Kinda Funny Gamescast: Greg Miller & Paris' Top 10s 2024 – Detailed Summary
Release Date: January 14, 2025
In this engaging episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Greg Miller and Paris Lilly delve deep into their personal Top 10 games of 2024. The discussion not only highlights their favorite titles of the year but also offers insights into their selection processes, personal experiences, and the evolving landscape of video gaming.
Introduction and Personal Reflections
The episode kicks off with a warm exchange between Greg and Paris, reminiscing about past experiences and personal anecdotes. Greg shares a heartfelt moment involving his child, Ben, emphasizing the balance between work and family life. Paris reciprocates by expressing her enjoyment of spending quality time with Ben, highlighting the importance of such moments amidst their busy schedules.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Miller [00:07]: “I'm sorry you had to do games daily with Tim.”
- Paris Lilly [00:46]: “I really do miss it. I really do.”
Game of the Year Selection Process
Greg outlines Kinda Funny's unique approach to selecting the Game of the Year. Unlike traditional methods that declare a single winner, Kinda Funny celebrates the diversity of gaming experiences by having each host present their own Top 10 list. This method fosters a more inclusive and varied perspective on what defines a standout game in 2024.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Miller [04:00]: “These are the 10 games for each person that matter to them for some reason. This is what defines their 2024.”
Top 10 Lists Breakdown
Number 10: Call of Duty Black Ops 6 / Tekken 8
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Paris Lilly: Chooses Call of Duty Black Ops 6, praising its comprehensive package and improved campaigns. She highlights the polished multiplayer experience and Treyarch's exceptional execution.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [09:32]: “They knocked it out of the park. I thought it was one of the best Call of Duty we've had.”
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Greg Miller: Picks Path of Exile 2, appreciating its early access stage and potential for significant updates. He discusses the game's depth and his anticipation for future expansions.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [11:36]: “Path of Exile 2 is fantastic, especially for an early access game.”
Number 9: Dragon Age the Veilguard / Plucky Squire
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Paris Lilly: Selects Plucky Squire, commending its unique animation transition from 2D to 3D and engaging puzzle mechanics. She appreciates Devolver's ability to deliver a memorable gaming experience.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [14:31]: “It was these visual showcases and the fun variety in puzzles that made Plucky Squire special.”
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Greg Miller: Chooses Caravan Sandwich, an exploration-focused game with stunning visuals and a relaxing narrative. He emphasizes its role as a beautiful respite from more intense gaming experiences.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [14:31]: “It's a gorgeous game that provides a much-needed break with its serene exploration.”
Number 8: Never / Monster Hunter Now Season 3
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Paris Lilly: Picks Never, a visually stunning side-scroller with emotional depth and engaging gameplay. She notes the game's minimalist dialogue and immersive environment.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [20:03]: “It's such a beautiful game, and the lack of dialogue makes it profoundly impactful.”
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Greg Miller: Selects Monster Hunter Now Season 3, highlighting its evolved gameplay mechanics and community features that enhance the cooperative hunting experience.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [20:17]: “The quality of life improvements in Monster Hunter Now have made it a staple for cooperative play.”
Number 7: Indiana Jones in the Great Circle / Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred
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Paris Lilly: Chooses Indiana Jones in the Great Circle, appreciating its faithful representation of the iconic character and engaging puzzle design.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [27:06]: “The AI may be simplistic, but it captures the essence of Indiana Jones perfectly.”
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Greg Miller: Selects Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, commending its deep combat system and continuous support through updates and expansions.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [32:16]: “Diablo 4 offers a compelling combat experience that keeps me returning for more.”
Number 6: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom / Starfield: Shattered Space
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Paris Lilly: Votes for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, praising its innovative gameplay mechanics and visually captivating world.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [34:30]: “The ability to recreate objects for combat and traversal makes each playthrough unique.”
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Greg Miller: Chooses Starfield: Shattered Space, appreciating Bethesda's ongoing support and the game's customizable creation suite.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [36:46]: “Starfield has evolved significantly with its updates, offering a deeply personalized gaming experience.”
Number 5: WWE 2K24 / Stalker 2
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Paris Lilly: Selects Stalker 2, commending its immersive survival mechanics and compelling open world despite initial technical issues.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [51:42]: “It's a survival game where everything is trying to kill you, and that makes every moment thrilling.”
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Greg Miller: Picks WWE 2K24, celebrating its nostalgic homage to classic wrestling games and robust customization options.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [56:15]: “WWE 2K24 revitalizes the wrestling game genre with its authentic feel and expansive creation suite.”
Number 4: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown / Thank Goodness You're Here
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Paris Lilly: Votes for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, highlighting its fluid combat, meticulous level design, and engaging boss battles.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [61:05]: “The fluid combat and excellent level design make it one of the best Metroidvanias I've played.”
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Greg Miller: Chooses Thank Goodness You're Here, praising its commitment to being a pure comedy game with impeccable timing and inventive gameplay.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [64:36]: “It's a perfect example of what a comedy game should be—innovative, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining.”
Number 3: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth / Dragon Age: The Veilguard
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Paris Lilly: Selects Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, appreciating its seamless integration of real-time action with traditional turn-based elements, and its captivating story.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [64:31]: “The blend of real-time action with turn-based elements in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth worked brilliantly for me.”
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Greg Miller: Chooses Dragon Age: The Veilguard, commending its rich storytelling, character development, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [62:16]: “Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers an amazing story and gameplay that truly defines my year.”
Number 2: Balatro / Blotro
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Paris Lilly: Votes for Blotro, emphasizing its addictive roguelike mechanics, intricate deck-building strategies, and stunning visuals.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [71:35]: “Blotro is a roguelike that grips you with its strategic depth and beautiful design.”
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Greg Miller: Selects Balatro, praising its innovative gameplay and the dedication of its single developer in creating an immersive experience.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [73:38]: “Balatro is a phenomenon, demonstrating how a single developer can craft a captivating game.”
Number 1: Astrobot – Ultimate Game of the Year
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Paris Lilly: Claims Astrobot as her top pick, lauding its perfect blend of platforming, inventive level design, and continuous post-launch support.
Quote:
- Paris Lilly [79:44]: “Astrobot is the epitome of a perfect video game—ingenious, fun, and endlessly satisfying.”
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Greg Miller: Concurred with Astrobot, highlighting its pure gameplay, inventive mechanics, and the joy it brings as the crowning achievement of 2024.
Quote:
- Greg Miller [81:40]: “Astrobot is pure gaming joy—the definition of what video games are all about.”
Audience Interaction and Super Chats
Throughout the episode, Greg and Paris engage with their audience through Super Chats, where listeners share their own Top 10 lists. Highlights include:
- Chocolate Fox: Praised Infinite Wealth as his top game.
- Mad Rocks: Selected Path of Exile as his favorite.
- Trevor: Admired Astrobot, echoing the hosts' sentiments about its excellence.
Notable Quote:
- Super Chat – Chocolate Fox [51:04]: “Number one, Infinite Wealth. A good list.”
Upcoming Episodes and Special Features
Greg teases an upcoming special episode featuring a one-on-one interview with Shuhei Yoshida, marking a significant moment as Yoshida departs from PlayStation after 31 years. This interview promises deep insights into Yoshida's illustrious career and future endeavors.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Miller [04:00]: “Tomorrow's a very special day... we will do a one-on-one with Shuhei Yoshida talking about his career.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with Greg and Paris expressing their excitement for the diverse range of games that defined 2024. They encourage listeners to explore these titles, emphasizing the importance of personal enjoyment over universal acclaim.
Notable Quote:
- Greg Miller [82:47]: “Astrobots incredible and well deserving of our game of the year both for Kinda Funny and Paris and Greg.”
Paris Lilly [85:25]: “I think a lot of people that have criticisms about it just simply haven't played Astrobot. It was that good.”
This episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of the year's standout games, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable recommendations. Greg and Paris's discussions underscore the diverse tastes within the gaming community and celebrate the rich variety that 2024 had to offer.