Matthew Patrick delves into common questions about video game stories and tropes and develops theories to explain them.
Game Theory (Season 1)
Is Chrono Trigger's Time Travel Accurate? (Episode 1)
Air date: 2011-04-18
Runtime: 7 min
Overview: This inaugural episode looks at what, if anything, the RPG masterpiece Chrono Trigger can teach us about the science of time travel.
Super Mario Pipe Dreams (Episode 2)
Air date: 2011-04-25
Runtime: 8 min
Overview: Take the plunge into the sewers with Mario as we cover everything from alligators under New York to albino pot in this second episode of Game Theory.
Illusion of Gaia, World Wonders (Episode 3)
Air date: 2011-05-08
Runtime: 9 min
Overview: We're looking at ancient cultures, mysterious landmarks, and beautiful women as we save the world in ILLUSION OF GAIA.
Mortal Kombat, Fatalities IRL (Episode 4)
Air date: 2011-05-12
Runtime: 8 min
Overview: Can you rip out a human heart? Be poisoned with a kiss? Frozen and shattered? Find out as we explore the cute and cuddly world of MORTAL KOMBAT.
The Science of Sonic the Hedgehog (Episode 5)
Air date: 2011-05-23
Runtime: 8 min
Overview: Matpat finds the real life equivalents of Sonic the Hedgehog characters.
Frogger, Australian for Games (Episode 6)
Air date: 2011-06-06
Runtime: 7 min
Overview: Fry it, stuff it, put it on your wall--I'm on a cross-country trip thinking about roadkill and Frogger. But what secrets could this Atari and arcade classic hold? Find out on Game Theory.
Batman: Arkham Asylum, Diagnosing Arkham (Episode 7)
Air date: 2011-06-14
Runtime: 7 min
Overview: We're putting Joker, Poison Ivy, and the rest of Arkham's criminals on the Freudian couch to diagnose their mental disorders. But are they really crazy or better off in jail? Find out this week on Game Theory.
Kirby's Epic Yarn, Yarn Bombing (Episode 8)
Air date: 2011-06-20
Runtime: 7 min
Overview: This week we unravel the truth about Kirby's Epic Yarn and its role in an up-and-coming counterculture war.
Duke Nukem, 80S Action Star (Episode 9)
Air date: 2011-06-28
Runtime: 10 min
Overview: Pull out your AK-47 and rip off your shirt 'cause we're diving headfirst into 80s action flicks to discover the roots of Duke Nukem and the reasons why the character "doesn't really work in 2011."
Viewers' Choice, Cyborgs, Fatalities, and the Riddler (Episode 10)
Air date: 2011-07-06
Runtime: 8 min
Overview: Your voices have been heard. As thanks for supporting the show, we're looking at topics you've requested and submitted from the first nine episodes.
Adventure Island, a Philippines Vacation (Episode 11)
Air date: 2011-07-12
Runtime: 9 min
Overview: Deadly octopi, spitting snakes, bizarre fruit, and a war America has kept buried in its past all factor in this week as we pinpoint Hudson's ADVENTURE ISLAND.
Halo, Power Armor in Real Life (Episode 12)
Air date: 2011-07-28
Runtime: 8 min
Overview: Now you're playing with power...armor. Science isn't too far behind Master Chief's tech, but it'll cost you a couple thousand bucks. Find out all about it this week on Game Theory.
Seasons
Episodes 12