Today, we’re navigating shifting gravity and even shakier development timelines as we dive into Prey, the 2006 sci-fi shooter that took over a decade—and four complete overhauls—to reach players. We begin by exploring the ambitious origins of the original Prey, from 3D Realms’ early aspirations for a revolutionary 3D engine to a series of failed prototypes, engine rewrites, and studio shakeups. Then, we follow the game’s surprising resurrection at Human Head Studios, tracing how Cherokee mythology, alien abductions, and groundbreaking mechanics came together in a game that wowed critics and sold over a million copies. Finally, we chart the messy road to Prey 2, its abrupt cancellation, and the eventual reboot by Arkane Studios in 2017—a spiritual successor that channeled System Shock and Dishonored into something entirely new. So grab your spirit bow and prepare to walk the walls on today’s gravity-defying trip down Memory Card Lane!

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In this week’s episode, we explore the whimsical world of Banjo-Kazooie (1998), Rare’s beloved 3D platformer that helped define the Nintendo 64 era. We trace its surprising evolution from a scrapped RPG called Project Dream into a genre-defining collect-a-thon starring a bear and a bird. Along the way, we look at how Rare pivoted in response to Super Mario 64, embraced exploration over precision platforming, and created one of gaming’s most iconic duos. We also touch on the legacy of the series, the controversial Nuts & Bolts, and Banjo’s continued presence in games like Super Smash Bros. It’s a nostalgic celebration of creativity, reinvention, and the golden age of Rare.

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Today, we’re descending into the depths of Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, the 2002 GameCube classic that dared to blur the line between player and character. We begin by exploring how Canadian developer Silicon Knights transitioned from strategy games to psychological horror under the guidance of Denis Dyack, with Eternal Darkness evolving from a Nintendo 64 project into one of the GameCube’s most ambitious launch titles. Along the way, we examine the game’s Lovecraftian influences, complex narrative spanning centuries, and groundbreaking sanity system that played tricks on players’ minds in unforgettable ways. Though it struggled commercially, its critical acclaim and cult following secured its legacy as a pioneer in interactive horror. So steel your nerves and question your reality—it’s time for a sanity-shattering trip down Memory Card Lane!

Find out more at https://a-trip-down-memory-card-lane.pinecast.co