Dive into a lively debate over the best games of the year, with insights on standout titles like 'Animal Well' and 'Astrobot.' The hosts share personal favorites and humorous anecdotes while ranking iconic video games. Explore the unexpected success of 'Hell Divers 2' and the tactical depth of indie gems like 'UFO 50.' Delve into the emotional connections games foster and how personal preferences shape our gaming experiences. With a mix of playful banter and serious analysis, this discussion captures the essence of what makes video games resonate.
Jeff's emotional response to the announcement of Okami 2 reflects the powerful connection fans have to beloved game franchises.
The debate on ranking video games highlights the subjective nature of evaluating art, emphasizing personal experiences and cultural contexts.
The hosts discuss the distinct experiences offered by Astrobot and Animal Well, illustrating the versatility and diversity within modern gaming.
Deep dives
The Emotional Impact of Okami's Announcement
The joy and significance surrounding the announcement of Okami 2 are explored, highlighting how the host Jeff became emotionally moved during its reveal. It is suggested that Jeff's deep investment in Okami over the years may have been a driving force in making the sequel happen, and that his emotional reaction reflects a culmination of ten years of hope and dedication. This moment resonates with fans who appreciate the blend of nostalgia and excitement that comes with beloved franchises being revived. Ultimately, it showcases how personal connections to games can profoundly influence the industry.
Ranking Video Games as Art
The discussion transitions into a reflection on the idea of objectively ranking video games as art, suggesting that what constitutes a 'best game' is subjective yet meaningful. The hosts grapple with the artistic value displayed within various titles while humorously acknowledging the complexities and silliness of such rankings. They also stress that ranking art reduces it to numbers, which can seem trivial but is nevertheless part of their process. The meaningful exploration of games as art underscores the importance of personal experience and cultural context in appreciating video game narratives.
The Duel of Astrobot and Animal Well
A spirited debate unfolds over the merits of Astrobot and Animal Well, both vying for recognition in the best game category. While Astrobot is praised for its accessibility and charm, Animal Well garners acclaim for its depth and unique gameplay mechanics. The conversation elucidates how both games, despite appearing similar at first glance, deliver vastly different experiences that resonate with players in unique ways. Ultimately, this comparison emphasizes how diverse titles can embody the spirit of gaming while targeting different facets of player engagement.
UFO 50's Experimentation with Game Design
UFO 50 stands out as a prolific collection of 50 mini-games, each crafted with unique mechanics and design philosophies. The hosts reflect on their experiences with this title, noting that it offers a dense variety of gameplay challenges but may overwhelm players with choices. The conversation touches on the game's ability to showcase diverse styles and retro inspirations, enabling players to engage with various game genres from yesteryears. Overall, UFO 50 is celebrated for its ambitious concept that fosters creativity and experimentation in game design.
Balatro: A Unique Deck-Building Experience
Balatro is discussed as a clever deck-building game that combines classic card play mechanics with unique elements. The gameplay style encourages improvisation and surprises players with unpredictable outcomes, leading to varying experiences each time. While some hosts express admiration for the game's chaotic nature, others critique its balance, suggesting it lacks the same level of skill-based growth as other games in the deck-building genre. The conversation highlights how Balatro pushes the boundaries of traditional gaming formats, creating engaging chaos for players.
The Bias Towards Narrative in Like a Dragon
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is praised for its intricate narrative and character-driven storytelling, resonating deeply with fans of the Yakuza series. The hosts share how the game intertwines humor, human emotion, and life lessons, making each interaction and quest meaningful. However, some express challenges in engaging with the gameplay mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, its storytelling prowess and character arcs effectively underline the game's standing as a contender for the top game of the year.
A year’s worth of video game podcasting has brought us to this moment. The Besties use their brains and brackets to select the Besties Besty of 2024. Plus, Frushtick, Hoops, Griffin, and Plante share their personal Top 5s!
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!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
