Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode Title: 2024's Hidden Gem Games You Should Play
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez

Introduction and Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter, showcasing their camaraderie and setting an engaging tone for the discussion ahead. Tim Geddes welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of the day: hidden gem games of 2024. The conversation swiftly moves from casual topics like haircuts to the main theme, establishing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Main Topic: Hidden Gem Games of 2024

Tim's Pick: Nico de Rico, the Magical World

Timestamp: [18:00] – [24:09]

Tim Geddes introduces Nico de Rico, the Magical World as a standout title, describing it as a direct homage to classics like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Crash Bandicoot 4. He emphasizes the game's high quality, praising its level design and soundtrack while noting some minor drawbacks such as inconsistent voice-over and a somewhat underdeveloped collectible system.

Tim Geddes [18:26]: "It’s 100% a ripoff of Donkey Kong Country, Tropical Freeze, and Crash Bandicoot 4. This game is phenomenal. It does exactly what I want."

Despite recognizing its similarities to established franchises, Tim awards the game an impressive 8.5 out of 10, highlighting its visual appeal and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Tim Geddes [23:29]: "If you guys like platformers 2D or 3D, I recommend this game. It is so freaking good."

Angie's Picks: Recommended Games for Each Host

Timestamp: [34:12] – [42:22]

1. I Am Your Beast for Snow Bike Mike

Angie recommends I Am Your Beast, describing it as a fast-paced first-person shooter that aligns with Mike's gaming preferences. She highlights its suitability for streaming due to its engaging and dynamic gameplay.

Angie Hicks [34:12]: "It is that fast-paced first person you're going through these shorter levels and you're trying to get to the end as fast as possible by taking out all the enemies as fast as possible."

2. 1000x Resist for Andy Cortez

For Andy, Angie suggests 1000x Resist, praising its unique storytelling and experimental gameplay. She notes that the game excels in narrative depth, making it a perfect fit for Andy's appreciation of experiential and experimental games.

Angie Hicks [36:25]: "It is 1000% like the freshest game I've played this year. It is the most different, it is the most interesting. It's also probably the best written game I've played this year."

3. Thank Goodness You're Here for Tim Geddes

Angie introduces Thank Goodness You're Here as Tim's pick, a game that blends nostalgic elements with modern gameplay. She emphasizes its appeal to fans of British humor and its intelligent design, making it a compelling recommendation for Tim.

Angie Hicks [39:22]: "It's a very well executed game in what it's trying to do. And I could see you appreciating it."

Andy’s Picks: Diverse Recommendations

Timestamp: [53:00] – [64:34]

1. Windblown

Andy spotlights Windblown, a roguelite from the team that developed Dead Cells. He lauds its dynamic combat system, stylish art, and engaging progression mechanics, noting its strong early access performance.

Andy Cortez [56:31]: "I think it's got a really cool art style and the weapons so far are a lot of fun. The passives, the ability, the ideas of going out doing runs, finding an NPC every once in a while."

2. Echo Point Nova

Another highlight from Andy is Echo Point Nova, a first-person shooter that combines platforming with intense action. He appreciates its grappling mechanics and fluid combat, expressing excitement to delve deeper into its gameplay.

Andy Cortez [64:23]: "It has such a great freaking art style and it totally has that challenge of, oh man, I can do that better."

3. Shady Knight

Shady Knight is recommended for its engaging art style and innovative gameplay mechanics, including a grappling hook system that enhances combat fluidity. Andy praises its potential for skill-based shooting.

Andy Cortez [64:34]: "It's got such a great freaking art style and it totally has that challenge of, oh man, I can do that better."

4. Witchfire
Timestamp: [54:00] – [58:09]

Andy discusses Witchfire, a roguelite first-person shooter that has significantly improved since its early access release. He commends its mechanics, visuals, and the rewarding nature of its gameplay loops, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Andy Cortez [57:35]: "It's a must play. It looks great. The abilities, the com, the way everything combos together. It kicks so much ass."

Listener Recommendations and Super Chats

Timestamp: [66:10] – [81:14]

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener Super Chats, sharing and discussing additional hidden gem recommendations. Notable submissions include:

• His Phasmophobia: Highlighted by Snow Bike Mike as a genre-defining horror game now available on consoles with full cross-play support.

  Snow Bike Mike [72:50]: "MLB The Show 24. Go check out storylines."

• Mark Son's Suggestion: Tiny Terry's Turbo Trip, an indie take on GTA with a comedic twist, praised for its engaging characters and nostalgic elements.

  Alex J. Sandoval [80:27]: "Tiny Terry's Turbo Trip. Imagine an indie version of a GTA open world checklist game."

• Justin Anderson's Shoutout: Congratulations to a listener's personal milestone, fostering a sense of community.

The hosts also discuss games like Ease X, Romancing Saga, Revenge of the Seven, Kutami Path of the Goddess, Bloomtown, and Reckless, further expanding the list of 2024's hidden gems.

Housekeeping and Promotions

Timestamp: [07:09] – [45:09]

The episode includes several housekeeping segments and promotions:

• Support via Patreon: Hosts encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon or YouTube memberships for ad-free experiences and exclusive content.

• Meet and Greets: Announcement of Greg Miller's meeting and greeting event in New York City, slated for the following day, featuring notable guests like Kevin Smith and Jason Muse.

• Sponsors:

  • Phasmophobia: Promotion of the horror game now available on PS5, PSVR2, and Xbox Series X/S.

    Phasmophobia Ad [44:22]: "Join the already almost 20 million players on Steam, including our very own Snowbike Mike."

  • BetterHelp: Advertisement highlighting the benefits of online therapy services.

    BetterHelp Ad [45:09]: "Therapy helps you find your strengths so you can ditch the extreme resolutions and make changes that really stick."

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Timestamp: [73:00] – [82:20]

The hosts wrap up the episode by addressing listener interactions and teasing upcoming content:

• Super Chats Recap: Final shoutouts to listeners who shared their game recommendations and personal stories.

• Upcoming Streams: Announcement of a live stream featuring Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Snow Bike Mike playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, promising engaging and interactive content.

Tim Geddes [81:12]: "We are going to right after this do the stream. It's going to be Blessed. It's going to be Mike. They're going to be playing some Pokemon trading card game and Mike's going to be able to talk a whole bunch."

• Final Goodbyes: The hosts express their appreciation for the listeners and hint at more in-depth game discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Geddes [18:26]: "It’s 100% a ripoff of Donkey Kong Country, Tropical Freeze, and Crash Bandicoot 4. This game is phenomenal. It does exactly what I want."

• Angie Hicks [34:12]: "It is that fast-paced first person you're going through these shorter levels and you're trying to get to the end as fast as possible by taking out all the enemies as fast as possible."

• Andy Cortez [36:25]: "It is 1000% like the freshest game I've played this year. It is the most different, it is the most interesting. It's also probably the best written game I've played this year."

• Andy Cortez [58:16]: "It has such a great freaking art style and it totally has that challenge of, oh man, I can do that better."

Conclusion

This episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast offers a comprehensive exploration of 2024's hidden gem games, with each host bringing their unique perspectives and recommendations to the table. From nostalgic platformers to innovative roguelites, the hosts provide insightful reviews and enthusiastic endorsements, making this episode a valuable resource for gamers seeking new and underrated titles to explore. The engaging dialogue, coupled with listener interactions and promotional segments, ensures a well-rounded and entertaining podcast experience.