I was excited to check out The History of Video Games podcast, expecting a deep dive into the evolution of gaming. However, what I found was two hosts who seem to do only light research and some brief gameplay before reviewing each title. While I understand they may be assessing these games from a modern perspective, their lack of historical context makes the podcast frustrating to listen to.
A perfect example of this is their coverage of Joust. They failed to recognize what a breakthrough the game was at the time of its release, both in terms of graphics and gameplay innovation. There was no discussion of how it stood apart from earlier arcade games or how it influenced future titles. This pattern seems to repeat with other games they cover, showing a lack of appreciation for the industry’s history and the technical achievements that paved the way.
For a podcast that claims to focus on the history of video games, I expected more than just surface-level impressions. If you're looking for genuine historical insight and in-depth analysis, this podcast may not be for you. Unfortunately, I won’t be listening to these hosts again.
