
The Besties
It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends – Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, and Russ Frushtick – rank and review their favorite video games. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?
Latest episodes

May 23, 2025 • 56min
Doom: The Dark Ages is a (Shotgun) Blast
The latest Doom game takes an unexpected turn, trading fast-paced action for strategic parry-heavy combat. Lively discussions compare its themes to pop culture, including quirky mashups like 'Dr. America.' The evolution of gameplay mechanics sparks interest, focusing on the balance of offense and defense. Players reminisce about their own gaming journeys, drawing humorous parallels to woodworking. Plus, the hosts dive into reality competition shows, exploring narrative depth and character development that resonate with audiences.

8 snips
May 16, 2025 • 57min
Open the Besties Treasure Trove
Technical hiccups turned into a treasure trove of gaming delights! The hosts explore quirky retro shooters and fascinating titles like Planet Crafter, embracing nostalgia and innovation. They dive into the challenges of colorblind settings and reflect on making gaming more accessible. Unique gameplay mechanics are spotlighted with discussions on relaxing puzzles and rhythm-based combat. Plus, they share some laughs over childhood classics and the joys of patron support, ensuring a comedic and heartfelt journey through the gaming landscape.

9 snips
May 9, 2025 • 47min
Revenge of the French RPG!
The hosts dive into the wilderness of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, unpacking its unique RPG mechanics and humor within a post-apocalyptic setting. They then tackle the quirky challenges of Revenge of the Savage Planet, critiquing its gameplay and narrative elements. Along the way, they reflect on gaming industry trends and corporate storytelling influences. With playful banter and entertaining anecdotes, they highlight the importance of personal ownership and the role of nostalgia in modern media. Who knew pure water could spark such engaging discussions?

8 snips
May 2, 2025 • 55min
Let's Save Cats From Oblivion!
Dive into the quirky world of gaming as the hosts explore the immersive-sim 'Skin Deep' and the beloved classic 'Oblivion'. They humorously discuss the charm of nostalgic titles, contrasting their open-ended gameplay with modern RPGs. The conversation takes a whimsical turn, linking cats with video game mechanics. Personal anecdotes reveal the deep emotional ties games can foster, especially in tough times. Expect laughs as they navigate the complexities of car buying and the clamshell gaming revolution, blending humor with heartfelt reflections!

7 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 51min
Runescape and a Competitor to Limbo? It's a Grab Bag, Y'all
Dive into a lively discussion about intriguing games like Bionic Bay, Sunderfolk, and the nostalgic feels of RuneScape and its offshoot, Dragon Wilds. Enjoy entertaining tales of holiday shopping madness, and discover the hilarities of tote bag disappointments. The hosts also banter about a unique Japanese dating show that fosters connections without technology, rounded off by personal insights into handheld gaming devices. Get ready for a blend of humor, gaming insights, and cultural quirks!

Apr 18, 2025 • 51min
Promise Mascot Agency is an Escape From Life’s Headaches
Journey into the whimsical world of a mascot agency where quirky characters navigate charming challenges. Experience nostalgia with Yakuza-style gameplay reminiscent of classic consoles. Discover the hilarious dynamics of mascot management and the deeper themes of exploitation. Uncover stories of emulating retro games while sharing personal gaming anecdotes. The hosts dive into emotional gaming connections and playful reflections on unique characters, blending humor with thoughtful insights.

11 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
Blue Prince is the First Must-Play Game of 2025
Join the lively discussion about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and its potential impact on gaming. The hosts dive into the intricacies of the innovative game 'Blueprints,' emphasizing its strategic planning and puzzle-solving elements. They explore the evolution of gaming experiences, particularly for children, and the importance of accessibility in modern games. With comedic insights into game features and comparisons to notable franchises, this conversation fuels excitement for the future of gaming.

Apr 4, 2025 • 55min
Chilling in the Grab Bag with Kingdom Come Deliverance 3
This week, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, reminding listeners of gaming gems from the past. They bring humor to the etiquette of movie nights and discuss the absurdities of film reactions. Exploring the latest Nintendo Direct, they highlight exciting announcements like Metroid Prime 4 and nostalgic titles. There’s a lively debate on digital ownership struggles within the Switch ecosystem, and they look forward to a new game focusing on crisis management. It's a delightful blend of gaming insights and laughter!

5 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Assassin's Creed Shadows Delivers on an 18-Year-Old Promise
The discussion kicks off with humorous reflections on waning interest in the Assassin's Creed franchise. The long-awaited Assassin's Creed Shadows is explored, set in feudal Japan, raising questions about its originality. The evolution of gameplay mechanics and narrative absurdities over nearly two decades are highlighted. Players grapple with overwhelming systems, prompting a call for better tutorials. Insights from the Game Developers Conference reveal a mix of excitement for indie gaming and a nod to memorable soundtracks. A subscription model for the franchise is also debated.

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 60min
Repo and Inzoi Will Terrify You – For Very Different Reasons
Dive into the quirky horror of Repo, where chaos and laughter collide in cooperative gameplay. Discover the intriguing new life simulation Inzoi, inspired by The Sims, emphasizing character creation and social dynamics. Engage in discussions about the ethical implications of AI in gaming, alongside the latest innovations in home decor customization. Plus, enjoy whimsical tangents about bizarre collections and the potential of gaming mods for enhanced experiences. It's a mix of thrills, humor, and inside looks at the evolving gaming landscape!