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Episode 228:

Apocalyptic Artistry

The Creation of Darksiders

Runtime: 53 minutes

History Topics (At-A Glance):

Darksiders (2010)

Originally Released on January 5, 2010

Episode Summary:

Today, we’re exploring the story behind *Darksiders*, an action-adventure game released in 2010 that blends mythology, exploration, and intense combat. We’ll uncover the tale of Vigil Games, the passionate studio that began with a vision of bringing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to life, despite challenges and early failures. Then, we’ll delve into how *Darksiders* evolved through development, from its artistic inspirations to its innovative mechanics, and its reception as a cult favorite. Finally, we’ll reflect on the series’ legacy, including its later installments and enduring fan appeal. So, saddle up and join us as we ride through the apocalypse on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.


Video Games and Consoles Discussed in this Episode:

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 20). Darksiders (video game). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_(video_game)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_(video_game)

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 4). Darksiders II. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_II

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 11). Darksiders III. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_III

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_III

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Darksiders genesis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_Genesis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders_Genesis

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 20). Trade wars. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_Wars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_Wars

Additional Sources:

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Darksiders. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darksiders

Wikipedia contributors. (2023, October 31). David Adams (video game designer). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Adams_(video_game_designer)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Adams_(video_game_designer)

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 26). Joe Madureira. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Madureira

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Madureira

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, August 4). Vigil Games. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigil_Games

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigil_Games

Trade Wars: Dark Millenium - PC News at IGN. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20110613143918/http://pc.ign.com/articles/364/364427p1.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20110613143918/http://pc.ign.com/articles/364/364427p1.html

Realm Interactive - TradeWars Museum. (n.d.). https://wiki.classictw.com/index.php/Group:Realm_Interactive

https://wiki.classictw.com/index.php/Group:Realm_Interactive

Staff, I. (2012, June 17). Introducing TriLunar - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/04/introducing-trilunar

https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/04/introducing-trilunar

Varanini, G. (2002, April 3). First look: Dragonkind. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-look-dragonkind/1100-2859950/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=gamespace_news

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-look-dragonkind/1100-2859950/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=gamespace_news

Staff, I. (2012, June 16). August 29: TriLunar shuts down - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/29/august-29-trilunar-shuts-down

https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/29/august-29-trilunar-shuts-down

PC games: Trade Wars gets new name. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20040621222107/http://pc.ign.com/articles/388/388359p1.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20040621222107/http://pc.ign.com/articles/388/388359p1.html

Ryan Stefanelli | LinkedIn. (n.d.). https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstefanelli/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstefanelli/

Marvin Donald | LinkedIn. (n.d.). https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-donald/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-donald/

Audio Sources:
Cold Open Music

Bleeping Demo by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Podcast Intro Music

Open Those Bright Eyes by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license