Podcast Summary: Kinda Funny Gamescast – Episode on Civ VII and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Podcast Information:

• Title: Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
• Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye (Snowbike Mike), and Andy Cortez
• Episode: Civ VII, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Thoughts
• Release Date: February 3, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their characteristic banter, briefly touching on the aftermath of Groundhog Day and introducing each other with humorous remarks. The hosts establish a relaxed and conversational tone, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion of the latest video game releases.

2. Civilization VII Review

Overview of Civilization VII: Civilization VII, developed by Firaxis and published by 2K, marks the latest installment in the iconic 4X strategy series. Released simultaneously on PC and consoles on February 5th (deluxe editions available earlier), the game introduces significant structural changes, including a division into three distinct ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.

Greg Miller’s Gameplay Experience: Greg Miller delves into his extensive experience with Civilization VII, logging 14 hours of gameplay over the weekend. His approach spans multiple incomplete games, with strategies focused on both military dominance and cultural victory through the spread of religion.

[05:20] Greg Miller: "I put 14 hours of gameplay in over the weekend, which comes out to about two games, two incomplete games. I'm still, I'm still fighting for my life in one of them."

Gameplay Mechanics and Innovations: The game retains the classic 4X elements—explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate—enhanced by real-world historical elements. Greg highlights the introduction of ages, allowing players to realign their strategies periodically, fostering a more dynamic and personalized gameplay experience.

[07:48] Greg Miller: "Civ is kind of based in reality where you are rewriting your own history of the Earth. And so seven is broke down into three ages this time. The Antiquity age, the Exploration age, and the modern age."

Critical Reception and Host Reactions: While Civilization VII has garnered a Metacritic score of 81, reviews are mixed. Eurogamer’s Sin Vega rated it 2/5, citing it as "dull" despite high production values and innovations. In contrast, IGN’s Lena Heer gave it a 7, appreciating the streamlined gameplay but noting it may alienate hardcore fans.

[16:11] Tim Gaddis: "Eurogamers Sin Vega gave it a 2 out of 5 stars... But it's dull."

Greg empathizes with the critiques, acknowledging the game's challenges for casual players and the absence of comprehensive tutorials, which can make the game less accessible.

[17:24] Greg Miller: "My 14 hours have not been dull... They definitely identified like, hey, there's a lot coming at you and nothing explaining anything."

Platform Compatibility and Future Prospects: Civilization VII’s simultaneous release on PC and consoles is a strategic move to broaden its audience. Greg expresses confidence in the game’s suitability for console play, likening its turn-based mechanics to titles like Gears Tactics and XCOM.

[23:11] Greg Miller: "I definitely think you have the time that it takes on the controller and gamepad to slow it down and be able to do that."

Conclusion: Greg concludes that Civilization VII serves well as a sequel, especially for casual players seeking a more straightforward 4X experience. He remains optimistic about future updates and DLCs potentially addressing current shortcomings.

[24:04] Greg Miller: "This is just another Civ to me, but it's a little more of a straightforward sieve... I really enjoyed it. I had a good time with it."

3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Review

Overview of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: Developed by Warhorse Studios, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the highly anticipated sequel to the realistic medieval RPG. Released on February 4th, the game continues to emphasize historical accuracy and immersive storytelling, set in 15th century Bohemia.

Critical Reception: The game holds an 87 score among PC gamers but has received varied reviews from major outlets:

• PC Gamer’s Joshua Wallen: Gave it a 90, praising its ambitious and peculiar yet fulfilling nature, reminiscent of classic titles like Stalker and Morrowind.

  [32:20] Tim Gaddis: "Joshua Wallens gave it a 90 saying this game feels a bit miraculous..."

• GameSpot’s Richard Wakeling: Awarded it a 9, commending improved combat, quest design, and technical stability over the first installment, while critiquing its portrayal of historical figures and diversity.

  [33:07] Tim Gaddis: "Game spots. Richard Wakeling gave it a 9 saying it's not perfect..."

• Eurogamer’s Catherine Castle: Scored it 3/5, noting its ongoing divisiveness and tedious approach despite improvements.

  [33:17] Tim Gaddis: "Eurogamers Catherine Castle gave it a 3 out of 5 saying this gorgeous medieval RPG..."

Greg and Mike’s Gameplay Experiences: Greg shares his initial three-hour experience with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, highlighting a slow-start narrative-driven approach that gradually evolves into engaging combat mechanics reminiscent of titles like For Honor.

[34:27] Greg Miller: "I really enjoyed the two characters... I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes."

Mike recounts his less extended engagement due to fatigue, finding the early gameplay overwhelming but intrigued by the story dynamics and combat system.

[35:27] Snowbike Mike: "I put one hour in and it was strictly one of those, oh, this review code's coming tomorrow..."

Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative: Both hosts appreciate the game's focus on realism and player agency. Greg is particularly drawn to the narrative and combat blend, while Mike expresses a desire for a more action-oriented experience but remains hopeful about the game's potential.

[39:36] Greg Miller: "I want to try something a little bit different... I'm looking forward to riding on this one."

Conclusion: Despite some initial hurdles, both Greg and Mike express a willingness to continue exploring Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Greg is optimistic about its depth and story progression, while Mike remains cautiously interested, acknowledging the game’s immersive qualities but recognizing his preference for more dynamic gameplay.

[40:28] Greg Miller: "Yeah, this is one I want to complete."

4. Additional Discussions

While the primary focus of the episode centers on Civilization VII and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, the hosts briefly touch upon upcoming game releases and hardware reviews. Notably, they mention the anticipation for Avowed and discuss experiences with high-end gaming laptops from Razer, emphasizing their commitment to providing in-depth reviews and previews for future content.

5. Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of two major game releases, balancing professional critiques with personal gameplay experiences. Greg Miller's enthusiasm for both Civilization VII and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II provides listeners with valuable insights into the strengths and potential shortcomings of each title. The hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and expertise, ensuring an engaging and informative discussion for both avid gamers and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Miller on Civilization VII’s Historical Integration:

  "[07:48] Civ is kind of based in reality where you are rewriting your own history of the Earth."

• Greg Miller on the Streamlined Gameplay:

  "[24:04] This is just another Civ to me, but it's a little more of a straightforward sieve... I really enjoyed it."

• Greg Miller on Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s Narrative Depth:

  "[34:27] I really enjoyed the two characters... I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes."

• Melanie on the Need for Player Focus in Civ VII:

  "[29:35] ... it is a game that needs your focus and it's enough."

For a deeper dive into their gameplay strategies and more detailed opinions, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast.