Matt James, Ringer's deputy art director, joins Ben to explore the thrilling world of RPGs. They dive into 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,' praising its homage to classic titles while introducing modern gameplay. The duo also discusses 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered,' reflecting on its lasting impact and the nuances between remasters and remakes. Plus, they share thoughts on the hype surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and upcoming titles like 'Grand Theft Auto VI,' highlighting the significance of marketing in gaming.
The hosts express their excitement for 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33', highlighting its engaging narrative and unique gameplay mechanics that resonate with RPG enthusiasts.
In discussing 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered', they analyze the delicate balance of nostalgia and modern expectations in contemporary game remakes.
The conversation about preorder experiences for the Nintendo Switch 2 illustrates the thrill and challenges of engaging with the gaming community during major launches.
Deep dives
Anticipation for the 2025 NBA Draft
The podcast discusses the excitement surrounding the return of the NBA Draft Show, highlighting the focus on the 2025 NBA Draft class. It details the players to watch, such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecomb, evaluating their potential and relevance in the upcoming draft. Each prospect's performance and how they adapt to the demands of professional basketball are analyzed, shedding light on the traits that could see them succeed. This segment aims to provide listeners with comprehensive insights into the future stars of the NBA.
Recent Releases in Gaming
The episode highlights significant gaming releases, particularly the surprise remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for next-gen consoles, which has garnered attention for its lasting appeal and nostalgia. Alongside it, the highly anticipated original RPG Claire Obscure Expedition 33 is discussed, emphasizing its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging narrative. The hosts reflect on the excitement surrounding both titles, noting that Oblivion's legacy continues to attract players while Claire Obscure is emerging as a favorite among RPG enthusiasts. The contrasting styles of gameplay between these titles serve to showcase the diversity and evolution of the RPG genre.
Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
The hosts share their experiences with successfully preordering the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting how they navigated the chaotic online ordering process. They discuss the anticipation surrounding the new console and the excitement of securing a unit amidst high demand and technical challenges faced during the preorder period. The community engagement through the Ringer's gaming Slack channel is noted, illustrating how collaborative efforts helped many secure their devices. This discussion reflects the thrill and challenges of participating in the gaming community during a major console launch.
The Appeal of Claire Obscure Expedition 33
The podcast delves into why Claire Obscure Expedition 33 is capturing the attention of gamers, particularly emphasizing its rich storytelling and immersive world design. The unique turn-based combat system combines modern mechanics with classic RPG elements, allowing for deep player engagement. The hosts praise the game's ability to invoke nostalgia for 90s RPGs while being innovative in its execution and presentation. The character depth, voice acting, and musical composition further enhance the game's allure, making it a strong contender for game of the year.
Remastering Oblivion: A Nostalgic Journey
The conversation shifts to the remaster of Oblivion, exploring how it balances nostalgia with modern gaming expectations. The hosts discuss the upgrades made to the graphics and performance while retaining the essence of the original game. They analyze the impact of nostalgia on both new players and veterans of the series, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in contemporary gaming. Through reminiscing about its legacy, they highlight the role of Oblivion in shaping the open-world RPG landscape, drawing connections to current gaming trends.
Our cup runneth over with role-playing games, so Ben and Matt James party up to tag-team two new titans of the genre. After opening banter about Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ timing, they profess their love (in spoiler-free fashion) for the new hit RPG ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ and explain why the debut game gives them hope for the industry. Then they share their impressions of the recently released RPG behemoth ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered’ and discuss the difference between remasters and remakes and the proper approach to modernizing old games.
Intro (0:00) Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ updates (3:25) First thoughts on ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ (13:39) ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered’ impressions (53:50) Outro (1:18:18)
Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
