Rev your engines and load up your missiles—it's time for vehicular mayhem! In the fifth full episode of Cartridge Chronicles, Jeff and PJ dive headfirst into the explosive world of Twisted Metal, the iconic car-combat classic released in 1995 for the original PlayStation. From darkly humorous origins (thanks to traffic-jam frustrations) to its lasting impact as a pioneering 3D action game, we explore the twisted genius behind Calypso's chaotic contest.

Join us as we reminisce about sleepless nights fueled by multiplayer madness, debate the best characters (Sweet Tooth fans, represent!), and uncover surprising connections—including developer SingleTrac’s origins in military flight simulators. Plus, hear about the lost video endings deemed too extreme for release and the unexpected local ties to Salt Lake City.

Buckle up for nostalgia, laughs, and the ruthless battle for Calypso’s prize—this episode is one wild ride you won't want to miss!

Buckle up for the fourth full episode of Cartridge Chronicles, where we hit the road (and everything else in sight!) with Konami’s explosive run-and-gun classic, Jackal. Originally storming arcades in 1986 and rolling onto the NES in 1988, Jackal puts players behind the wheel of an armed jeep on a mission to rescue POWs trapped deep behind enemy lines.

In this episode, Jeff and PJ revisit this beloved action-packed shooter, comparing the arcade and NES versions, battling bizarre bosses like laser-eyed Medusa heads and tank-producing factories, and reflecting on their childhood co-op experiences. Along the way, they discuss hidden exploits, standout soundtrack bangers, and the game’s surprising legacy—even playing it vertically on the Nintendo Switch!

Join us as we navigate bullets, nostalgia, and outrageous jeep warfare, all set to some undeniably catchy 8-bit tunes. If you’ve never experienced the mayhem of Jackal, you’re in for a wild ride!

The Secret of Monkey Island - Pirate Point-and-Click Perfection

In our third full episode of Cartridge Chronicles, we set sail for adventure with The Secret of Monkey Island! This 1990 classic from Lucasfilm Games defined the point-and-click adventure genre with its witty humor, quirky puzzles, and unforgettable characters. We dive into the game's development, the creative minds behind it—including Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer, and Dave Grossman—and the legendary SCUMM engine that shaped a generation of adventure games.

Join us as we navigate insult sword fighting, explore the iconic Melee Island, and reminisce about the game's lasting impact on gaming culture.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering this classic for the first time, this episode is packed with pirate lore, nostalgic storytelling, and a whole lot of fun.