Game Scoop! Episode 835 Summary: “You Picked the Games of the Century – Did You Choose Poorly or Wisely?”

Overview

In this special episode, host Daemon Hatfield, alongside the IGN crew (Peer Schneider, Justin Davis, and Sam Claiborne), unveils “Scoop Nation’s” picks for the Top 25 Games of the Century (so far), as voted on by the Game Scoop community. The episode features deep dives into each game, sharing personal anecdotes, lively debates, and a nostalgic rundown of how these titles shaped the industry. The hosts also discuss news of the week, share retro gaming stories, and wrap with their signature interactive trivia segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Premise (02:22)

• Damon clarifies that the rankings are the result of audience voting: “This is your list, Scoop Nation.” [03:56]
• The crew acknowledges the potential for controversy and personal disagreements, but approach the list in good spirits.

2. Counting Down the Top 25 Video Games of the Century

#25: Balatro (04:50)

• “Perfect game, genius game. Made by one person. The type of game that could only be made by one person.” — Daemon [04:52]
• Sam describes falling in love with the game during his Japan trip, praising its addictive, time-melting nature and roguelike deck-building mechanics.
• The group discusses strategy preferences (e.g., playing for flushes, full houses, or straights), and the satisfying “flight melter” quality for handheld play.
• Notable moment: Peer offers to send Sam a guide, highlighting how the game’s depth reveals itself gradually as you seek out rare joker cards [09:23].

#24: Portal 2 (10:18)

• “One of the best ending sequences of any video game in the history of video games.” — Peer [10:36]
• Discussion centers on Portal 2’s humor, world-building, and genre-expanding storytelling, as well as its co-op mode—an innovation at the time.
• Reflects on Valve’s current business model and the missed opportunity for a Portal 3 due to Steam’s overwhelming financial success.

#23: Bloodborne (13:16)

• “People really like games where you have a top hat and then you’re slashing things... The Gothic architecture and just enemy design. It’s a horror game in a way that FromSoft has never really gone that hardcore into that realm.” — Justin [13:55]
• The hosts marvel at its unique atmosphere and lament the lack of a sequel, attributing it to publisher exclusivity and FromSoftware’s multiplatform focus.

#22: World of Warcraft (15:24)

• Justin and Daemon make plans to play through the early game together, joking about forging a buddy-comedy video series: “Justin and Damon do World of Warcraft. We’ll do a thousand episodes, Damon.” — Justin [16:17]
• The show notes WOW’s cultural impact and enduring legacy, even as MMO popularity has waxed and waned.

#21: Hades (16:55)

• “There’s never been a game that had writing quite like this. Like, it reacts and responds to so much... I don’t understand how you did this. It just feels impossible.” — Justin [17:05]
• The group distinguishes Hades from its sequel, praising its uniquely reactive storytelling and gameplay blend.

3. Honorable Mentions / Runners-Up (Borderlands 2, Call of Duty 4, Halo 2, Mass Effect, Resident Evil 4, Slay the Spire) [18:55]

4. Continuing the Countdown (Highlights)

#20: The Last of Us Part II (19:20)

• Damon: “I don’t ever want to play that game again.”
• Peer: “I actually like it better than the first one because I felt like in the first one the...gameplay aspects were underdeveloped.”
• The crew debates its emotional intensity and contribution to interactive storytelling.

#19: Final Fantasy X (21:53)

• “It had such a cool story about, like, really sort of sad story about doomed characters. A really cool ensemble of heroes.” – Peer [22:54]
• Peer notes its emotional storytelling and memorable music; some hosts express surprise at its lasting popularity.

#18: Uncharted 2 (25:58)

• “It just has the best set pieces. Man, that chase with the tank... The train stage is cool.” — Peer [26:09]
• The series’ cinematic innovation and character moments are discussed.

#17: Halo: Combat Evolved (28:36)

• “It was just physics and like just let you... the systems, the sandbox... nothing has done it better to this day, you know, except for subsequent Halo games.” — Justin [30:09]
• Acknowledges Halo's impact on console shooters, open gameplay, and iconic music.

#16: Grand Theft Auto V (31:35)

• “Trevor just so brilliantly invites you to play bad.” — Peer [32:05]
• Rockstar’s sandbox design and the game’s continued sales/legacy are praised, with Damon expressing disinterest personally.

#15: Half-Life 2 (33:40)

• “Never ever, you know, rests control away from the player... the physics... back then... stuff like that had never been seen before in a video game.” — Justin [34:33]
• Lauded for its immersive design, environmental storytelling, and gravity gun.

#14: Metroid Prime (36:06)

• “Such a wonderful game and it’s my comfort food game and I can play it over and over again.” — Sam [36:22]
• The hosts reminisce on its design, atmosphere, and soundtrack, noting the unique experience of the original compared to sequels [37:06].

#13: Bioshock (39:13)

• “You uncover this like Jules Verne-esque world that then turns into a nightmare and then ends with a fantastic twist.” — Peer [40:16]
• Recognized for its environmental storytelling, dramatic twists, and “audio logs” innovation.

#12: Halo 3 (44:44)

• Praised for innovative stat tracking and its role as the community’s favorite in the trilogy.
• Justin remembers its groundbreaking online meta-progression.

#11: God of War (2018) (46:30)

• “The throwing and recall of the axe just feels perfect...” — Peer [47:09]
• The reinvention of Kratos and the “one-shot” camera are highlighted, along with the story’s emotional father-son dynamic.

5. The Top 10 Games of the Century (as Voted by Scoop Nation)

#10: Baldur’s Gate 3 (49:00)

• “Probably the best video game story of all time.” — Justin [49:02]
• The group cites its “choose-your-own-adventure” depth and D&D roots where your actions shape a unique world narrative.

#9: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (51:39)

• “I really lost myself in that world.” — Peer [52:01]
• Noted for its vast open world, mod support, and high replay value.

#8: Super Mario Odyssey (54:17)

• “Every new world you go to, you’re sort of like, I’m not sure what this is and why...There is a true sense of discovery.” — Peer [55:23]
• Its inventive design, references to Mario history, and freedom of experimentation are celebrated.

#7: Red Dead Redemption II (58:30)

• “For me it was just fascinating...this felt like stepping into that world and living in it.” — Peer & Sam [59:42]
• Discussion includes the “boring” critique, its dense world, and the detailed simulation of western life.

#6: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (67:19)

• “I’m mad it’s not higher... I think it’s my number one as well.” — Justin [67:32]
• Praised for audacious physics systems, creative freedom, and expansion over Breath of the Wild.

#5: The Last of Us (Part I) (61:56)

• “You go on this adventure, you like these characters, and then there’s this impossible choice at the end... I think it should have just ended there.” — Daemon [62:25]
• Lauded for narrative innovation and emotional impact.

#4: The Witcher 3 (64:38)

• “The most satisfying little wrapped up little side story nuggets are to be found in the side stories. The monsters... it’s the witching.” — Peer & Sam [65:04,-65:18]
• Commended for its robust side quests, lore, and challenges.

#3: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (71:43)

• Justin contrasts the “grounded” survival feel of BOTW with the “domination” possible in TotK.
• Celebrated for immersive design, discovery, and world-building.

#2: Mass Effect 2 (73:59)

• “It replicated...getting the band together in a sci-fi setting...one of my favorite gameplay loops in any RPG.” — Peer [74:32]
• The hosts discuss its unique squad-building/loyalty mechanics and deep universe.

#1: Elden Ring (77:03)

• “An adventure like no other... this is an incredible game the likes of which I don’t know when we’ll ever see again.” — Daemon [78:01]
• The crew has a nuanced debate over its difficulty, sense of discovery, and grind vs. player agency.
• Sam: “It’s so flawed, I just can’t believe that this game is so beloved... but I totally get it.”
• Damon: “I started out knowing I was going to hate this game... I came to meet it on its own terms and I loved all of it.” [82:13]
• Justin: “Many viable builds...the feat of game design to let you break the game and reward you for it.” [81:15]

6. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Every new world you go to [in Mario Odyssey], you’re sort of like, I’m not sure what this is and why...There is a true sense of discovery.” — Peer [55:23]
• “I want to play video games, I like to have a good time.” — Justin about why Elden Ring is not his favorite [80:21]
• “Trevor just so brilliantly invites you to play bad.” — Peer on GTA V [32:05]

7. Segment Timestamps

• Start of show, intro: [02:22]
• Top 25 countdown begins: [04:05]
• #25–21: [04:44] – [16:55]
• Runners-up mentioned: [18:55]
• #20–11: [19:20] – [46:30]
• Top 10 introductions/BG3: [49:00]
• Top 5 through #1: [61:49] – [77:03]
• Elden Ring debate: [77:03] – [82:59]
• Recap and close on overall list: [82:59] – [83:36]

8. Lightning Round: Video Game 20 Questions (86:33)

• Game to guess: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (2005)
• Hilarity ensues as hosts circle the “sports” genre, ultimately missing the specific answer.
• Damon offers a baseball pun as a hint: “When it comes to sports genres, you guys are extremely off base.” [94:37]

Conclusion

The Game Scoop crew celebrates the diversity and influence of the audience-chosen Top 25 games, offering technical analysis, cultural context, and warm personal stories. The episode's tone is energetic, friendly, and occasionally irreverent, reflecting IGN’s trademark blend of expertise and entertainment.

Final Note from Daemon: “There’s nothing on here where I’m going to say, I can’t believe it’s even on the list... I think it’s a good list.” [82:59]

For New Listeners

This episode is a perfect primer on the current consensus in the gaming community about what truly stands out in the 21st-century landscape. All the major genres are covered—indies, RPGs, FPS, open worlds, and Nintendo’s reinventions—making it essential listening (or reading) for anyone catching up on decades of video game greatness.

For More

• Visit Geek.com for other podcasts and features.
• Hit up IGN’s Facebook group and social channels to participate in future audience polls.