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 316 - Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:58
Mike and Tyler talk about 2001's Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. They discuss how this D&D game was built for console players after the success of the Baldur's Gate CRPGs. Mike also tries something new with the plot. The t…
Episode 315 - God of War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
Mike and Tyler talk about the first God of War game from 2005. They go into the lore, the development, and how the game really pioneered cinematic experiences in Sony games. The theme song is by RoccoW. Our logo was desi…
Episode 314 - EverQuest with Matthew S. Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:33
Mike and Tyler are joined by author Matthew S. Smith! Matthew just wrote a book on EverQuest for Boss Fight Books. We talk EverQuest, MMORPGs, and the economy of MMORPGs. The theme song is by RoccoW. Our logo was designe…
Episode 313 - Video Game Slang and Terminology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:17
Mike and Tyler talk about various video game slang and terminology. They talk about the origins and why it's so hard to narrow some of these down. The theme song is by RoccoW. Our logo was designed by Dani Dodge.
Episode 311.5 - Codex Remastered: Episode 30 - E3 2000 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:03
Mike and Tyler are taking the holidays off. Thank you so much for listening and we'll see you in 2025! Tyler and Mike finish the book! In the last chapter they talk about the end of Sega manufacturing hardware, the Ameri…
Episode 311 - Mailbag 26! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
Mike and Tyler catch up on listener emails and Discord questions. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.