Gaming In The Wild - Video Game Reviews 274: GOTY 2025 #2 (with Brad from So Videogames)
19 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Brad Galloway, Editor of GameCritics.com and host of So Videogames, joins to share his uniquely curated Game of the Year picks. They delve into standout selections like the surprisingly innovative Kyborg and visually striking titles like Deathless: The Hero Quest. Expect insights on gameplay trends, touching on the narrative depth of Dispatch and the vibrant design of Balance Pit. The duo also tackles industry criticisms, discussing the troubling rise of AI in creative roles. Plus, don’t miss their hidden gem recommendations!
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Episode notes
Design Over Polish Wins Hearts
- Kyborg surprised Brad by delivering pure roguelike fun despite rough polish and controls.
- Strong core design and rapid progression beat glossy production for him.
Subtle Acting Elevates Game Worlds
- Visual and presentation choices can create surprising human nuance in games' performances.
- Claire Obscure and Deathless show style plus subtle acting elevates storytelling impact.
Split-Phase Combat Reinvents Tactics
- Rogue Waters blends ship combat and tactical board fights to refresh turn-based strategy.
- Splitting encounters into ship and disembark phases created strategic variety Brad hadn't seen.