Episode 369 - Diablo (1996)

Episode 369 - Diablo (1996)

Author: Tyler Ostby and Mike Coletta July 13, 2026 Duration: 54:22

Mike and Tyler talk about Diablo from 1996 or 1997 depending on which article you believe. They discuss David Brevik, Condor, and how the game was originally turn-based, but was later pivoted to real-time, cementing it's spot as the major influence on action RPGs since. 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: 50

Codex History of Video Games with Mike Coletta and Tyler Ostby
Podcast Episodes
Episode 366 - Pay to Win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
Mike and Tyler are in person and discuss pay to win with three examples—Dungeon Keeper (2014), Star Wars Battlefront II, and the Spider-Man Webslingers Ride. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dod…
Episode 365.5 - Codex Remastered: Episode 52 - PSP Games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:25
Mike and Tyler had some life stuff come up this week, so enjoy this old episode on notable PSP games! If we missed your favorite game, email us at codexhistorypodcast@gmail.com or go to codexpodcast.net. The theme music…
Episode 365 - Alex Kidd, the Mascot Before Sonic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:43
Mike and Tyler discuss Alex Kidd in Miracle World. Mike has opinions about the gameplay and they discuss how Alex Kidd played a minor role as Sega's mascot before Sonic the Hedgehog. The theme music is by RoccoW. The log…
Episode 364 - Mailbag June 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:05
Mike and Tyler read listener mail and explain the power of AM radio signals at night. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 363 - Star Fox Adventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:56
Tyler and Mike talk about Star Fox Adventures. They discuss how it started as Dinosaur Planet and how Rare took Star Fox and made it into a Zelda-esque game. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dod…
Episode 362 - Star Fox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:20
Mike does an episode on Star Fox (1993) and Star Fox 64 WHILE Tyler plays Star Fox 64. Who will finish first? The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.
Episode 361 - Mailbag April 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Mike and Tyler talk their FPS tier list, Mike makes some corrections, and they discuss TV/Movies as video games. The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.