Podouken

April 1, 2026

While the episode title could be interpreted as a comment about the three knuckleheaded hosts, we're taking a very foolish look at the little known Mylstar arcade game The Three Stooges in Brides is Brides.

Why is this game so intent on players wiggling men's joysticks? How does a game based on a property made 50 years before the game's release play 45 years after it came out? Did this game stay true to the Three Stooges spirit? What happens if we don't have a lot of content on a game and have to end an episode early?

Pay no attention to the episode release date. Unrelated to that… hello everybody and welcome to Pindouken, Podoukenbayo, Pod-do-you-believe-ken, Gachapodouken, or Rankdouken (name still being workshopped). Join the Podouken Discord and tell us which subject the Podouken crew should tackle next. Is it something featured in this episode or something new: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

March 11, 2026

In the world of three-player arcade beat 'em ups Capcom is king. But which of their games reign supreme? In this episode we're talking about the build-a-mech brawler Armored Warriors!

Is Armored Warriors the closest we'll ever get to an Exo Squad arcade game? What is the quarter mile time of a Night Fury Nissan GTR and how much horsepower does it have? Did Rob turn traitor while watching Olympic hockey? How did this game spawn a popular fighting game character?

Listener questions asked this week include what was our first arcade machine and when did we buy it, what raster arcade would make an excellent vector, and what arcade or pop culture possession would you save if you could save only one. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

February 25, 2026

In 1991 Video System released what is undeniably the best three-player vertical arcade shooter that retrofits Lamborghinis into flying vehicles that fight a giant Lexus in space - and 35 years later we're talking about it. Now get your butt in the Diablo(on) as we launch Turbo Force!

With its blood selling for $60k per gallon is Turbo Force's giant horseshoe crab the most valuable boss in an arcade game? Does "C" stand for "Canada," "controversy," or "curling"? Did we have the opportunity to buy a famed arcade gaming IP and miss it? Is this the ultimate 90s Trapper Keeper game come to life?

We get into the Olympics spirit by - in what may be a Podouken first - all picking the same winter sport to make into an arcade game. We also broadcast our favorite arcade announcers, explore our work ethic by answering if we just hang at the arcade business we own, and what rare games we would refuse to put out for public play. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

February 11, 2026

Step right up and spin the wheels (all three of them) on the best stand-up racing game to feature a vague Marvel reference - Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Super Off Road by the Leland Corporation.

What is the true name of this game? Why does Rob sound like he gargled with razor blades? How many copies of Super Mario Advance can one person legally own? Was the Activator the worst gaming peripheral ever?

Questions this week include which arcade PCBs have shot up in price and made us go, "huh, really, that game?"; and a three-parter: what is an arcade or pinball game that we love but don't recommend to others to play, that we would like to own but not play, and would like to play but don't want to own? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

January 28, 2026

It's the start of the Three's Company series but instead of Jack, Janet, and Chrissy (it's an old joke, look it up) we're talking about Pimple, Rash, and Zitz who star in one of the best, but woefully undersupported, beat 'em ups to hit the arcades - the Rare and Electronics Arts collab, Battletoads.

What insane decisions did Rare make to keep this game fresh? Which collects more dust: a navel or Jaz drive slot? How much profanity was removed from Battletoads prior to it hitting arcades? What was the name of that kids game show where they would run through the maze at the end and velcro games to their vest and helmet?

Answers to this episode's listener questions include our arcade pick to take on a rampaging kaiju destroying our town, which arcade character has the best hat, and what the heck do we do for our day jobs. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

January 14, 2026

This episode is about a game you've definitely heard of but likely never knew was an arcade game. Lemony Vengeance joins the show to talk about his efforts to keep this Valve and Taito arcade collaboration alive. We're talking Gordon Freeman, airboats, gravity guns and headcrabs as we discuss the super rare Half-Life 2: Survivor.

How did Lemony bring this Survivor back from its Street Fighter tomb? Is the GabeCube coming to save us? Will there ever be a Half-Life 3? What are some of our scariest game pickups?

We also answer some deeply personal arcade collecting questions like how many storage units we own and cover the joys of operating arcade and pinball games for the public. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

December 17, 2025

Let's go! Ah, the early 90s when the perfect date night meant hopping into a sit-down arcade game based on buddy cop movies, grabbing the steering wheel with one hand, gun with the other, and having you and your passenger blast away the bad guys in gory pixelated glory. Was there anything better than Namco's unique driver/shooter Lucky & Wild?

Do you believe the story that Lucky & Wild drew no inspiration from Tango & Cash? How do we like DotEmu's new Marvel Cosmic Invasion (we swear it's not a paid advertisement - unless they want it to be)? Was this entire game a thinly veiled anti-tobacco message? What exactly is that Maserati's rearview mirror attached to?

Some holiday-themed questions for this episode include what gamer gifts we do want (and don't want); asking us to identify our ghosts of arcade past, present, and future; and, do we weaponize our candy canes? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

Thanks to Mike aka Bizzaroaids on the Podouken Discord for the Listeners' Choice game nomination!

December 3, 2025

The late '80s were packed with pop-culture obsessions: arcades, action movies, neon aesthetics, and of course, a nationwide fascination with ninjas. Sleek, masked warriors showed up everywhere from toys to TV, shaping the era's love of fast, flashy combat. But no arcade game captured the ninja craze as perfectly as Sega's  iconic side-scrolling adventure, Shinobi.

How did Shinobi perform a bait and switch on poor kids at the arcade? Is a mining engineering degree the perfect educational pursuit to get into game design? Did Pastblaster enjoy Free Play Florida 2025? What is the earliest ninja arcade game and can the hosts guess it even with one of them owning it?

Listener questions include what our favorite "one then done" fighting game is and if you could have one power from an original video game character what would it be? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

Thanks to Talysman on the Podouken Discord for the Listeners' Choice game nomination!

November 19, 2025

The music is fading and the lights are coming up on our Rhythm miniseries. Time for the final encore as each host picks one more game for this rhythm Arcade Obscura.

The first pick is a helluva ride that features a very familiar arcade character. The next pick takes us to heaven with a development contract made in hell. Our final pick may be one of the most obscure games we've ever featured and requires you to bring a friend.

We field your questions like if any arcade machine could be perfectly resurrected, what would be our choice to bring back from the dead, and which video game music would we like to hear performed by ukulele? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716.

November 5, 2025

It's our penultimate episode of the Rhythm miniseries (and hey, we also hit episode 150)! We return to BEMANI to explore their sub-sub-culture game that allows you to ruin good music just like real DJs, Sound Voltex (or SDVX as the cooler kids say).

What is it about the Bop It nature of this game that causes some people to love it or hate it? Want to hear our spoiler-free thoughts on Tron: Ares? How embarrassed should we feel picking energetic anime girls as our avatars? Are you ready to submit your pick for our next Listeners' Choice?!

We have some odd questions to answer this time: who would win in a horror battle royale between Freddy, Jason, Leatherface, Pinhead, and Michael Myers; and what spooky movie deserves an arcade game in an unconventional genre? Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like the inane questions from our Podouken Picks): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

October 8, 2025

Sega is no stranger to the arcade rhythm games but they really hit their stride with their Performai series of games. So scan your Aime card, select your song, and let's play the game that literally translates to "pre-teen kids who think they're cooler than they are playing a rhythm game" - Chunithm.

What is it about Chunithm that makes it so addictive? Do you really need gloves to play? Was Adam a part of any other bands? Why does Chunithm have a penguin mascot?

We teach our co-hosts about a non-arcade interest that we have (or at least talk about what it would be) and discuss which arcade character would be our podcast understudy. Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode so we never have to rant like this again: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like the inane questions from our Podouken Picks): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

September 24, 2025

This "Behind the Music" is an 8-part retrospective of the biggest rhythm game franchise to ever hit the States (and the reason so many of us still have plastic guitars stashed in our hall closets). Featuring opening acts Harmonix and Red Octane, and headliner trio that gave us Guitar Hero Arcade - Activision, Konami, and Raw Thrills

What is the musical instrument-based peripheral you never got but always wanted in a Guitar Hero or Rock Band game? Could we see a reunion tour of Geriatric Drive-by in our lifetimes? Why is Rob fed up with FedEx? How are fan-created games like Clone Hero and YARG keeping the home rock star experience alive?

In lieu of answering listener questions we just go into a long rant about the Nintendo Direct. Well, some of us do. Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode so we never have to rant like this again: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like if we put our socks on sock-sock-shoe-shoe or sock-shoe-sock-shoe style): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

September 10, 2025

Namco set out to create a super popular rhythm game and accidentally created the most popular mascots since Pac-Man. Don-chan and Katsu-chan are unavoidable as we talk about the extremely popular in the East but largely ignored in the West drum game, Taiko No Tatsujin!

Why was this game never released in the U.S. until now? How did an instrument mishap lead to the most embarrassing moment of young Rob's life? Is every arcade game released after the year 2000 just a Playstation in disguise? How did Donkey Kong steal this game's popularity?

We answer your questions like what arcade game did we initial hate but grew to love over time (#RedemptionArc), what our favorite non-video game arcade attraction (excluding pinball), and what IP we predict will be the next new beat 'em up announced. Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like our third favorite cheese): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

August 27, 2025

Finally a rhythm game that is unlikely to give you a cardiac arrest. We explore the often mispronounced (hint: the "j" is silent) BEMANI hit that is DDR for your fingers, jubeat!

What is the magic behind this geometric anomaly of an arcade game? Is Scatman or Y.M.C.A. the most beloved of all western songs by Japanese game developers? How hard is it to get a jubeat in the States? Does everyone want a Dance 86.4 Funky Radio Station now?

This episode we answer questions about what hobbies we'd pursue if we weren't always fixing arcade games and who are our favorite real-life people in arcade or pinball games. Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like our third favorite cheese): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

August 13, 2025

This miniseries is all about rhythm - rhythm games, that is. We recognize that three middle-aged white guys may not be the best option to talk about this episode's game so we asked local (and international) legends Chris Austin and Leon Brunson to give us an insight into the strategy, gameplay, and tournament scene of Konami's Dance Dance Revolution.

What kind of hardware do Leon and Chris (literally) bring to the table? How many times have we moved Adam's DDR? What ever happened to Toshiba? Did we identify the perfect footwear for home DDR play?

Questions this episode include what arcade game perfectly captures the spirit of Florida and what was our first arcade and pinball fix. Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like our third favorite cheese): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

July 16, 2025

It's the end of the Light Gun miniseries and we're down to our last remaining bullets. Now it's time for each host to shoot their shot on their pick of an obscure or underrated Light Gun arcade game.

Did it finally happen? Did we pick the same game?! Adam brings the cinematic rage with his choice. Jarrod channels familiar territory with a game made by familiar people from a familiar company. Rob goes rogue with a controversial game that may or may not break all the rules (we'll let you decide).

The listener questions in this episode include our favorite of the light gun games, how we define toys versus action figures, and our least favorite game from our favorite arcade company. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode or tell us why we're wrong to rank your favorite Capcom beat 'em up dead last: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

July 2, 2025

It's the last featured episode of the Light Gun series! The portal to carnage opens again as we dig up arguably Sega's best light gun series - and arguably the best game in the series - with The House of the Dead 2.

When will G-nome Theory be touring next? How did the AM1 team's demand for more time to work on the sequel lead to a hardware upgrade? Will you suffer like G did with some of the rabbit holes we go down in this episode? Do you remember where you were on 9/9/99?

Want to know about arcade cabinet hygiene and our first arcade game memories? Tune in! Want to ask something yourself? Join the Podouken Discord and post your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content (like our third favorite cheese): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

June 18, 2025

Lights go dim, the tokens drop, the carousel spins - it'll never stop.

From haunted houses to freakish feats, the bosses roar and shotgun greets.

So pump that gun and don't delay, the Midway's mad and here to stay.

This ain't no game for hearts too civil… It's the podcast ode to CarnEvil!

Why do we know so much about the local "insane asylum" called Sunland? Do jiggle physics apply to ghostly apparitions? Has Rob taken Halloween decorating too far? Did CarnEvil give us the first video game version of Krampus?

The listener questions answered in this episode include what insane occupation an arcade game has trained us for and, in a Saw scenario, what arcade attract mode would we least want to be trapped with? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

June 4, 2025

Woo-wee! There's no avoiding it any longer. While these games don't rank highly on our personal lists, we must talk about one of the most influential and long-lasting series in light gun arcade games, Big Buck Hunter.

Do we represent the snobby gaming community? How did appealing to the "Bubba factor" make this popular game series thrive? What is the connection between the hosts, Big Buck Hunter, and the Florida State University football team? Who's that I hear… is it… could it be… Sound Boy?!

Our listener questions in this episode ask us to forecast what arcade game will have the largest legacy 50 years from now, what's a question a first-time arcade buyer should ask, and our favorite twist or innovation in a light gun game. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

May 21, 2025

ACTION! We put the pedal to the metal in our light gun miniseries with Namco's Time Crisis. Seek cover as we explore the entire series starting with V.S.S.E. agent Richard Miller and ending with whatever Time Crisis 5 was.

Did Namco's attempt to top Sega's Virtua Cop succeed? Is Time Crisis 2 the most complete light gun game experience? What are the most addictive roguelikes? Does Wild Dog, leader of Wild Dog, own a wild dog?

With the Krispy Kreme/Pac-Man donut partnership it seems like a good time for us to identify which arcade character we think would make the best flavor for a donut. We also answer: if the last video game we played were turned into a pinball machine, what would it be like, and what gameplay features would it have? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Speaking of Pac-Man donuts, you can check out our review of them exclusively on the Podouken YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

May 7, 2025

Welcome to the hardboiled streets of 90s Chicago where a crime wave is at an all time high. It's up to you, officer Don Marshall, and you, Unnamed Female, to fight crime with as many bullets as possible. Then travel to the Wild West to also fight crime with as many bullets as possible. This is Konami's Lethal Enforcers arcade series.

How was a knee-burning, motion-sensing game responsible for adding another arcade to the Lethal Enforcers family? Do you know all the words to the Hey Dude theme song? Is the Justifier the best possible name for a light gun peripheral? Was this game an inspiration for a certain scene in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight?

We are asked what our favorite gun design is from arcade light guns (and our least favorite) and perhaps the question that Rob has been waiting his entire life to answer: who would win in the ultimate showdown between Aliens versus Predator versus RoboCop versus Terminator. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

April 23, 2025

Step into the rotting halls of Curien Mansion, where bullets fly and the undead just won't stay down. With cinematic flair, branching paths, and enemies that lurch ever closer, this horror-themed arcade shooter became one of the best in the light gun genre. Welcome to Sega's The House of the Dead.

How did a broom help bring a terrifying boss to life? What are the worst words used in place of "zombies"? Why didn't they check the barn for Sophia at the beginning of the season? How did this blood-soaked game play resurrect zombie pop culture worldwide?

But enough questions! Do you want some answers? We identify our favorite arcade-related merchandise (that aren't the games themselves), try to think of what games we look cool playing (hint: the answer is none), and discuss the most ambitious projects to recreate arcade hardware. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

April 9, 2025

We draw on a new miniseries that is all about light gun games. And we start with getting to the truth behind the biggest conspiracy of them all: Area 51.

How did this game save Atari Games (at least temporarily)? Was every CiCi's Pizza contractually obligated to have an Area 51 game in their arcade? How did a bodybuilder from a theme park and a model next door neighbor become arcade icons? What do we actually believe is in Area 51.

We answer questions about the origins of Arcade Obscura and get graphic as we describe our most gruesome arcade-related injuries. Don't like those questions? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

March 12, 2025

It's the end to our longest miniseries ever as we put our last quarter in the Four Player Beat 'Em Up miniseries (sniffle) with an Arcade Obscura. Each host brings their choice for a 4 player brawler that we think is obscure or underrated.

Jarrod brings us a Sega arcade game with a hot 90s topic that may not be the best player but sure is a looker. Rob gets cheeky with his obscure pick that is probably the closest we've ever gotten to getting Streets of Rage in the arcades. Adam gives us a super deep game with a cheap price tag and a history all to its own.

The listener questions answered in this episode include what arcade or pinball is our hardest to keep working, an obvious trap question given to jinx us, and a scientific approach for the worst movie with the best pinball game based on it. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode or tell us why we're wrong to rank your favorite Capcom beat 'em up dead last: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

February 26, 2025

In the year 20XX, a battle for world domination now begins!! The last featured episode of the 4 Player Beat 'Em Up miniseries aptly finishes with Capcom's last 2D arcade beat 'em up, Battle Circuit.

Is this the closest we'll ever get to a Cowboy Bebop arcade game? How did an eight-player racing game turn into this four-player beat 'em up? Who has the worst Elvis impression? Which Capcom system had the best games: CPS1 or CPS2? 

In lieu of listener questions we felt inspired to do a Podouken Ranks on the twelve Capcom 2D beat 'em ups starting with Final Fight and ending with Battle Circuit. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode or tell us why we're wrong to rank your favorite Capcom beat 'em up dead last: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content like Podouken Picks: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

February 12, 2025

Welcome to the D&D world! We're expanding the lore with not one, but two Dungeons & Dragons arcade games made by Capcom! Tuck in for an in-depth episode about the Known World, why the Record of Lodoss War is more than an anime, and the rare example of how a consultant can actually help a company as we talk about Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and its superb sequel, Shadow Over Mystara.

Why aren't there steamboats in the Known World? Does Past Blaster really think Shadow Over Mystara is the best beat 'em up ever? What character names are on Capcom's naughty list? How many buttons is too many buttons?

We only answer one question this episode but it allows us to share our thoughts on the Fantastic Four movie trailer and some other upcoming super superhero movies. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

January 29, 2025

Let's go BEAST MODE with Konami's Metamorphic Force! It's the best X-Men meets Altered Beast arcade beat 'em up that takes place on the island of Dr. Moreau where everyone is made out of water balloons that you'll ever play. Guaranteed.

What were the working conditions for copywriters at Konami USA's headquarters? How much snow does it take to shut down a Florida city for multiple days? Why should your safe search be on when Googling one of Metamorphic Force's bosses? Which regional version of this arcade game is the best?

Rob spills the deets on his biggest arcade and pinball bulk purchase ever and Adam defends the destruction of a Captain America cabinet. We also answer listener questions like if we've had any interesting food-related incidents in the arcade and which arcade games have the most unpleasant sideart? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Check out our YouTube channel for our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

January 15, 2025

A barbarian, halfling, dwarf riding a giant, and centauress walk into a bar. It's not just the setup for a joke but also a fantastic beat 'em up that Sega has criminally done very little with. Let's delve into the history of Golden Axe: Revenge of Death Adder!

Do we have a reverse Splash situation happening in this game? What was the name of that one event on American Gladiators where they put that thing in the bigger thing? How did Jarrod score a Revenge of Death Adder PCB? Has anyone listened to the new Demon Skol record yet?

Get ready for a lightning round of listener questions as we begrudgingly agree on our Mount Rushmore of arcade characters, determine if dwindling health is a feature or a bug, and pick a game world to live in. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions that could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Check out our YouTube channel for our listener question segments and additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

December 18, 2024

Return to Metro City in the distant future of… 2026 to fight crime with a video game mascot, his ninja friend, an alien mummy, and a reincarnated supergenius baby. No, this isn't some crazy fever dream, it's one of Capcom's most popular 90s beat 'em ups - Captain Commando!

Is Captain Commando a true sequel to Final Fight? What arcade board system grossed the most? Will Rob get cancelled for his opinion on a beloved Christmas movie? Do we have video evidence of Captain Commando kidnapping a group of kids (yes!)?

'Twas the episode before Christmas and all through the studio, we answer listener questions like what is the cutest arcade character and our favorite Christmas video. Join the Podouken Discord and ask questions with care, that soon could be included in a future episode by clicking here: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Check out our YouTube channel for our listener question segments and some additional content: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

December 4, 2024

Are you tough enough to take on the sleaziest underground characters imaginable in order to rescue several beautiful girls? That's not us asking. That's Konami trying to entice arcade goers to play their first four-player beat 'em up (and largely failing). We take the humanic weapons out for a spin in the largely forgotten Crime Fighters and its vastly improved sequel Vendetta.

How did Crime Fighters lay the groundwork for Konami's much more successful games? Who thought it was a good idea to include some very problematic enemies? Why is this game so different between regions and player versions? How much did Vendetta steal from Final Fight who in turn stole from Crime Fighters?

We talk about our visit to Free Play Florida and answer some listener questions (both of them by the same person): what are our favorite arcade joysticks and buttons, and if Podouken had its own brawler what would be our individual abilities (and who would be the fourth character)? Join the Podouken Discord and ask questions that could be included in a future episode by clicking here: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Check out our YouTube channel for our listener question segments which are coming from our backup recording location this time (hey Busker, no busking): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

November 20, 2024

Welcome to Podouken - formerly an arcade history podcast, now rebranded as one of the vast multitudes of D&D podcasts. Let's roll a d20, hope that our history modifiers are high, and talk about Atari Games' four player hack 'n slash, Gauntlet.

How did a game about Dungeons & Dragons inspire this game about Dungeons & Dragons? Is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (or M.O.M.) a good movie? Do focus groups provide anything of value? Why did we wait 128 episodes to discuss four player beat 'em ups?!

We're going the distance with our listener questions which include how far we would drive for our dream cabinet and makes us get all introspective about what we would like Podouken to be remembered for. You can join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions for a future episode by clicking this completely safe link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

You can also check out our YouTube channel for new content (or old content but with 100% more visuals): https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

November 6, 2024

Run! Go! Get to the choppa! Then load up some hostages in your helicopter and take them to the nearest USPS for express priority shipping back home. In the final Listeners' Choice 5 miniseries episode we're flying the unfriendly skies of the Brøderbund and Sega classic game Choplifter!

How did this game make its way from the Apple II to the arcade? What simple foreign puzzle game did Brøderbund pass on? Is the United States Postal Service the ultimate spy cover story? Did our special guest record from a submarine sonar station?

Our questions this episode include defining some often-used terms like "kneebasher" and identifying what arcade game based toy we would want that no one else would. Do you have a question? You can join the Podouken Discord by following this link and ask away in the episode questions channel: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

The new listener questions segments are also available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

Thanks to Ross (aka FrozenFear on the Podouken Discord) for the Listeners' Choice game nomination!

October 23, 2024

Are you the best tennist? Well then, slap on your Citizen watch, drink a fresh bottle of Evian, and prove it on Sega's virtua carpet courts against tennis legends like Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Mark Phillipoussis. Lets Power Smash it with Virtua Tennis!

Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world? Should we have a Real Arcade Wives of Podouken episode? What are our controversial takes on Pickleball and will those takes alienate some of our listeners?

Our questions this episode include some doozies like asking us to come up with Podouken pickup lines and what top 80s or 90s IP would we love to see turned into an arcade or pinball game. Want your questions answered in a future episode? You can join the Podouken Discord by following this link and ask away in the episode questions channel: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

The new listener questions segments are also available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

Thanks to Matt (aka Momsecretrecipe on the Podouken Discord) for the Listeners' Choice game nomination!

October 9, 2024

It was the best Batman game in arcades. It may have been the best baseball game in the arcades. It wasn't the best Ninja game in arcades but two out of three ain't bad. For the first episode of our Listeners' Choice (part 5) miniseries (and our 5th year anniversary episode) we're going to discuss the most known unknown game out there - Irem's Ninja Baseball Bat Man.

How did this intoxicating combination of words come to be (and why is it so irresistible to say out loud)? Which of Mr. SNK's kids had the best rebrand of Ninja Baseball Bat Man? Does an alligator lose its tail? How was Past Blaster's trip to Japan?

We answer this episode's listener questions: which games had the biggest crowds when we were growing up, and what arcade game did we discover for the first time through M.A.M.E.? Want your questions answered in a future episode? You can join the Podouken Discord by following this link and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

News! The listener questions segments are now available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@podoukenpodcast2716

Thanks to Kevin (aka Bull on the Podouken Discord) for the Listeners' Choice game nomination!

August 14, 2024

It's time to power down the LaserTimeDisc miniseries before it starts overheating with an Arcade Obscura. The hosts each pick a LaserDisc arcade game that they feel is either obscure or underrated (or both)! None of the hosts know what the other person's picks are so it always causes some interesting… situations.

Did it finally happen? Did we all pick the same game? Why is "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" required reading for this episode? Did we discover the origins of Rainbow Road or a bad acid trip? Why did the first wave of LaserDisc arcades really fail?

Since this is our last episode before our hiatus (we'll be coming back in October 2024) we answer what our four favorite Podouken episodes are. We also want to hear your picks on the Discord server! Plus it's time for round 5 of the Listeners' Choice. Hop on the Future Episodes channel and nominate a game you'd like to hear us cover. You can join the Podouken Discord (where all the action happens) by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

July 31, 2024

Defender of justice, truth, and the planet Earth. Ace is being attacked by the evil Commander Borf. Struggle with Dexter to regain his manhood. Destroy the Infanto-Ray. Defeat the evil Borf. Be valiant, space warrior, the fate of Earth is in your hands in the Don Bluth animated, RDI programmed, and Cinematronics produced Space Ace!

Is Space Ace the best laserdisc arcade game? What The Simpsons voice actor first lent her voice to one of the game's characters? Who is "the strongest man… in the world?" By beating the game do you commit mass xenophobic infanticide?!

The listener questions this episode include what arcade games we'd like to see in an e-Olympics event and what claim to gaming fame have we performed but can't prove? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions, which could be included in a future episode, by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

July 17, 2024

So you're telling me there was a LaserDisc arcade game… made by popular pinball manufacturer Stern… in 1983… featuring the film directorial debut of Hayao Miyazaki… based on the popular Lupin the III anime… called Cliff Hanger… that is not related to the Sylvester Stallone movie? Yes we are, and we're going to talk all about it in this episode.

Will Count Dreyco strike the first blow? Will the princess be forced to marry someone she can't stand? Will Cliff get stuck in a trapdoor for the rest of his life? Did you realize before this moment that all these questions are lifted directly from the arcade's attract mode and arcade flyer?

What, you want more questions? How about some listener ones: do you have advice or suggestions for indie game developers who want to make arcade-oriented titles, and which arcade game first entry is superior to its sequel(s)? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions, which could be included in a future episode, by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

June 26, 2024

Well howdy, Stranger. Do you think you're tough enough to take on the Mad Dog? Why don't you take a seat over yonder as I tell the tale of a hit LaserDisc full motion video game that took the arcades hostage in the early 90s. This is the tale of Mad Dog McCree.

How did a law enforcement simulator company in New Mexico end up being the new sharpshooter of the arcade? Did Jarrod find the perfect specimen of a rooster in a Wal-Mart parking lot? Is the world ready for Mad Dog McThree: Boot Shootin' Boogie? What's our favorite Jeff Bridges quote?

Listener questions this week include asking how the secret sauce is made for deciding what games we talk about and naming an arcade game and PCB that we could never part with. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions, which could be included in a future episode, by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

June 12, 2024

Time to spin up a new arcade miniseries with the Laser(Time)Disc! The first game is a fantasy adventure where we become a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon. Sure, it's a tired formula, but this one has animation from Don Bluth! We are entering the Dragon's Lair.

Hey kids, do you want to hear about the history of the analog optical disc format known as LaserDisc? What Dragon's Lair scene is the most obvious cash grab? Are birds the closest thing we have to angels? How much did Don Bluth and his studio charge to animate the prototype of the game?

We respond to two listener questions: is there a game we thought we were good at but after seeing a pro play it felt like walking away, and what is an underrepresented game genre in the arcade? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions, which could be included in a future episode, by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

May 29, 2024

We finish our second round of the Neo Geo 4 Slot miniseries with the ultimate retrospective on the MVS Metal Slug series which include Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, and Metal Slug 5.

Will Jarrod be able to keep it together with the conclusion of this Neo Geo miniseries? What were our thoughts on the first season of X-Men 97 (contains high-level discussion which may enter spoiler territory)? Why did Pastblaster mutilate a never before opened Metal Slug 4 kit? Why are the Mars People so… jiggly?

We also talk about our arcade, Flippin' Great Pinball, which was recently hit by an EF-2 tornado. While we received major damage, many of our business neighbors received much worse including complete destruction of their buildings. You can contribute to a fund that will benefit the businesses affected using this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/poststorm-recovery-for-rrsq-businesses 

 

May 15, 2024

Let's be honest, 1997 wasn't our favorite year due to a trio of horrible deaths, songs like "MMMBop" ruling the radio, and George Lucas unleashing Greedo shooting first upon the theater-going public. But that doesn't mean the Neo Geo games of that year weren't awesome! We assemble our 4 slot with a duo of puzzle games in Money Puzzle Exchanger and Magical Drop 3, the return of another samurai fighter in The Last Blade, and the run 'n gun stylings of Shock Troopers.

Did we purposely plan our Neo Geo 1997 episode to come out within hours of the last episode of the first season of X-Men 97? Why can't Jarrod quit puzzle games? Why can't Rob quit samurai fighting games? Does this episode contain more mispronounced Japanese names than all other episodes combined?

We get asked the mother of all dad question: what are our summer grilling ideas? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions, which could be included in a future episode, by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

May 1, 2024

It's 1996 - maybe the best year ever - where we got the Macarena (plus some actual good music), "draw me like one of your French girls'' entered the popular vernacular, and the worst console controller was released. It also might have also been the best Neo Geo release year as we show with our 4 slot selections of Neo Mr. Do!, Neo Drift Out: New Technology, Twinkle Star Sprites, and Ghostlop (AKA Ikaruga JezzBall).

What Nintendo console is our favorite? How do we identify the difference between Arrival and The Arrival? Why does Rob enjoy music with honkers? Once again we must ask, does Jarrod's game really fit the theme of the episode?

The question for this episode asks us what PCB or coin-op game we would never sell and we quickly identify who among us has a price. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

April 17, 2024

Travel back to the year 1995 when we all found out who shot Mr. Burns, Apollo 13 came out so that all future movie trailers can use James Horner's music for their dramatic themes, and Calvin & Hobbes sled off into the snow one final time. Reminisce as the Podouken crew assembles their Neo Geo 4 slot with their picks of 1995 with Savage Reign, Far East of Eden: Kabuki Klash, Pulstar, and Puzzle de Pon!

Why are this year's MVS releases an attack of the clones? How did this episode become so… suggestive? Did we just stumble upon the secret inspiration of Naruto? Was the return of Time-Boy a success?

The questions this week include which arcade character do we think has the most rizz (which required our old asses to look up the definition of "rizz") and what game is at the top of our bucket list to play on dedicated hardware? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

April 3, 2024

Welcome to the year 1994 where the White House launched a website with unintended results, the Mandela effect kicked into high gear, and the most-watched car race ever was televised. Let's dust off an old miniseries, clean out the slots, and assemble the Neo Geo 4 slot with the Podouken picks for 1994 with Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy, Windjammers, Aero Fighters 2, and Zed Blade.

What beloved childhood show just came back and why is the crew so psyched about it? Is up, right, left, up, right a cheat code or the directions on how to find Adam and Rob's first business? Who did Pastblaster fall in love with in this episode?

The question this week deals with our thoughts on restoring arcades and how they affect the value. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

March 20, 2024

It was fun while it lasted but it's time to retire the Beast Mode miniseries in the best way possible - with an Arcade Obscura! Each host brings their pick of an obscure or underrated arcade game that (mostly) fits the theme.

What obscure arcade game is so divisive it has Rob yelling into the microphone? How does Adam take the purest sport in the world today, and Texas's national pastime, and turn it into some kind of game?! Did Jarrod once again subvert the miniseries rules with his game selection?

We answer the important questions like what's our favorite screen clearing move, and what are the games we put enough money into to finish back in the day. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode by following this link: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

March 13, 2024

From one sentence in a notebook to a hundred digital legs, we talk about Atari's second best selling game ever and one of the highest-grossing in arcade history, Centipede.

What makes Centipede so appealing to female players? How did Space Invaders lead Dona Bailey from Cadillacs to Atari? Why was there a delay in releasing this episode and is our excuse good enough for forgiveness? How did the first Atari World Championships spotlight that women could be better than men at video games?

The excellent listener questions for this episode ask us to insert our choice for the most deserving creature that has never been featured into a video game, and if our lives depended on having to 1cc an arcade game what would it be? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

February 21, 2024

Hear ye, hear ye! His Majesty King Williams invites you to witness the magnificent tournament in ye Land of Molten Magma and Stoned Clouds where brave knights shalt ride their bird and shalt fight with lance. It is long past time to talk about one of the best arcade games ever made… Joust!

Who are you playing as in this game? How did the popular 'Fire' button get replaced with another four-letter 'F' word? What is the "Rob Throb" (and why should we never talk about it again)? How many Joust cocktail tables did Williams really make?

Questions for this week include how we would suggest modernizing classic arcade games from the 80s and if we had to eat the concept of an arcade game which would be the most delicious? Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

February 7, 2024

Long, long ago in the land of Og there lived a one-eyed caveman by the name of Trog, and in that land there lived four friends: Rex and Bloop, Spike and Gwen. Let's control some colorful claymation dinos and grab some eggs in Bally/Midway's Trog - in PLAYmation!

Why was the original game much different than the Trog that we got? Exactly who's cloaca did all these eggs come from? Is this the first arcade game to use claymation? What comic strip character did Jack Haeger base the titular character on?

Listener questions this week put us in a moral quandary on whether we should give advice on converting a Neo Geo cab and the other asks us if the traditional arcade is ever going to come back - and we have some thoughts on that. Join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions which could be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

 

January 24, 2024

Welcome to Urth! It's like Earth but in the future and all the continents look like a dinosaur skull burping fire. This is the world of stop-motion dinosaurs, peetalities, and human volleyball. This is the world of Primal Rage.

Why is the Tiger R-Zone the superior arcade port console to play Primal Rage on? How was a stealthy musician involved in this game? Why are level inputs so despised when compared to edge inputs? Who has the best names for the Primal Rage fatalities?

We are tasked with designing a Podouken-based early 90s beat 'em up which includes the storyline for the adventure. Bonus action, we add hidden bonus characters to be included in this fake game. Do you have questions you'd like answered in a future episode? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

January 10, 2024

Now, it is beginning of a fantastic story! Let's make a journey to the Cave of Monsters! Good luck! In this beastly episode we will visit with Bub and Bob as we become the best Bubble Bobble bubble blowers on the block!

Is Bubble Bobble the ultimate introvert shaming game? What is a potato party? How much money did Jarrod find in his newly acquired coin pusher? How much "Ice Ice Baby" is too much "Ice Ice Baby?"

All that and listener questions! This episode we answer, "What is the largest arcade purchase regret that we have made" and "what home console or computer game would we like to see adapted into an arcade game?" Want us to answer your question in a future episode? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

Ending episode credit to Lame Genie for their rock cover of the Bubble Bobble theme.

December 27, 2023

We're back and we have a doctor's note for our absence. So let's continue our Beast Mode series by exploring the ultimate game of cat and mouse with Namco's Mappy!

Why did Pastblaster just pick up two new meowkies of his own? What ever happened to Micro Machines icon, Motormouth John? How did a Journey discussion make its way into this episode? What free games did Jarrod just score from a local laundromat?

The listener questions this week are some thinkers: what new Marvel and Capcom characters would we place in a Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 remake, and what is our favorite year for arcade releases? Want us to answer your question in a future episode? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

 

 

November 29, 2023

We're going Beast Mode in this new miniseries by starting off with a "g*ddamn kids game!" It's time to play the Konami developed and the Sega/Gremlin released Frogger.

How did a "cross the road" joke turn into this super successful arcade game? Who was the heroine responsible for bringing Frogger to the States? What unfortunate series of events led to a breakdown on the side of the road, in a swamp, in the rain, with a bunch of pinball and arcade games in an open trailer? Who finally beat the Costanza Score?

Plus we recap our time at Free Play Florida 2023, the difference between alligators and crocodiles, and answer two listener questions: what arcade game deserves a toy line that hasn't gotten one yet and what is our favorite video game memorabilia that we own. Want us to answer your own question in a future episode? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

November 15, 2023

Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight, never running from a real fight, she is the one named Sailor Moon. The final episode of the fourth Listeners' Choice miniseries is going full shoujo with the short-lived Gazelle's Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon.

How did a fateful encounter with a cat lead to the reawakening of a millenia old moon princess? What's the difference between Rhett Butler and Brett Butler? Why can't we skip certain cutscenes in this game? What type of censorship did the Sailor Moon anime experience when it traveled overseas?

Join us and Matt (MomSecretRecipe on Discord) as we discuss all things Sailor Moon and answer the question, what was the title that first made us fall in love with video games? Want us to answer your own question in a future episode? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

November 1, 2023

Our Listeners' Choice miniseries continues with the penultimate episode! It's a bird… It's a plane… But is it a good game? It's Taito's Superman!

Why is Superman fighting the Elephant Man? How do we know geography wasn't the Taito development team's strong suit? What does Muhammed Ali have to do with this game? How cheap were the prices for the world's oldest profession in 1989?!

So sit down and enjoy a bowl of fresh Giger Orbs as we offer our suggestions on how to make a good Superman game along with listener Bizarro Aids and answer the episode questions! Want us to answer your question? Join the Podouken Discord and ask away: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

October 18, 2023

It's time for the 4th annual Listeners' Choice miniseries! And we're excited to search the world for our perfect man with listener RaymondTheFrog as we explore Jaleco's City Connection.

How did Clarice, the punky teenage protagonist, get replaced by a no-name blonde smoker dude on the NES port? Did Jarrod just receive a newly minted nickname? Why is this game constantly compared to Pac-Man? Excuse me but what animal is pictured on the can of oil you're throwing at the police?

Find out why cats really suck, how Tchaikovsky entered into the arcade, and our picks for favorite spooky Halloween arcade games. And, as always, join the Podouken Discord and ask your own questions to be included in a future episode: discord.gg/k5vf2Jz

October 4, 2023

Growing up in a glass bowl with chameleons, lizards, and tadpoles, it hardly enters your mind that there's something better than this. But pizza power - a flying saucer food delight. Pizza power, oh, that's what makes us feel alright! Time is up for the Cartoon miniseries as we explore the questionable history that is TMNT: Turtles in Time.

When did this game actually hit arcades and why is Jarrod ready to fight someone over it? Why is this the only licensed beat 'em up that Konami gave a sequel to? How easy is it to confuse John Ryan and Jack Ryan? Did anyone else watch the national broadcast of Hondo in 3D?

Hear our answers to this episode's listener question/challenge: build a 4-player arcade cabinet using any characters from the Cartoon miniseries playing through one of the featured games.

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

September 20, 2023

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

September 6, 2023

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

 

August 23, 2023

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

July 26, 2023

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.

 

July 12, 2023

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!

June 29, 2023

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!

June 14, 2023

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.

May 31, 2023

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.

May 18, 2023

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!

May 3, 2023

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.

April 19, 2023

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.

April 5, 2023

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?

March 22, 2023

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!

March 8, 2023

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.

February 22, 2023

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.

February 8, 2023

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.

January 25, 2023

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.

January 11, 2023

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.

December 28, 2022

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.

December 14, 2022

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.

November 30, 2022

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.

November 16, 2022

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.

November 2, 2022

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!

October 19, 2022

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".

October 5, 2022

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.

September 21, 2022

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.

September 7, 2022

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.

August 24, 2022

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.

August 10, 2022

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.

July 27, 2022

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!

July 13, 2022

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.

June 29, 2022

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.

June 15, 2022

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).

June 1, 2022

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.

May 18, 2022

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.

May 4, 2022

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.

April 20, 2022

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.

April 6, 2022

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.

March 23, 2022

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.

March 9, 2022

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.

February 23, 2022

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.

February 9, 2022

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).

January 26, 2022

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.

January 13, 2022

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.

December 29, 2021

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.

December 15, 2021

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.

December 1, 2021

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.

November 17, 2021

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!

November 3, 2021

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.

October 20, 2021

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!

October 6, 2021

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.

September 22, 2021

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.

September 8, 2021

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.

August 25, 2021

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*

August 11, 2021

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.

July 28, 2021

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.

July 14, 2021

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.

June 30, 2021

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!

June 16, 2021

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.

June 2, 2021

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.

May 19, 2021

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.

May 5, 2021

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).

April 21, 2021

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.

April 7, 2021

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!"

March 24, 2021

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..

March 10, 2021

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.

February 24, 2021

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).

February 10, 2021

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.

January 27, 2021

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.

January 13, 2021

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?).

January 12, 2021

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."

December 30, 2020

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.

December 16, 2020

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.

December 2, 2020

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.

November 18, 2020

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.

November 4, 2020

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.

October 21, 2020

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.

October 7, 2020

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.

September 23, 2020

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.

September 8, 2020

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.

August 25, 2020

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.

August 12, 2020

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.

July 29, 2020

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.

July 15, 2020

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.

July 1, 2020

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.

June 17, 2020

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.

June 3, 2020

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).

May 20, 2020

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).

May 6, 2020

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.

April 22, 2020

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.

April 8, 2020

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.

March 25, 2020

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.

March 11, 2020

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.

February 26, 2020

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.

February 12, 2020

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).

January 29, 2020

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.

January 15, 2020

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.

January 1, 2020

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.

December 18, 2019

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

December 4, 2019

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.

November 20, 2019

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

November 6, 2019

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.

October 23, 2019

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.

October 9, 2019

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.

September 28, 2019

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.