Podcast Summary: So Supernatural - Episode: DARK WEB: Polybius

Release Date: November 1, 2024
Host: Ashley Flowers | Crime House

1. Introduction to the Polybius Legend

In this episode of So Supernatural, host Ashley Flowers delves into one of true crime’s most enduring urban legends—the mysterious arcade game Polybius. Set against the backdrop of Portland, Oregon in the early 1980s, the story intertwines elements of addiction, unexplained phenomena, and government intrigue, challenging listeners to discern fact from fiction.

Notable Quote:
"Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the truth lies somewhere in the unknown…" — Ashley Flowers [00:01]

2. The Rise of Polybius in Portland Arcades

Ashley introduces Portland’s vibrant arcade scene in 1981, highlighting how a sleek, entirely black arcade machine named Polybius began appearing in various arcades without any prior announcement or branding. Unlike the colorful, flashy games popular at the time, Polybius stood out with its minimalist design, immediately sparking curiosity and rumors among arcade-goers.

Notable Quote:
"There is a reason why the city's beloved motto is Keep Portland Weird. And this weird story has spooky video games, early Internet anonymity, and a little dash of 80s nostalgia." — Rasha Pecorrero [01:42]

3. The Game’s Sinister Effects and Player Experiences

Players of Polybius reported a range of unsettling side effects. Initially, the gameplay seemed typical, involving navigating a spaceship through tunnels, but as sessions prolonged, players experienced severe headaches, nausea, amnesia, and even nightmares. Some accounts went further, alleging that players were being watched, followed, or even kidnapped after engaging with the game.

Notable Quote:
"Players find that when you start the game, you control a little spaceship that flies in circles through various tunnels, avoiding obstacles and shooting enemies. But the longer you play, the more surreal it gets." — Rasha Pecorrero [05:41]

4. The Men in Black and Arcade Investigations

Amidst growing concerns, unidentified men and women dressed in identical black suits began frequenting Portland arcades. Their presence was marked by the meticulous disassembly of Polybius machines—not to collect quarters, but to examine the game’s internal components. Witnesses described these figures as official-looking yet out of place in the colorful arcade environment.

Notable Quote:
"Around the same time the mysterious black machines first arrive on the scene, strange unmarked cars begin showing up at the few arcades in Portland. Teams of men and women in identical black suits spill out of the cars, enter the arcades and make a beeline for the black cabinets." — Rasha Pecorrero [08:59]

5. The Online Revelation and Steven Roach’s Claim

The legend of Polybius resurfaced in 1998 when an anonymous post appeared on the arcade game forum Coinop.org. The poster claimed to possess a ROM file of the elusive game, naming it Polybius and attributing its creation to a company called Zenis Lotion Inc. This revelation seemed to provide tangible evidence of the game's existence and origins.

Notable Quote:
"The title, Polybius, is the name of an ancient Greek historian and cryptographer famous for both uncovering the truth and hiding it in complex codes." — Yvette Gentile [36:00]

6. Debunking the Myth: Analyzing Steven Roach’s Story

In 2006, Steven Roach emerged as a purported original designer of Polybius, detailing how his company, Zenis Lotion, developed the game under the commission of a South American investor. According to Roach, concerns over the game’s addictive nature and potential health impacts led to its abrupt removal from arcades after just six days, following an incident where a young player suffered an epileptic seizure.

However, skepticism arose regarding Roach’s credibility. Discrepancies in his account, such as inconsistent company names and unverifiable personal details, cast doubt on his claims. Additionally, the lack of official records for Zenis Lotion Inc. and conflicting information about associated individuals suggested that Roach’s story might be fabricated.

Notable Quote:
"It's a big block of text full of weird grammar, American slang and informal language. Steven spells the name of Zinnis Lotion his own company, two different ways." — Rasha Pecorrero [19:15]

7. Real Incidents vs. Urban Legend

Through extensive research, the hosts discovered that while the Polybius game itself remains unverified, several genuine health incidents occurred in Portland arcades during the early 1980s. These included cases of players experiencing physical ailments like migraines and, tragically, an 18-year-old's death from a heart attack after intense gaming sessions. These real events likely fueled the Polybius myth, blending with stories of government intervention to create a compelling urban legend.

Notable Quote:
"So the poster goes on to say that the game was allegedly some kind of behavior modification program, either by the CIA or some other government agency." — Rasha Pecorrero [13:26]

8. The Men in Black Revisited: FBI Operations vs. Supernatural Theories

The episode clarifies the true nature of the so-called "Men in Black" who visited Portland arcades. Contrary to supernatural speculations, these individuals were agents from the FBI's Vice Squad investigating illegal gambling operations within arcades. Their focus was on monitoring and shutting down underground betting rings, not on mind control or extraterrestrial phenomena.

Notable Quote:
"The reality is somehow even stranger because yes, there were mysterious men and women in black suits raiding Pacific northwest arcades in 1981, but they weren't there to investigate X Files." — Rasha Pecorrero [34:10]

9. Conclusion: Fact vs. Fiction in the Polybius Myth

Ultimately, So Supernatural presents the Polybius story as a potent mix of real events and embellished folklore. While the existence of Polybius as a mind-controlling arcade game remains unproven, the blend of genuine arcade culture, unexplained health incidents, and government interventions created the perfect storm for an enduring urban legend. The episode serves as a reminder of how myths can evolve from kernels of truth, amplified by collective memory and internet culture.

Notable Quote:
"Some part of me feels like even the name of the game Polybius is playing into that story." — Yvette Gentile [35:51]

Final Thoughts

So Supernatural’s exploration of Polybius offers a comprehensive look into how urban legends are born, evolve, and persist. By dissecting the various elements of the Polybius myth, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the interplay between reality and folklore in the realm of true crime and supernatural mysteries.

Connect with So Supernatural:
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