

The Besties
Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
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?
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Most Anticipated Games of 2025
2025 is shaping up to be an epic year for gaming! The hosts dive into their most anticipated titles, including a thrilling pirate adventure featuring Goro Majima. They get excited about Fable's innovative storytelling and explore the blend of genres in upcoming games. Nostalgia hits hard with discussions on sequels like Slay the Spire 2 and Metroid Prime 4, plus speculations around the Nintendo Switch 2. Personal anecdotes and humor make the anticipation palpable as they navigate the highs and lows of upcoming releases.

10 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 58min
Our Big Predictions for Video Games in 2025
The hosts dive into the hilariously unexpected launch of the Vanillaware Go, blending adult themes with quirky gaming choices. They reflect on their past predictions, sharing amusing anecdotes about gaming misadventures. The conversation heats up with speculation on upcoming titles like 'Oblivion' and potential Game of the Year contenders. With discussions on industry trends and acquisitions, they ponder the future of iconic franchises and exciting hardware innovations. The playful banter keeps the predictions light yet insightful, ensuring an engaging exploration of gaming's next chapter.

7 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 33min
Best Console (Not Including the Games) (Patreon Bonus)
Dive into a whimsical debate on what truly makes a gaming console great—without mentioning the games! Explore the quirks of the Dreamcast, TurboGrafx-16, and Sega Master System. Enjoy humorous comparisons of the Wii U's legacy and aesthetics against gaming giants like the PlayStation and Xbox. With nostalgic tales and spirited discussions, this lively exchange reveals the charm and quirks of your favorite systems. Tune in for a dose of laughter and nostalgia as the hosts rate these iconic consoles based purely on their design and features!

12 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 28min
The Besties Game of the Year Is . . .
Dive into a lively debate over the best games of the year, with insights on standout titles like 'Animal Well' and 'Astrobot.' The hosts share personal favorites and humorous anecdotes while ranking iconic video games. Explore the unexpected success of 'Hell Divers 2' and the tactical depth of indie gems like 'UFO 50.' Delve into the emotional connections games foster and how personal preferences shape our gaming experiences. With a mix of playful banter and serious analysis, this discussion captures the essence of what makes video games resonate.

12 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Besties Besty of the Year 2024, part 1
The hosts kick off an exciting gaming bracket, pitting 16 beloved titles against each other to decide the best game of the year. They celebrate standout games like Astro Bot, praising its gameplay and art. The nostalgia flows as they discuss the impact of iconic titles like Mario 64. Engaging stories are highlighted with titles like Rise of the Golden Idol, as they compare narrative techniques. The fun doesn't stop as they humorously tackle the chaos of managing gaming subscriptions. Who will make the final cut? Tune in to find out!

12 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 58min
These Games Will Win at The Game Awards – Maybe!
Get ready for the Game Awards with some spirited predictions! The hosts critique the design of gaming awards and propose imaginative alternatives. Discussions delve into standout titles for the Best RPG and Best Action Adventure categories, alongside playful banter about the event. They analyze the artistic merits of nominees like Hellblade 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, while humorously speculating on potential surprises. Personal anecdotes about gaming experiences add a relatable touch to their insights on the industry's highlights.

15 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 56min
Half-Life 2's Patch Adds an Incredible Commentary
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.

Nov 22, 2024 • 55min
The Thanksgiving Buffet of Video Games
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.

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 10min
The "Something Old, Something New" Week in Gaming
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!

Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Revisiting our "Most Anticipated Games" of 2024
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.