Kinda Funny Gamescast: GTA Clone Draft - Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 20, 2024

The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode titled "GTA Clone Draft" delves deep into the world of video game design, specifically focusing on games that emulate the mechanics and ambiance of the iconic Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series. Hosted by Blessing Adeoye Jr., Snowbike Mike, Greg Miller, and Barrett Courtney, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of what constitutes a GTA clone, the nuances that differentiate these games, and a spirited draft session to identify the best among them.

1. Introduction to the GTA Clone Draft

The episode kicks off with the hosts announcing the GTA Clone Draft, a segment dedicated to identifying and selecting games that mirror the open-world, action-adventure gameplay synonymous with GTA. The goal is to engage in a lively discussion about these games, their similarities to GTA, and their individual merits.

2. Defining a GTA Clone

Before diving into the draft, the hosts grapple with defining what exactly qualifies as a GTA clone. Blessing Adeoye Jr. references the Wikipedia definition, stating:

“A Grand Theft Auto clone is a video game that falls within the genre, popularized by the 2001 title Grand Theft Auto 3, where players are given the ability to drive any vehicle or fire any weapon as they explore an open world.” [12:10]

However, disagreements arise regarding additional criteria such as the presence of a "wanted system" and the role of crime within the game. Barrett Courtney suggests:

“There needs to be a wanted system.” [14:45]

While Greg Miller counters:

“There has to be missions, but it doesn't necessarily have to involve crime.” [15:41]

This debate underscores the complexity of categorizing games solely based on their surface-level similarities to GTA.

3. The Drafting Process

The heart of the episode is the drafting session, where each host selects games they believe are the best GTA clones. The draft follows a snake format, ensuring fair selection order.

Round 1: First Picks

• Snowbike Mike: Opens with Saints Row (2006), lauding its multiplayer mode and unique features like "Protect the Pimp."

  “Saints Row one [...] had multiplayer back then with 'Protect the Pimp,' which was the best game mode around.” [19:28]

• Barrett Courtney: Chooses Simpsons Hit & Run (2003), emphasizing its faithful replication of GTA elements within the beloved Simpsons universe.

  “Simpsons Hit & Run is the quintessential example of [...] a GTA clone.” [21:50]

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Selects Spider-Man 2 (2004), arguing its open-world mechanics and integration of crime elements akin to GTA.

  “Spider Man 2 is the example of how to take the GTA formula and apply it to another IP.” [23:27]

• Greg Miller: Picks Wheelman (2009), critiquing its overt GTA imitation paired with Vin Diesel's involvement.

  “Wheelman pushes the GTA clone idea too far, past the point of no return.” [31:00]

Round 2: Second Picks

• Snowbike Mike: Adds Crackdown (2007), appreciating its freedom and dynamic gameplay mechanics.

  “Crackdown [...] has all the GTA-like elements but as the good guy.” [42:00]

• Barrett Courtney: Chooses True Crime: Streets of LA (2003), highlighting its comprehensive open-world experience and mission structure.

  “True Crime: Streets of LA nailed it as a GTA clone with its open world and missions.” [39:35]

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Selects Watch Dogs 2 (2016), acknowledging its evolution of the GTA formula with modern elements like hacking.

  “Watch Dogs 2 is one of the very few examples that stand out as a GTA clone with added depth.” [38:56]

• Greg Miller: Opts for Sleeping Dogs (2012), praising its unique blend of martial arts combat and open-world exploration.

  “Sleeping Dogs combines GTA-like driving and shooting with engaging combat mechanics.” [35:55]

Round 3: Third Picks

• Snowbike Mike: Goes for Mafia II (2010), valuing its narrative depth and similar gameplay mechanics to GTA.

  “Mafia II offers the GTA-like gang dynamics and open-world experience that I appreciate.” [52:18]

• Barrett Courtney: Picks Bully (2006), arguing it encapsulates the GTA essence within a school setting.

  “Bully is literally teenage GTA, allowing you to navigate a town, cause chaos, and engage in pranks.” [53:12]

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Accepts Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), though it slightly diverges from the traditional GTA formula.

  “Red Dead Redemption 2 carries the GTA DNA into a Western setting, offering a vast open world and mission variety.” [64:51]

• Greg Miller: Chooses Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes (2012), emphasizing its open-world design inspired by GTA.

  “Lego Batman 2 mirrors GTA's open-world structure with its free-roaming activities and mission-based gameplay.” [58:54]

Round 4: Final Picks

• Snowbike Mike: Selects Scarface: The World Is Yours (2006), highlighting its narrative continuation of the Scarface saga within a GTA-like framework.

  “Scarface: The World Is Yours replicates GTA's open-world essence while expanding the story of Tony Montana.” [68:33]

• Barrett Courtney: Finalizes with Lego City Undercover (2013), reinforcing its status as a GTA clone through its open-world exploration and mission-based gameplay.

  “Lego City Undercover is a direct GTA clone with its open world, driving, and mission structure.” [66:56]

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Reiterates Bully, affirming its classification as a GTA clone.

• Greg Miller: Concludes with Jak II (2003), arguing its platforming elements don’t detract from its GTA-like open world and mission design.

  “Jak II embodies the GTA clone spirit by integrating open-world exploration and mission variety within a platformer.” [62:51]

4. Results and Takeaways

After the drafting rounds, the hosts tally the votes cast by their live audience through super chats. The results are as follows:

• Snowbike Mike: Saints Row (2006) emerges as the clear winner with 48% of the votes.
• Barrett Courtney: Simpsons Hit & Run (2003) secures 29%.
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: Bully (2006) garners 14.94%.
• Greg Miller: Wheelman (2009) trails with 7.14%.

Notable sentiments include:

• Greg Miller expresses surprise and frustration over his low vote count, pointing out the audience's disagreement with his picks like Wheelman and Lego Batman 2.
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. defends his selections, particularly Spider-Man 2 and Bully, emphasizing their adherence to the GTA clone criteria despite some contention.
• Barrett Courtney highlights the lasting impact of Simpsons Hit & Run and acknowledges the nostalgic value of games like True Crime: Streets of LA and Mafia II.
• Snowbike Mike champions Saints Row, appreciating its multiplayer innovations and faithful GTA-like elements.

A heated debate ensues as Greg attempts to mobilize the audience to reconsider their votes, but ultimately, the draft concludes with Saints Row (2006) as the definitive GTA clone according to the show's community.

“Saints Row one [...] had multiplayer back then with 'Protect the Pimp,' which was the best game mode around.” [19:28]

“Simpsons Hit & Run is the quintessential example of [...] a GTA clone.” [21:50]

“Wheelman pushes the GTA clone idea too far, past the point of no return.” [31:00]

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the significant influence of the GTA series on the gaming landscape. They acknowledge the diversity and creativity of GTA clones while expressing anticipation for the upcoming Kind of Funny 10th Anniversary stream scheduled for January 3rd, 2025. This marathon event promises a celebration of the past decade, featuring exclusive content, prizes, and a retrospective look at Kinda Funny's journey.

“January 3rd, our 10th anniversary. It is our biggest stream ever. It is our best stream ever and we hope you can join us.” [08:19]

Additionally, the hosts briefly touch upon super chats from listeners, discussing various GTA clone games and the community's preferences.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Greg Miller: “Wheelman pushes the GTA clone idea too far, past the point of no return.” [31:00]
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: “Spider Man 2 is the example of how to take the GTA formula and apply it to another IP.” [23:27]
• Barrett Courtney: “Simpsons Hit & Run is the quintessential example of [...] a GTA clone.” [21:50]
• Snowbike Mike: “Saints Row one [...] had multiplayer back then with 'Protect the Pimp,' which was the best game mode around.” [19:28]
• Greg Miller: “Saints Row one is a direct GTA clone with its open-world, driving, and mission structure.” [52:18]
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: “Red Dead Redemption 2 carries the GTA DNA into a Western setting, offering a vast open world and mission variety.” [64:51]

Final Thoughts

The "GTA Clone Draft" episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast serves as both an analytical and entertaining exploration of how Grand Theft Auto has inspired a plethora of games across the industry. Through spirited debates, personal anecdotes, and community engagement, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of game design influences and the enduring legacy of GTA. Whether you're a die-hard GTA fan or a casual gamer, this episode offers valuable insights into the mechanics that make a game resonate similarly to one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.

For those who missed the live episode, the full transcript and additional content can be accessed through Kinda Funny's YouTube and Podcast Services.

Note: The timestamps mentioned correspond to moments within the provided transcript and offer context to the highlighted quotes.