Podouken
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A PODCAST FOR ARCADE LOVERS. From the owners of 100+ arcade and pinball cabinets, and the proprietors of a real-life arcade comes PODOUKEN, a brand new podcast that takes a deep dive into the world of video arcade games, and explores the history, story, strategy, art, music, restoration, preservation and fun of arcade games.
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Sep 20, 2023
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - Episode 103
Sound Boy makes its triumphant return! Since it’s nearly our 4th birthday it’s fitting we talk about the Cartoon arcade game that puts cake on full display - Konami’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
What is the devastating truth behind the origin of this game? Is this the first arcade game based on a doll? How many times is “Yo Joe!” uttered in this episode (seriously we’ll send some prizes to whomever counts it up)? Is this the most carnivore-friendly episode we’ve ever released?
We discuss some of our favorite game shows, cajun cooking, the dark web, and answer the question, “what cartoon deserved an arcade game that never got one?”
Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions to be included in a future episode or nominate your picks for the upcoming Listeners’ Choice series: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz
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Sep 6, 2023
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs - Episode 102
We were too late to throw some poop into the Caddy, hop in the two-seater, and evacuate from the impending hurricane so why not record an episode of the show? And this time we’re not even talking about a Konami property! We’re headed into the future to talk about Capcom’s Captain Planet meets Jurassic Park beat ‘em up, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs!
By what name is the uber-popular bootleg of this game known as? Does the cartoon’s theme song slap like our past entries? What is the Hurritrain game? Why did Capcom create a fourth character for a three-player game?
Jarrod explains his hangups with hurricanes that smash in the night and the whereabouts of Sound Boy. Rob tells the younglings about antenna-based television. Adam recounts playing the Sega CD version of this game.
Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions to be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz
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Aug 23, 2023
Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa - Episode 101
After a brief hiatus we are back to continue the Cartoon miniseries with another Konami title. If you’re not a fan of bovine puns that get milked for all they’re worth then this may not be the episode for moo. We are discussing the super punctuated Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa!
Is this the spiritual successor to Sunset Riders? Which Macaulay Culkin character did young PastBlaster emulate? Will Rob’s voice (and body) ever recover? Does Moo Mesa have the best country theme song ever aired on television? Can Seth Rogan please stop voicing animated characters?
The listener questions get heavy this episode by asking us if we’ve ever owned a full-motion cabinet and delves into our distant past by asking us to explore our first arcade memory. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions to be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz
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Jul 26, 2023
The Simpsons - Episode 100
We're rolling over the episode count to triple digits and pulling out all the stops. For our hundredth episode we are covering THE cartoon arcade game - The Simpsons. And who better to talk Simpsons than with guest Chris Antista!
What characters appear in the arcade game that never have appeared in the cartoon? Was Brian Dennehy really Bigfoot? Is this the longest (and last) episode? Why is Marge throwing ass all around Springfield?
We close out our marathon show with the origin of the Podouken theme and a huge thanks to all the listeners who have supported us along the way.
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Jul 11, 2023
Bucky O'Hare - Episode 099
In another dimension, another time and space, a parallel universe was fallin’ on its face. When out of the chaos, who else could it be but the animal adventures from S.P.A.C.E.? It’s time to talk about Bucky - Konami’s Bucky O’Hare!
Are we the only podcast to ever spend 2+ hours talking about the Bucky O’Hare arcade game? Did Konami pour more time and effort into this game than any of their other licensed titles? What part does Sugar Bear from “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” play in the cartoon and game? Is “indefatigable” a real word?
Plus we fall down the hare hole on TMNT toys, rewritable laser discs, infomercials, and our upcoming 100th episode. Let’s croak us some toads!
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Jun 29, 2023
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Episode 098
A new miniseries begins as we explore arcade games based on cartoons (and there’s going to be a lot of bangers). To start, we enter the animated sewers to bring you the #1 most-requested arcade game - Konami’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
How did this game pave the way for Konami arcade domination in the early 90s? Does TMNT have the best gag of any arcade game? Did Lindsay Lohan draw the training scene art for Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! on a V-Tech Video Painter? Did Konami try to give the turtles guns in this game?!
So buckle up for some unadulterated love of Eastman and Laird’s joke-turned-billion-dollar-property. We rank our turtle preference (and stumble upon the perfect personality test) as well as answer some listener questions. Turtle power!
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Jun 14, 2023
Arcade Obscura (Mounted Gun) - Episode 097
We bring the Mounted Gun miniseries to a close with a good old fashioned Arcade Obscura. Each of us brings our pick for an obscure or underrated mounted gun game but one game is so obscure we invite the only person known to own it onto the podcast - Doc Mack from The Galloping Ghost arcade!
Who is giving all these zombies guns? What American city has its own arcade game named after it? Are birthday cake Oreos really as gross as we make them out to be (yes)? Will an arcade game nearly 30 years in the making ever come out?
Some listener questions get some love as Jarrod answers the three films he most recently watched (and they are on brand) and we identify what game is missing from The Galloping Ghost lineup.
Special thanks to Craig Bass from Year of the Phoenix Productions and director of the upcoming documentary Ghostlord and the Quest for Dark Presence and Doc Mack (@GGA_Ghostlord). More information about the documentary can be found at https://www.ghostlordsquest.com.
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May 30, 2023
Revolution X - Episode 096
We’re back in the saddle again with another Midway mounted gun game that’s not the same old song and dance. So if you don’t want to miss a thing then walk this way as we cover this amazing and crazy game. Let’s get back in the saddle with Revolution X: Music is the Weapon. Featuring: Aerosmith - Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer.
Why should this game really have Featuring: Kerri Hoskins instead of Aerosmith? Who is responsible for this game not becoming Boot Shootin’ Boogie: Featuring: Brooks & Dunn? Would that have been a better game?
On a serious note, this episode contains discussion about gun violence in public settings. All discussion is specifically about the game, the actions within the game, and should not be interpreted as commentary on real-world events.
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May 18, 2023
Silent Scope - Episode 095
Konami trains an entire generation to become snipers as they task you with saving the model 90s American First Family, but not their secretary. In this episode we’re taking a long, focused look at the biggest gun in the arcade, Silent Scope.
Why are there so many “wow” moments in this game? Will Jarrod ever reclaim the Mr. SNK title from Rob? Is this the only video game where you can shoot Tom and Jerry in the head or are they in Fortnite? Which version of Silent Scope 2 had the best subtitled name?
Finally we answer some Discord questions like what game show would we like to participate in, how far have we traveled to get a game, and was it worth it? Now die and go to heaven!
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May 2, 2023
Terminator 2 : Judgement Day - Episode 094
Midway hits all their targets when they make THE mounted gun game of the 90s, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (and it was all thanks to Narc).
What actors gave it their all to bring the arcade game to life? Which host hasn’t seen the prequel to this movie (and how is that not at all surprising)? Who recorded more dialogue for the game than they did for the movie? How does one gameplay tip make this game so much easier?
We also answer Discord questions that take us into the legal gray area that is routing emulated arcades and give away the secret origins of how the podcast started and why we picked a name that no one could spell.
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Apr 19, 2023
Operation Wolf - Episode 093
Let’s play the 80s version of Operation! It has a lot of changes over the popular board game like the tweezers being replaced with an Uzi and instead of Cavity Sam we’re operating on unspecified enemy troops to rescue hostages… actually these games don’t seem to be related at all. In this episode we’re talking about THE mounted gun game of the 80s, Taito’s Operation Wolf (and the sequels that followed it).
What was the name of that kids game show where winners ran through the maze and stuck NES games to their velcro vest? Did Tomohiro Nishikado, the famous creator of Space Invaders, really design Operation Wolf? What movie has Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best one-liner? Why does Jarrod feel the need to insult our arcade?
We happily answer a listener question in this episode which asks what arcade experience from our past do we think is unreproducible today. And remember, if world peace and lasting freedom doesn’t work, grenade ‘em.
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Apr 5, 2023
Crossbow / Cheyenne / Chiller - Episode 092
It’s time to explore the way of the light gun with one important condition - it’s mounted to the arcade control panel. Our first episode of this new miniseries explores the transition from electromechanical to video with the Exidy light gun games that brought multiple C’s to the arcade with Crossbow, Cheyenne, and Chiller.
Is the Chiller controversy valid? What is the best way to describe the gameplay of Crossbow? How shameful is it to be a former fan of Friends? Which Cheyenne gang has the best name and best members?
And, as has been our habit, we answer some listener questions like the viability of modern-day fighting games being released in the arcades and what not great arcade games do we still love wholeheartedly?
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Mar 21, 2023
Samurai Shodown - Episode 091
Iza Jinjou ni Shoubu! Let’s have a good clean fight in this final episode of the Neo Geo 4 Slot miniseries (for now). The board has been repaired and we’re dedicating an entire episode to cover our last selection of 1993 - Samurai Shodown!
Is SamSho the most underrated fighting game of the 90s? How does the Edo period heavily influence this game and make the inclusion of some characters impossible? What blade-handed character is responsible for the creation of Samurai Shodown? Will Mr. SNK ever be this pumped for another miniseries ever again?
We answer some very personal listener questions like have we ever had a first or early date at an arcade and are there any games we played as youngsters that we forgot about and then rediscovered later on. Also, Jarrod shares a truly shocking fact that we still can’t believe!
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Mar 7, 2023
Neo Geo 1993 - Episode 090
Travel with us back to 1993 when Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the United States, your mom and grandmother’s favorite collectible was released, Samuel L. Jackson implored people to hold onto their butts, and a Dolly Parton song takes off again. Sadly it appears our Neo Geo 4-slot has a slight malfunction so we’ll only fill it with three of our four picks this episode with Sengoku 2, 3 Count Bout, and Spin Master.
How was PastBlaster’s visit to the Fun Dungeon and why is he so fascinated with tush tags now? Are yo-yos weapons now? When an ancient princess transports you through time to WW2 how important is it to know who you’re fighting against? Why wasn’t Fire Suplex used as the worldwide release title instead of the generic 3 Count Bout?
Plus we answer some listener questions like what console game warrants the full arcade treatment and which arcade game blew our minds the most when we first saw it.
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Feb 22, 2023
Neo Geo 1992 - Episode 089
It’s the year 1992 - the public witnesses the first televised presidential threeway debate, eating liver with a nice Chianti is all the rage, and the Cartoon Network debut helps mold the tastes of a generation. Join us as we compose our 1992 Neo Geo 4 slot with Mutation Nation, Last Resort, King of the Monsters 2, and Viewpoint.
What game gives us some Nautiboys, Thornygirls, and a viking crusader straight out of Mad Max? How do you beat the real-world Gravitron? Why do we have concerns about the new Tron ride at Disney? How do you get the toilet port of Doom?
Hear us answer some of the latest listener questions like what arcade has the most delicious and most disgusting food item, and what previously featured Podouken arcade would we most like to receive the modern remake treatment.
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Feb 8, 2023
Neo Geo 1991 - Episode 088
Welcome to the year 1991 where war is the hottest collectible, geography tests just got a whole lot harder, and arguably the best movie sequel ever came out. In this very sick episode we’ll be assembling the Podouken 4 slot with Ghost Pilots, Eight Man, Crossed Swords, and Thrash Rally.
Why are we recording this episode remotely? Can you still hire pontoon plane pilots on Fiver? Will we make Jarrod’s childhood dreams come true? Did we stumble upon the original RoboCop? Where can we buy a Mitsuboshi Thunderjet?
This episode’s Q&A includes our most expensive (and depressing) arcade-related mistakes, the arcade exclusive we’d most like to see ported to console, and what movie-based pinball has the biggest quality difference between it and the movie it is based on.
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Jan 24, 2023
Neo Geo 1990 - Episode 087
It’s 1990 - the year of the Berlin Wall coming down, the Hubble Space Telescope going up, and Wilson Phillips asking us to hold on for one more day. In this episode we’ll fill the Podouken 4 Slot Neo Geo with Ninja Combat, Cyber-Lip, The Super Spy, and Blue’s Journey.
Does this episode have our worst bit ever? Why is Debra a fat man holding an ax? How are we disappointing the futurists from the 90s? Did SNK make a game about the worst spy ever?
We also answer some listener questions (posted on the Podouken Discord) like if we’ve ever encountered haunted games, how we tune game difficulty in the arcade, what games we hate but keep around because the public loves them, and our choices for holy grail games.
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Jan 11, 2023
Neo Geo Launch Titles - Episode 086
New year, new miniseries as we dedicate our next group of episodes to answer a question posed years ago: “What Neo Geo games make it in the Podouken 4 Slot?” This episode is a gimme as the Neo Geo launched with four titles in the US: NAM-1975, Baseball Stars Professional, Top Players Golf, and Magician Lord.
What are the hosts’ first memories of the Neo Geo? Did Mr. SNK skate regular or goofy mongo? What are the four games currently in the arcade’s Neo Geo 4 slot?
We also answer some questions posted on the Podouken Discord like how we started an arcade, what it’s like dealing with hurricanes on the regular, our most troublesome games, and our favorite arcade-to-console ports.
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Dec 27, 2022
Arcade Obscura (Hollywood) - Episode 085
We’re closing off the Hollywood miniseries with our first Arcade Obscura in over a year! And it’s been so long that some of us have forgotten how it works (and how much content to prepare for the episode). So get ready to hear a whole lot about one game (and a little bit about two others) as we bring our picks for obscure or underrated arcade games based on movies.
Are we going to cover a Star Wars game in this series? Why are we talking about giving “yutes” drugs? Did we just unlock some of PastBlaster’s repressed memories? I’m sorry, you said “peanuts”?
Thanks to all our listeners for a fantastic year! We wish you all a happy new year and hope you have an even better time with us in the next one.
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Dec 13, 2022
Die Hard - Episode 084
Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho. On this special holiday episode of Podouken we take an in-depth look at not just a Christmas movie, but THE Christmas movie - Die Hard (and the very literal arcade game by Sega).
How did this film based on a book that was written as a sequel to a Frank Sinatra film turn into a holiday classic? What led Golden Axe’s creator to use Die Hard to revive the beat ‘em up genre? Is it true one of the hosts had never seen this movie before this episode? How did a defector ballet dancer turn into one of the biggest badasses in cinema?
So listen, bubbe, as we talk about a dynamite detective, try to buy some Star Wars laser dicks, uncover the true love story in Die Hard, give really bad Alan Rickman impersonations, and try to stifle a raging Wolf Hongo.
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Nov 29, 2022
Willow - Episode 083
Sorry X-Men, there’s a new longest episode in town. It’s time to talk about George Lucas’s totally-not-inspired-by-Lord-of-the-Rings fantasy epic (and Capcom arcade game) Willow, which coincidentally (or not) has a new TV series coming out… today!
Why are all the names in this movie so awful? Does Val Kilmer make the perfect Madmartigan or would John Cusak have done it better? Did we talk about this movie for almost twice its running time? How does the arcade game reward frugal shopping?
Not to miss in this episode: Jarrod references an anime all on his own, we dream up the Forrest Gump video game, discuss the benefits of owning a bone urn, and recap Willow so you can be ready for the new Disney+ series.
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Nov 16, 2022
Jurassic Park - Episode 082
Hold on to your butts as we explore a Steven Spielberg directed film that was a #1 top grossing box office movie and spawned a video game. No, not Jaws. No, not E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Welcome to Jurassic Park (cue the kazoos).
How did one Spaz lead to the extinction of a special effects technology and the supremacy of another? Which Jurassic Park arcade game is the best? Who is the Gatekeeper and is there a Keymaster? Are Timmy’s dinosaur jokes better than Rob’s?
Observe the many species of Jurassic Park games placed into the arcades by Sega, Konami, and Raw Thrills. And while we wait on the goat bait to work, listen to conversations about King Kong, going overboard for Halloween, hurricanes, kids ruining theater experiences, and a lot of talk about Orlando.
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Nov 2, 2022
Robocop - Episode 081
Dead or alive, you’re coming with me to hear the Podouken gang explore RoboCop the movie… and the arcade game!
How did a home video game company play the Uno Reverse card on an arcade maker? Why are there so many dicks in this movie? What movie set gave inspiration for the creation of RoboCop? What makes this movie and Starship Troopers so similar? Would you like to know more?
Fun fact enough: RoboCop originally received an X rating. We talk about missing out on young emo nostalgia, mime coaches, the horrible 80s affliction of boneitus, Mr. Deco Man, and go Robo!
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Oct 19, 2022
Street Fighter: The Movie - Episode 080
After 80 episodes we’re not going home. We’re going to get on our boat, and we’re going up river, and we’re going to kick that son-of-a-bitch Bison’s ass so hard that the next Bison wannabe is gonna feel it. Now who wants to go home, and who wants to listen to a Street Fighter: The Movie podcast?!
Why have we been watching this movie all wrong? How did breaking the Seven Dwarfs rule ultimately doom this film? What led to this movie getting an ‘R’ rating? Who was responsible for creating the official Street Fighter song featuring sports legend Deon Sanders? What is the most outrageous quote from this movie?
So bite into a Lay’s Wavy Funyuns Onion Flavored Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings potato chip and listen to our exploration of Capcom’s cinematic classic, plus discussion on Incredible Technologies, colons, Super Mario Bros., JCVD, and the production cost differences between “later” and “ladder”.
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Oct 4, 2022
Tron - Episode 079
After three years of podcasting, nearly 80 episodes, and covering 200 arcade games, it’s time to switch our focus to something with more audience potential. So we’re going full Hollywood and rebranding as a video arcade game… movie podcast! To start we’re covering the live-action Walt Disney classic, Tron.
How was this movie inspired by Pong? What convinced Tron’s creator to move away from traditional animation and incorporate CGI for the first time? Is Flynn’s Arcade the best golden age arcade representation ever shown on the silver screen? Does Tron include an example of the Mandela Effect?
As we analyze this movie we’ll also talk about jai alai, PastBlaster’s recent trip to Galloping Ghost Arcade, the best movie soundtrack ever composed, Robin Williams, using Miyagi-Do as an insecticide, and a follow-up discussion on T-MEK.
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Sep 21, 2022
T-MEK - Episode 078
The Listeners’ Choice miniseries wraps up with a game that won’t give you power and wealth by punching hard, or knowing economics, or looking good. Nope, you have to blow up a bunch of hover tanks in T-MEK released by Atari Games.
What popular games was T-MEK inspired by? How did this game make Rob thousands of dollars? Is there a secret Atari meetup that we’re blacklisted from? Why is there so little information out there about this arcade game?
Thankfully the Game Designer of T-MEK, Matthew Ford, joins us to shed some light on the inspirations and development history of T-MEK plus what it was like working for Atari Games in the 1990s, and his life after Atari! Special thanks to JC (@specialcases on Twitter) for nominating this game for the Listeners’ Choice series.
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Sep 7, 2022
Growl - Episode 077
Time to go SHBROOM-ing with the bros as we fight to protect all animal life - except bats - ef them bats. Come experience the EXCITE, ACTION, THRILL, EXCITE, and FIGHT of Taito’s Growl.
What is the secret twist that may have you feeling sympathy for the bad guys? How many characters were lifted from Indiana Jones? How did some popular Konami beat ‘em ups end Growl’s time in arcades before it even got started? Who wins in a battle between an elephant and a tank?
Sound Boy is back from a long vacation and supplies plenty of clips along with our discussion of bat houses, Lamborghini Countach posters, growing up near lions, overpowered whips, and the latest trends in fashion! Special thanks to Trevofour for nominating this game for the Listeners’ Choice series.
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Aug 23, 2022
Cannon Spike - Episode 076
It’s the year 20XX and the economy sucks, warfare is spreading, and terrorism is rampant. No, we’re not doom scrolling, we’re talking about the Psikyo/Capcom collaboration Cannon Spike!
How long can we talk about a game that takes 15 minutes to play? Is Cannon Spike primarily a shmup or a beat ‘em up? What’s the correct way to describe a single ski? Is the Dreamcast version better than the arcade?
So strap on your motor boots and get ready to hear the tale of ARS-Force along with discussion about middle aged boys and their toys, screaming over a Naomi fan, very muscular dolphins, ruining Blitz, and supporting your local arcade. Special thanks to YouOldSoAndSo for nominating this game for the Listeners’ Choice series.
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Aug 9, 2022
BurgerTime - Episode 075
We hope you saved room for the final course in our Blue Collar series because it’s a whopper. We’re talking about the deliciously classic food service game by Data East - BurgerTime!
Peter Pepper packs a lot of peppered pickles in his burgers, but how many peppered pickles can Peter Pepper pack? How did PastBlaster score a free BurgerTime? What are the hosts’ picks for their favorite burger chain? Does Mr. SNK have any new moves to add to his repertoire of bun bounces and weiner wiggles?
So join us for a very filling episode about cassette tapes, making hamburgers with your feet, a new subreddit, how beer can open long closed doors, BOB SUX, and a recollection of some of our favorite arcade and pinball game buying stories.
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Jul 27, 2022
Paperboy - Episode 074
We grab the Blue Collar miniseries by the handlebars and cover the game that seems to be the talk of the town, Atari’s Paperboy.
How did this game deliver something fresh and newsworthy to the mid-80s arcade? What makes the technical descriptions in Atari manuals so delectable? Will you choose to play Paperboy as a Paragon or Renegade? How did Paperboy’s evolution into Atari System 2 sacrifice some of its identity?
Thanks to the nasty ‘rona we’re recording remotely this episode which poses some interesting challenges for one of us. We explore breaking and entering (but for good reasons), describe what a newspaper is, and how bad we are at this game. There’s one more episode left in this miniseries before we cover our next Listeners’ Choice so get your nominations in now on Discord or Twitter!
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Jul 13, 2022
Zoo Keeper - Episode 073
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: a crazy monkey has kidnapped a girl and it’s up to our hero to get her back. And the girl is Zelda. But we’re not talking about a Nintendo property here. We’re talking about Taito’s Zoo Keeper.
Who was the Zoo Keeper co-creator that drastically altered the face of arcade history in the U.S.? What non-video arcade game released just before this is a Podouken favorite? How did crabs and tadpoles lead to a breakout for Taito?
We count all of our Florida Man fingers and make sure they’re still intact after July 4th, think of other Z names (and fail), create some new band names, experience some arcade amnesia, and dream up some new miniseries. Psst, no one tell Pastblaster that turtles are reptiles because he’s really keen on this Amphibian miniseries.
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Jun 29, 2022
Tapper - Episode 072
Pull a stool up to the bar and prepare to be overpoured as we talk about Bally Midway’s ode to the service industry, Tapper.
Who was actually behind this strategic bartending simulator? How did a marketing opportunity lead to a lot of bad PR? Exactly who is this overworked bartender? How did Yakity-Yak Talking Teeth lead to Wacko, Timber, and Journey (and even to Golden Tee and Street Fighter: The Movie)?
Plus plenty of chit-chat like a cautionary tale about clearing your Game Boy camera’s memory before selling it, rocking out to some Clown Core, reminiscing about being tricked into learning stuff when playing Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, and discussing the love letter to 90s beat ‘em ups that is TMNT Shredder’s Revenge.
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Jun 14, 2022
Dig Dug - Episode 071
Welcome to the beginning of the Blue Collar miniseries that explores the ordinary and dependable workers who somehow become the hero of their own arcade game. So it’s time to pop some Pookas, fry some Fygars, and eat some dirt with everyone’s favorite divorcé, Dig Dug.
Is it ethical to euthanize nuisance animals from your garden by any means necessary? What did Namco’s writers have against Taizo Hori? How much did Atari bank by licensing this strategic digging game?
We also perform at 23andMe on Grimace, peddle some bootleg medical equipment, explore Jarrod’s love for vicious ladybugs, and let the hate flow through us while discussing the Obi-Wan Kenobi series (caution: may contain minor spoilers).
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Jun 1, 2022
Killer Instinct - Episode 070
We’re out of continues on the Nintendo Life miniseries so let’s end with a C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER! What happens when some of the top 90s arcade companies come together to make a game through brute force? We get the Killer Instinct.
How did Jurassic Park lead into Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Country? What role did a small English village with a population of 850 people play in giving us some arcade classics? Why are there attempts at throat singing in this episode? How did MIPS lead to MIRT and give Mario an even bigger head?
We trace the origins of overpromising with a project that sees reality, but not quite in the way it was promised. Also a big thanks to our corporate sponsor UltraTech who promises to teach PastBlaster how to beat the orange car in R.C. Pro-Am in exchange for an ad read.
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May 17, 2022
R-Type - Episode 069
In this very nice episode we discuss the classic Irem shooter that became known as the last dedicated Nintendo arcade released in the States all thanks to Kung Fu - the tubular R-Type.
How did a dung beetle become the main inspiration for this STG? Is this the last episode of our Nintendo Life miniseries? Why did Irem design a level specifically to get the player to give up? Is a hotdog a sandwich?
So follow along with ya boyz by smashing that subscribe button and ringing that bell as we talk about childhood memories of Mr. Goodburger, Rob not knowing the difference between Metal Slug and Metal Gear Solid, the best breakfast cereal, Adam getting upset about hitboxes, and discovering the meaning of a Tokyo phone book.
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May 3, 2022
PlayChoice-10 / Nintendo Super System - Episode 068
Unlike the PlayChoice-10 we won’t charge you a quarter for every 300 seconds that you listen (which would be about $11.00 for this episode) but we sure will talk about it and the SNES counterpart - the Nintendo Super System.
What was the best PlayChoice-10 game released each year? Was the Super System the perfect arcade to be featured in Bayside High’s The Max? Why does Jarrod hate Nintendo arcades? How did the 1989 Fred Savage star vehicle, The Wizard, lie to us?
We unravel the maybe mythical mystery of David Crane and his amazing tennis game, pick which Disney ride to die on, define the differences between the California and Florida versions of Sunny D, and talk the most annoying callouts in pinball.
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Apr 19, 2022
Nintendo Vs. System - Episode 067
It’s our unrequited love letter to one of the best arcade cabinets ever made in an episode that doesn’t focus just on a game or a series, but an entire system - the Nintendo Vs. System.
How did Nintendo find success in the worst possible time to sell video games? Why did American audiences have to pay a quarter for the first taste of the Famicom? How did stupid sexy Flanders blaze a trail for Goldeneye, Killer Instinct, and Battletoads? What are our top three Nintendo Vs. games and what are yours?
We attempt to set the Guinness Book World Record for the number of times “PPU” is said in a podcast, finally get to shoot the dog in Duck Hunt, describe why hoarding is a good thing, and talk about 37 Vs. games… in a row.
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Apr 6, 2022
Mario Bros. - Episode 066
We’re heading into the sewers to clean out the pipes with the Mario Bros. in the game that gave us their ultimate occupation. So join the Podouken crew as we explore how Mario Mario and Luigi Mario take on the shellcreepers, sidesteppers, and fighter flies.
Exactly how many jobs has Mario had? How did the success of Nintendo’s Beam Gun lead to the first erotic arcade game? Is Mario Bros. part of the Donkey Kong arcade series? Was the Game & Watch much cooler than we originally thought?
All that plus we back a Kickstarter, Jarrod gives us a showcase of his bun bounce and wiener wiggle skills, Rob offers scenarios involving space fairies (or maybe space ferries), and Adam tries to talk us into rubbing an alligator’s belly.
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Mar 22, 2022
Donkey Kong Jr. / Donkey Kong 3 - Episode 065
It’s time to expose the real villain of the Donkey Kong series - Nintendo’s very own golden boy, the insidious Mario. Discover how Mario torments a young ape by enslaving his father in Donkey Kong Jr. and how a fumigator gives the elder Kong an air bidet in Donkey Kong 3.
What far reaching device gave Nintendo a hand in moving into toy manufacturing? Do one of these arcade games feature the true first appearance of the more virtuous Mario brother? What is the best video game peripheral ever made? Is “Monkey Muscle” the worst catchphrase ever slapped on a lunchbox?
Plenty of non sequiturs ensue like Pastblaster giving us the scoop on a recent free arcade pickup that is nothing to sneeze at, a Smaug run Subaru dealership in Middle Earth, Stanley the Scatman, how busking makes us feel good, and the pelvic thrusting rhythms of Neo Turf Masters.
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Mar 8, 2022
Donkey Kong - Episode 064
Grab a fistful of quarters and listen along as we begin a new miniseries that is all about living the Nintendo Life. We start with one of the best arcade games of all time - Donkey Kong (or is that Dankey Kang?).
What other names were almost used in Nintendo’s run-away hit? How did this game single-handedly save Nintendo of America? Who was the young apprentice that delivered on his promise of making a hit game? Why is there a fake violin player busking right outside our door as we’re recording?
No Podouken episode would be complete without some gaming history - and this one doesn’t disappoint as we explore Nintendo’s sordid history which includes… love hotels? We also spill the secrets to becoming a great DK player, witness a Karen Gandalf, and say goodbye to a longtime podcast friend.
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Feb 22, 2022
Marvel Vs. Capcom Part 2 - Episode 063
We’re going to take you for a ride as we wrap up our exploration of Capcom’s Marvel Vs. Capcom series with the two namesakes - Marvel Vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes and Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.
What playable character appears the most times across all Marvel arcade games? Has anything come from the #FreeMvC2 movement? Does PastBlaster’s new hobby foreshadow his eventual turn to villainy? What Mexican ZIP code do all the Marvel Capcom games exist in?
Plus no episode about Marvel games would be complete without Rob giving everyone else an onslaught of comic facts about Onslaught, a gaming pickup older than Jarrod’s Sound Boy, a quick recap of the worst Marvel game, and a debate on the best arcade hardware systems.
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Feb 9, 2022
Marvel Vs. Capcom Part 1 - Episode 062
In our first ever two-part episode we explore the beginnings of Capcom’s Marvel Vs. Capcom series - X-Men Vs. Street Fighter and Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter. We also explore the person responsible for forging the Capcom and Marvel relationship and the games that got us to the ultimate tag team battle.
How did the X-Men Animated Series influence a whole lot of fighting? Why is insanity a good thing? Which arcade game has the most annoying attract mode? Is Mr. SNK finally upgrading to the 21st century? If you had magnetokinesis would you cheat at pinball?
Other conversations include exploring the gaming experience that only Texas Instruments can provide, the complicated history of Shuma-Gorath, why Gambit is the perfect credit card spokesperson, and one heck of a bait and switch (we’re sorry).
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Jan 25, 2022
Spiderman: The Videogame - Episode 061
We swing into the back half of the MCBU miniseries with everyone’s favorite web-head (and some of his amazing friends - not you Namor). Join us, true believers, as we explore the very first Marvel arcade game, Spider-Man: The Videogame.
What Sega faux pas led to this game being created? Have dad bods ever been used for character references besides this game? Is this game a beat ‘em up, platformer, or something more sinister? We also explore our poor music tastes, get hooked on Wordle, discuss some very mild No Way Home spoilers, guffaw at unrealistic female beauty standards, and debate over what the best cracker is (which may lead to a podcast spinoff series!).
Editor’s note: Stop trying to make Cracker Time happen. It’s not going to happen.
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Jan 12, 2022
X-Men - Episode 060
It’s a Giant-Size X-Men episode as we cover the best arcade game of all time (at least according to one host) in our longest show yet! What is it about this Konami beat ‘em up that separates it from other greats like TMNT and the Simpsons? How did a failed pilot inspire this astonishing game? What is the point of a soundboard if you don’t include the game’s best sounds? Can you live comfortably within a 6 player X-Men cabinet? Along with exploring the hardcore history of this game we cover topics like the top songs of 1992, Earth-652975, Professor X’s problematic past, RadioShack CueCats, and Australian Wolverine.
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Dec 29, 2021
The Punisher - Episode 059
The Punisher, a game of pixels and violence. Where players mercilessly prey on all. Anytime, anywhere. The next game in the MCBU is Capcom’s ode to grit and 90s machismo that started a longtime relationship between two huge companies. Is this the best Marvel-based beat ‘em up of the 90s? How do you grow poppies in a cave? Why is white Nick Fury such a nag? Join us as we explore this fantastic game and talk about the horrors of sleep paralysis, our preferred in-game weapons, nelophobia, McDonalds food, space Civics, and Oldboy hallway fighting. We also have an on-air gift exchange and Pastblaster goes shopping for some balls.
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Dec 15, 2021
Captain America and the Avengers - Episode 058
An astonishing new miniseries begins as we explore the MCBU - Marvel Circuit Board Universe. We begin with the best licensing very little money could buy in the early 90s, Captain America and the Avengers. What is it about this beat 'em up that makes it so appealing? Why did Data East feature bargain basement Avengers instead of the big guns? Is a spoken word playthrough of the game good podcasting? Typical tangential talk ensues as Jarrod breaks the flat earth conspiracy wide open, Rob gets very upset discussing the worst version of the Juggernaut, Adam personifies the Scarlet Witch, and the crew gives their (totally sponsor free) recommendations for arcade and video game related gifts.
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Dec 1, 2021
The Real Ghostbusters - Episode 057
We answer Tyler’s call to talk about the arcade game based on the animated show based on the Ghostbusters movie (but not the Ghost Busters TV show, and definitely not the animated show called Ghostbusters), Data East’s The Real Ghostbusters. What existing game did Data East repurpose as The Real Ghostbusters? Do we ever come close to pronouncing it correctly? How does this game rank among the all-time best Ghostbusters video games? How many trees and/or robots did Jarrod kill to cover this game? We also go in depth with some pinball talk, give the scoop on the recent Free Play Florida gaming convention, give our choices for best Mario game, and start our restoration of a Sega classic.
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Nov 17, 2021
Elevator Action Returns
It’s the sequel to the game concept that dared to say, “Hey, you know what people love? Waiting for the elevator. Let’s turn that into a game!” Taito even kept with the theme by making fans wait 11 years for this episode's game - Elevator Action Returns. What is the cool backstory that led MomSecretRecipe to nominate this game? Why are we complaining about the NFL on an arcade podcast? Are we about to insult all of our Welsh listeners (we sure hope not)? We also postulate about the origins of the arcade elevator stage, hunger for more gun cakes, visit the Starcade, and… I don’t believe it.. that kid is *back* on the escalator again!
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Nov 3, 2021
The King of Dragons - Episode 055
We’ve heard your pleas and are happy to say your prayers have been answered. That 90s beat ‘em up that you always ask us to cover is finally getting an episode! As the first game in our (new) Listeners’ Choice miniseries we’re covering The King of Dragons! Steve (LowTierSteve), longtime friend and friend of the show, joins us to discuss the majesty, strategy, and poor decision making of Capcom’s first three-player brawler. Can someone be allergic to spiders? How did a dude named Derek stumble into our fantasy RPG? What skills do you need to install a kit game? Also, Adam voices his displeasure with a horror convention, Rob describes a recent rare game pickup, and Jarrod forces his kids to play video games with him.
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Oct 20, 2021
Arcade Obscura (Shmup Dump) - Episode 054
They’re obscure. They’re underrated. They’re our choices for the Arcade Obscura shmups! Mr. SNK brings us a lovely bouquet of Sega space shooter (please consult with your physician before playing). Rob (AKA Ron, AKA Robdog Storm) goes meta with an arcade shooter about arcade characters that takes place in an arcade. PastBlaster tells a tale as old as time about an alien invasion, a President involved in a sex scandal, and animal abductions. How did the death of a bowling alley breath new life into a ton of candy cabs? When will we get a Kirby shmup? Did you know the Nazca lines are real and there’s a game company named for them? Tune in for the real conclusion to our shmup miniseries!
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Oct 5, 2021
Strikers 1945 - Episode 053
We’re bringing the Flying Pancake in for a landing on the Shmup Dump miniseries with Psikyo’s Strikers 1945 series. Can you stop the evil forces of C.A.N.Y. and find the very suggestive secret ending? How many times is PastBlaster going to mispronounce the Focke-Wulf aircraft? Can you guess the four NeoGeo games in Mr. SNK’s 4-slot MVS? We also explore the history of air superiority in the Carolinas, bear witness to a modern-day arcade wizard, rank our favorite (and least favorite) shmups in the dump, create our favorite Gundam U.S. president, and celebrate two years of making dumb arcade podcasts.
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Sep 22, 2021
Mushihimesama - Episode 052
This episode we talk about the Cave shooter series that is almost as fun to say as it is to play - Mushihimesama. We are joined by Gameboy Guru, host of the Shoot the Core-cast, to pick up Rob’s slack on this series. Why does this game fulfill our bug life fantasies in a way that Pixar never could? How do the insane Captain Auction prices from the Museum of Pinball negatively affect collectors? What odd connection do My Buddy dolls and PastBlaster share? Additional discussion includes our favorite Gameboy games, what Jarrod named his pet soundboard, Joy-Con drift, and stories about Norm Macdonald.
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Sep 8, 2021
Radiant Silvergun / Ikaruga - Episode 051
Time to cover the complete arcade history of Treasure - the game developer that gave us Radiant Silvergun, Ikargua, and… that’s it! We explore these two fun SHMUPs that mix the shooter genre with a dash of puzzle mechanics. What mysterious explosion set us up the bomb for a plot device? How is Treasure still open after no new game releases since 2014? Why is Ikaruga so divisive? We also enjoy some cawfee tawk about new shooter genre mashups, an update on Atari tokens, the correlation between Nickelodeon slime and male pattern baldness, and the pizza debate rages on.
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Aug 25, 2021
Esp Ra.De. - Episode 050
Our 50th episode is ESPecially good as we explore Cave’s bullet hells with butterfly wings - ESP Ra.De., Espgaluda, and Espgaluda II. How do you pronounce these games? What does the Michael Bay masterpiece, and Ewan McGregor/Scarlett Johansson star vehicle, “The Island” have to do with ESP Ra.De.? Did Rob make it past level 1? Enjoy an hour of bonus content that includes an appearance by the mighty Monarch, an intense debate about that best trash pizza, Naruto, and we share a deeply personal and cautionary tale about a once great arcade company *cough* Atari *cough*
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Aug 11, 2021
DonPachi - Episode 049
Are you ready to get prosecuted to the full extent of the jam? If so, join us as we whack the beehive that is the DonPachi series by Cave - and others. Why was DonPachi considered a critical failure even though it launched Cave shooters? When did counting the number of bullets on screen become the measure of the best STG? How did the death of Toaplan give birth to some many great shmups? Will Rob (Ron?) survive giving his controversial thoughts on the first two games? Also in this episode: subliminal messages in Futurama, the worst question you can ask a colorblind person, the merits of Konami golf games, the secret schemes of mattress stores, suicide cults, and much more.
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Jul 28, 2021
194X - Episode 048
We get loopy with the historically (in)accurate Capcom shooter series based on middle-aged white men’s favorite war, the 194X series. Count with us as we cover 1942, 1943, 1941, 19XX, and 1944 in a way that’s totally not confusing. How easy is it to beatbox the 1942 theme? What was famed game designer Yoshiki Okamoto’s highest grossing game? Is Jarrod a flat earther? Are keytars still a thing? Also covered: Resident Evil movies, the huge hog of Tallahassee, Rob’s musical tribute to 1942, the most annoying arcade attract modes, and the correct way to pronounce the name of 80’s singer Sade.
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Jul 14, 2021
Gradius - Episode 047
We’re blasting off on the first episode of our new SHMUP miniseries with the shooter that set the mold for horizontal STGs - Konami’s Gradius. How did this accidental hit become such a groundbreaking series? What anime movie had a huge influence on the design and weaponry of the Vic Viper? How many aliases do the Gradius and Salamander games have? Is this the most repeated arcade game of all time? No STG would be complete without some talk about Morning Music, board issues, weapon strategy, and the obvious Friends connection. We also cover cheap Jeopardy questions, proctology exams, tiny snipers, a Lake Placid pinball game, and bad Mark Wahlberg quotes.
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Jun 30, 2021
Arcade Obscura (Drivers) - Episode 046
It’s time for another Arcade Obscura where each of the hosts pitch their choice of underrated or under-appreciated driving-based arcade game. Rob goes full ‘Merica with a cross-country racer that features the first appearance of a beloved video game mascot. Mr. SNK breaks all the rules (or does he?) and doubles down on the obscure part of the episode. PastBlaster goes prime time with an over-the-top driver produced by an arcade legend. How do you define an arcade game? Is the weapon breaking system in Breath of the Wild trash? Will the debate ruin friendships and destroy this podcast? Tune in to this needlessly long episode to find out!
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Jun 16, 2021
Mario Kart Arcade GP - Episode 045
Explore the arcade series birthed by the unholy alliance of a Nintendo license developed by Namco running on a Sega board - Mario Kart Arcade GP. It’s the two biggest video game characters in a race to the finish as we close out our final featured episode in the Drivers miniseries. Why didn’t Namco include more of their characters in the GP series? Is the Mario Kart music really all it’s cracked up to be? What are the console origins of Mario Kart? We fly right off the rails with the unofficial fourth member of the Podouken crew - Jarrod’s (new) ancient soundboard. Plus we talk Smash Bros tournaments, banana peels, the proper way to say MKAGPDX, and end with a literal stinger.
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Jun 2, 2021
Initial D - Episode 044
We’re drifting into the final turn of our Drivers miniseries by talking about Sega’s most prolific driving game series, Initial D. So hop in our Trueno GT-APEX - just don’t bump the tofu - and settle in for a two plus hour exploration of this manga turned anime turned arcade. Why does this mix of Japanese mountain racing and pop music Eurobeat work so well? How did Pastblaster and Mr. SNK go halfsies on IDAS? Can we count high enough to cover all the arcade games released in this series? Enjoy some very specific talk about local landmarks, tailgating BMWs, dbags with drivers licenses, and the short history of the long running Fast & the Furious franchise.
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May 19, 2021
Cruis'n USA - Episode 043
Hop in and take a ride down Memory Lane as the Podouken crew tours the USA, world, and other exotic locations while exploring the Midway Games classic Cruis’n USA. How did this game give Rob his most gruesome arcade injury and almost get him arrested? What led the creator of Defender and Robotron to create a digitized racing game? Which arcade developed by Atari is the lost Cruis’n game? We also give some arcade buying tips, get in some Raw Thrills, tell a few of our scariest arcade buying stories, count roaches, and discuss strategies on dealing with mall cops.
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May 5, 2021
Daytona USA - Episode 042
The hosts let loose with their inner Florida Man to discuss the quintessential Florida game - Daytona USA. Let’s go away to the land of alligators, bath salts, and bike weeks and explore how Sega ended up creating the most iconic NASCAR(ish) game ever. How did this music get composed for a stock car racing game? What kind of money did Sega spend to get a huge head start the 3D gamescape? Why was Sega Europe so upset with the game’s development? We also get a rolling start on other topics like why the beach is the worst place on earth, the first auto-tuned song, and the importance of #41. And if you’d like to avoid spoilers about the new Mortal Kombat movie then tune out the last 20 minutes (just like Mr. SNK).
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Apr 21, 2021
OutRun - Episode 041
It’s time to gas up the Ferraro Testabossa, select our favorite synthwave radio station, and feel the wind in our hair as we take a drive with Sega’s OutRun. Join us as we take a ride through Yu Suzuki’s career and talk about the birth of Taikan games. How did OutRun’s memorable music nearly become lost forever? What type of innovations did Suzuki want to include in Sega arcades? Why was the USA too dangerous for a research mission? As is the Podouken way we take plenty of detours to cover things like the artistry of airbrushing, Pastblaster’s movie ranking scale, horny Mahjong games, iconic car asses, and the worst Star Wars movie.
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Apr 7, 2021
Death Race - Episode 040
Warning: Listening discretion is advised. We hold a serious discussion about the first truly controversial arcade game - Death Race. What led Exidy to release this death simulator upon an unsuspecting public? How did something so outrageously graphic make its way into the American arcade? Who was responsible for shining a bright light on this dark subject? Along the way we do cover some less serious topics like how to properly ship arcade parts, the rarity of Stadium Events, Roger Corman films, the use of Pooneh Ghoddoosi as a safe word, and “Je suis la jeune fille!”
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Mar 24, 2021
Arcade Obscura : Sportsball - Episode 039
It’s time for another Arcade Obscura where each of the hosts pitch their choice of underrated or underappreciated sports-based arcade game. PastBlaster serves up a gorgeous attract mode, but may not deliver on the gameplay. Mr. SNK comes out of the gate with what could be the best disc game on the Neo Geo. Rob flexes his muscles with a game that includes a fire spitting Universal monster. It’s the final minutes of our Sportsball series! Don’t miss our debates about budget cartoon licenses, opinions on horse girl anime (yay or neigh?), the insane prices of some Nintendo games, and which host goes home with a literal work of art..
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Mar 10, 2021
NFL BLitz - Episode 038
It all comes down to this! We hit the highlights from the best arcade football game - Midway’s NFL Blitz. The Jamming of sports continues as Midway hunts for their next hit and scores a touchdown with a new technology. How did this “quicker-hitting game” go over with the NFL? Did Blitz fulfill its creator’s promise of being “the most violent football game ever designed”? What moves were so offensive that they were removed from the game? How do you input the super-secret code to activate late hits? We also dig into the story of the newly rediscovered Power-Up Baseball, talk about one of our favorite arcade experiences, and explain what sports are to Jarrod.
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Feb 24, 2021
NBA Jam - Episode 037
It’s our 37th episode (in a row) and we’re crashing the net with our most requested sports game - NBA Jam. We break down all the boomshakala basics and dig deep to uncover some little known facts with the help of author Reyan Ali - who literally wrote the book on NBA Jam! How did a vid kid go from a Pong console to making the most iconic basketball game ever? What are the origins of “Boomshakala!”? Is the NBA Jam arcade game haunted? What Midway secrets are still out there? All that plus we grab our Sneakers and make a Beer Run, explore the promise of Pleasure Domes, talk about bad first impressions, and praise the savior of pinball (and arcades).
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Feb 10, 2021
Neo Turf Masters - Episode 036
It’s time to hit the links with maybe the best arcade golf game, but definitely the best Neo Geo golf game - Neo Turf Masters! We put skin in the game by exploring the Major Titles that led up to Turf Masters by its developer Nazca. Is a camel a vehicle? Can Mr. SNK settle on what Neo Geo carts will fill his six-slot? What part did Jimbo Fisher play in an arcade horror story? How many people actually watched Val Kilmer’s movie, The Saint? Why is music this good in a golf game? So join us as we play the full course and discuss Metal Slug, getting a virtual hole in one, Golden Tee, and Steve the Japanese game designer.
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Jan 27, 2021
Punch-Out! - Episode 035
It’s (somehow) our first Nintendo episode! And just like real life we wait until our mid-thirties to get into Nintendo games. We talk about a sports game way before it’s time - Punch-Out!! How did a company directive to use more hardware lead to this game? Does arcade Punch-Out!! cross the line with racial stereotypes? Is “Body Blow” the first waaaaay overused sound bite in video games? How much does a Punch-Out!! arcade cost? What game could it never top in Japanese arcades? We also talk about the Mandela Effect between the arcade and console versions of the game, offer a limited edition giveaway, explore the history of Nintendo’s first game designer, reveal tattoos, and discuss Mario’s papa.
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Jan 13, 2021
Pong - Episode 034
A new miniseries kicks off with “the dumbest, simplest game ever made” - Pong! You’ll want to sit in on this history lesson as we recount the origin of video arcade games which includes hippy candles, Nolan Bushnell, celestial bodies, Al Alcorn, and all the *bleeps* and *bloops* that built Atari. Exactly how many Pong clones were there? Which came first: the home video console or the video arcade game? How did a lie lead to the fastest-growing company in U.S. history at the time? Who really came up with the idea for Pong? Along the way we get sidetracked with memories of Videotopia, entertain the thought of a Street Fighter/Computer Space conversion, discuss the Pong RPG, and Pastblaster gets triggered by an eclipse (or was it an ellipse?).
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Jan 11, 2021
Podouken Does Insert Coin
Insert Coin is a new Documentary released by Director Joshua Tsui and Writer Andrew Hayward that discusses the history of the Midway arcade teams responsible for several smash hits of the 90’s. The Podouken Crew watched this together and provided a short review of the film!
Please support this awesome documentary by renting/buying via Alamo Draft House direct, or watch it on Amazon Prime! “The oral history of a team of geeks and misfits in the back of a Chicago factory creating the biggest video games (Mortal Kombat, NBA JAM, and others) of all time.”
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Dec 30, 2020
Pac-Man 1984 Plus - Episode 033
We hit the Pac-pot of obscure Pac-Man games as we cover the Pac arcade games from 1984 to current: Pac smuggles fairies across borders in Pac-Land, enters the isometric 3D world in Pac-Mania, goes virtual in Pac-Man VR, fights to the death in Pac-Man Battle Royale, gets ticket rabies in Pac-Man Chomp Mania, and goes big before going home in World’s Largest Pac-Man. So join us as we send Pac-Man off right for his 40th anniversary with an important answer provided by Doug Macrae, settle on the best Pac-Man game, and get to know the new ghosts Funky, Spunky, and Kinky. That and we talk about our favorite frozen treats, pitch the perfect game to HAL Labs, listen to Napster dance mixes, and review futuristic kitchen design.
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Dec 16, 2020
Pac-Man 1983 - Episode 032
We go Pac in time to review the Pac-Man games of 1983: Pac & Pal, Professor Pac-Man, and Jr. Pac-Man. Namco and Bally/Midway are not happy with each other and it’s leading to a messy divorce. Pac-Man gets a pal that is either a ghost or a dog (but sadly not Forest Whitaker), receives a doctorate in annoying image quizzes, and leaves the missus to care for their first born. How did GCC contribute to the rise and fall of Pac-Man? Why did a stolen concept turn into the worst Pac-Man game? What makes Jr. Pac-Man’s mazes thicc? Can it really be a Pac-Man game if it has no stick? Also discussed: art appreciation, the necessities of clearing your search history, Romeo + Juliet, and a tease for our upcoming Insert Coin commentary.
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Dec 2, 2020
Pac-Man 1982 - Episode 031
Our Pac-xploration continues as we talk about the remaining Pac-Man games of 1982: Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, and Baby Pac-Man. Bally and Midway get into “quantity over quality”, Namco follows up Puck-Man with their first official sequel, and pinball (which inspired Pac-Man) becomes part of the Pac-family. We also get the story of Baby Pac-Man’s development straight from the designer himself! Exactly how does Pac-Man’s anatomy work? Why did Midway release an expansion to Pac-Man just a month after releasing Ms. Pac-Man? What is Pac-Man’s darkest timeline? That plus the origins of the Pac-children, Mortal Kombat jazz designs, and an important message about butt health.
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Nov 18, 2020
Ms. Pac-Man - Episode 030
Honey, doncha you know, she’s more than Pac-Man with a bow! The Pac series continues with the ultimate genderbend - Ms. Pac-Man. We waka-waka-walka through the crazy origins of the best Pac-Man game (don’t AtGames us) as we explore its very litigious history. How did a bunch of college dropouts make one of the best arcade games ever? What part did Atari play in the creation of this classic? What’s Ms. Pac-Man’s real name? Find out the history of GCC and the somewhat unknown role they played in video game history. And since it’s a Pac-Man game it must have a pinball origin story, right? All those topics plus we find what really sticks in Mr. SNK’s craw, launch a Super Missile Attack, and find out how Time magazine birthed an arcade conspiracy with legs.
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Nov 4, 2020
Pac-Man - Episode 029
It’s time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pac-Man with the start of all Pac miniseries! Podouken finally talks about the big yellow ball in the room, NAMCO’s Pac-Man. We delve into the often recounted (and often incorrect) history of arcadedom’s most influential game and tell what part pinball played in birthing it into existence. How did the most expensive coin-flip in history go so wrong for one arcade company? What compensation did Pac-Man’s creator get for making the most popular arcade game of all time? What date should we use when determining the release date of a game? It’s pinball, Popeye, pizza, Pac-Man, professors, and Pixels for this Podouken podcast.
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Oct 21, 2020
Virtual On - Episode 028
We get in the damn robot and play some of Sega’s Virtual On! The final Listeners’ Choice episode takes on your second/third/fourth favorite brand of giant, bipedal, murder robots. Listen as Borelo, Madlle, and Rod-TGH tell of the history and lamentations involved with buying and moving a Virtual On: Cyber Troopers unit. We marvel at the technical achievements made by the Sega AM3 team on an aged arcade board. We talk a lot about the current state of Mortal Kombat. How beefy is this big boy cabinet? What is your Virtuaroid name? How does The Last Starfighter fit into all this? Get those answers plus: Fast Food Fighters, the brief history of Gundam, VOOT Christ, deadlifts, and a talk with listener Andrew Olivera who nominated the game.
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Oct 7, 2020
The Outfoxies - Episode 027
I OFFER YOU 80,000 SWISS FRANCS TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE.* The second Listeners’ Choice is all about the first arena fighter - the precursor to Super Smash Bros. - NAMCO’s The Outfoxies. Join a full house of co-hosts as we talk about this rather obscure game that features a unique cast of characters like a chimp assassin and some eleven-year old homicidal twins. Why was this game called The Outfoxies? Did it ever take off in Japan? What is the best place to store guard sharks when not in use? We answer those questions and talk about arcade PCB prices, evil contractors, Gals Panic, and more Tiger King (for some reason). Special thanks to listener Tim Walker for nominating this game and Owlnonymous for joining us.
*Not legally binding.
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Sep 23, 2020
Quiz & Dragons - Episode 026
Shall we play a game? For the first episode of the Listeners’ Choice miniseries we distill Capcom’s trivia arcade game, Quiz & Dragons, back to its truest form - a board game! Who will win the trivia battle of 80s sports and Richard Dreyfuss questions? Why does one letter (eclipse vs. ellipse) cause so much drama (thanks autocorrect)? Will knowledge from past Podouken episodes help the hosts get to the end or will their own stupidity condemn them? All of that plus counting teeth, recording during a hurricane, early Image Comics superheroes, and high-pitched character voices. Special thanks to listener Matthew Manduchi for nominating this game.
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Sep 8, 2020
Arcade Obscura (2P Brawlers) - Episode 25
HOLY SH...EBOYGEN! It’s time for another Arcade Obscura where each of the hosts pitch their choice for underrated or underappreciated two-player beat ‘em up game. PastBlaster brings us a game from a familiar company that uses six-buttons to possess and destroy your enemies. Rob brings us a sequel from a company that only made two arcade games. Mr. SNK takes the obscure part of this episode to the limit with a noir game we’re still not sure even exists, but - if it does - deserved to win the Pulitzer for that year (sorry Updike’s Rabbit at Rest). We have a DOGOOOONE good time with this one. Also we coin the term “scifyclops”, discuss some larger beat ‘em ups, fight Mucus Tick, and maybe fire a host.
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Aug 25, 2020
The Combatribes - Episode 024
CYBORGS AIN’T LADIES!! We grab Technos Japan’s ultra-violent and over-the-top The Combatribes by the heels and take it for a spin - and have a lot of fun doing it! Join us as we rediscover this often overlooked beat ‘em up playing characters that all skipped leg day. Did we just find Pastblaster’s long lost pappy? How did a thrash metal band mascot become this game’s villain? Are we cheating by including this game in our two-player brawler series? What post-9/11 changes did this game have to make? All that plus our eulogy to Technos, head bashes, Karnov, cultural insensitivities, Joker, and why this game is better than Double Dragon.
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Aug 12, 2020
Final Fight - Episode 023
The Mad Gears must pay. We are joined by special guest co-host Chris Antista to discuss Capcom’s Final Fight! Capcom goes “huge and cool” to bring us one of the best beat ‘em ups ever made. Who is responsible for the Final Fight/Street Fighter II universe and why is it not who you may think? What part did a French historical novel and manga have in giving us the best political body in video games? Why were severed mammal’s feet ever a commercially sold product? How did “stuffing” play a key part in Capcom’s game development? You want more? How about the favorite foods of the Final Fight crew, glam metal, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, ballads, the chip famine, and Don Frye.
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Jul 28, 2020
Bad Dudes Vs. DragonNinja - Episode 022
Are you a bad enough dude or dudette to listen to this episode? That’s right, we’re talking about the game that sounds like it was made by an 80s word generator (and probably was) - Bad Dudes Vs. DragonNinja. The President has been kidnapped! What will it take to get Blade and Striker - the baddest sweatpant-wearing dudes in NYC - to go rescue him? Some machismo and a side of hamburgers, evidently. Who are the DragonNinja? How many lives can you justify taking to rescue a President? How many curse words can we say each episode and still keep our PG-13 status? We also make the perfect pitch for a Bad Dudes movie, marvel at Data East’s attention to detail, and wonder how bad you have to be to jump through helicopter blades.
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Jul 15, 2020
Golden Axe - Episode 021
What do you get when you mix a little Rambo, a lot of Conan, some Altered Beast, throw in some swords and sorcery, and put it all on a PCB that likes to kill itself? Golden Axe! Somehow this is our first featured Sega game so we play a game to see how much Sega history we include in this episode. What exactly makes a game an “arcade game”? How did we lose any chance of ever getting a La Croix sponsorship? What are our Golden Axe names? Why is there such a thing as a pampelmousse? We also cover cap kits, the Floor is Lava, a kingdom with no pants, Tron 3, and It ickiness.
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Jul 1, 2020
Double Dragon - Episode 020
A new miniseries kicks (and punches) off with twin brothers trying to rescue their one lover -- Technos Japan’s Double Dragon. What 1970s film did Technos use for inspiration to bring about the age of the arcade brawler? How many enemies does it take to really slow down a game? Why did we record the worst skit in podcast history? We take a serious look at graphic violence against women in arcade games, a less serious look at MAME builds that we hate, and talk the nostalgia of RC car racing. All that and Lorenzo Lamas, getting pushy with coin pushers, throuples, big people fitting in tiny cars, and NES soundtracks.
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Jun 17, 2020
Arcade Obscura (Puzzlers) - Episode 019
It’s time to put all the pieces together and finish the Puzzlers miniseries with our choices for the overlooked or obscure games in the genre. What virtual insanity leads us to consider Jamiroquai a villain? Can Windows screensavers make compelling gameplay? Why does Mr. SNK know so much about adult-themed arcade games? Along the way we attempt to demystify the jargon related to JAMMA, monitor resolutions, and the differences between DOT and EDOT. Plus, Rob loses his Photoshop license, CGI hedgehog calves, and the journey to possibly the worst video game take ever.
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Jun 3, 2020
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo - Episode 018
Capcom brings us the perfect mix of fisticuffs with gem debuffs - plus a heavy dose of chibi - with Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. What is the connection between puzzles and violence that makes us love this game so much? The hosts go down the rabbit hole of Kirsten Dunst movies (beware of spoilers), talk about hyperphantasia, and determine who would emerge victorious in Trapper Keeper v. Lisa Frank: Civil War. You want more? How about the longest arcade title, alleged murder hornets, rogue developers, Maximilian Dood, and why this isn’t quite the darkest timeline (but it’s close).
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May 20, 2020
Mr. Driller - Episode 017
In this ground-breaking episode we dig into a family tree that spawned not one, but two NAMCO classics. We discuss Mr. Driller and use geological genealogy to trace his origins to Dig Dug. Along the way we start spilling some arcade collecting stories that include how Jarrod first met Adam and Rob. Is an “arcade sense” a real thing and if not what is causing this tingling? What is the worst named video game console? Who emerged victorious in the saga of the Bit Wars? Also in this darkest timeline: Neo Geo slippers for ants, leather bondage meets video games,
Mr. SNK goes stalking, and Armageddon (but not the one you think).
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May 6, 2020
Puzzle Bobble - Episode 016
Bustin’ makes us feel good as we explore the origins of Taito’s Puzzle Bobble (or Bust a Move). We try to make sense of the Bubble Bobble family tree which includes a long, lost ancestor. Why was this MVS cart one of the most bootlegged Neo Geo games? What about Bub and Bob made them so attractive to the fairer sex? What reasons are given for popping all these bubbles? Where do Bub and Bob fall on the Kingdom Animalia spectrum? Also included for your pleasure: stuttering, Young MC, attract modes played at the Gates of Hell, Snood, and forbidden initials.
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Apr 21, 2020
Marble Madness - Episode 015
It’s all downhill from here as we roll with Marble Madness. We discuss the Doogie Howser of arcade games who at the age of 18 created a major arcade hit for Atari and went on to do a whole lot more in the video game industry. How hard does this soundtrack slap? Why has this world record score held up for over 35 years? Is marble racing the new sport that will save us in this post-COVID world? All that plus the real-life Mortal Kombat tournament that never was, why having the right ball sack is very important, Tiger King, Phil Collins, and we give names to the nameless Marble Madness enemies.
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Apr 8, 2020
Q*Bert - Episode 014
Strap in for our most profane episode yet (or not, as we’ll explain). It’s time to talk about Gottlieb’s biggest arcade hit - Q*bert! Find out how this game by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee became a pop culture sensation. How did this isometric exercise become so @!#?@! good? What are some alternative uses for 9-inch floppy disks? Are air fryers magic? Also on this episode we discuss the Superman II game that never was, how Wal-Mart is responsible for giving us fishing and candy cabs, Mr. Boston, Apollo 11, and squid balls.
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Mar 24, 2020
Tetris - Episode 013
The pieces have fallen into place for our new miniseries and we’re facing a Soviet invasion! Tetris breaks through the Iron Curtain to take hold of American and Japanese cultures, but in very different ways. Find out how Tetris has affected all of our lives in this Giant-sized episode! What Tetromino do you identify as? What caused arcade suicides to skyrocket? Why are we so obsessed with Crane Game Toreba? Also in this episode: Dr. Pepper Studio, Chuck E. Cheese game theory, and why Rob will not be taking his Tetris exams this year.
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Mar 10, 2020
Arcade Obscura (Invaders from Space) - Episode 012
We’re bringing the Invaders from Space miniseries in for a landing as the co-hosts talk about their pick for underrated or obscure space shooter. Did Mr. SNK and PastBlaster switch brains? Is it possible to have romantic feelings for huge balls of exploding gas? Which featured game from this arc is the best space shooter? This could or could not be the best podcast episode ever. Boundaries are crossed! Celestial kinks are exposed! All that plus Nintendo Vs talk, cocktails, and we tease our next miniseries.
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Feb 26, 2020
Sinistar - Episode 011
Beware, I live! The untold (until now) history of Sinistar is explored with the help of the co-creators of the game: John Newcomer and Noah Falstein. Get the inside information on how Williams created some of the best arcades of all time. How did the waning popularity of pinball contribute to video game success? Who created the iconic design and sound of Sinistar? Exactly how many Sinistar games were produced? We also talk about s’ing p’s, League of Legends, and beautiful cockpits.
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Feb 12, 2020
Galaga - Episode 010
We revisit Namco to talk about what they built on with Galaxian to bring us (arguably) the best arcade game ever - Galaga! What does an extinct species of shark have to do with spaceships? What is the proper way to pronounce Galaga? How can we leverage the technology of deep fakes to get Mr. SNK to accept his given name? Also in this episode: pickle math, the best arcade year ever, and Shmuplations (which is surprisingly not a dating site for shoot ‘em up fans).
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Jan 29, 2020
Defender - Episode 009
Williams breaks into the arcade scene (and record books) with Defender. Find out how a pinball company entered into the video game race and nurtured some thrilling talent that is still pumping out arcade games today. How did Williams harness the power of magnets? Why would someone make a YouTube series on the butchering of an arcade cabinet? Did Pastblaster just become a philatelist? We also discuss the Beastie Boys, that torture scene in Casino Royale, Cuphead, and Tesla Cybertruck DLC.
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Jan 15, 2020
Asteroids - Episode 008
My God, look at the size of that thing! Atari makes a cultural impact with Asteroids and introduces the masses to high scores. When did the golden age of video games get literal? How did landing on the moon lead to some major headaches for kids? Why does Jeopardy mine Twitter for Tetris knowledge? We go deep into arcade monitor types, ask why anyone would play a game for three and a half days, and talk Star Wars and Stranger Things.
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Jan 1, 2020
Galaxian - Episode 007
Mission: Destroy Aliens! Arcade games enter the world of color (or so the non-colorblind tell us). We dig into the history of NAMCO which started with rocking horses and - with some unintended help from the Yakuza - eventually gave us the most popular arcade games ever made. How did pinball lead to Pac-Man? Is George Lucas gonna sue somebody? What happened to Galagas 2 through 87? We also cover a Breakout in Japan, the biggest arcade game ever, and superior humility.
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Dec 18, 2019
Space Invaders - Episode 006
Across the gulf of space… intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes, and slowly and surely drew their plans against us. The Invaders from Space miniseries begins with first contact - Taito’s Space Invaders! Why are lunar were-yetis on the arcade cabinet? Where did all the yen go? Are redemption games beyond redemption? The episode also covers Futurama, Meow Mix, Battle Pong, and old man rants
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Dec 4, 2019
Arcade Obscura (Fighting Games) - Episode 005
Finish Him! Our Fighting Game Wars miniseries wraps up with Arcade Obscura. Each host presents a little-known, underappreciated, or underrated fighting game to the audience. The other hosts make fun of their love for it! This episode also includes discussion on Sea-Doos, fat shaming, Lionmen, Tenacious D-ragon, and playing games on the 3DO which were never made for the 3DO.
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Nov 20, 2019
Fighter's History - Episode 004
All litigious hell breaks loose as Capcom takes on Data East’s game, Fighter’s History, on the biggest stage of them all - the United States District Court. What was it about Fighter’s History that caused Capcom to sue? Why is Data East already familiar with this setting? Who has even seen a Fighter’s History arcade game? The episode also covers villainous mascots, Bob’s BurgerTime, “holding back is a button,” and Matlock. #Karnovember
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Nov 5, 2019
Art of Fighting - Episode 003
SNK doubles down on Neo Geo fighters with the release of Art of Fighting. It has all the things you love from other fighting games, but less! Why are these characters so big? Why are some of these characters so… familiar? Why does everyone that owns a Neo Geo arcade have this cart? The episode also covers Flerkens, Sex and the City, joke characters, honorifics, and trips to Mexico.
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Oct 23, 2019
Episode 002 - Fatal Fury
A new challenger approaches! SNK calls “next” on Capcom as they launch their own Street Fighter II competitor -- Fatal Fury. Who are the Bogard Brothers? Does having fewer playable characters require a better story? What the hell are jiggle physics? The episode also covers trucker hats, the Titled Geese Game, annoying anime voices, arm wrestling, and floppy discs.
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Oct 9, 2019
Street Fighter II - Episode 001
Ready… Fight! The Fighting Game Wars miniseries begins with the granddaddy of them all -- Capcom’s Street Fighter II. What led up to the launch of this iconic arcade? What were the ramifications? Why was this the first arcade game two of the hosts ever bought? The episode also covers topics like coin cannibalism, Ft. Lauderdale, Top Gun, gold helicopters, and thigh fetishes.
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Sep 27, 2019
Introducing Podouken, An Arcade Podcast
A PODCAST FOR ARCADE LOVERS. From the owners of 100+ arcade and pinball cabinets, and the proprietors of a real-life arcade comes PODOUKEN, a brand new podcast that takes a deep dive into the world of video arcade games, and explores the history, story, strategy, art, music, restoration, preservation and fun of arcade games.
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