In this episode of the Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast, we take a full nostalgia lap around the game that created the kart-racing genre. From Mode 7 madness and brutal AI rubber-banding to couch-co-op battles that ended friendships, we break down what made Super Mario Kart legendary — and why it still matters today.

🎮 What we cover:

How Super Mario Kart was created (and why it almost wasn’t a Mario game)

Character stats you never saw but definitely felt

The most rage-inducing tracks (looking at you, Rainbow Road)

Battle Mode chaos and sibling rivalries

Why the SNES AI absolutely cheats

The legacy that led to Mario Kart 64, Double Dash, and beyond

If you grew up drifting with your thumbs and yelling at the TV from the same couch, this one’s for you.

General / Podcast #TangentRetroGamingPodcast #RetroGamingPodcast #GamingPodcast #PodcastLife #RetroGames #VideoGamePodcast

Game-Specific #SuperMarioKart #MarioKartSNES #SNES #SuperNintendo #MarioKart #NintendoHistory

Nostalgia / Engagement #RetroGaming #90sGaming #ClassicGames #OldSchoolGaming #CouchCoOp #GamingNostalgia

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.

Step into the gothic halls of Dracula’s Castle as Toby takes you on a deep dive into Castlevania: Symphony of the Night — one of the most influential, stylish, and groundbreaking games ever created.

In this episode of the Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast, we explore:

🦇 Why 1997 was the worst—and best—year to release a 2D game

⚔️ How Koji Igarashi reinvented Castlevania forever

👑 Alucard’s iconic design, movement, and legendary style

🏰 The brilliant layout of Dracula’s Castle and the mind-blowing Inverted Castle twist

🎵 Michiru Yamane’s timeless soundtrack that defined a generation

👹 The game’s unforgettable bosses, weapons, secrets, and wild hidden mechanics

📜 Trivia, development stories, and weird facts only true fans know

💬 Toby’s personal thoughts on why SOTN is still untouchable today

Whether you grew up with the PlayStation 1 or you’re discovering Symphony of the Night for the first time, this episode celebrates everything that makes the game a gothic masterpiece.

Stay retro. Stay curious. And watch out for upside-down castles.

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.

In this deep-dive, Toby from the Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast breaks down one of the most heated retro gaming rivalries of the ’90s: Twisted Metal vs. Vigilante 8.

We explore the origins of car-combat gaming, compare gameplay mechanics, character rosters, weapons, map design, music, developer history, and the cultural impact of both legendary franchises. From Sweet Tooth’s deranged legacy to Vigilante 8’s funky 70s Americana charm, this episode examines what made each game iconic — and which series truly deserves a modern comeback.

If you’re a fan of PS1 classics, N64 nostalgia, vehicular mayhem, or retro gaming history, this is a must-listen episode. Buckle up and dive into the chaos!

Topics Covered:

Rise of car-combat gaming in the ’90s

Twisted Metal origins, lore, and gameplay breakdown

Vigilante 8 characters, weapons, and unique mechanics

Side-by-side franchise comparison

Trivia, stories, and retro nostalgia

The final verdict: which series wins?

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.