Podcast
Coin Detected
Hosted by Retro Rob · EN
A deep dive into the golden age of video arcade games. Each episode unpacks the history, development, and cultural legacy of a single arcade classic from the 1980s. Whether it was a blockbuster or a hidden gem, if it had a cabinet and took quarters, it's fair game. With a focus on real arcade releases, not home ports or prototypes, Coin Detected delivers detailed storytelling, behind-the-scenes developer insights, and smart analysis for the generation that grew up with CRT screens and joystick blisters. No fluff. Just pure arcade history, told like you were back in line at the mall food court waiting for your turn.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Tron - 1982 - Bally Midway
Nov 1400:41:14Tap to summarizeTron, Bally Midway's multi-game sci-fi shooter from 1982, was built on MCR II hardware, a glowing joystick, and a set of four distinct gameplay challenges inspired by the Disney film. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most visually striking and culturally iconic arcade games of its era.
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Pole Position - 1982 - Namco
Oct 2100:35:53Tap to summarizePole Position, Namco's Formula One racing simulation from 1982, was built on groundbreaking dual 16-bit processors, a real-world Fuji Speedway track, and immersive cockpit controls. This episode covers how it was developed, the custom hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential arcade games of all time.
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BurgerTime - 1982 - Data East - Bally Midway
Oct 1000:26:08Tap to summarizeBurgerTime, Data East's quirky maze action game from 1982, was built on fast-paced ladder-and-platform gameplay, oversized burger ingredients, and a chef armed with nothing but pepper. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most beloved and distinctive arcade hits of the golden age.
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Zaxxon - 1982 - Sega
Sep 2900:30:29Tap to summarizeZaxxon, Sega's pioneering isometric space shooter from 1982, was built on innovative angled perspective graphics, altitude-based gameplay, and fuel management mechanics. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most visually groundbreaking and influential arcade games of the early 1980s.
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Joust - 1982 - Williams
Sep 1600:37:48Tap to summarizeJoust, Williams' groundbreaking action game from 1982, was built on innovative physics, two-player simultaneous gameplay, and a quirky medieval theme of knights riding flying ostriches. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most enduring and influential arcade games of the golden era.
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Robotron - 1982 - Williams
Aug 2800:32:20Tap to summarizeRobotron, Williams' groundbreaking twin-stick shooter from 1982, was built on dual joystick controls, overwhelming swarms of enemies, and relentless single-screen action. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential and enduring arcade games of the eighties.
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Dig Dug - 1982 - Namco
Aug 1500:40:47Tap to summarizeDig Dug, Namco's underground action game from 1982, was built on dynamic digging mechanics, unique enemy designs, and clever risk-reward scoring. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and enduring titles of the golden age of arcade gaming.
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Centipede - 1981 - Atari
Aug 1400:37:42Tap to summarizeCentipede, Atari's vibrant insect-blasting shooter from 1981, was built on colorful raster graphics, a distinctive trackball controller, and an unpredictable swarm of enemies that kept players on their toes. This episode covers how it was developed by Ed Logg and Dona Bailey, the clever programming and hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used to chase high scores, and how it became a cultural icon of the golden age of arcades.
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Qix - 1981 - Taito
Jul 2900:23:51Tap to summarizeQix, Taito's abstract strategy-action game from 1981, was built on dual-processor hardware, innovative area-claiming mechanics, and a completely original concept that stood apart from traditional arcade genres. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite that helped launch a new subgenre in arcade gaming.
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Gorf - 1981 - Bally Midway
Jul 2100:28:32Tap to summarizeGorf, Bally Midway's genre-blending space shooter from 1981, was built on a multi-mission design, synthesized speech, and a talking villain that mocked players in real time. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite of the golden age of arcades.
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