Episode 358 - Marathon (1994)

Episode 358 - Marathon (1994)

Author: Tyler Ostby and Mike Coletta March 30, 2026 Duration: 51:26

Mike and Tyler talk about the first Marathon game in 1994. They discuss the story and the game's legacy among first person shooters. 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 344 - Xbox 360 Turns 20! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:56
Mike and Tyler talk about the legacy of the Xbox 360 as it turns twenty years old on November 22nd! The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 343 - November 2025 Mailbag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
Mike and Tyler read listener mail! Mike is reminded of a game from his past. Tyler gets to talk about Final Fantasy AND Apple Arcade. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 342 - Until Dawn Movie Commentary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:59
Mike and Tyler watch the 2025 movie Until Dawn! They provide commentary you can listen to while you watch the movie. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 341 - Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:46
Tyler and Mike continue their foray into the Donkey Kong universe with Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3. Tyler gets into some big ideas about how these two games had an effect on Nintendo as a whole. The theme music is…
Episode 340 - Until Dawn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:16
Mike and Tyler discuss Until Dawn. They go into the development and legacy of the playable horror movie...NO SPOILERS. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 339 - Splatterhouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:32
Mike and Tyler start spooky season by talking about the 1988 arcade game Splatterhouse. The game did a lot for an arcade game in the late 1980s. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 338 - Mailbag October 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Tyler and Mike read listener mail and talk Mass Effect spoilers. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 337- Donkey Kong Origins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:01
Tyler and Mike go over the history of the first Donkey Kong and the commercial failure that prompted it. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.