Playing With The Past
Samantha
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Playing with the Past is a podcast that takes a look at the history in games.
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Dec 9, 2022
Papers Please: The Power at Checkpoint Charlie
" One US soldier, who had been ordered to figure this out, actually hopped in a tank…."
On today's episode, I am going discuss the game Papers Please and Checkpoint Charlie.
Sources
Checkpoint Charlie - Gate to Communism - U.S. Army in Cold War Berlin Video, 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Tk9iYbZI4.
MacGregor, Iain. Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War, The Berlin Wall, and the Most Dangerous Place On Earth. New York: Scribner, 2019.
Roos, Dave. “How Germany Was Divided After World War II.” HISTORY. Accessed December 8, 2022. https://www.history.com/news/germany-divided-world-war-ii.
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Nov 18, 2022
A Few of my Favorite Things
In this episode, I do something a little different and talk about my top 5 favorite medievalisms in video games.
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Oct 21, 2022
Dracula: Impaler or Vampire
"One time he in 1462, he left thousands of impaled victims impaled on a field after retreating from a battle."
In this episode, I discuss the actual Dracula who lived and two Dracula games.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Florescu, Radu, and Raymond T. McNally. 1994. In Search Of Dracula: The History of Dracula and Vampires. Subsequent edition. Boston: Mariner Books.
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Oct 7, 2022
Zelda: The Art of Side Quests
"Lacy also uses the example of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, if you haven't watched it, stop listening and go watch."
In this episode, I will discuss side quests in two Zelda games and side quests in some of the medieval romances.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Howard, Jeff. 2008. Quests: Design, Theory, and History in Games and Narratives. 1st edition. A K Peters/CRC Press.
Lacy, Norris J. 2000. “From Medieval to Post-Modern: The Arthurian Quest in France.” South Atlantic Review 65 (2): 114–33. https://doi.org/10.2307/3201814.
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Sep 23, 2022
Northgard: A Brief History of Viking Ships
These ships and their high speeds were a cornerstone of the Viking hit-and-run raiding technique.
In this episode, I will discuss Viking ships and their use in the game Northgard.
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Sep 9, 2022
Crusader King III: Becoming King of England
"Things were not all sunshine and daisy, though."
In this episode, I will discuss the game Crusader Kings III again, along with the formation of England as a nation during the middle ages.
Sources mentioned in this episode:
Magazine, Smithsonian, and Mary Rambaran-Olm Wade Erik. n.d. “The Many Myths of the Term ‘Anglo-Saxon.’” Smithsonian Magazine. Accessed September 1, 2022. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/many-myths-term-anglo-saxon-180978169/.
Morris, Marc. 2021. The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England: 400 – 1066. Pegasus Books
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Aug 26, 2022
Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood
"There are giant sacks of gold in the castle."
In this episode, I will discuss the Sheriff of Nottingham board game and a brief history of the Robin Hood stories.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Baldwin, David. 2012. Robin Hood: The English Outlaw Unmasked. Amberley Publishing.
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Aug 12, 2022
Coup D'etat
"After continuing to be an absolutely heinous person he was assassinated."
In this episode I discuss the board game Coup and Maximilian Robespierre and Rafael Trujillo along with the coups both men were involved in.
Sources mentioned in this episode
“Coup.” n.d. BoardGameGeek. Accessed August 3, 2022. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/131357/coup.
“Definition of COUP D’ÉTAT.” n.d. Accessed August 2, 2022. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coup+d%27%C3%A9tat.
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Jul 29, 2022
Hades: The Greek Escape
"It is so easy as a child to see your parents and other adults in black and white terms when in reality we are all shades of grey."
In this episode, I discuss the video game Hades, Greek Myths, and whether or not the game is a Greek Myth.
Sources mentioned in this episode.
Buxton, Richard. 2004. The Complete World of Greek Mythology. London: Thames & Hudson.
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Jul 15, 2022
Fallout New Vegas: Its The End Of The World As We Know It
"The Black Plague was just shit icing on the cake for Europe."
In this episode, I discuss several times when the apocalypse was supposed to happen and the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout New Vegas.
No sources were mentioned specifically in this episode but for a full list see www.playingwtpast.com
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Jul 1, 2022
All Aboard
"I will say that the US's train system isn't always the best, looking at you DC metro, but it is SO much better than not having it at all."
In today's episode, I am riding the rails and exploring the game Ticket to Ride and the history of trains.
Sources mentioned in the episode:
“Railroad - Railroad History | Britannica.” n.d. Accessed June 7, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/technology/railroad/Railroad-history.
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Jun 17, 2022
Ludwig II
"Ludwig was taken to Berg, where the small castle was being turned into a one-person asylum."
Today's episode discusses the board game Castles of Mad King Ludwig and the actual King Ludwig II.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
McIntosh, Christopher. 2019. The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria. Reissue edition. Bloomsbury Academic.
“Parsifal | Summary, Characters, Background, & Facts | Britannica.” n.d. Accessed May 25, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parsifal.
For more information and a complete list of sources: www.playingwtpast.com
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Jun 3, 2022
Racist Aliens
"The modern Merlin-like take is Aliens."
In this episode, I dive into the alien artifacts on earth theory, the racism in that theory, and the alien artifacts in StarCraft 2.
Sources mentioned in the episode
Bond, Sarah E. 2018. “Pseudoarchaeology and the Racism Behind Ancient Aliens.” Hyperallergic. November 13, 2018. http://hyperallergic.com/470795/pseudoarchaeology-and-the-racism-behind-ancient-aliens/.
“Exploring inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, near Giza | Britannica.” n.d. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/video/202080/more-Great-Pyramid-of-Khufu-Egypt-Giza.
For more information go to www.playingwtpast.com
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May 20, 2022
Off With Their Heads
"People were killed by the thousands during this time period."
In this episode, I will be discussing the Guillotine, both the game and device."
For more information, go to www.playingwtpast.com
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May 6, 2022
A Thrilling History
"I rode one of these in Japan at night, and it was so much fun."
In this episode, I discuss Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, the early history of rollercoasters, and how much I love riding them.
Sources mentioned in the episode
Silverman, Stephen M. 2019. The Amusement Park: 900 Years of Thrills and Spills, and the Dreamers and Schemers Who Built Them. Illustrated edition. Black Dog & Leventhal.
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Apr 22, 2022
Wonderful Wonders
"The deliberate burning of the temple in the 4th century BCE was by an infamous arsonist, Herostratus"
In this episode, I discuss the game 7 Wonders Duel and dive into the history of two wonders in the game.
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Apr 8, 2022
Beelzebub
Beelzebub
"Evil is going to evil."
In this episode I discuss the deity/demon Baal in history and in the video game Diablo II.
Sources mentioned in this episode
“Baal - New World Encyclopedia.” Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Baal.
“Semite | Definition, Peoples, & Facts | Britannica.” Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Baal-ancient-deity.
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Mar 25, 2022
You Have Died Of Dysentery
"Dysentery"
On this episode, I discuss all the different ways to die in the Oregon Trail game and what the reality of those deaths were like.
Sources mentioned in the episode
CDC. “Measles Signs and Symptoms.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 5, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html.
The New York Times. “A Trail of 35,000 Lost Lives and a Grave Every 80 Yards,” May 30, 1993, sec. U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/30/us/a-trail-of-35000-lost-lives-and-a-grave-every-80-yards.html.
“Dangers - Learn What Dangers Pioneers Faced on Their Oregon Trail Journey.” Accessed March 14, 2022. https://oregontrailcenter.org/dangers.
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Mar 11, 2022
A Revolt in England
"There was a legend that arose after her death that she was descended from a demon. "
In this episode, I discuss Eleanor of Aquitaine as Queen of England and the game Civilization VI.
Sources mentioned in the episode
Hilton, Lisa. Queens Consort. Pegasus Books, 2021.
Turner, Ralph V. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France, Queen of England. Yale University Press, 2011.
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Feb 25, 2022
A Scandal In France
"He stole some of Eleanor's hawks."
In this episode, I discuss Eleanor of Aquitaine as Queen of France and the game Civilization VI.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Civilization Wiki. "Civilizations (Civ6)." Accessed February 14, 2022. https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilizations_(Civ6).
Hilton, Lisa. Queens Consort. Pegasus Books, 2021.
Turner, Ralph V. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France, Queen of England. Yale University Press, 2011.
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Feb 11, 2022
BRB Going on a Quest
"All of the sudden you're about to die and then a dragon comes sweeping in."
In this episode, I will discuss some of my favorite video game quests.
Sources mentioned in this episode
Howard, Jeff. Quests: Design, Theory, and History in Games and Narratives. 1st edition. A K Peters/CRC Press, 2008.
Kelly, Douglas. “Multiple Quests in French Verse Romance: ‘Mervelles de Rigomer’ and ‘Claris et Laris.’” L’Esprit Créateur 9, no. 4 (1969): 257–66.
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Jan 28, 2022
Oh The Humanity
"Team Squirrels!"
In today's episode, I will be discussing the video game The Witcher and the profession of monster hunting with friend of the show Becca.
Sources Mentioned in the episode
Duda, Heather L. The Monster Hunter in Modern Popular Culture. 1st edition. McFarland, 2009.
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Jan 14, 2022
Time Traveling With Swords Part 2
"Vikings!"
In this episode, I will be discussing more sword history from the Roman through the late medieval era.
Sources mentioned in the episode
Loades, Mike, Swords and Swordsmen, Reprint edition (Pen & Sword Military, 2011).
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Dec 31, 2021
Knights With Lightsabers
"It's Chivalry time again!"
In this episode, a very special guest and I discuss Jedi Knights and how they compare to French and English Knights.
Please go to www.playingwtpast.com for a complete list of sources.
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Dec 17, 2021
Murder Most Foul Part 2
"Humans are going to Human."
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Philip Sugden, The Complete History of Jack the Ripper
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/59959/letters-whitechapel
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Dec 3, 2021
Murder Most Foul Part 1
"What history is it full of, you ask? Jack the Ripper history."
In this episode, I will discuss the Jack the Ripper murders as they relate to the board game Letters from Whitechapel.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Philip Sugden, The Complete History of Jack the Ripper
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Nov 19, 2021
Time Traveling With Swords
"Egypt had some unique swords, including one that was found in King Tutankhamun's tomb."
In today's episode, I will be discussing the history of swords—specifically, the history of swords from the beginning through part of the classical era.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Loades, Mike, Swords and Swordsmen, Reprint edition (Pen & Sword Military, 2011).
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Nov 5, 2021
Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here Part 2
"I get to talk about one of my favorite historical topics."
In this second episode about Dante's Inferno, I talk a closer look at the game and different ways to look at the history in it.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
The Inferno in the Devine Comedy translated by John Ciardi
"Courtly Violence: Digital Play: Adapting Medieval Courtly Masculinities in Dante's Inferno" by Oliver Chadwick
Dante's Inferno Video Game
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Oct 22, 2021
Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here Part 1
"Dante was absent when Charles of Valois arrived and therefore missed the murder, pillaging, and purge trials that happened."
In this first of two episodes, I will be discussing Dante's Inferno, the poem, and the video game and how similar they are.
Sources mentioned in the episode and full list of sources for the episode.
Alighieri, Dante. 2003. The Divine Comedy. Translated by John Ciardi. Illustrated edition. New York: Berkley.
Dante's Inferno Video game developed by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Oct 8, 2021
Playing With Folklore
"A mystical creature that comes in at night and it eats peoples dreams"
In this episode of Playing With the Past, friend of the show, Ryan, will join me for an in-depth discussion of Pokémon and the folklores that have inspired some Pokémon.
Sources mentioned in the episode.
Repackaging Japanese Culture: The Digitalization of Folktales in the Pokémon Franchise by Erika Ann Sumilang-Engracia
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Sep 24, 2021
Templars: Holy Warriors and Dragon Age
"If the Catholic Church had full control of their templars, say with an addiction, that eradicating the templars would have been much harder."
In this episode, I will be discussing one of my favorite games, Dragon Age Origins and the Medieval Templars.
Sources Mentioned in the Episode
"Dragon Age: Origins.". Dragon Age Wiki. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Dragon_Age:_Origins.
Dan Jones The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors.Kline, Daniel T., ed. 2018.
Digital Gaming Re-imagines the Middle Ages, specifically Chapter 17 - The Consolation of Paranoia: Conspiracy, Epistemology, and the Templars in Assassin's Creed, Deus Ex, and Dragon Age by Harry J Brown.
For the full list of sources used in researching the podcast go to www.playingwtpast.com
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode and all other episodes, visit www.playi…
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Aug 25, 2021
Episode 2- Keeping it in the Family
"The King was expected to marry his sister."
In today's episode, I will dive into the world of royal inbreeding and incest in the middle ages and in the game Crusader Kings III.
Sources mentioned in the episode
“How Did Consanguinity Work in Medieval Marriages?” https://www.thoughtco.com/consanguinity-and-medieval-marriages-3529573
“Family (Relation) - CK3 Wiki.” Accessed August 16, 2021. https://ck3.paradoxwikis.com/Family_(relation)#Incest.
“Royal Incest and Inclusive Fitness.” by Pierre L Van Den Berghe, Pierre L and Gene M. Mesher
Difference between Wikis and Wikipedia
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/web-applications/difference-between-wiki-and-wikipedia/
Please rate, review and subscribe if you liked the podcast. For more information about this episode, a full list of sources, and all other episodes, visit www.playingwtpast.com
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Aug 25, 2021
Dragons Friend or Foe
"Who doesn't love dragons?"
On this episode I will be exploring the dragons in medieval romances and how they compare to the dragons in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. I will be examining the history of dragons to see how dragons have changed and what that tells us about our culture today.
Sources mentioned in the podcast.
- Bestiary: Being an English Version of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS Bodley 764 by Richard Barber
-. Four Romances of England : King Horn, Havelok the Dane, Bevis of Hampton, Athelston by Ronald B Herzman (Author, Editor), Graham Drake (Editor), Eve Salisbury (Editor)
- The Parallel English - Latin Vulgate Bible: With Latin Dictionary References by Saint Jerome (Author), Richard Challoner (Author)
- Tristan with the “Tristran” of Thomas: With the Surviving Fragments of the Tristran of Thomas by Gottfried von Strassburg (Author), A. Hatto (Introduction, Translator)
For the full list of sources used in researching the podcast…
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Aug 16, 2021
Trailer
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