Game Scoop! Episode 804: Game of the Year Watch 2025 Begins! Release Date: March 28, 2025

Overview

In Episode 804 of Game Scoop!, host Damon Hatfield, along with IGN crew members Justin Davis, Sam Claiborne, and Tom Marks, embark on the annual "Game of the Year Watch 2025." The discussion revolves around the standout games released in the first quarter of 2025, insights from recent events like Nintendo Direct, and engaging conversations about upcoming titles.

1. Introduction to Game of the Year Watch 2025

Justin Davis kicks off the episode by announcing the commencement of the Game of the Year Watch 2025.

• Justin Davis [01:15]: "Here we are again, one quarter into the year and that means can only mean one thing. It's time for Game of the Year Watch 2025 to begin."

He highlights a shift in the year's momentum, noting an uptick in quality game releases as the year progresses.

2. Top Contenders: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 & Assassin's Creed Shadows

The panel discusses the leading games based on IGN's Face Off data, which gauges audience preferences.

• Justin Davis [02:28]: "Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is currently leading with the IGN audience. Yep. Number one."

• Tom Marks [03:06]: Expresses enthusiasm for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 despite not having played the original, drawing parallels to CD Projekt's trajectory with Witcher series.

Sam Claiborne adds depth to the conversation by praising the game's extensive content and open-world appeal.

• Sam Claiborne [04:26]: "This game is so intense that it's just a lot of content in it that the strategy guide is still really popular for it and it's just taking a really long time to compose."

However, Damon Hatfield [05:03]: cautions about the combat system's reception, mentioning it feels "clunky and goofy," which may deter some players.

3. Split Fiction's Surprising Popularity

Split Fiction emerges as a surprising contender in the top three, just behind Assassin's Creed Shadows.

• Damon Hatfield [05:41]: "Split Fiction... It has a lot of open world appeal that is sticking people to it."

Tom Marks shares a personal anecdote about playing with his daughter, highlighting the game's family-friendly nature.

• Tom Marks [06:07]: "Every night that we're back, she says, can we play more Split Fiction?... But I'm really excited to get back to it too."

4. Monster Hunter Wilds and Its Future

Discussing Monster Hunter Wilds, the team weighs its current standing and future potential.

• Justin Davis [07:12]: "Monster Hunter Wilds is in the top five. Tom, you reviewed it, correct?"

• Damon Hatfield [07:20]: Agrees it's "really, really great" but expresses uncertainty about its ability to surpass Monster Hunter World.

Sam Claiborne delves into community feedback regarding the game's end-game challenges.

• Sam Claiborne [08:58]: "The season resetting is nice to get rid of your wanted level..."

The panel remains cautiously optimistic, hoping for substantial updates to enhance the game's longevity.

5. Nintendo Direct Highlights: Metroid Prime 4 and More

The discussion shifts to recent announcements from Nintendo Direct, particularly focusing on the Metroid Prime 4 trailer.

• Justin Davis [28:39]: "Metroid Prime 4... but it just looks kind of generic."

• Tom Marks [29:08]: Critiques the trailer's simplicity, expressing disappointment over the lackluster presentation despite the six-year development period.

Damon Hatfield offers a nuanced perspective, appreciating the trailer for aligning with fan expectations despite its slow pace.

• Damon Hatfield [33:01]: "We're doing what you want. We're doing what you're expecting."

The team also touches on other Nintendo announcements, including a new Pac-Man game and the rebranding of Hot Shots Golf to Everybody's Golf.

• Sam Claiborne [35:38]: "It's a new Puck man game... to some weird pick."

6. New Releases and Upcoming Titles

The panel briefly mentions other notable games unveiled in the Nintendo Direct:

• Rataton and Marvel Cosmic Invasion: Highlighted for their unique animations and creative gameplay mechanics.

• Everybody's Golf Rebranding: Discussed the history and ownership transitions of the Everybody's Golf franchise.

• Rhythm Heaven and Witchbrook: Acknowledged as anticipated returns for long-time fans, with Witchbrook celebrated for its beautiful graphics despite a delayed release.

7. Listener Interaction: 20 Questions Segment

The episode features a segment where the hosts engage with listener emails. Joey from Astoria, Oregon, suggests a game for the 20 Questions challenge, describing it as a "top five all-time favorite" yet "underappreciated" title. The team attempts to guess the game through a series of targeted questions.

• Sam Claiborne [63:08]: "Is this a Nintendo game?"

• Damon Hatfield [70:03]: "Is this a snowboarding game?"

After numerous questions and eventual clues, the team speculates that the game might be Wave Race Blue Storm, a GameCube title known for its water sports racing gameplay.

• Sam Claiborne [77:31]: "Wave Race for GameCube."

Though uncertain, they acknowledge the difficulty in pinpointing lesser-known titles from older consoles.

8. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, the hosts encourage listeners to share their game suggestions and engage with other Geek Media productions.

• Justin Davis [81:55]: "Thank you for the suggestion, Joey in Astoria, Oregon. Viewers, listeners, if you have your own suggestions for 20 Questions, email them to me at the email address gamescoopgn.com."

They also promote related podcasts like Oxventure and remind the audience of subscription options and upcoming content.

Notable Quotes

• Damon Hatfield [05:03]: "I think I would play [Kingdom Come Deliverance 2], but I'd be more inclined to play it if it didn't have the combat system. Because I think the combat system looks clunky and goofy."

• Tom Marks [03:06]: "Can Warhorse Studios do that? I don't know, TBD. But they're on a good trajectory from like Game one to Game two at least."

• Sam Claiborne [04:26]: "This game is so intense that it's just a Lot of content in it..."

• Damon Hatfield [33:01]: "We're doing what you want. We're doing what you're expecting."

Conclusion

Episode 804 of Game Scoop! offers an insightful and lively examination of the gaming landscape in early 2025. From assessing leading titles in the Game of the Year Watch to dissecting the latest from Nintendo Direct, the hosts provide expert opinions and relatable anecdotes. Engaging listener interactions and in-depth discussions ensure that both long-time fans and newcomers find value in the episode.

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