Game Scoop! Episode 789: Shadow of the GOTY Nom Release Date: November 22, 2024

Overview In Episode 789 of Game Scoop!, IGN's Damon Hatfield and his co-hosts delve deep into the heated debate surrounding the eligibility of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for Game of the Year (GOTY) awards. The episode also explores the current state of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, recent updates to PlayStation's cloud gaming services, and wraps up with a fun segment of video game 20 questions. With insightful critiques and engaging discussions, this episode provides a comprehensive look into some of the most talked-about topics in the gaming world.

1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Shadow of the Erdtree – Performance Issues and Gameplay Analysis

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Shadow of the Erdtree. The hosts express their frustrations with the game's performance and bugs, offering a candid assessment of its current state.

Performance Challenges Mark Medina opens the conversation by highlighting the game's rough launch:

"I think if we're being really, really honest here, the game is really, really rough. It turned out really, really rough. But nobody wants to be mean to the developers." [03:56]

He elaborates on common issues players are facing:

"Guns didn't make sounds sometimes, visual glitches everywhere... 33 game-blocking bugs making it where you wouldn't be able to finish the game." [04:31]

Gameplay Critique Sam Claiborne adds to the critique by discussing the game's difficulty stemming from technical shortcomings:

"The difficulty derives from you just constantly being crowded without the right weapons to do crowd control... Stealth just does not work." [07:05]

Mark shares his personal sentiment on the gameplay experience:

"Personally, I find the game just utterly boring. It's super hard, it's not a survival game, it's a survival sim... I just find it very boring." [08:32]

Potential for Improvement Despite the issues, Martin Medina remains hopeful:

"It has that feel of one of those games of like, ooh, this could be like a second chance game. It has the potential to be amazing with more time and patches." [12:19]

2. PlayStation Portal Update and Cloud Gaming Enhancements

Transitioning from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, the hosts discuss the latest updates to PlayStation's cloud gaming services, particularly the new PlayStation Portal features.

Enhanced Functionality Mark Medina is notably impressed with the updates:

"I am impressed. Color me impressed." [25:57]

He details the improvements:

"If you have a portal and a PS Plus Premium subscription, you now get access to cloud streaming for over 120 games... It just works super, super well." [23:48]

Comparative Analysis The conversation shifts to comparing Sony's initiative with Microsoft's cloud gaming:

"Sony's a strange company just because what they've done is like, just as impressive or maybe even more impressive because they have this dedicated piece of hardware." [26:18]

Martin Medina adds his perspective on the broader implications:

"There are many, many millions of Americans that this is a hostile... but for me, it fits into the lifestyle that I have at this moment." [32:29]

3. The Debate: Should Shadow of the Erdtree Be Eligible for Game of the Year?

The core discussion revolves around whether Shadow of the Erdtree qualifies as a standalone game for GOTY nominations or remains categorized strictly as DLC.

Arguments Against Eligibility Martin Medina firmly states:

"Shadow of the Erdtree is not a video game. It is a DLC for a game that already exists." [35:39]

He further clarifies the distinction:

"This is like the second season of a television show wouldn't win an award for best new show even if it was the best season of television that year." [36:16]

Sam Claiborne supports this viewpoint by emphasizing the importance of categorization:

"It's not a game that was released in 2024. It is an expansion pack." [36:23]

Counterpoints and Community Sentiment Damon Hatfield presents the divided opinions among gamers:

"About three quarters of people say, no, it should not be eligible." [34:10]

However, the hosts acknowledge the passion Erdtree has garnered:

"Because people love Erdtree. That's why they want it to win the biggest awards." [35:09]

Final Verdict While the majority opinion leans against its eligibility, the discussion highlights the complexity of categorizing expansive content within the evolving gaming landscape.

4. Video Game 20 Questions Segment

Adding a light-hearted twist, the hosts engage in a round of video game 20 questions, where listeners are invited to guess the game based on a series of clues. The game, suggested by Kevin Garaventa, revolves around identifying Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.

Gameplay and Features Sam Claiborne shares his excitement about revisiting classic games:

"It's really cool because you get the space jump at the end and imagine what that would be like... it's really cool." [59:14]

Martin Medina reflects on the longevity and impact of the title:

"I remember being disappointed with it at the time, but I bet if I played it now, I would enjoy it more." [59:35]

Half-Life 2 Documentary Discussion The hosts briefly touch upon a documentary on Half-Life 2, praising its honesty and revelations about the game's development challenges:

"They are very open and generous with revealing previously unrevealed stuff. It's great." [60:14]

5. Closing Remarks and Thanksgiving Toasts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share their Thanksgiving experiences and favorite mashed potato recipes, adding a personal touch to the show.

Thanksgiving Preparations Sam Claiborne discusses his culinary adventures:

"I need to figure out the missing ingredient for perfect mashed potatoes." [64:09]

Martin Medina shares his secret recipe:

"Butter and sour cream, heavy cream, and ranch dressing." [64:10]

They conclude the episode with warm Thanksgiving wishes:

"Happy Thanksgiving. And that's a wrap." [64:24]

Notable Quotes

• Mark Medina on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 performance:

  "Guns didn't make sounds sometimes, visual glitches everywhere." [04:31]

• Sam Claiborne on gameplay difficulty:

  "Stealth just does not work." [07:05]

• Martin Medina on potential improvements:

  "It has the potential to be amazing with more time and patches." [12:19]

• Mark Medina on PlayStation Portal:

  "If you have a portal and a PS Plus Premium subscription, you now get access to cloud streaming for over 120 games." [23:48]

• Martin Medina on GOTY eligibility:

  "Shadow of the Erdtree is not a video game. It is a DLC for a game that already exists." [35:39]

Conclusion Episode 789 of Game Scoop! offers a balanced mix of critical analysis, industry insights, and community engagement. From dissecting the performance woes of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to debating the rightful place of significant DLCs in award nominations, the hosts provide listeners with thoughtful perspectives backed by personal experiences and community sentiment. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a casual enthusiast, this episode delivers valuable content to keep you informed and entertained.