Game Scoop! Episode 814: Game of the Year Watch 2025 Continues

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Introduction

In this live episode of Game Scoop!, host Damon Hatfield teams up with the IGN crew—Justin Davis, Sam Claiborne, and Mark Medina—to dissect the hottest gaming news of the week. Set against the vibrant backdrop of IG Live, the episode promises expert insights, lively debates, and interactive fun for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Game of the Year Watch: Claire Obscure Expedition 33

The centerpiece of this episode is the ongoing Game of the Year Watch for 2025. Damon introduces the segment by highlighting the abundance of stellar game releases this year.

Audience Poll Results: Damon Hatfield conducted a poll within the Game Scoop Facebook group to gauge listener opinions on the frontrunner for Game of the Year. The results are in:

• Claire Obscure Expedition 33 leads with 60% of the vote.

Mark Medina’s Enthusiasm: Mark Medina, a passionate fan of the title, elaborates on why Claire Obscure Expedition 33 stands out:

"[07:00] I played a lot. Too old for Metroidvania... It's a 100, a callback to RPGs from that era. The voice acting, graphics, made by a small team of just over 30 people—it's quite an accomplishment."

Justin Davis’s Perspective: Justin echoes Mark’s sentiments, emphasizing the game’s deep character work and immersive world-building:

"[09:19] Expedition 33 is my favorite game of the year so far... It gets under your skin and sticks with you for a long time. The characters are some of the most memorable in a long time."

Sam Claiborne’s Take: Sam appreciates the legacy aspect, noting his appreciation for earlier installments of the series:

"[07:53] This all makes sense to me because I didn't grow up in the PS1 era, so I really like Expedition 1 through 6 from the era."

Conclusion on Claire Obscure: With strong support from both the audience and the panel, Claire Obscure Expedition 33 emerges as the clear frontrunner for Game of the Year, praised for its nostalgic yet fresh approach to RPGs.

Other Top Games

While Claire Obscure Expedition 33 dominates the conversation, the panel doesn’t overlook other noteworthy titles receiving high praise this year:

1. Doom: The Dark Ages

   • Rating: 9/10
   • Discussion: Described as "super fun" and "well made," though not as groundbreaking as Claire Obscure.

2. Blueprints

   • Rating: 9/10
   • Description: A compact game praised for its engaging mechanics.

3. Split Fiction

   • Rating: 9/10
   • Highlights: Ideal for couples and families, featuring a memorable finale.

4. Kingdom Come, Deliverance 2

   • Rating: 9/10
   • Anticipation: Although not currently on the Game of the Year list, its potential makes it a strong contender.

5. Mario Kart World

   • Rating: Yet to be scored
   • Insights: While fun and family-friendly, it's unlikely to dethrone the leading RPG due to comparisons with previous installments.

Interactive Segment: Who Am I?

To engage the live audience, Game Scoop! features an interactive game of "Who Am I?" where panelists guess the identities of selected characters based on yes or no questions.

1. Sam Claiborne’s Guess: Gizmo (Gremlins)

   • Quote:

     "[23:21] Am I a mogwai?... Is my name Gizmo?" - Sam successfully identifies Gizmo, delighting the audience.

2. Justin Davis’s Guess: Tifa (Final Fantasy VII)

   • Quote:

     "[28:06] Am I Tifa?... Tifa rocks." - Justin deduces Tifa, highlighting her significance in the gaming world.

3. Mark Medina’s Guess: Doom Guy (Doom)

   • Quote:

     "[30:57] Am I Doom Guy?... Nailed it." - Mark accurately identifies the iconic protagonist from Doom, earning applause from the crowd.

Notable Moments:

• The game fosters a fun and competitive atmosphere, showcasing the panelists' extensive knowledge of gaming lore.
• Audience members were actively engaged, cheering for correct guesses and enjoying the interactive fun.

Latest Game Announcements

Post-interaction, the panel delves into the latest reveals from major gaming showcases, including PlayStation State of Play, Summer Game Fest, and the Xbox Showcase. Here's a rundown of the most anticipated titles discussed:

1. Luminesc Arise (Release: Fall 2025)

   • Developers: Creators of Tetris Effect.
   • Highlights: A puzzle game renowned for its captivating soundtrack and visually stunning timeline-based gameplay.
   • Quote:

     "[34:35] Luminesc Arise is coming this fall... It's great if you've never played them. Check it out." - Justin Davis.

2. Romeo with a Dead Man

   • Developers: Grasshopper Manufacture.
   • Genre: Bloodiest action game yet.
   • Description: A third-person action game featuring intense combat and monster-slaying mechanics.

3. Monster Hunter Wilds

   • Achievements: Capcom's best-selling game ever.
   • Discussion:

     "[15:14] It even outsold Mega Man 8." - Damon Hatfield highlights its massive success.

4. Final Fantasy Tactics

   • Features: Fully voice-acted with beloved actors like Ben Starr and Brianna White.
   • Anticipation: Expected to set new standards in tactical RPGs.

5. 007 First Lights

   • Developers: IO Interactive (Hitman creators).
   • Concept: A game blending James Bond espionage with Hitman-style stealth mechanics.
   • Visuals: A younger rendition of James Bond, resembling Tom Holland.
   • Quote:

     "[37:21] Like the moment they announced that the Hitman developers IO were making a double O game. That's all we really need to know, right?" - Justin Davis.

6. Stranger Than Heaven (formerly Project Century)

   • Developers: RGG Studios.
   • Style: Combines elements of Yakuza with intense combat and immersive storytelling.
   • Quote:

     "[38:10] They're going from strength to strength to strength, releasing like three games every single year." - Justin Davis.

7. Resident Evil Requiem (Resident Evil 9)

   • Details: Introduction of Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak.
   • Release Date: February 27, 2026.
   • Quote:

     "[44:33] We finally got a release date for Resident Evil Requiem." - Damon Hatfield.

8. Mina the Hollower

   • Developers: Yacht Club Games.
   • Release Date: Halloween.
   • Description: A sequel to Shovel Knight, featuring enhanced 2D platforming inspired by classic Zelda titles.

9. Clockwork Revolution

   • Description: An RPG with a moody, period-piece setting and visceral combat mechanics.

10. Silksong

    • Description: Highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, promising expanded gameplay and deeper narratives.

General Sentiments:

• The panel expresses excitement over the diversity of upcoming titles, appreciating the blend of nostalgic influences with modern innovations.
• Emphasis on high-quality graphics, engaging storylines, and innovative gameplay mechanics make these titles standout contenders for various awards.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Damon reflects on the success of Game Scoop! at IGN Live 2025, thanking the audience, production crew, and venue staff for their support.

Anniversary Highlight:

• The panel celebrates the milestone that April will mark the 20th anniversary of Game Scoop!, first aired in June 2006.

Final Thoughts:

• There's a unanimous agreement among the panelists to return for next year’s live event, fueled by the enthusiastic reception and lively interactions with the audience.

Closing Quote:

"[47:35] Damon: It wouldn't be anywhere near as much fun without everyone who's showed up. So give yourselves a round of applause... What do you think? Should we come back next year?" - Damon Hatfield.

The episode concludes on a high note, promising more engaging content and gaming insights in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• “Nothing else is close. 60% of the vote.” — Sam Claiborne [06:46]
• “It gets under your skin and sticks with you for a long time.” — Justin Davis [09:19]
• “This all makes sense to me because I didn't grow up in the PS1 era.” — Sam Claiborne [07:53]
• “He doesn't wear a hat, but. Got it, okay.” — Mark Medina [30:57]

Key Takeaways:

• Claire Obscure Expedition 33 is leading the Game of the Year race with strong community support.
• Multiple high-quality games are making waves in upcoming showcases, promising diverse and engaging experiences.
• Interactive segments like "Who Am I?" enhance listener engagement and showcase the panelists' extensive gaming knowledge.
• The 20th anniversary of Game Scoop! underscores its enduring popularity and influence in the gaming podcast landscape.

Stay tuned to Game Scoop! on the Geek Media podcast network for more expert insights, lively debates, and endless gaming fun every week!