A gaming podcast that breaks down the psychology, culture, and big conversations most people won’t touch. Hosted by Retro GOAT, GOATed Kingdom dives deep into why games hit the way they do, what’s happening in gaming culture, and the truth behind modern game design.
I'm ranking every classic 2D Mortal Kombat game and looking back at what made each one great, disappointing, or somewhere in between.
From the original Mortal Kombat through the later games of the classic 2D era, I'm breaking down each game, giving it a rating, and revisiting how these games helped shape Mortal Kombat into the franchise it is today.
I grew up playing Mortal Kombat when these games were actually new, so I'm bringing the perspective of someone who experienced this era firsthand.
I'm Captain Retro, and these are my rankings of the classic 2D Mortal Kombat games.
8 Jan 2026
Why So Many Men Are Quitting Dating (And Choosing Games Instead)
Dating today feels harder than ever — and it’s not just your imagination.In this episode of GOATed Kingdom, I talk honestly about how difficult it was to find the right partner, how dating has changed since the early 2000s, and why so many men are quietly opting out of modern dating altogether.We explore how social media, the attention economy, and shifting incentives have turned dating into a performance — and why some men choose peace, hobbies, or video games instead of unstable relationships. This isn’t about blaming men or women. It’s about understanding how systems shape behavior, why alignment feels rare, and what actually worked for me in finding a long-term partner.If modern dating feels exhausting, confusing, or broken — this conversation is for you.
1 Jan 2026
Are We Headed Toward Ready Player One? The Future of VR Explained
Virtual reality is closer than people think — and not for the reasons Silicon Valley keeps selling us. In this episode we're break down where VR actually is, where it’s heading, and whether we’re slowly moving toward a Ready Player One–style future. From presence and identity to escapism and control, this is a big-picture conversation about the next evolution of the internet — and what it means for all of us.
25 Dec 2025
Are We Building Skynet? AI, Fear & Judgement Day
This episode began with Terminator 2D: No Fate and turned into a deeper conversation about artificial intelligence, fear, and the myth of Judgment Day.
In this GOATed Kingdom episode, we explore whether modern AI is actually heading toward something like Skynet — or if the real danger lies elsewhere.
From childhood fears shaped by Terminator to real warnings from today’s tech leaders, this episode looks at how AI systems don’t need consciousness to be dangerous — only objectives and scale.
Is AI becoming Skynet…
or are we giving up control without realizing it?
Thank you for listening. Welcome to the GOATed Kingdom.
18 Dec 2025
Are We NPCs? Look-Alikes, Glitches, and the Simulation Theory
We’re diving into a strange question I’ve noticed my entire life: why do so many people look exactly like other people — sometimes across different ages, generations, and even with the same names?
In this episode of the GOATed Kingdom Podcast, we explore look-alikes, NPC behavior, glitches in reality, and the growing idea that we might be living inside a simulation — similar to a video game or The Matrix.
We break down real scientific theories, major thinkers like Elon Musk and Nick Bostrom, and personal observations that make reality feel strangely… scripted.
Are some people NPCs?
Are glitches real?
Is reality built from repeating templates?
This episode isn’t about answers — it’s about asking the questions you can’t stop thinking about once you notice the patterns.
🎮 Topics include:
Simulation theory, NPC behavior, glitches in the matrix, look-alikes, consciousness, and modern reality.
11 Dec 2025
What Netflix Owning Warner Bros Really Means for Mortal Kombat
Netflix just shocked the entertainment world by acquiring Warner Bros. for $72 billion — and that includes Mortal Kombat.This episode breaks down exactly what this means for MK games, movies, animation, character designs, violence levels, and the franchise’s future under Netflix’s massive global influence.In this Carolina Reaper–level spicy deep dive, we cover:• What Netflix’s WB deal actually includes• Why MK fans are worried (and excited)• Netflix’s history with big IP• The “woke entertainment” fatigue affecting modern franchises• How MK games could change under corporate ownership• The future of MK movies, MK Legends animation, and TV shows• Best-case and worst-case outcomes for Mortal Kombat• A final monologue MK fans won’t forget: KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY NINJASThis is the biggest entertainment plot twist of the decade — and Mortal Kombat is right in the center of it.Do you trust Netflix with MK? Let me know in the comments.
4 Dec 2025
Balatro, Dopamine, and Whether Gaming Is Raising a New Generation of Gamblers
In this episode of the GOATed Kingdom Podcast, I break down why Balatro is so addictive, how modern game design mimics casino psychology, and whether gaming is accidentally raising a new generation of gamblers. We talk dopamine loops, loot boxes, kids, culture, and the real impact behind today’s gaming habits.
Thanks for listening — new episodes coming soon.
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