Kinda Funny Gamescast: Resurrecting One Dead Video Game IP – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the December 18, 2024 episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Snowbike Mike embark on an exciting journey to resurrect one dead video game IP. This special edition revisits the beloved bracket-style format, previously featured in PS I Love You XOXO, where they pit various dormant franchises against each other to determine which deserves a comeback in the modern gaming landscape.

Bracket Setup

Blessing and Mike meticulously curated a bracket consisting of 32 dead IPs divided into four categories: Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and Third Party. Each category featured eight franchises, adhering to the criteria that the games must be from the pre-Xbox One and pre-PS4 era with no upcoming reboots announced. This setup aimed to reignite interest in forgotten gems across different gaming platforms.

Nintendo Bracket

1. Earthbound vs. Nintendo Land

   • Blessing (00:14:11): "I love Nintendo Land, but when matched against Earthbound, it's no contest."
   • Discussion: Earthbound's nostalgic charm and unique storytelling stole the spotlight. With its quirky narrative involving kids with psychic powers battling aliens, it resonated more with the hosts compared to the minigame-focused Nintendo Land.
   • Outcome: Earthbound Wins with an 82% vote.

2. F0 vs. Nintendogs

   • Snowbike Mike (00:18:16): "Do we need another racing game? Maybe not, but Nintendogs brings a different kind of charm."
   • Discussion: While F0 offers high-speed intergalactic racing, Nintendogs appeals with its pet simulation and nostalgic value from the Nintendo DS era.
   • Outcome: Nintendogs Wins narrowly at 51%.

3. Golden Sun vs. Kid Icarus

   • Blessing (00:22:01): "Golden Sun feels like a classic fantasy RPG, but Kid Icarus has that unique charm from Smash."
   • Discussion: Despite Golden Sun's rich RPG mechanics, Kid Icarus' connection to popular titles like Super Smash Bros. gave it an edge.
   • Outcome: Golden Sun Wins with 54%.

4. Punch Out vs. Wario Land

   • Snowbike Mike (00:25:00): "While Punch Out is a classic, Wario Land's wacky platforming feels more fun and engaging."
   • Discussion: Wario Land's energetic gameplay and humorous design outweighed the methodical boxing challenges of Punch Out.
   • Outcome: Wario Land Wins at 55%.

PlayStation Bracket

1. Jak and Daxter vs. Parasite Eve

   • Blessing (00:44:33): "Parasite Eve introduces a sci-fi horror twist that's incredibly intriguing."
   • Discussion: Although Jak and Daxter are beloved platformers, Parasite Eve's blend of action and horror elements captivated the audience more.
   • Outcome: Parasite Eve Wins with 64%.

2. Sly Cooper vs. Dark Cloud

   • Snowbike Mike (00:55:14): "Dark Cloud offers a unique action RPG experience that deserves a revival."
   • Discussion: Dark Cloud's RPG depth and world-building surpassed the stealth-based adventures of Sly Cooper.
   • Outcome: Dark Cloud Wins at 67%.

3. Resistance vs. Ape Escape

   • Blessing (00:56:15): "Resistance offers robust co-op shooter mechanics that are still relevant today."
   • Discussion: Resistance's immersive first-person shooter experience was preferred over the more casual, net-based Ape Escape.
   • Outcome: Resistance Wins with 63%.

4. Siphon Filter vs. SOCOM

   • Snowbike Mike (00:57:56): "Siphon Filter's espionage and action-packed gameplay make it a strong contender."
   • Discussion: Despite SOCOM's tactical shooter appeal, Siphon Filter's engaging narrative and gameplay mechanics were favored.
   • Outcome: Siphon Filter Wins at 76%.

Xbox Bracket

1. Banjo Kazooie vs. 1 vs. 100

   • Blessing (00:55:18): "A new Banjo Kazooie game with modern enhancements would be a hit."
   • Discussion: Banjo's iconic platforming and widespread nostalgia led to its victory over the trivia-based 1 vs. 100.
   • Outcome: Banjo Kazooie Wins with 57%.

2. Viva Pinata vs. Crimson Skies

   • Snowbike Mike (00:36:16): "Viva Pinata's vibrant world and management mechanics make it a lovable revival candidate."
   • Discussion: Although Crimson Skies offers an engaging flight simulation experience, Viva Pinata's unique gameplay and charm won out.
   • Outcome: Viva Pinata Wins at 55%.

3. Prototype vs. Fusion Frenzy

   • Blessing (00:39:37): "Fusion Frenzy's party game dynamics are essential for modern multiplayer experiences."
   • Discussion: Fusion Frenzy's fun mini-games and multiplayer appeal surpassed Prototype's edgy action.
   • Outcome: Fusion Frenzy Wins with 54%.

4. Brute Force vs. Jade Empire

   • Snowbike Mike (00:41:36): "Jade Empire's rich RPG elements and storytelling deserve a comeback."
   • Discussion: Jade Empire's deep narrative and immersive world outshined Brute Force's combat-heavy gameplay.
   • Outcome: Jade Empire Wins at 60%.

Third Party Bracket

1. Portal vs. Red Faction

   • Blessing (00:70:26): "Portal's innovative puzzle mechanics make it a must-resurrect IP."
   • Discussion: Portal's critical acclaim and unique gameplay secured its win over Red Faction's destructible environments.
   • Outcome: Portal Wins with 76%.

2. NBA Street vs. Burnout

   • Snowbike Mike (00:73:16): "Burnout's high-octane racing and crash mechanics are unparalleled."
   • Discussion: Burnout's adrenaline-pumping races and destructive gameplay were more appealing than the stylized basketball of NBA Street.
   • Outcome: Burnout Wins at 54%.

3. Def Jam vs. Left 4 Dead

   • Blessing (00:79:55): "Left 4 Dead's cooperative gameplay and enduring community make it a worthy resurrection."
   • Discussion: Left 4 Dead's intense cooperative shooter experience took precedence over Def Jam's music-driven fighting.
   • Outcome: Left 4 Dead Wins with 56%.

4. Sleeping Dogs vs. SSX

   • Snowbike Mike (00:83:35): "SSX's extreme sports and exhilarating snowboarding deserve a modern revival."
   • Discussion: SSX's dynamic snowboarding and upbeat gameplay outweighed Sleeping Dogs' open-world action drama.
   • Outcome: SSX Wins at 54%.

Quarterfinals and Semifinals

• Nintendo Quarterfinals:

  • Earthbound vs. Nintendogs: Earthbound advances further with its deeper narrative.
  • Golden Sun vs. Wario Land: Wario Land continues its strong performance.

• PlayStation Quarterfinals:

  • Parasite Eve vs. Dark Cloud: Parasite Eve moves forward, leveraging its unique horror elements.
  • Resistance vs. Siphon Filter: Resistance secures its place with robust shooter mechanics.

• Xbox Quarterfinals:

  • Banjo Kazooie vs. Viva Pinata: Banjo Kazooie triumphs, capitalizing on its nostalgic value.
  • Fusion Frenzy vs. Jade Empire: Jade Empire progresses with its rich RPG experience.

• Third Party Quarterfinals:

  • Portal vs. Burnout: Portal maintains its dominance with innovative gameplay.
  • Left 4 Dead vs. SSX: Left 4 Dead advances, supported by its dedicated community.

Finals: Earthbound vs. Jade Empire

• Final Discussion:

  • Blessing (01:06:31): "Combining Earthbound's quirky storytelling with Jade Empire's deep RPG mechanics could redefine modern gaming."
  • Snowbike Mike (01:07:53): "Jade Empire's potential to blend martial arts and open-world exploration makes it a compelling choice."

  Both franchises boast rich narratives and unique gameplay mechanics, making the final showdown intensely debated.

• Audience Vote:

  • Jade Empire emerges victorious with 66% of the votes, celebrated for its immersive world and storytelling prowess.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Snowbike Mike reflecting on the intense bracket battles and the resounding support for Jade Empire. They encourage listeners to support their content through Patreon memberships for ad-free episodes and exclusive content. The hosts also tease upcoming streams focused on Magic: The Gathering, promising more engaging discussions and gaming adventures.

Notable Quotes

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. (00:44:33):

  "Parasite Eve introduces a sci-fi horror twist that's incredibly intriguing."

• Snowbike Mike (00:36:16):

  "Viva Pinata's vibrant world and management mechanics make it a lovable revival candidate."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. (01:06:31):

  "Combining Earthbound's quirky storytelling with Jade Empire's deep RPG mechanics could redefine modern gaming."

• Snowbike Mike (01:07:53):

  "Jade Empire's potential to blend martial arts and open-world exploration makes it a compelling choice."

This episode not only revisits cherished game franchises but also ignites conversation about what modern revivals should look like, blending nostalgia with innovative gameplay to captivate both old fans and new audiences.