

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

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 6min
Dragon Age: The Veilguard Wants You to be Happy
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.

Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
The Awesome Games of the Future
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.

Oct 18, 2024 • 50min
Silent Hill 2 is the Psycho (1998) of Video Games
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.

Oct 11, 2024 • 52min
Yes, Metaphor: ReFantazio Really is Fantasy Persona
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!

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
Is the New Zelda as Good as We Hoped?
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!

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
UFO 50 with special guest Jason Schreier!
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!

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Too Many Games? Not a Problem!
This week, The Besties bring a crop of games that hadn't received the time and attention they deserve: Children of Morta, Core Keeper, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines. Plus, Griffin shares his favorite exercise games, and Justin talks at length about a TV show that might not be real.
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!

Sep 13, 2024 • 56min
Astrobot is the New GOTY Frontrunner
The crew dives into the excitement surrounding Astro Bot, hailing it as a serious contender for Game of the Year and even the best platformer ever. They share humorous insights on video game nostalgia and the absurdities of a post-apocalyptic trading system. The discussion touches on Sony's recent triumphs while critiquing their missteps, like the PS5 Pro announcement. With lively comparisons to classic platformers, they explore innovative gameplay mechanics and the impact of marketing strategies on player loyalty.

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
Where Do Star Wars Games Go From Here?
Dive into the world of Star Wars: Outlaws, as the hosts discuss its gameplay mechanics and visuals, comparing it to classics like Uncharted and Assassin's Creed. They reflect on nostalgic gaming experiences and share thoughts on the future of Star Wars games, exploring innovative concepts beyond the Jedi narrative. The conversation also veers into emotional moments from a show about chimp rescue, blending humor with serious themes. Plus, engage in lively banter about indie games and chaotic reality shows for an entertaining ride!

Aug 30, 2024 • 56min
Black Myth Wukong puts the book in video game book club
Dive into the enchanting world of Black Myth Wukong, where the epic tale of Journey to the West meets immersive gaming. The hosts unravel the game's stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, blending humor with thrilling discussions on unique characters and mechanics. Expect lively comparisons to other action games, alongside insights on the cultural significance of the original story. Plus, they explore the whimsical dynamics of storytelling in gaming, showcasing the magic of character interactions and unforgettable boss battles.