Nostalgium Arcanum - Episodes Tagged with “Video Game”

Super Mario Kart

Doug Lief — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:15:00 -0800

3... 2... 1... Go!!! By 1992 Mario had conquered koopas, rescued the princess (again and again), played tennis, practiced medicine, and more, but that year launched a new venture, Super Mario Kart. Buoyed by the Mode 7 chip, a new racing genre was born as beloved Nintendo characters zipped around tracks, blasting each other with shells, lightning bolts and more. Guest comedian Rich Baker (@richbakeractor) grabs a controller and joins us to revisit the first entry in this venerable franchise.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod).

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You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All music from Super Mario Kart by Soyo Oka

Ninja Gaiden

Doug Lief — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0700

1988's Ninja Gaiden was a leap forward in video game storytelling, featuring splashy cut scenes, a propulsive soundtrack, and notorious difficulty. Ryu Hayabusa faces off against military goons, relentless wildlife, and otherworldly grotesque demons in his quest to keep Jaquio and the forces of darkness at bay. Guest comedian Rich Baker (@richbakercoaching) joins us to give this unforgiving landmark game the Nintendo seal of quality.

Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, Playing By Ear! - https://playingbyear.fireside.fm

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:
Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie
All music from Ninja Gaiden by Keiji Yamagishi and Ryuichi Nitta

Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

Doug Lief — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:15:00 -0700

We get in the ring with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (later known as just Punch-Out!!). This NES classic cleverly disguises puzzles and pattern recognition within its colorful cast of memorable pugilists. Comedian Rich Baker (@richbakercoaching) joins us to put the smackdown on one of the most beloved titles in Nintendo's library. TKO!

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:
Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All Score from Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! by Yukio Kaneoka, Akito Nakatsuka, and Kenji Yamamoto
I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Blockbuster Video

Doug Lief — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0700

It's time to be kind and rewind back to the days when home media rental was a pillar of daily life. Whether it was Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, or your local mom-and-pop shop, renting movies and games was a ritual of living in the 80s an 90s that is now lost to the dominance of streaming. We're joined by Chris Coplien of the Retro Hangover podcast to rack up a few very late fees in service to the lost world of video rental.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles

16-Bit Disney Games

Doug Lief — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0800

In the early 1990s Disney animation recaptured its magic and along with it came a wave of memorable video games for the consoles of the era. This episode we're joined by Phil Head of the Spectrum Days podcast (@SpectrumDaysPod) and Eileen Mayse (@i_lean) to revisit Aladdin, The Lion King, and Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse. Grab a controller, some cheetos, and join us for at least 16 hilarious bits.

For more of the spectacular Spectrum Days podcast, find them at https://spectrumdays.com.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
Friend Like Me (Alan Menken)
Original Aladdin soundtrack for the SNES by Yuki Iwai, Yuko Takehara, and Setsuo Yamamoto
Original Castle of Illusion soundtrack by Tokuhiko Uwabo and Shigenori Kamiya
Circle of Life (Elton John)
To Die For... (Hans Zimmer)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Elton John)