Summary of IGN's "Game Scoop! 792: The 2024 Damie Awards"

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Damon Hadfield
Guests: Nick Limone, Sam Claiborne, Justin Davis

Introduction

In the 792nd episode of "Game Scoop!", IGN's weekly gaming news podcast, host Damon Hadfield welcomes returning guests Nick Limone, Sam Claiborne, and Justin Davis. The episode centers around the highly anticipated 2024 Damie Awards, an annual event celebrating the best in gaming over the year.

Discussion on the Superman Trailer [02:26 - 06:05]

The episode kicks off with a spirited debate about the newly released Superman trailer, which has sparked varied reactions among the hosts.

• Sam Claiborne starts the conversation by expressing mixed feelings, highlighting the trailer's melodramatic tone:

  "Does it take itself seriously or is it a goofy ass comic book? That's the ends that it's trying to twist together." [03:41]

• Nick Limone offers a balanced perspective, appreciating the trailer's vibrant and comic book-like aesthetics despite his previous disinterest in superhero genres:

  "In a world where I haven't cared about anything superhero related in years, I looked at and I said, I don't hate it. I think it looks fine." [02:42]

• Justin Davis points out the iconic nature of Superman, noting that the trailer doesn’t explicitly name the character, relying on his legendary status:

  "You don't need to say Superman. Everybody in the world knows it's Superman." [05:25]

The hosts collectively acknowledge the trailer's colorful, pulpy style, reminiscent of classic comic book visuals, though opinions on its execution vary.

Overview of the Damie Awards [06:05 - 15:48]

Damon Hadfield introduces the Damie Awards, celebrating the best games of the year. He outlines his personal game list, having played approximately 38 games in 2024. Notable mentions include:

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
• Tekken 8
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
• Tomb Raider Remasters
• Astrobot
• Shadow of the Erdtree
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Damon shares personal anecdotes about playing Indiana Jones, including moments shared with his five-year-old son, Kingo, highlighting the game's engaging puzzles and immersive environments.

Game of the Year Nominees and Discussions [15:48 - 33:39]

Damon Hadfield's Nominees:

1. Unicorn Overlord

   • Praised for its beautiful art, inventive turn-based strategy mechanics, and engaging character designs.

2. Balatro

   • Celebrated as a brilliant, one-person-made tactical game with deep strategic elements.

3. Astrobot

   • Lauded as a triumph in 3D platforming, rivaling Nintendo-quality platformers with polished gameplay and captivating design.

4. Shogun Showdown

   • Recognized for its pixel art, turn-based strategy, and roguelike elements set in feudal Japan.

5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

   • Commended for its cinematic quality, seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, and its appeal both to longtime fans and new players.

Damon emphasizes Astrobot for its technical excellence, running smoothly at 60 frames per second despite complex simulations, and its enriching experience playing alongside his son.

Nick Limone's Nominee:

• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
  • Holds sentimental value, praised for its immaculate direction, cinematic transitions reminiscent of the original game, and as a blockbuster event in the gaming year.

Nick acknowledges minor issues with side content but remains eager to replay the game, especially with the upcoming PC version.

Justin Davis's Nominee:

• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
  • Described as an immersive sim with perfect pacing, blend of cinematic action and puzzle-solving, and exceptional storytelling and character development.

Justin highlights the game's ability to balance exploration with intense action set pieces, making it his game of the year.

Best Art and Pixel Art Awards [32:58 - 34:03]

• Best Art:

  • Unicorn Overlord wins unanimously for its hand-drawn, beautiful art style that enhances the tactical gameplay experience.

• Best Pixel Art:

  • Xeno Tilt takes the award, noted for its detailed, high-resolution pixel art that rivals titles like Dead Cells. The game's aesthetic is compared to being sucked into a liminal, electronic gambling space, adding a unique and immersive visual flair.

Blast Processing Award [36:47 - 37:29]

This new category honors games that encapsulate the spirit of the 90s with radical interfaces and extreme gaming vibes.

• Nominees:

  • Star Wars Dark Forces Remaster
  • Iron Meat (a gory, pixelated Contra-style game)
  • Astrobot
  • Xeno Tilt
  • Ode to Castlevania in Vampire Survivors

• Winner:

  • Xeno Tilt awarded for its neon, laser synth-wave aesthetic that evokes the classic Sega Genesis vibe, solidifying its place as a homage to 90s arcade-style gaming.

Best Remaster Award [37:30 - 38:44]

• Nominees:

  • Star Wars Dark Forces Remaster
  • Castlevania Dominus Collection

• Winner:

  • Castlevania Dominus Collection
    Celebrated for its seamless translation of dual-screen gameplay to modern consoles, effectively refreshing beloved titles for new audiences.

Best Kill Gag Award [56:53 - 57:47]

Highlighting standout moments in gaming and television.

• Winner:

  • Shogun Showdown for its explosive and graphic “exploding horses with a cannon” scene, blending humor and gore in a memorable execution.

• Honorable Mention:

  • Terrifier 3 for its intense shower scene, though not reaching the pinnacle of "best kill gag," still recognized for its impact.

Top Five Most Read IGN Reviews of the Year [63:34 - 69:24]

Damon Hadfield shares IGN's top five most-read reviews of 2024, offering insights into the gaming community's interests:

1. Skull and Bones

   • Intrigued by its prolonged development and evolving scope, sparking curiosity about its final outcome.

2. Star Wars Outlaws

   • Despite not meeting Ubisoft's sales expectations, its unique approach and community interest kept it highly read.

3. Helldivers 2

   • A surprise hit with engaging gameplay mechanics and a strong community phenomenon.

4. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

   • Critically well-received but polarizing in gameplay execution, leading to significant reader engagement.

5. Black Wukong

   • Praised for its challenging bosses and intricate gameplay, making it the most popular review of the year.

Video Game 20 Questions Segment [78:05 - 77:09]

In a playful conclusion, the hosts engage in a "20 Questions" game to guess a listener-suggested title.

• Game Guessed:
  • Little Kitty, Big City
    • Identified as an indie, single-player, third-person, 3D platformer on contemporary Earth where players embody a cat navigating the urban landscape. The game was honed in on through clues about being playable on the Nintendo Switch and not being human-centric.

Closing Remarks [78:05 - 80:00]

Damon Hadfield wraps up the episode by thanking the hosts, frequent guests, and the production team. He encourages listeners to join the Facebook group for positive gaming discussions and hints at upcoming episodes focused on new game releases in the new year. The hosts share final thoughts on their favorite TV shows and movies of the year, with highlights including:

• Sam Claiborne: Arcane and Ripley
• Justin Davis: Silo and Shrinking
• Nick Limone: Delicious in Dungeon and Free Ren Beyond Journey's End

Damon extends holiday wishes and looks forward to returning in early January with fresh gaming news and discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Limone on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth:

  "It is immaculately directed, cinematic in ways that most PlayStation games are not... a blockbuster event in a year where I feel like I didn't get too many big blockbuster events." [20:24]

• Sam Claiborne on Shogun Showdown’s Best Kill Gag:

  "Exploding horses with a cannon at very short range. I've got to get the best kill gag of the year to." [57:23]

• Justin Davis on Astrobot:

  "It's the closest anyone has ever gotten to making a Nintendo quality platformer outside of Nintendo and may probably be the most polished game of the year." [15:48]

• Damon Hadfield on Xeno Tilt’s Pixel Art:

  "It's pixel art but could never have... yeah, this is all pixel art." [34:31]

• Nick Limone on Indie Game 20 Questions:

  "It's a really cute game. This is just out this year... you can download this when you get home." [76:44]

This episode of "Game Scoop!" provided an engaging and comprehensive look at the standout games of 2024, personal gaming experiences of the hosts, and insights into upcoming titles for 2025. The hosts' dynamic discussions, coupled with their enthusiasm and personal anecdotes, offer listeners a rich and informative recap of the year's gaming highlights.