The Besties

In the grand finale, the hosts dive into the fiercely contested Game of the Year conversation. They dissect the final eight games, including the debate on Blipo Plus' classification. Each title is praised for its unique qualities, like the storytelling in Expedition 33 and the gameplay of Silksong. Indiana Jones is celebrated for its film adaptation, while Death Stranding 2 emerges as the clear winner, highlighted by its community-driven mechanics and emotional depth. The hosts finalize their top five picks and reflect on the journey leading to this year's champion.

The hosts dive into the challenge of selecting the Game of the Year, discussing their favorite trailers from the Game Awards like Ace Combat. They passionately debate narrative-driven titles, weighing the storytelling of Dispatch against Expedition 33. In the action category, Absalom's innovative co-op gameplay dazzles over Hades 2. The discussion also traverses varied platformers like Baby Steps and Donkey Kong, and contrasts the chill vibes of Wonderstop with the intensity of Silksong. The excitement builds as they reveal the top eight contenders for the coveted crown.

Metroid Prime 4 has finally arrived, sparking a lively debate about its development and whether it delivers a 2025 experience. The hosts dive into the game's atmospheric dungeons, contrasting standout moments with pacing issues in its open world. Meanwhile, OO is introduced as a charming puzzle game that teaches through exploration. The discussion also touches on the Switch 2’s launch lineup, ergonomics, and listener questions about the future of Nintendo. Plus, they share favorite idle games and tease their upcoming Game of the Year talk!

The discussion kicks off with Dispatch, a new interactive superhero series that surprises skeptics with its engaging storytelling. The hosts debate its light interactivity compared to classic Telltale games. Predictions for The Game Awards ramp up, with contenders like Obscura Expedition 33 gaining attention for potential Game of the Year wins. They also speculate on trailer reveals from major studios and even a Fortnite cinematic project. Plus, listener recommendations for fast-paced games add an extra layer of fun!

Is Kirby Air Riders a racing game or something more? The hosts plunge into its combat mechanics, revealing how attacking enemies fuels speed boosts. They wrestle with control schemes and the balance of open-world exploration versus racing precision. The conversation shifts to Sektori, an arcade delight with a Geometry Wars lineage, where addictive gameplay meets a roguelike card system. Plus, don't miss the insights on customization features and chaotic boss fights that keep players engaged.

The hosts dive into the unpredictable gaming landscape of 2025, grappling with the absence of a clear Game of the Year frontrunner. They champion dark horse contenders like Maroi and Baby Steps, while also reflecting on niche indies that deserve recognition. The conversation spans accessibility challenges, the impact of sequels, and nuanced opinions on big-budget titles. Amidst the chaos, they emphasize the year's diverse offerings and the excitement surrounding late releases. Don't miss their 'homework' game suggestions!

Dive into Fortnite's whimsical Simpsons update, where players can explore a detailed Springfield and embody beloved characters like Homer and Lisa. The hosts share insights on the growing dominance of Fortnite and ponder if it's overshadowing other games. They discuss the intricacies of crossover content, suggesting the collaboration feels more celebratory than exploitative. With frequent updates and engaging mechanics, Fortnite stands as a pop culture juggernaut, provoking thought about its impact on gaming preferences.

This week delves into a mystery game that feels like a novel, and a historic interactive film that emphasizes political intrigue. The hosts explore the addictiveness of simulators, highlighting PowerWash Simulator 2's satisfying mechanics. They also discuss inventive jigsaw puzzle mechanics in Strange Jigsaws, and the narrative depth of Road to Empress. From Mortal Kombat's historical context to a mix of gaming nostalgia and book recommendations, the conversation is a delightful grab bag of gaming insights.

The discussion kicks off with a lively intro about Halloween costumes. Pokémon Legends Z-A impresses with enhanced performance and an action-oriented gameplay shift, appealing to nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. Simplified mechanics like friendship-building through cafe tea are highlighted. The hosts then dive into Keeper, where players embody a charming, ambulatory lighthouse in an imaginative world, blending emotion with gameplay. They debate its artful design and evolving mechanics while praising its unique atmosphere. Tune in for more gaming insights!

The studio that created Fallout: New Vegas has had a busy year, delivering Avowed, the early access of Grounded 2, and now Outer Worlds 2. This latest release comes the closest to the team’s legacy in the Fallout universe. But can it achieve those high highs without the beloved trappings of post-apocalyptic America? And would you believe it has strong feelings about capitalism?  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!