Podcast Summary: The Besties – "A Golden Age for Card Game Sickos"

Release Date: June 6, 2025

1. Opening Antics and Episode Introduction

The episode kicks off with a humorous mishap involving Griffin McElroy and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. Griffin shares his exaggerated tale of unboxing the console with a katana, resulting in the box being cut in half—a playful nod to the hosts' camaraderie and light-hearted banter.

• Griffin McElroy [00:00]: "Damn it, guys. Damn it. Yeah. Shit. It happened again. I got the Switch 2 in my hot little hands."

The hosts introduce the episode's focus on various card-based games, setting the stage for in-depth discussions.

2. Monster Train 2 Review

Overview: The Besties delve into Monster Train 2, a sequel in the deck-building roguelike genre, likening its complexity and mechanics to beloved titles like Slay the Spire. The hosts discuss the game's multi-tiered defense system, strategic depth, and increased mechanical density compared to its predecessor.

Key Discussion Points:

• Game Mechanics:

  • Russ Frushtick [04:55]: "I played the original. I did probably like 10 runs of the original, so I know the basic structure of it."
  • The game features a four-tiered train that players must defend from waves of enemies using units, spells, and equipment.
  • The sequel introduces more factions (10 in total) and a broader array of strategies, making gameplay more intricate.

• Strategic Depth:

  • Griffin McElroy [08:50]: "Strategies that are pretty universal and make a lot of sense..."
  • Emphasis on positioning units across different train levels to create effective defenses against increasingly challenging bosses.

• Personal Experience:

  • Griffin McElroy [10:36]: "It is not an easy game. I have done like probably close to a dozen Runs or so..."
  • Despite its difficulty, Griffin expresses enjoyment and a sense of continuous learning and improvement.

Notable Quote:

• Griffin McElroy [07:20]: "It is kind of balls in your court. And I love that feeling of like, of control and that every choice that I am making has some sort of impact."

3. Starvaders Review

Overview: Transitioning to another card-based game, the hosts explore Starvaders, a unique blend of card mechanics and tactical gameplay reminiscent of Into the Breach. They examine how the game differentiates itself through its grid-based combat system and resource management involving "heat."

Key Discussion Points:

• Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Christopher Thomas Plant [15:10]: "There is a 5x9 grid and the look and the feel of the game is imagine Space Invaders."
  • Players use cards to move, attack, and manage a heat gauge, adding layers of strategy and risk-reward decisions.

• Complexity and Strategy:

  • Russ Frushtick [19:06]: "It is way more in control of the situation."
  • The game demands precise planning and adaptability, with mechanics like "overheating" introducing high-stakes choices.

• Personal Impressions:

  • Christopher Thomas Plant [17:24]: "I finished my first run beating it by the skin of my teeth and felt amazing and immediately hopped right back in."
  • Highlighting the game's addictive nature and the satisfaction derived from mastering its systems.

Notable Quote:

• Russ Frushtick [19:53]: "It is gang, the most exciting poker video I have ever watched in my entire life. It fucking rules."

4. Elden Ring Night Rain Review

Overview: The discussion shifts to Elden Ring Night Rain, a cooperative game set in the Elden Ring universe. The hosts compare its gameplay mechanics to Fortnite, focusing on its fast-paced, death-storm-like structure and cooperative challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

• Gameplay Structure:

  • Russ Frushtick [26:13]: "Elden Ring Night Rain is a co-op centric game... it's Fortnite Death Storm."
  • Players team up to survive increasingly difficult boss fights as the playable area shrinks.

• Multiplayer Challenges:

  • Griffin McElroy [33:07]: "It's still fucking hard as shit and doesn't feel designed to be played with one player."
  • The game is designed primarily for three-player teams, posing challenges for solo players despite post-launch balancing efforts.

• Comparison to Original:

  • Russ Frushtick [27:30]: "Everything that I love about Elden Ring is not this."
  • While aesthetically similar, the game's rapid pace and cooperative focus mark a departure from the exploration-driven experience of the original.

Notable Quote:

• Griffin McElroy [31:23]: "It's longer than a Fortnite match and even Fortnite matches are kind of a commitment."

5. Cauldron Review

Overview: Cauldron is presented as an intricate idle incremental game with multiple mini-games and resource management systems. The hosts discuss its compelling gameplay loop and the addictive nature of its multi-faceted mechanics.

Key Discussion Points:

• Game Mechanics:

  • Griffin McElroy [38:02]: "The five games are totally different... There's like a sort of Space Invader style shooter."
  • Players engage with five distinct idle games to collect resources that feed into a central cauldron, enhancing character strength for turn-based battles.

• Addictive Gameplay Loop:

  • Christopher Thomas Plant [40:14]: "And the worst part, the games. Looking at this, you know when you're flipping through TikTok..."
  • The seamless integration of multiple mini-games creates a "Hellraiser-like" hook, making it difficult to disengage.

• Strategic Depth and Automation:

  • Griffin McElroy [41:33]: "I'll cash all this shit in the cauldron... and the auto computer will just smash through it."
  • The ability to automate certain aspects allows players to progress without micromanaging every detail, catering to diverse playstyles.

Notable Quote:

• Christopher Thomas Plant [42:06]: "It's a deeply, deeply compelling experience that is genuinely tough to put down."

6. Honorable Mentions

Murderbot: Russ recommends Murderbot, praising its production quality, acting, and faithful adaptation from the source material. He highlights it as a concise, entertaining watch at approximately 25 minutes per episode.

• Russ Frushtick [43:43]: "It's a lovely show... really well produced and the acting is dynamite."

John Mulaney's "Everybody's Live": Christopher endorses John Mulaney's Everybody's Live, noting its refreshing take on the traditional late-night format. He appreciates the show's creative freedom, lack of commercial obligations, and genuine humor.

• Christopher Thomas Plant [45:30]: "It's a show that is comfortable knowing that, like, I don't know, maybe a third of its stuff can totally bomb."

Sniper Hold' Em: Griffin introduces Sniper Hold' Em, a thrilling twist on Texas Hold' Em poker infused with high-stakes gameplay mechanics inspired by Korean reality competition shows. The game emphasizes prediction and strategic calling, making it a standout addition to the hosts' gaming repertoire.

• Griffin McElroy [49:26]: "It is gang, the most exciting poker video I have ever watched in my entire life. It fucking rules."

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing next week's content, which includes the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and participation in Summer Game Fest. They also mention a temporary absence due to a medical appointment and extend gratitude to their Patreon supporters.

• Griffin McElroy [54:36]: "Next week, Switch 2 and Summer Game Fest... Shouldn't the world's best friends play the world's best games?"

Conclusion: In "A Golden Age for Card Game Sickos," The Besties provide an engaging and comprehensive exploration of several intricate card-based games. Through their expert analyses, personal anecdotes, and signature humor, they offer listeners insightful perspectives on how these games innovate within their genres. The episode not only reviews the mechanics and strategies of each game but also conveys the hosts' genuine enthusiasm and occasional frustrations, making it a valuable listen for gaming enthusiasts seeking in-depth discussions.