The Resties Required Reading List is complete! [Resties]
Dec 12, 2023
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The hosts discuss their completed year-long project of collecting 25 games from the history of games. They explore the cultural impact of Pac-Man and other influential video games from 1980 to 1984. They also discuss classic video games like Dragon's Lair, Mario Brothers, and Tetris. The hosts share their picks for the required reading list and discuss RPGs from 1990 to 1994. They also reflect on the games to remove from the list and acknowledge positive and negative reception.
Pac-Man represents the essence of arcade gaming and had a profound cultural impact.
Tetris is a cultural phenomenon, with addictive gameplay that influenced many modern puzzle games.
Chrono Trigger defied traditional RPG tropes with its time travel mechanics and deep storytelling.
Deep dives
Pac-Man: A Pop Culture Phenomenon and Iconic Arcade Game
Pac-Man, released in 1980, had a profound cultural impact and is seen as the face of arcade games. Its simplicity and addictive gameplay made it a classic that represents the essence of arcade gaming.
Tetris: A Timeless and Influential Puzzle Game
Tetris, released in 1984, is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Its addictive gameplay and simple mechanics have made it a cultural phenomenon. Its influence can be seen in many modern puzzle games, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its brilliance.
Chrono Trigger: A Classic RPG that Defied Tropes
Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, is a renowned RPG that defied traditional tropes of the genre. With its time travel mechanics, memorable characters, and deep storytelling, it is often praised as one of the best RPGs ever made.
The impact and formative nature of Elite in the realm of space exploration games
Elite, released in 1984, was a groundbreaking 3D space exploration game that allowed players to freely navigate an entire galaxy, engaging in trade, combat, and living out their dreams of being like Han Solo. Despite its astonishing feat at the time and its ability to push hardware limits, Elite does not age well graphically and runs poorly today. However, its legacy as a pioneer in the genre cannot be denied. While newer games like Star Wars and No Man's Sky have attempted to capture the same essence, they owe a debt to Elite's influence.
The evolving gaming landscape and emergence of popular video games
The early 1980s marked a time of rapid development and experimentation in the gaming industry. Games like Duck Hunt, Kung Fu Master, King's Quest, Jet Set Willy, Marble Madness, and Excite Bike gained popularity, although the gaming landscape varied around the world. The rise of PC gaming, the advent of different consoles, and the lack of defined standards added to the diversity and unpredictability of the era. However, notable games like Tetris, Pac-Man, and Microsoft Flight Simulator rose above the rest due to their widespread recognition and impact, shaping the future of gaming as we know it.
Find the full Resties Required Reading List at Besties.fan!
We have finalized the Resties Required Reading List and we can’t wait to share the results! Our goal was to collect a list of 25 games — from Pac-Man to modern day, 1980 to 2020 — that will help our listeners better appreciate this wonderful medium. We believe these are the games that everyone who wants to have a fundamental appreciation of video games should play or watch. They’re the games that will, in ways big and small, give you a richer connection with every other game you play. Think of it like a syllabus for Video Games 101. Or as the 25 games we’d built a museum around. Or just as a guide on how to spend some of your holiday break!
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Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
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