combat (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFsBE70Pdi4

Vertigo (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/vertigo

Top Gunner (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MXYF260JdE

Chiller (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFmN5QlfF5Q

Top Secret (Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/top-secret

Top Secret (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9lGVsVEwoA&t=16s

Hit N' Miss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2MDXCC7Mg

Who Dunit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqvwe5aEGjQ

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 212 - The Exidy of the 70's

 

Following our examination of Ramtek, we now turn to Exidy, founded by Pete Kauffman and Samuel Hawes. Exidy began by producing Pong variants during the Pong boom. John Metzler joined in 1975, creating Destruction Darby, later licensed to Chicago Coin as Demolition Derby. After Metzler left, Howell Ivy revamped the game into the notorious Death Race '98, the first nationwide controversial video game for violence. Exidy's first microprocessor-based game, Car Polo, wasn't a major hit but was ahead of its time, foreshadowing Rocket League's concept of cars pushing a ball into a goal. They continued innovating with popular games like Circus, a precursor to Breakout. We finish our look at Exidy in the 70s with their venture into the computer market with the Exidy Sorcerer, which showed promise but was overshadowed by VisiCalc's release for the Apple II.

 

TCW 211 - Ramtek: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/ramtek/

Art Bell Interview Malachi Martin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O8-t9M7xDc

Larry King Coaches Conan On His Interview Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I02Y8hRzpqE

Soft Questions? Larry King Explains His Interview Style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YqNyfeIyNc

Sean Evans Reveals His Secret Interviewing Technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq5CWKTUNCQ

'Hot Ones' Guest Impressed by Sean Evans' Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnhnYABROAg

Hockey Tennis Exidy (Picture Needed): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/hockey-tennis

TV Pinball Case: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/tv-pinball

TV Pinball Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_1kAlO8G6c

TV Pin Game: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/tv-pin-game

Exidy Destruction Derby (Cabinet & Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMmz1gdTVs

Chicago Coin Demolition Derby (Cabinet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AodIwNpqYQk

Chicago Coin Demolition Derby (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kRQ2OEJkNY

Death Race 2000 (1975 Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp5FUoa4K7c

Death Race cabinet pictures and flyer: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/death-race

Death Race Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fg-QN6tJPc

Death Race Gameplay (MAME): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBBtt72aJLA

The Media VS Death Race (VGHF Article): https://gamehistory.org/media-vs-death-race/

Score Newspaper Article, Flyer, and Cabinet Pictures: https://www.reddit.com/r/lostmedia/comments/mrnrug/exidys_score_lost_arcade_game_1977_the_first/

Exidy Car Polo Cabinet Picture: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/car-polo

Car Polo Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmZKvLRFpiI

An Introduction to Rocket League: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os7TTRtF-HI

Robot Bowl (Pictures and Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/robot-bowl

Robot Bowl (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRLdN6dCLu0

Meadows Lanes (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Fj136NZQ8

Meadows Lanes (Pictures and Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/meadows-lanes

Robot Bowl Ball Return Cabinet Picture: https://www.gamesdatabase.org/media/arcade/artwork-cabinet/robot-bowl

Circus (Gameplay Original Hardware): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTxNk1NqTFc

Circus (Cabinet Pictures and Flyers): https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/circus

TCW 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-2/

The Exidy Sorcerer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWseXQDrhJY

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 211 - Ramtek

 

Ramtek was an unlikely entrant into the video game space. Starting off as employees of Data Disc Corporation, Charles McEwan and John Metzler aimed to use technology to positively impact society. With a focus on high-end displays, money was slow to come in. A local bar, Andy Capp's Tavern, frequented by company's engineers, served as a test site for the new Atari Pong arcade game. Fascinated by Pong, Ramtek's engineers decided to create their own version, marking the beginning of their foray into video games and later electro-mechanical games. One of their top engineers, Pete Kauffman, left to found Exidy to focus solely on video games. For many years, Ramtek's coin-op division sustained the company, ensuring cash flow and becoming the core of their business. Despite setbacks, including a poorly designed baseball game, a failed pinball transition, and a devastating fire at their uninsured Sunnyvale facility, Ramtek recovered and went public in 1978. By then, their high-end display busines had succeeded, reducing the coin-op division's importance. The coin-op business was eventually sold to Charles's brother, Mel McEwan, and continued as Meltec until its sale in 2003.

 

How do Hard Drives Work?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wteUW2sL7bc

Systtem 370 & 3330 Hard Drive: https://youtu.be/oLnvvOoWnzU?t=430

Fujitsu 14" Winchester HDD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCtlcmzGCTk

IBM 350 RAMAC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTkL4FQL2FI

VHS Tapes - Were they as bad as we remember?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00QS3lXJeI

How X-Rays see through your skin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsV7SJDDCY4

Gama Camera Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q8MPBrGRqs

Gamma (or Scintillation) Cameras Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEtYQaEwNwk

Pong Prototype: https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=891

More Pong Prototype: https://www.flickr.com/photos/naotoj/15391150690

TCW 051 - Sons of Pong: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sons-of-pong/

Ramtek Volly: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/volly

Ramtek Soccer: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/soccer

Ramtek Hockey: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/hockey

Ramtek Wipeout Cabinet: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/wipe-out

Ramtek Wipeout Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_TmOD0IHFM

Ramtek Clean Sweep Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRzbgzKSdeo

Ramtek Clean Sweep Cabinet: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/clean-sweep

TCW 201 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-1/

TCW 202 - Advanced Balls and Paddles Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/advanced-balls-and-paddles-part-2/

Ramtek's Baseball: https://x.com/GameResearch_E/status/1276734082240729088

Ramtek Trivia: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/trivia

Ramtek Horoscope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibBFg4GQvSQ

Ramtek Dark Invader: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Arcade/dark-invader

Star Cruiser Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-NycOXE7pA

Star Cruiser Flyer: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/star-cruiser

Ramtek Sea Battle Flyer: https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/sea-battle

M79 Ambush Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFqubJx7wig

M79 Ambush Flyer and Promotion: https://imgur.com/gallery/m-79-m79-ambush-videogames-advert-late-70s-ramtek-pLhiWGL

Classic Boom Ball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UJ10Vuifdw

Boom Ball Clowns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsCwIYv6o5g

 

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 210 - Accolade Part 2

 

In our second look at Accolade, we cover the company’s gradual decline in the 90's leading to its acquisition by Infogrames. The desire to expand into console games grew too strong, and Accolade decided to save money on production costs by clean-room engineering the lockout mechanism on the SEGA Genesis. Meanwhile, SEGA was working on an internal revision that would tie their trademarked logo into the startup handshake. This would give them the leverage they needed to sue anyone who reverse-engineered the system. Accolade managed to get the injunction on their games dissolved, but SEGA still retained the option to sue them. Ultimately, Accolade was forced to settle with SEGA to release their games, which left them with ongoing debt that would continue to haunt them. Accolade continued to struggle to grow their franchises. They had the disastrous release of Bubsy 3D, coinciding with the launch of classics like Mario 64, Tomb Raider, and Crash Bandicoot. In the end, Infogrames acquired Accolade, largely due to its distribution network. However, this acquisition was soon overshadowed by Infogrames’ later purchase of GT Interactive. What little was left of Accolade was merged into Infogrames Inc.

 

Jack Nicklaus Golf (Konami - NES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOitBakgLKo

Star Control (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFHzXAuB1tE

Hardball! (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkeCqRXihJE

Mega Turrican (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H-qskYLiAE

Onslaught (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-C_CcoE6d4

Mike Ditka Power Football (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xJwyug0_xI

Secrets of the Nintendo Gameboy Logo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1cUIGHZLGA

Les Manley in - Lost in LA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpTnB_nIgcU

Altered Destiney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMqmjiGrkq0

Star Control II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnV8yQ-OQ0c

Outrun (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EJdB3Hw8xE

Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSkSqtgmBrM

Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind (SNES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVngvbQfkk4

Bubsy Pilot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HRZV5AXBy8

Bubsy II (Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyQ9yuGOylQ

Bubsy in Fractured Furry Tales (Atari Jaguar): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R1Irhk1haU

FAO Schwarz Private Family Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmdHfzkE3-8

TCW 128 - Nintendo in 1985: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/nintendo-in-1985/

Big - Piano Scene (1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7-rz9nIn4

Test Drive 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqfnnSFDPg&list=PLPQkf2wwvE4Ln1CY2F2Vrw4ZY1OGXkZwV

Test Drive Off Road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kJxqImIfOU

Deadlock - Planetary Conquest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BTFq25WWhs

Star Control III: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmPwJKcMGKY&list=PLi8KI0sgXnc43fDeUJh7injkgM69bZ7Rp

Jack Ncklaus 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zjju2_hesw

Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge: https://simpsons.fandom.com/wiki/Lee_Carvallo%27s_Putting_Challenge

Bubsy 3D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ2A36p9D8o

Jumping Flash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAONnDAYJOE

Super Mario 64: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT3AaQ77ges

Crash Bandicoot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK-h4M4Aetg

Tomb Raider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byJ5to20C6I

TCW 064 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-1/

TCW 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-2/

Test Drive 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1PXuzZjRsI

Test Drive Off Road 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWwtC_fwAoQ

 

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

TCW Podcast Episode 209 - Accolade Part 1

 

In part one of a two-part retrospective, we explore how the pressures of the North American video game crash combined with the desire to create more sophisticated products for home computer platforms led Alan Miller and Bob Whitehead to leave Activision and establish their own company, Accolade. Publishing a mix of internally developed and third-party product, Accolade finds success through several popular sports franchises, including Hardball, Jack Nicklaus Golf and, most significantly, Test Drive. By the beginning of the 1990s, the company remains small, but profitable, and is ready to parlay its success on computer platforms to still greater success in the rapidly growing 16-bit console market.

 

TCW 126 - Activision and Atari: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/activision-and-atari/

TCW 009 - History of Mediagenic Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-i/

TCW 010 - History of Mediagenic Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/history-of-mediagenic-part-ii/

TCW 172 - The Computer Price Wars Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-price-wars-part-1/

TCW 173 - The Computer Wars part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-2/

TCW 174 - The Computer Wars Part 3: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-computer-wars-part-3/

Law of the West (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrMk9RyCWKI

PSI-5 Trading Company (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56E21gQq1TE

Hardball (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jejblUhw3hU

High Noon Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9CR_tib0CA

Gunsmoke 1966 opening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-mzTCmZPE

Hardball (ZX Spectrum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwuKr6sa0S8

Hardball (Sega Genesis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkeCqRXihJE

Fourth and Inches (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1672sYyMrg

TCW 156 - Madden for some Football: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/madden-for-some-football/

Sundog: Frozen Empire (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg_hEY_hy9U

Ace of Aces (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=059zzI6sdxo

Hardball (PC/DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzPHxCO17aw

Empire Strike Back (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcWGvwYWHgY

Jedi Arena (Atari 2600): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKLLpjF0QkM

Mean 18 (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4tX_ZVXwI0

Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf gameplay (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DOeXCiMbG8

Test Drive (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAj1jPvz8t8

Accolade Comics (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkjkycHvHsE

Test Drive (C64): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBl2zpfR3Bo

TCW 122 - A Casual World Part 1: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-1/

TCW 123 - A Casual World Part 2: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/a-casual-world-part-2/

ISHIDO - The Way of the Stones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZmLAC3pVFM

TCW 094 - Epyx not Epic: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/epyx-not-epic/

Star Control (PC DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSqJ0nPDDzs

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 America, particularly in the development of the 32X add-on for the SEGA Genesis. Despite potential advancements, concerns arose about the perceived high cost for a market still viewing video games as disposable toys. The emergence of SEGA's arcade division further complicated matters with the release of Virtua Fighter, signaling the advent of 3D gaming. This shift was notably exemplified by Virtua Fighter's port to the Saturn and the success of SEGA Rally Championship in Japan. Conversely, in the United States, the allure of sprite-based consoles persisted, while the rapidly expanding library of the PlayStation overshadowed the Saturn's appeal.

 

Reboot 99.99.99: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2xW8nh864

KFC Christmas Japan: A Delicious Alternate Reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFw-TZzqX8M
The Bizarre Japanese Tradition of Having KFC for Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drgKABHouk4

The Original Meaning of Otoshidama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5VH9Vp_Yuc

All SEGA CD/32X Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzG-OAdbpC8

TCW 190 - SEGA and CSK Pt 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-1/

TCW 191- SEGA and CSK Pt 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-2/

SEGA Saturn - Nights into Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFxH6-g8FGQ

Virtua Fighter Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA

Japan Sega Saturn Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc3AK8k90xw

Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl895zXjfyQ

SEGA Rally Championship (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x_E1wUvzb4

E3 SEGA Saturn Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UrXV53QKmk

PlayStation E3 299: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvEzZoYb1Y

Tomb Raider (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfTnITt-vkU

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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. Fortuitously, the utilization of the SH2 chip presented an opportunity for two processors to collaborate seamlessly. Our discussion delves into the profound technical intricacies, laying the groundwork for the subsequent episode where we will unravel the repercussions of these technological endeavors for SEGA and the Saturn.

 

TCW 127 - Dreams of SEGA: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/dreams-of-sega/

TCW 129 - The Crash That Almost Was: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-crash-that-almost-was/

Workstation VS Desktop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpBWaiWcXAk

Workstation VS Gaming PCs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMSx2MUHSWM

The Abyss - CGI Making of 1989: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAFIUuFRkBA

Terminator 2 Advanced Photorealistic Morphing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37YrnLbQda0

How Did They Get the CGI in Jurassic Park to Look so Good?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4UuQxjFpfU

TCW 087 - Virtual History: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/virtual-history/

Z-Buffer - Friday Minis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GyYKcLDaw

How Games Have Worked for 30 Years to Do Less Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHYxjpYep_M

Doom Engine - Limited but still 3D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYGJQqhMN1U

Collision Detection in Quake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLHXn8IlAiA

MDShock: https://mdshock.com/

RISC vs CISK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rxade2nEjk

Universal Logic Gates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPLg_P9dHNY

Rodrigo Copetti Technical Breakdown Website https://www.copetti.org/

SEGA Saturn Architecture: https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/sega-saturn/

SEGA Saturn Polygon Distorted Sprite Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TleepxIORU

Why Was the SEGA Saturn so Hard to Develop On: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa5pIfDvd68

Why Triangulate Game Assets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oY_Ogj9Gh0

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 from the hard sci-fi roots. The third game disappointed fans as high aspirations fell short, particularly in the lack of meaningful impact from player choices on the ending, which itself was criticized for adopting a Deus Ex Machina style conclusion. Despite these setbacks, the series retains a devoted fan base, attesting to its enduring appeal.

 

Want to get Alex's book? Want to save some cash doing so? Want more books, and help charities? We got you!

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-architecture-worldbuilding-and-ai-taylor-francis-books

 

Mass Effect Storyline in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WfTN57dOVg

KOTOR Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8F-qqxGPNQ

MASS Effect Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vSGwx0zvek

Mass Effect Lore - The Asari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb20dR_X1E0

The Dirty Dozen Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff1V6ywnWcY

ME2 - Mordin Performing Scientist Salarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj0iJtgHOCI

Mass Effect - Cerberus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_et4nN7LtAA

ME3 Endings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1O_w0ksgw

 

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

 

TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

 

 

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/