Kinda Funny Games Daily 10.15.25

Episode Title: Ghost of Yotei: PlayStation's Biggest Launch Since Spider-Man 2
Date: October 15, 2025
Hosts: Blessing Adeoye Jr., Andy Cortez
Special Appearances: SnowBikeMike, Barrett Courtney

Episode Overview

Today's Kinda Funny Games Daily dives deep into the blockbuster launch of Ghost of Yotei, PlayStation's biggest European release since Spider-Man 2. The team breaks down the context and meaning of these sales numbers, discusses what it could mean for Sucker Punch's future, and explores how launch expectations have changed from the pandemic peak to now. The show also touches on the tricky subject of reviewing Early Access games, gives hands-on impressions of highly anticipated indie/Roguelike and controller hardware, and has a spirited debate on the definitions of “remake” versus “remaster.” Lively listener questions and Fantasy Critic league drama round out a packed show. All in the quintessential, barely-contained, off-the-rails Kinda Funny style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Review Season & Indie Impressions [00:29 – 08:22]

• Review Season Overload: Blessing is juggling multiple game reviews while also grinding through Hades II for fun, highlighting the pressure and exhilaration of this time in gaming.

  “I’m like reviewing slash trying to juggle maybe the most games I have tried to at once... The more I play Hades 2, the less I’m able to play other games.” (A, 01:14)

• Steam Next Fest Highlights:
  • Valor Mortis (by the makers of Ghostrunner): Andy describes it as a first-person Soulslike that stands out for clear telegraphing of attacks and freaky horror-inspired enemy design, especially “the human that walks on all fours but backwards.”

    “That thing would just chase you running like a human, or running like a dog, but in the awful… I hated the way this thing is running at me.” (B, 04:16)

  • Moonlighter 2: Early access playtest. Andy loves the combat, innovative use of spears, and calls out music by Christopher Larkin (of Hollow Knight/Silksong fame), describing it as “so damn good.” The item-selling economy is “super creative.”

    “The soundtrack so far kicks a lot of ass… It sounds like Timberland time-traveled, no, it is so damn good.” (B, 07:22)

2. The Great Early Access Review Debate [08:22 – 13:53]

• Review Scores for Early Access: Both hosts express hesitation about reviewing non-final games, preferring “impressions” over full reviews. Early review scores can unfairly penalize unfinished games or, alternately, lock in praise before final assessment.

  “I feel like that shouldn’t warrant a review. Impressions is where that should stop, because it’s not the actual thing.” (A, 08:43)

  • Hades II is used as an example of a game that landed in top 10 lists in Early Access but left Blessing and Andy uncomfortable about the precedent.

  “It’s a live by the sword, die by the sword situation for these devs.” (B, 09:37)

3. Ghost of Yotei: PlayStation’s Biggest Launch Since Spider-Man 2 [16:36 – 28:21]

(Main Episode Theme)

• Sales Triumph: Ghost of Yotei is noted by Christopher Dring as Sony’s biggest European launch since Spider-Man 2, matching Ghost of Tsushima’s 2020 volume even though the industry and world are very different now.

  “I’m pretty surprised that Yotei coming out matching with Spider Man 2, like, that’s nuts.” (B, 19:16)

• Changing Market Context: The hosts reflect on the pandemic sales bubble, the rise of the franchise, and whether marketing push or “word of mouth” drove this game’s success.

  “I haven’t really seen a whole lot of commercials for this video game… maybe it’s just a lot of word of mouth.” (B, 21:13)

• First Party Launch Discussion: Comparison with other recent major Sony releases (Helldivers 2, Death Stranding 2, Rise of the Ronin, Astrobot Remasters) and regional breakdown of sales.

  “There’s got to be story to these numbers.” (A, 22:57)

• Will There Be a Ghost of Yotei 3?
  • The consensus is shifting: given sales and Sony’s risk-averse position, a third game now seems likely.

  “I think you just changed my decision… I think Sony’s in a spot right now where a lot of money has been lost on a lot of bad decisions and you cannot gamble the sure thing you have.” (B, 25:31)

  • Discussion also highlights the enduring appeal of historical settings and Sucker Punch’s ability to deliver at “modest” budgets ($60–70 million) compared to mega-projects.

4. Controllers, Hardware & Hands-On Impressions [41:09 – 47:55]

• SCUF Valor Pro Controller Review:
  • Andy gives thorough hands-on impressions, comparing the new SCUF Valor Pro Wireless to the DualSense Edge, Xbox Elite, and Gamesir G7 Pro controllers.
  • Praises: build quality, ease of on-the-fly paddle remapping, sound profile controls, trigger stops, and especially stick feel.

    “Can I program the back paddles on the fly without having to open a piece of software?... The SCUF Valor Pro—yes, you can do that.” (B, 42:22)

  • Recommends the controller highly for FPS and shooter fans; notes wired version is a great value at $100.
  • Gives insight on the shortcomings of Xbox Elite controllers and wishes Microsoft would add simple back buttons to standard controllers.

5. Remake vs. Remaster: Community Debate [34:41 – 41:09]

• Spirited discussion fueled by Reddit arguments and listener prompts about the blurry line between “remaster” and “remake” (e.g., Demon’s Souls, Shadow of the Colossus).
  • Hosts agree: full asset recreation is a remake, even if code is reused; remaster should be about raising res/frames and clarity.

    “To not call Demon’s Souls a remake... you’re doing a massive disservice to every 3D art asset being recreated.” (B, 37:01)

  • Blame “Final Fantasy VII Remake” for blurring the terms, since it’s less a remake and more a re-imagining.
• Both scorn the “deluxe remaster” label applied to significant overhauls.

6. Ball x Pit (Pit) Review & Roguelike Trend [48:09 – 56:31]

• Andy reviews the just-released Ball X Pit (Pit), giving it a 7.5/10 (“recommend, but don’t love”) after 20+ hours of play.
• Describes addictive but almost “brain rot” gameplay similar to Vampire Survivors or Megabunk, and details its Dark Souls-inspired city/character progression and permanent upgrade systems.

  “I am one step away from being the Candy Crush player that is playing at work or whatever...” (B, 50:17)

  • The city-building aspect can be overwhelming, but the sound design is “top notch.”
  • Emphasizes the appeal for fans of mindless, number-go-up games—if you’re curious, try it.

7. Fantasy Critic League Scheming, Listener Q&A & Rapid-Fire News [56:36 – End]

• Fantasy Critic Drama: Barrett interrupts with subterfuge, seeking to unseat Mike and Roger by giving Andy insider advice; strategy includes dropping delayed Witchbrook and bidding on Demon School.

  “If you want a good shot at winning, you’re going to drop Witchbrook... spend all of your money on Demon School.” (E, 61:11)

• Rapid-fire News:
  • Sonic the Hedgehog now a voice for Waze navigation (Sonic-voiced directions) (56:42)
  • Thousand X: Zest coming to Game Pass/PS5 Nov. 4
  • New PS Plus games for October: Silent Hill 2, As Dusk Falls, V Rising, and more (58:04)
  • Sad delay: Witchbrook moves to 2026 (58:28)
• Listener Mailbag:
  • Super Chats span everything from gym motivation, controller recommendations, and the possibility of a “futuristic Ghost of Tokyo” setting (“the foliage is crucial to Ghost’s identity”).
  • Mike campaigns for a return to Infamous, wants Sucker Punch back in the superhero space (32:56).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“It’s a live by the sword, die by the sword situation for these devs. It may not help your review scores because you are being vulnerable.”
— Andy (B), on Early Access reviews (09:37)

“I’m surprised that Yotei coming out matching with Spider Man 2, like, that’s nuts… I put Spider man with all the other sort of large titles.”
— Andy (B), reflecting on Ghost of Yotei’s sales (19:16)

“If you want a good shot at winning, you’re going to drop Witchbrook... spend all of your money on Demon School.”
— Barrett Courtney (E), Fantasy Critic plot (61:11)

“To not call Demon’s Souls a remake... you’re doing a massive disservice to every 3D art asset being recreated.”
— Andy (B), Remake vs. Remaster debate (37:01)

“I am one step away from being the Candy Crush player… These games are, they are such brain rot.”
— Andy (B), Ball X Pit review (50:17)

“When we were talking about how expensive these games are to make these days and Ghost of Yotei being reported to have a similar budget that Tsushima had, around $60–70 million, like, that is such a gigantic win...”
— Andy (B) (26:52)

“The more I play Hades II, the less I’m able to play other games.”
— Blessing (A), on the allure of Hades II (01:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:29 – 08:22: Review season stress, Steam Next Fest, Valor Mortis & Moonlighter 2 impressions
• 08:22 – 13:53: Should Early Access games be reviewed?
• 16:36 – 28:21: Ghost of Yotei sales, PlayStation launch context, future of the franchise
• 34:41 – 41:09: Remake vs. Remaster debate (inspired by Reddit)
• 41:09 – 47:55: Controller Review: SCUF Valor Pro Wireless
• 48:09 – 56:31: Ball X Pit review & roguelike commentary
• 56:36 – End: Fantasy Critic League intrigue, Sonic on Waze, rapid-fire news, and Q&A

Original Language and Tone

This episode, like most Kinda Funny content, is conversational, energetic, intentionally chaotic, and loaded with personal tangents, memes, and self-deprecating humor. The hosts frequently riff on each other, involve the live audience/chat, and break topics down with both insight and irreverence. The tone is friendly, occasionally profane, and accessible to listeners ranging from industry insiders to casual fans.

Takeaways

• Ghost of Yotei has firmly cemented its place as a blockbuster for PlayStation, proving the strength of Sucker Punch’s historical-action formula and the enduring appeal of well-realized open worlds.
• The industry is still negotiating how to treat Early Access—should games be eligible for GOTY, or even reviewed at all?
• Hardware impressions (controllers, accessories) and indie game spotlights remain a central draw.
• Community engagement (through Fantasy Critic, listener questions, Reddit debates) continues to fuel a unique, communal, and highly responsive format.

If you missed the episode, this summary covers all major topics, provides notable speaker insights, and highlights the friendly, slightly chaotic energy that defines Kinda Funny Games Daily.