Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
Episode: Xbox Developer_Direct Post-Show
Release Date: January 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Mike, Andy Cortez, and Ryan Reynolds delve into their reactions and analyses following the Xbox Developer Direct Post-Show held on January 23, 2025. The discussion centers around the major game announcements, presentation quality, and what these unveilings mean for the gaming landscape in 2025.

Overall Impressions of the Xbox Developer Direct

The hosts unanimously praised the Xbox Developer Direct for its polished presentation and well-timed game announcements. Greg Miller lauded the event, stating, “This was a 10 out of 10 for me” (05:00), highlighting the seamless blend of developer insights and exciting game reveals. Blessing Adeoye Jr. echoed positive sentiments, giving the presentation a “9 out of 10” (06:37), noting the impressive lineup and the effective humanization of developers.

Tim Gettys encapsulated the group's enthusiasm by calling the presentation a “masterpiece” (11:13), emphasizing how Xbox successfully answered key questions regarding release dates and showcased a diverse range of games that cater to various gaming preferences.

Key Game Announcements and Discussions

1. Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

The announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 alongside the surprise drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black sparked significant excitement. Greg Miller expressed his anticipation, “I can't wait for Ninja Gaiden 4” (20:43), appreciating the collaboration between Team Ninja and Platinum Games. Blessing Adeoye Jr. shared similar enthusiasm, highlighting the fresh take on the franchise and the enhanced accessibility features in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.

Ryan Reynolds added, “This looks absolutely incredible. I love the bullet hell boss fights” (14:07), underscoring the game's visual prowess and dynamic combat mechanics. The hosts appreciated the decision to release Ninja Gaiden 2 Black early, allowing fans immediate access to the enhanced gameplay experience.

2. South of Midnight

South of Midnight was another focal point, with the hosts dissecting its storytelling and combat mechanics. Tim Gettys described it as, “a fantastic blend of exploration and action” (28:08), while Greg Miller was particularly drawn to its southern folklore-inspired narrative and intricate boss fights. Blessing Adeoye Jr. praised the authentic dialogue and rich world-building, stating, “I am so all in on this game” (34:21).

The hosts also addressed comparisons to other titles, with Ryan Reynolds clarifying misconceptions, “This does not look like Forspoken to me. This looks so much more live and interesting” (30:06), emphasizing the unique elements South of Midnight brings to the action-adventure genre.

3. Expedition 33 (Claire Obscura 33)

Expedition 33, a turn-based JRPG, received mixed but largely positive feedback. Mike highlighted the game’s stunning visuals and character performances, particularly praising Charlie Cox’s role, “Charlie Cox here sounds awesome. The performance is fantastic” (39:00). Blessing Adeoye Jr. appreciated the game's blend of traditional JRPG elements with original storytelling, noting, “They are taking the best bits of what they love about video games and mixing that with something very original” (41:45).

However, some concerns were raised about the game's menu complexity and length. Tim Gettys commented, “I don't like when it seems like the status effects are too many and confusing” (44:35), while Blessing hoped for a manageable playtime, expressing, “I hope it's 20 hours or less. If it's 10 hours, I'm happy” (38:30).

4. Doom the Dark Ages

The introduction of Doom the Dark Ages, a prequel to the 2016 title, garnered enthusiastic responses. Greg Miller lauded the game for focusing on intense single-player action without forced multiplayer modes, stating, “This game's gonna be an absolute winner. I cannot see this game being bad” (46:46). Mike appreciated the streamlined gameplay and high performance, mentioning, “This doesn't have to be a sort of diet, streamlined experience. You are still getting a lot here” (45:38).

Blessing Adeoye Jr. expressed curiosity about the soundtrack, hoping it maintains the high standards set by previous Doom titles, “I'm very curious about the soundtrack. I think they have the largest... team to fill Mick Gordon’s legacy” (51:44). The hosts also noted the game's focus on narrative depth and robust combat systems, positioning it as a strong contender for the year’s top action titles.

Presentation Style and Developer Engagement

A recurring theme in the discussion was the exceptional quality of the Xbox Developer Direct presentation. The hosts appreciated how Xbox highlighted the developers, offering insights into their creative processes and fostering a deeper connection between gamers and the creators. Greg Miller emphasized, “Seeing the developers smiling and having fun, showing off their hard work, is fantastic” (05:00), while Blessing Adeoye Jr. highlighted the emotional moments shared by developers, especially during the Doom the Dark Ages announcement, “It felt like such a good emotional moment for that crew” (06:39).

Tim Gettys noted the effectiveness of the presentation in providing clear, concise information about release dates and game features, which enhanced the overall viewing experience and set a high standard for future showcases.

Community and Additional Discussions

Beyond game announcements, the hosts engaged in light-hearted banter about sponsorships and community interactions. They acknowledged their partnership with Square Pie Guys for the Extra Life campaign, showcasing a Buffalo Chicken pizza specially crafted for the event. Quotes include Ryan Reynolds’ enthusiastic shout-out, “Mark from Square Pie Guys is here now cooking pizzas out there in the parking lot” (26:20), and Blessing Adeoye Jr.'s excitement about the event, “This is the greatest day ever” (27:27).

The discussion also touched on community feedback from social media and live chats, addressing viewer comments and teasing upcoming streams, including a live playthrough of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black by Blessing Adeoye Jr.

Conclusion

The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode offered a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the Xbox Developer Direct Post-Show, highlighting the promising game releases slated for 2025. The hosts' enthusiastic and insightful discussions underscored Xbox’s commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences through well-crafted presentations and exciting game announcements. As the gaming community anticipates these titles, the episode served as an invaluable resource for understanding what’s next in the vibrant world of video games.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Miller: “This was a 10 out of 10 for me.” (05:00)
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: “I'll say it's a 9 out of 10 for me.” (06:37)
• Ryan Reynolds: “This looks absolutely incredible. I love the bullet hell boss fights.” (14:07)
• Tim Gettys: “This was a perfect showcase for them.” (05:00)
• Mike: “It is a lot here because we really care about how deep this combat can go.” (33:53)

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to key points in the transcript.