The hosts dive into their top game picks for 2024, celebrating everything from indie gems to major releases. They passionately discuss titles like 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,' exploring its emotional depth and cinematic ties. The conversation also highlights 'Lorelei and the Laser Eyes,' comparing its intricate puzzles to classic narratives. With humor interspersed, they share thoughts on the mechanics of 'Still Wakes the Deep' and engage listeners in their community-driven Game of the Year selections, making for an entertaining mix of insights and laughter.
The podcast highlights Indiana Jones' innovative gameplay and storytelling as potential game of the year contenders for 2024.
Mouthwashing stands out for its dark humor and thought-provoking dialogue, challenging conventional gaming perceptions through its narrative-driven experience.
Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth merges humor and serious drama with engaging minigames, showcasing RPG evolution for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Astro Bot is celebrated for its nostalgic platformer appeal, combining vibrant visuals with gameplay rewards that engage players of all ages.
Balatro captivates audiences with its strategic card-based mechanics and whimsical design, offering a fresh roguelike experience that's both skill-based and lucky.
Deep dives
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
The game presents an engaging narrative that revitalizes the Indiana Jones franchise through innovative gameplay mechanics. Players navigate through both linear segments and expansive open-world environments, solving puzzles and completing quests tied to a rich storyline. The game's attention to detail, including impressive graphics and quality voice acting, enhances the immersive experience. Early impressions highlight it as a potential game of the year contender, offering a unique twist on the action-adventure genre.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
This game successfully combines captivating puzzle mechanics with an intriguing narrative, pushing players to think critically while navigating its visually stunning world. Its artistic style and atmospheric presentation create a unique environment that draws players in and keeps them engaged. The game's challenging puzzles require both thoughtful consideration and creativity, providing a rewarding experience for players. Its charming yet enigmatic storytelling lends itself to multiple interpretations, reinforcing its status as a standout title of the year.
Mouthwashing
Mouthwashing is a narrative-driven game that explores complex themes through witty dialogue and engaging character interactions. Players navigate a world filled with absurdity and dark humor, creating a unique experience that challenges conventional gaming perceptions. Its grotesque yet comedic take on societal issues invites deeper reflection while maintaining an entertaining experience. The writing is sharp and thought-provoking, making it a memorable entry in the gaming sphere this year.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
This entry in the Yakuza franchise successfully combines humor and drama in a sprawling narrative filled with memorable characters and side quests. Players experience a rich world where engaging minigames and creative storytelling intertwine, offering countless hours of exploration and enjoyment. Its balance of gameplay variety, from traditional RPG elements to engaging combat mechanics, showcases the series' evolution. Infinite Wealth stands out for its unique charm, ensuring that longtime fans and newcomers alike find something to enjoy.
Anthology of the Killer
This game intricately weaves a compelling narrative about the complexities of morality and human nature, challenging players to grapple with difficult themes. Using clever humor and a unique art style, it centers around various story-driven episodes that resonate emotionally with players. The dialogues are rich with layers, inviting reflection on serious societal issues while maintaining a sardonic edge. Anthology of the Killer is a noteworthy exploration of philosophical concepts through the lens of interactive storytelling.
Astro Bot
Astro Bot delivers a charming and delightful experience that showcases creativity in level design and playful mechanics. The game's vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay create a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of classic platformers, while utilizing modern technology to enhance play. Players are consistently rewarded with fun surprises, adding to the overall enjoyment of each level. It is praised for its accessibility and appeal to players of all ages, making it a standout title in the platforming genre this year.
Balatro
Balatro offers an addictive blend of roguelike mechanics and card-based gameplay that keeps players engaged with its strategic depth. Its captivating art style and whimsical design contrast beautifully with the challenging mechanics, creating a delightful experience for players. Each run provides a fresh experience as players navigate through diverse challenges while adapting their strategies. The game captures the essence of blending luck and skill, making it a must-play for fans of card games and roguelikes.
UFO 50
UFO 50 is a unique compilation of 50 indie games, each showcasing a different genre and style, while celebrating the history of retro gaming. The boundless creativity displayed in each mini-game offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience that resonates with players. It successfully evokes a sense of discovery as gamers explore the nuances of various play styles, proving both entertaining and rewarding. With diverse gameplay mechanics and charming aesthetics, UFO 50 transcends traditional game collections.
Metaphor: ReFantasio
Metaphor: ReFantasio masterfully combines engaging storytelling with dynamic combat mechanics to create an unforgettable gaming experience. The rich world-building and character development enhance its captivating narrative journey, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the game's universe. This installment introduces innovative job systems that add strategic depth to combat, allowing for tailored play styles. With its stunning art direction and engaging gameplay, Metaphor positions itself as a worthy contender among this year's best.
A Thousand Exorcist
A Thousand Exorcist is a unique narrative-driven experience that tackles profound themes through intricate storytelling and compelling character dynamics. The game's immersive world lures players in with its striking visual design and rich mythology, effectively engaging them in its multifaceted narrative. By blending supernatural elements with authentic human emotion, players are encouraged to reflect on their perspectives. This makes the game deeply impactful, resonating with participants long after the experience.
In the 1st of 5 episodes, we're making a list (and checking it twice) of our favorite games from 2024! From indie darlings and darling Indys, to honorable mentions and the ones that got away, join us as we decide what 10 games stood out the most!
SUBMIT YOUR GAME FOR NOCLIP'S 2024 COMMUNITY GOTY: https://www.patreon.com/posts/vote-noclips-116488018
Note: Regarding credits for Anthology of the Killer, A.Degen isn't another alias for thecatamites, they're an artist that made posters for the anthology. Sorry for the mix-up!
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Chapters:
0:00:00 - Intro 0:03:09 - Thanking Our Supporters 0:05:14 - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 0:24:28 - Lorelei and the Laser Eyes 0:31:58 - Mouthwashing 0:37:37 - Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth 0:42:27 - INDIKA 0:44:26 - Still Wakes the Deep 0:48:27 - Crow Country 0:49:42 - Sorry We're Closed 0:50:56 - Unicorn Overlord 0:52:26 - The Plucky Squire 0:55:16 - Stellar Blade 0:58:11 - Helldivers 2 0:59:50 - Astro Bot 1:04:54 - Balatro 1:06:40 - Anthology of the Killer 1:18:55 - 1000xResist 1:24:09 - Metaphor ReFantazio 1:28:24 - Arctic Eggs 1:31:50 - Pacific Drive 1:33:50 - Grunn & Animal Well 1:36:30 - Another Crab's Treasure 1:38:35 - Star Wars Outlaws 1:42:32 - UFO 50 1:49:58 - LIST RECAP 1:50:53 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl 1:56:00 - Arco 1:57:42 - Prince of Persia The Lost Crown 2:02:07 - Tekken 8 2:05:30 - Persona 3 Reload 2:06:30 - Mortal Kombat 1 2:07:30 - Silent Hill 2 & Hades 2 2:08:22 - A few quick shoutouts... 2:10:07 - Finalizing the Top 10 2:30:06 - AND OUR TOP 10 ARE! 2:32:10 - The Likely Candidates We Didn't Cover 2:34:05 - Sign Off
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