783: El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron
Summary
Retronauts discusses *El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron* with guests Chris Sims, Benito Serino, and former developer Shane Bettenhausen. They explore the game’s basis in apocryphal texts like the Book of Enoch, its unique "bishounen" aesthetic, and its development by Ignition Entertainment. The episode analyzes the narrative’s abstract nature and the cultural influences behind this distinctive 2011 action-platformer.
Topics discussed
Intro and Sleep Number mattress analogy
Guest introduction and El Shaddai overview
The Book of Enoch and apocalyptic literature
Biblical Enoch and the Book of Watchers
Fallen angels, Nephilim, and Metatron
Game characters: Enoch, Lucifer, and Ishtar
Developer Ignition and designer Takayasu Sawaki
Voice acting and Enoch's iconic blue jeans
Gameplay mechanics and surreal level design
Combat system, weapons, and HUD absence
Marketing, memes, and Japanese reception
Critical reception and studio closure
Legacy, remaster, and Sawaki's later work
Final thoughts and podcast outro
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