Kinda Funny Gamescast Episode Summary Title: Kinda Funny Smileys: Video Game Awards 2024
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Andy Cortez, Mike Howard, Barrett Courtney, Roger McCorney

Introduction

In this special episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, the hosts come together to celebrate the best in video gaming for the year 2024 through the inaugural Kinda Funny Smileys: Video Game Awards 2024. The Smileys are Kinda Funny’s category-by-category awards designed to honor outstanding achievements across various facets of the gaming industry. The panel, consisting of Tim Gettys, Greg Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Andy Cortez, Mike Howard, Barrett Courtney, and Roger McCorney, delves into each category, discusses nominees, and announces the winners with enthusiasm and insightful commentary.

Overview of the Smileys Awards

The Smileys Awards aim to recognize excellence in different areas of gaming beyond the conventional "Game of the Year" accolades. With twelve distinct categories, each Smileys focuses on specific aspects such as innovation, storytelling, character development, and more. Votes are gathered from the panel and supplemented by community input through Kinda Funny’s platforms.

Award Categories and Winners

1. Best Indie/Independent Game

Winner: Balatro
Balatro emerged as the top indie game, praised for its pure gameplay mechanics and multi-platform availability.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Balatro's addictive nature and strategic depth.
  • Comparisons to classics like Tetris and Vampire Survivors.
  • The game's utilization of the standard 52-card deck combined with roguelite structures.

• Notable Quote:

  • Blessing Adeoye Jr. [13:02]: “Balatro is almost like one of the few perfectly designed video games, akin to Tetris or solitaire.”

2. Best Style

Winner: Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Destiny 2: The Final Shape was lauded for its outstanding combination of visuals, music, and game fidelity.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The art direction and how the final expansion provides a satisfying conclusion to Destiny 2.
  • Mike Howard emphasized the game's stylish environment and cohesive aesthetic.

• Notable Quote:

  • Mike Howard [30:06]: “Destiny 2: The Final Shape oozes style. It was messing with your mind and had some great touches and music.”

3. Best Old Game

Winner: Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
The remastered version of Dead Rising was recognized for bringing the classic zombie apocalypse experience to modern platforms.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The nostalgic value of playing Dead Rising on updated hardware.
  • Mixed opinions on the game's quality, with some finding it funny and others appreciating its depth.

• Notable Quote:

  • Greg Miller [38:24]: “Dead Rising as a franchise is fantastic, and I'm so happy it's back.”

4. Best Early Access

Winner: Hades 2
Hades 2 stood out in the Early Access category for its iterative development and exceptional gameplay quality.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The continuous updates and community engagement keep players invested.
  • Praise for the game's versatility across different platforms and devices.

• Notable Quote:

  • Tim Gettys [48:23]: “Hades 2 is the perfect game. It’s amazing no matter how you play it.”

5. Best Innovation

Winner: Crypt Master
Crypt Master was recognized for its unique mechanic of integrating typing and puzzle-solving within a dungeon crawler framework.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The innovative use of language and riddles to progress in the game.
  • Comparison to classic games like Typing of the Dead.

• Notable Quote:

  • Greg Miller [74:16]: “Crypt Master combines typing with dungeon crawling in a way that’s both fun and challenging.”

6. Best Character

Winners:

1. Aerith from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
   • Celebrated for her expanded role and emotional depth in the remake.
2. Basilio from Metaphor Refantasio
   • Praised for his resilience and character development.
3. Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon
   • Recognized for his inspiring journey and charismatic personality.
4. Hayes from Deadlock
   • Noted for her overpowered abilities and engaging gameplay role.
5. Ye from Nine Souls
   • Admired for his character arc and emotional storytelling.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Aerith’s enhanced narrative and impact on the overall story.
  • Basilio's compelling journey and strength.
  • Ichiban’s perseverance and likable nature.
  • Hayes’s dominant presence in Deadlock.
  • Ye’s emotional depth and character design.

• Notable Quote:

  • Tim Gettys [90:26]: “Aerith's time to shine in Rebirth was incredible. Her character adds so much to the narrative.”

7. Best Story

Winner: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was awarded for its outstanding storytelling, character development, and emotional resonance.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The game's ability to expand on the original narrative while introducing new characters and plotlines.
  • Emotional moments that resonate deeply with players, particularly regarding Aerith.

• Notable Quote:

  • Tim Gettys [108:44]: “The story of Rebirth is incredible. The character dynamics and emotional moments elevate the entire narrative.”

8. Best Surprise

Winner: Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 surprised the panel with its engaging gameplay and improved mechanics, exceeding initial expectations.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The seamless transition from predecessor to sequel.
  • Enhanced multiplayer experience and dynamic gameplay elements.

• Notable Quote:

  • Greg Miller [119:02]: “Helldivers 2 was a huge surprise and has become one of the biggest games of the year.”

9. Best Studio

Winners:

1. Team Asobi
   • Recognized for their charming game Astrobot and maintaining a small, agile development team.
2. Atlas
   • Honored for their exceptional output, including Persona 3 Reload, Metaphor Refantasio, and Unicorn Overlord.
3. Studio RG
   • Celebrated for their contributions to the Yakuza series and innovative titles like Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.
4. Ubisoft Montpellier
   • Awarded for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, blending classic mechanics with modern storytelling.
5. Nomada Studio
   • Recognized for Neva and their ability to deliver concise, impactful gaming experiences.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Team Asobi’s commitment to quality over quantity.
  • Atlas’s diverse portfolio and successful remakes.
  • Studio RG’s continuous innovation within established franchises.
  • Ubisoft Montpellier’s seamless integration of story and gameplay.
  • Nomada Studio’s efficient and engaging game design.

• Notable Quote:

  • Blessing Adeoye Jr. [146:02]: “Team Asobi captured what makes video games magical with Astrobot’s charm and personality.”

10. Player's Choice

Winners:

1. Thank You, You're Here
   • Celebrated for its humor, style, and unique gameplay mechanics that resonate deeply with players.
2. Dungeons of Hinterberg
   • Praised for its enjoyable dungeon crawling and engaging puzzles.
3. Content Warning
   • Recognized for its cooperative gameplay and entertaining mechanics.
4. Caravan Sandwich
   • Honored for its serene storytelling and charming gameplay.
5. Witchfire
   • Acknowledged for its fast-paced roguelite shooter mechanics and deep progression systems.
6. Sonic Cross Shadow Generations
   • Celebrated for revitalizing the Sonic franchise with dynamic gameplay and nostalgic elements.
7. UFO 50
   • Appreciated for its unique anthology format, offering 50 distinct games within one package.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The community’s favorite games that may not have received mainstream attention.
  • Emphasis on games that offer unique experiences and meaningful engagement.
  • The diverse range of genres and styles represented in the Player's Choice awards.

• Notable Quote:

  • Blessing Adeoye Jr. [161:35]: “Thank You, You're Here has a charm that I hope remains a staple in indie games.”

11. Best DLC/Expansion

Winner: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring’s DLC was commended for expanding the game world, introducing new content, and enhancing the overall experience.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The seamless integration of new areas and quests into the existing game.
  • The enriched narrative and challenging boss fights.
  • Comparisons to the base game’s quality and depth.

• Notable Quote:

  • Greg Miller [64:03]: “Shadow of the Erdtree is just a massive open-world expansion that feels like an extension of Elden Ring itself.”

12. Best Card Game

Winner: Queen’s Blood
Queen’s Blood was celebrated for its strategic depth and engaging gameplay mechanics, making it a standout in the card game category.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • The game’s ability to combine traditional card game elements with innovative strategies.
  • Balatro’s influence and comparison to other successful card games like Magic: The Gathering.
  • The community’s enthusiastic response to Queen’s Blood’s nomination.

• Notable Quote:

  • Andy Cortez [137:16]: “Queen’s Blood should have been broken out into its own game. It’s crazy that it’s part of Rebirth.”

Audience Participation and Super Chats

Throughout the episode, the hosts interacted with their audience via Super Chats, receiving shoutouts and comments that highlighted viewer support and feedback. Notable mentions included encouragement for the panel to explore specific games, appreciation for the hosts' efforts, and humorous comments related to the discussions.

• Notable Super Chats:
  • Lewis Leg [62:40]: “Thank you all for what you do. Massively helped me through struggles with grief.”
  • Dill Shriit [62:40]: “Factorio Space Age. The greatest automation/base builder of all time.”

Closing Remarks

The hosts concluded the episode by congratulating all the winners and emphasizing the diversity and quality of games recognized. They teased upcoming content, including the Game of the Year Top 10 and individual Top Tens for the following week. Additionally, they promoted Kinda Funny’s Patreon memberships, offering exclusive benefits to supporters.

• Final Notable Quote:
  • Blessing Adeoye Jr. [168:21]: “Congratulations to all of our players' choice winners and thank you for celebrating video games with us.”

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast provided an in-depth and entertaining overview of the best in gaming for 2024 through the Smileys Awards. From indie gems like Balatro to blockbuster expansions like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the panel offered thoughtful insights and passionate endorsements for a wide array of games and studios. The inclusion of audience interactions and Super Chats added a personal touch, highlighting the community’s engagement and appreciation for the hosts’ efforts. As the podcast series continues, listeners can look forward to more engaging discussions and award recognitions in future episodes.