592: Jesse Norris: Assassin's Creed Shadows, Atomfall, The First Berzerker Khazan, Future Games Showcase, Kingmakers, Painkiller, South of Midnight, The Last Caretaker, Frosthaven, Reanimal, Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time
Mar 24, 2025
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Jesse Norris, reviews editor and producer at Xbox Era, joins to share his gaming insights. He dives into the Future Games Showcase, highlighting must-see titles like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and Atomfall. They discuss the significance of the United Video Game Workers Union and player engagement in open-world games. The conversation also touches on the revival of classics such as Painkiller and the balance of crafting and survival mechanics in upcoming titles. Expect exciting game previews and intriguing industry commentary!
The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding the Future Games Showcase, showcasing new game announcements and their impact on gamers' expectations.
Jesse shares insights on 'Kingmakers,' an engaging medieval-themed game that combines absurdity with innovative gameplay features like a destructible environment.
The talk emphasizes the importance of game preservation, showcasing GOG's efforts to maintain classic titles accessible for both nostalgia and new audiences.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Podcast
The podcast opens with the hosts warmly welcoming listeners and acknowledging their diverse audience, from gamers working out to those unwinding by the pool. They express gratitude to their patrons for making the show possible, offering ad-free content and various perks in return for support. The hosts introduce the focus of the episode, which revolves around gaming news and discussions about recently embargoed game releases. They emphasize the excitement around high-profile game announcements and seasonal shifts in both the gaming landscape and real life.
Story of the Week Highlights
Each episode features a 'Story of the Week' segment, allowing guests and hosts to share notable gaming news. This week, the guest picks the Future Games Showcase as a standout, highlighting its entertaining presentation and various game reveals and updates. Jesse emphasizes the impact of such showcases on the gaming community, noting unexpected releases and teasers for upcoming games. The discussion showcases the excitement within the industry and how these events continue to shape gamers' expectations and experiences.
Game Discoveries from the Showcase
Discussion shifts to specific games showcased, where Jesse highlights a hilarious medieval-themed game called 'Kingmakers.' This unique title explores the absurd concept of a modern individual combating an army of medieval warriors using contemporary weaponry. Its engaging AI and the promise of a destructible environment generate buzz, with anticipation around the game's demo release prior to its full launch. The engaging concept and fun portrayal make it a potential favorite among gamers looking for both absurdity and depth.
Discussion of Game Preservation Efforts
Christian brings attention to an important topic, game preservation, particularly with the efforts by GOG to keep classic games accessible. They mention GOG's initiative to reintroduce older titles, ensuring they remain playable on modern systems and reach new audiences. This effort fosters nostalgia while also emphasizing the significance of maintaining gaming history. The ongoing commitment to game preservation speaks volumes about the industry's responsibility towards its roots and the importance of accessibility in gaming.
Exploring Evolving Open World Designs
Cameron Williams, a designer from a notable game company, shares insights from a GDC talk about common open world problems in gaming. He explains that many players struggle with exploration fatigue due to the overwhelming number of activities available in expansive worlds. This discussion resonates with the hosts, who reflect on their experiences with open-world games, contemplating the balance between incentivizing exploration and overwhelming players with choices. This conversation underscores the continuous evolution of game design and the challenge of engaging players in vast game environments.
Game Impressions: Assassin's Creed Shadows
The podcast transitions to discussing 'Assassin's Creed Shadows,' a game that has garnered strong enthusiasm from the hosts. They rave about the immersive environments, fluid gameplay mechanics, and engaging narrative that captures players' attention. Each host shares their experiences with the game, highlighting the engaging combat and exploration systems that feel fresh and rewarding. The game's ability to create a rich atmosphere while maintaining challenging gameplay has made it a standout title, reigniting their passion for the franchise amidst concerns about prior iterations.
Jeff and Christian welcome Jesse Norris from Xbox Era to the show for the first time to discuss all of the huge games of the Future Games Showcase 2025, the unveiling of the United Video Game Workers Union at GDC, whether players want to explore, and more!
The Playlist: Jesse: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Atomfall, The First Berserker: Khazan
