Watch High Score

High Score is a documentary series on Netflix that explores the history of video games and how they have evolved over time. The series features interviews from some of the most influential figures in the gaming industry, such as Charles Martinet, Rebecca Ann Heineman, and Nolan Bushnell. Through their stories, we learn about the impact that video games have had on our culture and society as a whole.

The show is broken down into six episodes, each focusing on a specific era or aspect of the video game industry. The first episode, titled "Boom and Bust", covers the early days of gaming and the rise of home consoles such as the Atari 2600. It features interviews with Bushnell, who founded Atari, and Heineman, who was one of the first women to win a national gaming championship.

The second episode, "Comeback Kid", explores the resurgence of video games in the 1990s, fueled in part by the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Martinet, who is best known for providing the voice of Nintendo's iconic character Mario, is featured prominently in this episode. He talks about how he landed the role and what it's like to be a part of such a beloved franchise.

The third episode, "Role Players", looks at the rise of role-playing games (RPGs) such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The episode features interviews with some of the developers behind these games, as well as fans who credit RPGs with helping them through difficult times in their lives.

Episode four, "This is War", covers the rivalry between Nintendo and Sega in the 1990s, which culminated in the release of the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo. The episode features interviews with both sides of the conflict, including Sega's former CEO Tom Kalinske and former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime.

The fifth episode, "Fight!" focuses on fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, which became hugely popular in the 1990s. Fans and developers alike discuss what it is that makes fighting games so appealing, and how they've evolved over the years.

Finally, the last episode, "Level Up", takes a look at how video games have become a global phenomenon. The episode features interviews with game developers from all over the world, including Japan, Brazil, and the United States. They talk about how video games have broken down barriers and brought people together, even across language and cultural barriers.

Overall, High Score is a captivating and entertaining series that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of video games. Whether you're a lifelong gamer or just curious about the industry and its impact on society, this show is well worth your time. By the end, you may find yourself feeling nostalgic for the games of yore, and also excited for what's to come in the future of gaming.

High Score is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 19, 2020 and on Netflix