Hype Factor: A Fantasy Critic Podcast Episode 15 - 2025 Season Wrap Up
Dec 17, 2025
Jon and Marcus dive into the thrilling wrap-up of the 2025 fantasy critic season. They reveal surprising game releases like Expedition 33 and the unexpected impact of Donkey Kong Bonanza. They reflect on their biggest misses, celebrate indie sleepers that turned the tide, and advise on cautious picks. Highlights include debating Metroid Prime 4’s low score and the excitement of upcoming titles like Pragmata. With a dash of humor and insights, they prepare for the challenges ahead in 2026 while keeping listeners hyped!
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Episode notes
Marcus' League Wins And Early Leads
- Marcus won two of his four Fantasy Critic leagues this year and finished comfortably in both.
- He described finishing most games months early and riding large leads to victory in those leagues.
Jon's Late-Season Scramble
- Jon finished third in two leagues and was surprised by late-season moves from other managers like Hambone Johnny.
- He described a late scramble for a suddenly-available release that could reshuffle final standings.
Undervalued Game Became Season-Defining
- Expedition 33 (ClaroscurA) massively outperformed expectations and became a top-scoring surprise of the year.
- The game's success reshaped many Fantasy Critic drafts where it had been undervalued.