Franchise Speed Dating: Playing Five Famous Series for the First Time | Button Mash
Mar 1, 2025
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Matt James, Ringer's Deputy Art Lead, shares insights on the industry while discussing his spoiler-free thoughts on 'Avowed' and the fast-paced gameplay of 'Elden Ring Nightreign.' He and host Ben Lindbergh dive into an amusing 'franchise speed dating' segment, where they evaluate long-running series like 'Dynasty Warriors' and 'Monster Hunter.' Their lively conversation explores the joys and challenges of engaging with iconic games and critiques industry shifts, all while keeping the humor alive.
The podcast discusses the innovative concept of 'franchise speed dating,' allowing hosts to sample new installments of established video game series.
Accessibility in gaming is emphasized, with the ease of jumping into new titles often overshadowed by the challenges of catching up on extensive lore.
The excitement and skepticism surrounding long-running franchises highlight the importance of intuitive game mechanics for attracting new players while retaining old fans.
Community engagement is underscored as players share experiences and insights, fostering connection and enriching the overall gaming journey through shared challenges.
Deep dives
The Launch of Good Hang
Amy Poehler introduces her new podcast, Good Hang, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and relatability when hosting. She notes that many people now have their own podcasts, reflecting a cultural shift where everyone feels entitled to share their opinions and stories. The show aims to inject some light-heartedness into an often serious world, promising a mix of interesting guests and engaging conversations. Poehler expresses her enthusiasm for blending personal experiences with humor, setting the tone for what listeners can expect from the series.
Franchise Speed Dating Concept
The episode discusses the innovative format of 'franchise speed dating,' where the hosts explore established video game franchises using new games in a playful manner. The concept includes both experimenting with well-known titles while also acknowledging the challenges of diving into long-running series late in the game. There's a paradox described, highlighting that while jumping into an established series might seem easier, catching up can be time-consuming and daunting. The hosts discuss the anticipation of trying a range of games that they haven't played before, framing it as both an exploration of new titles and a nostalgic journey.
Video Game Access and Continuity
A key point discussed is the relative ease of accessing video games compared to movies or television shows. For long-running franchises like Yakuza or Monster Hunter, starting points can seem confusing and overwhelming, especially if players haven't been engaged from the beginning. The seamless entry into some game series offers a better experience than trying to catch up with interconnected movie plots. The hosts share their personal experiences of growing up with certain franchises while expressing the challenge of feeling left behind in others.
Initial Impressions of New Games
As the hosts delve into their first impressions of various games, they emphasize the importance of accessibility and intuitive controls. Many players value a game that allows for immersion without requiring extensive knowledge of its background or mechanics. The conversation reveals a blend of excitement and skepticism about games that have long-standing legacies, with concerns over whether newcomers will feel included. Ultimately, the hope is that these new installments will invite players who may not have considered the series before while capturing the essence that longtime fans love.
The Appeal of Action and Adventure
The discussions about action-adventure games reveal a universal appeal that spans across various demographics and gaming preferences. The hosts connect over memorable gameplay moments that resonate emotionally, along with strategic elements that require thoughtfulness. They draw parallels between joy found in action-packed sequences and the rich narratives that accompany many games today. This indicates that the most engaging experiences are those that stimulate both the mind and the heart, demonstrating the depth of modern gaming.
Challenges in Game Mechanics
Throughout the episode, discussions frequently return to the challenges many players face with complex game mechanics and controls. While games are visual and immersive, they can also be frustrating when players struggle to grasp the necessary skills for success. There's a running theme of players underestimating the time needed to truly understand new mechanics, especially those that diverge from mainstream gaming practices. The conversation serves as a reminder that gaming, while sometimes accessible, can also demand significant dedication and practice for full enjoyment.
The Importance of Community in Gaming
The episode highlights the crucial role community plays in gaming, especially as players navigate challenges and share their experiences. The concept of franchise speed dating not only encourages exploration of new titles but fosters conversations among gaming communities about their shared journeys. The podcast serves as a medium for players to bond over their challenges and triumphs within various game environments. By establishing these connections, the gaming community becomes enriched, as fans exchange insights and recommendations, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Ben and Matt discuss Matt’s spoiler-free impressions of ‘Avowed,’ the ‘Elden Ring Nightreign’ network test, and news about layoffs and closures affecting ‘Marvel Rivals’ and ‘Wonder Woman’ (10:00). Then Ben looks for love in the latest installments of long-running video game franchises that he’s never previously played—‘Dynasty Warriors,’ ‘Sniper Elite,’ ‘Civilization,’ ‘Like a Dragon,’ and ‘Monster Hunter’—by “speed-dating” each of their newly released sequels and deciding whether the series deserves a second digital date (30:30).
