The Besties

What if you combined Dark Souls and Diablo, then added a pinch of city-building mechanics and survivor elements? You’d get No Rest for the Wicked from Moon Studios, the team best known for the Ori games. It’s ambitious and bound to inspire conversations — even in its Early Access stage. In the back half, Plante updates the team on 2024’s best nun simulator: Indika! 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!

Gaming journalist Lucy James joins the hosts to discuss 'Another Crab’s Treasure,' a unique Souls-like game merging N64-style with Dark Souls mechanics. They also share updates on games like Stellar Blade and TopSpin 2K25, offering a fun and informative episode.

Duck and cover! This week, The Besties discuss the first two episodes of the excellent Fallout TV series. Then, they talk through the ways the Fallout approach could alter the trajectory of video game adaptations. Plus: a bunch of great listener recommendations! 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!

The podcast discusses favorite 'rainy day' games for comfort, a spoilercast on 2024's best game, and the psychological benefits of gaming during tough times. They explore nostalgic and new games, puzzle craft, and emotional depth in Japanese video games, along with unconventional gameplay experiences and TV show recommendations.

The podcast discusses a SNES-inspired game and a questionable game release. They also cover Dragon's Dogma 2 thoughts and updates on Stardew Valley. Topics range from unique gameplay mechanics to character creation chaos and interface usability on iPhone and Steam.

The Besties discuss the divisive Dragon's Dogma 2 RPG from Capcom, exploring its ambitious but buggy nature. They also dive into reader mail and share their whimsical adventures in a Home Depot store with playful banter about a ladder.

Team Ninja has been busy!In the past five years, the studio released Dead or Alive 6, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, Nioh 2, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Their latest game, Rise of the Ronin, compiles everything they learned into their most ambitious project: a sprawling open-world samurai adventure set in a recreation of mid-19th century Japan.Rise of the Ronin takes the “something for everyone” approach, blending the exploration and loot systems of recent Assassin’s Creed games with the quick-reflex sword fighting of the studio’s Nioh series. This video game smoothie is quite delicious — if you can stomach the occasional funky chunk of game mechanics.In the back half, we talk about our favorite under-appreciated open-world games. 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!

This week, the squad puts on their armor, grabs their swords, and mounts their gallant steads to charge into Unicorn Overlord. The tactics RPG is the latest game from Vanillaware, the developer of niche masterpieces like Odin Sphere and 13 Sentinels. In the back half, Justin introduce the team to Banishers, a game that blends Witcher and God of War. How did we not hear about this one until now? And how often does a game depict a healthy marriage like this one?! 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!

The Besties explore future video game demos with anime-style Duke Nukem and 19th-century nun alternate reality. They discuss unique Tetris effects, game demos with switchable mech attachments, and intriguing gameplay mechanics. The hosts debate Bloodborne vs. Resident Evil and share book recommendations with engaging plotlines.

This podcast covers gameplay mechanics and strategies for indie games Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor and Balatro, with a focus on class gameplay, mineral mining, and intense survival gameplay. They also discuss Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Riders of Justice, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Elden Ring.