Episodes

  • Accolade Part 2

    Accolade Part 2
    May 15 2024
    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/
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Accolade Part 1

    Accolade Part 1
    May 1 2024
    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/
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis

    Two Dunes: The Battle for Arrakis
    Apr 15 2024
    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 Westwood Studio's real-time strategy game "Dune 2: Battle for Arrakis" emerge as distinct creations, each influenced by its respective studio's vision. We navigate the complexities of rights acquisition following Frank Herbert's passing and the lukewarm reception of the 1984 film adaptation, shedding light on the intricate plots and tangled webs that define these two seminal Dune gaming experiences. DUNE Series Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ658qV-xAg What's The Point of Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJAyPjX8r2Y The Original Sand Dunes That Inspired Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU44RjBSXm0 Dune - The Heresy of Frank Herbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrP7sjBa0hg Dune's Writing is Incredible. Here's Why.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ms5hDWafhw Metaethics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOoffXFpAlU Judging History: Projecting Morals Backwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2x7aIywXG4 What Makes a Hero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA Why Paul is Not the Hero of Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNcsWDc4w2o Paul Atreides is a Warning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh1hShH3oHM Dune (1984) Dune Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzUlXEyvJeA TCW 133 - Rolling Dice with the Parker Brother's: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rolling-dice-with-the-parker-brothers/ Atari 2600 Dune Prototype: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDwft29dOlM TCW 017 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Hardware: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-hardware/ TCW 018 - The British 8-Bit Computer Market: Software: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-british-8-bit-computer-market-software/ TCW 131 - Sir Clive of ZX: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sir-clive-of-zx/ TCW 194 - The 7th Guest: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-7th-guest/ Cool Spot (Dos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I4fHvtUxAs McDonald Land (1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKUDPl9y9xk Macadam Bumper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0e-jG506wY TCW 064 - Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-1/ TCW 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-2/ Captain Blood (Atari ST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeNKepH2ut4 Gandahar (Lightyears) Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdrCK5TNG6c Simpsons - Worker and Parasite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2_dhUv_CrI (Westwood Studios) - The Legends of Kyrandia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQuBkU3SzxY Herzog Zwei Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYfYrhT82RM Military Madness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv1ddpLkMOY Populous Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4po_dJZuEQ Populous Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjPeeJ9gfl0 TCW 050 - Civilizing Sid Meier: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/civilizing-sid-meier/ Civilization 1 Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnfkrhREDDM (Cryo Interactive) Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_B4WPnf-AY Westwood Studios) Dune 2 - Battle for Arrakis - Atreides Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOscXf0Fpmk 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/
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • SEGA Saturn Part 2

    SEGA Saturn Part 2
    Apr 1 2024

    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/
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • SEGA Saturn Part 1

    SEGA Saturn Part 1
    Mar 15 2024
    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/
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3

    Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3
    Mar 1 2024

    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/
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Exploring the Mass Effect

    Exploring the Mass Effect
    Feb 15 2024
    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 dedicated to crafting a compelling hard sci-fi universe. A key goal was to imbue the game with cinematic qualities and broaden its audience appeal, challenging the conventions of RPGs at the time. The innovative use of a dialog wheel, featuring concise words to convey dialog choices, coupled with full voice acting for both player characters and the main protagonist, marked significant strides in the gaming landscape. KOTR in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTCSPo7ZuSE SCTV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFb0L4MQziTjEsJKTbFgm8Q The Wild Life - Rick Moranis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mM9qvLYeI8 Rick Moranis - SNL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzeyvaj1FiM "The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3": https://me3finalhours.com/#:~:text=Q%3A%20What%20is%20the%20Final,creative%20process%20behind%20the%20games. The Complete Deus Ex Retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yD54ndTFVU StarFlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foX2Mn1TIzk Hard VS Soft Sci-Fi - What do they mean?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsbm2YDhItM The Physics of Space Battles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFOuxAx-dkc The Truth About Space War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs3mGhQGxM Syd Mead - Visual Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuMIrHlAf2Q Mr Spock Attempts Mind Meld with V'ger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qpO47Iskac Santiago Calatrava: https://calatrava.com/ Santiago Calatrava: A selection of projects from all around the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEjJXEwicuA Babylon 5 - Everything You Didn't Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50xmPWmLUko John Harris - Beyond the Horizon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTuZlYJOw-Q Book Notes Mass - The Art of John Harris: https://adamrowe.substack.com/p/book-notes-mass-the-art-of-john-harris 24's Jack Bauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKKTkTMAJBw Mass Effect 2006 E3 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvCvqbn4qY Mass Effect 1 - Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT5HhrIQfrY 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/
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Alone In The Dark

    Alone In The Dark
    Feb 1 2024
    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 PlayStation. Despite its significant success, Raynal departed Infogrames due to a lack of recognition, inadequate compensation, and the directive to create a new game with the same engine within a year. Subsequently, he founded his own company, Adeline Software. Content Warning: The movies and genres referenced may not be suitable for some audiences. Can You Hack Your Eyes to See Upside Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euwp4C6Wt8A Dawn of the Dead (1978) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_EviQj5tvA The Amityville Horror: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwa120o7m7k No Film School - Giallo Firm: https://nofilmschool.com/giallo-film-genre-explained Horror Press - Horror 101 - Giallo: https://horrorpress.com/misc/5539/horror-101-what-is-giallo-and-why-does-it-matter/ Dario Argento: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Argento Mario Bava: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Bava The Bird with the Crystal Plumage Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UztVF1nJTBo Suspiria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPs2ExUL_bc Alfred Hitchcock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVoVdKOLP04 10 Things You Don't Know About Alfred Hitchcock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9BS9SJxbxc 12 Common Camera Angles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNviMsi0K0 Popcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ea5-eFU3oA Drakken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5RlWuY3gXU TCW 064 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-1/ TCW 065 - The Rise and Fall of Infogrames Part 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-infogrames-part-2/ Star Glider 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg3uQM83dl8 Alpha Waves (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qAtVwSIV8 PBS Monstrum - The Origins of the Zombie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIGmsxBMnjA Shadow of the Comet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dwukeu8alE The Case of Charles Dexter Ward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va7WZT1lVsc 44 Lovecraftian Monsters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDPqZUja9wU Alone in the Dark - Artwork - Goomba Stomp: https://goombastomp.com/in-retrospect-the-original-alone-in-the-dark/ Alone in the Dark - Retrospective, Analysis and Critique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YNZV5QAFc 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/
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    1 hr and 36 mins