Detailed Summary of "Every Kojima Game Ranked" - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
- Host/Authors: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez
- Episode: Every Kojima Game Ranked
- Release Date: June 27, 2025
Introduction to the 'Shit List' Segment
In this episode, the Kinda Funny Gamescast hosts embark on a comprehensive and spirited discussion to rank every game directed or designed by the renowned game designer Hideo Kojima. Drawing inspiration from an IGN list authored by Matt Kim, the hosts aim to evaluate Kojima's diverse portfolio, which spans iconic titles like the Metal Gear Solid series, Death Stranding, P.T., and lesser-known endeavors such as Baktai and Ghost Babel.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [09:10]: "Today's topic of the show is the Shit list. Of course, the Shit list is a special segment of Gamescast where I go online, I find a top 10 list, I bring it back to the panel, and we judge it for your amusement."
Overview of the IGN List by Matt Kim
The central focus of the episode revolves around the IGN's ranking of Kojima's games from worst to best. Matt Kim's list serves as the foundation for the hosts' analysis, prompting debates and personal reflections on each entry's significance and impact within the gaming landscape.
Greg Miller [09:33]: "We're going to be on this one. Thank you very much, Tim. I know you don't like giving me the spotlight, you know what I mean?"
Hosts' Predictions and Initial Thoughts
Before delving into the specifics of the list, the hosts share their preliminary predictions and expectations. There's a consensus that the Metal Gear Solid series will dominate the upper echelons of the ranking, while titles like P.T. and Death Stranding might disrupt traditional placements due to their unique approaches and critical reception.
Tim Gettys [15:30]: "I feel like Death Stranding is going to be a little higher. Looking at this like looking Yearless Blast."
Detailed Discussion and Ranking of Each Game
Number 12: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The discussion begins with Metal Gear Solid 3, acknowledging its strong narrative and gameplay mechanics. However, concerns are raised about its placement, considering it as one of the foundational titles in the series.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [41:09]: "They seem too focused on their nostalgia for older games in the series, which has had an impact on the overall execution of Solid Snake's final tale."
Number 11: Snatcher
Snatcher, a cult classic, receives attention for its storytelling and stylistic elements. The hosts express varying degrees of familiarity with the game, impacting their ability to assess it comprehensively.
Greg Miller [10:54]: "I never finished it. Yeah. And he bust out the PS3."
Number 10: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
A contentious entry, Metal Gear Solid 2 sparks debate over its protagonist shift from Solid Snake to Raiden and its experimental narrative structure.
Tim Gettys [47:06]: "It was such a bait and switch."
Number 9: Metal Gear Solid
The original Metal Gear Solid is lauded for pioneering cinematic storytelling and stealth gameplay, setting high standards for future titles.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [20:19]: "It's innovative... but all the other ones just were better."
Number 8: Death Stranding
Death Stranding is examined for its genre-defying nature and ambitious narrative. While some hosts appreciate its innovation, others question its placement above traditional Metal Gear Solid entries.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [28:00]: "It reminds me there's the potential of, like, if he was still around."
Number 7: Ground Zeroes
Ground Zeroes serves as a narrative bridge within the Metal Gear Solid universe. The hosts recognize its role but debate its standalone value compared to core series titles.
Greg Miller [43:15]: "Peace Walker fan, I may be the biggest fan. I agree. And I do not think that's going to happen."
Number 6: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Peace Walker garners appreciation for its storytelling and expanded gameplay mechanics. The discussion highlights its place within the broader Metal Gear narrative.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [43:19]: "So we're at the top six, which gets interesting."
Number 5: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
This installment is praised for its expansive open-world design and refined gameplay mechanics, though some critiques target its incomplete narrative and reliance on previous titles' systems.
Greg Miller [44:15]: "It's more death stranding than it is Metal Gear in the sense of it's just... being weird."
Number 4: P.T. (Playable Teaser)
P.T. holds a unique position as an experimental horror experience. The hosts discuss its legendary status despite its brief existence and the profound impact it left on the horror genre.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [28:00]: "It's like PT is Tupac in my analogy."
Number 3: Metal Gear Solid 1
The original game secures a high ranking for its groundbreaking approach to stealth and storytelling, cementing its legacy in both gaming and pop culture.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [49:53]: "Where character are, we have that... the codex stuff like, I mean that exists throughout."
Number 2: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Reiterating its importance, MGS3 is praised for its deep narrative and gameplay innovations, earning the second spot in the ranking.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [52:00]: "I think it's such a piece of pop culture... people remember that."
Number 1: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Crowning the list, MGS2 is recognized for its complex narrative and ambitious themes, despite its polarizing reception among fans.
Greg Miller [55:33]: "I love this argument because you're talking about games that I love all these games, but it's like, which one do I love the least?"
Super Chats and Listener Feedback
The episode incorporates insights from listeners through super chats, reflecting a range of opinions that both challenge and enrich the hosts' perspectives. Topics include debates over character preferences, game mechanics, and the subjective nature of game rankings.
Raven [32:59]: "What are yall takes? And what should I tell him?"
Greg Miller [34:19]: "Kojima is regarded in a far different light than most game directors."
Final Thoughts and Conclusion on the List
As the discussion winds down, the hosts acknowledge the inherent subjectivity in ranking games, especially within a creator as eclectic as Hideo Kojima. While they express differing opinions on certain placements—particularly the positions of P.T. and Death Stranding—there's a collective appreciation for Kojima's innovative contributions to the gaming industry.
Greg Miller [54:52]: "This a two thumbs up. This is a great list."
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [54:53]: "Two thumbs up."
The episode concludes with anticipation for future content, including Greg's parade in San Francisco and upcoming streams, reinforcing the community-driven nature of Kinda Funny Gamescast.
Greg Miller [55:16]: "They tag him in a few of these posts. I'm sure he'll show up then."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Blessing Adeoye Jr. [09:10]: "Today's topic of the show is the Shit list. Of course, the Shit list is a special segment of Gamescast where I go online, I find a top 10 list, I bring it back to the panel, and we judge it for your amusement."
-
Greg Miller [09:33]: "We're going to be on this one. Thank you very much, Tim. I know you don't like giving me the spotlight, you know what I mean?"
-
Tim Gettys [15:30]: "I feel like Death Stranding is going to be a little higher. Looking at this like looking Yearless Blast."
-
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [20:19]: "It's innovative... but all the other ones just were better."
-
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [28:00]: "It reminds me there's the potential of, like, if he was still around."
-
Greg Miller [44:15]: "It's more death stranding than it is Metal Gear in the sense of it's just... being weird."
-
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [49:53]: "Where character are, we have that... the codex stuff like, I mean that exists throughout."
-
Greg Miller [55:33]: "I love this argument because you're talking about games that I love all these games, but it's like, which one do I love the least?"
Conclusion
"Every Kojima Game Ranked" offers a deep dive into Hideo Kojima's extensive and varied gameography through the lens of Kinda Funny Gamescast's engaging hosts. By dissecting each title's strengths and weaknesses, the episode not only entertains but also provides insightful analysis for both longtime fans and newcomers. The integration of listener feedback via super chats further enriches the conversation, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Kojima's legacy in the gaming world.
