Classic Gaming Today Classic Gaming Today

Our fourth and final deep dive into the early works of id Software focuses on Quake, the successor to Doom and probably the game most responsible for rocket jump-related deaths in the mid-90s.  Learn how id once again evolved their first person shooter formula while, at the same time, creating a true 3D engine that would serve as the blueprint for many titles to come.  Does it feel as good to play today as it did back when it was released?  Listen and find out!

Rip and tear through the hordes of hell, as we discuss Doom, one of the most influential computer games ever created!  Learn how the id Software team evolved from their Wolfenstein 3D roots to deliver an experience that had never been seen before.  Is it still worth it to play the Father of the first person shooter genre?  There's only one way to find out!

Have you ever played an interactive cartoon?  If so, you just might have played Dragon's Lair, an early 80s arcade title that utilized Laserdisc technology to deliver a never-before-seen level of animation and visual spectacle.  Learn how designer Rick Dyer and Don Bluth and his animation team worked their magic in creating a pivotal title in video game history, and discover whether it's worth your time today to visit, or revisit, Singe's domain!

For many people, Diablo was the first true "action" RPG.  For others, though, especially in the early 90s, Shadow Caster was the game many people gravitated to when they wanted an RPG-like experience that didn't require dissecting scores of numbers and stat points in order to maximize their builds.  Join me as we talk about how Shadow Caster was created, where it sits in computer gaming history, and how well it holds up today!

Little known fact - when Mario isn't busy saving the Mushroom Kingdom, or practicing his day job as a plumber, he sometimes moonlights as a...hotel bellhop?  Join me as we talk about Hotel Mario, the CD-I exclusive that asks the question, "what would happen if the only way to save the princess was to shut...every...door!"  Learn how the game was made, why it exists, what Nintendo was thinking, and whether it holds up today.  Is Hotel Mario worth a reservation?  There's only one way to find out!

Time paradoxes and JRPG gameplay await as we tackle Chrono Trigger!  Learn how a dream team of designers, developers, artists and composers came together to create one of the most beloved titles from the 1990s, after which we ask the question - does Chrono Trigger still hold up today?  Is the game a timeless classic, or simply not worth your time?  Listen in to find out!