Podcast Summary: The Besties – "A Great Game for Every Genre"

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
Description: Join four of Earth's best friends as they rank and review their favorite video games across various genres, blending the camaraderie of "King of the Hill" with the competitive spirit of "Game of the Year."

1. Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing a light-hearted conversation about their friendship and the bonds that tie them together, particularly centered around their shared love for gaming. Griffin McElroy emphasizes the importance of "hoops" (a nickname for their collective bond) as the thread that binds them, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on diverse video games.

2. Game Reviews

2.1. Primal Planet

Timestamp: 06:17 - 12:20

Overview:
Chris Plante introduces Primal Planet, a unique blend of survival and Metroidvania genres. The game draws inspiration from classic 2D platformers like Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis titles, offering pixelated graphics and side-scrolling gameplay.

Key Points:

• Survival Mechanics: Unlike traditional survival games that might feel grueling, Primal Planet integrates resource collection and crafting seamlessly within the exploration framework. Chris highlights how materials act as in-game currencies to unlock new upgrades, enhancing the Metroidvania experience without the typical grind (08:14).

  "Once it clicked for that, it stopped being stressful and became more about exploration." – Chris Plante [08:14]

• Storytelling: The game conveys its narrative without dialogue, using pixelated characters and interactions to depict heartfelt moments, such as reuniting with family members through simple animations like hugs (10:37).

  "Pixelated characters interact with each other in really sweet ways." – Chris Plante [10:37]

• Aesthetic and Soundtrack: The vibrant pixel art and an engaging soundtrack contribute significantly to the immersive experience, making Primal Planet both visually and audibly appealing (11:10).

2.2. Grounded 2

Timestamp: 12:26 - 25:21

Overview:
Griffin McElroy delves into Grounded 2, the sequel to the popular survival-crafting game where players are shrunken down to miniature sizes and must survive in a sprawling backyard environment.

Key Points:

• Early Access Release: Grounded 2 launched in Early Access on July 29th, featuring a map three times larger than its predecessor, set in a community park. About a third of the map is available during Early Access, alongside new story and quest content (13:31).

  "It's going to be three times larger than the map in Grandin 1." – Griffin McElroy [13:31]

• Gameplay Improvements: The sequel introduces an Omni tool, streamlining inventory management by eliminating the need to manually handle tools and repairs. Combat mechanics have been enhanced, offering players the choice between first-person and third-person perspectives with more intuitive blocking and combat strategies (18:45).

  "The combat feels great. It's all about survival elements that make every fight count." – Griffin McElroy [18:45]

• Mounts and New Features: Grounded 2 adds mounts—bugs like soldier ants and orb-weaver spiders—that players can ride to traverse the expansive map more efficiently and assist in resource gathering and combat (20:31).

• Reception and Future Expectations: While the Early Access version shows considerable improvements, the hosts express excitement and anticipation for the full release, though they acknowledge it may not be available this year due to the developer's ongoing projects (24:21).

  "For Grounded fans, it seems like a no-brainer." – Griffin McElroy [24:21]

2.3. System Shock 2 Remastered

Timestamp: 26:56 - 33:18

Overview:
Russ Freshwick and Griffin McElroy discuss the remastered version of System Shock 2, highlighting its significance as a precursor to modern immersive sims like BioShock.

Key Points:

• Remastered Details: The remaster stays true to the original mid-90s aesthetics with upscaled graphics and quality-of-life improvements, ensuring compatibility with modern systems (27:39).

  "It's the same game more or less before, but with up res graphics and some quality of life changes." – Russ Freshwick [27:39]

• Gameplay Mechanics: System Shock 2 features challenging survival mechanics and a skill system that requires careful resource management and strategic leveling. The remastered version adds a co-op mode, although the hosts note mixed opinions on its effectiveness (31:43).

  "The co-op mode, in theory, is a nice solution, but this game was not made for co-op." – Christopher Plant [31:43]

• Legacy and Influence: The game is acknowledged for laying the groundwork for titles like BioShock, with similarities in plot structure and immersive storytelling techniques. However, the hosts critique its dated mechanics and argue that newer games have surpassed it in execution (32:19).

  "This release is just for the hardcore fans who don't want to run the game on their device currently." – Russ Freshwick [32:19]

2.4. The Drifter

Timestamp: 33:50 - 41:32

Overview:
Griffin McElroy introduces The Drifter, a traditional point-and-click adventure game developed by Powerhoof, known for their previous title Crawl.

Key Points:

• Gameplay and Controls: The game features innovative controls designed for handheld devices, allowing seamless interaction akin to classic LucasArts adventures. Players navigate through a sci-fi conspiracy narrative, solving puzzles and uncovering the protagonist's personal tragedies (34:41).

  "It works so fucking well, I played the whole thing on my Rog Ally." – Griffin McElroy [34:42]

• Story and Themes: The Drifter centers on Mick Carter, who becomes entangled in a dark mystery after stowing away on a train. The narrative explores themes of loss and coping, presented through engaging storytelling and impactful character development (36:06).

  "The acting and the writing and the storytelling are all absolutely top-notch." – Griffin McElroy [37:06]

• Visuals and Immersion: The game boasts stunning pixel art, fluid animations, and dynamic lighting effects, enhancing the immersive experience. Despite some clunky puzzles, the overall polish and design receive high praise (40:02).

  "It looks phenomenal. Just all the pixel art and the animation and the lighting effects...looks really tremendous." – Griffin McElroy [40:02]

2.5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Tactical Takedown

Timestamp: 41:39 - 55:44

Overview:
Russ Freshwick presents Teenage Mutant Ninja Tactical Takedown, a turn-based tactics game featuring the beloved Ninja Turtles.

Key Points:

• Game Design: The game employs a board game aesthetic where characters and enemies are represented as pieces on a tactical grid. Unique mechanics include action points for special moves, such as leaping over enemies on skateboards, adding strategic depth (43:15).

  "It uses things that you've seen in turn-based tactical games to like use this ability." – Russ Freshwick [43:15]

• Time Mechanics: A distinctive feature involves a time element where the map changes or disappears after a certain number of turns, encouraging players to strategize efficiently and maintain momentum (43:55).

  "You are racing through these maps, killing Foot Clan members. The area behind you starts disappearing." – Russ Freshwick [43:55]

• Developer’s Approach: Developed by Strange Scaffold, known for creative titles like El Paso Everywhere and I Am Your Beast, the game stands out for its innovative mechanics and faithful representation of the Ninja Turtles' universe.

  "They did a really cool job, reminds me of Cadence of Hyrule in that way." – Russ Freshwick [43:55]

• Reception: The hosts commend the game's smart design and effective use of licensed IP, making it accessible and enjoyable without compromising on strategic complexity (44:49).

  "It's a smart design approach. They did a really cool job." – Russ Freshwick [44:49]

3. Honorable Mentions

3.1. Castle Crashers – New DLC

Timestamp: 53:28 - 57:12

Christopher Plant highlights the latest DLC for Castle Crashers, featuring the first new playable character since 2011. The update introduces "Painter Boss Paradise," allowing players to design custom characters, adding fresh content to the beloved co-op hack-and-slash game.

"They have a new playable character that's like new stuff. There is new content in Castle Crashers." – Christopher Plant [53:28]

3.2. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo

Timestamp: 47:36 - 48:20

Russ Freshwick shares his ongoing experience with Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-Yo, praising its art style, controls, and smart upgrade systems. He likens its gameplay to the GBA-era Zelda titles, noting its ability to provide a relaxing yet engaging experience.

"It feels as close to that GBA era of Zelda as I've seen from an indie developer." – Russ Freshwick [47:54]

3.3. Final Fantasy VI – ROM Hack

Timestamp: 52:30 - 56:31

Griffin McElroy discusses a ROM hack for Final Fantasy VI that significantly improves the audio quality on the Game Boy Advance version. The enhanced soundtrack and visuals breathe new life into the classic RPG, making it a must-play for fans.

"I did my first ROM hack by finding this project that fixed the terrible, grainy audio." – Griffin McElroy [52:30]

4. Hardware Discussion

4.1. Ayaneo Pocket Micro Classic

Timestamp: 48:20 - 52:10

Griffin McElroy reviews the Ayaneo Pocket Micro Classic, a horizontal handheld gaming device praised for its solid build quality, ergonomic design, and impressive display. Despite its higher price point compared to competitors like Anbernic, its performance and form factor make it a top recommendation for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Design and Portability: The horizontal layout makes it comfortable to hold, contrasting with many vertical handhelds. Its full-metal construction ensures durability, and the device fits seamlessly into pockets (50:07).

  "It's like a Game Boy Advance Micro, but scaled up... feels really great in my hands." – Griffin McElroy [50:07]

• Performance: Runs Android, allowing access to a wide range of emulators and Android games. While Griffin prefers a Linux-based front end, the device handles classic game emulation smoothly, particularly on his Rog Ally X.

  "It runs Android, which is not my favorite, but I love the form factor." – Griffin McElroy [50:45]

• Value: Priced around $220, it offers premium build quality and features, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers despite being pricier than some alternatives.

"Buttons all feel really great. It's full metal, so it feels really solid, really sturdy." – Griffin McElroy [50:04]

5. Community and Patreon Highlights

Throughout the episode, the hosts acknowledge their Patreon supporters, giving shout-outs to new members like Mike, Charles, Johnny, and Cliff with a cat. They encourage listeners to join their Patreon community at patreon.com/thebesties for exclusive content, including bracket episodes and additional game discussions.

"Thank you to everybody who supports the show directly there. Go get yourself a membership." – Russ Freshwick [56:31]

6. Conclusion and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly mention upcoming content, including interviews and demos of new games like Ambrosia Sky—a blend of Power Wash Simulator and System Shock. They also hint at future episodes focusing on classic titles like Donkey Kong Country.

"Join us again next week for the Besties. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?" – Chris Plante [57:15]

Notable Quotes:

• "Once it clicked for that, it stopped being stressful and became more about exploration." – Chris Plante [08:14]

• "It's going to be three times larger than the map in Grandin 1." – Griffin McElroy [13:31]

• "The combat feels great. It's all about survival elements that make every fight count." – Griffin McElroy [18:45]

• "It works so fucking well, I played the whole thing on my Rog Ally." – Griffin McElroy [34:42]

• "Buttons all feel really great. It's full metal, so it feels really solid, really sturdy." – Griffin McElroy [50:04]

Final Thoughts:

In this episode of The Besties, the hosts provide an insightful and entertaining exploration of a diverse array of video games, from remastered classics to innovative indie titles. Their camaraderie and in-depth analysis make it a valuable listen for gamers seeking recommendations across various genres. Whether you're into survival crafting, tactical turn-based games, or nostalgic point-and-click adventures, this episode offers something for every type of gamer.