Game Scoop! Episode 787: Feeling Slug-ish
Released on November 9, 2024 by IGN

Metal Slug Tactics: A Nostalgic Revival

00:55 – 08:46

Host Damon Hatfield, alongside co-hosts Sam Claiborne and Justin Davis, kick off the episode with enthusiastic discussions about the long-anticipated release of Metal Slug Tactics. Sam shares her excitement, stating, “It's finally out and I'm just so pleased that it turned out so well” (02:02).

The hosts delve into the game's homage to the classic run-and-gun genre, praising its pixel art and sprite work reminiscent of the original Metal Slug series. Sam highlights the innovative tactics gameplay, explaining, “Every turn when you're placing your characters is kind of a puzzle of where you have to place everyone” (03:33). Damon adds his appreciation for the game's visual quality, remarking, “This just alone looks super cool” (02:16).

Despite their praises, Sam points out some UI challenges, noting, “Has very small text... Very hard to read when you're sitting on a couch” (04:23). Justin remains optimistic about the game's roguelike elements, discussing the procedurally generated levels and permanent upgrades, which he believes enhance the game's replay value (05:44).

Exploring Other Titles: From Dragon Age to Halo

08:46 – 22:53

The conversation shifts to Justin’s ongoing experience with Dragon Age, where he lauds the game's combat system and character development. He mentions, “I have actual true freedom and power to sort of like, build my rogue out in different ways” (10:15). Damon echoes this sentiment, comparing it to other RPGs and discussing the game's balance between story depth and action.

The trio also touches on Call of Duty’s latest installment, particularly the zombies mode and open-world elements. Damon shares his enjoyment of the new features, such as the grappling hook, while Sam and Justin discuss the game’s narrative and visuals. Justin remarks on the Halo 2 Remake, praising its graphics and sound design, stating, “I can play this game almost by sound” (18:04).

Industry News: Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 Pro Launches

22:53 – 43:05

The hosts pivot to recent gaming news, starting with Nintendo’s confirmation that the upcoming Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with original Switch games. Justin expresses concern, “Why would anyone buy a Nintendo Switch game this fall if there's a new Switch coming in a few months?” (31:46). Sam counters by highlighting the strong Switch sales, noting titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have sold up to 64 million copies (34:06).

Damon and Sam discuss the implications of the Switch's success on the anticipated Switch 2, pondering whether Nintendo can replicate its hit with the new console. They also touch on the PlayStation 5 Pro, giving it a 7/10 rating. Sam summarizes the console’s value, “If you have a nice TV and you can afford $700. It's a nice way to play your PS5 games, but it is in no way essential” (45:12).

Sega Classics Delisting and Their Impact

43:05 – 49:38

Sam Claiborne brings up a concerning headline: Sega is set to delist multiple games from its Classics collections on digital storefronts starting December 6th (47:56). The hosts express disappointment, with Justin questioning, “Why would anyone want to delist such a comprehensive collection?” Sam defends the Sega Genesis Classics, emphasizing its value with titles like Shining Force 1 and 2 offering extensive gameplay (48:19). Damon reflects on Sega’s strategy, “They have all this IP that they say in the industry and they have all these different types of games that want to keep going” (37:33).

Listener Spotlight: Redefining Gaming Experiences

49:38 – 83:34

In a heartfelt segment, the hosts invite listeners to share gaming experiences that have redefined their perception of the medium. Curtis from Chandler, Arizona recounts his first encounter with Dragon Quest 3 HD 2D remake, drawing parallels to seminal experiences like Elder Scrolls Oblivion and Minecraft. Sam shares her formative memories of Super Mario 64 at a local video store, describing it as a game that "just nailed that in 3D" (54:50).

Damon Hatfield reminisces about Final Fantasy series growth and the expansive worlds that set new standards, while Justin Davis highlights the transformative impact of Super Mario 64 on his career aspirations, stating, “it changed the trajectory of my life when this game came out” (53:04). The conversation underscores how pivotal games like GTA 3 and Maniac Mansion have been in shaping modern gaming dynamics and storytelling.

Video Game 20 Questions: A Fun Challenge

83:34 – 81:17

The episode concludes with a playful Video Game 20 Questions segment, where the hosts attempt to guess "Redacted, but not a redacted". Despite multiple hints and queries about the game's release period, genre, platform availability, and licensing, the trio struggles to pinpoint the exact title. Ultimately, they reveal it’s a violently themed, non-Japanese, third-person game based on a public domain property, sparking discussions about the complexities of licensed games in the modern industry.

Curtis’s Final Clue: The game is based on Pinocchio, leading to humorous speculation about obscure titles within the genre.

Key Takeaways:

• Metal Slug Tactics successfully revives a classic series with modern tactics gameplay but faces minor UI issues.
• Dragon Age, Call of Duty, and Halo continue to influence and engage the hosts with their evolving mechanics and narratives.
• Nintendo’s Switch 2 announcement with backwards compatibility is met with both excitement and strategic analysis regarding its market impact.
• Sega’s delisting of classic titles raises concerns among fans who cherish the comprehensive collections.
• Personal stories from listeners highlight the profound impact of games like Super Mario 64 and Dragon Quest 3 on individual gaming journeys.
• The Video Game 20 Questions segment showcases the playful and challenging nature of the podcast’s interactions with listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Claiborne on Metal Slug Tactics: “Every turn when you're placing your characters is kind of a puzzle of where you have to place everyone” (03:33)
• Justin Davis on Dragon Age: “I have actual true freedom and power to sort of like, build my rogue out in different ways” (10:15)
• Damon Hatfield on Super Mario 64: “This just alone looks super cool” (02:16)
• Sam Claiborne on Halo 2 Remake: “I can play this game almost by sound” (18:04)
• Justin Davis on Super Mario 64’s impact: “it changed the trajectory of my life when this game came out” (53:04)

Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses, game reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights on future episodes of Game Scoop!