The Besties

The recent update to Half-Life 2 turns it into a masterclass of game design, complete with in-game commentary and a fascinating documentary. The hosts reflect on the quirky nature of unusual pickle shapes before diving into the impact of this iconic game on gaming culture. They celebrate innovative mods on the Steam Deck and share their enthusiasm for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, emphasizing the thrill of opening virtual card packs. Nostalgia for holiday gaming and insights on storytelling in documentaries add depth to the lively discussion.

The hosts dig into the open-world indie FPS, Echo Point Nova, comparing it to a Thanksgiving feast with all the powers to explore. They debate the recent Game Award nominations, questioning if more titles should be included to reflect the diversity of gaming. An engaging challenge emerges as they discuss a mystery game, while hilarious anecdotes about parenting and gaming expectations add a playful touch. Epic boss fights and innovative mechanics are celebrated, alongside a fun look at co-op gaming dynamics and holiday gift ideas for gamers.

This week brings an exciting blend of gaming discussions! Dive into the Hades-like roguelike 'Windblown' from the makers of Dead Cells. The hosts gush about the cozy vibes of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, reflecting on its nostalgic charm. They also tackle the quirks of Mario and Luigi: Brothership, delivering a humorous critique. Expect insights into innovative game mechanics, engaging narratives, and the evolution of RPGs, all wrapped in lighthearted banter that keeps you entertained!

The hosts kick off with a hilarious debate about coleslaw as a sandwich topping. They dive into their most anticipated games for 2024, reflecting on past predictions and personal experiences with titles like Dragon's Dogma 2. Fun holiday gaming gift ideas abound, including a unique adult Lego set. The conversation touches on emotional ties to JRPGs and Nintendo collaborations. Wrapping up, they mix playful anecdotes with practical recommendations, making the gaming community feel connected and vibrant.

Dive into the excitement surrounding the release of Dragon Age: Veilguard as the hosts discuss its musical influences and what it means for BioWare's future. They explore the franchise's rich lore and gameplay mechanics, balancing narrative depth with combat engagement. Expect humorous personal anecdotes linked to RPG experiences and insights on upcoming titles. The discussion also touches on financial awareness in gaming and the evolving world of character design, making it a fun and informative listen for RPG fans.

Dive into the excitement of Steam Next Fest as the hosts explore a wealth of gaming demos. They share their thoughts on unique titles like Mandragora and Gladio Mori while reflecting on the challenges of finding hidden gems in a crowded market. Expect witty banter about the absurdity of monetizing adult entertainment and a fictional game that adds a humorous twist. Plus, listener recommendations bring a festive touch as the conversation shifts toward Halloween thrills and upcoming games like Rivals of Aether 2.

The hosts dive into the haunting world of Silent Hill 2, discussing its psychological horror and unsettling gameplay. They compare the chilling remake's unique style to other horror games, exploring what makes it stand out. The sound design is highlighted, showcasing how tension is built through mechanics like the ominous radio. They also share quirky thoughts on iconic gaming characters and recommend fascinating films while examining the blend of gaming with exercise.

Half of The Besties adore Metaphor: ReFantazio. The other half? It’s complicated! Griffin and Plante talk about the new RPG that puts a fantasy spin on the Persona formula. And Hoops and Frush bring two games that brought them joy, Yars Rising and Kill Knight. 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!

Adventure awaits in the latest installment of Zelda as the hosts explore its innovative puzzle mechanics while stepping into Zelda's shoes! They share personal stories, humorous insights, and frustrations faced by players, with a nod to the challenges of navigating its complex quests. Their banter extends to upcoming game releases, blending excitement with nostalgia for classics. Plus, intriguing discussions on nutrition and the charm of the Golden Bachelorette bring a delightful twist to the gaming chatter!

To pick through the 50 indie games stuffed into UFO 50, The Besties called in support: Bloomberg reporter and author Jason Schreier. We discuss our favorites from UFO 50 and the point of a collection this big. In the back half, Schreier shares some juicy tidbits from his new book on the history of Blizzard, Play Nice. 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!