Episode 352 - Swordquest

Episode 352 - Swordquest

Author: Tyler Ostby and Mike Coletta February 9, 2026 Duration: 40:54

Mike and Tyler talk about Swordquest. The Atari 2600 game series that was also a contest for real life treasure! The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.


Every Monday, Tyler Ostby and Mike Coletta open a new chapter in the sprawling, unexpected story of interactive entertainment on their Codex History of Video Games. This isn't just a dry recitation of dates and titles; it's a conversational deep dive into the people, technology, and cultural shifts that shaped the games we love. The journey spans from the mechanical origins of pinball machines to the digital revolutions of consoles like the PlayStation, exploring each era with a blend of thorough research and genuine enthusiasm. In each episode, you'll hear the hosts unpack the fascinating failures, legendary breakthroughs, and quirky anecdotes that textbook histories often miss. Their discussion makes the complex history of the medium feel accessible and alive, whether they're examining a forgotten arcade classic or a genre-defining blockbuster. For anyone who's ever wondered how we got from blinking lights on a screen to today's vast virtual worlds, this podcast serves as an essential and engaging guide. Tune in for a weekly dose of context and discovery, where the backstory of your favorite pastime becomes as compelling as the games themselves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Codex History of Video Games with Mike Coletta and Tyler Ostby
Podcast Episodes
Episode 294 - Star Trek Video Games with Mat Bradley-Tschirgi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
Tyler and Mike are joined by Mat Bradley-Tschirgi author of Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier. They discuss all things Star Trek video games and Mat's process behind the book. The theme mus…
Episode 293 - Worst Games Tier List [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:50
Mike and Tyler tier list the "worst" games not on their gameplay, but their development history and cultural significance. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 292 - Mailbag 23! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:28
Mike and Tyler have a mailbag episode! They discuss video games, Titanic, and play twenty questions. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 291 - Lego Games Part 3 (1999) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:24
Mike and Tyler talk about Lego games in the year 1999! They cover Lego Friends, Lego Rock Raiders, and Lego Racers. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 290 - Defunct Game Retailers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:04
Mike and Tyler talk about now defunct game retailers. They discuss Babbages, Software Etc., FuncoLand, and more! The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 289 - Unreal Engine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:43
Tyler and Mike talk about the history of the Unreal Engine. They also discuss the history of game engines in general. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 288 - Mailbag 22! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:45
Mike and Tyler read listener email and Discord questions! They discuss Apple in gaming, play a fun new game, and so much more. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.

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