Podcast Summary: Kinda Funny Games Daily – "Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Reaction" (March 4, 2025)
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast
- Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and additional industry veterans
- Description: The world’s most popular daily video game news podcast covering the latest in PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and all things gaming.
- Episode: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Reaction - Kinda Funny Games Daily 03.04.25
- Release Date: March 4, 2025
1. Introduction and Initial News Highlights (00:00 - 05:33)
Greg Miller kicks off the episode by highlighting major news:
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Countdown Ends: The long-awaited sequel, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, is officially announced (00:00).
- Far Cry Extraction Reboot: Reports indicate that Acclaim is returning, sparking excitement among fans (00:52).
Tim Gettys expresses his excitement:
“Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 Plus felt like it was taken from me... And now somehow it returned. It is real. It is happening.” (00:52)
Greg urges listeners to engage with the show through memberships and live platforms, promoting community interaction and supporting the small business behind the podcast.
2. Reaction to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Announcement (05:33 - 19:04)
Main Discussion Points:
- Game Details: The remake combines elements from both Pro Skater 3 and 4, utilizing the same engine as the Pro Skater 1 and 2 remakes.
- Features: Enhanced graphics with support for up to 8K resolution, ultra-wide displays, and 120 FPS gameplay (09:17).
- Soundtrack: A blend of classic tracks from the original games and new additions, maintaining the franchise’s iconic music heritage.
- New Content: Introduction of a new Water Park level and a diverse roster of both original and new skaters, including legends like Tony Hawk and newcomers like Ray Racer and Chloe Covell (10:32).
- Edition Variants: Discussion of the Deluxe Digital Edition and a $130 Collector’s Edition featuring exclusive in-game content and physical merchandise like a Birdhouse skateboard deck.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Gettys: “This is a perfect remake. This is so much closer to a Resident Evil 2 remake than a battle for bikini bottom rehydrated type situation.” (09:17)
Greg Miller: “It is a perfect remake. This is so much closer to a Resident Evil 2 remake... There was some of the original characters from Tony Hawk, like Officer Dick and stuff.” (09:17)
3. Ubisoft’s Far Cry Extraction Reboot (19:04 - 24:49)
Overview:
- Project Maverick: Initially intended as a multiplayer component for Far Cry 7, now rebooted due to internal challenges and restructuring within Ubisoft.
- Development Issues: Transition from Ubisoft Vicarious Visions to Ubisoft Montreal and the impact of layoffs at Iron Galaxy, which handled the PC and Switch ports.
- Future Prospects: Uncertainty surrounds the project's completion and potential release date in 2026, raising concerns about Ubisoft's overall strategy and stability.
Host Reactions:
- Tim Gettys expresses skepticism about the reboot’s success and Ubisoft’s ability to manage large-scale projects effectively.
Tim Gettys: “Ubisoft is clearly desperately trying to figure something out. They are trying to come up with a strategy to solve the problem that they are clearly in.” (22:38)
Greg Miller: “This doesn’t end well. This doesn’t end well.” (24:45)
4. Announcement of Dot Emu’s New IP – Absolve (32:44 - 38:38)
Details:
- Title: Absolve Them Absol
- Genre: Arcade-style beat 'em up with roguelike elements
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam)
- Developers: Dot Emu in collaboration with Crush Games and Supa Monks
- Features: Spells, counters, upgrades, unique fighters, co-op play, and dynamic boss battles.
Tim Gettys’ Review:
- Positive Impressions: Praises the art style, smooth gameplay mechanics, and the integration of modern roguelike elements.
- Gameplay Elements: Emphasizes the game's snappy controls, cooperative features, and the depth of combat systems (36:25).
Notable Quotes:
Tim Gettys: “It's a brand new IP and this was kind of a surprise actually to be able to play like they invited me to play this and I gave one look at it. I'm like this looks awesome.” (33:45)
Greg Miller: “This is incredible.” (37:23)
5. Resurrection of Acclaim and Industry Reactions (38:38 - 47:53)
Announcement:
- Acclaim Resurrected: The iconic 1990s game publisher is making a comeback, led by CEO Alex Joseph.
- Mission: Support indie developers, revitalize classic franchises, and provide funding and marketing for new projects.
- Advisory Board: Includes industry figures like Russell Binder, Mark Kaplan, and controversial wrestler Jeff Jarrett.
Controversial Inclusion:
- Jeff Jarrett’s Involvement: Jarrett, known for his wrestling persona, joins Acclaim’s advisory board, sparking mixed reactions among hosts and listeners.
Host Interactions:
- Humorous Confrontation: Greg Miller humorously interviews Jeff Jarrett on-air, leading to playful banter and creative dialogue (44:00 - 47:53).
Notable Quotes:
Jeff Jarrett: “Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation. And I'm excited to be involved.” (41:47)
Greg Miller: “Shame on Acclaim for working with you. You hit the shooting star... And I don't know why they're working with you.” (46:15)
6. Monster Hunter Wild’s Record Sales (47:53 - 50:27)
Highlights:
- Sales Milestone: Monster Hunter Wild surpasses 8 million units sold in just three days, marking it as the fastest-selling title in Capcom’s history.
- Platform Dominance: Steam version peaks at 1,384,608 players, showcasing the game’s widespread appeal across PC and console platforms.
Host Commentary:
- Greg Miller and Tim Gettys celebrate the success, contrasting it with struggles faced by Ubisoft, and applauding Capcom’s consistent ability to deliver hit titles.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Gettys: “Capcom was in a bad place not too long ago. It's getting further and further away, which I think is a great thing.” (49:15)
Greg Miller: “I’m so happy that it’s resonating. I’m so happy people are enjoying it.” (50:17)
7. Activision’s Generative AI Controversy with Fake Guitar Hero Mobile (50:27 - 57:19)
Issue:
- Fake Game Ads: Activision faces backlash for using generative AI to create misleading advertisements for non-existent games like Guitar Hero Mobile.
- Fan Backlash: The AI-generated ads feature inconsistent graphics and misinformation, causing frustration among the gaming community.
- Underlying Strategy: It appears Activision was testing user interest in potential mobile titles without actual game development, leading to distrust and negative sentiment.
Host Reactions:
- Greg Miller and Tim Gettys criticize the approach, highlighting the disconnect between Activision’s marketing strategies and consumer expectations.
Notable Quotes:
Greg Miller: “This is one of the most what the fuck stories I’ve ever heard. So bizarre in every way possible.” (54:41)
Tim Gettys: “I do think that the outrage is going to stop this from happening. No.” (56:52)
8. BAFTA Game Awards Nominees and Additional News (57:19 - 65:02)
BAFTA Nominees:
- Best Games Include: Astrobot, Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
PlayStation Beta Program:
- Announcement: Sony introduces a new PlayStation beta program allowing players to test upcoming PS5 and PC games, new console features, and app enhancements.
Subscriber Interactions:
- Super Chats: Listeners engage with hosts, sharing excitement over game announcements and expressing desires for future releases, such as 2D wrestling games and new Final Fantasy titles.
Final Remarks:
- Greg Miller emphasizes the importance of community support through memberships and encourages listeners to engage with upcoming content, including game reviews and live streams.
Notable Quotes:
Greg Miller: “Thank you all for listening. Thank you all for joining the kind of funny clan.” (60:27)
Tim Gettys: “It hurts my heart and soul every day that I'm alive and awake and not playing Monster Hunter. So that means a lot to Riley.” (60:50)
Conclusion and Closing Remarks (65:01 - End)
Hosts Wrap-Up:
- Preview upcoming segments, including a review of Split Fiction, a podcast segment, and live streams featuring gameplay of Dark Souls.
- Greg Miller and Tim Gettys encourage continued support through memberships and express gratitude towards their community for sustaining the podcast.
Final Encouragement:
Greg Miller: “If you love what we do, please pick up a Kind of Funny membership... You get 20 shows a week ad free.” (64:00)
Key Takeaways:
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 revival is met with immense enthusiasm, promising enhanced graphics, new content, and a nostalgic yet fresh gameplay experience.
- Ubisoft struggles continue with the Far Cry Extraction project, reflecting broader challenges within the company.
- Dot Emu’s new IP, Absolve Them Absol, garners positive initial feedback for its innovative blend of beat 'em up and roguelike elements.
- The resurrection of Acclaim raises eyebrows due to controversial advisory board members like Jeff Jarrett.
- Monster Hunter Wild achieves record-breaking sales, highlighting Capcom’s resilience and effective franchise management.
- Activision’s use of generative AI for fake game promotions sparks significant backlash, underscoring the risks of deceptive marketing practices.
- BAFTA Game Awards nominees showcase a diverse range of acclaimed titles, celebrating excellence in gaming.
- Listener engagement and community support remain pivotal for the podcast’s ongoing success.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Tim Gettys on Tony Hawk’s return: “It honestly feels unreal to me...” (01:00)
- Greg Miller on game previews: “This can't possibly be bad.” (10:34)
- Tim Gettys on Ubisoft’s strategy: “Ubisoft is clearly desperately trying to figure something out.” (22:38)
- Greg Miller on Absolve: “This is incredible.” (37:23)
- Jeff Jarrett’s Statement: “Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion...” (41:47)
- Greg Miller during confrontation: “Shame on Acclaim for working with you.” (46:15)
- Tim Gettys on Activision's AI misuse: “This is one of the most what the fuck stories I’ve ever heard.” (54:41)
- Greg Miller on community: “Thank you all for listening.” (60:27)
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Reaction" episode, detailing key discussions, host insights, user interactions, and notable quotes to provide a clear understanding of the episode's content to those who haven't listened.
